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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Holinshed Chronicles, Volume I, Complete, by 
+Raphaell Holinshed and William Harrison and John Hooker
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Holinshed Chronicles, Volume I, Complete
+
+Author: Raphaell Holinshed
+        William Harrison
+        John Hooker
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2014 [EBook #44700]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOLINSHED CHRONICLES, VOLUME I ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Lesley Halamek and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+   HOLINSHED'S
+
+   CHRONICLES
+
+
+   _ENGLAND_, _SCOTLAND_,
+
+   AND
+
+   _IRELAND_.
+
+
+   IN SIX VOLUMES.
+
+
+   VOL. I.
+
+   ENGLAND.
+
+
+   _LONDON:_
+
+   PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON; F. C. AND J. RIVINGTON; T. PAYNE; WILKIE
+   AND ROBINSON; LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME;
+   CADELL AND DAVIES; AND J. MAWMAN.
+
+
+   1807.
+
+
+   AMS PRESS INC.
+   NEW YORK
+
+   AMS PRESS INC.
+
+   NEW YORK, N.Y. 10003
+
+   1965
+
+   MANUFACTURED in the U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+   [_Original Title._]
+
+   THE
+
+   FIRST AND SECOND VOLUMES
+
+   OF
+
+   CHRONICLES,
+
+   COMPRISING
+
+   1 =The description and historie of England=,
+   2 =The description and historie of Ireland=,
+   3 =The description and historie of Scotland=:
+
+   FIRST COLLECTED AND PUBLISHED
+
+   BY
+
+   RAPHAELL HOLINSHED,
+
+   WILLIAM HARRISON, AND OTHERS:
+
+   _Now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of
+       singular note and worthie memorie)_
+
+   TO THE YEARE 1586,
+
+   By JOHN HOOKER aliàs VOWELL Gent.
+
+   AND OTHERS.
+
+   WITH CONUENIENT TABLES AT THE END OF THESE VOLUMES.
+
+
+   HISTORIÆ PLACEANT NOSTRATES AC PEREGRINÆ.
+
+
+
+
+ ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+ THE CHRONICLES of HOLINSHED having become exceedingly scarce, and,
+ from their Rarity and Value, having always brought a high Price
+ whenever they have appeared for Sale, the Publishers have thought they
+ should perform an acceptable Service to the Public by reprinting them
+ in a uniform, handsome, and modern Form.
+
+ It cannot now be necessary to state the Importance and interesting
+ Nature of this Work. The high Price for which it has always sold, is a
+ sufficient Testimony of the Esteem in which it has been held.
+ Holinshed's Description of Britain is allowed to contain the most
+ curious and authentic Account of the Manners and Customs of our Island
+ in the Reign of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, in which it was written.
+ His History of the Transactions of the British Isles, during these
+ Periods, possesses all the Force and Value of contemporary Evidence,
+ collected by a most skilful Observer; and the peculiar Style and
+ Orthography in which the Work is written, furnish a very interesting
+ Document to illustrate the History of the English Language.
+
+ The original Edition of the Chronicles of Holinshed, it is well known,
+ was published by their Author in a mutilated State. A Number of Pages,
+ which had obviously been printed with the rest of the Work, were found
+ to be omitted, except in a few Copies obtained by some favoured
+ Persons. In the present Edition, these Castrations are faithfully
+ restored; and in order that the Purchaser may depend upon finding an
+ exact as well as a perfect Copy, it has been a Law with the
+ Publishers, not to alter a single Letter, but to print the Work with
+ the utmost Fidelity from the best preceding Edition, with the Author's
+ own Orthography, and with his marginal Notes. The only Liberty taken,
+ has been to use the Types of the present Day, instead of the old
+ English Letter of the Time of Elizabeth.
+
+ The Publishers submit to the Public this Edition of a curious and
+ valuable Chronicle of our History, with a confident Hope, that it will
+ gratify both the Historical Student and the General Reader. If it meet
+ with the Reception which they anticipate, they will be encouraged to
+ select some others of the rarest and most important of our ancient
+ Chronicles, and reprint them, in like Manner, for the Convenience and
+ Gratification of the Public.
+
+
+
+
+ TO THE
+
+ RIGHT HONORABLE, AND HIS SINGULAR GOOD LORD AND MAISTER,
+
+ _S. WILLIAM BROOKE KNIGHT_,
+
+     LORD WARDEN OF THE CINQUE PORTS, AND BARON OF COBHAM, ALL
+     INCREASE OF THE FEARE AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, FIRME OBEDIENCE
+     TOWARD HIS PRINCE, INFALLIBLE LOUE TO THE COMMON WEALTH, AND
+     COMMENDABLE RENOWME HERE IN THIS WORLD, AND IN THE WORLD TO COME
+     LIFE EUERLASTING.
+
+
+ Hauing had iust occasion, Right Honorable, to remaine in London,
+ during the time of Trinitie terme last passed, and being earnestlie
+ required of diuers my freends, to set downe some breefe discourse of
+ parcell of those things, which I had obserued in the reading of such
+ manifold antiquities as I had perused toward the furniture of a
+ Chronologie, which I haue yet in hand; I was at the first verie loth
+ to yeeld to their desires: first, for that I thought my selfe vnable
+ for want of skill and iudgment, so suddenlie & with so hastie speed to
+ take such a charge vpon me: secondlie, bicause the dealing therein
+ might prooue an hinderance and impechment vnto mine owne Treatise: and
+ finallie, for that I had giuen ouer all earnest studie of histories,
+ as iudging the time spent about the same, to be an hinderance vnto my
+ more necessarie dealings in that vocation & function wherevnto I am
+ called in the ministerie. But when they were so importunate with me,
+ that no reasonable excuse could serue to put by this trauell, I
+ condescended at the length vnto their yrkesome sute, promising that I
+ would spend such void time as I had to spare, whilest I should be
+ inforced to tarie in the citie, vpon some thing or other that should
+ satisfie their request; and stand in lieu of a description of my
+ Countrie. For their parts also they assured me of such helps as they
+ could purchase: and thus with hope of good, although no gaie successe,
+ I went in hand withall, then almost as one leaning altogither vnto
+ memorie, sith my books and I were parted by fourtie miles in sunder.
+ In this order also I spent a part of Michaelmas and Hilarie termes
+ insuing, being inforced thereto I say by other businesses which
+ compelled me to keepe in the citie, and absent my selfe from my
+ charge, though in the meane season I had some repaire vnto my poore
+ librarie, but not so great as the dignitie of the matter required, and
+ yet far greater than the Printers hast would suffer. One helpe, and
+ none of the smallest that I obtained herein, was by such commentaries
+ as _Leland_ had somtime collected of the state of Britaine, books
+ vtterlie mangled, defaced with wet and weather, and finallie vnperfect
+ through want of sundrie volumes: secondlie, I gat some knowledge of
+ things by letters and pamphlets, from sundrie places & shires of
+ England, but so discordant now and then amongst themselues,
+ especiallie in the names and courses of riuers and situation of
+ townes, that I had oft greater trouble to reconcile them one with an
+ other, than orderlie to pen the whole discourse of such points as they
+ contained: the third aid did grow by conference with diuers, either at
+ the table or secretlie alone, wherein I marked in what things the
+ talkers did agree, and wherin they impugned ech other, choosing in the
+ end the former, and reiecting the later, as one desirous to set foorth
+ the truth absolutelie, or such things in deed as were most likelie to
+ be true. The last comfort arose by mine owne reading of such writers
+ as haue heretofore made mention of the condition of our countrie, in
+ speaking wherof, if I should make account of the successe, &
+ extraordinarie c[=o]ming by sundrie treatises not supposed to be
+ extant, I should but seeme to pronounce more than may well be said
+ with modestie, & say farder of my selfe than this Treatise can beare
+ witnes of. Howbeit, I refer not this successe wholie vnto my purpose
+ about this Description, but rather giue notice thereof to come to
+ passe in the penning of my Chronologie, whose crums as it were fell
+ out verie well in the framing of this Pamphlet. In the processe
+ therefore of this Booke, if your Honor regard the substance of that
+ which is here declared, I must needs confesse that it is none of mine
+ owne: but if your Lordship haue consideration of the barbarous
+ composition shewed herein, that I may boldlie claime and challenge for
+ mine owne, sith there is no man of any so slender skill, that will
+ defraud me of that reproch, which is due vnto me for the meere
+ negligence, disorder, and euill disposition of matter comprehended in
+ the same. Certes I protest before God and your Honour, that I neuer
+ made any choise of stile, or words, neither regarded to handle this
+ Treatise in such precise order and method as manie other would haue
+ done, thinking it sufficient, truelie and plainelie to set foorth such
+ things as I minded to intreat of, rather than with vaine affectation
+ of eloquence to paint out a rotten sepulchre; a thing neither
+ commendable in a writer, nor profitable to the reader. How other
+ affaires troubled me in the writing hereof manie know, and
+ peraduenture the slacknesse shewed herein can better testifie: but
+ howsoeuer it be done, & whatsoeuer I haue done, I haue had an
+ especiall eye vnto the truth of things, and for the rest, I hope that
+ this foule frizeled Treatise of mine will prooue a spur to others
+ better learned, more skilfull in Chorographie, and of greater
+ iudgement in choise of matter to handle the selfe same argument, if in
+ my life time I doo not peruse it againe. It is possible also that your
+ Honour will mislike hereof, for that I haue not by mine owne trauell
+ and eysight viewed such things as I doo here intreat of. In deed I
+ must needs confesse, that vntill now of late, except it were from the
+ parish where I dwell, vnto your Honour in Kent; or out of London where
+ I was borne, vnto Oxford & Cambridge where I haue bene brought vp, I
+ neuer trauelled 40. miles foorthright and at one iourney in all my
+ life; neuerthelesse in my report of these things, I vse their
+ authorities, who either haue performed in their persons, or left in
+ writing vpon sufficient ground (as I said before) whatsoeuer is
+ wanting in mine. It may be in like sort that your Honour will take
+ offense at my rash and retchlesse behauiour vsed in the composition of
+ this volume, and much more that being scambled vp after this maner, I
+ dare presume to make tendour of the protection therof vnto your
+ Lordships hands. But when I consider the singular affection that your
+ Honour dooth beare to those that in any wise will trauell to set
+ foorth such profitable things as lie hidden, and therevnto doo weigh
+ on mine owne behalfe my bounden dutie and gratefull mind to such a one
+ as hath so manie and sundrie waies benefited me that otherwise can
+ make no recompense, I can not but cut off all such occasion of doubt,
+ and therevpon exhibit it, such as it is, and so penned as it is, vnto
+ your Lordships tuition, vnto whome if it may seeme in anie wise
+ acceptable, I haue my whole desire. And as I am the first that
+ (notwithstanding the great repugnancie to be seene among our writers)
+ hath taken vpon him so particularlie to describe this Ile of Britaine;
+ so I hope the learned and godlie will beare withall, & reforme with
+ charitie where I doo tread amisse. As for the curious, and such as can
+ rather euill fauouredlie espie than skilfullie correct an error, and
+ sooner carpe at another mans dooings than publish any thing of their
+ owne, (keeping themselues close with an obscure admiration of learning
+ & knowledge among the common sort) I force not what they saie hereof:
+ for whether it doo please or displease them, all is one to me, sith I
+ referre my whole trauell in the gratification of your Honour, and such
+ as are of experience to consider of my trauell, and the large scope of
+ things purposed in this Treatise, of whome my seruice in this behalfe
+ may be taken in good part, that I will repute for my full recompense,
+ and large guerdon of my labours. The Almightie God preserue your
+ Lordship in continuall health, wealth, and prosperitie, with my good
+ Ladie your wife, your Honours children, (whom God hath indued with a
+ singular towardnesse vnto all vertue and learning) and the rest of
+ your reformed familie, vnto whom I wish farder increase of his holie
+ spirit, vnderstanding of his word, augmentation of honor, and
+ continuance of zeale to follow his commandements.
+
+   _Your Lordships humble seruant
+   and houshold Chaplein._
+
+   W. H.
+
+
+
+
+ ¶ THE NAMES OF THE AUTHORS
+
+ FROM WHOME THIS
+
+ _HISTORIE OF ENGLAND_
+
+ IS COLLECTED.
+
+
+   A.
+
+   Aelius Spartianus.
+
+   Aelius Lampridius.
+
+   Asserius Meneuensis.
+
+   Alfridus Beuerlacensis.
+
+   Aeneas Syluius Senensis.
+
+   Auentinus.
+
+   Adam Merimouth with additions.
+
+   Antoninus Archiepiscopus Florentinus.
+
+   Albertus Crantz.
+
+   Alexander Neuill.
+
+   Arnoldus Ferronius.
+
+   Annius Viterbiensis.
+
+   Amianus Marcellinus.
+
+   Alliances genealogiques des Roys & Princes de France.
+
+   Annales D. Aquitaine per Iean Bouchet.
+
+   Annales de Bourgoigne per Guilamme Paradin.
+
+   Annales de France per Nicol Giles.
+
+   Annales rerum Flandricarum per Jacobum Meir.
+
+   Antonius Sabellicus.
+
+   Antonius Nebricensis.
+
+   Aurea Historia.
+
+
+   B.
+
+   Biblia Sacra.
+
+   Beda venerabilis.
+
+   Berosus.
+
+   Brian Tuke knight.
+
+   Blondus Forliuiensis.
+
+   Berdmondsey, a Register booke belonging to that house.
+
+
+   C.
+
+   Cæsars Commentaries.
+
+   Cornelius Tacitus.
+
+   Chronica Chronicorum.
+
+   Chronica de Dunstable, a booke of Annales belonging to the Abbey
+       there.
+
+   Chronicon Io. Tilij.
+
+   Chronica de Eyton, an historie belonging to that colledge, although
+       compiled by some Northernman, as some suppose named Otherborne.
+
+   Chronicles of S. Albon.
+
+   Chronica de Abingdon, a booke of Annales belonging to that house.
+
+   Chronica de Teukesburie.
+
+   Claudianus.
+
+   Chronicon Genebrard.
+
+   Chroniques de Normandie.
+
+   Chroniques de Britaine.
+
+   Chroniques de Flanders published by Denis Sauage.
+
+   Continuation de Historie and Chroniques de Flanders by the same
+       Sauage.
+
+   Couper.
+
+   Cuspinianus.
+
+   Chronica Sancti Albani.
+
+   Caxtons Chronicles.
+
+   Carion with additions.
+
+   Crockesden, a Register booke belonging to an house of that name in
+       Staffordshire.
+
+
+   D.
+
+   Diodorus Siculus.
+
+   Dion Cassius.
+
+   Dominicus Marius Niger.
+
+
+   E.
+
+   Edmerus.
+
+   Eusebius.
+
+   Eutropius.
+
+   Encomium Emmæ, an old Pamphlet written to hir, conteining much good
+       matter for the vnderstanding of the state of this realme in hir
+       time, wherein hir praise is not pretermitted, and so hath
+       obteined by reason thereof that title.
+
+   Enguerant de Monstrellet.
+
+   Eulogium.
+
+   Edmund Campian.
+
+
+   F.
+
+   Fabian.
+
+   Froissart.
+
+   Franciscus Tarapha.
+
+   Franciscus Petrarcha.
+
+   Flauius Vopiscus Siracusanus.
+
+   Floriacensis Vigorinensis.
+
+
+   G.
+
+   Gviciardini Francisco.
+
+   Guiciardini Ludouico.
+
+   Gildas Sapiens.
+
+   Galfridus Monemutensis, aliàs Geffrey of Monmouth.
+
+   Giraldus Cambrensis.
+
+   Guilielmus Malmesburiensis.
+
+   Galfridus Vinsauf.
+
+   Guilielmus Nouoburgensis.
+
+   Guilielmus Thorne.
+
+   Gualterus Hemmingford, aliàs Gisburnensis.
+
+   Geruasius Dorobernensis.
+
+   Geruasius Tilberiensis.
+
+   Guilielmus Gemeticensis de ducibus Normaniæ.
+
+   Guilielmus Rishanger.
+
+   Guilielmus Lambert.
+
+   Georgius Lillie.
+
+   Guilamme Paradin.
+
+
+   H.
+
+   Higinus.
+
+   Henricus Huntingtonensis.
+
+   Henricus Leicestrensis.
+
+   Hector Boece.
+
+   Historie Daniou.
+
+   Historia Ecclesiastica Magdeburgensis.
+
+   Henricus Mutius.
+
+   Historia quadripartita seu quadrilogium.
+
+   Hardings Chronicle.
+
+   Halles Chronicle.
+
+   Henricus Bradshaw.
+
+   Henricus Marleburgensis.
+
+   Herodianus.
+
+   Humfrey Luyd.
+
+
+   I.
+
+   Iohannes Bale.
+
+   Iohannes Leland.
+
+   Iacobus Philippus Bergomas.
+
+   Iulius Capitolinus.
+
+   Iulius Solinus.
+
+   Iohannes Pike with additions.
+
+   Iohannes Functius.
+
+   Iohn Price knight.
+
+   Iohannes Textor.
+
+   Iohannes Bodinus.
+
+   Iohannes Sleidan.
+
+   Iohannes Euersden a Monke of Berry.
+
+   Iohannes or rather Giouan villani a Florentine.
+
+   Iohannes Baptista Egnatius.
+
+   Iohannes Capgraue.
+
+   Iohannes Fourden.
+
+   Iohannes Caius.
+
+   Iacob de Voragine Bishop of Nebio.
+
+   Iean de Bauge a Frenchman wrote a pamphlet of the warres in
+       Scotland, during the time that Monsieur de Desse remained
+       there.
+
+   Iohn Fox.
+
+   Iohannes Maior.
+
+   Iohn Stow, by whose diligent collected summarie, I haue beene not
+       onelie aided, but also by diuers rare monuments, ancient
+       writers, and necessarie register bookes of his, which he hath
+       lent me out of his own Librarie.
+
+   Iosephus.
+
+
+   L.
+
+   Liber constitutionum London.
+
+   Lucan.
+
+   Lælius Giraldus.
+
+
+   M.
+
+   Marianus Scotus.
+
+   Matthæus Paris.
+
+   Matthaeus Westmonaster.    aliàs Flores historiarum.
+
+   Martin du Bellay, aliàs Mons. de Langey.
+
+   Mamertinus in Panegyricis.
+
+   Memoires de la Marche.
+
+
+   N.
+
+   Nicephorus.
+
+   Nennius.
+
+   Nicholaus Treuet with additions.
+
+
+   O.
+
+   Orosius Dorobernensis.
+
+   Osbernus Dorobernensis.
+
+   Otho Phrisingensis.
+
+
+   P.
+
+   Pausanias.
+
+   Paulus Diaconus.
+
+   Paulus Aemilius.
+
+   Ponticus Virunius.
+
+   Pomponius Lætus.
+
+   Philip de Cumeins, aliàs M. de Argenton.
+
+   Polydor Virgil.
+
+   Paulus Iouius.
+
+   Platina.
+
+   Philippus Melancthon.
+
+   Peucerus.
+
+   Pomponius Mela.
+
+
+   R.
+
+   Rogerus Houeden.
+
+   Ranulfus Higeden, aliàs Cestrensis the author of Polychronicon.
+
+   Radulfus Cogheshall.
+
+   Radulfus Niger.
+
+   Register of the Garter.
+
+   Records of Battell Abbey.
+
+   Richardus Southwell.
+
+   Robert Greene.
+
+   Radulfus de Diceto.
+
+   Robert Gaguin.
+
+   Rodericus Archiepiscopus Toletanus.
+
+   Records and rolles diuerse.
+
+
+   S.
+
+   Strabo.
+
+   Suetonius.
+
+   Sigebertus Gemblacensis.
+
+   Sidon Appollinaris.
+
+   Simon Dunelmensis.
+
+   Sextus Aurelius Victor.
+
+
+   T.
+
+   Trebellius Pollio.
+
+   Thomas More knight.
+
+   Thomas Spot.
+
+   Thomas Walsingham.
+
+   Titus Liuius de Foroliuisijs de vita Henrici. 5.
+
+   Titus Liuius Patauiensis.
+
+   Thomas Lanquet.
+
+   Thomas Couper.
+
+   Taxtor a Monke of Berry.
+
+   Theuet.
+
+   Thomas de la More.
+
+   Tripartita Historia.
+
+
+   V.
+
+   Vvlcatius Gallicanus.
+
+   Volfgangus Lazius.
+
+
+   W.
+
+   Whethamsted, a learned man, sometime Abbat of Saint Albons a
+       Chronicler.
+
+   William Harrison.
+
+   William Patten of the expedition into Scotland. 1574.
+
+   William Proctor of Wiats rebellion.
+
+ Besides these, diuers other bookes and treatises of historicall matter
+ I haue seene and perused, the names of the authors being vtterlie
+ vnknowne.
+
+
+
+
+ REGVM ANGLIÆ
+
+ SERIES & CATALOGUS.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Wil. Conqu.]
+ [Sidenote: Wil. Rufus.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 1.]
+ [Sidenote: Stephanus.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 2.]
+ [Sidenote: Richardus 1.]
+ [Sidenote: Ioannes.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 3.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 1.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 2.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 3.]
+ [Sidenote: Richardus 2.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 4.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 5.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 6.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 4.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 5.]
+ [Sidenote: Richardus 3.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 7.]
+ [Sidenote: Henricus 8.]
+ [Sidenote: Eduardus 6.]
+ [Sidenote: Phil. & Mar.]
+ [Sidenote: Elisabeth.]
+
+   Conquestor, Rufus, prior Henricus, Stephanúsque,
+   Alter & Henricus, Leonino corde Richardus,
+   Rex & Ioannes, Henricus tertius inde:
+   Eduardus primus, Gnatúsque, Nepósque sequuntur:
+   His inf[oe]licem Richardum iunge secundum:
+   Henricus quartus soboles Gandaui Ioannis,
+   Præcedit Gnato quinto, sextóque Nepoti:
+   Eduardus quartus, quintus, homicida Richardus,
+   Septimi & Henricus octauus clara propago:
+   Eduardus sextus, regina Maria, Philippus:
+   Elisabeth longos regnet victura per annos,
+   Seráque promisso f[oe]lix potiatur olympo.
+
+
+ CARMEN CHRONOLOGICON
+
+ THOMÆ NEWTONI CESTRESHYRIJ.
+
+ [Sidenote: Loydus.]
+ [Sidenote: Lelandus.]
+ [Sidenote: Prisius.]
+ [Sidenote: Stous.]
+ [Sidenote: Holinshedius.]
+ [Sidenote: Lambardus.]
+ [Sidenote: Morus.]
+ [Sidenote: Camdenus.]
+ [Sidenote: Thinnius.]
+ [Sidenote: Hallus.]
+ [Sidenote: Vocalis aliàs Hookerus.]
+ [Sidenote: Graftonus.]
+ [Sidenote: Foxius.]
+ [Sidenote: Harrisonus.]
+ [Sidenote: Hardingus.]
+ [Sidenote: Gildas.]
+ [Sidenote: Staniherstus.]
+ [Sidenote: Beda.]
+ [Sidenote: Neuillus.]
+ [Sidenote: Flemingus.]
+ [Sidenote: Parkerus.]
+
+   Gramine, fluminibus, grege, principe, fruge, metallis,
+     Lacte, feris, armis, vrbibus, arte, foris,
+   Quæ viget ac floret generosa Britannia, quæque,
+     Obruta puluereo squalluit ante situ:
+   Exerit ecce caput, genuinum nacta nitorem,
+     Et rutilum emittit cum grauitate iubar.
+   Et quod blæsa hominum mutilarat tempore lingua,
+     Illud habet rectum pumice tersa nouo.
+   Loydus in hac pridem gnauus prolusit arena,
+     Lelandus, Prisius, Stous, Holinshedius,
+   Lambardus, Morus, Camdenus, Thinnius, Hallus,
+     Vocalis, Grafton, Foxius, Harrisonus,
+   Hardingus, Gildas, Staniherstus, Beda, Neuillus,
+     Doctáque Flemingi lima poliuit opus:
+   Nec te cane senex, magne ô Parkere, silebo,
+     Cui decus attulerat pontificalis apex.
+   Omnibus his meritò est laus debita & optima merces,
+     Quòd patriæ accendant lumina clara suæ.
+   Longa dies opus hoc peperit, longæua senectus,
+     Et libri authores perbeet, atque librum.
+
+
+
+
+   AN
+
+   HISTORICALL DESCRIPTION
+
+   OF
+
+   THE ILAND OF BRITAINE;
+
+   WITH A BRIEFE REHERSALL OF
+
+   THE NATURE AND QUALITIES OF THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND,
+
+   AND
+
+   SUCH COMMODITIES AS ARE TO BE FOUND IN THE SAME.
+
+   _COMPREHENDED IN THREE BOOKES, AND WRITTEN BY W. H._
+
+
+
+
+ A TABLE OF SUCH CHAPITERS AS ARE CONTEINED IN THE FIRST BOOKE OF THIS
+ DESCRIPTION.
+
+
+    1 _Of the diuision of the whole earth._
+    2 _Of the position, circuit, forme, and quantitie of the Ile of
+        Britaine._
+    3 _Of the ancient denominations of this Iland._
+    4 _What sundrie nations haue dwelled in Albion._
+    5 _Whether it be likelie that anie giants were, and whether they
+        inhabited in this Ile or not._
+    6 _Of the languages spoken in this Iland._
+    7 _Into how manie kingdoms this Iland hath beene diuided._
+    8 _The names of such kings and princes as haue reigned in this
+        Iland._
+    9 _Of the ancient religion vsed in Albion._
+   10 _Of such Ilands as are to be seene vpon the coasts of Britaine._
+   11 _Of riuers, and first of the Thames, and such riuers as fall into
+        it._
+   12 _Of such streames as fall into the sea, betweene the Thames and
+        the mouth of Sauerne._
+   13 _The description of the Sauerne, and such waters as discharge
+        themselues into the same._
+   14 _Of such waters as fall into the sea in compasse of the Iland,
+        betweene the Sauerne and the Humber._
+   15 _The description of the Humber or Isis, and such water-courses as
+        doo increase hir chanell._
+   16 _Of such fals of waters as ioine with the sea, betweene Humber
+        and the Thames._
+   17 _Of such ports and creeks as our sea-faring men doo note for
+        their benefit vpon the coasts of England._
+   18 _Of the aire, soile, and commodities of this Iland._
+   19 _Of the foure high waies sometime made in Britaine by the princes
+        of this Iland._
+   20 _Of the generall constitution of the bodies of the Britons._
+   21 _How Britaine at the first grew to be diuided into three
+        portions._
+   22 _After what maner the souereigntie of this Ile dooth remaine to
+        the princes of Lhoegres or kings of England._
+   23 _Of the wall sometime builded for a partition betweene England
+        and the Picts and Scots._
+   24 _Of the maruels of England._
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE DIUISION OF THE WHOLE EARTH.
+
+ CHAPTER I.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Noah first diuided the earth among his sonnes.]
+ We read that the earth hath beene diuided into thrée parts, euen
+ sithens the generall floud. And the common opinion is, that Noah
+ limited and bestowed it vpon his three sons, Japhet, Cham, and Sem,
+ preserued with him in the Arke, giuing vnto each of them such portions
+ thereof as to him séemed good, and neuerthelesse reteining the
+ souereigntie of the whole still vnto himselfe: albeit as yet it be
+ left vncertaine how those seuerall parts were bounded, and from whome
+ they tooke such names as in our times are attributed to each of them.
+ Certes the words, Asia, Europa, and Africa, are denominations giuen
+ but of late (to speake of) vnto them, and it is to be doubted, whether
+ sithens the time of Noah, the sea hath in sundrie places wonne or
+ lost, added or diminished to and from each of them; or whether Europa,
+ and Lybia were but one portion; and the same westerlie regions of late
+ discouered (and now called America,) was the third part (counting Asia
+ for the second) or the selfe region of the Atlantides, which Plato and
+ others, for want of traffike thither in their times, supposed to be
+ dissolued and sunke into the sea: as by their writings appeereth.
+
+ [Sidenote: The diuision of the earth not yet certeinlie knowne.]
+ Not long before my time, we reckoned Asia, Europa, and Africa, for a
+ full and perfect diuision of the whole earth, which are parcels onelie
+ of that huge Iland that lieth east of the Atlantike sea, and whereof
+ the first is diuided from the second by Tanais (which riseth in the
+ rocks of Caucasus, and hideth it selfe in the Meotine moores) and the
+ Ocean sea; and the last from them both by the Mediterrane and red sea,
+ otherwise called Mare Erythræum. But now all men, especially the
+ learned, begin to doubt of the soundnes of that partition; bicause a
+ no lesse part than the greatest of the thrée ioined with those Ilands
+ and maine which lie vnder the north and Southpoles, if not double in
+ quantitie vnto the same, are found out and discouered by the diligence
+ of our trauellers. Hereby it appeereth, that either the earth was not
+ exactlie diuided in time past by antiquitie; or els, that the true
+ diuision thereof came not to the hands and notice of their posteritie,
+ so that our ancestors haue hitherto as it were laboured in the
+ Cimmerian darkenesse, and were vtterlie ignorant of the truth of that
+ whereabout they indeuoured to shew their trauels and knowledge in
+ their writings. Some peece of this confusion also is to be found
+ amongst the ancient and Romane writers, who (notwithstanding their
+ large conquests) did sticke in the same mire with their successors,
+ not being able (as appeereth by their treatises) to deliuer and set
+ [Sidenote: Variance among the writers
+ about the diuision of the earth.]
+ downe the veritie. For Salust in his booke De bello Iugurthino cannot
+ tell whether Africa be parcell of Asia or not. And with the same
+ scruple Varro in his booke De lingua Lat. is not a litle incumbred,
+ who in the end concludeth, that the whole earth is diuided into Asia
+ and Europa: so that Africa is excluded and driuen out of his place.
+ Silius also writeth of Africa, (as one not yet resolued wherevnto to
+ leane,) that it is;
+
+   Aut ingens Asiæ latus, aut pars tertia rerum.
+
+ Wherein Lucane lib. 9. sheweth himselfe to be far of another
+ iudgement, in that he ascribeth it to Europa, saieng after this maner:
+
+   Tertia pars rerum Lybia: si credere famæ
+   Cuncta velis, si ventos c[oe]lúmque sequaris,
+   Pars erit Europæ, nec enim plus littora Nili
+   Quàm Scythicus Tanais primis à gradibus absunt.
+
+ Whereby (I saie) we may well vnderstand, that in the time of Augustus
+ Tiberius, Claudius & Nero, the Romanes were not yet resolued of the
+ diuision of the earth. For my part, as I indeuour not to remooue the
+ credit of that which antiquitie hath deliuered (and yet loth to
+ continue and maintaine any corruption that may be redressed) so I
+ [Sidenote: The earth diuided into fiue parts, whereas _Belforest_
+ hath but foure, in _Prefat. lib._ 4.]
+ thinke good to giue foorth a new diuision more probable, & better
+ agreeing with a truth. And therefore I diuide the whole into fiue
+ seuerall parcels, reteining the common diuision in the first three, as
+ before; and vnto the fourth allowing not onelie all that portion that
+ lieth by north of the Magellan streicts, and those Hyperborean Ilands
+ which lie west of the line of longitude, of late discouered by
+ Frobisher, and called by hir Maiestie Meta incognita: but likewise so
+ manie Ilands as are within 180. degrees Westwards from our beginning
+ or common line of longitude, whereby they are parted from those, which
+ by this diuision are allotted vnto Asia, and the portion it selfe made
+ equipollent with the same for greatnes, and far excéeding either
+ Europa or Africa, if it be not fullie so much in quantitie as they
+ both vnited and laid togither. The fift & last part is the Antartike
+ portion with hir Ilands annexed, that region (I meane) which lieth
+ vnder the South pole, cut off from America, or the fourth part by the
+ Magellan streicts; & from Africa by the sea which passeth by the Cape
+ [Sidenote: Cape di bona Speranza.]
+ of good hope; a countrie no lesse large for limits and bounds than
+ Africa or America, and therefore right worthie to be called the fift:
+ howsoeuer it shall please the curious to mislike of this diuision.
+ This also I will adde, that albeit the continent hereof doo not extend
+ [Sidenote: The forme of the fift part.]
+ it selfe vnto the verie Antartike point, but lieth as it were a long
+ table betwéene two seas, of which the later is vnder the South poole,
+ and as I may call it a maine sea vnder the aforesaid pricke, yet is it
+ not without sundrie Ilands also adjoining vnto it, and the inner most
+ sea not destitute of manie, as by experience hath béene of late
+ confirmed. Furthermore, whereas our describers of the earth haue made
+ it such in their descriptions, as hath reached litle or nothing into
+ the peaceable sea without the Antartike circle: it is now found by
+ Theuet and others, that it extendeth it selfe northwards into that
+ trace, by no small number of leagues, euen in maner to the Equator, in
+ so much that the westerlie part thereof from America, is supposed to
+ reach northward so far from the Antartike article, as Africa dooth
+ southwards from the tropike of Cancer, which is no small portion of
+ ground; & I maruell why not obserued by such as heretofore haue
+ written of the same. But they excuse themselues by the ingratitude of
+ the Portingals and Spaniards, who haue of purpose concealed manie
+ things found out in their trauell, least they should séeme to open a
+ gap by dooing otherwise, for strangers to enter into their conquests.
+ As for those Ilands also which lie in the peaceable sea, scattered
+ here and there, as Iaua the greater, the lesser Sumatra, Iapan,
+ Burneo, &c: with a number of other, I refer them still unto Asia, as
+ before, so as they be without the compasse of 90. degrees eastward
+ from the line of longitude, & not aboue 180. as I doo the Ile of S.
+ Laurence, and a number of other vnto Africa within the said
+ proportion, wishing so little alteration as I may: and yet not
+ yeelding vnto any confusion, whereby the truth of the diuision should
+ hereafter be impeached.
+
+ And whereas by Virgil (speaking of our Iland) saith;
+
+   Et penitùs toto diuisos orbe Britannos,
+
+ [Sidenote: Unto what portion Britaine is referred.]
+ And some other authors not vnworthie to be read and perused, it is not
+ certeine vnto which portion of the earth our Ilands, and Thule, with
+ sundrie the like scattered in the north seas should be ascribed,
+ bicause they excluded them (as you sée) from the rest of the whole
+ earth: I have thought good, for facilitie sake of diuision, to refer
+ them all which lie within the first minute of longitude, set downe by
+ Ptolome, to Europa, and that as reason requireth: so that the
+ aforesaid line shall henceforth be their Meta & partition from such as
+ are to be ascribed to America; albeit they come verie neere vnto the
+ aforesaid portion, & may otherwise (without prejudice) be numbred with
+ the same. It may be that some will thinke this my dealing either to be
+ superfluous, or to procéed from (I wot not what) foolish curiositie:
+ for the world is now growne to be very apt and readie to iudge the
+ hardest of euerie attempt. But forsomuch as my purpose is to leaue a
+ plaine report of such matter as I doo write of, and deliuer such
+ things as I intreat of in distinct and vpright order; though method
+ now and then doo faile, I will go forward with my indeuour, referring
+ the examination of my dooings to the indifferent and learned eare,
+ without regard what the other doo conceiue and imagine of me. In the
+ meane season therefore it shall suffice to say at this time, that
+ Albion as the mother, and the rest of the Ilands as hir daughters,
+ lieng east of the line of longitude, be still ascribed vnto Europa:
+ wherevnto some good authours heretofore in their writings, & their
+ owne proper or naturall situations also haue not amisse referred them.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE POSITION, CIRCUIT, FORME, AND QUANTITIE OF THE ILE OF BRITAINE.
+
+ CAP. II.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: How Britaine lieth from the maine.]
+ Britannia or Britain, as we now terme it in our English toong, or
+ Brutania as some pronounce it (by reason of the letter y in the first
+ syllable of the word, as antiquitie did sometime deliuer it) is an Ile
+ lieng in the Ocean sea, directlie ouer against that part of France
+ which conteineth Picardie, Normandie, and thereto the greatest part of
+ little Britaine, which later region was called in time past Armorica,
+ of the situation thereof vpon the sea coast, vntill such time as a
+ companie of Britons (either led ouer by some of the Romane Emperours,
+ or flieng thither from the tyrannie of such as oppressed them here in
+ this Iland) did setle themselues there, and called it Britaine, after
+ the name of their owne countrie, from whence they aduentured thither.
+ It hath Ireland vpon the west side, on the north the maine sea, euen
+ to Thule and the Hyperboreans; and on the east side also the Germane
+ Ocean, by which we passe dailie through the trade of merchandize, not
+ onlie into the low countries of Belgie, now miserablie afflicted
+ betwéene the Spanish power and popish inquisition (as spice betweene
+ the morter and the pestell) but also into Germanie, Friezeland,
+ Denmarke, and Norwaie, carrieng from hence thither, and bringing from
+ thence hither, all such necessarie commodities as the seuerall
+ countries doo yeeld: through which meanes, and besides common amitie
+ conserued, traffike is mainteined, and the necessitie of each partie
+ abundantlie reléeued.
+
+ [Sidenote: The longitude and latitude of this Ile.]
+ It conteineth in longitude taken by the middest of the region 19.
+ degrees exactlie: and in latitude 53. degrées, and thirtie min. after
+ the opinions of those that haue diligentlie obserued the same in our
+ daies, and the faithfull report of such writers as haue left notice
+ thereof vnto vs, in their learned treatises to be perpetuallie
+ remembred. Howbeit, whereas some in setting downe of these two lines,
+ haue seemed to varie about the placing of the same, each of them
+ diuerslie remembring the names of sundrie cities and townes, whereby
+ they affirme them to haue their seuerall courses: for my part I haue
+ thought good to procéed somewhat after another sort; that is, by
+ diuiding the latest and best chards each way into two equall parts (so
+ neere as I can possiblie bring the same to passe) wherby for the
+ [Sidenote: Longest day.]
+ middle of latitude, I product Caerlile and Newcastell vpon Tine,
+ (whose longest day consisteth of sixteene houres, 48. minuts) and for
+ the longitude, Newberie, Warwike, Sheffield, Skipton, &c: which
+ dealing, in mine opinion, is most easie and indifferent, and likeliest
+ meane to come by the certeine standing and situation of our Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: The compasse of Britaine.]
+ Touching the length and bredth of the same, I find some variance
+ amongst writers: for after some, there are from the Piere or point of
+ Douer, vnto the farthest part of Cornewall westwards 320. miles: from
+ thence againe to the point of Cathnesse by the Irish sea 800. Wherby
+ Polydore and other doo gather, that the circuit of the whole Iland of
+ Britaine is 1720. miles, which is full 280. lesse than Cæsar dooth set
+ downe, except there be some difference betwéene the Romane and British
+ miles, as there is indeed; wherof hereafter I may make some farther
+ conference.
+
+ Martianus writing of the bredth of Britaine, hath onlie 300. miles,
+ but Orosius hath 1200. in the whole compasse. Ethicus also agreeing
+ with Plinie, Martianus, and Solinus, hath 800. miles of length, but in
+ the breadth he commeth short of their account by 120. miles. In like
+ maner Dion in Seuero maketh the one of 891. miles: but the other; to
+ wit, where it is broadest, of 289. and where it is narrowest, of 37.
+ Finally, Diodorus Siculus affirmeth the south coast to conteine 7000.
+ furlongs, the second; to wit, à Carione ad Promontorium 15000. the
+ third 20000. and the whole circuit to consist of 42000. But in our
+ time we reckon the breadth from Douer to Cornewall, not to be aboue
+ 300. miles, and the length from Douer to Cathnesse, no more than 500.
+ which neuerthelesse must be measured by a right line, for otherwise I
+ see not how the said diuision can hold.
+
+ [Sidenote: The forme.]
+ The forme and fashion of this Ile is thrée-cornered, as some have
+ deuised, like vnto a triangle, bastard sword, wedge, or partesant,
+ being broadest in the south part, and gathering still narrower and
+ narrower, till it come to the farthest point of Cathnesse northward,
+ where it is narrowest of all, & there endeth in maner of a promontorie
+ called Caledonium & Orchas in British Morwerydh, which is not aboue
+ 30. miles ouer, as dailie experience by actuall trauell dooth
+ confirme.
+
+ [Sidenote: Promontories of Britaine.]
+ The old writers giue vnto the thrée principall corners, crags, points,
+ and promontories of this Iland, thrée seuerall names. As vnto that of
+ Kent, Cantium, that of Cornewall, Hellenes, and of Scotland,
+ Caledonium, and Orchas; and these are called principall, in respect of
+ the other, which are Taruisium, Nonantum, Epidium, Gangacum,
+ Octapites, Herculeum, Antiuesteum, Ocrinum, Berubium, Taizalum,
+ Acantium, &c: of which I thought good also to leaue this notice, to
+ the end that such as shall come after, may thereby take occasion to
+ seeke out their true places, wherof as yet I am in maner ignorant, I
+ meane for the most part; bicause I haue no sound author that dooth
+ leade mée to their knowledge.
+
+ [Sidenote: The distance from the maine.]
+ Furthermore, the shortest and most vsuall cut that we haue out of our
+ Iland to the maine, is from Douer (the farthest part of Kent eastward)
+ unto Calice a towne in Picardie 1300. miles from Rome, in old time
+ called Petressa and Scalas, though some like better of blacknesse
+ where the breadth of the sea is not aboue thirtie miles. Which course,
+ as it is now frequented and vsed for the most common and safe passage
+ of such as come into our countrie out of France and diuers other
+ realms, so it hath not beene vnknowne of old time vnto the Romans, who
+ for the most part vsed these two hauens for their passage and
+ repassage to and fro; although we finde, that now and then diuerse of
+ them came also from Bullen, and landed at Sandwich, or some other
+ places of the coast more toward the west, or betweene Hide and Lid; to
+ wit, Romneie marsh, (which in old time was called Romania or Romanorum
+ insula) as to auoid the force of the wind & weather, that often
+ molesteth seafaringmen in these narrowe seas, best liked them for
+ their safegards. Betweene the part of Holland also, which lieth néere
+ the mouth of the Rhene and this our Iland, are 900. furlongs, as
+ Sosimus saith; and besides him, diuers other writers, which being
+ conuerted into English miles, doo yeeld 112. and foure od furlongs,
+ whereby the iust distance of the neerest part of Britaine, from that
+ part of the maine also, dooth certeinlie appéere to be much lesse than
+ the common maps of our countrie haue hitherto set downe.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE ANCIENT NAMES OR DENOMINATIONS OF THIS ILAND.
+
+ CAP. III.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Dis, Samothes.]
+ In the diligent perusall of their treatises, who haue written of the
+ state of this our Iland, I find that at the first it séemed to be a
+ parcell of the Celtike kingdome, whereof Dis otherwise called
+ Samothes, one of the sonnes of Japhet was the Saturne or originall
+ beginner, and of him thencefoorth for a long while called Samothea.
+ Afterward in processe of time, when desire of rule began to take hold
+ in the minds of men, and ech prince endeuoured to enlarge his owne
+ [Sidenote: Neptunus Marioticus.]
+ dominions: Albion the sonne of Neptune, Amphitrite surnamed Marioticus
+ (bicause his dominions laie among the ilands of the Mediterran sea, as
+ those of Plutus did on the lower grounds neere vnto shore, as
+ contrariwise his father Jupiter dwelled on the high hils néerer to
+ heauen) hearing of the commodities of the countrie, and plentifulnesse
+ [Sidenote: The first conquest of Britaine.]
+ of soile here, made a voiage ouer, and finding the thing not onelie
+ correspondent vnto, but also farre surmounting the report that went of
+ this Iland, it was not long after yer he inuaded the same by force of
+ armes, brought it to his subiection in the 29. yeare after his
+ grandfathers decease, and finallie changed the name thereof into
+ Albion, whereby the former denomination after Samothes did grow out of
+ mind, and fall into vtter forgetfulnesse. And thus was this Iland
+ bereft at on time both of hir ancient name, and also of hir lawfull
+ succession of princes descended of the line of Japhet, vnder whom it
+ [Sidenote: Britaine under the Celts 341. yeares.]
+ had continued by the space of 341. yeres and nine princes, as by the
+ Chronologie following shall easilie appeere.
+
+ Goropius our neighbor being verie nice in the denomination of our
+ Iland, as in most other points of his huge volume of the originall of
+ Antwarpe lib. 6. (whom Buchanan also followeth in part) is brought
+ into great doubt, whether Britaine was called Albion of the word Alb,
+ white; or Alp an hill; as Bodinus is no lesse troubled with fetching
+ the same ab Oibijs, or as he wresteth it, ab Albijs gallis. But here
+ his inconstancie appeareth, in that in his Gotthadamca liber. 7. he
+ taketh no lesse paines to bring the Britaines out of Denmarke, whereby
+ the name of the Iland should be called Vridania, Freedania, Brithania,
+ or Bridania, tanquam libera Dania, as another also dooth to fetch the
+ originall out of Spaine, where Breta signifieth soile or earth. But as
+ such as walke in darkenesse doo often straie, bicause they wot not
+ whither they go: euen so doo these men, whilest they séeke to
+ extenuate the certeintie of our histories, and bring vs altogither to
+ uncerteinties & their coniectures. They in like maner, which will haue
+ the Welshmen come from the French with this one question, vnde Walli
+ nisi a Gallis, or from some Spanish colonie, doo greatlie bewraie
+ their oversights; but most of all they erre that endeuour to fetch it
+ from Albine the imagined daughter of a forged Dioclesian, wherewith
+ our ignorant writers haue of late not a little stained our historie,
+ and brought the sound part thereof into some discredit and mistrust:
+ but more of this hereafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Neptune God of the sea.]
+ Now to speake somewhat also of Neptune as by the waie (sith I haue
+ made mention of him in this place) it shall not be altogither
+ impertinent. Wherfore you shall vnderstand, that for his excellent
+ knowledge in the art of nauigation (as nauigation then went) he was
+ reputed the most skilfull prince that liued in his time. And therfore,
+ and likewise for his courage & boldnesse in aduenturing to and fro, he
+ was after his decease honoured as a god, and the protection of such as
+ [Sidenote: The maner of dressing of ships in old time.]
+ trauelled by sea committed to his charge. So rude also was the making
+ of ships wherewith to saile in his time (which were for the most part
+ flat bottomed and broad) that for lacke of better experience to calke
+ and trim the same after they were builded, they vsed to naile them
+ ouer with rawe hides of bulles, buffles, and such like, and with such
+ a kind of nauie (as they say) first Samothes, & then Albion arriued in
+ this Iland, which vnto me doth not séeme a thing impossible. The
+ northerlie or artike regions, doo not naile their ships with iron,
+ which they vtterly want, but with wooden pins, or els they bind the
+ planks togither verie artificiallie with bast ropes, osiers, rinds of
+ trées, or twigs of popler, the substance of those vessels being either
+ of fir or pine, sith oke is verie deintie & hard to be had amongst
+ them. Of their wooden anchors I speake not (which neuerthelesse are
+ common to them, and to the Gothlanders) more than of ships wrought of
+ wickers, sometime vsed in our Britaine, and couered with leather euen
+ in the time of Plinie, lib. 7. cap. 56. as also botes made of rushes
+ and réeds, &c. Neither haue I iust occasion to speake of ships made of
+ canes, of which sort Staurobates, king of India fighting against
+ Semiramis, brought 4000. with him and fought with hir the first
+ battell on the water that euer I read of, and vpon the riuer Indus,
+ but to his losse, for he was ouercome by hir power, & his nauie either
+ drowned or burned by the furie of hir souldiers.
+
+ But to proceed, when the said Albion had gouerned here in this
+ countrie by the space of seauen yeares, it came to passe that both he
+ and his brother Bergion were killed by Hercules at the mouth of
+ Rhodanus, as the said Hercules passed out of Spaine by the Celtes to
+ go ouer into Italie, and vpon this occasion (as I gather among the
+ writers) not vnworthie to be remembred. It happened in time of Lucus
+ [Sidenote: Lestrigo.]
+ king of the Celts, that Lestrigo and his issue (whom Osyris his
+ [Sidenote: Janigenes were the posteritie of Noah in Italie.]
+ grandfather had placed ouer the Janigenes) did exercise great
+ tyrannie, not onelie ouer his owne kingdome, but also in molestation
+ of such princes as inhabited round about him in most intollerable
+ maner. Moreouer he was not a little incouraged in these his dooings by
+ [Sidenote: Neptune had xxxiii. sonnes.]
+ Neptune his father, who thirsted greatly to leaue his xxxiii. sonnes
+ settled in the mightiest kingdoms of the world, as men of whom he had
+ alreadie conceiued this opinion, that if they had once gotten foot
+ into any region whatsoeuer, it would not be long yer they did by some
+ meanes or other, not onelie establish their seats, but also increase
+ their limits to the better maintenance of themselues and their
+ posteritie for euermore. To be short therefore, after the giants, and
+ great princes, or mightie men of the world had conspired and slaine
+ the aforsaid Osyris, onlie for that he was an obstacle vnto them in
+ their tyrannous dealing; Hercules his sonne, surnamed Laabin, Lubim,
+ or Libius, in the reuenge of his fathers death, proclaimed open warres
+ against them all, and going from place to place, he ceased not to
+ spoile their kingdomes, and therewithall to kill them with great
+ courage that fell into his hands. Finallie, hauing among sundrie other
+ [Sidenote: Lomnimi. Geriones.]
+ ouercome the Lomnimi or Geriones in Spaine, and vnderstanding that
+ Lestrigo and his sonnes did yet remaine in Italie, he directed his
+ viage into those parts, and taking the kingdome of the Celts in his
+ waie, he remained for a season with Lucus the king of that countrie,
+ [Sidenote: Galathea. Galates, or Kelts.]
+ where he also maried his daughter Galathea, and begat a sonne by hir,
+ calling him after his mothers name Galates, of whom in my said
+ Chronologie I haue spoken more at large.
+
+ In the meane time Albion vnderstanding how Hercules intended to make
+ warres against his brother Lestrigo, he thought good if it were
+ possible to stop him that tide, and therefore sending for his brother
+ [Sidenote: Bergion.]
+ Bergion out of the Orchades (where he also reigned as supreame lord
+ and gouernour) they ioined their powers, and sailed ouer into France.
+ [Sidenote: _Pomponius Mela cap. de Gallia._]
+ Being arriued there, it was not long yer they met with Hercules and
+ his armie, neare vnto the mouth of the riuer called Roen (or the
+ Rhodanus) where happened a cruell conflict betwéene them, in which
+ Hercules and his men were like to haue lost the day, for that they
+ were in maner wearied with long warres, and their munition sore wasted
+ in the last viage that he had made for Spaine. Herevpon Hercules
+ perceiuing the courages of his souldiours somewhat to abate, and
+ seeing the want of artillerie like to be the cause of his fatall daie
+ and present ouerthrowe at hand, it came suddenlie into his mind to
+ will each of them to defend himselfe by throwing stones at his enimie,
+ whereof there laie great store then scattered in the place. The
+ [Sidenote: _Strabo, lib._ 4.]
+ policie was no sooner published than hearkened vnto and put in
+ execution, whereby they so preuailed in the end, that Hercules wan the
+ field, their enimies were put to flight, and Albion and his brother
+ both slaine, and buried in that plot. Thus was Britaine rid of a
+ tyrant, Lucus king of the Celts deliuered from an vsurper (that dailie
+ incroched vpon him, building sundrie cities and holds, of which some
+ were placed among the Alps & called after his owne name, and other
+ also euen in his owne kingdome on that side) and Lestrigo greatlie
+ weakened by the slaughter of his brethren. Of this inuention of
+ Hercules in like sort it commeth, that Jupiter father vnto Hercules
+ (who indeed was none other but Osyris) is feigned to throw downe
+ stones from heauen vpon Albion and Bergion, in the defense of his
+ sonne: which came so thicke vpon them, as if great drops of raine or
+ haile should haue descended from aboue, no man well knowing which waie
+ to turne him from their force, they came so fast and with so great a
+ violence.
+
+ But to go forward, albeit that Albion and his power were thus
+ discomfited and slaine, yet the name that he gaue unto this Iland died
+ not, but still remained vnto the time of Brute, who arriuing héere in
+ the 1116. before Christ, and 2850. after the creation of the world,
+ not onelie changed it into Britaine (after it had beene called Albion,
+ by the space of about 600. yeares) but to declare his souereigntie
+ ouer the rest of the Ilands also that lie scattered round about it, he
+ called them all after the same maner, so that Albion was said in time
+ to be Britanniarum insula maxima, that is, The greatest of those Iles
+ that beare the name of Britaine, which Plinie also confirmeth, and
+ Strabo in his first and second bookes denieth not. There are some,
+ which vtterlie denieng that this Iland tooke hir name of Brute, doo
+ affirme it rather to be so called of the rich mettals sometime carried
+ from the mines there into all the world as growing in the same. Vibius
+ Sequester also saith that Calabria was sometime called Britannia, Ob
+ immensam affluentiam totius delitiæ atque vbertatis, that was to be
+ found heerein. Other contend that it should be written with P
+ (Pritannia.) All which opinions as I absolutelie denie not, so I
+ willinglie leane vnto none of them in peremptorie maner, sith the
+ antiquitie of our historie carrieth me withall vnto the former
+ iudgements. And for the same cause I reiect them also, which deriue
+ the aforesaid denomination from Britona the nymph, in following Textor
+ (or Prutus or Prytus the sonne of Araxa) which Britona was borne in
+ Creta daughter to Mars, and fled by sea from thence onelie to escape
+ the villanie of Minos, who attempted to rauish and make hir one of his
+ paramours: but if I should forsake the authoritie of Galfride, I would
+ rather leane to the report of Parthenius, whereof elsewhere I haue
+ made a more large rehersall.
+
+ It is altogither impertinent, to discusse whether Hercules came into
+ this Iland after the death of Albion, or not, although that by an
+ ancient monument seene of late, as I heare, and the cape of Hartland
+ or Harcland in the West countrie (called Promontorium Herculis in old
+ time) diuers of our British antiquaries doo gather great likelihood
+ that he should also be here. But sith his presence or absence maketh
+ nothing with the alteration of the name of this our region and
+ countrie, and to search out whether the said monument was but some
+ token erected in his honour of later times (as some haue beene
+ elsewhere, among the Celts framed, & those like an old criple with a
+ bow bent in one hand & a club in the other, a rough skin on his backe,
+ the haire of his head all to be matted like that of the Irishmens, and
+ drawing manie men captiue after him in chaines) is but smallie
+ auailable, and therefore I passe it ouer as not incident to my
+ purpose. Neither will I spend any time in the determination, whether
+ Britaine had beene sometime a parcell of the maine, although it should
+ well séeme so to haue beene, bicause that before the generall floud of
+ Noah, we doo not read of Ilands, more than of hils and vallies.
+ Wherfore as Wilden Arguis also noteth in his philosophie and
+ tractation of meteors, it is verie likelie that they were onelie
+ caused by the violent motion and working of the sea, in the time of
+ the floud, which if S. Augustine had well considered, he would neuer
+ haue asked how such creatures as liued in Ilands far distant from the
+ maine could come into the arke, De ciuit. lib. 16. cap. 7. howbeit in
+ the end he concludeth with another matter more profitable than his
+ demand.
+
+ As for the speedie and timelie inhabitation thereof, this is mine
+ opinion, to wit, that it was inhabited shortlie after the diuision of
+ the earth. For I read that when each capteine and his companie had
+ their portions assigned vnto them by Noah in the partition that he
+ made of the whole among his posteritie, they neuer ceased to trauell
+ and search out the vttermost parts of the same, vntill they found out
+ their bounds allotted, and had seene and vewed their limits, euen vnto
+ the verie poles. It shall suffice therefore onelie to haue touched
+ these things in this manner a farre off, and in returning to our
+ purpose, to proceed with the rest concerning the denomination of our
+ [Sidenote: Yet _Timeus_, _Ephorus_, and some of the Grecians,
+ know the name Britannia, as appeareth also by _Diodorus_, &c.
+ before the comming of Cesar.]
+ Iland, which was knowne vnto most of the Gréekes for a long time, by
+ none other name than Albion, and to saie the truth, euen vnto
+ Alexanders daies, as appeareth by the words of Aristotle in his De
+ mundo, and to the time of Ptolomie: notwithstanding that Brute, as I
+ haue said, had changed the same into Britaine, manie hundred yeares
+ before.
+
+ After Brutus I doo not find that anie men attempted to change it
+ againe, vntill the time that Theodosius, in the daies of Valentinianus
+ and Valens endeuoured, in the remembrance of the two aforesaid
+ Emperours, to call it Valentia, as Marcellinus saith. But as this
+ deuise tooke no hold among the common sort, so it retained still the
+ name of Britaine, vntill the reigne of Ecbert, who about the 800.
+ yeare of Grace, and first of his reigne, gaue foorth an especiall
+ edict, dated at Winchester, that it should be called Angles land, or
+ Angel-landt, for which in our time we doo pronounce it England. And
+ this is all (right honorable) that I haue to say, touching the
+ seuerall names of this Iland, vtterlie misliking in the meane season
+ their deuises, which make Hengist the onlie parent of the later
+ denomination, whereas Ecbert, bicause his ancestours descended from
+ the Angles one of the sixe nations that came with the Saxons into
+ Britaine (for they were not all of one, but of diuers countries, as
+ Angles, Saxons, Germans, Switzers, Norwegiens, Jutes otherwise called
+ Jutons, Vites, Gothes or Getes, and Vandals, and all comprehended
+ vnder the name of Saxons, bicause of Hengist the Saxon and his
+ companie that first arriued here before anie of the other) and therto
+ hauing now the monarchie and preheminence in maner of this whole
+ [Sidenote: Of this opinion is _Belforest, lib._ 3. _cap._ 44.]
+ Iland, called the same after the name of the countrie from whence he
+ derived his originall, neither Hengist, neither anie Queene named
+ Angla, neither whatsoeuer deriuation ab Angulo, as from a corner of
+ the world bearing swaie, or hauing ought to doo at all in that
+ behalfe.
+
+
+
+
+ WHAT SUNDRIE NATIONS HAUE DWELLED IN ALBION.
+
+ CAP. IV.
+
+
+ As few or no nations can iustlie boast themselues to haue continued
+ sithence their countrie was first replenished, without any mixture,
+ more or lesse, of forreine inhabitants; no more can this our Iland,
+ whose manifold commodities haue oft allured sundrie princes and famous
+ capteines of the world to conquer and subdue the same vnto their owne
+ subiection. Manie sorts of people therfore haue come in hither and
+ settled themselues here in this Ile, and first of all other, a parcell
+ [Sidenote: Samotheans.]
+ of the linage and posteritie of Japhet, brought in by Samothes in the
+ 1910. after the creation of Adam. Howbeit in processe of time, and
+ after they had indifferentlie replenished and furnished this Iland
+ with people (which was doone in the space of 335. yeares) Albion the
+ giant afore mentioned, repaired hither with a companie of his owne
+ race procéeding from Cham, and not onelie annexed the same to his owne
+ dominion, but brought all such in like sort as he found here of the
+ line of Japhet, into miserable seruitude and most extreame thraldome.
+ After him also, and within lesse than sixe hundred and two yeares,
+ [Sidenote: Britains.]
+ [Sidenote: Chemminits.]
+ came Brute the sonne of Syluius with a great traine of the posteritie
+ of the dispersed Troians in 324. ships: who rendering the like
+ courtesie vnto the Chemminits as they had doone before unto the séed
+ of Japhet, brought them also wholie vnder his rule and gouernance, and
+ dispossessing the peeres & inferior owners of their lands and
+ possessions, he diuided the countrie among such princes and capteines
+ as he in his arriuall here had led out of Grecia with him.
+
+ [Sidenote: Romans.]
+ From hencefoorth I doo not find any sound report of other nation
+ whatsoeuer, that should aduenture hither to dwell, and alter the state
+ of the land, vntill the Romane emperours subdued it to their dominion,
+ sauing of a few Galles, (and those peraduenture of Belgie) who first
+ comming ouer to rob and pilfer vpon the coasts, did afterward plant
+ themselues for altogither neere vnto the shore, and there builded
+ sundrie cities and townes which they named after those of the maine,
+ from whence they came vnto vs. And this is not onelie to be gathered
+ out of Cesar where he writeth of Britaine of set purpose, but also
+ elsewhere, as in his second booke a little after the beginning: for
+ speaking of Deuiaticus king of the Swessions liuing in his time, he
+ affirmeth him not onelie to be the mightiest prince of all the Galles,
+ but also to hold vnder his subiection the Ile of Britaine, of which
+ his sonne Galba was afterward dispossessed. But after the comming of
+ the Romans, it is hard to say with how manie sorts of people we were
+ dailie pestered, almost in euery steed. For as they planted their
+ forworne legions in the most fertile places of the realme, and where
+ they might best lie for the safegard of their conquests: so their
+ armies did commonlie consist of manie sorts of people, and were (as I
+ may call them) a confused mixture of all other countries and nations
+ then liuing in the world. Howbeit, I thinke it best, bicause they did
+ all beare the title of Romans, to reteine onelie that name for them
+ all, albeit they were wofull ghests to this our Iland: sith that with
+ them came all maner of vice and vicious liuing, all riot and excesse
+ of behauiour into our countrie, which their legions brought hither
+ from each corner of their dominions; for there was no prouince vnder
+ them from whence they had not seruitours.
+
+ [Sidenote: Scots.]
+ [Sidenote: Picts.]
+ How and when the Scots, a people mixed of the Scithian and Spanish
+ blood, should arriue here out of Ireland, & when the Picts should come
+ vnto vs out of Sarmatia, or from further toward the north & the
+ Scithian Hyperboreans, as yet it is vncerteine. For though the Scotish
+ histories doo carrie great countenance of their antiquitie in this
+ Iland: yet (to saie fréelie what I thinke) I iudge them rather to haue
+ stolne in hither within the space of 100. yeares before Christ, than
+ to haue continued here so long as they themselues pretend, if my
+ coniecture be any thing. Yet I denie not, but that as the Picts were
+ long planted in this Iland before the Scots aduentured to settle
+ themselues also in Britaine; so the Scots did often aduenture hither
+ to rob and steale out of Ireland, and were finallie called in by the
+ Meats or Picts (as the Romans named them, because they painted their
+ bodies) to helpe them against the Britains, after the which they so
+ planted themselues in these parts, that vnto our time that portion of
+ the land cannot be cleansed of them. I find also that as these Scots
+ were reputed for the most Scithian-like and barbarous nation, and
+ longest without letters; so they vsed commonlie to steale ouer into
+ Britaine in leather skewes, and began to helpe the Picts about or not
+ long before the beginning of Cesars time. For both Diodorus lib. 6.
+ and Strabo lib. 4. doo seeme to speake of a parcell of the Irish
+ nation that should inhabit Britaine in their time, which were giuen to
+ the eating of mans flesh, and therefore called Anthropophagi.
+ Mamertinus in like sort dooth note the Redshanks and the Irish (which
+ are properlie the Scots) to be the onelie enimies of our nation,
+ before the comming of Cæsar, as appeareth in his panegyricall oration,
+ so that hereby it is found that they are no new ghestes in Britaine.
+ Wherefore all the controuersie dooth rest in the time of their first
+ attempt to inhabit in this Iland. Certeinlie I maruell much whie they
+ trauell not to come in with Cantaber and Partholonus: but I see
+ perfectlie that this shift should be too grosse for the maintenance of
+ their desired antiquitie. Now, as concerning their name, the Saxons
+ translated the word Scotus for Irish: whereby it appeareth that those
+ Irish, of whom Strabo and Diodorus doo speake, are none other than
+ those Scots, of whom Ierome speaketh Aduersus Iouinianum, lib. 2. who
+ vsed to feed on the buttocks of boies and womens paps, as delicate
+ dishes. Aethicus writing of the Ile of Man, affirmeth it to be
+ inhabited with Scots so well as Ireland euen in his time. Which is
+ another proofe that the Scots and Irish are all one people. They were
+ also called Scoti by the Romans, bicause their Iland & originall
+ inhabitation thereof were vnknowne, and they themselues an obscure
+ [Sidenote: Of the Picts.]
+ nation in the sight of all the world. Now as concerning the Picts,
+ whatsoeuer Ranulphus Hygden imagineth to the contrarie of their latter
+ enterance, it is easie to find by Herodian and Mamertinus (of which
+ the one calleth them Meates, the other Redshankes and Pictones) that
+ they were setled in this Ile long before the time of Seuerus, yea of
+ Cæsar, and comming of the Scots. Which is proofe sufficient, if no
+ further authoritie remained extant for the same. So that the
+ controuersie lieth not in their comming also, but in the true time of
+ their repaire and aduenture into this Iland out of the Orchades (out
+ of which they gat ouer into the North parts of our countrie, as the
+ writers doo report) and from whence they came at the first into the
+ aforsaid Ilands. For my part I suppose with other, that they came
+ hither out of Sarmatia or Scythia: for that nation hauing had alwaies
+ an eie vnto the commodities of our countrie, hath sent out manie
+ companies to inuade and spoile the same. It may be that some will
+ gather, those to be the Picts, of whom Cæsar saith that they stained
+ their faces with wad and madder, to the end they might appeare
+ terrible and feareful to their enimies; and so inferre that the Picts
+ were naturall Britans. But it is one thing to staine the face onelie
+ as the Britans did, of whom Propertius saith,
+
+   Nunc etiam infectos demum mutare Britannos,
+
+ And to paint the images and portraitures of beasts, fish and foules
+ ouer the whole bodie, as the Picts did, of whom Martial saith,
+
+   Barbara depictis veni Bascauda Britannis.
+
+ Certes the times of Samothes and Albion, haue some likelie limitation;
+ and so we may gather of the comming in of Brute, of Cæsar, the Saxons,
+ the Danes, the Normans, and finallie of the Flemmings, (who had the
+ Rosse in Wales assigned vnto them 1066. after the drowning of their
+ countrie.) But when first the Picts, & then the Scots should come ouer
+ into our Iland, as they were obscure people, so the time of their
+ arriuall is as far to me vnknowne. Wherefore the resolution of this
+ point must still remaine In tenebris. This neuerthelesse is certeine,
+ that Maximus first Legate of Britaine, and afterward emperour, draue
+ the Scots out of Britaine, and compelled them to get habitation in
+ Ireland, the out Iles, and the North part of the maine, and finallie
+ diuided their region betwéene the Britaines and the Picts. He
+ denounced warre also against the Irishmen, for receiuing them into
+ their land: but they crauing the peace, yéelded to subscribe, that
+ from thence-foorth they would not receiue any Scot into their
+ dominions; and so much the more, for that they were pronounced enimies
+ to the Romans, and disturbers of the common peace and quietnesse of
+ their prouinces here in England.
+
+ The Saxons became first acquainted with this Ile, by meanes of the
+ piracie which they dailie practised vpon our coastes (after they had
+ once begun to aduenture themselues also vpon the seas, thereby to
+ seeke out more wealth than was now to be gotten in the West parts of
+ the maine, which they and their neighbours had alreadie spoiled in
+ most lamentable and barbarous maner) howbeit they neuer durst presume
+ [Sidenote: The hurt by forren aid.]
+ to inhabit in this Iland, vntill they were sent for by Vortiger to
+ serue him in his warres against the Picts and Scots, after that the
+ Romans had giuen vs ouer, and left vs wholie to our owne defense and
+ regiment. Being therefore come vnder Hengist in three bottoms or
+ kéeles, and in short time espieng the idle and negligent behauiour of
+ the Britaines, and fertilitie of our soile, they were not a little
+ inflamed to make a full conquest of such as at the first they came to
+ aid and succour. Herevpon also they fell by little and little to the
+ winding in of greater numbers of their countrimen and neighbours, with
+ their wiues and children into this region, so that within a while
+ these new comlings began to molest the homelings, and ceased not from
+ time to time to continue their purpose, vntill they had gotten
+ possession of the whole, or at the leastwise the greatest part of our
+ countrie; the Britons in the meane season being driuen either into
+ Wales and Cornewall, or altogither out of the Iland to séeke new
+ habitations.
+
+ [Sidenote: Danes.]
+ In like maner the Danes (the next nation that succéeded) came at the
+ first onelie to pilfer and robbe vpon the frontiers of our Iland, till
+ that in the end, being let in by the Welshmen or Britons through an
+ earnest desire to be reuenged vpon the Saxons, they no lesse plagued
+ the one than the other, their fréends than their aduersaries, seeking
+ by all meanes possible to establish themselues also in the sure
+ possession of Britaine. But such was their successe, that they
+ prospered not long in their deuise: for so great was their
+ lordlinesse, crueltie, and insatiable desire of riches, beside their
+ detestable abusing of chast matrons, and yoong virgins (whose husbands
+ and parents were dailie inforced to become their drudges and slaues,
+ whilest they sat at home and fed like drone bées of the sweet of their
+ trauell and labours) that God I say would not suffer them to continue
+ any while ouer vs, but when he saw his time he remooued their yoke,
+ and gaue vs liberty as it were to breath vs, thereby to see whether
+ this his sharpe scourge could haue mooued vs to repentance and
+ amendment of our lewd and sinfull liues, or not. But when no signe
+ thereof appeared in our hearts, he called in an other nation to vex
+ [Sidenote: The Normans.]
+ vs, I meane the Normans, a people mixed with Danes, and of whom it is
+ worthilie doubted, whether they were more hard and cruell to our
+ countrimen than the Danes, or more heauie and intollerable to our
+ Iland than the Saxons or the Romans. This nation came out of Newstria,
+ the people thereof were called Normans by the French, bicause the
+ Danes which subdued that region, came out of the North parts of the
+ world: neuerthelesse, I suppose that the ancient word Newstria, is
+ corrupted from West-rijc, bicause that if you marke the situation, it
+ lieth opposite from Austria or Ost-rijc, which is called the East
+ region, as Newstria is the Weast: for Rijc in the old Scithian toong
+ dooth signifie a region or kingdome, as in Franc-rijc, or Franc-reich,
+ Westsaxon-reich, Ost saxon-reich, Su-rijc, Angel-rijc, &c, is else to
+ be séene. But howsoeuer this falleth out, these Normans or Danish
+ French, were dedlie aduersaries to the English Saxons, first by meane
+ of a quarell that grew betwéene them in the daies of Edward the
+ Confessour, at such time as the Earle of Bullen, and William Duke of
+ Normandie, arriued in this land to visit him, & their freends; such
+ Normans (I meane) as came ouer with him and Emma his mother before
+ him, in the time of Canutus and Ethelred. For the first footing that
+ euer the French did set in this Iland, sithence the time of Ethelbert
+ & Sigebert, was with Emma, which Ladie brought ouer a traine of French
+ Gentlemen and Ladies with hir into England.
+
+ [Sidenote: The cause of the conquest by the Normans.]
+ After hir also no small numbers of attendants came in with Edward the
+ Confessour, whome he preferred to the greatest offices in the realme,
+ in so much that one Robert a Norman, became Archbishop of Canturburie,
+ whose preferment so much enhanced the minds of the French, on the one
+ side, as their lordlie and outragious demeanour kindled the stomachs
+ of the English nobilitie against them on the other: insomuch that not
+ long before the death of Emma the kings mother, and vpon occasion of
+ the brall hapning at Douer (whereof I haue made sufficient mention in
+ my Chronologie, not regarding the report of the French authors in this
+ behalfe, who write altogither in the fauour of their Archbishop
+ Robert, but following the authoritie of an English préest then liuing
+ in the court) the English Peeres began to shew their disliking in
+ manifest maner. Neuerthelesse, the Normans so bewitched the king with
+ their lieng and bosting, Robert the Archbishop being the chéefe
+ instrument of their practise, that he beléeued them, and therevpon
+ vexed sundrie of the nobilitie, amongst whom Earle Goodwijn of Kent
+ was the chéefe, a noble Gentleman and father in law to king Edward by
+ the mariage of his daughter. The matter also came to such issue
+ against him, that he was exiled, and fiue of his sonnes with him,
+ wherevpon he goeth ouer the sea, and soone after returning with his
+ said sonnes, they inuaded the land in sundrie places, the father
+ himselfe comming to London, where when the kings power was readie to
+ ioine with him in battell, it vtterlie refused so to doo: affirming
+ plainelie, that it should be méere follie for one Englishman to fight
+ against another, in the reuenge of Frenchmens quarels: which answer
+ entred so déeplie into the kings mind, that he was contented to haue
+ the matter heard, and appointing commissioners for that purpose; they
+ concluded at the vpshot, that all the French should depart out of
+ England by a day, few excepted, whom the king should appoint and
+ [Sidenote: Archbishop of Can. exiled, and the rest of the French.]
+ nominate. By this means therfore Robert the Archbishop, & of secret
+ counsell with the king, was first exiled as principall abuser &
+ seducer of the king, who goeth to Rome, & there complaineth to the
+ Pope of his iniurie receiued by the English. Howbeit as he returned
+ home againe with no small hope of the readeption of his See, he died
+ in Normandie, whereby he saued a killing. Certes he was the first that
+ euer tendered complaint out of England vnto Rome, & with him went
+ William Bishop of London (afterward reuoked) and Vlfo of Lincolne, who
+ hardlie escaped the furie of the English nobilitie. Some also went
+ into Scotland, and there held themselues, expecting a better time. And
+ this is the true historie of the originall cause of the conquest of
+ England by the French: for after they were well beaten at Douer,
+ bicause of their insolent demeanour there shewed, their harts neuer
+ ceased to boile with a desire of reuenge that brake out into a flame,
+ so soone as their Robert possessed the primacie, which being once
+ obteined, and to set his mischéefe intended abroch withall, a
+ contention was quicklie procured about certeine Kentish lands, and
+ controuersie kindled, whether he or the Earle should haue most right
+ vnto them. The king held with the priest as with the church, the
+ [Sidenote: Erle Goodwine slandered by the French writers.]
+ nobilitie with the Earle. In processe also of this businesse, the
+ Archbishop accused the Earle of high treason, burdening him with the
+ slaughter of Alfred the kings brother, which was altogither false: as
+ appeareth by a treatise yet extant of that matter, written by a
+ chaplaine to king Edward the Confessour, in the hands of Iohn Stow my
+ verie fréend, wherein he saith thus, "Alfredus incautè agens in
+ aduentu suo in Angliam a Danis circumuentus occiditur." He addeth
+ moreouer, that giuing out as he came through the countrie accompanied
+ with his few proud Normans, how his meaning was to recouer his right
+ vnto the kingdome, and supposing that all men would haue yéelded vnto
+ him, he fell into their hands, whome Harald then king did send to
+ apprehend him, vpon the fame onelie of this report brought vnto his
+ eares. So that (to be short) after the king had made his pacification
+ with the Earle, the French (I say) were exiled, the Quéene restored to
+ his fauour (whom he at the beginning of this broile had imprisoned at
+ Wilton, allowing hir but one onlie maid to wait upon hir) and the land
+ reduced to hir former quietnesse, which continued vntill the death of
+ the king. After which the Normans not forgetting their old grudge,
+ remembred still their quarell, that in the end turned to their
+ conquest of this Iland. After which obteined, they were so cruellie
+ [Sidenote: The miserie of the English vnder the French.]
+ bent to our vtter subuersion and ouerthrow, that in the beginning it
+ was lesse reproch to be accounted a slaue than an Englishman, or a
+ drudge in anie filthie businesse than a Britaine: insomuch that euerie
+ French page was superiour to the greatest Peere; and the losse of an
+ Englishmans life but a pastime to such of them as contended in their
+ brauerie, who should giue the greatest strokes or wounds vnto their
+ bodies, when their toiling and drudgerie could not please them, or
+ satisfie their gréedie humors. Yet such was our lot in those daies by
+ the diuine appointed order, that we must needs obey such as the Lord
+ did set ouer vs, and so much the rather, for that all power to resist
+ was vtterlie taken from vs, and our armes made so weake and feeble
+ that they were not now able to remooue the importable load of the
+ [Sidenote: The cause of our miserie.]
+ enimie from our surburdened shoulders. And this onelie I saie againe,
+ bicause we refused grace offered in time, and would not heare when God
+ by his Preachers did call vs so fauourablie vnto him. Oh how miserable
+ was the estate of our countrie vnder the French and Normans, wherein
+ the Brittish and English that remained, could not be called to any
+ function in the commonwealth, no not so much as to be constables and
+ headburowes in small villages, except they could bring 2. or 3.
+ Normans for suerties to the Lords of the soile for their good
+ behauiour in their offices! Oh what numbers of all degrées of English
+ and Brittish were made slaues and bondmen, and bought and sold as oxen
+ in open market! In so much that at the first comming, the French bond
+ were set free; and those that afterward became bond, were of our owne
+ countrie and nation, so that few or rather none of vs remained free
+ without some note of bondage and seruitude to the French. Hereby then
+ we perceiue, how from time to time this Iland hath not onelie béene a
+ prey, but as it were a common receptacle for strangers, the naturall
+ homelings or Britons being still cut shorter and shorter, as I said
+ [Sidenote: In this voiage the said Harald builded Portaschith,
+ which Caradoch ap Griffin afterward ouerthrew, and killed the
+ garrison that Harald left therein.]
+ before, till in the end they came not onelie to be driuen into a
+ corner of this region, but in time also verie like vtterlie to haue
+ beene extinguished. For had not king Edward, surnamed the saint, in
+ his time, after greeuous wars made vpon them 1063. (wherein Harald
+ latelie made Earle of Oxenford, sonne to Goodwin Earle of Kent, and
+ after king of England, was his generall) permitted the remnant of
+ their women to ioine in mariage with the Englishmen (when the most
+ part of their husbands and male children were slaine with the sword)
+ it could not haue béene otherwise chosen, but their whole race must
+ néeds haue susteined the vttermost confusion, and thereby the memorie
+ of the Britons vtterlie haue perished among vs.
+
+ Thus we see how England hath six times beene subiect to the reproch of
+ conquest. And wheras the Scots séeme to challenge manie famous
+ victories also ouer us, beside gréeuous impositions, tributs, &
+ dishonorable compositions: it shall suffice for answer, that they
+ deale in this as in the most part of their historie, which is to seeke
+ great honor by lieng, & great renowme by prating and craking. Indeed
+ they haue doone great mischéefe in this Iland, & with extreme
+ crueltie; but as for any conquest the first is yet to heare of. Diuers
+ other conquests also haue béene pretended by sundrie princes sithence
+ the conquest, onelie to the end that all pristinate lawes and tenures
+ of possession might cease, and they make a new disposition of all
+ things at their owne pleasure. As one by king Edw. the 3. but it tooke
+ none effect. Another by Henrie the 4. who neuerthelesse was at the
+ last though hardlie drawne from the challenge by William Thorington,
+ then cheefe Justice of England. The third by Henrie the 7. who had
+ some better shew of right, but yet without effect. And the last of all
+ by Q. Marie, as some of the papists gaue out, and also would haue had
+ hir to haue obteined, but God also staied their malices, and hir
+ challenge. But beside the six afore mentioned, Huntingdon the old
+ historiographer speaketh of a seuenth, likelie (as he saith) to come
+ one daie out of the North, which is a wind that bloweth no man to
+ good, sith nothing is to be had in those parts, but hunger & much
+ cold. Sée more hereof in the historie of S. Albons, and aforsaid
+ author which lieth on the left side of the librarie belonging now to
+ Paules: for I regard no prophesies as one that doubteth from what
+ spirit they doo procéed, or who should be the author of them.
+
+
+
+
+ WHETHER IT BE LIKELIE THAT ANY GIANTS WERE, AND WHETHER THEY INHABITED
+ IN THIS ILE OR NOT.
+
+ CAP. V.
+
+
+ Besides these aforesaid nations, which haue crept (as you haue heard)
+ into our Iland, we read of sundrie giants that should inhabit here.
+ Which report as it is not altogither incredible, sith the posterities
+ of diuers princes were called by the name: so vnto some mens eares it
+ seemeth so strange a rehersall, that for the same onelie cause they
+ suspect the credit of our whole historie, & reiect it as a fable,
+ vnworthie to be read. They also condemne the like in all other
+ histories, especiallie of the North, where men are naturallie of
+ greatest stature, imagining all to be but fables that is written of
+ Starcater, Hartben, Angrine, Aruerode, &c: of whom Saxo, Johannes
+ Magnus and Olaus doo make mention, & whose bones doo yet remaine to be
+ seene as rare miracles in nature. Of these also some in their life
+ time were able to lift vp (as they write) a vessell of liquor of 1000.
+ weight, or an horsse, or an oxe, & cast it on their shoulders (wherein
+ their verie women haue beene likewise knowne to come néere vnto them)
+ and of the race of those men, some were séene of no lesse strength in
+ the 1500. of Grace, wherein Olaus liued, and wrote the same of his
+ owne experience and knowledge. Of the giant of Spaine that died of
+ late yeares by a fall vpon the Alpes, as he either went or came fro
+ Rome, about the purchase of a dispensation to marrie with his
+ kinswoman (a woman also of much more than common stature) there be men
+ yet liuing, and may liue long for age, that can saie verie much euen
+ by their owne knowledge. Wherfore it appeareth by present experience,
+ that all is not absolutelie vntrue which is remembred of men of such
+ giants. For this cause therfore I haue now taken vpon me to make this
+ breefe discourse insuing, as indeuouring therby to prooue, that the
+ opinion of giants is not altogither grounded vpon vaine and fabulous
+ narrations, inuented onelie to delight the eares of the hearers with
+ the report of maruellous things: but that there haue beene such men in
+ [Sidenote: * _Esay._ 30. _vers._ 25.]
+ deed, as for their hugenesse of person haue resembled rather[*] high
+ towers than mortall men, although their posterities are now consumed,
+ and their monstruous races vtterlie worne out of knowledge.
+
+ I doo not meane herein to dispute, whether this name Gigas or Nephilim
+ was giuen vnto them, rather for their tyrannie and oppression of the
+ people, than for their greatnesse of bodie, or large steps, as
+ Goropius would haue it (for he denieth that euer men were greater than
+ at this present) or bicause their parents were not knowne, for such in
+ old time were called Terræ filij; or whether the word Gigas dooth
+ onlie signifie Indigenas, or homelings, borne in the land or not;
+ neither whether all men were of like quantitie in stature, and farre
+ more greater in old time, than now they be: and yet absolutelie I
+ denie neither of these, sith verie probable reasons may be brought for
+ ech of them, but especiallie the last rehearsed, whose confirmation
+ dependeth vpon the authorities of sundrie ancient writers, who make
+ diuers of noble race, equall to the giants in strength and manhood,
+ and yet doo not giue the same name vnto them, bicause their quarels
+ were iust, and commonlie taken in hand for defense of the oppressed.
+ [Sidenote: Antheus.]
+ [Sidenote: _Lucane lib._ 4 _in fine._]
+ Examples hereof we may take of Hercules and Antheus, whose wrestling
+ declareth that they were equall in stature & stomach. Such also was
+ the courage of Antheus, that being often ouercome, and as it were
+ vtterlie vanquished by the said Hercules, yet if he did eftsoones
+ returne againe into his kingdome, he forthwith recouered his force,
+ returned and held Hercules tacke, till he gat at the last betwéene him
+ and home, so cutting off the farther hope of the restitution of his
+ armie, and killing finallie his aduersarie in the field, of which
+ victorie Politian writeth thus:
+
+   Incaluere animis dura certare palæstra,
+     Neptuni quondàm filius atque Iouis:
+   Non certamen erant operoso ex ære lebetes,
+     Sed qui vel vitam vel ferat interitum:
+   Occidit Antæus Ioue natum viuere fas est,
+     Estq; magistra Pales Græcia, non Lybia.
+
+ [Sidenote: Corineus.]
+ [Sidenote: Gomagot.]
+ The like doo our histories report of Corineus and Gomagot,
+ peraduenture king of this Ile, who fought a combat hand to hand, till
+ one of them was slaine, and yet for all this no man reputeth Hercules
+ or Corineus for giants, albeit that Hanuile in his Architrenion make
+ the later to be 12. cubits in height, which is full 18. foot, if
+ poeticall licence doo not take place in his report and assertion. But
+ sith (I say againe) it is not my purpose to stand vpon these points, I
+ passe ouer to speake any more of them. And whereas also I might haue
+ proceeded in such order, that I should first set downe by manie
+ circumstances, whether any giants were, then whether they were of such
+ huge and incredible stature as the authours doo remember, and finallie
+ whether any of them haue beene in this our Iland or not, I protest
+ plainlie, that my mind is not here bent to deale in any such maner,
+ but rather generallie to confirme and by sufficient authoritie, that
+ there haue beene such mightie men of stature, and some of them also in
+ Britaine, which I will set downe onelie by sundrie examples, whereby
+ it shall fall out, that neither our Iland, nor any part of the maine,
+ haue at one time or other béen altogither without them. First of all
+ therfore, & to begin with the scriptures, the most sure & certeine
+ ground of all knowledge: you shall haue out of them such notable
+ examples set downe, as I haue obserued in reading the same, which vnto
+ the godlie may suffice for sufficient proofe of my position.
+ Neuerthelesse, after the scriptures I will resort to the writings of
+ our learned Diuines, and finallie of the infidell and pagane authors,
+ whereby nothing shall seeme to want that may confute Goropius, and all
+ his cauillations.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 6. _vers._ 5.]
+ Moses the prophet of the Lord, writing of the estate of things before
+ the floud, hath these words in his booke of generations. In these
+ [Sidenote: _Anti. li._ 1.]
+ daies saith he, there were giants vpon the earth. Berosus also the
+ Chalde writeth, that néere vnto Libanus there was a citie called Oenon
+ (which I take to be Hanoch, builded sometime by Cham) wherein giants
+ did inhabit, who trusting to the strength and hugenesse of their
+ bodies, did verie great oppression and mischeefe in the world. The
+ Hebrues called them generallie Enach, of Hanach the Chebronite, father
+ to Achimam, Scheschai and Talma, although their first originall was
+ deriued from Henoch the sonne of Caine, of whome that pestilent race
+ descended, as I read. The Moabits named them Emims, and the Ammonites
+ Zamsummims, and it should seeme by the second of Deut. cap. 19, 20.
+ that Ammon and Moab were greatlie replenished with such men, when
+ Moses wrote that treatise. For of these monsters some families
+ remained of greater stature than other vnto his daies, in comparison
+ [Sidenote: _Nu. cap._ 13. _verse_ 33, & 34.]
+ of whome the children of Israell confessed themselues to be but
+ grashoppers. Which is one noble testimonie that the word Gigas or
+ Enach is so well taken for a man of huge stature, as for an homeborne
+ child, wicked tyrant, or oppressour of the people.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Deut._ 3. _vers._ 11.]
+ [Sidenote: Og of Basan.]
+ Furthermore, there is mention made also in the scriptures of Og,
+ sometime king of Basan, who was the last of the race of the giants,
+ that was left in the land of promise to be ouercome by the Israelits,
+ & whose iron bed was afterward shewed for a woonder at Rabbath (a
+ citie of the Ammonites) conteining 9. cubits in length, and 4. in
+ bredth, which cubits I take not to be geometricall, (that is, each one
+ so great as six of the smaller, as those were wherof the Arke was
+ made, as our Diuines affirme, especiallie Augustine: whereas Origen,
+ hom. 2. in Gen. out of whom he seemeth to borrow it, appeareth to haue
+ no such meaning directlie) but rather of the arme of a meane man,
+ which oftentimes dooth varie & differ from the standard. Oh how
+ Goropius dalieth about the historie of this Og, of the breaking of his
+ pate against the beds head, & of hurting his ribs against the sides,
+ and all to prooue, that Og was not bigger than other men, and so he
+ leaueth the matter as sufficientlie answered with a French countenance
+ of truth. But see August. de ciuit. lib. 15. cap. 25. & ad Faustum
+ Manich. lib. 12. Ambros. &c. and Johannes Buteo that excellent
+ geometrician, who hath written of purpose of the capacitie of the
+ Arke.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 17. _ver._ 4, 5, 6.]
+ [Sidenote: Goliah.]
+ In the first of Samuel you shall read of Goliah a Philistine, the
+ weight of whose brigandine or shirt of maile was of 5000. sicles, or
+ 1250. ounces of brasse, which amounteth to 104. pound of Troie weight
+ after 4. common sicles to the ounce. The head of his speare came vnto
+ ten pound English or 600. sicles of that metall. His height also was
+ measured at six cubits and an hand bredth. All which doo import that
+ he was a notable giant, and a man of great stature & strength to weare
+ such an armour, and beweld so heauie a lance. But Goropius thinking
+ himselfe still to haue Og in hand, and indeuouring to extenuate the
+ fulnesse of the letter to his vttermost power, dooth neuerthelesse
+ earnestlie affirme, that he was not aboue three foot more than the
+ common sort of men, or two foot higher than Saule: and so he leaueth
+ it as determined.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 21. _ver._ 16, 17, &c.]
+ In the second of Samuel, I find report of foure giants borne in Geth;
+ of which Ishbenob the first, that would haue killed Dauid, had a
+ speare, whose head weighed the iust halfe of that of Goliath: the
+ second called Siphai, Sippai or Saph, 1. Par. 20. was nothing
+ inferiour to the first: the third hight also Goliah, the staffe of
+ whose speare was like vnto the beame of a weauers loome, neuerthelesse
+ he was slaine in the second battell in Gob by Elhanan, as the first
+ was by Abisai Ioabs brother, and the second by Elhanan. The fourth
+ brother (for they were all brethren) was slaine at Gath by Ionathan
+ nephew to Dauid, and he was not onlie huge of personage, but also of
+ disfigured forme, for he had 24. fingers and toes. Wherby it is
+ euident, that the generation of giants was not extinguished in
+ Palestine, vntill the time of Dauid, which was 2890. after the floud,
+ nor vtterlie consumed in Og, as some of our expositors would haue it.
+
+ Now to come vnto our christian writers. For though the authorities
+ alreadie alleged out of the word, are sufficient to confirme my
+ purpose at the full; yet will I not let to set downe such other notes
+ as experience hath reuealed, onelie to the end that the reader shall
+ not thinke the name of giants, with their quantities, and other
+ circumstances, mentioned in the scriptures, rather to haue some
+ mysticall interpretation depending vpon them, than that the sense of
+ the text in this behalfe is to be taken simplie as it speaketh. And
+ first of all to omit that which Tertullian Lib. 2. de resurrect.
+ [Sidenote: _De ciuitate Dei lib._ 15. _cap._ 9.]
+ saith; S. Augustine noteth, how he with other saw the tooth of a man,
+ wherof he tooke good aduisement, and pronounced in the end that it
+ would haue made 100. of his owne, or anie other mans that liued in his
+ [Sidenote: _Iohannes Boccacius._]
+ time. The like hereof also dooth Iohn Boccace set downe, in the 68.
+ chapter of his 4. booke, saieng that in the caue of a mountaine, not
+ far from Drepanum (a towne of Sicilia called Eryx as he gesseth) the
+ bodie of an exceeding high giant was discouered, thrée of whose teeth
+ did weigh 100. ounces, which being conuerted into English poise, doth
+ yeeld eight pound and foure ounces, after twelue ounces to the pound,
+ that is 33. ounces euerie tooth.
+
+ He addeth farther, that the forepart of his scull was able to conteine
+ manie bushels of wheat, and by the proportion of the bone of his
+ [Sidenote: A carcase discouered of 200. cubits.]
+ thigh, the Symmetricians iudged his bodie to be aboue 200. cubits.
+ Those teeth, scull, and bones, were (and as I thinke yet are, for
+ ought I know to the contrarie) to be seene in the church of Drepanum
+ in perpetuall memorie of his greatnesse, whose bodie was found vpon
+ this occasion. As some digged in the earth to laie the foundation of
+ an house, the miners happened vpon a great vault, not farre from
+ Drepanum: whereinto when they were entred, they saw the huge bodie of
+ a man sitting in the caue, of whose greatnesse they were so afraid,
+ that they ranne awaie, and made an outcrie in the citie, how there sat
+ a man in such a place, so great as an hill: the people hearing the
+ newes, ran out with clubs and weapons, as if they should haue gone
+ vnto a foughten field, and 300. of them entring into the caue, they
+ foorthwith saw that he was dead, and yet sat as if he had been aliue,
+ hauing a staffe in his hand, compared by mine author vnto the mast of
+ a tall ship, which being touched fell by and by to dust, sauing the
+ nether end betwéene his hand and the ground, whose hollownesse was
+ filled with 1500. pound weight of lead, to beare vp his arme that it
+ should not fall in péeces: neuerthelesse, his bodie also being touched
+ fell likewise into dust, sauing three of his aforesaid teeth, the
+ forepart of his scull, and one of his thigh bones, which are reserued
+ to be séene of such as will hardlie beleeue these reports.
+
+ In the histories of Brabant I read of a giant found, whose bones were
+ 17. or 18. cubits in length, but Goropius, as his maner is, denieth
+ them to be the bones of a man, affirming rather that they were the
+ bones of an elephant, because they somwhat resembled those of two such
+ beasts which were found at the making of the famous ditch betwéene
+ Bruxels and Machlin. As though there were anie precise resemblance
+ betwéene the bones of a man and of an elephant, or that there had euer
+ béene any elephant of 27. foot in length. But sée his demeanour. In
+ the end he granteth that another bodie was found vpon the shore of
+ Rhodanus, of thirtie foot in length. Which somewhat staieth his
+ iudgement, but not altogither remooueth his error.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. Westmon._]
+ The bodie of Pallas was found in Italie, in the yeare of Grace 1038.
+ and being measured it conteined twentie foot in length, this Pallas
+ was companion with Æneas.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iohannes Leland._]
+ There was a carcase also laid bare 1170. in England vpon the shore
+ (where the beating of the sea had washed awaie the earth from the
+ stone wherein it laie) and when it was taken vp it conteined 50. foot
+ [Sidenote: _Mafieus, lib. 14. Triuet._]
+ in measure, as our histories doo report. The like was seene before in
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ Wales, in the yeare 1087. of another of 14. foot.
+
+ In Perth moreouer a village in Scotland another was taken vp, which to
+ this daie they shew in a church, vnder the name of little John (per
+ Antiphrasin) being also 14. foot in length, as diuerse doo affirme
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ which haue beholden the same, and whereof Hector Boetius dooth saie,
+ that he did put his whole arme into one of the hanch bones: which is
+ worthie to be remembred.
+
+ In the yeare of Grace 1475. the bodie of Tulliola the daughter of
+ Cicero was taken vp, & found higher by not a few foot than the common
+ sort of women liuing in those daies.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Geruasius Tilberiensis._]
+ Geruasius Tilberiensis, head Marshall to the king of Arles writeth in
+ his Chronicle dedicated to Otho 4. how that at Isoretum, in the
+ suburbes of Paris, he saw the bodie of a man that was twentie foot
+ long, beside the head and the necke, which was missing & not found,
+ the owner hauing peraduenture béene beheaded for some notable
+ trespasse committed in times past, or (as he saith) killed by S.
+ William.
+
+ The Greeke writers make mention of Andronicus their emperour, who
+ liued 1183. of Grace, and was ten foot in height, that is, thrée foot
+ higher than the Dutch man that shewed himselfe in manie places of
+ England, 1582. this man maried Anna daughter to Lewis of France
+ (before assured to Alexius, whome he strangled, dismembred and drowned
+ in the sea) the ladie not being aboue eleuen yeares of age, whereas he
+ was an old dotard, and beside hir he kept Marpaca a fine harlot, who
+ ruled him as she listed.
+
+ Zonaras speaketh of a woman that liued in the daies of Justine, who
+ being borne in Cilicia, and of verie comelie personage, was
+ neuerthelesse almost two foot taller than the tallest woman of hir
+ time.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Sir Thomas Eliot._]
+ A carcase was taken vp at Iuie church neere Salisburie but of late
+ yeares to speake of, almost fourtéene foot long, in Dictionario
+ Eliotæ.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Leland in Combrit._]
+ In Gillesland in Come Whitton paroche not far from the chappell of the
+ Moore, six miles by east from Carleill, a coffin of stone was found,
+ and therein the bones of a man, of more than incredible greatnes. In
+ like sort Leland speaketh of another found in the Ile called Alderney,
+ whereof you shall read more in the chapiter of our Ilands.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Richard Grafton._]
+ Richard Grafton in his Manuell telleth of one whose shinbone conteined
+ six foot, and thereto his scull so great that it was able to receiue
+ fiue pecks of wheat. Wherefore by coniecturall symmetrie of these
+ parts, his bodie must needs be of 24. foot, or rather more, if it were
+ [Sidenote: The Symmetrie or proportion of the bodie of a comelie man.]
+ diligentlie measured. For the proportion of a comelie and well
+ featured bodie, answereth 9. times to the length of the face, taken at
+ large from the pitch of the crowne to the chin, as the whole length is
+ from the same place vnto the sole of the foot, measured by an imagined
+ line, and seuered into so manie parts by like ouerthwart draughts, as
+ Drurerus in his lineall description of mans bodie doth deliuer.
+ Neuertheles, this symmetrie is not taken by other than the well
+ proportioned face, for Recta, orbiculata (or fornicata) prona,
+ resupinata, and lacunata (or repanda) doo so far degenerate from the
+ true proportion as from the forme and beautie of the comelie. Hereby
+ also they make the face taken in strict maner, to be the tenth part of
+ the whole bodie, that is, fr[=o] the highest part of the forehead to
+ the pitch of the chin, so that in the vse of the word face there is a
+ difference, wherby the 9. part is taken (I say) from the crowne
+ (called Vertex, because the haire there turneth into a circle) so that
+ if the space by a rule were truelie taken, I meane from the crowne or
+ highest part of the head to the pitch of the nether chap, and
+ multiplied by nine, the length of the whole bodie would easilie
+ appeare, & shew it selfe at the full. In like maner I find, that from
+ the elbow to the top of the midle finger is the 4. part of the whole
+ length, called a cubit: from the wrist to the top of the same finger,
+ a tenth part: the length of the shinbone to the ancle a fourth part
+ (and all one with the cubit:) from the top of the finger to the third
+ ioint, two third parts of the face from the top of the forehead. Which
+ obseruations I willinglie remember in this place, to the end that if
+ anie such carcases happen to be found hereafter, it shall not be hard
+ by some of these bones here mentioned, to come by the stature of the
+ whole bodie, in certeine & exact maner. As for the rest of the bones,
+ ioints, parts, &c: you may resort to Drurerus, Cardan, and other
+ writers, sith the farther deliuerie of them concerneth not my purpose.
+ [Sidenote: _Sylvester Gyraldus._]
+ To proceed therefore with other examples, I read that the bodie of
+ king Arthur being found in the yeare 1189. was two foot higher than
+ anie man that came to behold the same. Finallie the carcase of William
+ Conqueror was séene not manie yeares since (to wit, 1542.) in the
+ [Sidenote: _Constans fama Gallorum._]
+ citie of Cane, twelue inches longer, by the iudgment of such as saw
+ it, than anie man which dwelled in the countrie. All which testimonies
+ I note togither, bicause they proceed from christian writers, from
+ whome nothing should be farther or more distant, than of set purpose
+ to lie, and feed the world with fables.
+
+ In our times also, and whilest Francis the first reigned ouer France,
+ there was a man séene in Aquiteine, whome the king being in those
+ parties made of his gard, whose height was such, that a man of common
+ heigth might easilie go vnder his twist without stooping, a stature
+ [Sidenote: Briat.]
+ incredible. Moreouer Casanion, a writer of our time, telleth of the
+ bones of Briat a giant found of late in Delphinois, of 15. cubits, the
+ diameter of whose scull was two cubits, and the breadth of his
+ shoulders foure, as he himselfe beheld in the late second wars of
+ France, & wherevnto the report of Ioan Marius made in his bookes De
+ Galliarum illustrationibus, where he writeth of the carcase of the
+ same giant found not farre from the Rhodanus, which was 22. foot long,
+ from the scull to the sole of the feet, dooth yéeld sufficient
+ testimonie. Also Calameus in his commentaries De Biturigibus,
+ confirmeth no lesse, adding that he was found 1556. & so dooth
+ Baptista Fulgosus, lib. 1. cap. 6. saieng farther, that his graue was
+ seene not farre from Valentia, and discouered by the violence and
+ current of the Rhodanus. The said Casanion in like sort speaketh of
+ the bones of a man which he beheld, one of whose téeth was a foot
+ long, and eight pound in weight. Also of the sepulchre of another
+ neere vnto Charmes castell, which was nine paces in length, things
+ incredible to vs, if eiesight did not confirme it in our owne times,
+ and these carcases were not reserued by the verie prouidence of God,
+ to the end we might behold his works, and by these relikes vnderstand,
+ that such men were in old time in deed, of whose statures we now begin
+ to doubt. Now to say somwhat also of mine owne knowledge, there is the
+ thighbone of a man to be séene in the church of S. Laurence néere
+ Guildhall in London, which in time past was 26. inches in length, but
+ now it beginneth to decaie, so that it is shorter by foure inches than
+ it was in the time of king Edward. Another also is to be seene in
+ Aldermarie burie, of some called Aldermanburie, of 32. inches and
+ rather more, whereof the symmetrie hath beene taken by some skilfull
+ in that practise, and an image made according to that proportion,
+ which is fixt in the east end of the cloister of the same church, not
+ farre from the said bone, and sheweth the person of a man full ten or
+ eleuen foot high, which as some say was found in the cloister of
+ Poules, that was neere to the librarie, at such time as the Duke of
+ Somerset did pull it downe to the verie foundation, and carried the
+ stones thereof to the Strand, where he did build his house. These two
+ bones haue I séene, beside other, whereof at the beholding I tooke no
+ great heed, bicause I minded not as then to haue had any such vse of
+ their proportions, and therefore I will speake no more of them: this
+ is sufficient for my purpose that is deliuered out of the christian
+ authors.
+
+ Now it resteth furthermore that I set downe, what I haue read therof
+ in Pagane writers, who had alwaies great regard of their credit, and
+ so ought all men that dedicate any thing vnto posteritie, least in
+ going about otherwise to reape renowme and praise, they doo procure
+ vnto themselues in the end nothing else but meere contempt and
+ infamie. For my part I will touch rare things, and such as to my selfe
+ doo séeme almost incredible: howbeit as I find them, so I note them,
+ requiring your Honour in reading hereof, to let euerie Author beare
+ his owne burden, and euerie oxe his bundle.
+
+ [Sidenote: _In vita Sertorij de Antheo._]
+ Plutarch telleth how Sertorius being in Lybia, néere to the streicts
+ of Maroco, to wit, at Tingi (or Tanger in Mauritania, as it is now
+ called) caused the sepulchre of Antheus, afore remembred to be opened:
+ for hearing by common report that the said giant laie buried there,
+ whose corps was fiftie cubits long at the least, he was so far off
+ from crediting the same, that he would not beleeue it, vntill he saw
+ the coffin open wherein the bones of the aforesaid prince did rest. To
+ be short therefore, he caused his souldiers to cast downe the hill
+ made sometime ouer the tombe, and finding the bodie in the bottome
+ coffined in stone, after the measure therof taken, he saw it
+ manifestlie to be 60. cubits in length, which were ten more than the
+ people made accompt of, which Strabo also confirmeth.
+
+ Pausanias reporteth out of one Miso, that when the bodie of Aiax was
+ found, the whirlebone of his knée was adiudged so broad as a pretie
+ dish: also that the bodie of Asterius somtime king of Creta was ten
+ cubits long, and that of Hyllus or Gerion no lesse maruelous than the
+ rest, all which Goropius still condemneth to be the bones of monsters
+ of the sea (notwithstanding the manifest formes of their bones,
+ epitaphes, and inscriptions found ingrauen in brasse and lead with
+ them in their sepulchres) so far is he from being persuaded and led
+ from his opinion.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Philostrate._]
+ Philostrate in Heroicis saith, how he saw the bodie of a giant thirtie
+ cubits in length, also the carcase of another of two and twentie, and
+ the third of twelue.
+
+ Liuie in the seauenth of his first decade, speaketh of an huge person
+ which made a challenge as he stood at the end of the Anien bridge,
+ against any Romane that would come out and fight with him, whose
+ stature was not much inferiour to that of Golias, of Artaches (of
+ whome Herodot speaketh in the historie of Xerxes) who was sixe common
+ cubits of stature, which make but fiue of the kings standard, bicause
+ this is longer by thrée fingers than the other. Of Pusio, Secundilla,
+ & Cabaras, of which the first two liuing vnder Augustus were aboue ten
+ foot, and the later vnder Claudius of full nine, and all remembred by
+ Plinie; of Eleazar a Jew, of whome Iosephus saith, that he was sent to
+ Tiberius, and a person of heigth fiue cubits; of another of whom
+ Nicephorus maketh mention lib. 12. cap. 13. Hist. eccles. of fiue
+ cubits and an handfull, I say nothing, bicause Casanion of Mutterell
+ hath alredie sufficientlie discoursed vpon these examples in his De
+ gigantibus, which as I gesse he hath written of set purpose against
+ Goropius, who in his Gigantomachia, supposeth himselfe to haue killed
+ all the giants in the world, and like a new Iupiter Alterum carcasse
+ Herculem, as the said Casanion dooth merilie charge and vpbraid him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 7.]
+ Plinie telleth of an earthquake at Creta, which discouered the body of
+ a giant, that was 46. cubits in length after the Romane standard, and
+ by diuerse supposed to be the bodie of Orion or Ætion. Neuerthelesse I
+ read, that Lucius Flaccus and Metellus did sweare Per sua capita, that
+ it was either the carcase of some monster of the sea, or a forged
+ deuise to bleare the peoples eies withall, wherein it is wonderfull to
+ see, how they please Goropius as one that first deriued his
+ fantasticall imagination from their asseueration & oth. The said
+ Plinie also addeth that the bodie of Orestes was seuen cubits in
+ length, one Gabbara of Arabia nine foot nine inches, and two reserued
+ In conditorio Sallustianorum halfe a foot longer than Gabbara was, for
+ which I neuer read that anie man was driuen to sweare.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Trallianus._]
+ Trallianus writeth how the Athenienses digging on a time in the
+ ground, to laie the foundation of a new wall to be made in a certeine
+ Iland in the daies of an emperour, did find the bones of Macrosyris in
+ a coffin of hard stone, of 100. cubits in length after the accompt of
+ the Romane cubit, which was then either a foot and a halfe, or not
+ much in difference from halfe a yard of our measure now in England.
+ These verses also, as they are now translated out of Gréeke were found
+ withall,
+
+   Sepultus ego Macrosyris in longa insula
+   Vitæ peractis annis mille quinquies:
+
+ which amounteth to 81. yeares foure moneths, after the Aegyptian
+ reckoning.
+
+ In the time of Hadrian the emperour, the bodie of the giant Ida was
+ taken vp at Messana, conteining 20. foot in length, and hauing a
+ double row of teeth, yet standing whole in his chaps. Eumachus also in
+ Perigesi, telleth that when the Carthaginenses went about to dich in
+ their prouince, they found two bodies in seuerall coffins of stone,
+ the one was 23. the other 24. cubits in length, such another was found
+ in Bosphoro Cymmerio after an earthquake, but the inhabitants did cast
+ those bones into the Meotidan marris. In Dalmatia, manie graues were
+ shaken open with an earthquake, in diuers of which certeine carcases
+ were found, whose ribs conteined 16. els, after the Romane measure,
+ whereby the whole bodies were iudged to be 64. sith the longest rib is
+ commonlie about the fourth part of a man, as some rouing symmetricians
+ affirme.
+
+ Arrhianus saith, that in the time of Alexander the bodies of the
+ Asianes were generallie of huge stature, and commonlie of fiue cubits,
+ and such was the heigth of Porus of Inde, whom the said Alexander
+ vanquished and ouerthrew in battell.
+
+ Suidas speaketh of Ganges, killed also by the said prince, who farre
+ exceeded Porus; for he was ten cubits long. What should I speake of
+ Artaceas a capitaine in the host of Xerxes, afore remembred, whose
+ heigth was within 4. fingers bredth of fiue cubits, & the tallest man
+ in the armie except the king himselfe. Herod. lib. 7. Of Athanatus
+ whom Plinie remembreth I saie nothing. But of all these, this one
+ example shall passe, which I doo read of in Trallianus, and he setteth
+ downe in forme and manner following.
+
+ In the daies of Tiberius th'emperor saith he, a corps was left bare or
+ laid open after an earthquake, of which ech tooth (taken one with
+ another) conteined 12. inches ouer at the least. Now forsomuch as in
+ [Sidenote: A mouth of sixteene foot wide.]
+ such as be full mouthed, ech chap hath commonlie 16. teeth at the
+ least, which amount vnto 32. in the whole, needs must the widenesse of
+ this mans chaps be welneere of 16. foot, and the opening of his lips
+ fiue at the least. A large mouth in mine opinion, and not to eat
+ peason with Ladies of my time, besides that if occasion serued, it was
+ able to receiue the whole bodies of mo than one of the greatest men, I
+ meane of such as we be in our daies. When this carcase was thus found,
+ euerie man maruelled at it, & good cause why. A messenger was sent to
+ [Sidenote: A counterfect made of a monstrous carcase
+ by one tooth taken out of the head.]
+ Tiberius the emperour also to know his pleasure, whether he would haue
+ the same brought ouer vnto Rome or not, but he forbad them, willing
+ his Legate not to remooue the dead out of his resting place, but
+ rather somewhat to satisfie his phantasie to send him a tooth out of
+ his head, which being done, he gaue it to a cunning workeman,
+ commanding him to shape a carcase of light matter, after the
+ proportion of the tooth, that at the least by such means he might
+ satisfie his curious mind, and the fantasies of such as are delited
+ [Sidenote: This man was more fauorable to this monster
+ than our papists were to the bodies of the dead who
+ tare them in peeces to make money of them.]
+ with nouelties. To be short, when the image was once made and set vp
+ on end, it appéered rather an huge colossie than the true carcase of a
+ man, and when it had stood in Rome vntill the people were wearie &
+ throughlie satisfied with the sight thereof, he caused it to be broken
+ all to peeces, and the tooth sent againe to the carcase fr[=o] whence
+ it came, willing them moreouer to couer it diligentlie, and in anie
+ wise not to dismember the corps, nor from thencefoorth to be so hardie
+ as to open the sepulchre anie more. Pausan. lib. 8. telleth in like
+ maner of Hiplodanus & his fellowes, who liued when Rhea was with child
+ of Osyris by Cham, and were called to hir aid at such time as she
+ feared to be molested by Hammon hir first husband, whilest she
+ [Sidenote: Grandiáque effossis mirabitur ossa sepulchris.]
+ remained vpon the Thoumasian hill, "In ipso loco," saith he,
+ "spectantur ossa maiora multo quàm vt humana existimari possunt, &c."
+ Of Protophanes who had but one great and broad bone in steed of all
+ his ribs on ech side I saie nothing, sith it concerneth not his
+ stature.
+
+ I could rehearse manie mo examples of the bodies of such men, out of
+ Solinus, Sabellicus, D. Cooper, and others. As of Oetas and Ephialtes,
+ who were said to be nine orgies or paces in heigth, and foure in
+ bredth, which are taken for so many cubits, bicause there is small
+ difference betwéene a mans ordinarie pace and his cubit, and finallie
+ of our Richard the first, who is noted to beare an axe in the wars,
+ the iron of whose head onelie weighed twentie pound after our greatest
+ weight, and whereof an old writer that I haue seene, saith thus:
+
+   This king Richard I vnderstand,
+   Yer he went out of England,
+   Let make an axe for the nones,
+   Therewith to cleaue the Saracens bones,
+   The head in sooth was wrought full weele,
+   Thereon were twentie pound of steele,
+   And when he came in Cyprus land,
+   That ilkon axe he tooke in hand, &c.
+
+ I could speake also of Gerards staffe or lance, yet to be seene in
+ Gerards hall at London in Basing lane, which is so great and long that
+ no man can beweld it, neither go to the top thereof without a ladder,
+ which of set purpose and for greater countenance of the wonder is
+ fixed by the same. I haue seene a man my selfe of seuen foot in
+ heigth, but lame of his legs. The chronicles also of Cogshall speake
+ of one in Wales, who was halfe a foot higher, but through infirmitie
+ and wounds not able to beweld himselfe. I might (if I thought good)
+ speake also of another of no lesse heigth than either of these and
+ liuing of late yeares, but these here remembred shall suffice to
+ prooue my purpose withall. I might tell you in like sort of the marke
+ stone which Turnus threw at Æneas, and was such as that twelue chosen
+ and picked men (saith Virgil),
+
+ [Sidenote: Vis vnita fortior est eadem dispersa.]
+
+   (Qualia nunc hominum producit corpora tellus)
+
+ were not able to stur and remooue out of the place: but I passe it
+ ouer, and diuerse of the like, concluding that these huge blocks were
+ ordeined and created by God: first for a testimonie vnto vs of his
+ power and might; and secondlie for a confirmation, that hugenes of
+ bodie is not to be accompted of as a part of our felicitie, sith they
+ which possessed the same, were not onelie tyrants, doltish, & euill
+ men, but also oftentimes ouercome euen by the weake & feeble. Finallie
+ they were such indéed as in whom the Lord delited not, according to
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 3, 36.]
+ the saieng of the prophet Baruch; "Ibi fuerunt gigantes nominati, illi
+ qui ab initio fuerunt statura magna, scientes bellum, hos non elegit
+ Dominus, neque illis viam disciplinæ dedit, propterea perierunt, et
+ quoniam non habuerunt sapientiam, interierunt propter suam
+ insipientiam, &c." that is, "There were the giants famous from the
+ beginning, that were of great stature and expert in warre, those did
+ not the Lord choose, neither gaue he the waie of knowledge vnto them,
+ but they were destroied, because they had no wisedome, and perished
+ through their owne foolishnesse." That the bodies of men also doo
+ [Sidenote: 4. _Esd. cap._ 5.]
+ dailie decaie in stature, beside Plinie lib. 7. Esdras likewise
+ confesseth lib. 4. cap. 5. whose authoritie is so good herein as that
+ of Homer or Plinie, who doo affirme so much, whereas Goropius still
+ continuing his woonted pertinacitie also in this behalfe, maketh his
+ proportion first by the old Romane foot, and then by his owne, &
+ therevpon concludeth that men in these daies be fullie so great as
+ euer they were, whereby as in the former dealing he thinketh it
+ nothing to conclude against the scriptures, chosen writers and
+ testimonies of the oldest pagans. But see how he would salue all at
+ last in the end of his Gigantomachia, where he saith, I denie not but
+ that od huge personages haue bene seene, as a woman of ten, and a man
+ of nine foot long, which I my selfe also haue beholden, but as now so
+ in old time the common sort did so much woonder at the like as we doo
+ at these, because they were seldome séene, and not commonlie to be
+ heard of.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THIS ILAND.
+
+ CAP. VI.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: British.]
+ What language came first with Samothes and afterward with Albion, and
+ the giants of his companie, it is hard for me to determine, sith
+ nothing of sound credit remaineth in writing, which may resolue vs in
+ [Sidenote: Small difference betweene the British
+ and Celtike languages.]
+ the truth hereof. Yet of so much are we certeine, that the speach of
+ the ancient Britons, and of the Celts, had great affinitie one with
+ another, so that they were either all one, or at leastwise such as
+ either nation with small helpe of interpretors might vnderstand other,
+ and readilie discerne what the speaker meant. Some are of the opinion
+ that the Celts spake Greeke, and how the British toong resembled the
+ same, which was spoken in Grecia before Homer did reforme it: but I
+ see that these men doo speake without authoritie and therefore I
+ reiect them, for if the Celts which were properlie called Galles did
+ speake Gréeke, why did Cesar in his letters sent to Rome vse that
+ language, because that if they should be intercepted they might not
+ vnderstand them, or why did he not vnderstand the Galles, he being so
+ skilfull in the language without an interpretor? Yet I denie not but
+ that the Celtish and British speaches might haue great affinitie one
+ with another, and the British aboue all other with the Greeke, for
+ both doo appéere by certeine words, as first in tri for three, march
+ for an horsse, & trimarchia, whereof Pausanias speaketh, for both.
+ Atheneus also writeth of Bathanasius a capitaine of the Galles, whose
+ name is méere British, compounded of Bath & Ynad, & signifieth a noble
+ or comelie iudge. And wheras he saith that the reliques of the Galles
+ tooke vp their first dwelling about Isther, and afterward diuided
+ themselues in such wise, that they which went and dwelled in Hungarie
+ were called Sordsai, and the other that inhabited within the dominion
+ of Tyroll) Brenni, whose seate was on the mount Brenhere parcell of
+ the Alpes, what else signifieth the word Iscaredich in British, from
+ whence the word Scordisci commeth, but to be diuided? Hereby then, and
+ sundrie other the like testimonies, I gather that the British and the
+ Celtish speaches had great affinitie one with another, as I said,
+ which Cesar (speaking of the similitude or likenesse of religion in
+ both nations) doth also auerre, & Tacitus in vita Agricolæ, in like
+ sort plainlie affirmeth, or else it must needs be that the Galles
+ which inuaded Italie and Greece were meere Britons, of whose likenes
+ of speech with the Gréeke toong I need not make anie triall, sith no
+ man (I hope) will readilie denie it. Appianus talking of the Brenni
+ calleth them Cymbres, and by this I gather also that the Celts and the
+ Britons were indifferentlie called Cymbri in their own language, or
+ else that the Britons were the right Cymbri, who vnto this daie doo
+ not refuse to be called by that name. Bodinus writing of the means by
+ which the originall of euerie kingdome and nation is to be had and
+ discerned, setteth downe thrée waies whereby the knowledge thereof is
+ to be found, one is (saith he) the infallible testimonie of the sound
+ writers, the other the description and site of the region, the third
+ the relikes of the ancient speech remaining in the same. Which later
+ if it be of any force, then I must conclude, that the spéech of the
+ Britons and Celts was sometime either all one or verie like one to
+ another, or else it must follow that the Britons ouerflowed the
+ continent vnder the name of Cymbres, being peraduenture associat in
+ this voiage, or mixed by inuasion with the Danes, and Norwegiens, who
+ are called Cymbri and Cymmerij, as most writers doo remember. This
+ also is euident (as Plutarch likewise confesseth In vita Marij) that
+ no man knew from whence the Cymbres came in his daies, and therfore I
+ beleeue that they came out of Britaine, for all the maine was well
+ knowne vnto them, I meane euen to the vttermost part of the north, as
+ may appeare furthermore by the slaues which were dailie brought from
+ thence vnto them, whom of their countries they called Daui for Daci,
+ Getæ for Gothes, &c: for of their conquests I need not make
+ rehearsall, sith they are commonlie knowne and remembred by the
+ writers, both of the Greekes and Latines.
+
+ [Sidenote: British corrupted by the Latine and Saxon speeches.]
+ The British toong called Camberaec dooth yet remaine in that part of
+ the Iland, which is now called Wales, whither the Britons were driuen
+ after the Saxons had made a full conquest of the other, which we now
+ call England, although the pristinate integritie thereof be not a
+ little diminished by mixture of the Latine and Saxon speaches withall.
+ Howbeit, manie poesies and writings (in making whereof that nation
+ hath euermore delited) are yet extant in my time, wherby some
+ difference betwéene the ancient and present language may easilie be
+ discerned, notwithstanding that among all these there is nothing to be
+ found, which can set downe anie sound and full testimonie of their
+ owne originall, in remembrance whereof, their Bards and cunning men
+ haue béene most slacke and negligent. Giraldus in praising the Britons
+ affirmeth that there is not one word in all their language, that is
+ not either Gréeke or Latine. Which being rightly vnderstanded and
+ conferred with the likenesse that was in old time betwéene the Celts &
+ the British toongs, will not a little helpe those that thinke the old
+ Celtish to haue some sauour of the Gréeke. But how soeuer that matter
+ standeth, after the British speach came once ouer into this Iland,
+ sure it is, that it could neuer be extinguished for all the attempts
+ that the Romans, Saxons, Normans, and Englishmen could make against
+ that nation, in anie maner of wise.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Britons diligent in petigrées.]
+ Petigrées and genealogies also the Welsh Britons haue plentie in their
+ owne toong, insomuch that manie of them can readilie deriue the same,
+ either from Brute or some of his band, euen vnto Æneas and other of
+ the Troians, and so foorth vnto Noah without anie maner of stop. But
+ as I know not what credit is to be giuen vnto them in this behalfe,
+ although I must néeds confesse that their ancient Bards were verie
+ diligent in there collection, and had also publike allowance or
+ salarie for the same; so I dare not absolutelie impugne their
+ assertions, sith that in times past all nations (learning it no doubt
+ of the Hebrues) did verie solemnelie preserue the catalogs of their
+ descents, thereby either to shew themselues of ancient and noble race,
+ or else to be descended from some one of the gods. But
+
+   Stemmata quid faciunt? quid prodest Pontice longo
+   Sanguine censeri? aut quid auorum ducere turmas? &c.
+
+ [Sidenote: Latine.]
+ Next vnto the British speach, the Latine toong was brought in by the
+ Romans, and in maner generallie planted through the whole region, as
+ the French was after by the Normans. Of this toong I will not say
+ much, bicause there are few which be not skilfull in the same.
+ Howbeit, as the speach it selfe is easie and delectable, so hath it
+ peruerted the names of the ancient riuers, regions, & cities of
+ Britaine in such wise, that in these our daies their old British
+ denominations are quite growne out of memorie, and yet those of the
+ new Latine left as most vncertaine. This remaineth also vnto my time,
+ borowed from the Romans, that all our déeds, euidences, charters, &
+ writings of record, are set downe in the Latine toong, though now
+ verie barbarous, and therevnto the copies and court-rolles, and
+ processes of courts and leets registred in the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Saxon toong.]
+ The third language apparantlie knowne is the Scithian or high Dutch,
+ induced at the first by the Saxons (which the Britons call Saysonaec,
+ as they doo the speakers Sayson) an hard and rough kind of speach, God
+ wot, when our nation was brought first into acquaintance withall, but
+ now changed with vs into a farre more fine and easie kind of
+ vtterance, and so polished and helped with new and milder words, that
+ it is to be aduouched how there is no one speach vnder the sunne
+ spoken in our time, that hath or can haue more varietie of words,
+ copie of phrases, or figures and floures of eloquence, than hath our
+ English toong, although some haue affirmed vs rather to barke as dogs,
+ than talke like men, bicause the most of our words (as they doo
+ indéed) incline vnto one syllable. This also is to be noted as a
+ testimonie remaining still of our language, deriued from the Saxons,
+ that the generall name for the most part of euerie skilfull artificer
+ in his trade endeth in Here with vs, albeit the H be left out, and er
+ onlie inserted, as Scriuenhere, writehere, shiphere, &c: for
+ scriuener, writer, and shipper, &c: beside manie other relikes of that
+ spéech, neuer to be abolished.
+
+ [Sidenote: The French toong.]
+ After the Saxon toong, came the Norman or French language ouer into
+ our countrie, and therein were our lawes written for a long time. Our
+ children also were by an especiall decrée taught first to speake the
+ same, and therevnto inforced to learne their constructions in the
+ French, whensoeuer they were set to the Grammar schoole. In like sort
+ few bishops, abbats, or other clergie men, were admitted vnto anie
+ ecclesiasticall function here among vs, but such as came out of
+ religious houses from beyond the seas, to the end they should not vse
+ the English toong in their sermons to the people. In the court also it
+ grew into such contempt, that most men thought it no small dishonor to
+ speake any English there. Which brauerie tooke his hold at the last
+ likewise in the countrie with euerie plowman, that euen the verie
+ carters began to wax wearie of there mother toong, & laboured to
+ speake French, which as then was counted no small token of gentilitie.
+ And no maruell, for euerie French rascall, when he came once hither,
+ was taken for a gentleman, onelie bicause he was proud, and could vse
+ his owne language, and all this (I say) to exile the English and
+ British speaches quite out of the countrie. But in vaine, for in the
+ time of king Edward the first, to wit, toward the latter end of his
+ reigne, the French it selfe ceased to be spoken generallie, but most
+ of all and by law in the midst of Edward the third, and then began the
+ English to recouer and grow in more estimation than before;
+ notwithstanding that among our artificers, the most part of their
+ implements, tooles and words of art reteine still their French
+ denominations euen to these our daies, as the language it selfe is
+ vsed likewise in sundrie courts, bookes of record, and matters of law;
+ whereof here is no place to make any particular rehearsall. Afterward
+ [Sidenote: The helpers of our English toong.]
+ also, by diligent trauell of Geffray Chaucer, and Iohn Gowre, in the
+ time of Richard the second, and after them of Iohn Scogan, and Iohn
+ Lydgate monke of Berrie, our said toong was brought to an excellent
+ passe, notwithstanding that it neuer came vnto the type of perfection,
+ vntill the time of Quéene Elizabeth, wherein Iohn Iewell B. of Sarum,
+ Iohn Fox, and sundrie learned & excellent writers haue fullie
+ accomplished the ornature of the same, to their great praise and
+ immortall commendation; although not a few other doo greatlie séeke to
+ staine the same, by fond affectation of forren and strange words,
+ presuming that to be the best English, which is most corrupted with
+ externall termes of eloquence, and sound of manie syllables. But as
+ this excellencie of the English toong is found in one, and the south
+ part of this Iland; so in Wales the greatest number (as I said)
+ retaine still their owne ancient language, that of the north part of
+ the said countrie being lesse corrupted than the other, and therefore
+ reputed for the better in their owne estimation and iudgement. This
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen apt to learne any forren toong.]
+ also is proper to vs Englishmen, that sith ours is a meane language,
+ and neither too rough nor too smooth in vtterance, we may with much
+ facilitie learne any other language, beside Hebrue, Gréeke & Latine,
+ and speake it naturallie, as if we were home-borne in those countries;
+ & yet on the other side it falleth out, I wot not by what other
+ meanes, that few forren nations can rightlie pronounce ours, without
+ some and that great note of imperfection, especiallie the French men,
+ who also seldome write any thing that sauoreth of English trulie. It
+ is a pastime to read how Natalis Comes in like maner, speaking of our
+ affaires, dooth clip the names of our English lords. But this of all
+ the rest dooth bréed most admiration with me, that if any stranger doo
+ hit vpon some likelie pronuntiation of our toong, yet in age he
+ swarueth so much from the same, that he is woorse therein than euer he
+ was, and thereto peraduenture halteth not a litle also in his owne, as
+ I haue séene by experience in Reginald Wolfe, and other, whereof I
+ haue iustlie maruelled.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Cornish toong.]
+ The Cornish and Deuonshire men, whose countrie the Britons call
+ Cerniw, haue a speach in like sort of their owne, and such as hath in
+ déed more affinitie with the Armoricane toong than I can well discusse
+ of. Yet in mine opinion, they are both but a corrupted kind of
+ Brittish, albeit so far degenerating in these daies from the old, that
+ if either of them doo méete with a Welshman, they are not able at the
+ first to vnderstand one an other, except here and there in some od
+ words, without the helpe of interpretors. And no maruell in mine
+ opinion that the British of Cornewall is thus corrupted, sith the
+ Welsh toong that is spoken in the north & south part of Wales, doth
+ differ so much in it selfe, as the English vsed in Scotland dooth from
+ that which is spoken among vs here in this side of the Iland, as I
+ haue said alreadie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Scottish english.]
+ The Scottish english hath beene much broader and lesse pleasant in
+ vtterance than ours, because that nation hath not till of late
+ indeuored to bring the same to any perfect order, and yet it was such
+ in maner, as Englishmen themselues did speake for the most part beyond
+ the Trent, whither any great amendement of our language had not as
+ then extended it selfe. Howbeit in our time the Scottish language
+ endeuoreth to come neere, if not altogither to match our toong in
+ finenesse of phrase, and copie of words, and this may in part appeare
+ by an historie of the Apocripha translated into Scottish verse by
+ Hudson, dedicated to the king of that countrie, and conteining sixe
+ books, except my memorie doo faile me.
+
+ Thus we sée how that vnder the dominion of the king of England, and in
+ the south parts of the realme, we haue thrée seuerall toongs, that is
+ to saie, English, British, and Cornish, and euen so manie are in
+ Scotland, if you accompt the English speach for one: notwithstanding
+ that for bredth and quantitie of the region, I meane onelie of the
+ soile of the maine Iland, it be somewhat lesse to see to than the
+ [Sidenote: The wild Scots.]
+ [Sidenote: Redshanks.]
+ [Sidenote: Rough footed Scots.]
+ [Sidenote: Irish Scots.]
+ [Sidenote: Irish speech.]
+ other. For in the north part of the region, where the wild Scots,
+ otherwise called the Redshanks, or rough footed Scots (because they go
+ bare footed and clad in mantels ouer their saffron shirts after the
+ Irish maner) doo inhabit, they speake good Irish which they call
+ Gachtlet, as they saie of one Gathelus, whereby they shew their
+ originall to haue in times past béene fetched out of Ireland: as I
+ noted also in the chapiter precedent, and wherevnto Vincentius cap. de
+ insulis Oceani dooth yéeld his assent, saieng that Ireland was in time
+ past called Scotia; "Scotia eadem (saith he) & Hibernia, proxima
+ Britanniæ insula, spatio terrarum angustior, sed situ f[oe]cundior;
+ Scotia autem à Scotorum gentibus traditur appellata, &c." Out of the
+ 14. booke of Isidorus intituled Originum, where he also addeth that it
+ is called Hybernia, because it bendeth toward Iberia. But I find
+ elsewhere that it is so called by certeine Spaniards which came to
+ seeke and plant their inhabitation in the same, wherof in my
+ Chronologie I haue spoken more at large.
+
+ In the Iles of the Orchades, or Orkeney, as we now call them, & such
+ coasts of Britaine as doo abbut vpon the same, the Gottish or Danish
+ speach is altogither in vse, and also in Shetland, by reason (as I
+ take it) that the princes of Norwaie held those Ilands so long vnder
+ their subiection, albeit they were otherwise reputed as rather to
+ belong to Ireland, bicause that the verie soile of them is enimie to
+ poison, as some write, although for my part I had neuer any sound
+ experience of the truth hereof. And thus much haue I thought good to
+ speake of our old speaches, and those fiue languages now vsuallie
+ spoken within the limits of our Iland.
+
+
+
+
+ INTO HOW MANIE KINGDOMS THIS ILAND HATH BEENE DIUIDED.
+
+ CAP. VII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Britaine at the first one entire kingdome.]
+ It is not to be doubted, but that at the first, the whole Iland was
+ ruled by one onelie prince, and so continued from time to time, vntill
+ ciuill discord, grounded vp[=o] ambitious desire to reigne, caused the
+ same to be gouerned by diuerse. And this I meane so well of the time
+ before the comming of Brute, as after the extinction of his whole race
+ & posteritie. Howbeit, as it is vncerteine into how manie regions it
+ was seuered, after the first partition; so it is most sure that this
+ latter disturbed estate of regiment, continued in the same, not onelie
+ vntill the time of Cæsar, but also in maner vnto the daies of Lucius,
+ with whome the whole race of the Britons had an end, and the Romans
+ full possession of this Iland, who gouerned it by Legats after the
+ maner of a prouince. It should séeme also that within a while after
+ the time of Dunwallon (who rather brought those foure princes that
+ vsurped in his time to obedience, than extinguished their titles, &
+ such partition as they had made of the Iland among themselues) each
+ great citie had hir fréedome and seuerall kind of regiment, proper
+ vnto hir selfe, beside a large circuit of the countrie appertinent
+ vnto the same, wherein were sundrie other cities also of lesse name,
+ which owght homage and all subiection vnto the greater sort. And to
+ saie truth, hereof it came to passe, that each of these regions,
+ whereinto this Iland was then diuided, tooke his name of some one of
+ these cities; although Ciuitas after Cæsar doth sometime signifie an
+ whole continent or kingdome, whereby there were in old time Tot
+ ciuitates quot regna, and contrariwise as may appeare by that of the
+ Trinobantes, which was so called of Trinobantum the chiefe citie of
+ that portion, whose territories conteined all Essex, Middlesex, and
+ part of Hertfordshire, euen as the iurisdiction of the bishop of
+ London is now extended, for the ouersight of such things as belong
+ vnto the church. Ech of the gouernors also of these regions, called
+ themselues kings, and therevnto either of them dailie made warre vpon
+ other, for the inlarging of their limits. But for somuch as I am not
+ able to saie how manie did challenge this authoritie at once, and how
+ long they reigned ouer their seuerall portions, I will passe ouer
+ these ancient times, and come néerer vnto our owne, I meane the 600.
+ yéere of Christ, whereof we haue more certeine notice, & at which
+ season there is euident proofe, that there were twelue or thirtéene
+ kings reigning in this Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wales diuided into three kingdomes.]
+ We find therefore for the first, how that Wales had hir thrée seuerall
+ kingdomes, which being accompted togither conteined (as Giraldus
+ saith) 49. cantreds or cantons (whereof thrée were in his time
+ possessed by the French and English) although that whole portion of
+ the Iland extended in those daies no farder than about 200. miles in
+ length, and one hundred in bredth, and was cut from Lhoegres by the
+ riuers Sauerne and Dee, of which two streames this dooth fall into the
+ Irish sea at Westchester, the other into the maine Ocean, betwixt
+ Somersetshire and Southwales, as their seuerall courses shall witnesse
+ more at large.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gwinhed.]
+ In the begining it was diuided into two kingdoms onelie, that is to
+ saie, Venedotia or Gwynhedh (otherwise called Dehenbarth) and Demetia,
+ for which we now vse most c[=o]monlie the names of South & Northwales.
+ But in a short processe of time a third sprung vp in the verie middest
+ betwéene them both, which from thence-foorth was called Powisy, as
+ shalbe shewed hereafter. For Roderijc the great, who flourished 850.
+ of Christ, and was king of all Wales (which then conteined onlie six
+ regions) leauing thrée sons behind him, by his last will & testament
+ diuided the countrie into thrée portions, according to the number of
+ his children, of which he assigned one vnto either of them, wherby
+ Morwing or Morwinner had Gwynhedh or Northwales, Cadelh Demetia or
+ Southwales, and Anaralt Powisy, as Giraldus and other doo remember.
+ Howbeit it came to passe that after this diuision, Cadelh suruiued all
+ his brethren, and thereby became lord of both their portions, and his
+ successors after him vntill the time of Teuther or Theodor (all is
+ one) after which they were contented to kéepe themselues within the
+ compasse of Demetia, which (as I said) conteined 29. of those 49.
+ cantreds before mentioned, as Powisy did six, and Gwinhedh fourtéene,
+ except my memorie doo faile me.
+
+ [Sidenote: Venedotia.]
+ The first of these thrée, being called (as I said) Northwales or
+ Venedotia (or as Paulus Iouius saith Malfabrene, for he diuideth Wales
+ also into thrée regions, of which he calleth the first Dumbera, the
+ second Berfrona, and the third Malfabrene) lieth directlie ouer
+ [Sidenote: Anglesei.]
+ against the Ile of Anglesei, the chiefe citie whereof stood in the Ile
+ of Anglesei and was called Aberfraw. It conteineth 4. regions, of
+ which the said Iland is the first, and whereof in the chapter insuing
+ [Sidenote: Arfon.]
+ I wille intreat more at large. The second is called Arfon, and situate
+ [Sidenote: Merioneth.]
+ betweene two riuers, the Segwy and the Conwy. The third is Merioneth,
+ and as it is seuered from Arfon by the Conwy, so is it separated from
+ [Sidenote: Stradcluyd or Tegenia.]
+ Tegenia (otherwise called Stradcluyd and Igenia the fourth region) by
+ the riuer Cluda. Finallie, the limits of this latter are extended also
+ euen vnto the Dée it selfe, and of these foure regions consisteth the
+ kingdome of Venedotia, whereof in times past the region of the Canges
+ was not the smallest portion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Powisy.]
+ The kingdome of Powisy, last of all erected, as I said, hath on the
+ north side Gwinhedh, on the east (from Chester to Hereford, or rather
+ to Deane forest) England, on the south and west the riuer Wy and verie
+ high hilles, whereby it is notablie seuered from Southwales, the
+ chiefe citie thereof being at the first Salopsburg, in old time
+ Pengwerne, and Ynwithig, but now Shrowesburie, a citie or towne raised
+ out of the ruines of Vricouium, which (standing 4. miles from thence,
+ and by the Saxons called Wrekencester and Wrokecester, before they
+ ouerthrew it) is now inhabited with méere English, and where in old
+ time the kings of Powisy did dwell and hold their palaces, till
+ Englishmen draue them from thence to Matrauall in the same prouince,
+ where they from thencefoorth aboad. Vpon the limits of this kingdome,
+ and not far from Holt castell, vpon ech side of the riuer, as the
+ [Sidenote: Bangor.]
+ chanell now runneth, stood sometime the famous monasterie of Bangor,
+ whilest the abated glorie of the Britons yet remained vnextinguished,
+ and herein were 2100. monkes, of which, the learned sort did preach
+ the Gospell, and the vnlearned labored with their hands, thereby to
+ mainteine themselues, and to sustaine their preachers. This region was
+ in like sort diuided afterward in twaine, of which, the one was called
+ [Sidenote: Mailrosse.]
+ Mailor or Mailrosse, the other reteined still hir old denomination,
+ and of these the first laie by south, & the latter by north of the
+ Sauerne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fowkes de Warren.]
+ As touching Mailrosse, I read moreouer in the gests of Fowkes de
+ Warren, how that one William sonne to a certeine ladie sister to Paine
+ Peuerell, the first lord of Whittington, after the conquest did win a
+ part of the same, and the hundred of Ellesmore from the Welshmen, in
+ which enterprise he was so desperatlie wounded, that no man hight him
+ life; yet at the last by eating of the shield of a wild bore, he got
+ an appetite and recouered his health. This William had issue two
+ [Sidenote: Helene.]
+ [Sidenote: Mellent.]
+ daughters, to wit, Helene maried to the heir of the Alans, and Mellent
+ which refused mariage with anie man, except he were first tried to be
+ a knight of prowesse. Herevpon hir father made proclamation, that
+ against such a daie & at such a place, whatsoeuer Gentleman could shew
+ himselfe most valiant in the field, should marrie Mellent his
+ daughter, & haue with hir his castell of Whittington with sufficient
+ liueliehood to mainteine their estates for euer. This report being
+ spred, Fowkes de Warren came thither all in red, with a shield of
+ siluer and pecocke for his crest, whereof he was called the red
+ knight, and there ouercomming the kings sonne of Scotland, and a Baron
+ of Burgundie, he maried the maid, and by hir had issue as in the
+ treatise appeareth. There is yet great mention of the red knight in
+ the countrie there about; and much like vnto this Mellent was the
+ daughter sometime of one of the lord Rosses, called Kudall, who bare
+ [Sidenote: The originall of Fitz Henries.]
+ such good will to Fitz-Henrie clarke of hir fathers kitchen, that she
+ made him carie hir awaie on horssebacke behind him, onlie for his
+ manhood sake, which presentlie was tried. For being pursued & ouer
+ taken, she made him light, & held his cloke whilest he killed and
+ draue hir fathers men to flight: and then awaie they go, till hir
+ father conceiuing a good opinion of Fitz-Henrie for this act, receiued
+ him to his fauour, whereby that familie came vp. And thus much (by the
+ waie) of Mailrosse, whereof this may suffice, sith mine intent is not
+ as now to make anie precise description of the particulars of Wales;
+ but onelie to shew how those regions laie, which sometime were knowne
+ [Sidenote: Demetia.]
+ to be gouerned in that countrie. The third kingdome is Demetia, or
+ Southwales, sometime knowne for the region of the Syllures, wherevnto
+ I also am persuaded, that the Ordolukes laie in the east part thereof,
+ and extended their region euen vnto the Sauerne: but howsoeuer that
+ matter falleth out, Demetia hath the Sauerne on hir south, the Irish
+ sea on hir west parts, on the east the Sauerne onelie, and by north
+ the land of Powisy, whereof I spake of late.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cair Maridunum.]
+ Of this region also Caermarden, which the old writers call Maridunum,
+ was the chéefe citie and palace belonging to the kings of Southwales,
+ vntill at the last through forren and ciuill inuasions of enimies, the
+ princes thereof were constrained to remooue their courts to Dinefar
+ (which is in Cantermawr, and situate neuerthelesse vpon the same riuer
+ Tewy, wheron Caermarden standeth) in which place it is far better
+ defended with high hils, thicke woods, craggie rocks, and déepe
+ marises. In this region also lieth Pembroke aliàs Penmoroc shire,
+ whose fawcons haue béene in old time very much regarded, and therein
+ likewise is Milford hauen, whereof the Welsh wisards doo yet dreame
+ strange toies, which they beleeue shall one daie come to passe. For
+ they are a nation much giuen to fortelling of things to come, but more
+ to beléeue such blind prophesies as haue béene made of old time, and
+ no man is accompted for learned in Wales that is not supposed to haue
+ the spirit of prophesie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pictland.]
+ [Sidenote: Scotland.]
+ [Sidenote: Picts.]
+ [Sidenote: Scots.]
+ That Scotland had in those daies two kingdoms, (besides that of the
+ Orchades) whereof the one consisted of the Picts, and was called
+ Pightland or Pictland, the other of the Irish race, and named
+ Scotland: I hope no wise man will readilie denie. The whole region or
+ portion of the Ile beyond the Scotish sea also was so diuided, that
+ the Picts laie on the east side, and the Scots on the west, ech of
+ them being seuered from other, either by huge hils or great lakes and
+ riuers, that ran out of the south into the north betwéene them. It
+ séemeth also that at the first these two kingdoms were diuided from
+ the rest of those of the Britons by the riuers Cluda and Forth, till
+ both of them desirous to inlarge their dominions, draue the Britons
+ ouer the Solue and the Twede, which then became march betweene both
+ the nations. Wherefore the case being so plaine, I will saie no more
+ of these two, but procéed in order with the rehersall of the rest of
+ the particular kingdoms of this our south part of the Ile, limiting
+ out the same by shires as they now lie, so néere as I can, for
+ otherwise it shall be vnpossible for me to leaue certaine notice of
+ the likeliest quantities of these their seuerall portions.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kent Henghist.]
+ The first of these kingdoms therefore was begunne in Kent by Henghist
+ in the 456. of Christ, and thereof called the kingdome of Kent or
+ Cantwarland, and as the limits thereof extended it selfe no farther
+ than the said countie (the cheefe citie whereof was Dorobernia or
+ Cantwarbyry now Canturburie) so it indured well néere by the space of
+ 400. yeares, before it was made an earledome or Heretochie, and vnited
+ by Inas vnto that of the West Saxons, Athelstane his sonne, being the
+ first Earle or Heretoch of the same. Maister Lambert in his historie
+ of Kent dooth gather, by verie probable coniectures, that this part of
+ the Iland was first inhabited by Samothes, and afterward by Albion.
+ But howsoeuer that case standeth, sure it is that it hath béen the
+ onelie doore, whereby the Romans and Saxons made their entrie vnto the
+ conquest of the region, but first of all Cæsar, who entred into this
+ Iland vpon the eightéenth Cal. or 14. of September, which was foure
+ daies before the full of the moone, as he himselfe confesseth, and
+ then fell out about the 17. or 18. of that moneth, twelue daies before
+ the equinoctiall (apparant) so that he did not tarrie at that time
+ aboue eight or ten daies in Britaine. And as this platforme cannot be
+ denied for his entrance, so the said region and east part of Kent, was
+ the onelie place by which the knowledge of Christ was first brought
+ ouer vnto vs, whereby we became partakers of saluation, and from the
+ darkenesse of mistie errour, true conuerts vnto the light and bright
+ beames of the shining truth, to our eternall benefit and euerlasting
+ comforts.
+
+ [Sidenote: Southsax.]
+ [Sidenote: Ella.]
+ The second kingdome conteined onelie Sussex, and a part of (or as some
+ saie all) Surrie, which Ella the Saxon first held: who also erected
+ his chéefe palace at Chichester, when he had destroied Andredswald in
+ the 492. of Christ. And after it had continued by the space of 232.
+ years, it ceased, being the verie least kingdome of all the rest,
+ which were founded in this Ile after the comming of the Saxons (for to
+ saie truth, it conteined little aboue 7000. families) & within a while
+ after the erection of the kingdome of the Gewisses or Westsaxons,
+ notwithstanding that before the kings of Sussex pretended and made
+ claime to all that which laie west of Kent, and south of the Thames,
+ vnto the point of Corinwall, as I haue often read.
+
+ [Sidenote: Eastsax.]
+ [Sidenote: Erkenwiin.]
+ The third regiment was of the East Saxons, or Tribonantes. This
+ kingdome began vnder Erkenwijn, whose chéefe seat was in London (or
+ rather Colchester) and conteined whole Essex, Middlesex, and part of
+ Herfordshire. It indured also much about the pricke of 303. yeares,
+ and was diuided from that of the East Angles onlie by the riuer
+ Stoure, as Houeden and others doo report, & so it continueth separated
+ from Suffolke euen vnto our times, although the said riuer be now
+ growne verie small, and not of such greatnesse as it hath béene in
+ times past, by reason that our countriemen make small accompt of
+ riuers, thinking carriage made by horsse and cart to be the lesse
+ chargeable waie. But herin how far they are deceiued, I will
+ else-where make manifest declaration.
+
+ [Sidenote: Westsax.]
+ The fourth kingdome was of the West Saxons, and so called, bicause it
+ laie in the west part of the realme, as that of Essex did in the east,
+ [Sidenote: Cerdiic.]
+ and of Sussex in the south. It began in the yeare of Grace 519. vnder
+ Cerdijc, and indured vntill the comming of the Normans, including at
+ the last all Wiltshire, Barkeshire, Dorset, Southampton,
+ Somersetshire, Glocestershire, some part of Deuonshire (which the
+ Britons occupied not) Cornewall, and the rest of Surrie, as the best
+ authors doo set downe. At the first it conteined onelie Wiltshire,
+ Dorcetshire, and Barkeshire, but yer long the princes thereof
+ conquered whatsoeuer the kings of Sussex and the Britons held vnto the
+ point of Cornewall, and then became first Dorchester (vntill the time
+ of Kinigils) then Winchester the chéefe citie of that kingdome. For
+ when Birinus the moonke came into England, the said Kinigils gaue him
+ Dorchester, and all the land within seauen miles about, toward the
+ maintenance of his cathedrall sea, by meanes whereof he himselfe
+ remooued his palace to Winchester.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brennicia, aliàs Northumberland.]
+ The fift kingdome began vnder Ida, in the 548. of Christ, and was
+ called Northumberland, bicause it laie by north of the riuer Humber.
+ [Sidenote: Ida.]
+ And from the comming of Henghist to this Ida, it was onlie gouerned by
+ earls or Heretoches as an Heretochy, till the said Ida conuerted it
+ into a kingdome. It conteined all that region which (as it should
+ séeme) was in time past either wholie apperteining to the Brigants, or
+ whereof the said Brigants did possesse the greater part. The cheefe
+ citie of the same in like maner was Yorke, as Beda, Capgraue, Leyland,
+ and others doo set downe, who ad thereto that it extended from the
+ Humber vnto the Scotish sea, vntill the slaughter of Egfride of the
+ Northumbers, after which time the Picts gat hold of all, betweene the
+ Forth and the Twede, which afterward descending to the Scots by meanes
+ of the vtter destruction of the Picts, hath not béene sithens vnited
+ to the crowne of England, nor in possession of the meere English, as
+ before time it had béene. Such was the crueltie of these Picts also in
+ their recouerie of the same, that at a certeine houre they made a
+ Sicilien euensong, and slew euerie English man, woman and child, that
+ they could laie hold vpon within the aforesaid region, but some
+ escaped narrowlie, and saued themselues by flight.
+
+ [Sidenote: Deira.]
+ Afterward in the yeare of Grace 560. it was parted in twaine, vnder
+ Adda, that yeelded vp all his portion, which lay betweene Humber and
+ [Sidenote: Ella.]
+ the Tine vnto his brother Ella (according to their fathers
+ appointment) who called it Deira, or Southumberland, but reteining the
+ rest still vnto his owne vse, he diminished not his title, but wrote
+ himselfe as before king of all Northumberland. Howbeit after 91.
+ yeares, it was revnited againe, and so continued vntill Alfred annexed
+ the whole to his kingdome, in the 331. after Ida, or 878. of the birth
+ of Jesus Christ our Sauiour.
+
+ [Sidenote: Eastangles Offa, à quo Offlingæ.]
+ The seauenth kingdome, called of the East-Angles, began at Norwich in
+ the 561. after Christ, vnder Offa, of whom the people of that region
+ were long time called Offlings. This included all Norfolke, Suffolke,
+ Cambridgeshire, and Elie, and continuing 228. yeares, it flourished
+ onelie 35. yeares in perfect estate of liberte, the rest being
+ consumed vnder the tribut and vassallage of the Mercians, who had the
+ souereigntie thereof, and held it with great honour, till the Danes
+ gat hold of it, who spoiled it verie sore, so that it became more
+ miserable than any of the other, and so remained till the kings of the
+ West-saxons vnited it to their crownes. Some saie that Grantcester,
+ but now Cambridge (a towne erected out of hir ruines) was the chéefe
+ citie of this kingdome, and not Norwich. Wherein I may well shew the
+ discord of writers, but I cannot resolue the scruple. Some take this
+ region also to be all one with that of the Icenes, but as yet for my
+ part I cannot yeeld to their assertions, I meane it of Leland
+ himselfe, whose helpe I vse chéefelie in these collections, albeit in
+ this behalfe I am not resolued that he doth iudge aright.
+
+ The 8. & last was that of Mertia, which indured 291. yeares, and for
+ greatnesse exceeded all the rest. It tooke the name either of Mearc
+ the Saxon word, bicause it was march to the rest (and trulie, the
+ limits of most of the other kingdomes abutted vpon the same) or else
+ [Sidenote: Mertia.]
+ for that the lawes of Martia the Queene were first vsed in that part
+ of the Iland. But as this later is but a méere coniecture of some, so
+ [Sidenote: Creodda.]
+ the said kingdome began vnder Creodda, in the 585. of Christ, &
+ indured well néere 300. yeares before it was vnited to that of the
+ West-saxons by Alfred, then reigning in this Ile. Before him the Danes
+ had gotten hold thereof, and placed one Ceolulph an idiot in the same;
+ but as he was soone reiected for his follie, so it was not long after
+ yer the said Alfred (I saie) annexed it to his kingdome by his
+ [Sidenote: Limits of Mertia.]
+ manhood. The limits of the Mertian dominions included Lincolne,
+ Northampton, Chester, Darbie, Nottingham, Stafford, Huntington,
+ Rutland, Oxford, Buckingham, Worcester, Bedford shires, and the
+ greatest part of Shropshire (which the Welsh occupied not) Lancaster,
+ Glocester, Hereford (alias Hurchford) Warwijc and Hertford shires: the
+ rest of whose territories were holden by such princes of other
+ kingdomes through force as bordered vpon the same. Moreouer, this
+ kingdome was at one time diuided into south and north Mertia, whereof
+ this laie beyond and the other on this side of the Trent, which later
+ also Oswald of Northumberland did giue to Weada the sonne of Penda for
+ kindred sake, though he not long inioied it. This also is worthie to
+ be noted, that in these eight kingdomes of the Saxons, there were
+ twelue princes reputed in the popish Catalog for saints or martyrs, of
+ which Alcimund, Edwine, Oswald, Oswijn and Aldwold reigned in
+ Northumberland; Sigebert, Ethelbert, Edmond, and another Sigebert
+ among the Estangels; Kenelme and Wistan in Mertia; and Saint Edward
+ the confessor, ouer all; but how worthilie, I referre me to the
+ iudgement of the learned. Thus much haue I thought good to leaue in
+ memorie of the aforesaid kingdomes: and now will I speake somewhat of
+ the diuision of this Iland also into prouinces, as the Romanes seuered
+ it whiles they remained in these parts. Which being done, I hope that
+ I haue discharged whatsoeuer is promised in the title of this chapter.
+
+ The Romans therefore hauing obteined the possession of this Iland,
+ diuided the same at the last into fiue prouinces, as Vibius Sequester
+ [Sidenote: Britannia prima.]
+ saith. The first whereof was named Britannia prima, and conteined the
+ east part of England (as some doo gather) from the Trent vnto the
+ [Sidenote: Valentia.]
+ Twede. The second was called Valentia or Valentiana, and included the
+ west side, as they note it, from Lirpoole vnto Cokermouth. The third
+ [Sidenote: Britannia secunda.]
+ hight Britannia secunda, and was that portion of the Ile which laie
+ [Sidenote: Flauia Cæsariensis.]
+ southwards, betwéene the Trent and the Thames. The fourth was surnamed
+ Flauia Cæsariensis, and conteined all the countrie which remained
+ betweene Douer and the Sauerne, I meane by south of the Thames, and
+ wherevnto (in like sort) Cornewall and Wales were orderlie assigned.
+ [Sidenote: Maxima Cæsariensis.]
+ The fift and last part was then named Maxima Cæsariensis, now
+ Scotland, the most barren of all the rest, and yet not vnsought out of
+ the gréedie Romanes, bicause of the great plentie of fish and foule,
+ fine alabaster and hard marble that are ingendred and to be had in the
+ same, for furniture of houshold and curious building, wherein they
+ much delited. More hereof in Sextus Rufus, who liued in the daies of
+ Valentine, and wrate Notitiam prouinciarum now extant to be read.
+
+
+     _A Catalog of the kings and princes of this Iland, first from
+     Samothes vnto the birth of our sauiour Christ, or rather the
+     comming of the Romans: secondlie of their Legates: thirdlie
+     of the Saxon princes according to their seuerall kingdomes:
+     fourthlie of the Danes, and lastlie of the Normans and English
+     princes, according to the truth conteined in our Histories._
+
+ OF THE KINGS OF BRITAINE, FROM SAMOTHES TO BRUTE.
+
+   Samothes.
+   Magus.
+   Sarronius.
+   Druiyus.
+   Bardus.
+   Longho.
+   Bardus Iunior.
+   Lucus.
+   Celtes.
+     Albion.
+   Celtes after Albion slaine.
+   Galates.
+   Harbon.
+   Lugdus.
+   Beligius.
+   Iasius.
+   Allobrox.
+   Romus.
+   Paris.
+   Lemanus.
+   Olbius.
+   Galates. 2.
+   Nannes.
+   Remis.
+   Francus.
+   Pictus.
+
+     After whom Brute entreth into the Iland, either neglected by the
+     Celts, or otherwise by conquest, and reigned therein with
+     his posteritie by the space of 636. yeares, in such order as
+     foloweth.
+
+   Brute.
+   Locrinus.
+   Gwendolena his widow.
+   Madan.
+   Mempricius.
+   Ebracus.
+   Brutus Iunior.
+   Leil.
+   Rudibras.
+   Bladunus.
+   Leir.
+   Cordeil his daughter.
+   Cunedach and Morgan.
+   Riuallon.
+   Gurgustius.
+   Sisillus.
+   Iago.
+   Kimmachus.
+   Gorbodug.
+   Ferres and Porrex.
+
+     These 2. being slaine, the princes of the land straue for the
+     superioritie and regiment of the same, by the space of 50.
+     yéeres (after the race of Brute was decaied) vntill Dunwallon
+     king of Cornwall subdued them all, & brought the whole to his
+     subiection, notwithstanding that the aforesaid number of kings
+     remained still, which were but as vassals & inferiours to him,
+     he being their chéefe and onelie souereigne.
+
+   Dunwallon reigneth.
+   Belinus his sonne, in whose time Brennus vsurpeth.
+   Gurgwinbatrus.
+   Guittellinus.
+   Seisili.
+   Kymarus.
+   Owan aliàs Ellan.
+   Morwich aliàs Morindus.
+   Grandobodian aliàs Gorbonian.
+   Arcigallon.
+   Elidurus aliàs Hesidor.
+   Arcigallon againe.
+   Elidurus againe.
+   Vigen aliàs Higanius, & Petitur aliàs Peridurus.
+   Elidurus the third time.
+   Gorbodia aliàs Gorbonian.
+   Morgan.
+   Meriones aliàs Eighuans.
+   Idouallon.
+   Rhimo Rohugo.
+   Geruntius Voghen.
+   Catellus.
+   Coellus.
+   Pyrrho aliàs Porrex.
+   Cherinus.
+   Fulganius aliàs Sulgenis.
+   Eldadus.
+   Androgius.
+   Vrian.
+   Hellindus.
+   Dedantius Eldagan.
+   Clotenis Claten.
+   Gurguintus.
+   Merian.
+   Bledunus Bledagh.
+   Cophenis.
+   Owinus aliàs Oghwen.
+   Sisillus or Sitsiltus.
+   Blegabridus.
+   Arcimalus Archiuall.
+   Eldadus.
+   Ruthenis thrée moneths.
+   Rodingarus aliàs Rodericus.
+   Samulius Penysell.
+   Pyrrho 2.
+   Carporis aliàs Capporis.
+   Dynellus aliàs Dygnellus.
+   Hellindus a few moneths.
+   Lhoid.
+   Casibellane.
+   Theomantius.
+   Cynobellinus.
+   Aruiragus.
+   Marius.
+   Coellus.
+   Lucius.
+
+     Hitherto I haue set foorth the catalog of the kings of Britaine,
+     in such sort as it is to be collected out of the most ancient
+     histories, monuments and records of the land. Now I will
+     set foorth the order and succession of the Romane legates or
+     deputies, as I haue borowed them first out of Tacitus, then
+     Dion, and others: howbeit I cannot warrant the iust course of
+     them from Iulius Agricola forward, bicause there is no man that
+     reherseth them orderlie. Yet by this my dooing herein, I hope
+     some better table may be framed hereafter by other, wherof I
+     would be glad to vnderstand when soeuer it shall please God that
+     it may come to passe.
+
+   Aulus Plautius.
+   Ostorius Scapula.
+   Didius Gallus.
+   Auitus.
+   Veranius a few moneths.
+   Petronius Turpilianus.
+   Trebellius Maximus.
+   Vectius Volanus.
+   Petilius Cerealis.
+   Iulius Frontinus.
+   Iulius Agricola.
+
+     Hitherto Cornelius Tacitus reherseth these vicegerents or
+     deputies in order.
+
+   Salustius Lucullus.
+   Cneius Trebellius.
+   Suetonius Paulinus.
+   Calphurnius Agricola.
+   Publius Trebellius.
+   Pertinax Helrius.
+   Vlpius Marcellus.
+   Clodius Albinas.
+   Heraclius.
+   Carus Tyrannus.
+   Iunius Seuerus, aliàs Iulius Seuerus.
+   Linius Gallus.
+   Lollius Vrbicus.
+   Maximus.
+   Octauius.
+   Traherus.
+   Maximinianus.
+   Gratianus.
+   Aetius.
+
+     Other Legates whose names are taken out of the Scotish historie
+     but in incertein order.
+
+   Fronto sub Antonino.
+   Publius Trebellius.
+   Aulus Victorinus.
+   Lucius Antinoris.
+   Quintus Bassianus.
+
+
+ WALES
+
+ 1.
+
+     ¶ The Romans not regarding the gouernance of this Iland, the
+     Britons ordeine a king in the 447. after the incarnation of
+     Christ.
+
+   Vortiger.
+   Vortimer.
+   Aurelius Ambrosius.
+   Vther.
+   Arthur.
+   Constantine.
+   Aurelius Conanus.
+   Vortiporius.
+   Maglocunus.
+   Caretius.
+   Cadwan.
+   Cadwallon.
+   Cadwallader.
+
+     ¶ The kingdome of Wales ceaseth, and the gouernance of the
+     countrie is translated to the Westsaxons by Inas, whose second
+     wife was Denwalline the daughter of Cadwallader: & with hir
+     he not onlie obteined the principalitie of Wales but also of
+     Corinwall & Armorica now called little Britaine, which then was
+     a colonie of the Britons, and vnder the kingdome of Wales.
+
+
+ KENT.
+
+ 2.
+
+     ¶ Hengist in the 9. of the recouerie of Britaine proclaimeth
+     himselfe king of Kent, which is the 456. of the birth of our
+     Lord & sauior Jesus Christ.
+
+   Hengist.
+   Osrijc aliàs Osca.
+   Osca his brother.
+   Ermenricus.
+   Athelbert.
+   Eadbaldus.
+   Ercombert.
+   Ecbert.
+   Lother.
+   Edrijc.
+
+     The seat void.
+
+   Withredus.
+   Adelbert Iunior.
+   Eadbert.
+   Alrijc.
+   Eadbert.
+   Guthred.
+   Alred.
+
+     ¶ As the kingdome of Wales was vnited vnto that of the
+     Westsaxons by Inas, so is the kingdom of Kent, at this present
+     by Ecbert in the 827. of Christ, who putteth out Aldred and
+     maketh Adelstane his owne base sonne Hertoch of the same,
+     so that whereas it was before a kingdome, now it becometh an
+     Hertochie or Dukedome, and so continueth for a long time after.
+
+
+ SOUTHSEX.
+
+ 3.
+
+     ¶ Ella in the 46. after Britaine giuen ouer by the Romanes
+     erecteth a kingdom in Southsex, to wit, in the 492. of Christ
+     whose race succeedeth in this order.
+
+   Ella.
+   Cyssa.
+   Ceaulijn.
+   Celrijc.
+   Kilwulf.
+   Kinigils.
+   Kinwalch.
+   Ethelwold.
+   Berthun.
+   Aldwijn.
+
+     ¶ This kingdome endured not verie long as ye may sée, for it was
+     vnited to that of the Westsaxons by Inas, in the 4689. of the
+     world, which was the 723. of Christ, according to the vsuall
+     supputation of the church, and 232. after Ella had erected the
+     same, as is aforesaid.
+
+
+ ESTSEX.
+
+ 4.
+
+     ¶ Erkenwijn in the 527. after our sauiour Christ beginneth to
+     reigne ouer Estsex, and in the 81. after the returne of Britaine
+     from the Romaine obedience.
+
+   Erkenwijn.
+   Sledda.
+   Sebertus.
+   Sepredus and Sywardus.
+   Sigebert fil. Syward.
+   Sigebert.
+   Swithelijn.
+   Sijgar and Sebba.
+   Sebba alone.
+   Sijgard.
+   Offa.
+   Selredus.
+   Ethelwold.
+   Albert.
+   Humbcanna.
+   Sinthredus.
+
+     ¶ In the 303. after Erkenwijn, Ecbert of the Westsaxons vnited
+     the kingdome of Estsex vnto his owne, which was in the 828.
+     after the birth of our sauiour Christ. I cannot as yet find the
+     exact yéeres of the later princes of this realme, and therefore
+     I am constrained to omit them altogither, as I haue done before
+     in the kings of the Britons, vntill such time as I may come by
+     such monuments as may restore the defect.
+
+
+ WESTSEX.
+
+ 5.
+
+     ¶ Cerdijc entreth the kingdome of the Westsaxons, in the 519.
+     of the birth of Christ, & 73. of the abiection of the Romaine
+     seruitude.
+
+   Cerdijc aliàs Cercit.
+   Cenrijc.
+   Ceaulijn.
+   Kilriic aliàs Celrijc.
+   Kilwulf.
+   Kinigils.
+   Ceuwalch.
+   Sexburgh.
+
+     The seat void.
+
+   Centwinus.
+   Cadwallader.
+   Inas.
+   Ethelard.
+   Cuthredus.
+   Sigebert.
+   Kinwulf.
+   Brithrijc.
+   Ecbert.
+   Ethelwulf.
+   Ethebald.
+   Ethelbert.
+   Ethelfrid.
+   Alfrid.
+   Edward I.
+   Adelstane.
+   Edmund.
+   Eadred.
+   Edwijn.
+   Edgar.
+   Edward 2.
+   Eldred.
+   Edmund 2.
+   Canutus.
+   Harald.
+   Canutus 2.
+   Edward 3.
+   Harald 2.
+
+     ¶ The Saxons hauing reigned hitherto in this land, and brought
+     the same into a perfect monarchie, are now dispossessed by the
+     Normans, & put out of their hold.
+
+
+ BERNICIA.
+
+ 6.
+
+     ¶ Ida erecteth a kingdome in the North, which he extended from
+     the Humber mouth to S. Johns towne in Scotland, & called it of
+     the Northumbers. This was in the 547. after the birth of our
+     sauiour Christ.
+
+   Ida.
+   Adda.
+   Glappa.
+   Tidwaldus.
+   Fretwulfus.
+   Tidrijc.
+   Athelfrid.
+   Edwijn.
+   Kinfrid.
+   Oswald.
+   Oswy.
+   Egfrid.
+   Alfrid.
+   Osred.
+   Kinred.
+   Osrijc.
+   Kilwulf.
+   Edbert.
+   Offulse.
+   Ethelwold.
+   Elred.
+   Ethelred.
+   Alswold.
+   Osred.
+   Ethelred.
+   Osbald.
+   Eardulf.
+   Aldeswold.
+   Eandred.
+   Edelred.
+   Redwulf.
+   Edelred againe.
+   Osbright.
+   Ecbert.
+   Ricisiuus a Dane.
+   Ecbert againe.
+
+     ¶ Alfride king of the Westsaxons subdueth this kingdome in the
+     878. after our sauiour Christ, and 33. after Ida.
+
+
+ DEIRA.
+
+ 7.
+
+     ¶ Ella brother to Adda is ouer the south Humbers, whose
+     kingdome reched from Humber to the These, in the 590. after the
+     incarnation of Jesus Christ our sauiour.
+
+   Ella.
+   Edwijn.
+   Athelbright.
+   Edwijn againe.
+   Osrijc.
+   Oswald.
+   Oswijn.
+
+     ¶ Of all the kingdomes of the Saxons, this of Deira which grew
+     by the diuision of the kingdome of the Northumbers betwéene the
+     sons of Ida was of the smallest continuance, & it was vnited
+     to the Northumbers (wherof it had bene I saie in time past
+     a member) by Oswijn in the 91. after Ella, when he had most
+     traitorouslie slaine his brother Oswijn in the yéer of the
+     world, 4618. (or 651. after the comming of Christ) and conteined
+     that countrie which we now call the bishoprike.
+
+
+ ESTANGLIA.
+
+ 8.
+
+     ¶ Offa or Vffa erecteth a kingdome ouer the Estangles or
+     Offlings in the 561. after the natiuitie of Christ, and 114.
+     after the deliuerie of Britaine.
+
+   Offa.
+   Titellius.
+   Redwaldus.
+   Corpenwaldus.
+
+     The seat void.
+
+   Sigebert.
+   Egricus.
+   Anna.
+   Adeler.
+   Ethelwold.
+   Adwulf.
+   Beorne.
+   Ethelred.
+   Ethelbert.
+
+     ¶ Offa of Mercia killeth Ethelbert, and vniteth Estanglia vnto
+     his owne kingdome, in the 793. of Christ, after it had continued
+     in the posteritie of Offa, by the space of 228. yéers and yet
+     of that short space, it enioyed onelie 35. in libertie, the rest
+     being vnder the tribute of the king of Mercia aforesaid.
+
+
+ MERCIA.
+
+ 9.
+
+     ¶ Creodda beginneth his kingdome of Mercia, in the 585. of our
+     sauiour Christ, and 138. after the captiuitie of Britaine ended.
+
+   Creodda.
+   Wibba.
+   Cherlus.
+   Penda.
+   Oswy.
+   Weada.
+   Wulferus.
+   Ethelred.
+   Kinred or Kindred.
+
+     The seat void.
+
+   Kilred.
+   Ethebald.
+   Beorred.
+   Offa.
+   Egferth.
+   Kinwulf.
+   Kenelme.
+   Kilwulf.
+   Bernulf.
+   Ludicane.
+   Willaf.
+   Ecbert.
+   Willaf againe.
+   Bertulf.
+   Butred.
+   Kilwulf.
+
+     ¶ Alfride vniteth the kingdome of Mercia, to that of the
+     Westsaxons, in the 291. after Creodda, before Alfred the Dane
+     had gotten hold thereof, and placed one Cleolulphus therein,
+     but he was soone expelled, and the kingdome ioyned to the other
+     afore rehearsed.
+
+
+     [*] _The Succession of the kings of England from_ WILLIAM
+     _bastard, unto the first of Queene_ ELIZABETH.
+
+   William the first.
+   William his sonne.
+   Henrie 1.
+   Stephen.
+   Henrie 2.
+   Richard 1.
+   Iohn.
+   Henrie 3.
+   Edward 1. aliàs 4.
+   Edward 2.
+   Edward 3.
+   Richard 2.
+     Henrie 4.
+     Henrie 5.
+     Henrie 6.
+   Edward 4. aliàs 7.
+   Edward 5.
+     Richard 3.
+   Henrie 7.
+   Henrie 8.
+   Edward 6.
+   Marie his sister.
+   Elizabeth.
+
+     ¶ Thus haue I brought the Catalog of the Princes of Britaine
+     vnto an end, & that in more plaine and certeine order than hath
+     béene done hertofore by anie. For though in their regions since
+     the conquest few men haue erred that haue vsed any diligence,
+     yet in the times before the same, fewer haue gone any thing
+     néere the truth, through great ouersight & negligence. Their
+     seuerall yéeres also doo appéere in my Chronologie insuing.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE ANCIENT RELIGION VSED IN ALBION.
+
+ CAP. IX.
+
+
+ It is not to be doubted, but at the first, and so long as the
+ posteritie of Iaphet onelie reigned in this Iland, that the true
+ [Sidenote: Samothes.]
+ knowledge and forme of religion brought in by Samothes, and published
+ with his lawes in the second of his arriuall, was exercised among the
+ Britans. And although peraduenture in proces of time, either through
+ curiositie, or negligence (the onelie corruptors of true pietie and
+ godlinesse) it might a little decaie, yet when it was at the woorst,
+ it farre excéeded the best of that which afterward came in with Albion
+ and his Chemminites, as may be gathered by view of the superstitious
+ rites, which Cham and his successours did plant in other countries,
+ yet to be found in authors.
+
+ What other learning Magus the sonne of Samothes taught after his
+ fathers death, when he also came to the kingdome, beside this which
+ concerned the true honoring of God, I cannot easilie say, but that it
+ should be naturall philosophie, and astrologie (whereby his disciples
+ gathered a kind of foreknowledge of things to come) the verie vse of
+ the word Magus (or Magusæus) among the Persians dooth yéeld no
+ vncerteine testimonie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sarron.]
+ In like maner, it should seeme that Sarron sonne vnto the said Magus,
+ diligentlie followed the steps of his father, and thereto beside his
+ owne practise of teaching, opened schooles of learning in sundrie
+ places, both among the Celts and Britans, whereby such as were his
+ auditors, grew to be called Sarronides, notwithstanding, that as well
+ the Sarronides as the Magi, and Druiydes, were generallie called
+ [Sidenote: Samothei.]
+ [Sidenote: Semnothei.]
+ Samothei, or Semnothei, of Samothes still among the Grecians, as
+ Aristotle in his De magia dooth confesse; and furthermore calling them
+ Galles, he addeth therevnto, that they first brought the knowledge of
+ letters and good learning vnto the Gréekes.
+
+ [Sidenote: Druiyus.]
+ Druiyus the son of Sarron (as a scholer of his fathers owne teaching)
+ séemed to be exquisit in all things, that perteined vnto the diuine
+ and humane knowledge: and therefore I may safelie pronounce, that he
+ excelled not onlie in the skill of philosophie and the quadriuials,
+ but also in the true Theologie, whereby the right seruice of God was
+ kept and preserued in puritie. He wrote moreouer sundrie precepts and
+ rules of religious doctrine, which among the Celts were reserued verie
+ religiouslie, and had in great estimation of such as sought vnto them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Corruptors of religion.]
+ How and in what order this prince left the state of religion, I meane
+ touching publike orders in administration of particular rites and
+ ceremonies, as yet I doo not read: howbeit this is most certeine, that
+ after he died, the puritie of his doctrine began somewhat to decaie.
+ For such is mans nature, that it will not suffer any good thing long
+ to remaine as it is left, but (either by addition or subtraction of
+ this or that, to or from the same) so to chop and change withall from
+ time to time, that in the end there is nothing of more difficultie,
+ for such as doo come after them, than to find out the puritie of the
+ originall, and restore the same againe vnto the former perfection.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cæsar._]
+ In the beginning this Druiyus did preach vnto his hearers, that the
+ soule of man is immortall, that God is omnipotent, mercifull as a
+ father in shewing fauor vnto the godlie, and iust as an vpright iudge
+ in punishing the wicked; that the secrets of mans hart are not
+ vnknowne, and onelie knowne to him; and that as the world and all that
+ is therein had their beginning by him, at his owne will, so shall all
+ things likewise haue an end, when he shall see his time. He taught
+ [Sidenote: _Strabo. li._ 4.]
+ [Sidenote: _Socion. lib. success._]
+ them also with more facilitie, how to obserue the courses of the
+ heauens and motions of the planets by arithmeticall industrie, to find
+ [Sidenote: _Cicero diuinat._ 1.]
+ out the true quantities of the celestiall bodies by geometricall
+ demonstration, and thereto the compasse of the earth, and hidden
+ natures of things contained in the same by philosophicall
+ contemplation. But alas, this integritie continued not long among his
+ successors, for vnto the immortalitie of the soule, they added, that
+ after death it went into another bodie, (of which translation Ouid
+ saith;
+
+   Morte carent animæ, sempérque priore relicta
+   Sede, nouis domibus viuunt habitántque receptæ.)
+
+ The second or succedent, being alwaies either more noble, or more vile
+ than the former, as the partie deserued by his merits, whilest he
+ liued here vpon earth. And therefore it is said by Plato and other,
+ that Orpheus after his death had his soule thrust into the bodie of a
+ swanne, that of Agamemnon conueied into an egle, of Aiax into a lion,
+ of Atlas into a certeine wrestler, of Thersites into an ape, of
+ Deiphobus into Pythagoras, and Empedocles dieng a child, after sundrie
+ changes into a man, whereof he himselfe saith;
+
+   Ipse ego námq; fui puer olim, deinde puella,
+   Arbustum & volucris, mutus quóq; in æquore piscis.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Plinius, lib._ 16. _cap. ultimo._]
+ For said they (of whom Pythagoras also had, and taught this errour) if
+ the soule apperteined at the first to a king, and he in this estate
+ did not leade his life worthie his calling, it should after his
+ [Sidenote: Metempsuchôsis.]
+ decease be shut vp in the bodie of a slaue, begger, cocke, owle, dog,
+ ape, horsse, asse, worme, or monster, there to remaine as in a place
+ of purgation and punishment, for a certeine period of time. Beside
+ this, it should peraduenture susteine often translation from one bodie
+ vnto another, according to the quantitie and qualitie of his dooings
+ here on earth, till it should finallie be purified, and restored
+ againe to an other humane bodie, wherein if it behaued it selfe more
+ orderlie than at the first: after the next death, it should be
+ preferred, either to the bodie of a king againe, or other great
+ estate. And thus they made a perpetuall circulation or reuolution of
+ our soules, much like vnto the continuall motion of the heauens, which
+ neuer stand still, nor long yeeld one representation and figure. For
+ this cause also, as Diodorus saith, they vsed to cast certeine letters
+ into the fire, wherein the dead were burned, to be deliuered vnto
+ their deceased fréends, whereby they might vnderstand of the estate of
+ such as trauelled here on earth in their purgations (as the Moscouits
+ doo write vnto S. Nicholas to be a speach-man for him that is buried,
+ in whose hand they bind a letter, and send him with a new paire of
+ shooes on his feet into the graue) and to the end that after their
+ next death they should deale with them accordinglie, and as their
+ merits required. They brought in also the worshipping of manie gods,
+ and their seuerall euen to this daie sacrifices: they honoured
+ [Sidenote: Oke honored whereon mistle did grow,
+ and so doo our sorcerers thinking some spirits
+ to deale about ye same, for hidden treasure.]
+ likewise the oke, whereon the mistle groweth, and dailie deuised
+ infinit other toies (for errour is neuer assured of hir owne dooings)
+ whereof neither Samothes, nor Sarron, Magus, nor Druiyus did leaue
+ them anie prescription.
+
+ These things are partlie touched by Cicero, Strabo, Plinie, Sotion,
+ Laertius, Theophrast, Aristotle, and partlie also by Cæsar, Mela, Val.
+ Max. lib. 2. and other authors of later time, who for the most part
+ doo confesse, that the cheefe schoole of the Druiydes was holden here
+ in Britaine, where that religion (saith Plinie) was so hotlie
+ professed and followed, "Vt dedisse Persis videri possit," lib. 30.
+ cap. 1. and whither the Druiydes also themselues, that dwelt among the
+ Galles, would often resort to come by the more skill, and sure
+ vnderstanding of the mysteries of that doctrine. And as the Galles
+ receiued their religion from the Britons, so we likewise had from them
+ [Sidenote: Logike and Rhetorike out of Gallia.]
+ some vse of Logike & Rhetorike, such as it was which our lawiers
+ practised in their plees and common causes. For although the Greeks
+ were not vnknowne vnto vs, nor we to them, euen from the verie comming
+ of Brute, yet by reason of distance betwéene our countries, we had no
+ great familiaritie and common accesse one vnto another, till the time
+ of Gurguntius, after whose entrance manie of that nation trauelled
+ hither in more securitie, as diuers of our countriemen did vnto them
+ without all danger, to be offered vp in sacrifice to their gods. That
+ we had the maner of our plees also out of France, Iuuenal is a
+ witnesse, who saith;
+
+   Gallia causidicos docuit facunda Britannos.
+
+ Howbeit as they taught vs Logike and Rhetorike, so we had also some
+ Sophistrie from them; but in the worst sense: for from France is all
+ kind of forgerie, corruption of maners, and craftie behauiour not so
+ soone as often transported into England. And albeit the Druiydes were
+ thus honored and of so great authoritie in Britaine, yet were there
+ great numbers of them also in the Iles of Wight, Anglesey, and the
+ Orchades, in which they held open schooles of their profession, aloofe
+ as it were from the resort of people, wherein they studied and learned
+ their songs by heart. Howbeit the cheefe college of all I say,
+ remained still in Albion, whither the Druiydes of other nations also
+ (beside the Galles) would of custome repaire, when soeuer anie
+ controuersie among them in matters of religion did happen to be
+ mooued. At such times also the rest were called out of the former
+ Ilands, whereby it appeareth that in such cases they had their synods
+ and publike meetings, and therevnto it grew finallie into custome, and
+ after that a prouerbe, euen in variances falling out among the
+ princes, great men, and common sorts of people liuing in these weast
+ parts of Europe, to yeeld to be tried by Britaine and hir thrée
+ Ilands, bicause they honoured hir préests (the Druiydes) as the
+ Athenians did their Areopagites.
+
+ [Sidenote: Estimation of the Druiydes or Druiysh preests.]
+ Furthermore, in Britaine, and among the Galles, and to say the truth,
+ generallie in all places where the Druiysh religion was frequented,
+ such was the estimation of the préests of this profession, that there
+ was little or nothing doone without their skilfull aduise, no not in
+ ciuil causes, perteining to the regiment of the common-wealth and
+ countrie. They had the charge also of all sacrifices, publike and
+ priuate, they interpreted oracles, preached of religion, and were
+ neuer without great numbers of yoong men that heard them with
+ diligence, as they taught from time to time.
+
+ [Sidenote: Immunitie of the cleargie greater vnder idolatrie
+ than vnder the gospell.]
+ Touching their persons also they were exempt from all temporall
+ seruices, impositions, tributes, and exercises of the wars: which
+ immunitie caused the greater companies of scholers to flocke vnto them
+ from all places, & to learne their trades. Of these likewise, some
+ remained with them seuen, eight, ten, or twelue years, still learning
+ the secrets of those unwritten mysteries by heart, which were to be
+ had amongst them, and commonlie pronounced in verse. And this policie,
+ as I take it, they vsed onelie to preserue their religion from
+ contempt, whereinto it might easilie haue fallen, if any books thereof
+ had happened into the hands of the common sort. It helped also not a
+ little in the exercise of their memories, wherevnto bookes are vtter
+ enimies, insomuch as he that was skilfull in the Druiysh religion,
+ would not let readilie to rehearse manie hundreds of verses togither,
+ and not to faile in one tittle, in the whole processe of this his
+ laborious repetition. But as they dealt in this order for matters of
+ their religion, so in ciuill affairs, historicall treatises, and
+ setting downe of lawes, they vsed like order and letters almost with
+ the Grecians. Whereby it is easie to be séene, that they reteined this
+ kind of writing from Druiyus (the originall founder of their religion)
+ and that this Iland hath not béene void of letters and learned men,
+ euen sith it was first inhabited. I would ad some thing in particular
+ also of their apparell, but sith the dealing withall is nothing
+ profitable to the reader, I passe it ouer, signifieng neuerthelesse,
+ that it was distinguished by sundrie deuises from that of the common
+ sort, and of such estimation among the people, that whosoeuer ware the
+ Druiysh weed, might walke where he would without any harme or
+ annoiance. This honour was giuen also vnto the préests in Rome,
+ insomuch that when Volusius was exiled by the Triumuirate, and saw
+ himselfe in such danger, as that he could not escape the hardest, he
+ gat the wéed of a preest upon his backe, and begged his almes therein,
+ euen in the high waies as he trauelled, and so escaped the danger and
+ the furie of his aduersaries: but to proceed with other things.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bardus.]
+ After the death of Druiyus, Bardus his sonne, and fift king of the
+ Celts, succéeded not onelie ouer the said kingdome, but also in his
+ fathers vertues, whereby it is verie likelie, that the winding and
+ wrapping vp of the said religion, after the afore remembred sort into
+ verse, was first deuised by him, for he was an excellent poet, and no
+ lesse indued with a singular skill in the practise and speculation of
+ musicke, of which two many suppose him to be the verie author and
+ [Sidenote: _Gen._ 4. 21.]
+ beginner, although vniustlie, sith both poetrie and song were in vse
+ before the flood, as was also the harpe and pipe, which Iubal
+ inuented, and could neuer be performed without great skill in musicke.
+ But to procéed, as the cheefe estimation of the Druiydes remained in
+ the end among the Britons onelie, for their knowledge in religion, so
+ did the fame of the Bardes (which were so called of this Bardus for
+ their excellent skill in musicke, poetrie, and the heroicall kind of
+ song, which at the first conteined onelie the high mysteries and
+ secret points of their religion. There was little difference also
+ [Sidenote: The Bards degenerate.]
+ betwéene them and the Druiydes, till they so farre degenerated from
+ their first institution, that they became to be minstrels at feasts,
+ droonken meetings, and abhominable sacrifices of the idols: where they
+ sang most commonlie no diuinitie as before, but the puissant acts of
+ valiant princes, and fabulous narrations of the adulteries of the
+ gods. Certes in my time this fond vsage, and thereto the verie name of
+ the Bardes, are not yet extinguished among the Britons of Wales, where
+ they call their poets and musicians Barthes, as they doo also in
+ Ireland: which Sulpitius also writing to Lucane remembreth, where he
+ saith that the word Bardus is meere Celtike, and signifieth a singer.
+ Howbeit the Romans iudging all nations beside themselues to be but
+ rude and barbarous, and thereto misliking vtterlie the rough musicke
+ of the Bardes, entred so farre into the contemptuous mockage of their
+ melodie, that they ascribed the word Bardus vnto their fooles and
+ idiots, whereas contrariwise the Scythians and such as dwell within
+ the northweast part of Europe, did vse the same word in verie
+ honourable maner, calling their best poets and heroicall singers,
+ Singebardos; their couragious singers and capiteins that delited in
+ musicke, Albardos, Dagobardos, Rodtbardos, & one lame musician Lambard
+ aboue all other, of whose skilfull ditties Germanie is not
+ vnfurnished, as I heare vnto this daie. In Quizqueia or new Spaine, an
+ Iland of the Indies, they call such men Boitios, their rimes Arcitos,
+ and in steed of harps they sing vnto timbrels made of shels such
+ sonnets and ditties as either perteine vnto religion, prophane loue,
+ commendation of ancestrie, and inflammation of the mind vnto Mars,
+ whereby there appeareth to be small difference betwéene their Boitios
+ and our Bardes. Finallie of our sort, Lucane in his first booke
+ writeth thus, among other like saiengs well toward the latter end;
+
+ [Sidenote: _Lucani. li._ 1.]
+
+   Vos quóq; qui fortes animas, bellóq; peremptas
+   Laudibus in longum vates dimittitis æuum,
+   Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi.
+   Et vos barbaricos ritus, morémque sinistrum
+   Sacrorum Druiydæ, positis recepistis ab armis.
+   Solis nosse Deos, & c[oe]li numina vobis,
+   Aut solis nescire datum: nemora alta remotis
+   Incolitis lucis. Vobis authoribus, vmbræ
+   Non tacitas Erebi sedes, Ditisque profundi
+   Pallida regna petunt, regit idem spiritus artus
+   Orbe alio. Longæ canitis si cognita, vitæ
+   Mors media est, certe populi, quos despicit arctos,
+   F[oe]lices errore suo, quos ille timorum
+   Maximus haud vrget leti metus: inde ruendi
+   In ferrum mens prona viris, animæque capaces
+   Mortis: & ignauum est redituræ parcere vitæ.
+
+ Thus we sée as in a glasse the state of religion, for a time, after
+ the first inhabitation of this Iland: but how long it continued in
+ such soundnesse, as the originall authors left it, in good sooth I
+ cannot say, yet this is most certeine, that after a time, when Albion
+ arriued here, the religion earst imbraced fell into great decaie. For
+ whereas Iaphet & Samothes with their children taught nothing else than
+ such doctrine as they had learned of Noah: Cham the great grandfather
+ of this our Albion, and his disciples vtterlie renouncing to follow
+ their steps, gaue their minds wholie to seduce and lead their hearers
+ headlong vnto all error. Whereby his posteritie not onelie corrupted
+ this our Iland, with most filthie trades and practises; but also all
+ mankind, generallie where they became, with vicious life, and most
+ [Sidenote: What doctrine Cham and his disciples taught.]
+ vngodlie conuersation. For from Cham and his successours procéeded at
+ the first all sorcerie, witchcraft, and the execution of vnlawful
+ lust, without respect of sex, age, consanguinitie, or kind: as
+ branches from an odious and abhominable root, or streames deriued from
+ a most filthie and horrible stinking puddle. Howbeit, &
+ notwithstanding all these his manifold lewdnesses, such was the follie
+ of his Ægyptians (where he first reigned and taught) that whilest he
+ liued they alone had him in great estimation (whereas other nations
+ contemned and abhorred him for his wickednesse, calling him
+ [Sidenote: Chemesenua.]
+ Chemesenua, that is, the impudent, infamous and wicked Cham) and not
+ [Sidenote: Chem Min.]
+ [Sidenote: Cham made a god.]
+ onelie builded a citie vnto him which they called Chem Min, but also
+ after his death reputed him for a god, calling the highest of the
+ seuen planets after his name, as they did the next beneath it after
+ Osyris his sonne, whom they likewise honored vnder the name of
+ Iupiter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Translation of mortall men into heauen how it began.]
+ Certes it was a custome begonne in Ægypt of old time, and generallie
+ in vse almost in euerie place in processe of time (when any of their
+ famous worthie princes died) to ascribe some forme or other of the
+ stars vnto his person, to the end his name might neuer weare out of
+ memorie. And this they called their translation in heauen, so that he
+ which had any starres or forme of starres dedicated vnto him, was
+ properlie said to haue a seat among the gods. A toie much like to the
+ catalog of Romish saints, (although the one was written in the
+ celestiall or immateriall orbes, the other in sheeps skins, and verie
+ brickle paper) but yet so estéemed, that euerie prince would oft
+ hazard and attempt the vttermost aduentures, thereby to win such fame
+ in his life, that after his death he might by merit haue such place in
+ heauen, among the shining starres. Howbeit, euerie of those that were
+ called gods, could not obteine that benefit, for then should there not
+ haue béene stars enow in heauen to haue serued all their turnes,
+ wherfore another place was in time imagined, where they reigned that
+ were of a second calling, as the Semones who were gods by grace and
+ [Sidenote: _Cyril, aduersus Iul. lib. 6. sect. 8._]
+ fauour of the people. "Semones dici voluerunt (saith Fulgentius In
+ vocibus antiquis) quos c[oe]lo nec dignos ascriberent, ob meriti
+ paupertatem; sicut Priapus Hyppo. Vortumnus, &c. nec terrenos eos
+ deputare vellent per gratiæ venerationem," as also a third place that
+ is to say an earth, where those gods dwelled which were noble men,
+ officers, good gouernours and lawgiuers to the people, and yet not
+ thought worthie to be of the second or first companie, which was a
+ iollie diuision.
+
+ Thus we sée in generall maner, how idolatrie, honoring of the starres,
+ and brood of inferiour gods were hatched at the first, which follies
+ in processe of time came also into Britaine, as did the names of
+ Saturne & Iupiter, &c: as shall appeare hereafter. And here sith I
+ haue alreadie somewhat digressed from my matter, I will go yet a
+ little farder, and shew foorth the originall vse of the word Saturne,
+ Iupiter, Hercules, &c: whereby your Honor shall sée a little more into
+ the errours of the Gentils, and not onelie that, but one point also
+ [Sidenote: Which were Saturni, Ioues, Iunones, and Hercules.]
+ properlie called of the root of all the confusion that is to be found
+ among the ancient histories. Certes it was vsed for a few yéeres after
+ the partition of the earth (which was made by Noah, in the 133. yeere
+ after the floud) that the beginners of such kingdoms as were then
+ erected should be called Saturni, whereby it came to passe that
+ Nimbrote was the Saturne of Babylon: Cham of Ægypt: and so foorth
+ other of sundrie other countries. Their eldest sonnes also that
+ succeeded them, were called Ioues; and their nephewes or sonnes
+ sonnes, which reigned in the third place Hercules, by which meanes it
+ followed that euerie kingdome had a Saturne, Iupiter and Hercules of
+ hir owne, and not from anie other.
+
+ In like sort they had such another order among their daughters, whom
+ they married as yet commonlie vnto their brethren (God himselfe
+ permitting the same vnto them for a time) as before the floud, to the
+ end the earth might be thoroughlie replenished, and the sooner
+ furnished with inhabitants in euerie part therof. The sister therefore
+ [Sidenote: Isis, Io and Iuno all one.]
+ and wife of euerie Saturne was called Rhea, but of Iupiter, Iuno,
+ Isis, or Io. Beyond these also there was no latter Harold that would
+ indeuour to deriue the petigree of any prince, or potentate, but
+ supposed his dutie to be sufficientlie performed, when he had brought
+ it orderlie vnto some Saturne or other, wherat he might cease, and
+ shut vp all his trauell. They had likewise this opinion grounded
+ amongst them, that heauen & earth were onlie parents vnto Saturne and
+ [Sidenote: C[oe]lum or C[oe]lus.]
+ [Sidenote: Ogyges.]
+ [Sidenote: Sol.]
+ [Sidenote: Pater deorum.]
+ Rhea, not knowing out of doubt, what they themselues did meane, sith
+ these denominations, Heauen, Ogyges, the Sunne, Pater Deorum, and such
+ [Sidenote: * Tydea.]
+ [Sidenote: Vesta.]
+ [Sidenote: Terra.]
+ [Sidenote: Luna.]
+ [Sidenote: Aretia.]
+ [Sidenote: Deorum mater.]
+ like, were onelie ascribed vnto Noah: as [*]Terra, (the Earth) Vesta,
+ Aretia, the Moone, Mater deorum, and other the like were vnto Tydea
+ his wife. So that hereby we sée, how Saturne is reputed in euerie
+ nation for their oldest god, or first prince, Iupiter for the next,
+ and Hercules for the third. And therefore sith these names were
+ dispersed in the beginning ouer all, it is no maruell that there is
+ such confusion in ancient histories, and the dooings of one of them so
+ mixed with those of another, that it is now impossible to distinguish
+ them in sunder. This haue I spoken, to the end that all men may see
+ what gods the Pagans honored, & thereby what religion the posteritie
+ of Cham did bring ouer into Britaine. For vntill their comming, it is
+ not likelie that anie grosse idolatrie or superstition did enter in
+ among vs, as deifieng of mortall men, honoring of the starres, and
+ erection of huge images, beside sorcerie, witchcraft, and such like,
+ whereof the Chemminites are worthilie called the autors. Neither were
+ [Sidenote: Fr[=o] whence Brute did learne his religion.]
+ these errors anie thing amended, by the comming in of Brute, who no
+ doubt added such deuises vnto the same, as he and his companie had
+ learned before in Græcia, from whence also he brought Helenus the
+ sonne of Priamus, (a man of excéeding age) & made him his préest and
+ bishop thorough out the new conquest, that he had atchieued in
+ Britaine.
+
+ After Brute, idolatrie and superstition still increased more and more
+ among vs, insomuch that beside the Druiysh and Bardike ceremonies, and
+ those also that came in with Albion and Brute himselfe: our
+ countriemen either brought hither from abroad, or dailie inuented at
+ home new religion and rites, whereby it came to passe that in the
+ [Sidenote: Dis or Samothes made a god.]
+ stead of the onelie and immortall God (of whom Samothes and his
+ posteritie did preach in times past) now they honored the said
+ Samothes himselfe vnder the name of Dis and Saturne: also Iupiter,
+ Mars, Minerua, Mercurie, Apollo, Diana; and finallie Hercules, vnto
+ whome they dedicated the gates and porches of their temples, entrances
+ into their regions, cities, townes and houses, with their limits and
+ bounds (as the papists did the gates of their cities and ports vnto
+ Botulph & Giles) bicause fortitude and wisedome are the cheefe
+ vpholders and bearers vp of common-wealths and kingdoms, both which
+ they ascribed to Hercules (forgetting God) and diuers other idols
+ [Sidenote: _Mela. Diodorus, Strab._ 4. _Plin. Cæsar._ 5.]
+ whose names I now remember not. In lieu moreouer of sheepe and oxen,
+ they offred mankind also vnto some of them, killing their offendors,
+ prisoners, and oft such strangers as came from farre vnto them, by
+ shutting vp great numbers of them togither in huge images made of
+ wicker, réed, haie, or other light matter: and then setting all on
+ fire togither, they not onelie consumed the miserable creatures to
+ ashes (sometimes adding other beasts vnto them) but also reputed it to
+ be the most acceptable sacrifice that could be made vnto their idols.
+ From whence they had this horrible custome, trulie I cannot tell, but
+ that it was common to most nations, not onlie to consume their
+ strangers, captiues, &c; but also their owne children with fire, in
+ such maner of sacrifice: beside the text of the Bible, the prophane
+ histories doo generallie leaue it euident, as a thing either of
+ custome or of particular necessitie, of which later Virgil saith;
+
+   Sanguine placastis ventos & virgine cæsa, &c.
+
+ As Silius dooth of the first, where he telleth of the vsuall maner of
+ the Carthaginenses, saieng after this maner;
+
+   Vrna reducebat miserandos annua casus, &c.
+
+ But to procéed with our owne gods and idols, more pertinent to my
+ purpose than the rehersall of forreine demeanours: I find that huge
+ temples in like sort were builded vnto them, so that in the time of
+ Lucius, when the light of saluation began stronglie to shine in
+ [Sidenote: _Ptol. Lucensis._]
+ Britaine, thorough the preaching of the gospell, the christians
+ discouered 25. Flamines or idol-churches beside three Archflamines,
+ whose préests were then as our Archbishops are now, in that they had
+ superior charge of all the rest, the other being reputed as
+ inferiours, and subiect to their iurisdiction in cases of religion,
+ and superstitious ceremonies.
+
+ [Sidenote: Monstrous proportions of idols.]
+ Of the quantities of their idols I speake not, sith it is inough to
+ saie, that they were monstrous, and that each nation contended which
+ should honour the greater blocks, and yet all pretending to haue the
+ iust heigth of the god or goddesse whom they did represent. Apollo
+ Capitolinus that stood at Rome, was thirtie cubits high at the least;
+ Tarentinus Iupiter of 40.; the idoll of the sonne in the Rhodes, of 70
+ (whose toe few men could fadam;) Tuscanus Apollo that stood in the
+ librarie of the temple of Augustus, of 50. foot; another made vnder
+ Nero of 110. foot; but one in France passed all, which Zenoduris made
+ vnto Mercurie at Aruernum in ten years space, of 400. foot. Wherby it
+ appeareth, that as they were void of moderation in number of gods, so
+ without measure were they also in their proportions, and happie was he
+ which might haue the greatest idoll, and lay most cost thereon.
+
+ Hitherto yee haue heard of the time, wherein idolatrie reigned and
+ blinded the harts of such as dwelled in this Iland. Now let vs sée the
+ successe of the gospell, after the death and passion of Iesus Christ
+ our sauiour. And euen here would I begin with an allegation of
+ [Sidenote: _Theodoret._]
+ Theodoret, wherevpon some repose great assurance (conceiuing yet more
+ [Sidenote: _Sophronius._]
+ hope therein by the words of Sophronius) that Paule the Apostle should
+ preach the word of saluation here, after his deliuerie out of
+ captiuitie, which fell as I doo read in the 57. of Christ. But sith I
+ cannot verifie the same by the words of Theodoret, to be spoken more
+ of Paule than Peter, or the rest, I will passe ouer this coniecture
+ (so far as it is grounded vpon Theodoret) and deale with other
+ authorities, whereof we haue more certeintie. First of all therfore
+ let vs see what Fortunatus hath written of Pauls comming into
+ Britaine, and afterward what is to be found of other by-writers in
+ other points of more assurance. Certes for the presence of Paule I
+ read thus much:
+
+   Quid sacer ille simul Paulus tuba gentibus ampla,
+   Per mare per terras Christi præconia fundens,
+   Europam & Asiam, Lybiam, sale dogmata complens,
+   Arctos, meridies, hic plenus vesper & ortus,
+   Transit & Oceanum, vel qua facit insula portum,
+   Quásq; Britannus habet terras atque vltima Thule, &c.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iosephus.]
+ That one Iosephus preached here in England, in the time of the
+ Apostles, his sepulchre yet in Aualon, now called Glessenburg or
+ Glastenburie, an epitaph affixed therevnto is proofe sufficient.
+ Howbeit, sith these things are not of competent force to persuade all
+ men, I will ad in few, what I haue read elsewhere of his arriuall
+ here. First of all therefore you shall note that he came ouer into
+ Britaine, about the 64. after Christ, when the persecution began vnder
+ Nero, at which time Philip and diuers of the godlie being in France
+ (whether he came with other christians, after they had sowed the word
+ of God in Scythia, by the space of 9. yeares) seuered themselues in
+ sunder, to make the better shift for their owne safegard, and yet not
+ otherwise than by their flight, the gospell might haue due
+ [Sidenote: _Philip. Freculphus. To._ 2., _lib._ 2. _cap._ 4.]
+ [Sidenote: _Nennius. Nicephorus lib._ 2. _cap._ 40.]
+ [Sidenote: _Isidorus lib. de vita & obit. dict. patrum._]
+ [Sidenote: _W. Malmes. de antiq. Glasconici monast._]
+ furtherance. Hereby then it came to passe, that the said Philip vpon
+ good deliberation did send Iosephus ouer, and with him Simon Zelotes
+ to preach vnto the Britons, and minister the sacraments there
+ according to the rites of the churches of Asia and Greece, from whence
+ they came not long before vnto the countrie of the Galles. Which was
+ saith Malmesburie 103. before Faganus and Dinaw did set foorth the
+ gospell amongst them. Of the c[=o]ming of Zelotes you may read more in
+ the second booke of Niceph. Cal. where he writeth thereof in this
+ maner: "Operæpretium etiam fuerit Simonem Cana Galileæ ortum, qui
+ propter flagrantem in magistrum suum ardorem, summámq; euangelicæ rei
+ per omnia curam Zelotes cognominatus est hîc referre, accepit enim is
+ c[oe]litùs adueniente spiritu sancto, Aegyptium Cyrenem & Africam,
+ deinde Mauritaniam & Lybiam omnem euangelium deprædicans percurrit,
+ eandemque doctrinam etiam ad occidentalem Oceanum insulásque
+ Britannicas perfert." And this is the effect in a little roome, of
+ that which I haue read at large in sundrie writers, beside these two
+ here alledged, although it may well be gathered that diuers Britains
+ were conuerted to the faith, before this sixtie foure of Christ.
+ Howbeit, whereas some write that they liued, and dwelled in Britaine,
+ it cannot as yet take any absolute hold in my iudgement, but rather
+ that they were baptised and remained, either in Rome, or else-where.
+ [Sidenote: Claudia Rufina a British ladie.]
+ And of this sort I suppose Claudia Rufina the wife of Pudens to be
+ one, who was a British ladie indeed, and not onelie excellentlie séene
+ in the Gréeke and Latine toongs, but also with hir husband highlie
+ [Sidenote: 1. _Tim._ 4.]
+ commended by S. Paule, as one hauing had conuersation and conference
+ with them at Rome, from whence he did write his second epistle vnto
+ Timothie, as I read. Of this ladie moreouer Martial speaketh, in
+ reioising that his poesies were read also in Britaine, and onelie by
+ hir meanes, who vsed to cull out the finest & honestest of his
+ epigrams and send them to hir fréends for tokens, saieng after this
+ maner, as himselfe dooth set it downe:
+
+   Dicitur & nostros cantare Britannia versus.
+
+ Furthermore making mention of hir and hir issue, he addeth these
+ words:
+
+ [Sidenote: _Li._ 11. _Epig._ 54.]
+
+   Claudia c[oe]ruleis cùm sit Rufina Britannis
+     Edita, cur Latiæ pectora plebis habet?
+   Quale decus formæ? Romanam credere matres
+     Italides possunt, Atthides esse suam.
+   Dij bene, quod sancto peperit fæcunda marito,
+     Quot sperat, generos, quótque puella nurus.
+   Sic placeat superis, vt coniuge gaudeat vno,
+     Et semper natis gaudeat illa tribus.
+
+ The names of hir thrée children were Prudentiana, Praxedes, both
+ virgins, and Nouatus, who after the death of Pudens their father
+ (which befell him in Cappadocia) dwelled with their mother in Vmbria,
+ where they ceased not from time to time to minister vnto the saints.
+ But to leaue this impertinent discourse, and proceed with my purpose.
+
+ I find in the Chronicles of Burton (vnder the yeare of Grace 141. and
+ time of Hadrian the emperour) that nine scholers or clerkes of Grantha
+ or Granta (now Cambridge) were baptised in Britaine, and became
+ preachers of the gospell there, but whether Taurinus bishop or elder
+ ouer the congregation at Yorke (who as Vincentius saith, was executed
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 10. _cap._ 17.]
+ [Sidenote: Taurinus.]
+ about this time for his faith) were one of them or not, as yet I do
+ not certeinlie find; but rather the contrarie, which is that he was no
+ Britaine at all, but Episcopus Ebroicensis, for which such as perceiue
+ not the easie corruption of the word, may soone write Eboracensis as
+ certeinlie mine author out of whom I alledge this authoritie hath done
+ before me. For Vincentius saith flat otherwise, and therefore the
+ Chronologie if it speake of anie Taurinus bishop of Yorke is to be
+ reformed in that behalfe. Diuers other also imbraced the religion of
+ Christ verie zealouslie before these men. Howbeit, all this
+ notwithstanding, the glad tidings of the gospell had neuer free and
+ open passage here, vntill the time of Lucius, in which the verie
+ enimies of the word became the apparent meanes (contrarie to their
+ owne minds) to haue it set foorth amongst vs. For when Antoninus the
+ emperour had giuen out a decrée, that the Druiysh religion should
+ euerie where be abolished, Lucius the king (whose surname is now
+ perished) tooke aduise of his councell what was best to be doone, &
+ wrote in this behalfe. And this did Lucius, bicause he knew it
+ [*]impossible for man to liue long without any religion at all:
+ [Sidenote: * This is contrarie to the common talke of our
+ Atheists who say, Let vs liue here in wealth, credit and
+ authoritie vpon earth, and let God take heauen and his
+ religion to himselfe to doo withall what he listeth.]
+ finallie finding his Nobilitie & subiects vtter enemies to the Romane
+ deuoti[=o] (for that they made so many gods as they listed, & some to
+ haue the regiment euen of their dirt & dung) and thervnto being
+ pricked forwards by such christians as were conuersant about him, to
+ choose the seruice of the true God that liueth for euer, rather than
+ the slauish seruitude of any pagan idoll: he fullie resolued with
+ himselfe in the end, to receiue and imbrace the gospell of Christ.
+ [Sidenote: Lucius openeth his ears to good counsell,
+ as one desirous to serue God & not prefer the world.]
+ He sent also two of his best learned and greatest philosophers to
+ Rome, vnto Eleutherus then bishop there in the 177. of Christ, not to
+ promise any subiection to his sea, which then was not required, but to
+ say with such as were pricked in mind, Acts. 2. verse. 37. "Quid
+ faciemus viri fratres?" I meane that they were sent to be perfectlie
+ instructed, and with farther commission, to make earnest request vnto
+ him and the congregation there, that a competent number of preachers
+ might be sent ouer from thence, by whose diligent aduise and trauell,
+ the foundation of the gospell might surelie be laid ouer all the
+ portion of the Ile, which conteined his kingdome, according to his
+ mind.
+
+ [Sidenote: The purpose of Lucius opened vnto the
+ congregation at Rome by Eleutherus.]
+ When Eleutherus vnderstood these things, he reioiced not a little for
+ the great goodnesse, which the Lord had shewed vpon this our Ile and
+ countrie. Afterwards calling the brethren togither, they agréed to
+ ordeine, euen those two for bishops, whom Lucius as you haue heard,
+ had directed ouer vnto them. Finallie after they had thoroughlie
+ catechized them, making generall praier vnto God and earnest
+ supplication for the good successe of these men, they sent them home
+ againe with no small charge, that they should be diligent in their
+ function, and carefull ouer the flocke committed to their custodie.
+
+ The first of these was called Eluanus Aualonius, a man borne in the
+ Ile of Aualon, and brought up there vnder those godlie pastours and
+ their disciples, whom Philip sent ouer at the first for the conuersion
+ of the Britons. The other hight Medguinus, and was thereto surnamed
+ Belga, bicause he was of the towne of Welles, which then was called
+ Belga. This man was trained vp also in one schoole with Eluanus, both
+ of them being ornaments to their horie ages, and men of such grauitie
+ and godlinesse, that Eleutherus supposed none more worthie to support
+ this charge, than they: after whose comming home also, it was not long
+ [Sidenote: A zealous prince maketh feruent subiects.]
+ yer Lucius and all his houshold with diuers of the Nobilitie were
+ baptised, beside infinit numbers of the common people, which dailie
+ resorted vnto them, and voluntarilie renounced all their idolatrie and
+ paganisme.
+
+ In the meane time, Eleutherus vnderstanding the successe of these
+ learned doctours, and supposing with himselfe, that they two onlie
+ could not suffice to support so great a charge as should concerne the
+ conuersion of the whole Iland; he directed ouer vnto them in the yeare
+ [Sidenote: Faganus.]
+ [Sidenote: Dinauus.]
+ [Sidenote: Aaron.]
+ insuing Faganus, Dinaw (or Dinauus) Aaron, and diuerse other godlie
+ preachers, as fellow-labourers to trauell with them in the vineyard of
+ [Sidenote: _Radulphus de la noir aliàs Niger._]
+ the Lord. These men therefore after their comming hither, consulted
+ with the other, and foorthwith wholie consented to make a diuision of
+ [Sidenote: 3. Cheefe Bishops in Britaine.]
+ this Iland amongst themselues, appointing what parcell each preacher
+ should take, that with the more profit and ease of the people, and
+ somewhat lesse trauell also for themselues, the doctrine of the
+ Gospell might be preached and receiued. In this distribution, they
+ ordeined that there should be one congregation at London, where they
+ [Sidenote: Theonus.]
+ [Sidenote: Theodosius.]
+ [Sidenote: London.]
+ [Sidenote: Yorke.]
+ [Sidenote: Caerlheon.]
+ placed Theonus as chéefe elder and bishop, for that present time,
+ worthilie called Theonus. 1. for there was another of that name who
+ fled into Wales with Thadiocus of Yorke, at the first comming of the
+ Saxons; and also Guthelmus, who went (as I read) into Armorica, there
+ to craue aid against the Scots and Vandals that plagued this Ile, from
+ the Twede vnto the Humber. After this Theonus also Eluanus succéeded,
+ who conuerted manie of the Druiydes, and builded the first librarie
+ neere vnto the bishops palace. The said Lucius also placed another at
+ Yorke, whither they appointed Theodosius: and the third at Caerlheon
+ vpon the riuer Vske, builded sometimes by Belinus, and called
+ Glamorgantia, but now Chester (in which three cities there had before
+ time beene thrée Archflamines erected vnto Apollo, Mars, and Minerua,
+ but now raced to the ground, and three other churches builded in their
+ steeds by Lucius) to the end that the countries round about might haue
+ indifferent accesse vnto those places, and therewithall vnderstand for
+ certeintie, whither to resort for resolution, if after their
+ conuersion they should happen to doubt of any thing. In like sort also
+ the rest of the idoll-temples standing in other places were either
+ ouerthrowne, or conuerted into churches for christian congregations to
+ assemble in, as our writers doo remember. In the report whereof giue
+ me leaue gentle reader, of London my natiue citie to speake a little:
+ for although it may and dooth seeme impertinent to my purpose, yet it
+ shall not be much, and therefore I will soone make an end. There is a
+ controuersie moued among our historiographers, whether the church that
+ Lucius builded at London stood at Westminster, or in Cornehill. For
+ there is some cause, why the metropolitane church should be thought to
+ stand where S. Peters now doth, by the space of 400. & od yéeres
+ before it was remoued to Canturburie by Austine the monke, if a man
+ should leane to one side without anie conference of the asseuerations
+ of the other. But herin (as I take it) there lurketh some scruple, for
+ beside that S. Peters church stood in the east end of the citie, and
+ that of Apollo in the west, the word Cornehill (a denomination giuen
+ of late to speake of to one street) may easilie be mistaken for
+ Thorney. For as the word Thorney proceedeth from the Saxons, who
+ called the west end of the citie by that name, where Westminster now
+ standeth, bicause of the wildnesse and bushinesse of the soile; so I
+ doo not read of anie stréete in London called Cornehill before the
+ conquest of the Normans. Wherfore I hold with them, which make
+ Westminster to be the place where Lucius builded his church vpon the
+ ruines of that Flamine 264. yeeres, as Malmesburie saith, before the
+ comming of the Saxons, and 411. before the arriuall of Augustine. Read
+ also his appendix in lib. 4. Pontif. where he noteth the time of the
+ Saxons, in the 449. of Grace, and of Augustine in the 596. of Christ;
+ which is a manifest accompt, though some copies haue 499. for the one,
+ but not without manifest corruption and error.
+
+ [Sidenote: Britaine the first prouince that receiued
+ the Gospell generallie.]
+ Thus became Britaine the first prouince that generallie receiued the
+ faith, and where the gospell was freelie preached without inhibition
+ of hir prince. Howbeit, although that Lucius and his princes and great
+ numbers of his people imbraced the word with gréedinesse, yet was not
+ the successe thereof either so vniuersall, that all men beleeued at
+ the first; the securitie so great, as that no persecution was to be
+ feared from the Romane empire after his decease; or the procéeding of
+ the king so seuere, as that he inforced any man by publike authoritie
+ to forsake and relinquish his paganisme: but onelie this fréedome was
+ enioied, that who so would become a christian in his time, might
+ without feare of his lawes professe the Gospell, in whose testimonie,
+ if néed had béene, I doubt not to affirme, but that he would haue shed
+ [Sidenote: Emerita neece vnto Lucius.]
+ also his bloud, as did his neece Emerita, who being constant aboue the
+ common sort of women, refused not after his decease by fire, to yeeld
+ hir selfe to death, as a swéet smelling sacrifice in the nostrels of
+ the Lord, beyond the sea in France.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lucius sendeth againe to Rome.]
+ The faith of Christ being thus planted in this Iland in the 177. after
+ Christ, and Faganus and Dinaw with the rest sent ouer from Rome, in
+ the 178. as you haue heard: it came to passe in the third yeare of the
+ Gospell receiued, that Lucius did send againe to Eleutherus the
+ bishop, requiring that he might haue some breefe epitome of the order
+ of discipline then vsed in the church. For he well considered, that as
+ it auaileth litle to plant a costlie vineyard, except it afterward be
+ cherished, kept in good order, and such things as annoie, dailie
+ remooued from the same: so after baptisme and entrance into religion,
+ it profiteth little to beare the name of christians, except we doo
+ [Sidenote: _Ro._ 3. _ver._ 1.]
+ walke in the spirit, and haue such things as offend apparentlie,
+ corrected by seuere discipline. For otherwise it will come to passe,
+ that the wéedes of vice, and vicious liuing, will so quicklie abound
+ in vs, that they will in the end choke vp the good séed sowne in our
+ minds, and either inforce vs to returne vnto our former wickednesse
+ with déeper securitie than before, or else to become meere Atheists,
+ which is a great deale woorse.
+
+ For this cause therefore did Lucius send to Rome, the second time, for
+ a copie of such politike orders as were then vsed there, in their
+ [Sidenote: The wisedome of Eleutherus.]
+ regiment of the church. But Eleutherus considering with himselfe, how
+ that all nations are not of like condition, and therefore those
+ constitutions that are beneficiall to one, may now and then be
+ preiudiciall to another: and séeing also that beside the word no rites
+ and orders can long continue, or be so perfect in all points, but that
+ as time serueth, they will require alteration: he thought it best not
+ to laie any more vpon the necks of the new conuerts of Britaine as
+ yet, than Christ and his apostles had alreadie set downe vnto all men.
+ In returning therefore his messengers, he sent letters by them vnto
+ Lucius and his Nobilitie, dated in the consulships of Commodus and
+ Vespronius, wherein he told them that Christ had left sufficient order
+ in the Scriptures for the gouernment of his church alreadie in his
+ word, and not for that onlie, but also for the regiment of his whole
+ [Sidenote: * Though most princes canot heare on that side.]
+ [*]kingdome, if he would submit himselfe, to yéeld and follow that
+ rule. The epistle it selfe is partlie extant, and partlie perished,
+ yet such as it is, and as I haue faithfullie translated it out of
+ sundrie verie ancient copies, I doo deliuer it here, to the end I will
+ not defraud the reader of anie thing that may turne to the glorie of
+ God, and his commoditie, in the historie of our nation.
+
+ [Sidenote: Epistle of Eleutherus vnto Lucius.]
+ "You require of vs the Romane ordinances, and thereto the statutes of
+ the emperours to be sent ouer vnto you, and which you desire to
+ practise and put in vre within your realme and kingdome. The Romane
+ lawes and those of emperours we may eftsoones reprooue, but those of
+ God can neuer be found fault withall. You haue receiued of late
+ through Gods mercie in the realme of Britaine the law and faith of
+ Christ, you haue with you both volumes of the scriptures: out of them
+ therefore by Gods grace, and the councell of your realme take you a
+ law, and by that law through Gods sufferance rule your kingdome, for
+ [Sidenote: _Psal. 24._]
+ you are Gods vicar in your owne realme, as the roiall prophet saith;
+ The earth is the Lords and all that is therein, the compasse of the
+ [Sidenote: _Psal. 45._]
+ world, and they that dwell therein. Againe, Thou hast loued truth and
+ hated iniquitie, wherefore God, euen thy God hath annointed thee with
+ oile of gladnesse aboue thy fellowes. And againe, according to the
+ [Sidenote: _Psal. 71._]
+ saieng of the same prophet; Oh God giue thy iudgement vnto the king, &
+ thy iustice vnto the kings sonne. The kings sons are the christian
+ people & flocke of the realme, which are vnder your gouernance, and
+ [Sidenote: * Here wanteth.]
+ liue & continue in peace within your kingdome. [*] The gospell saith;
+ As the hen gathereth hir chickens vnder hir wings, so dooth the king
+ his people. Such as dwell in the kingdome of Britaine are yours, whom
+ if they be diuided, you ought to gather into concord and vnitie, to
+ call them to the faith and law of Christ, and to his sacred church: to
+ chearish and mainteine, to rule also and gouerne them, defending each
+ of them from such as would doo them wrong, and keeping them from the
+ malice of such as be their enimies. [*]Wo vnto the nation whose king
+ is a child, and whose princes rise vp earlie to banket and féed, which
+ is spoken not of a prince that is within age, but of a prince that is
+ become a child, through follie, sinne & vnstedfastnesse, of whom the
+ [Sidenote: _Psal. 55._]
+ prophet saith; The bloudthirstie and deceitfull men shall not liue
+ foorth halfe their daies. [*]By féeding I vnderstand gluttonie; by
+ gluttonie, lust; & by lust all wickednesse & sinne, according to the
+ saieng of Salomon the king; Wisedome entreth not into a wicked mind,
+ nor dwelleth with a man that is subiect vnto sinne. A king hath his
+ name of ruling, and not of the possession of his realme. You shalbe a
+ king whilest you rule well, but if you doo otherwise, the name of a
+ king shall not remaine with you, but you shall vtterlie forgo it,
+ which God forbid. The almightie God grant you so to rule the kingdome
+ of Britaine, that you may reigne with him for euer, whose vicar (or
+ vicegerent) you are within your aforesaid kingdome. Who with the Sonne
+ and the Holie-ghost, &c."
+
+ Hitherto out of the epistle that Eleutherus sent vnto Lucius, wherein
+ manie pretie obseruations are to be collected, if time and place would
+ serue to stand vpon them. After these daies also the number of such as
+ were ordeined to saluation, increased dailie more and more, whereby
+ (as in other places of the world) the word of God had good successe in
+ Britaine, in time of peace; and in heat of persecution, there were no
+ [Sidenote: Albane.]
+ [Sidenote: Amphibalus.]
+ [Sidenote: Iulius.]
+ [Sidenote: Aaron.]
+ small number of martyrs that suffered for the same, of which Albane,
+ Amphibalus, Iulius, and Aaron, are reputed to be the chiefe, bicause
+ of their noble parentage, which is a great matter in the sight of
+ worldlie men.
+
+ There are which affirme our Lucius to renounce his kingdome, and
+ afterward to become first a bishop, then a preacher of the gospell,
+ and afterward a pope: but to the end such as hold this opinion may
+ once vnderstand the botome of their errors, I will set downe the
+ matter at large, whereby they shall sée (if they list to looke) how
+ far they haue béene deceiued.
+
+ [Sidenote: Chlorus had three sons, & a daughter by Helena.]
+ I find that Chlorus had issue by his second wife, two sonnes,
+ Dalmatius (who had a sonne called also Dalmatius and slaine by the
+ souldiors.) Constantius father to Gallus, and Iulian the apostata;
+ besides foure other whose names as yet I find not. But being at the
+ first matched with Helena, and before she was put from him by the
+ roiall power of Dioclesian, he had by hir three sonnes (beside one
+ daughter named Emerita) of which the name of the first is perished,
+ the second was called Lucius, & the third Constantine, that afterward
+ was emperour of Rome, by election of the armies in Britaine. Now it
+ happened that Lucius, whome the French call Lucion, by means of a
+ quarell growne betwéene him and his elder brother, did kill his said
+ brother, either by a fraie or by some other meanes, wherevpon his
+ father exiled him out of Britaine, and appointed him from thenceforth
+ to remaine in Aquitane in France. This Lucion brought thus into
+ worldlie sorow, had now good leasure to meditate vpon heauen, who
+ before in his prosperitie had peraduenture neuer regard of hell.
+ [Sidenote: Lucion becommeth a christian.]
+ [Sidenote: Lucion a bishop.]
+ Finallie he fell so far into the consideration of his estate, that at
+ the last he renounced his paganisme, and first became a christian,
+ then an elder, and last of all a bishop in the church of Christ. He
+ erected also a place of praier wherein to serue the liuing God, which
+ after sundrie alterations came in processe of time to be an Abbaie,
+ and is still called euen to our time after Lucion or Lucius: the first
+ founder therof, and the originall beginner of anie such house in those
+ parts.
+
+ In this also he and diuers other of his freends continued their times,
+ in great contemplation and praier, and from hence were translated as
+ occasion serued, vnto sundrie ecclesiasticall promotions in the time
+ of Constant. his brother. So that euen by this short narration it is
+ now easie to sée, that Lucius the king, and Lucius or Lucion the sonne
+ [Sidenote: _Hermannus Schedelius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Bruschius cap._ 3.]
+ of Chlorus, were distinct persons. Herevnto Hermannus Schedelius
+ addeth also how he went into Rhetia with Emerita his sister, and néere
+ vnto the citie Augusta conuerted the Curienses vnto the faith of
+ Christ, and there likewise (being put to death in Castro Martis) lieth
+ buried in the same towne, where his feast is holden vpon the third
+ daie of December, as may readilie be confirmed, whereas the bones of
+ our Lucius were to be séene at Glocester. That Schedelius erreth not
+ herein also, the ancient monuments of the said Abbaie, whereof he was
+ the originall beginner, as I said, doo yeeld sufficient testimonie,
+ beside an hymne made in his commendation, intituled Gaude Lucionum,
+ [Sidenote: _Festum Lucionis. Iohn Bouchet._]
+ &c. But for more of this you may resort vnto Bouchet in his first
+ booke, and fift chapter of the Annales of Aquitane, who neuertheles
+ maketh the king of Britaine grandfather to this Lucion. The said
+ [Sidenote: Emerita martyred in Rhetia.]
+ Schedelius furthermore setteth downe, that his sister was martyred in
+ Trinecastell, néere vnto the place where the said Lucion dwelled,
+ whereby it appéereth in like sort, that she was not sister to Lucius
+ king of Britaine, of which prince Alexander Neccham in his most
+ excellent treatise De sapientia diuina, setteth downe this Distichon:
+
+   Prima Britannorum fidei lux Lucius esse
+     Fertur, qui rexit m[oe]nia Brute tua.
+
+ Neither could Lucion or Lucius be fellow and of kinred vnto Paule the
+ apostle, as Auentine inferreth, except he meane it of some other
+ Lucius, as of one whome he nameth Cyrinensis. But then will not the
+ historie agree with the conuersion of the Rhetians and Vindelicians,
+ whereof Schedelius and other doo make mention. But as each riuer the
+ farder it runneth from the head, the more it is increased by small
+ riuelets, and corrupted with filthie puddels, and stinking gutters,
+ [Sidenote: Heresie and monastical life brought into
+ Britaine at one time by _Pelagius_.]
+ that descend into the same: so the puritie of the gospell, preached
+ here in Britaine, in processe of time became first of all to be
+ corrupted with a new order of religion, and most execrable heresie,
+ both of them being brought in at once by Pelagius, of Wales, who
+ hauing trauelled through France, Italie, Aegypt, Syria, & the
+ easterlie regions of the world, was there at the last made an elder or
+ bishop, by some of the monkes, vnto whose profession he had not long
+ before wholie addicted himselfe. Finallie returning home againe with
+ an augmentation of fame and countenance of greater holinesse than he
+ bare out of the land with him, he did not onelie erect an house of his
+ [Sidenote: Bangor.]
+ owne order at Bangor in Wales, vpon the riuer Dee, but also sowed the
+ pestiferous séed of his hereticall prauities ouer all this Iland,
+ whereby he seduced great numbers of Britons, teaching them to preferre
+ their owne merits, before the free mercie of God, in Jesus Christ his
+ sonne. By this means therefore he brought assurance of saluation into
+ question, and taught all such as had a diligent respect vnto their
+ workes to be doubtfull of the same, whereas to such as regard this
+ latter, there can be no quietnesse of mind, but alwaies an vnstedfast
+ opinion of themselues, whereby they cannot discerne, neither by
+ prosperitie nor aduersitie of this life, whether they be worthie loue
+ or hatred. Neuertheles it behooueth the godlie to repose their hope in
+ that grace which is freelie granted through Jesu Christ, and to flee
+ vnto the mercies of God which are offered vnto vs in with and by his
+ son, to the end that we may at the last find the testimonie of his
+ spirit working with ours, that we are his chosen children, whereby
+ commeth peace of conscience to such as doo beléeue.
+
+ Thus we sée how new deuises or orders of religion and heresie came in
+ together. I could shew also what Comets, and strange signes appeared
+ in Britaine, much about the same time, the like of which with diuers
+ other haue beene perceiued also from time to time, sithence the death
+ of Pelagius, at the entrance of anie new kind of religion into this
+ Ile of Britaine. But I passe them ouer, onelie for that I would not
+ seeme in my tractation of antiquities, to trouble my reader with the
+ rehersall of anie new inconueniences.
+
+ [Sidenote: Anachorites. Heremites. Cyrillines. Benedictines.]
+ To procéed therefore with my purpose, after these, there followed in
+ like sort sundrie other kinds of monasticall life, as Anachorites,
+ Heremits, Cyrilline and Benedictine monkes, albeit that the
+ heremeticall profession was onelie allowed of in Britaine, vntill the
+ comming of Augustine the monke, who brought in the Benedictine sect,
+ framed after the order of the house which Benedict surnamed Nursinus
+ did first erect in Monte Cassino, about the 524. of Christ, & was
+ finallie so well liked of all men, that we had few or (as I suppose)
+ no blacke monkes in England that were not of his order. In processe of
+ time how Benedict Biscop also our countrieman restored the said
+ Benedictine profession greatlie decaied in England, our histories are
+ verie plentifull, which Biscop went off into Italie, and at one time
+ for a speciall confirmation of his two monasteries which he had
+ [Sidenote: Monkes and Heremites onelie allowed of in Britaine.]
+ builded at other mens costs vnto Paule and Peter vpon the bankes of
+ the Were, as Beda dooth remember. So fast also did these and other
+ like humane deuises prosper after his time, that at their suppression
+ in England and Wales onelie, there were found 440. religious houses at
+ the least, of which 373. might dispend 200. li. by the yéere at the
+ least, as appeareth by the record of their suppression, which also
+ noteth the totall summe of their reuenues to amount vnto 32000.
+ pounds, their moueables 100000. li. and the number of religious men
+ [Sidenote: The number of religious houses in England
+ at their dissolution.]
+ conteined in the same, to be 10000. which would make a pretie armie,
+ wherevnto if you adde those 45. of late standing in Scotland, you
+ shall soone see what numbers of these dens of spirituall robbers were
+ mainteined here in Britaine. What number of saincts also haue béene
+ hatched in them I could easilie remember, and beside those 160. which
+ Capgraue setteth downe, & other likewise remembred in the golden
+ Legend, and Legendarie of Excester, I might bring a rable out of
+ Scotland able to furnish vp a calendar, though the yere were twise as
+ long.
+
+ As touching Pelagius the first heretike that euer was bred in this
+ realme (notablie knowne) and parent of Monachisme, it is certeine,
+ that before his corruption and fall, he was taken for a man of
+ singular learning, deepe iudgement, and such a one, as vpon whome for
+ his great gifts in teaching and strictnesse of life, no small péece of
+ the hope and expectation of the people did depend. But what is
+ wisedome of the flesh, without the feare and true knowledge of God?
+ and what is learning except it be handmaid to veritie and sound
+ iudgement? Wherefore euen of this man, we may see it verified, that
+ [Sidenote: Roger Bakon his saieng of the preachers of his
+ time who were the best lawyers and the worst Diuines.]
+ one Roger Bakon pronounced long after of the corruption of his time,
+ when all things were measured by wit and worldlie policie, rather than
+ by the scriptures or guidance of the spirit; Better it is saith he, to
+ heare a rude and simple idiot preach the truth, without apparance of
+ skill and learned eloquence, than a profound clearke to set foorth
+ error, with great shew of learning, and boast of filed vtterance.
+ Gerson in like sort hath said fullie asmuch. These follies of Pelagius
+ were blased abroad about the 400. of Christ, and from thencefoorth how
+ his number of monkes increased on the one side, and his doctrine on
+ the other, there is almost no reader that is vnskilfull and ignorant.
+
+ This also is certeine, that within the space of 200. yeares and odde,
+ [Sidenote: More than 2100 monkes in the College or Abbaie of
+ Bangor in whose territories the parish of Ouerton standeth.]
+ there were manie more than 2100. monkes gathered togither in his
+ house, whose trades notwithstanding the errors or their founder, (who
+ taught such an estimation of merits and bodilie exercise (as Paule
+ calleth it) that therby he sought not onlie to impugne, but also
+ preuent grace, which was in deed the originall occasion of the
+ erection of his house) were yet farre better and more godlie than all
+ those religious orders, that were inuented of later time, wherein the
+ professours liued to themselues, their wombs and the licentious
+ fruition of those parts, that are beneath the bellie. For these
+ [Sidenote: _Niceph. lib._ II. _cap._ 34.]
+ laboured continuallie  for their owne liuings, at vacant times from
+ praier (as did Serapions monkes, which were 10000. ouer whome he
+ himselfe was Abbat) and likewise for the better maintenance of such
+ learned men as were their appointed preachers. Their liues also were
+ correspondent to their doctrine, so that herein onelie they seemed
+ intollerable, in that they had confidence in their déeds, and no
+ warrant out of the word for their succor & defense, but were such a
+ plant as the heauenlie father had not planted, and therefore no
+ maruell, though afterward they were raised by the roots.
+
+ But as Pelagius and his adherents had a time to infect the church of
+ Christ in Britaine, so the liuing God hath had a season also to purge
+ and cleanse the same, though not by a full reformation of doctrine,
+ [Sidenote: Germanus, Lupus, Palladius, Patricius.]
+ sith Germanus, Lupus, Palladius, Patricius, and such like leaning for
+ the most part vnto the monasticall trades, did not so much condemne
+ the generall errors of Pelagius one waie, as mainteine the same, or as
+ euill opinions another. For as Patricke séemed to like well of the
+ honoring of the dead, so Germanus being in Britaine repaired an old
+ [Sidenote: _Seuerus Sulpitius in vita Patricij._]
+ chapell to S. Albane, wherein Lupus also praied, as Palladius vpheld
+ the strictnesse of life, in monasticall profession to the vttermost of
+ his power. Wherefore God wrought this purgation of his house at the
+ first, rather by taking awaie the wicked and pompous schoolemaisters
+ of errour out of this life: hoping that by such meanes, his people
+ would haue giuen eare to the godlie that remained. But in processe of
+ time, when this his mercifull dealing was forgotten and our
+ countriemen returned to their former disorders, he brought in the
+ Saxons, who left no idoll vnhonored, no not their filthie Priapus,
+ vnto whom the women builded temples, and made a beastlie image (Cum
+ pene intenso, and as if he had beene circumcised) whome they called
+ Ithypallus, Verpus, and as Goropius Atvatic. pag. 26. addeth, Ters:
+ calling vpon him in maner at euerie word, yea at the verie fall of a
+ knife out of their hands, and not counted anie shame vnto the most
+ ancient and sober matrone of them all. Howbeit when this procéeding of
+ the Lord could also take no place, and the shéepe of his pasture would
+ receiue no wholesome fodder, it pleased his maiestie, to let them run
+ on headlong from one iniquitie to another, in somuch that after the
+ doctrine of Pelagius, it receiued that of Rome also, brought in by
+ [Sidenote: Augustine the monke.]
+ Augustine and his monkes, whereby it was to be seene, how they fell
+ from the truth into heresie, and from one heresie still into another,
+ till at the last they were drowned altogither in the pits of error
+ digged vp by Antichrist, wels in deed that hold no water, which
+ notwithstanding to their followers séemed to be most sound doctrine,
+ and cisterns of liuing water to such as imbraced the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: Augustine.]
+ This Augustine, after his arriuall, conuerted the Saxons in déed from
+ paganisme, but as the prouerbe saith, bringing them out of Gods
+ blessing into the warme sunne, he also imbued them with no lesse
+ hurtfull superstition, than they did know before: for beside the
+ onelie name of Christ, and externall contempt of their pristinate
+ idolatrie, he taught them nothing at all, but rather (I saie) made an
+ exchange from grosse to subtill treacherie, from open to secret
+ idolatrie, & from the name of pagans, to the bare title of christians,
+ thinking this sufficient for their soules health, and the stablishment
+ of his monachisme, of which kind of profession, the holie scriptures
+ of God can in no wise like or allow. But what cared he? sith he got
+ the great fish for which he did cast his hooke, and so great was the
+ fish that he caught in déed, that within the space of 1000. yeares,
+ and lesse, it deuoured the fourth part & more of the best soile of the
+ Iland, which was wholie bestowed vpon his monkes, & other religious
+ broodes that were hatched since his time, as may hereafter appéere in
+ the booke following, where I intreate of cities, townes, &c. In the
+ [Sidenote: Monks of Canturburie plagued.]
+ meane season what successe his monkes had at Canturburie, how oft they
+ were spoiled by enimies, their houses burned by casualtie, and
+ brethren consumed with pestilence, I refer me to Gotcellius, Houeden,
+ Geruase, and the rest of their owne historiographers. And so sore did
+ the pestilence rage among them in the time of Celnothus (in whose
+ daies the preests, clerks and monkes sang their seruice togither in
+ the quire, that (of I wote not how manie) there remained onelie fiue
+ aliue, which was a notable token of the furie and wrath of God
+ conceiued and executed against that malignant generation. It came also
+ to passe at the last that men vsed to praie for helpe at the said
+ Augustines tumbe (although afterward Thomas Becket a newer saint did
+ not a little deface his glorie) among which king Athelstane was one,
+ whome Elnothus the abbat staied so long in the place, when he came
+ thither to praie, that his soldiours waiting for his comming, and
+ supposing the monkes to haue murdered him, began to giue an assault
+ and set fire vpon the house.
+
+ [Sidenote: Meates.]
+ [Sidenote: Pictes.]
+ [Sidenote: Caledoniens.]
+ Whilest these things were thus in hand, in the south part of Albion,
+ the Meates, Picts, and Caledoniens, which lie beyond the Scotish sea,
+ receiued also the faith, by preaching of such christian elders as
+ aduentured thither dailie, who trauelled not without great successe
+ and increase of perfect godlines in that part of the Ile. Certes this
+ prosperous attempt passed all mens expectation, for that these nations
+ were in those daies reputed wild, sauage, and more vnfaithfull and
+ craftie than well-minded people (as the wild Irish are in my time) and
+ such were they (to saie the truth) in déed, as neither the sugred
+ courtesie, nor sharpe swords of the Romans could mollifie or restraine
+ from their naturall furie, or bring to anie good order. For this cause
+ also in the end, the Romane emperours did vtterlie cast them off as an
+ vnprofitable, brutish, & vntameable nation, and by an huge wall
+ herafter to be described, separated that rude companie from the more
+ mild and ciuill portion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Scotland conuerted to the faith of Christ.]
+ This conuersion of the north parts fell out in the sixt yeare before
+ the warres that Seuerus had in those quarters, and 170. after the
+ death of our sauiour Jesus Christ. From thenceforth also the christian
+ religion continued still among them, by the diligent care of their
+ pastors and bishops (after the vse of the churches of the south part
+ of this Iland) till the Romane shéepheard sought them out, and found
+ the meanes to pull them vnto him in like sort with his long staffe as
+ he had done our countriemen, whereby in the end he abolished the rites
+ of the churches of Asia there also, as Augustine had done alreadie in
+ England: and in stéed of the same did furnish it vp with those of his
+ pontificall see, although there was great contention, and no lesse
+ bloodshed made amongst them, before it could be brought to passe, as
+ by the histories of both nations yet extant may be séene.
+
+ [Sidenote: Paladius.]
+ In the time of C[oe]lestine bishop of Rome, who sate in the 423. of
+ Christ, one Paladius a Grecian borne (to whome Cyrill wrote his dialog
+ De adoratione in spiritu) and sometime disciple to Iohn 24. bishop of
+ [Sidenote: The first attempt of the bishop of Rome
+ to bring Scotland vnder his obedience.]
+ Ierusalem, came ouer from Rome into Britaine, there to suppresse the
+ Pelagian heresie, which not a little molested the orthodoxes of that
+ Iland. And hauing doone much good in the extinguishing of the
+ aforesaid opinion there, he went at the last also into Scotland,
+ supposing no lesse, but after he had trauelled somwhat in confutation
+ of the Pelagians in those parts, he should easilie persuade that
+ crooked nation to admit and receiue the rites of the church of Rome,
+ as he would faine haue doone beforehand in the south. But as
+ [Sidenote: Fastidius bishop of London.]
+ Fastidius Priscus archbishop of London, and his Suffragans resisted
+ him here; so did the Scotish prelates withstand him there also in this
+ behalfe: howbeit, bicause of the authoritie of his commission,
+ grauitie of personage, and the great gift which he had in the veine of
+ pleasant persuasion (whereby he drew the people after him, as Orpheus
+ did the stones with his harpe, and Hercules such as heard him by his
+ toong) they had him not onelie then in great admiration, but their
+ successors also from time to time, and euen now are contented (and the
+ rather also for that he came from Rome) to take him for their chéefe
+ [Sidenote: Paladius accompted for the apostle of the Scots.]
+ apostle, reckoning from his comming as from the faith receiued, which
+ was in the 431. yeare of Christ, as the truth of their historie dooth
+ verie well confirme.
+
+ Thus we see what religion hath from time to time beene receiued in
+ this Iland, & how and when the faith of Christ came first into our
+ countrie. Howbeit as in processe of time it was ouershadowed, and
+ corrupted with the dreames and fantasticall imaginations of man, so it
+ dailie waxed woorse & woorse, till that it pleased God to restore the
+ preaching of his gospell in our daies, whereby the man of sinne is now
+ openlie reuealed, and the puritie of the word once againe brought to
+ light, to the finall ouerthrow of the Romish sathan, and his popish
+ adherents that honour him daie and night to the vttermost of their
+ power, yeelding vp their harts as temples for him to dwell in, which
+ rather ought to be the temples of God and habitations of the
+ Holy-ghost. But such is their peruerse ignorance (notwithstanding that
+ Paule hath giuen warning of him alreadie 2. Thes. 2. calling him (as I
+ said) the man of sinne, and saieng that he sitteth as God in the
+ temple of God, shewing himselfe in his chalenge of power, as if he
+ were God, vnder pretense of zeale vnto true religion) that they will
+ not giue eare vnto the truth, but rather shut their eares and their
+ eies from hearing and reading of the scriptures, bicause they will not
+ be drawne out of his snares and bondage.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE MANIFOLD CONUERSIONS AND ALTERATIONS OF THE ESTATE OF THE
+ COMMON-WEALTH OF BRITAINE, SITHENS THE TIME OF SAMOTHES.
+
+
+ There is a certeine period of kingdomes, of 430. yeares, in which
+ commonlie they suffer some notable alteration. And as in the aforesaid
+ season there is set a time of increase and decaie, so we find that
+ before the execution of Gods purpose dooth come to passe, in changing
+ the estate of things, sundrie tokens are sent, whereby warning is
+ giuen, that without repentance he will come and visit our offenses.
+ This is partlie verified by Ioachimus Camerarius, who in his first
+ booke De ostentis intreating of the same argument, telleth of a
+ strange earthquake felt in Delus, which was neuer touched with any
+ such plague before or after the ouerthrow of the Persians, giuen vnto
+ them by the Grecians; also of the beard that suddenlie grew out of the
+ face of the Pedacien prophetesse, so often as the citie was to be
+ touched with any alteration and change. "Nam (saith he) descriptas
+ esse diuinitùs ætates quibus idem humanarum rerum status duraret,
+ quibus finitis, prædici prius quàm existeret nouationem in deterius
+ euenturam rerum, quæque indies minùs ac minùs numini cordi essent.
+ Emittuntur igitur cometæ diuinitus, & reuocantur dum supra nos
+ conspecti quamdiu placuit Deo inferuntur, &c." Plato referreth such
+ changes as happen in common-wealths to a certeine diuine force that
+ resteth hidden in sundrie od numbers, whereof their periods do
+ consist. True it is that God created all things in number, weight &
+ measure, & that after an incomprehensible maner vnto our fraile &
+ humane capacitie. Neuerthelesse, he appointed not these three to haue
+ the rule of his works, wherefore we must not ascribe these changes to
+ the force of number with Plato, much lesse then vnto destinie with the
+ Peripatetiks, but vnto the diuine prouidence and appointment of God,
+ which onelie may be called destinie as S. Augustine saith, for of
+ other destinie it is impietie to dreame. Aristotle ascribing all
+ euents vnto manifest causes precedent, dooth scoffe at Plato and his
+ numbers in his booke of common-wealths, and bringeth in sundrie causes
+ of the alteration of the state of things, which we may referre vnto
+ principals, as iniurie, oppression, ambition, treason, rebellion,
+ contempt of religion and lawes, and therevnto abundance of wealth in
+ few, and great necessitie and miserie in manie. But whatsoeuer
+ Aristotle gesseth at these things by humane reason as at the first
+ causes, yet we acknowledge other beyond them, as sinne, which being
+ suffered and come to the full, is cut downe by the iustice of the high
+ God, the cheefe cause of all, who foreseeing the wickednesse of such
+ as dwell on earth, dooth constitute such a reuolution of things in
+ their beginnings, as best standeth with the execution of his purpose,
+ and correction of our errors. The causes therefore that Aristotle
+ dooth deliuer, are nothing else but the meanes which God vseth to
+ bring his purposes to passe; and yet they deserue the name of causes,
+ in that they preceed those effects which follow them immediatlie. But
+ in truth other than secondarie or third causes no man can iustlie call
+ them. Bodinus in his historicall method, cap. 6. making a large
+ discourse of the conuersions of commonwealths, dooth séeme at the
+ first to denie the force of number, but after a while he maruelleth
+ that no Grecian or Latine Academike, hath hitherto made any discourse
+ of the excellencie of such numbers as apperteine to the estate of
+ empires and kingdomes by exemplification in any one citie or other.
+ Hereby he sheweth himselfe vpon the sudden to alter his iudgement, so
+ [Sidenote: Fatal numbers.]
+ that he setteth downe certeine numbers as fatall; to wit, sixe vnto
+ women, and seauen and nine vnto men, which (saith he) haue "Magnam in
+ tota rerum natura potestatem," meaning as well in common-wealths and
+ kingdomes from their first erections, as in particular ages of bodies,
+ for sickenesse, health, change of habitation, wealth, and losse, &c:
+ and for the confirmation of the same, he setteth downe sundrie
+ examples of apparent likelihood, either by multiplication of one by
+ the other, or diuision of greater numbers by either of them, or their
+ concurrence one with another, calling the aforesaid three his
+ criticall or iudiciall numbers, whereby he bringeth or rather
+ restoreth an old kind of arithmancie (fathered on Pythagoras, yet
+ neuer inuented by him) againe into the world. But we christians, in
+ respecting of causes, haue to looke vnto the originall and great cause
+ of all, and therefore we haue not to leane vnto these points in any
+ wise as causes: for we know and confesse that all things depend vpon
+ his prouidence, who humbleth and exalteth whom it pleaseth him.
+ Neuerthelesse, I hope we may without offense examine how these
+ assertions hold, so long as we vse them rather as Indices than Causas
+ mutationum. And therefore haue I attempted to practise at this present
+ the example of Bodinus, first in the alterations of our ciuill estate
+ passed; and secondlie, of the like in cases of religion; from the
+ flood generallie, and then after the first comming in of Samothes into
+ our Ile, thereby somewhat to satisfie my selfe, and recreate the
+ readers; but still protesting in the meane season that I vtterlie
+ denie them to be any causes, or of themselues to worke any effect at
+ all in these things, as Bodinus would seeme to vphold. As for those of
+ other countries, I referre you to Aristotles politikes, and the eight
+ of the common-wealth which Plato hath left vnto vs, therby to be
+ farther resolued, if you be desirous to looke on them. In beginning
+ therefore with my purpose; First bicause the flood of Noah was
+ generall, and therefore appertinent vnto all, it shall not be amisse
+ to begin with that, which was in the yeare 1656. after the creation of
+ Adam, so that if you diuide the same by nine, you shall find the
+ quotient to fall out exactlie with the 184. reuolution of the same
+ number. Secondlie, for so much as the confusion of toongs was the
+ originall cause of the dispersion of the people ouer the face of the
+ whole earth, it shall not be amisse also to examine the same. Certes
+ it fell out in the 133. after the flood: if we diuide therefore the
+ said 133. by seauen, you shall find the quotient 19. without any ods
+ remaining. From hence also vnto the comming of Samothes into Britaine,
+ or rather his lawes giuen vnto the Celts, and with them vnto the
+ Britons, in the second of his arriuall in this land, we find by exact
+ supputation 126. yeares, which being parted by nine or seauen sheweth
+ such a conclusion as maketh much for this purpose. Doubtlesse I am the
+ more willing to touch the time of his lawes than his entrance, sith
+ alteration of ordinances is the cheefe and principall token of change
+ in rule and regiment; although at this present the circumstances hold
+ not, sith he dispossessed none, neither incroched vpon any. From
+ Samothes vnto the tyrannie of Albion, are 335. yeares complet, so that
+ he arriued here in the 335. or 48. septenarie, which also concurreth
+ with the 590 after the flood. In like sort the regiment of Albion
+ continued but seauen yeares, and then was the souereingtie of this Ile
+ restored againe by Hercules vnto the Celts. The next alteration of our
+ estate openlie knowne, happened by Brute, betweene whose time and
+ death of Albion there passed full 601. yeares (for he spent much time
+ after his departure out of Grecia, before he came into Albion) so that
+ if you accompt him to come hither in the 602. you shall haue 86.
+ septenaries exactlie. From Brute to the extinction of his posteritie
+ in Ferrex and Porrex, and pentarchie of Britaine, are 630. yeares, or
+ 70. nouenaries, than the which where shall a man find a more precise
+ period after this method or prescription, for manie and diuers
+ considerations. The time of the pentarchie indured likewise 49.
+ yeares, or seauen septenaries, which being expired Dunwallo brought
+ all the princes vnder his subiection, and ruled ouer them as monarch
+ of this Ile. After the pentarchie ended, we find againe, that in the
+ 98. yeare, Brennus rebelled against Beline his brother, wherevpon
+ insued cruell bloodshed betwéene them. So that here you haue 14.
+ septenaries, as you haue from those warres ended, which indured a full
+ yeare & more before Brennus was reconciled to his brother, to the
+ comming of Cæsar into this Iland (whereat our seruitude and miserable
+ thraldome to the Romans may worthilie take his entrance) 48. or 336.
+ yeares, than the which concurrences I know not how a man should
+ imagine a more exact.
+
+ After the comming of Cæsar we haue 54. or sixe nouenaries to Christ,
+ whose death and passion redoundeth generallie to all that by firme and
+ sure faith take hold of the same, and applie it vnto their comfort.
+ From the birth of Christ to our countrie deliuered from the Romane
+ yoke, are 446. yeares, at which time the Britains chose them a king,
+ and betooke themselues to his obedience. But neither they nor their
+ king being then able to hold out the Scots and Picts, which dailie
+ made hauocke of their countrie; the said Vortiger in the third yeare
+ of his reigne (which was the 63. septenarie after Christ) did send for
+ the Saxons, who arriued here in the 449. and 450. yeares of Grace, in
+ great companies, for our aid and succour, although that in the end
+ their entrances turned to our vtter decaie and ruine, in that they
+ made a conquest of the whole Ile, and draue vs out of our liuings.
+ Hereby we sée therefore how the preparatiue began in the 449. but how
+ it was finished in the tenth nouenarie, the sequele is too too plaine.
+ In like sort in the 43. nouenarie or 387. after the comming of the
+ Saxons, the Danes entred, who miserablie afflicted this Ile by the
+ space of 182. yeares or 46. septenaries, which being expired, they
+ established themselues in the kingdome by Canutus. But their time
+ lasting not long, the Normans followed in the end of the 49. yeare,
+ and thus you sée how these numbers do hold exactlie vnto the conquest.
+ The like also we find of the continuance of the Normans or succession
+ of the Conquerour, which indured but 89. yeares, being extinguished in
+ Stephen, and that of the Saxons restored in Henrie the second,
+ although it lacke one whole yeare of ten nouenaries, which is a small
+ thing, sith vpon diuers occasions the time of the execution of any
+ accident may be preuented or proroged, as in direction and progression
+ astronomicall is oftentimes perceiued. From hence to the infamous
+ excommunication of England in king Iohns daies, wherevpon insued the
+ resignation of his crownes and dominions to the pope, are eight
+ septenaries or 56. yeares. Thence againe to the deposition of Richard.
+ 2. and vsurpation of Henrie 4. are 77. yeares or 11. septenaries. From
+ hence to the conspiracie made against Edward. 2. after which he was
+ deposed & murdered are 117. yeares, or 13. nouenaries. From hence to
+ the beginning of the quarell betwéene the houses of Yorke and
+ Lancaster (wherein foure score and od persons of the blood roiall were
+ slaine and made awaie first and last, and which warres begunne in the
+ 1448. and the yeare after the death of the Duke of Glocester, whose
+ murther séemed to make frée passage to the said broile) are 72. yeares
+ or eight nouenaries. From hence to the translation of the crowne from
+ the house of Lancaster to that of Yorke, in Edward the 4. are 14.
+ yeares or two septenaries, and last of all to the vnion of the said
+ houses in Henrie the eight, is an exact quadrat of seuen multiplied in
+ it selfe, or 49. yeares, whereof I hope this may in part suffice.
+
+ Now as concerning religion, we haue from Christ to the faith first
+ preached in Britaine (by Iosephus ab Aramathia, and Simon Zelotes) as
+ some write 70. yeares or 10. septenaries. Thence also to the baptisme
+ of Lucius, and his nobilitie in the yeare after their conuersion, 12.
+ nouenaries or 108. yeares. After these the Saxons entred and changed
+ the state of religion for the most part into paganisme, in the yeare
+ 449. 39. nouenarie, and 273. yeare after Lucius had beene baptised,
+ which is 39. septenaries, if I be not deceiued. In the 147. or 21.
+ septenarie, Augustine came, who brought in poperie, which increased
+ and continued till Wicklif with more boldnesse than anie other began
+ to preach the gospell, which was Anno. 1361. or 765. yeares after the
+ comming of Augustine, and yeeld 85. nouenaries exactlie. From hence
+ [Sidenote: Henrie 8.]
+ againe to the expulsion of the pope 175. yeares, or 25. septenaries,
+ [Sidenote: Marie.]
+ thence to the receiuing of the pope and popish doctrine 21. yeares or
+ 3. septenaries, wherevnto I would ad the time of restoring the gospell
+ by Quéene Elizabeth, were it not that it wanteth one full yeare of 7.
+ Whereby we may well gather, that if there be anie hidden mysterie or
+ thing conteined in these numbers, yet the same extendeth not vnto the
+ diuine disposition of things, touching the gift of grace and frée
+ mercie vnto the penitent, vnto which neither number weight nor measure
+ shall be able to aspire.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUCH ILANDS AS ARE TO BE SEENE VPON THE COASTS OF BRITAINE.
+
+ CAP. 10.
+
+
+ There are néere vnto, or not verie farre from the coasts of Britaine
+ many faire Ilands, wherof Ireland with hir neighbors (not here
+ handled) séeme to be the cheefe. But of the rest, some are much larger
+ or lesse than other, diuers in like sort enuironed continuallie with
+ the salt sea (whereof I purpose onelie to intreat, although not a few
+ of them be Ilands but at the floud) and other finallie be clipped
+ partlie by the fresh and partlie by the salt water, or by the fresh
+ alone, whereof I may speake afterward.
+
+ Of these salt Ilands (for so I call them that are enuironed with the
+ Ocean waues) some are fruitfull in wood, corne, wild foule, and
+ pasture ground for cattell, albeit that manie of them be accounted
+ barren, bicause they are onelie replenished with conies, and those of
+ sundrie colours (cherished of purpose by the owners, for their skins
+ or carcases in their prouision of household) without either man or
+ woman otherwise inhabiting in them. Furthermore, the greatest number
+ of these Ilands haue townes and parish-churches, within their seuerall
+ precincts, some mo, some lesse: and beside all this, are so inriched
+ with commodities, that they haue pleasant hauens, fresh springs, great
+ store of fish, and plentie of cattell, wherby the inhabitants doo
+ reape no small aduantage. How manie they are in number I cannot as yet
+ determine, bicause mine informations are not so fullie set downe, as
+ the promises of some on the one side, & mine expectation on the other
+ did extend vnto. Howbeit, first of all that there are certeine which
+ lie neere togither, as it were by heapes and clusters, I hope none
+ [Sidenote: Nesiadæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Insulæ Scylurum.]
+ [Sidenote: Sileustræ.]
+ [Sidenote: Syllanæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Sorlingæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Sylley.]
+ [Sidenote: Hebrides.]
+ [Sidenote: Hebudes.]
+ [Sidenote: Meuaniæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Orchades.]
+ will readilie denie. Of these also those called the Nesiadæ, Insulæ
+ Scylurum, Sileustræ, Syllanæ, now the Sorlings, and Iles of Silley,
+ lieng beyond Cornwall are one, and conteineth in number one hundreth
+ fourtie and seauen (each of them bearing grasse) besides shelfes and
+ shallowes. In like sort the companie of the Hebrides in old time
+ subject vnto Ireland are another, which are said to be 43. situat vpon
+ the west side of this Iland, betweene Ireland & Scotland, and of which
+ there are some that repute Anglesei, Mona Cæsaris, and other lieng
+ betweene them to be parcell, in their corrupted iudgement. The third
+ cluster or bunch consisteth of those that are called the Orchades, and
+ these lie vpon the northwest point of Scotland, being 31. aliàs 28. in
+ number, as for the rest they lie scattered here and there, and yet not
+ to be vntouched as their courses shall come about. There are also the
+ 18. Shetland Iles, and other yet farther distant from them, of which
+ Iohn Frobuser I doubt not touched vpon some in his voiage to Meta
+ Incognita: but for somuch as I must speake of the Shetlands hereafter,
+ I doo not meane to spend anie time about them as yet.
+
+ There haue beene diuers that haue written of purpose, De insulis
+ Britanniæ, as Cæsar doth confesse. The like also may be seene by
+ Plutarch, who nameth one Demetrius a Britaine, that should set foorth
+ an exact treatise of each of them in order, and among other tell of
+ certeine desert Iles beyond Scotland dedicated to sundrie gods and
+ goddesses, but of one especiallie, where Briareus should hold Saturne
+ and manie other spirits fast bound with the chaines of an heauie
+ sléepe, as he heard, of which some die now and then, by meane wherof
+ the aire becommeth maruellouslie troubled, &c: as you may sée in
+ Plutarch De cessatione oraculorum, &c. But sith those bookes are now
+ perished, and the most of the said Ilands remaine vtterlie vnknowen,
+ euen to our owne selues (for who is able in our time to say where is
+ Glota, Hiucrion, Etta, Iduna, Armia, Æsarea, Barsa, Isiandium,
+ Icdelis, Xantisma, Indelis, Siata, Ga. Andros or Edros, Siambis,
+ Xanthos, Ricnea, Menapia, &c? whose names onelie are left in memorie
+ by ancient writers, but I saie their places not so much as heard of in
+ our daies) I meane (God willing) to set downe so manie of them with
+ their commodities, as I doo either know by Leland, or am otherwise
+ instructed of by such as are of credit. Herein also I will touch at
+ large those that are most famous, and breeflie passe ouer such as are
+ obscure and vnknowen, making mine entrance at the Thames mouth, and
+ directing this imagined course (for I neuer sailed it) by the south
+ part of the Iland into the west. From thence in like sort I will
+ proceed into the north, & come about againe by the east side into the
+ fall of the aforesaid streame, where I will strike saile, and safelie
+ be set ashore, that haue often in this voiage wanted water, but
+ oftener béene set a ground, especiallie on the Scotish side.
+
+ In beginning therefore, with such as lie in the mouth of the aforesaid
+ [Sidenote: Hoo.]
+ riuer, I must néeds passe by the How, which is not an Iland, and
+ therefore not within the compasse of my description at this time, but
+ almost an Iland, which parcels the Latins call Peninsulas, and I doo
+ english a Byland, vsing the word for such as a man may go into
+ drie-footed at the full sea, or on horssebacke at the low water
+ without anie boat or vessell: and such a one almost is Rochford
+ hundred in Essex also, yet not at this time to be spoken of, bicause
+ not the sea onelie but the fresh water also doth in maner enuiron it,
+ and is the cheefe occasion wherfore it is called an Iland. This How
+ lieth between Cliffe (in old time called Clouesho, to wit, Cliffe in
+ How or in the hundred of How) & the midwaie that goeth along by
+ Rochester, of which hundred there goeth an old prouerbe in rime after
+ this maner:
+
+   He that rideth into the hundred of How,
+   Beside pilfering sea-men shall find durt ynow.
+
+ [Sidenote: Greane.]
+ Next vnto this we haue the Greane, wherein is a towne of the same
+ denomination, an Ile supposed to be foure miles in length, and two in
+ [Sidenote: Shepey.]
+ bredth. Then come we to Shepey, which Ptolomie calleth Connos,
+ conteining seauen miles in length, and three in bredth, wherein is a
+ castell called Quinborow, and a parke, beside foure townes, of which
+ one is named Minster, another Eastchurch, the third Warden, and the
+ fourth Leyden: the whole soile being throughlie fed with shéepe, verie
+ well woodded, and (as I heare) belongeth to the Lord Cheyney, as
+ parcell of his inheritance. It lieth thirtéene miles by water from
+ Rochester, but the castell is fiftéene, and by south thereof are two
+ [Sidenote: Elmesie.]
+ [Sidenote: Hertesie.]
+ small Ilands, wherof the one is called Elmesie, and the more easterlie
+ Hertesie. In this also is a towne called Hertie, or Hartie, and all in
+ the Lath of Scraie, notwithstanding that Hartie lieth in the hundred
+ of Feuersham, and Shepey reteineth one especiall Bailie of hir owne.
+
+ From hence we passe by the Reculuers (or territorie belonging in time
+ past to one Raculphus, who erected an house of religion, or some such
+ thing there) vnto a little Iland in the Stoure mouth. Herevpon also
+ [Sidenote: Stureev.]
+ [Sidenote: Thanet.]
+ the Thanet abutteth, which Ptolomie calleth Toliapis, other Athanatos,
+ bicause serpents are supposed not to liue in the same, howbeit sith it
+ is not enuironed with the sea, it is not to be dealt withall as an
+ Iland in this place, albeit I will not let to borow of my
+ determination, and describe it as I go, bicause it is so fruitfull.
+ Beda noteth it in times past to haue conteined 600. families, which
+ are all one with Hidelands, [*]Ploughlands, Carrucates, or Temewares.
+ [Sidenote: * In Lincolneshire the word Hide or hideland,
+ was neuer in vse in old time as in other places, but for
+ Hide they vsed the word Carucate or cartware, or Teme,
+ and these were of no lesse compasse than an Hideland.
+ _Ex Hugone le blanc Monacho Petrolurgensi._]
+ He addeth also that it is diuided from our continent, by the riuer
+ called Wantsume, which is about thrée furlongs broad, and to be passed
+ ouer in two places onelie. But whereas Polydore saieth, the Thanet is
+ nine miles in length & not much lesse in bredth, it is now reckoned
+ that it hath not much aboue seauen miles from Nordtmuth to Sandwich,
+ and foure in bredth, from the Stoure to Margate, or from the south to
+ the north, the circuit of the whole being 17. or 18. as Leland also
+ noteth. This Iland hath no wood growing in it except it be forced, and
+ yet otherwise it is verie fruitfull, and beside that it wanteth few
+ other commodities, the finest chalke is said to be found there. Herein
+ also did Augustine the moonke first arriue, when he came to conuert
+ the Saxons, and afterward in processe of time, sundry religious houses
+ were erected there, as in a soile much bettered (as the supersticious
+ supposed) by the steps of that holy man, & such as came ouer with him.
+ There are at this time 10. parish churches at the least in the Ile of
+ Thanet, as S. Nicholas, Birchington, S. Iohns, Wood or Woodchurch, S.
+ Peters, S. Laurence, Mownton or Monkeron, Minster, S. Gyles and all
+ Saincts, whereof M. Lambert hath written at large in his description
+ of Kent, and placed the same in the Lath of sainct Augustine and
+ hundred of Kingslow, as may easilie be séene to him that will peruse
+ it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Rutupium.]
+ Sometime Rutupium or (as Beda calleth it) Reptacester, stood also in
+ this Iland, but now thorough alteration of the chanell of the Dour, it
+ is shut quite out, and annexed to the maine. It is called in these
+ daies Richborow, and as it should seeme builded vpon an indifferent
+ soile or high ground. The large brickes also yet to be seene there, in
+ the ruinous walles, declare either the Romane or the old British
+ workemanship. But as time decaieth all things, so Rutupium named
+ Ruptimuth is now become desolate, and out of the dust thereof Sandwich
+ producted, which standeth a full mile from the place where Reptacester
+ stood. The old writers affirme, how Arthur & Mordred fought one
+ notable battell here, wherin Gwallon or Gawan was slaine; at which
+ time the said rebell came against his souereigne with 70000. Picts,
+ Scots, Irish, Norwegians, &c: and with Ethelbert the first christian
+ king of Kent did hold his palace in this towne, and yet none of his
+ coine hath hitherto béene found there, as is dailie that of the
+ Romanes, whereof manie péeces of siluer and gold, so well as of
+ brasse, copper, and other mettall haue often beene shewed vnto me. It
+ should appéere in like sort, that of this place, all the whole coast
+ of Kent therabout was called Littus Rutupinum, which some doo not a
+ little confirme by these words of Lucane, to be read in his sixt booke
+ soone after the beginning:
+
+ [Sidenote: The last verse of one couple and first of an other.]
+
+   Aut vaga cum Tethis, Rutupináq; littora feruent,
+   Vnda Calidonios fallit turbata Britannos.
+
+   Or when the wandering seas
+     and Kentish coasts doo worke,
+   And Calidons of British bloud,
+     the troubled waues beguile.
+
+ Meaning in like sort by the latter, the coast néere Andredeswald,
+ which in time past was called Littus Calidonium of that wood or
+ forrest, as Leland also confirmeth. But as it is not my mind to deale
+ anie thing curiouslie in these by-matters, so in returning againe to
+ my purpose, and taking my iourney toward the Wight, I must needs passe
+ [Sidenote: Seolesey of Seles there taken.]
+ by Selesey, which sometime (as it should séeme) hath béene a noble
+ Iland, but now in maner a Byland or Peninsula, wherin the chéefe sée
+ of the bishop of Chichester was holden by the space of thrée hundred
+ twentie nine yeares, and vnder twentie bishops.
+
+ Next vnto this, we come vnto those that lie betweene the Wight and the
+ [Sidenote: Thorne.]
+ maine land, of which the most easterlie is called Thorne, and to saie
+ truth, the verie least of all that are to be found in that knot. Being
+ [Sidenote: Haling.]
+ past the Thorne, we touched vpon the Haling, which is bigger than the
+ Thorne, and wherein one towne is situat of the same denomination
+ [Sidenote: Port.]
+ beside another, whose name I remember not. By west also of the Haling
+ lieth the Port (the greatest of the three alreadie mentioned) and in
+ this standeth Portsmouth and Ringstéed) whereof also our Leland,
+ saieth thus: "Port Ile is cut from the shore by an arme of the maine
+ hauen, which breaketh out about thrée miles aboue Portsmouth, and
+ goeth vp two miles or more by morish ground to a place called
+ Portbridge, which is two miles from Portsmouth." Then breaketh there
+ out another créeke from the maine sea, about Auant hauen, which
+ gulleth vp almost to Portbridge, and thence is the ground disseuered,
+ so that Portsmouth standeth in a corner of this Ile, which Iland is in
+ length six miles, and three miles in bredth, verie good for grasse and
+ corne, not without some wood, and here and there inclosure. Beside
+ this, there is also another Iland north northwest of Port Ile, which
+ is now so worne and washed awaie with the working of the sea, that at
+ the spring tides it is wholie couered with water, and thereby made
+ vnprofitable. Finallie being past all these, and in compassing this
+ gulfe, we come by an other, which lieth north of Hirst castell, &
+ southeast of Kaie hauen, whereof I find nothing worthie to be noted,
+ sauing that it wanteth wood, as Ptolomie affirmeth in his
+ Geographicall tables of all those Ilands which enuiron our Albion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wight.]
+ [Sidenote: Guidh.]
+ The Wight is called in Latine Vectis, but in the British speach Guidh,
+ that is to saie, Eefe or easie to be séene, or (as D. Caius saith)
+ separate, bicause that by a breach of the sea, it was once diuided
+ from the maine, as Sicilia was also from Italie, Anglesei from Wales,
+ Foulenesse from Essex, & Quinborow from Kent. It lieth distant from
+ the south shore of Britaine (where it is fardest off) by fiue miles &
+ a halfe, but where it commeth neerest, not passing a thousand paces,
+ and this at the cut ouer betwéene Hirst castell and a place called
+ Whetwell chine, as the inhabitants doo report. It conteineth in length
+ twentie miles, and in bredth ten, it hath also the north pole eleuated
+ by 50. degrées and 27. minutes, and is onelie 18. degrees in distance,
+ and 50. od minuts from the west point, as experience hath confirmed,
+ contrarie to the description of Ptolomie, and such as folow his
+ assertions in the same. In forme, it representeth almost an eg, and so
+ well is it inhabited with meere English at this present, that there
+ are thirtie six townes, villages and castels to be found therein,
+ beside 27. parish-churches, of which 15. or 16. haue their Parsons,
+ the rest either such poore Vicars or Curats, as the liuings left are
+ able to sustaine. The names of the parishes in the Wight are these.
+
+ [Sidenote: P signifieth parsonages, V. vicarages.]
+
+    1 Newport, a chap.
+    2 Cairsbrosie.      v.
+    3 Northwood.
+    4 Arriun.           v.
+    5 Goddeshill.       v.
+    6 Whitwell.
+    7 S. Laurence.      p.
+    8 Nighton.          p.
+    9 Brading.          v.
+   10 Newchurch.        v.
+   11 S. Helene.        v.
+   12 Yauerland.        p.
+   13 Calborne.         p.
+   14 Bonechurch.       p.
+   15 Mottesson.        p.
+   16 Yarmouth.         p.
+   17 Thorley.          v.
+   18 Shalflete.        v.
+   19 Whippingham.      p.
+   20 Wootton.          p.
+   21 Chale.            p.
+   22 Kingston.         p.
+   23 Shorwell.         p.
+   24 Gatrombe.         p.
+   25 Brosie.
+   26 Brixston.         p.
+   27 Bensted.          p.
+
+ It belongeth for temporall iurisdiction to the countie of Hamshire,
+ but in spirituall cases it yéeldeth obedience to the sée of
+ Winchester, wherof it is a Deanerie. As for the soile of the whole
+ Iland, it is verie fruitfull, for notwithstanding the shore of it
+ selfe be verie full of rocks and craggie cliffes, yet there wanteth no
+ plentie of cattell, corne, pasture, medow ground, wild foule, fish,
+ fresh riuers, and pleasant woods, whereby the inhabitants may liue in
+ ease and welfare. It was first ruled by a seuerall king, and
+ afterwards wonne from the Britons by Vespasian the legat, at such time
+ as he made a voiage into the west countrie. In processe of time also
+ it was gotten from the Romans by the kings of Sussex, who held the
+ souereigntie of the same, and kept the king thereof vnder tribute,
+ till it was wonne also from them, in the time of Athelwold, the eight
+ king of the said south region, by Ceadwalla, who killed Aruald that
+ reigned there, and reserued the souereigntie of that Ile to himselfe
+ and his successors for euermore. At this time also there were 1200.
+ families in that Iland, whereof the said Ceadwalla gaue 300 to
+ Wilfride sometime bishop of Yorke, exhorting him to erect a church
+ there, and preach the gospell also to the inhabitants thereof, which
+ he in like maner performed, but according to the prescriptions of the
+ church of Rome, wherevnto he yéelded himselfe vassall and feudarie: so
+ that this Ile by Wilfride was first conuerted to the faith, though the
+ last of all other that hearkened vnto the word. After Ceadwalla,
+ Woolfride the parricide was the first Saxon prince that aduentured to
+ flie into the Wight for his safegard, whither he was driuen by
+ Kenwalch of the Westsaxons, who made great warres vpon him, and in the
+ end compelled him to go into this place for succour, as did also king
+ Iohn, in the rebellious stir of his Barons, practised by the clergie:
+ the said Iland being as then in possession of the Forts, as some doo
+ write that haue handled it of purpose. The first Earle of this Iland
+ that I doo read of, was one Baldwijne de Betoun, who married for his
+ second wife, the daughter of William le Grosse Earle of Awmarle; but
+ he dieng without issue by this ladie, she was maried the second time
+ to Earle Maundeuille, and thirdlie to William de Fortes, who finished
+ Skipton castell, which his wiues father had begun about the time of
+ king Richard the first. Hereby it came to passe also, that the Forts
+ were Earls of Awmarle, Wight, and Deuonshire a long time, till the
+ ladie Elizabeth Fortes, sole heire to all those possessions came to
+ age, with whom king Edward the third so preuailed through monie &
+ faire words, that he gat the possession of the Wight wholie into his
+ hands, & held it to himselfe & his successors, vntill Henrie the sixt,
+ about the twentieth of his reigne, crowned Henrie Beauchamp sonne to
+ the lord Richard Earle of Warwike king thereof and of Iardesey and
+ Gardesey with his owne hands, and therevnto gaue him a commendation of
+ the Dutchie of Warwike with the titles of Comes comitum Angliæ, lord
+ Spenser of Aburgauenie, and of the castell of Bristow (which castell
+ was sometime taken from his ancestors by king Iohn) albeit he did not
+ long enioy these great honors, sith he died 1446. without issue, and
+ seuen yéeres after his father.
+
+ After we be past the Wight, we go forward and come vnto Poole hauen,
+ [Sidenote: Brunt Keysy.]
+ wherein is an Ile, called Brunt Keysy, in which was sometime a
+ parish-church, and but a chapell at this present, as I heare. There
+ are also two other Iles, but as yet I know not their names.
+
+ We haue (after we are passed by these) another Ile, or rather Byland
+ [Sidenote: Portland.]
+ also vpon the coast named Portland not far from Waymouth or the Gowy,
+ a prettie fertile peece though without wood, of ten miles in circuit,
+ now well inhabited, but much better heretofore, and yet are there
+ about foure score housholds in it. There is but one street of houses
+ therein, the rest are dispersed, howbeit they belong all to one
+ parish-church, whereas in time past there were two within the compasse
+ of the same. There is also a castell of the kings, who is lord of the
+ Ile, although the bishop of Winchester be patrone of the church, the
+ parsonage whereof is the fairest house in all the péece. The people
+ there are no lesse excellent slingers of stones than were the
+ Baleares, who would neuer giue their children their dinners till they
+ had gotten the same with their slings, and therefore their parents
+ vsed to hang their meate verie high vpon some bough, to the end that
+ he which strake it downe might onlie haue it, whereas such as missed
+ were sure to go without it, Florus lib. 3. cap. 8. Which feat the
+ Portlands vse for the defense of their Iland, and yet otherwise are
+ verie couetous. And wheras in time past they liued onlie by fishing,
+ now they fall to tillage. Their fire bote is brought out of the Wight,
+ and other places, yet doo they burne much cow doong dried in the
+ sunne, for there is I saie no wood in the Ile, except a few elmes that
+ be about the church. There would some grow there, no doubt, if they
+ were willing to plant it, although the soile lie verie bleake and
+ open. It is not long since this was vnited to the maine, and likelie
+ yer long to be cut off againe.
+
+ Being past this we raise another, also in the mouth of the Gowy,
+ betweene Colsford and Lime, of which for the smalnesse thereof I make
+ no great account. Wherefore giuing ouer to intreat any farther of it,
+ [Sidenote: Iardsey.]
+ [Sidenote: Gardesey.]
+ I cast about to Iardsey, and Gardesey, which Iles with their
+ appurtenances apperteined in times past to the Dukes of Normandie, but
+ now they remaine to our Quéene, as parcell of Hamshire and
+ iurisdiction of Winchester, & belonging to hir crowne, by meanes of a
+ composition made betwéene K. Iohn of England and the K. of France,
+ when the dominions of the said prince began so fast to decrease, as
+ Thomas Sulmo saith.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iardsey.]
+ Of these two, Iardsey is the greatest, an Iland hauing thirtie miles
+ in compasse, as most men doo coniecture. There are likewise in the
+ same twelue parish-churches, with a colledge, which hath a Deane and
+ Prebends. It is distant from Gardsey full 21. miles, or thereabouts,
+ and made notable, by meanes of a bloudie fact doone there in Queene
+ Maries daies, whereby a woman called Perotine Massie wife vnto an
+ honest minister or préest, being great with childe by hir husband, was
+ burned to ashes: through the excéeding crueltie of the Deane and
+ Chapiter, then contending manifestlie against God for the mainteinance
+ of their popish and antichristian kingdome. In this hir execution, and
+ at such time as the fire caught holde of hir wombe, hir bellie brake,
+ and there issued a goodly manchilde from hir, with such force that it
+ fell vpon the cold ground quite beyond the heate and furie of the
+ [Sidenote: Horrible murther.]
+ flame, which quicklie was taken vp and giuen from one tormentor and
+ aduersarie to an other to looke vpon, whose eies being after a while
+ satisfied with the beholding thereof, they threw it vnto the carcase
+ of the mother which burned in the fire, whereby the poore innocent was
+ [Sidenote: Gardsey.]
+ consumed to ashes, whom that furious element would gladlie haue left
+ vntouched, & wherevnto it ministred (as you heare) an hurtlesse
+ passage. In this latter also, there haue béene in times past, fine
+ religious houses, and nine castels, howbeit in these daies there is
+ but one parish-church left standing in the same. There are also
+ certeine other small Ilands, which Henrie the second in his donation
+ calleth Insulettas, beside verie manie rocks, whereof one called
+ [Sidenote: S. Hilaries.]
+ S. Hilaries (wherein sometime was a monasterie) is fast vpon Iardsey,
+ [Sidenote: Cornet. Serke.]
+ another is named the Cornet, which hath a castel not passing an arrow
+ shot from Gardsey. The Serke also is betwéene both, which is six miles
+ about, and hath another annexed to it by an Isthmus or Strictland,
+ wherein was a religious house, & therwithall great store of conies.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brehoc.]
+ [Sidenote: Gytho.]
+ [Sidenote: Herme.]
+ There is also the Brehoc, the Gytho, and the Herme, which latter is
+ foure miles in compasse, and therein was sometime a Canonrie, that
+ afterward was conuerted into a house of Franciscanes. There are two
+ other likewise neere vnto that of S. Hilarie, of whose names I haue no
+ [Sidenote: Burhoo, aliàs the Ile of rats.]
+ notice. There is also the rockie Ile of Burhoo, but now the Ile of
+ rats, so called of the huge plentie of rats that are found there,
+ [Sidenote: Turkie conies.]
+ though otherwise it be replenished with infinit store of conies,
+ betwéene whome and the rats, as I coniecture, the same which we call
+ Turkie conies, are oftentimes produced among those few houses that are
+ to be seene in this Iland. Some are of the opinion that there hath
+ béene more store of building in this Ile than is at this present to be
+ seene, & that it became abandoned through multitudes of rats, but
+ hereof I find no perfect warrantise that I may safelie trust vnto, yet
+ in other places I read of the like thing to haue happened, as in Gyara
+ of the Cyclades, where the rats increased so fast that they draue away
+ the people. Varro speaketh of a towne in Spaine that was ouerthrowne
+ by conies. The Abderits were driuen out of Thracia by the increase of
+ mice & frogs; and so manie conies were there on a time in the Iles
+ Maiorca and Minorca (now perteining to Spaine) that the people began
+ to starue for want of bread, and their cattell for lacke of grasse.
+ And bicause the Ilanders were not able to ouercome them, Augustus was
+ constreined to send an armie of men to destroie that needlesse brood.
+ [Sidenote: Causes of the desolation of sundrie cities and townes.]
+ Plin. lib. 8. cap. 55. A towne also in France sometime became desolate
+ onelie by frogs and todes. Another in Africa by locustes and also by
+ grashoppers, as Amicla was by snakes and adders. Theophrast telleth of
+ an whole countrie consumed by the palmer-worme, which is like vnto an
+ huge caterpiller. Plinie writeth of a prouince vpon the borders of
+ Æthiopia made void of people by ants and scorpions, and how the
+ citizens of Megara in Grecia were faine to leaue that citie through
+ multitudes of bées, as waspes had almost driuen the Ephesians out of
+ Ephesus. But this of all other (whereof Ælianus intreateth) is most
+ woonderfull, that when the Cretenses were chased out of a famous citie
+ of their Iland by infinit numbers of bees, the said bees conuerted
+ their houses into hiues, and made large combes in them which reached
+ from wall to wall, wherein they reserued their honie. Which things
+ being dulie considered, I doo not denie the possibilitie of the
+ expulsion of the inhabitants out of the Ile of Burhoo by rats,
+ although I say that I doo not warrant the effect, bicause I find it
+ not set downe directlie in plaine words.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alderney.]
+ Beside this there is moreouer the Ile of Alderney a verie pretie plot,
+ about seuen miles in compasse, wherin a préest not long since did find
+ [Sidenote: _Comment. Brit._]
+ a coffin of stone, in which lay the bodie of an huge giant, whose fore
+ téeth were so big as a mans fist, as Leland dooth report. Certes this
+ to me is no maruell at all, sith I haue read of greater, and mentioned
+ them alreadie in the beginning of this booke. Such a tooth also haue
+ they in Spaine wherevnto they go in pilgrimage as vnto S. Christophers
+ tooth, but it was one of his eie teeth, if Ludouicus Viues say true,
+ who went thither to offer vnto the same. S. August. de ciuit. lib. 15.
+ cap. 9. writeth in like sort, of such another found vpon the coast of
+ Vtica, and thereby gathereth that all men in time past were not onlie
+ far greater than they be now, but also the giants farre exceeding the
+ [Sidenote: _Iliad._ 6.]
+ huge stature and height of the highest of them all. Homer complaineth
+ that men in his time were but dwarfes in comparison of such as liued
+ [Sidenote: _Iliad._ 5. & 7.]
+ in the wars of Troy. See his fift Iliad, where he speaketh of
+ Diomedes, and how he threw a stone at Æneas, (which 14. men of his
+ [Sidenote: _Vergilius Aen._ 12.]
+ time were not able to stirre) and therewith did hit him on the thigh
+ and ouerthrew him. Virgil also noteth no lesse in his owne deuise, but
+ Iuvenal bréefelie comprehendeth all this in his 15. Satyra, where he
+ saith:
+
+   Saxa inclinatis per humum quæsita lacertis
+   Incipiunt torquere, domestica seditione
+   Tela, nec hunc lapidem, quali se Turnus, & Aiax,
+   Et quo Tytides percussit pondere coxam
+   Aeneæ: sed quem valeant emittere dextræ
+   Illis dissimiles, & nostro tempore nata.
+   Nam genus hoc viuo iam decrescebat Homero,
+   Terra malos homines nunc educat, atque pusillos,
+   Ergo Deus quicunque aspexit, ridet, & odit.
+
+ But to returne againe vnto the Ile of Alderney, from whence I haue
+ digressed. Herein also is a prettie towne with a parish-church, great
+ plentie of corne, cattell, conies, and wilde foule, whereby the
+ inhabitants doo reape much gaine and commoditie: onelie wood is their
+ want, which they otherwise supplie. The language also of such as dwell
+ in these Iles, is French; but the wearing of their haire long, & the
+ attire of those that liued in Gardsey and Iardsey, vntill the time of
+ king Henrie the eight, was all after the Irish guise. The Ile of
+ Gardsey also was sore spoiled by the French 1371. and left so
+ desolate, that onlie one castell remained therein vntouched.
+
+ Beyond this, and neerer unto the coast of England (for these doo lie
+ about the verie middest of the British sea) we haue one Iland called
+ [Sidenote: Bruchsey.]
+ the Bruch or the Bruchsey, lieng about two miles from Poole, whither
+ men saile from the Fromouth, and wherein is nought else, but an old
+ chapell, without any other housing.
+
+ Next to this also are certeine rocks, which some take for Iles, as
+ Illeston rocke néere vnto Peritorie, Horestan Ile a mile from
+ Peritorie by south, Blacke rocke Ile southeast from Peritorie toward
+ Teygnemouth, and also Chester, otherwise called Plegimundham: but how
+ (to saie truth) or where this latter lieth, I cannot make report as
+ yet, neuerthelesse sith Leland noteth them togither, I thinke it not
+ my part to make separation of them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mount Iland.]
+ From hence the next Ile is called Mount Iland, otherwise Mowtland,
+ situate ouer against Lough, about two miles from the shore, and well
+ néere thrée miles in compasse. This Iland hath no inhabitants, but
+ onelie the warrenner and his dog, who looketh vnto the conies there:
+ notwithstanding that vpon the coast thereof in time of the yeere,
+ great store of pilchards is taken, and carried from thence into manie
+ places of our countrie. It hath also a fresh well comming out of the
+ rocks, which is worthie to be noted in so small a compasse of ground.
+ Moreouer in the mouth of the créeke that leadeth vnto Lough, or Loow,
+ as some call it, there is another little Iland of about eight acres of
+ [Sidenote: S. Nicholas Iland.]
+ ground called S. Nicholas Ile, and midwaie betweene Falmouth and
+ [Sidenote: Greefe.]
+ Dudman (a certeine Promontorie) is such another named the Gréefe,
+ [Sidenote: Inis Prynin.]
+ wherein is great store of gulles & sea foule. As for Inis Prynin, it
+ lieth within the Baie, about three miles from Lizards, and containeth
+ not aboue two acres of ground, from which Newltjn is not far distant,
+ and wherein is a poore fisher-towne and a faire wel-spring, wherof as
+ yet no writer hath made mention. After these (omitting Pendinant in
+ [Sidenote: S. Michaels mount.]
+ the point of Falmouth hauen) we came at last to saint Michaels mount,
+ whereof I find this description readie to my hand in Leland.
+
+ The compasse of the root of the mount of saint Michael is not much
+ more than halfe a mile, and of this the south part is pasturable and
+ bréedeth conies, the residue high and rockie soile. In the north side
+ thereof also is a garden, with certeine houses and shops for
+ fishermen. Furthermore, the waie to the mountaine lieth at the north
+ side, and is frequented from halfe eb to halfe floud, the entrance
+ beginning at the foot of the hill, and so ascending by steps and
+ greeces westward, first; and then eastward to the vtter ward of the
+ church. Within the same ward also is a court stronglie walled, wherein
+ on the south side is a chapell of S. Michaell, and in the east side
+ another of our ladie. Manie times a man may come to the hill on foot.
+ On the north northwest side hereof also, is a Piere for botes and
+ ships, and in the Baie betwixt the mount and Pensardz are seene at the
+ lowe water marke, diuers roots and stubs of trées, beside hewen stone,
+ sometimes of doores & windowes, which are perceiued in the inner part
+ of the Baie, and import that there hath not onelie beene building, but
+ also firme ground, whereas the salt water doth now rule and beare the
+ [Sidenote: S. Clements Ile.]
+ maisterie. Beyond this is an other little Ile, called S. Clements Ile,
+ of a chapell there dedicated to that saint. It hath a little from it
+ also the Ile called Mowshole, which is not touched in any Chard. As
+ for Mowshole it selfe, it is a towne of the maine, called in Cornish
+ Port Enis, that is, Portus insulæ, whereof the said Ile taketh
+ denomination, and in tin workes néere vnto the same there hath beene
+ found of late, speare heds, battell axes, and swords of copper wrapped
+ vp in linnen, and scarselie hurt with rust or other hinderance. Certes
+ the sea hath won verie much in this corner of our Iland, but chéefelie
+ betwéene Mowshole and Pensardz.
+
+ Hauing thus passed ouer verie neere all such Iles, as lie vpon the
+ south coast of Britaine, and now being come vnto the west part of our
+ countrie, a sudden Pirie catcheth hold of vs (as it did before, when
+ we went to Iardsey) and carrieth vs yet more westerlie among the flats
+ [Sidenote: Sylley Iles or Syl.]
+ of Sylley. Such force dooth the southeast wind often shewe vpon poore
+ trauellers in those parts, as the south and southwest dooth vpon
+ strangers against the British coast, that are not skilfull of our
+ rodes and harborowes. Howbeit such was our successe in this voiage,
+ that we feared no rocks, more than did king Athelstane, when he
+ subdued them (and soone after builded a colledge of preests at S.
+ Burien, in performance of his vow made when he enterprised this voiage
+ for his safe returne) nor anie tempest of weather in those parts that
+ could annoie our passage. Perusing therefore the perils whereinto we
+ were pitifullie plunged, we found the Syllane Ilands (places often
+ robbed by the Frenchmen and Spaniards) to lie distant from the point
+ of Cornewall, about three or foure hours sailing, or twentie English
+ miles, as some men doo account it. There are of these (as I said) to
+ the number of one hundreth fortie seauen in sight, whereof each one is
+ greater or lesse than other, and most of them sometime inhabited:
+ howbeit, there are twentie of them, which for their greatnesse and
+ commodities excéed all the rest. Thereto (if you respect their
+ position) they are situat in maner of a circle or ring, hauing an huge
+ lake or portion of the sea in the middest of them, which is not
+ without perill to such as with small aduisement enter into the same.
+ Certes it passeth my cunning, either to name or to describe all these
+ one hundreth fourtie seauen, according to their estate; neither haue I
+ had anie information of them, more than I haue gathered by Leland, or
+ gotten out of a map of their description, which I had sometime of
+ Reginald Woolfe: wherfore omitting as it were all the rags, and such
+ as are not worthie to haue anie time spent about their particular
+ descriptions, I will onelie touch the greatest, and those that lie
+ togither (as I said) in maner of a roundle.
+
+ [Sidenote: S. Maries Ile.]
+ The first and greatest of these therefore, called S. Maries Ile, is
+ about fiue miles ouer, or nine miles in compasse. Therein also is a
+ parish-church, and a poore towne belonging thereto, of threescore
+ housholds, beside a castell, plentie of corne, conies, wild swans,
+ puffens, gulles, cranes, & other kinds of foule in great abundance.
+ This fertile Iland being thus viewed, we sailed southwards by the
+ [Sidenote: Agnus Ile.]
+ Norman rocke, and S. Maries sound vnto Agnus Ile, which is six miles
+ ouer, and hath in like sort one towne or parish within the same of
+ fiue or six housholds, beside no small store of hogs & conies of
+ sundrie colours, verie profitable to their owners. It is not long
+ since this Ile was left desolate, for when the inhabitants thereof
+ returned from a feast holden in S. Maries Ile, they were all drowned,
+ and not one person left aliue. There are also two other small Ilands,
+ [Sidenote: Annot.]
+ betwéene this and the Annot, whereof I find nothing worthie relation:
+ for as both of them ioind togither are not comparable to the said
+ Annot for greatnesse and circuit, so they want both hogs and conies,
+ [Sidenote: Minwisand.]
+ [Sidenote: Smithy sound.]
+ [Sidenote: Suartigan.]
+ [Sidenote: Rousuian.]
+ [Sidenote: Rousuiar.]
+ [Sidenote: Cregwin.]
+ wherof Annot hath great plentie. There is moreouer the Minwisand, from
+ whence we passe by the Smithy sound (leauing thrée little Ilands on
+ the left hand, vnto the Suartigan Iland, then to Rousuian, Rousuiar,
+ and the Cregwin, which seauen are (for the most part) replenished with
+ conies onelie, and wild garlike, but void of wood & other commodities,
+ sauing of a short kind of grasse, or here & there some firzes wheron
+ their conies doo féed.
+
+ Leauing therefore these desert peeces, we incline a little toward the
+ [Sidenote: Moncarthat.]
+ [Sidenote: Inis Welseck.]
+ [Sidenote: Suethiall.]
+ [Sidenote: Rat Iland.]
+ northwest, where we stumble or run vpon Moncarthat, Inis Welseck, &
+ Suethiall. We came in like sort vnto Rat Iland, wherein are so manie
+ monstrous rats, that if anie horsses, or other beasts, happen to come
+ thither, or be left there by negligence but one night, they are sure
+ to be deuoured & eaten vp, without all hope of recouerie. There is
+ [Sidenote: Anwall. Brier.]
+ moreouer the Anwall and the Brier, Ilands in like sort void of all
+ good furniture, conies onelie excepted, and the Brier (wherein is a
+ village, castell, and parish-church) bringeth foorth no lesse store of
+ hogs, and wild foule, than Rat Iland doth of rats, whereof I greatlie
+ maruell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Rusco.]
+ [Sidenote: Inis widd[=o].]
+ By north of the Brier, lieth the Rusco, which hath a Labell or Byland
+ stretching out toward the southwest, called Inis widdon. This Rusco is
+ verie neere so great as that of S. Maries. It hath moreouer an hold,
+ and a parish within it, beside great store of conies and wild foule,
+ whereof they make much gaine in due time of the yeare. Next vnto this
+ [Sidenote: Round Iland. S. Lides.]
+ we come to the Round Iland, which is about a mile ouer, then to S.
+ Lides Iland, (wherein is a parish-church dedicated to that Saint,
+ beside conies, wood, and wild foule, of which two later there is some
+ [Sidenote: Notho. Auing.]
+ indifferent store) the Notho, the Auing, (one of them being situat by
+ south of another, and the Auing halfe a mile ouer, which is a iust
+ [Sidenote: Tyan.]
+ halfe lesse than the Notho) and the Tyan, which later is a great
+ Iland, furnished with a parish-church, and no small plentie of conies
+ [Sidenote: S. Martines.]
+ as I heare. After the Tyan we come to S. Martines Ile, wherein is a
+ faire towne, the Ile it selfe being next vnto the Rusco for
+ greatnesse, and verie well furnished with conies & fresh springs. Also
+ betwixt this and S. Maries, are ten other, smaller, which reach out of
+ [Sidenote: Knolworth.]
+ [Sidenote: Sniuilliuer.]
+ [Sidenote: Menweth[=a].]
+ [Sidenote: Vollis. 1.]
+ [Sidenote: Surwihe.]
+ [Sidenote: Vollis. 2.]
+ [Sidenote: Arthurs Ile.]
+ [Sidenote: Guiniliuer.]
+ [Sidenote: Nenech.]
+ [Sidenote: Gothrois.]
+ the northeast into the southwest, as Knolworth, Sniuilliuer,
+ Menwetham, Vollis. 1. Surwihe, Vollis. 2. Arthurs Iland, Guiniliuer,
+ Nenech and Gothrois, whose estates are diuers: howbeit as no one of
+ these is to be accounted great in comparison of the other, so they all
+ yéeld a short grasse méet for sheepe and conies, as doo also the rest.
+ In the greater Iles likewise (whose names are commonlie such as those
+ of the townes or churches standing in the same) there are (as I here)
+ sundry lakes, and those neuer without great plentie of wild foule, so
+ that the Iles of Sylley, are supposed to be no lesse beneficiall to
+ their lords, than anie other whatsoeuer, within the compasse of our
+ [Sidenote: Wild swine in Sylley.]
+ Ile, or neere vnto our coasts. In some of them also are wild swine.
+ And as these Iles are supposed to be a notable safegard to the coast
+ of Cornewall, so in diuerse of them great store of tin is likewise to
+ be found. There is in like maner such plentie of fish taken among
+ these same, that beside the feeding of their swine withall, a man
+ shall haue more there for a penie, than in London for ten grotes.
+ Howbeit their cheefe commoditie is made by Keigh, which they drie, cut
+ in peeces, and carie ouer into little Britaine, where they exchange it
+ there, for salt, canuas, readie monie, or other merchandize which they
+ doo stand in need of. A like trade haue some of them also, with
+ Buckhorne or dried whiting, as I heare. But sith the author of this
+ report did not flatlie auouch it, I passe ouer that fish as not in
+ season at this time. Thus haue we viewed the richest and most wealthie
+ Iles of Sylley, from whence we must direct our course eastwards, vnto
+ the mouth of the Sauerne, and then go backe againe vnto the west point
+ of Wales, continuing still our voiage along vpon the west coast of
+ Britaine, till we come to the Soluey whereat the kingdomes part, &
+ from which foorth on we must touch such Ilands as lie vpon the west
+ and north shore, till we be come againe vnto the Scotish sea, and to
+ our owne dominions.
+
+ [Sidenote: Helenus. Priamus.]
+ From the point of Cornewall therefore, or promontorie of Helenus (so
+ called, as some thinke, bicause Helenus the son of Priamus who arriued
+ here with Brute lieth buried there, except the sea haue washed awaie
+ his sepulchre) vntill we come vnto the mouth of Sauerne, we haue none
+ Ilands at all that I doo know or heare of, but one litle Byland, Cape
+ or Peninsula, which is not to be counted of in this place. And yet
+ [Sidenote: Pendinas.]
+ sith I haue spoken of it, you shall vnderstand, that it is called
+ Pendinas, and beside that the compasse thereof is not aboue a mile,
+ this is to be remembered farder thereof, how there standeth a Pharos
+ or light therein, for ships which saile by those coasts in the night.
+ There is also at the verie point of the said Pendinas, a chappell of
+ saint Nicholas, beside the church of saint Ia, an Irish woman saint.
+ It belonged of late to the Lord Brooke, but now (as I gesse) the Lord
+ Mountioy enioieth it. There is also a blockhouse, and a péere in the
+ eastside thereof, but the péere is sore choked with sand, as is the
+ whole shore furthermore from S. Ies vnto S. Carantokes, insomuch that
+ the greatest part of this Byland is now couered with sands, which the
+ sea casteth vp, and this calamitie hath indured little aboue fiftie
+ yeares, as the inhabitants doo affirme.
+
+ There are also two rocks neere vnto Tredwy, and another not farre from
+ Tintagell, all which many of the common sort doo repute and take for
+ Iles: wherefore as one desirous to note all, I thinke it not best that
+ these should be omitted: but to proceed. When we be come further, I
+ meane vnto the Sauerne mouth, we meet the two Holmes, of which one is
+ called Stepholme, and the other Flatholme, of their formes béeing in
+ déed parcels of ground and low soiles fit for little else than to
+ beare grasse for cattell, whereof they take those names. For Holme is
+ an old Saxon word, applied to all such places. Of these also Stepholme
+ lieth south of the Flatholme, about foure or fiue miles; the first
+ also a mile and an halfe, the other two miles or thereabout in length;
+ but neither of them a mile and an halfe in breadth, where they doo
+ seeme to be the broadest.
+
+ It should séeme by some that they are not worthie to be placed among
+ Ilands: yet othersome are of opinion, that they are not altogither so
+ base, as to be reputed amongst flats or rocks: but whatsoeuer they be,
+ this is sure, that they oft annoie such passengers and merchants as
+ passe and repasse vpon that riuer. Neither doo I read of any other
+ [Sidenote: Barri.]
+ Iles which lie by east of these, saue onelie the Barri, and Dunwen:
+ [Sidenote: Barri is a flight shot from the shore.]
+ the first of which is so called of one Barroc, a religious man (as
+ Gyraldus saith) and is about a flight shot from the shore. Herin also
+ is a rocke standing at the verie entrance of the cliffe, which hath a
+ little rift or chine vpon the side, wherevnto if a man doo laie his
+ eare, he shall heare a noise, as if smithes did worke at the forge,
+ sometimes blowing with their bellowes, and sometimes striking and
+ clinking with hammers, whereof manie men haue great wonder; and no
+ maruell. It is about a mile in compasse, situat ouer against
+ Aberbarry, and hath a chappell in it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dunwen.]
+ Dunwen is so called of a church (dedicated to a Welsh woman saint,
+ called Dunwen) that standeth there. It lieth more than two miles from
+ Henrosser, right against Neuen, and hath within it two faire mils, &
+ great store of conies. Certes if the sand increase so fast hereafter
+ as it hath done of late about it, it will be vnited to the maine
+ within a short season. Beyond these and toward the coast of southwales
+ lie two other Ilands, larger in quantitie than the Holmes, of which
+ [Sidenote: Caldee.]
+ the one is called Caldee or Inis Pyr. It hath a parish-church with a
+ spire steeple, and a pretie towne belonging to the countie of
+ Pembroke, and iurisdiction of one Dauid in Wales. Leland supposeth the
+ ruines that are found therein to haue béene of an old priorie
+ sometimes called Lille, which was a cell belonging to the monasterie
+ [Sidenote: Londy.]
+ of S. Dogmael, but of this I can saie nothing. The other hight Londy,
+ wherein is also a village or towne, and of this Iland the parson of
+ the said towne is not onelie the captaine, but hath thereto weife,
+ distresse, and all other commodities belonging to the same. It is
+ little aboue sixteene miles from the coast of Wales, though it be
+ thirtie from Caldée, and yet it serueth (as I am informed) lord and
+ king in Deuonshire. Moreouer in this Iland is great plentie of sheepe,
+ but more conies, and therewithall of verie fine and short grasse for
+ their better food & pasturage; likewise much Sampere vpon the shore,
+ which is carried from thence in barrels. And albeit that there be not
+ scarslie fourtie housholds in the whole, yet the inhabitants there
+ with huge stones (alredie prouided) may kéepe off thousands of their
+ enimies, bicause it is not possible for anie aduersaries to assaile
+ them, but onelie at one place, and with a most dangerous entrance. In
+ this voiage also we met with two other Ilands, one of them called
+ Shepes Ile, the other Rat Ile; the first is but a little plot lieng at
+ the point of the Baie, before we come at the Blockehouse which
+ standeth north of the same, at the verie entrie into Milford hauen
+ vpon the eastside. By north also of Shepes Ile, and betwéene it &
+ Stacke rocke, which lieth in the verie middest of the hauen, at
+ another point is Rat Ile yet smaller than the former, but what
+ [Sidenote: Schalmey.]
+ commodities are to be found in them as yet I cannot tell. Schalmey the
+ greater and the lesse lie northwest of Milford hauen a good waie. They
+ belong both to the crowne, but are not inhabited, bicause they be so
+ [Sidenote: Schoncold.]
+ often spoiled with pirates. Schoncold Ile ioineth vnto great Schalmey,
+ and is bigger than it, onlie a passage for ships parteth them, whereby
+ they are supposed to be one: Leland noteth them to lie in Milford
+ hauen. Beside these also we found the Bateholme, Stockeholme, Midland,
+ and Gresholme Iles, and then doubling the Wellock point, we came into
+ a Baie, where we saw saint Brides Iland, and another in the Sound
+ betwéene Ramsey and the point, of all which Iles and such rocks as are
+ offensiue to mariners that passe by them, it may be my hap to speake
+ more at large hereafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Limen or Ramsey.]
+ Limen (as Ptolomie calleth it) is situat ouer against S. Dauids in
+ Wales (wherevnto we must néeds come, after we be past another little
+ one, which some men doo call Gresholme) & lieth directlie west of
+ Schalmey. In a late map I find this Limen to be called in English
+ Ramsey: Leland also confirmeth the same, and I cannot learne more
+ thereof, than that it is much greater than anie of the other last
+ mentioned (sithens I described the Holmes) and for temporall
+ iurisdiction a member of Penbrookeshire, as it is vnto S. Dauids for
+ matters concerning the church. Leland in his commentaries of England
+ lib. 8. saieth that it contained thrée Ilets, whereof the bishop of S.
+ Dauids is owner of the greatest, but the chanter of S. Dauids claimeth
+ the second, as the archdeacon of Cairmarden dooth the third. And in
+ these is verie excellent pasture for sheepe and horses, but not for
+ other horned beasts which lacke their vpper téeth by nature (whose
+ substance is conuerted into the nourishment of their hornes) and
+ [Sidenote: Mawr.]
+ therefore cannot bite so low. Next vnto this Ile we came to Mawr, an
+ Iland in the mouth of Mawr, scant a bow shoot ouer, and enuironed at
+ the low water with fresh, but at the high with salt, and here also is
+ excellent catching of herings.
+
+ After this, procéeding on still with our course, we fetched a
+ compasse, going out of the north toward the west, and then turning
+ againe (as the coast of the countrie leadeth) vntill we sailed full
+ south, leauing the shore still on our right hand, vntill we came vnto
+ a couple of Iles, which doo lie vpon the mouth of the Soch, one of
+ them being distant (as we gessed) a mile from the other, and neither
+ of them of anie greatnesse almost worthie to be remembred. The first
+ [Sidenote: Tudfall.]
+ that we came vnto is called Tudfall, and therein is a church, but
+ without anie parishioners, except they be shéepe and conies. The
+ quantitie thereof also is not much aboue six acres of ground, measured
+ [Sidenote: Penthlin.]
+ by the pole. The next is Penthlin, Myrach, or Mererosse, situat in
+ maner betwixt Tudfall or Tuidall and the shore, and herein is verie
+ good pasture for horsses, wherof (as I take it) that name is giuen
+ [Sidenote: Guelyn.]
+ vnto it. Next vnto them, we come vnto Gwelyn, a little Ile which lieth
+ southeast of the fall of Daron or Daren, a thing of small quantitie,
+ and yet almost parted in the mids by water, and next of all vnto
+ Bardsey an Iland lieng ouer against Periuincle the southwest point or
+ promontorie of Northwales (where Merlin Syluestris lieth buried) and
+ whither the rest of the monks of Bangor did flie to saue themselues,
+ when 2100. of their fellowes were slaine by the Saxon princes in the
+ quarell of Augustine the monke, & the citie of Caerleon or Chester
+ raced to the ground, and not since reedified againe to anie purpose.
+ Ptolomie calleth this Iland Lymnos, the Britons Enlhi, and therein
+ also is a parish-church, as the report goeth. From hence we cast
+ about, gathering still toward the northest, till we came to Caer
+ Ierienrhod, a notable rocke situat ouer against the mouth of the
+ Leuenni, wherein standeth a strong hold or fortresse, or else some
+ towne or village. Certes we could not well discerne whether of both it
+ was, bicause the wind blew hard at southwest, the morning was mistie,
+ and our mariners doubting some flats to be couched not far from
+ thence, hasted awaie vnto Anglesei, whither we went a pace with a
+ readie wind euen at our owne desire.
+
+ This Iland (which Tacitus mistaketh no doubt for Mona Cæsaris, and so
+ dooth Ptolomie as appeareth by his latitudes) is situat about two
+ miles from the shore of Northwales. Paulus Iouius gesseth that it was
+ [Sidenote: Anglesei cut from Wales by working of the sea.]
+ in time past ioined to the continent, or maine of our Ile, and onelie
+ cut off by working of the Ocean, as Sicilia peraduenture was from
+ Italie by the violence of the Leuant or practise of some king that
+ reigned there. Thereby also (as he saith) the inhabitants were
+ constreind at the first to make a bridge ouer into the same, till the
+ breach waxed so great, that no such passage could anie longer be
+ mainteined. But as these things doo either not touch my purpose at
+ all, or make smallie with the present description of this Ile: so (in
+ [Sidenote: Anglesei.]
+ comming to my matter) Anglesei is found to be full so great as the
+ Wight, and nothing inferiour, but rather surmounting it, as that also
+ which Cæsar calleth Mona in fruitfulnesse of soile by manie an hundred
+ fold. In old time it was reputed and taken for the common granarie to
+ Wales, as Sicilia was to Rome and Italie for their prouision of corne.
+ In like maner the Welshmen themselues called it the mother of their
+ countrie, for giuing their minds wholie to pasturage, as the most
+ easie and lesse chargeable trade, they vtterlie neglected tillage, as
+ men that leaned onelie to the fertilitie of this Iland for their
+ corne, from whence they neuer failed to receiue continuall abundance.
+ Gyraldus saith that the Ile of Anglesei was no lesse sufficient to
+ minister graine for the sustentation of all the men of Wales, than the
+ mountaines called Ereri or Snowdoni in Northwales were to yeeld
+ plentie of pasture for all the cattell whatsoeuer within the aforesaid
+ compasse, if they were brought togither and left vpon the same. It
+ contained moreouer so manie townes welnéere, as there be daies in a
+ yeare, which some conuerting into Cantreds haue accompted but for
+ three, as Gyraldus saith. Howbeit as there haue beene I say 363.
+ townes in Anglesei, so now a great part of that reckoning is vtterlie
+ shroonke, and so far gone to decaie, that the verie ruines of them are
+ vnneath to be séene & discerned: and yet it séemeth to be méetlie well
+ inhabited. Leland noting the smalnesse of our hundreds in comparison
+ to that they were in time past, addeth (so far as I remember) that
+ there are six of them in Anglesei, as Menay, Maltraith, Liuon,
+ Talbellion, Torkalin, and Tindaithin: herevnto Lhoid saith also how it
+ belonged in old time vnto the kingdome of Guinhed or Northwales, and
+ that therein at a towne called Aberfraw, being on the southwestside of
+ the Ile, the kings of Gwinhed held euermore their palaces, whereby it
+ came to passe, that the kings of Northwales were for a long time
+ called kings of Aberfraw, as the Welshmen named the kings of England
+ kings of London, till better instruction did bring them farther
+ knowledge.
+
+ There are in Anglesei many townes and villages, whose names as yet I
+ cannot orderlie atteine vnto: wherefore I will content my selfe with
+ the rehearsall of so many as we viewed in sailing about the coasts,
+ and otherwise heard report of by such as I haue talked withall.
+ Beginning therefore at the mouth of the Gefni (which riseth at
+ northeast aboue Gefni or Geuenni, 20. miles at the least into the
+ land) we passed first by Hundwyn, then by Newborow, Port-Hayton,
+ Beaumarrais, Penmon, Elian, Almwoch, Burric (whereby runneth a rill
+ into a creeke) Cornew, Holihed (standing in the promontorie) Gwifen,
+ Aberfraw, and Cair Cadwalader, of all which, the two latter stand as
+ it were in a nuke betweene the Geuenni water, and the Fraw, wherevpon
+ Aberfraw is situate. Within the Iland we heard onelie of Gefni afore
+ mentioned, of Gristial standing vpon the same water, of Tefri, of
+ Lanerchimedh, Lachtenfarwy and Bodedrin, but of all these the cheefe
+ is now Beaumarais, which was builded sometime by king Edward the
+ first, and therewithall a strong castell about the yeare 1295. to
+ kéepe that land in quiet. There are also as Leland saith 31.
+ parish-churches beside 69. chappels, that is, a hundreth in all. But
+ héerof I can saie little, for lacke of iust instruction. In time past,
+ the people of this Ile vsed not to seuerall their grounds, but now
+ they dig stonie hillocks, and with the stones thereof they make rude
+ walles, much like to those of Deuonshire, sith they want hedge bote,
+ fire bote, and house bote, or (to saie at one word) timber, bushes and
+ trees. As for wine, it is so plentifull and good cheape there most
+ commonlie as in London, through the great recourse of merchants from
+ France, Spaine, and Italie vnto the aforesaid Iland. The flesh
+ likewise of such cattell as is bred there, wherof we haue store
+ yearelie brought vnto Cole faire in Essex is most delicate, by reason
+ of their excellent pasture, and so much was it esteemed by the Romans
+ in time past, that Columella did not onelie commend and preferre them
+ before those of Liguria, but the emperours themselues being neere hand
+ also caused their prouision to be made for nete out of Anglesei, to
+ feed vpon at their owne tables as the most excellent beefe. It taketh
+ now the name of Angles and Ei, which is to meane the Ile of Englismen,
+ bicause they wan it in the Conquerors time, vnder the leading of Hugh
+ earle of Chester, and Hugh of Shrewesburie. Howbeit they recouered it
+ againe in the time of William Rufus, when they spoiled the citie of
+ Glocester, ransacked Shrewesburie, and returned home with great bootie
+ and pillage, in which voiage also they were holpen greatlie by the
+ Irishmen, who after thrée yeares ioined with them againe, and slue the
+ earle of Shrewesburie (which then liued) with great crueltie. The
+ Welshmen call it Tiremone and Mon, and herein likewise is a
+ [Sidenote: Holie head, or Cair kiby.]
+ promontorie or Byland, called Holie head (which hath in time past
+ beene named Cair kyby, of Kyby a monke that dwelled there) from whence
+ the readiest passage is commonlie had out of Northwales to get ouer
+ into Ireland, of which Ile I will not speake at this time, least I
+ shuld bereaue another of that trauell. Yet Plinie saith, lib. 4. cap.
+ 16. that it lieth not farre off from and ouer against the Silures,
+ which then dwelled vpon the west coast of our Iland, and euen so farre
+ as Dunbritton, and beyond: but to our Cair kybi. The Britons named it
+ [Sidenote: Enilsnach, holie Ile.]
+ Enylsnach, or holie Ile, of the number of carcases of holie men, which
+ they affirme to haue beene buried there. But herein I maruell not a
+ little, wherein women had offended, that they might not come thither,
+ or at the least wise returne from thence without some notable reproch
+ or shame vnto their bodies. By south also of Hilarie point, somewhat
+ inclining toward the east, lieth Inis Lygod, a small thing (God wot)
+ and therefore not worthie great remembrance: neuertheles not to be
+ omitted, though nothing else inforced the memoriall thereof, but
+ onelie the number and certeine tale of such Iles as lie about our
+ Iland. I might also speake of the Ile Mail Ronyad, which lieth north
+ west of Anglesei by sixe miles; but bicause the true name hereof, as
+ of manie riuers and streames are to me vnknowne, I am the more willing
+ to passe them ouer in silence, least I should be noted to be farther
+ corrupter of such words as I haue no skill to deliuer and exhibit in
+ their kind. And now to conclude with the description of the whole
+ Iland, this I will ad moreouer vnto hir commodities, that as there are
+ the best milstones of white, red, blew, and gréene gréets,
+ (especiallie in Tindaithin) so there is great gaines to be gotten by
+ fishing round about this Ile, if the people there could vse the trade:
+ but they want both cunning and diligence to take that matter in hand.
+ And as for temporall regiment, it apperteineth to the countie of
+ Cairnaruon, so in spirituall cases it belongeth to the bishoprike of
+ Bangor. This is finallie to be noted of Anglesei, that sundrie earthen
+ [Sidenote: Ancient buriall.]
+ pots are often found there of dead mens bones conuerted into ashes,
+ set with the mouthes downeward contrarie to the vse of other nations,
+ which turned the brims vpwards, whereof let this suffice.
+
+ Hauing thus described Anglesei, it resteth to report furthermore, how
+ that in our circuit about the same, we met with other little Ilets, of
+ which one lieth northwest thereof almost ouer against Butricke mouth,
+ or the fall of the water, that passeth by Butricke. The Britons called
+ [Sidenote: Adar.]
+ [Sidenote: Moil.]
+ [Sidenote: Rhomaid.]
+ [Sidenote: Ysterisd.]
+ [Sidenote: Adros.]
+ [Sidenote: Lygod.]
+ it Ynis Ader, that is to say, the Ile of birds in old time, but now it
+ hight Ynis Moil, or Ynis Rhomaid, that is the Ile of porpasses. It
+ hath to name likewise Ysterisd, and Adros. Being past this, we came to
+ the second lieng by north east, ouer against the Hilarie point, called
+ Ynis Ligod, that is to saie, the Ile of Mise, and of these two this
+ latter is the smallest, neither of them both being of any greatnesse
+ [Sidenote: Seriall.]
+ [Sidenote: Prestholme.]
+ to speake of. Ynis Seriall or Prestholme, lieth ouer against Penmon,
+ or the point called the head of Mon, where I found a towne (as I told
+ you) of the same denomination. Ptolomie nameth not this Iland, whereof
+ I maruell. It is parcell of Flintshire, and of the iurisdiction of S.
+ Asaph, and in fertilitie of soile, and breed of cattell, nothing
+ inferiour vnto Anglesei hir mother: although that for quantitie of
+ ground it come infinitelie short thereof, and be nothing comparable
+ vnto it. The last Iland vpon the cost of Wales, hauing now left
+ [Sidenote: Credine.]
+ Anglesei, is called Credine, and although it lie not properlie within
+ the compasse of my description, yet I will not let to touch it by the
+ waie, sith the causey thither from Denbighland, is commonlie
+ ouerflowne. It is partlie made an Iland by the Conwey, and partlie by
+ the sea. But to proceed, when we had viewed this place, we passed
+ foorth to S. Antonies Ile, which is about two or thrée miles compasse
+ or more, a sandie soile, but yet verie batable for sheepe and cattell,
+ it is well replenished also with fresh wels, great plentie of wild
+ foule, conies and quarries of hard ruddie stone, which is oft brought
+ thence to Westchester, where they make the foundations of their
+ buildings withall. There are also two parish churches in the same,
+ dedicated to S. Antonie and S. Iohn, but the people are verie poore,
+ bicause they be so oft spoiled by pirats, although the lord of the
+ same be verie wealthie thorough the exchange made with them of his
+ victuals, for their wares, whereof they make good peniworths, as
+ théeues commonlie doo of such preies as they get by like escheat,
+ notwithstanding their landing there is verie dangerous, and onelie at
+ one place. Howbeit they are constreined to vse it, and there to make
+ their marts. From hence we went on, vntill we came to the cape of Ile
+ [Sidenote: Hilberie.]
+ Brée, or Hilberie, and point of Wyrale, from whence is a common
+ passage into Ireland, of 18. or 20. houres sailing, if the wether be
+ not tedious. This Iland at the full sea is a quarter of a mile from
+ the land, and the streame betwéene foure fadams déepe, as ship-boies
+ haue oft sounded, but at a lowe water a man may go ouer thither on the
+ sand. The Ile of it selfe is verie sandie a mile in compasse, and well
+ stored with conies, thither also went a sort of supersticious fooles
+ in times past, in pilgrimage, to our ladie of Hilberie, by whose
+ offerings a cell of monkes there, which belonged to Chester, was
+ cherished and mainteined.
+
+ The next Iland vpon the coast of England is Man or Mona Cæsaris, which
+ some name Mana or Manim, but after Ptolomie, Monaoida, as some thinke,
+ though other ascribe that name to Anglesei, which the Welshmen doo
+ commonlie call Môn, as they doo this Manaw. It is supposed to be the
+ first, as Hirtha is the last of the Hebrides. Hector Boetius noteth a
+ difference betwéene them of 300. miles. But Plinie saith that Mona is
+ 200000. miles from Camaldunum, lib. 2. cap. 75. It lieth also vnder
+ 53. degrées of latitude, and 30. minuts, and hath in longitude 16.
+ degrees and 40. minuts, abutting on the north side vpon S. Ninians in
+ Scotland, Furnesfels on the east, Prestholme and Anglesei on the
+ south, and Vlsther in Ireland on the west. It is greater than Anglesei
+ by a third, and there are two riuers in the same, whose heads doo
+ ioine so néere, that they doo seeme in maner to part the Ile in
+ [Sidenote: Eubonia.]
+ [Sidenote: Meuania.]
+ twaine. Some of the ancient writers, as Ethicus, &c: call it Eubonia,
+ and other following Orosius, Meuana or Mæuania, howbeit after Beda and
+ the Scotish histories, the Meuaniæ are all those Iles aforesaid called
+ the Hebrides, Eubonides, or Hebudes (whereof William Malmesburie, lib.
+ 1. de regibus (beside this our Mona) will haue Anglesei also to be
+ one. Wherefore it séemeth hereby that a number of our late writers
+ ascribing the said name vnto Mona onelie, haue not beene a little
+ deceiued. Iornandes lib. de Getis speaketh of a second Meuania; "Habet
+ & aliam Meuaniam (saith he) necnon & Orchadas." But which should be
+ prima, as yet I do not read, except it should be Anglesei; and then
+ saith Malmesburie well. In like sort Propertius speaketh of a Meuania,
+ which he called Nebulosa, but he meaneth it euidentlie of a little
+ towne in Vmbria where he was borne, lib. 4. eleg. De vrbe Rom.
+ Wherfore there néedeth no vse of his authoritie. This in the meane
+ time is euident out of Orosius, lib. 1. capite 2. that Scots dwelled
+ somtime in this Ile, as also in Ireland, which Ethicus also affirmeth
+ of his owne time, and finallie confirmeth that the Scots and Irish
+ were sometime one people. It hath in length 24. miles, and 8. in
+ bredth, and is in maner of like distance from Galloway in Scotland,
+ Ireland and Cumberland in England, as Buchanan reporteth.
+
+ In this Iland also were some time 1300. families, of which 960. were
+ in the west halfe, and the rest in the other. But now through ioining
+ house to house & land to land (a common plague and canker, which will
+ eat vp all, if prouision be not made in time to withstand this
+ mischéefe) that number is halfe diminished, and yet many of the rich
+ inhabiters want roome, and wote not how and where to bestowe
+ themselues, to their quiet contentations. Certes this impediment
+ groweth not by reason that men were greater in bodie, than they haue
+ béene in time past, but onelie for that their insatiable desire of
+ inlarging their priuate possessions increaseth still vpon them, and
+ will doo more, except they be restrained: but to returne to our
+ purpose. It was once spoiled by the Scots in the time of king
+ Athelstane, chéeflie by Anlafus in his flight from the bloudie
+ battell, wherein Constantine king of Scotland was ouercome: secondlie
+ by the Scots 1388. after it came to the possession of the English, for
+ in the beginning the kings of Scotland had this Iland vnder their
+ dominion, almost from their first arriuall in this Iland, and as Beda
+ saith till Edwine king of the Northumbers wan it from them, and vnited
+ it to his kingdome. After the time of Edwine, the Scots gat the
+ possession thereof againe, and held it till the Danes & Norwaies wan
+ it from them, who also kept it (but with much trouble) almost 370.
+ yeares vnder the gouernance of their viceroies, whome the kings of
+ Norwaie inuested vnto that honor, till Alexander the third king of
+ that name in Scotland recouered it from them, with all the rest of
+ those Iles that lie vpon the west coast, called also Sodorenses in the
+ daies of Magnus king of Norwaie. And sithens that time the Scotish
+ princes haue not ceased to giue lawes to such as dwelled there, but
+ also from time to time appointed such bishops as should exercise
+ ecclesiasticall iurisdiction in the same, till it was won from them by
+ [Sidenote: _Chronica Tinemuthi._]
+ our princes, and so vnited vnto the realme of England. Finallie, how
+ after sundrie sales bargains and contracts of matrimonie (for I read
+ that William Scroope the kings Vicechamberleine, did buy this Ile and
+ crowne thereof of the lord William Montacute earle of Sarum) it came
+ vnto the ancestours of the earles of Darbie, who haue béene commonlie
+ said to be kings of Man, the discourse folowing shall more at large
+ declare. Giraldus noteth a contention betwéene the kings of England &
+ Ireland for the right of this Iland, but in the end, when by a
+ comprimise the triall of the matter was referred to the liues or
+ deaths of such venemous wormes as should be brought into the same, and
+ it was found that they died not at all, as the like doo in Ireland,
+ sentence passed with the king of England, & so he reteined the Iland.
+ But howsoeuer this matter standeth, and whether anie such thing was
+ done at all or not, sure it is that the people of the said Ile were
+ much giuen to witchcraft and sorcerie (which they learned of the Scots
+ a nation greatlie bent to that horrible practise) in somuch that their
+ women would oftentimes sell wind to the mariners, inclosed vnder
+ certeine knots of thred, with this iniunction, that they which bought
+ [Sidenote: Tall men in Man.]
+ the same, should for a great gale vndoo manie, and for the lesse a
+ fewer or smaller number. The stature of the men and also fertilitie of
+ this Iland are much commended, and for the latter supposed verie néere
+ to be equall with that of Anglesei, in all commodities.
+
+ There are also these townes therein, as they come now to my
+ remembrance, Rushen, Dunglasse, Holme towne, S. Brids, Bala cury (the
+ bishops house) S. Mich. S. Andrew, kirk Christ, kirk Louel, S.
+ Mathees, kirk S. Anne, Pala sala, kirk S. Marie, kirk Concane, kirk
+ Malu, and Home. But of all these Rushen with the castell is the
+ strongest. It is also in recompense of the common want of wood, indued
+ [Sidenote: Riuers.]
+ with sundrie pretie waters, as first of al the Burne rising in the
+ northside of Warehill botoms, and branching out by southwest of kirk
+ S. An, it séemeth to cut off a great part of the eastside thereof,
+ from the residue of that Iland. From those hils also (but of the south
+ halfe) commeth the Holme and Holmey, by a towne of the same name, in
+ the verie mouth whereof lieth the Pile afore mentioned. They haue also
+ the Bala passing by Bala cury, on the westside, and the Rame on the
+ north, whose fall is named Ramesei hauen, as I doo read in Chronicles.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hilles.]
+ There are moreouer sundrie great hils therein, as that wherevpon S.
+ Mathees standeth, in the northeast part of the Ile, a parcell whereof
+ commeth flat south, betwéene kirk Louell, and kirk Marie, yéelding out
+ of their botoms the water Bala, whereof I spake before. Beside these
+ and well toward the south part of the Ile, I find the Warehils, which
+ are extended almost from the west coast ouertwhart vnto the Burne
+ [Sidenote: Hauens.]
+ streame. It hath also sundrie hauens, as Ramsei hauen, by north Laxam
+ hauen, by east Port Iris, by southwest Port Home, and Port Michell, by
+ west. In like sort there are diuers Ilets annexed to the same, as the
+ [Sidenote: Calfe of man.]
+ [Sidenote: The pile.]
+ [Sidenote: S. Michels Ile.]
+ Calfe of man on the south, the Pile on the west, and finallie S.
+ Michels Ile in the gulfe called Ranoths waie in the east. Moreouer the
+ [Sidenote: Sheepe.]
+ sheepe of this countrie are excéeding huge, well woolled, and their
+ [Sidenote: Hogs.]
+ tailes of such greatnesse as is almost incredible. In like sort their
+ hogs are in maner monstrous. They haue furthermore great store of
+ [Sidenote: Barnacles.]
+ barnacles bréeding vpon their coasts, but yet not so great store as in
+ Ireland, and those (as there also) of old ships, ores, masts, peeces
+ of rotten timber as they saie, and such putrified pitched stuffe, as
+ by wrecke hath happened to corrupt vpon that shore. Howbeit neither
+ the inhabitants of this Ile, nor yet of Ireland can readilie saie
+ [Sidenote: Barnacles neither fish nor flesh.]
+ whether they be fish or flesh, for although the religious there vsed
+ to eat them as fish, yet elsewhere, some haue beene troubled, for
+ eating of them in times prohibited for heretikes and lollards.
+
+ For my part, I haue béene verie desirous to vnderstand the vttermost
+ of the bréeding of barnacls, & questioned with diuers persons about
+ the same. I haue red also whatsoeuer is written by forren authors
+ touching the generation of that foule, & sought out some places where
+ I haue béene assured to sée great numbers of them: but in vaine.
+ Wherefore I vtterlie despaired to obteine my purpose, till this
+ present yeare of Grace 1584. and moneth of Maie, wherein going to the
+ court at Gréenewich from London by bote, I saw sundrie ships lieng in
+ the Thames newlie come home, either from Barbarie or the Canarie Iles
+ (for I doo not well remember now from which of these places) on whose
+ sides I perceiued an infinit sort of shells to hang so thicke as could
+ be one by another. Drawing néere also, I tooke off ten or twelue of
+ the greatest of them, & afterward hauing opened them, I saw the
+ proportion of a foule in one of them more perfectlie than in all the
+ rest, sauing that the head was not yet formed, bicause the fresh water
+ had killed them all (as I take it) and thereby hindered their
+ perfection. Certeinelie the feathers of the taile hoeng out of the
+ shell at least two inches, the wings (almost perfect touching forme)
+ were garded with two shels or shéeldes proportioned like the selfe
+ wings, and likewise the brestbone had hir couerture also of like
+ shellie substance, and altogither resembling the figure which Lobell
+ and Pena doo giue foorth in their description of this foule: so that I
+ am now fullie persuaded that it is either the barnacle that is
+ ingendred after one maner in these shels, or some other sea-foule to
+ vs as yet vnknowen. For by the feathers appearing and forme so
+ apparant, it cannot be denied, but that some bird or other must
+ proceed of this substance, which by falling from the sides of the
+ ships in long voiages, may come to some perfection. But now it is time
+ for me to returne againe vnto my former purpose.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bishop of Man.]
+ There hath sometime beene, and yet is a bishop of this Ile, who at the
+ first was called Episcopus Sodorensis, when the iurisdiction of all
+ the Hebrides belonged vnto him. Whereas now he that is bishop there,
+ is but a bishops shadow, for albeit that he beare the name of bishop
+ of Man, yet haue the earles of Darbie, as it is supposed, the cheefe
+ profit of his sée (sauing that they allow him a little somewhat for a
+ [Sidenote: Patrone of Man.]
+ flourish) notwithstanding that they be his patrons, and haue his
+ nomination vnto that liuing. The first bishop of this Ile was called
+ Wimundus or Raymundus, and surnamed Monachus Sauinensis, who by reason
+ of his extreame and tyrannicall crueltie toward the Ilanders, had
+ first his sight taken from him, & then was sent into exile. After him
+ succéeded another moonke in king Stephens daies called Iohn, and after
+ him one Marcus, &c: other after other in succession, the sée it selfe
+ being now also subiect to the archbishop of Yorke for spirituall
+ iurisdiction. In time of Henrie the second, this Iland also had a
+ [Sidenote: King of Man.]
+ king, whose name was Cuthred, vnto whome Vinianus the cardinall came
+ as legate 1177. and wherin Houeden erreth not. In the yeare also 1228.
+ one Reginald was viceroy or petie king of Man, afterward murthered by
+ his subiects. Then Olauus, after him Hosbach the sonne of Osmond
+ Hacon, 1290. who being slaine, Olauus and Gotredus parted this
+ kingdome of Sodora, in such wise, that this had all the rest of the
+ Iles, the other onelie the Ile of Man at the first; but after the
+ slaughter of Gotredus, Olauus held all, after whom Olauus his sonne
+ succeeded. Then Harald sonne to Olauus, who being entered in Maie, and
+ drowned vpon the coastes of Ireland, his brother Reginald reigned
+ twentie and seuen daies, and then was killed the first of June,
+ whereby Olauus aliàs Harald sonne to Gotred ruled in the Ile one
+ yeare. Next vnto him succéeded Magnus the second sonne of Olauus, and
+ last of all Iuarus, who held it so long as the Norwaies were lords
+ thereof. But being once come into the hands of the Scots, one Godred
+ Mac Mares was made lieutenant, then Alane, thirdlie Maurice Okarefer,
+ and fourthlie one of the kings chapleines, &c. I would gladlie haue
+ set downe the whole catalog of all the viceroyes and lieutenants: but
+ sith I can neither come by their names nor successions, I surcesse to
+ speake any more of them, and also of the Ile it selfe, whereof this
+ may suffice.
+
+ After we haue in this wise described the Ile of Man, with hir
+ commodities, we returned eastwards backe againe unto the point of
+ Ramshed, where we found to the number of six Ilets of one sort and
+ other, whereof the first greatest and most southwesterlie, is named
+ [Sidenote: Wauay.]
+ the Wauay. It runneth out in length, as we gessed, about fiue miles
+ and more from the southeast into the northwest, betwéene which and the
+ maine land lie two little ones, whose names are Oldborrow and Fowlney.
+ [Sidenote: Fouldra.]
+ The fourth is called the Fouldra, and being situate southeast of the
+ first, it hath a prettie pile or blockhouse therin, which the
+ inhabitants name the pile of Fouldra. By east thereof in like sort lie
+ [Sidenote: Fola.]
+ [Sidenote: Roa.]
+ the Fola and the Roa, plots of no great compasse, and yet of all these
+ six, the first and Fouldra are the fairest and most fruitfull. From
+ [Sidenote: Rauenglasse.]
+ hence we went by Rauenglasse point, where lieth an Iland of the same
+ denomination, as Reginald Wolfe hath noted in his great card, not yet
+ finished, nor likelie to be published. He noteth also two other Ilets,
+ betwéene the same and the maine land; but Leland speaketh nothing of
+ them (to my remembrance) neither any other card, as yet set foorth of
+ England: and thus much of the Ilands that lie vpon our shore in this
+ part of my voiage.
+
+ Hauing so exactlie as to me is possible, set downe the names and
+ positions of such Iles, as are to be found vpon the coast of the
+ Quéenes Maiesties dominions, now it resteth that we procéed orderlie
+ [Sidenote: Iles in Scotland.]
+ with those that are séene to lie vpon the coast of Scotland, that is
+ to saie, in the Irish, the Deucalidonian & the Germans seas, which I
+ will performe in such order as I may, sith I cannot do so much therin
+ as I would. Some therefore doo comprehend and diuide all the Iles that
+ lie about the north coast of this Ile now called Scotland into thrée
+ parts, sauing that they are either occidentals, the west Iles, aliàs
+ the Orchades & Zelandine, or the Shetlands. They place the first
+ betwéene Ireland and the Orchades, so that they are extended from Man
+ and the point of Cantire almost vnto the Orchades in the Deucalidonian
+ sea, and after some are called the Hebrides. In this part the old
+ [Sidenote: Hemodes of some called Acmodes,
+ sée _Plinie, Mela, Martianus, Capella,
+ Plutarch. de defect. orac._]
+ writers indéed placed the Hebrides or Hemodes, which diuers call the
+ Hebudes and the Acmodes; albeit the writers varie in their numbers,
+ some speaking of 30 Hebudes and seuen Hemodes; some of fiue Ebudes, as
+ Solinus, and such as follow his authoritie. Howbeit the late Scottish
+ writers doo product a summe of more than 300 of these Ilands in all,
+ which sometime belonged to the Scots, sometime to the Norwegians, and
+ sometime to the Danes. The first of these is our Manaw, of which I
+ haue before intreated: next vnto this is Alisa a desert Ile, yet
+ replenished with conies, soland foule, and a fit harbor for fishermen
+ that in time of the yeare lie vpon the coast thereof for herings. Next
+ vnto this is the Arran, a verie hillie and craggie soile, yet verie
+ plentifull of fish all about the coast, and wherein is a verie good
+ hauen: ouer against the mouth whereof lieth the Moll, which is also no
+ small defence to such seafaring men as seeke harbor in that part. Then
+ came we by the Fladwa or Pladwa, no lesse fruitfull and stored with
+ conies than the Bota, Bura, or Botha, of eight miles long & foure
+ miles broad, a low ground but yet verie batable, and wherein is good
+ store of short and indifferent pasture: it hath also a towne there
+ called Rosse, and a castell named the Camps. There is also another
+ called the Marnech, an Iland of a mile in length, and halfe a mile in
+ breadth, low ground also but yet verie fertile. In the mouth likewise
+ of the Glot, lieth the more Cumber and the lesse, not farre in sunder
+ one from another, and both fruitfull inough the one for corne, and the
+ other for Platyceraton. The Auon another Iland lieth about a mile from
+ Cantire, and is verie commodious to ships, wherof it is called Auon,
+ that is to saie, Portuosa, or full of harbor: and therefore the Danes
+ had in time past great vse of it. Then haue we the Raclind, the
+ Kyntar, the Cray, the Gegaw six miles in length and a mile and a halfe
+ in breadth; the Dera full of déere, and not otherwise vnfruitfull: and
+ therefore some thinke that it was called the Ile of déere in old time.
+ [Sidenote: Scarba.]
+ Scarba foure miles in length, and one in breadth, verie little
+ inhabited, and thereinto the sea betwéene that and the Ile of déere is
+ so swift and violent, that except it be at certeine times, it is not
+ easilie nauigable. Being past these, we come to certeine Ilands of no
+ great fame, which lie scattered here and there, as Bellach, Gyrastell,
+ Longaie, both the Fiolas, the thrée Yarues, Culbrenin, Duncomell,
+ Lupar, Belnaua, Wikerua, Calfile, Luing, Sele Ile, Sound, of which the
+ last thrée are fruitfull, and belong to the earle of Argile. Then haue
+ [Sidenote: Slate Ile.]
+ we the Slate, so called of the tiles that are made therin. The Nagsey,
+ Isdalf, and the Sken (which later is also called Thian, of a wicked
+ herbe growing there greatlie hurtfull, and in colour not much vnlike
+ the lillie, sauing that it is of a more wan and féeble colour) Vderga,
+ kings Ile, Duffa or blacke Ile, Kirke Ile and Triarach. There is also
+ the Ile Ard, Humble Ile, Greene Ile, and Heth Ile, Arbor Ile, Gote
+ Ile, Conies Ile aliàs idle Ile, Abrid Ile or bird Ile, and Lismor,
+ wherein the bishop of Argill sometime held his palace, being eight
+ miles in length and two miles in breadth, and not without some mines
+ also of good mettall. There is also the Ile Ouilia, Siuna, Trect,
+ Shepey, Fladaw, Stone Ile, Gresse, great Ile, Ardis, Musadell, &
+ Berner, sometime called the holie sanctuarie, Vghe Ile, Molochasgyr,
+ and Drinacha, now ouergrowne with bushes, elders, and vtterlie spoiled
+ by the ruines of such great houses as haue heretofore béene found
+ therin. There is in like sort the Wijc, the Ranse, and the Caruer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ila.]
+ In this tract also, there are yet thrée to intreat of, as Ila, Mula
+ and Iona, of which the first is one of the most, that hath not béene
+ least accounted of. It is not much aboue 24 miles in length, and in
+ breadth 16 reaching from the south into the north, and yet it is an
+ excéeding rich plot of ground verie plentious of corne, cattell,
+ déere, and also lead, and other mettals, which were easie to be
+ obteined, if either the people were industrious, or the soile
+ yéeldable of wood to fine and trie out the same. In this Iland also
+ there is a lake of swéet water called the Laie, and also a baie
+ wherein are sundrie Ilands; and therevnto another lake of fresh water,
+ wherein the Falangam Ile is situate, wherein the souereigne of all the
+ [Sidenote: Round Ile.]
+ Iles sometime dwelled. Néere vnto this is the round Ile, so called of
+ the consultations there had: for there was a court sometime holden,
+ wherein 14 of the principall inhabitants did minister iustice vnto the
+ rest, and had the whole disposition of things committed vnto them,
+ which might rule vnto the benefit of those Ilands. There is also the
+ Stoneheape, an other Iland so called of the heape of stones that is
+ therein. On the south side also of Ila, we find moreouer the Colurne,
+ Mulmor, Osrin, Brigidan, Corkerke, Humble Ile, Imersga, Bethy, Texa,
+ Shepeie, Naosig, Rinard, Cane, Tharscher, Aknor, Gret Ile, Man Ile, S.
+ Iohns Ile, and Stackbed. On the west side thereof also lieth Ouersey,
+ whereby runneth a perilous sea, and not nauigable, but at certeine
+ houres, Merchant Ile, Vsabrast, Tanask, Neff, Wauer Ile, Oruans, Hog
+ Ile, and Colauanso.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mula.]
+ Mula is a right noble Ile, 24 miles in length and so manie in bredth,
+ rough of soile, yet fruitfull enough: beside woods, déere, & good
+ harbrough for ships, replenished with diuers and sundrie townes and
+ castels. Ouer against Columkill also, it hath two riuers, which yeld
+ verie great store of salmons, and other riuellets now altogither
+ vnfruitfull, beside two lakes, in each of which is an Iland: and
+ likewise in euerie of these Ilands a castell. The sea beating vpon
+ this Ile, maketh foure notable baies wherein great plentie and verie
+ good herrings are taken. It hath also in the northwest side Columbria,
+ or the Ile of doues; on the southeast, Era: both verie commodious for
+ fishing, cattell, and corne. Moreouer, this is woorth the noting in
+ this Ile aboue all the rest, that it hath a plesant spring, arising
+ two miles in distance from the shore, wherein are certeine little egs
+ found, much like vnto indifferent pearles, both for colour and
+ brightnesse, and thereto full of thicke humour, which egs being
+ carried by violence of the fresh water vnto the salt, are there within
+ the space of twelue houres conuerted into great shels, which I take to
+ be mother pearle; except I be deceiued.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iona.]
+ Iona was sometime called Columkill, in fame and estimation nothing
+ inferiour to anie of the other, although in length it excéed little
+ aboue two miles, and in breadth one. Certes it is verie fruitfull of
+ all such commodities, as that climat wherein it standeth dooth yeeld,
+ and beareth the name of Columbus the abbat, of whome I haue spoken
+ more at large in my Chronologie. There were somtimes also two
+ monasteries therein, one of moonks builded by Fergus, another of nuns:
+ and a parish church, beside many chappels builded by the Scotish
+ kings, and such princes as gouerned in the Iles. And when the English
+ had once gotten possession of the Ile of Manaw, a bishops see was
+ erected in the old monasterie of Columbus, whereby the iurisdiction of
+ those Iles was still mainteined and continued. Certes there remaine
+ yet in this Iland the old burials apperteining to the most noble
+ families that had dwelled in the west Iles; but thrée aboue other are
+ accompted the most notable, which haue little houses builded vpon
+ [Sidenote: Regum tumuli.]
+ them. That in the middest hath a stone, whereon is written, Tumuli
+ regum Scotiæ, The burials of the kings of Scotland: for (as they saie)
+ fourtie eight of them were there interred. Another is intituled with
+ these words, The burials of the kings of Ireland, bicause foure of
+ them lie in that place. The third hath these words written thereon,
+ The graues of the kings of Norwaie, for there eight of them were
+ buried also, and all through a fond suspicion conceiued of the merits
+ of Columbus. Howbeit in processe of time, when Malcolme Cammor had
+ erected his abbeie at Donfermeling, he gaue occasion to manie of his
+ successors to be interred there.
+
+ About this Iland there lie six other Iles dispersed, small in
+ quantitie, but not altogither barren, sometimes giuen by the kings of
+ Scotland and lords of the Iles vnto the abbeie of saint Columbus, of
+ which the Soa, albeit that it yeeld competent pasturage for shéepe,
+ yet is it more commodious, by such egs as the great plentie of
+ wildfoule there bréeding doo laie within the same. Then is there the
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Shrewes.]
+ Ile of Shrewes or of women; as the more sober heads doo call it. Also
+ Rudan, & next vnto that, the Rering. There is also the Shen halfe a
+ mile from Mula, whose bankes doo swarme with conies: it hath also a
+ parish church, but most of the inhabitants doo liue and dwell in Mula.
+ There is also the Eorse or the Arse, and all these belong vnto saint
+ Columbus abbeie. Two miles from Arse is the Olue, an Iland fiue miles
+ in length, and sufficientlie stored with corne and grasse, & not
+ without a good hauen for ships to lie and harbor in. There is also the
+ Colfans, an iland fruitfull inough, and full of cornell trées. There
+ is not far off also the Gomater, Stafa, the two Kerneburgs, and the
+ [Sidenote: Mosse Ile.]
+ Mosse Ile, in the old Brittish speech called Monad, that is to saie
+ Mosse. The soile of it is verie blacke, bicause of the corruption &
+ putrefaction of such woods as haue rotted thereon: wherevpon also no
+ small plentie of mosse is bred and ingendered. The people in like
+ maner make their fire of the said earth, which is fullie so good as
+ our English turffe. There is also the Long, & six miles further toward
+ the west, Tirreie, which is eight miles in length and thrée in
+ breadth, & of all other one of the most plentifull for all kinds of
+ commodities: for it beareth corne, cattell, fish, and seafowle
+ aboundantlie. It hath also a well of fresh water, a castell, and a
+ verie good hauen for great vessels to lie at safegard in. Two miles
+ from this also is the Gun, and the Coll two miles also from the Gun.
+ Then passed we by the Calfe, a verie wooddie Iland, the foure gréene
+ Iles, the two glasse or skie Ilands, the Ardan, the Ile of woolfes, &
+ then the great Iland which reacheth from the east into the west, is
+ sixteene miles in length, and six in breadth, full of mounteins and
+ swelling woods: and for asmuch as it is not much inhabited, the
+ seafoules laie great plentie of egs there, whereof such as will, may
+ gather what number them listeth. Vpon the high cliffes and rocks also
+ the Soland géese are taken verie plentifullie. Beyond this, about
+ foure miles also is the Ile of horsses: and a little from that the hog
+ Iland, which is not altogither vnfruitfull. There is a falcon which of
+ custome bréedeth there, and therevnto it is not without a conuenient
+ hauen. Not farre off also is the Canna, and the Egga, little Iles, but
+ the later full of Soland géese. Likewise the Sobratill, more apt to
+ hunt in than méet for anie other commoditie that is to be reaped
+ thereby.
+
+ [Sidenote: Skie.]
+ After this we came to the Skie, the greatest Ile about all Scotland:
+ for it is two and fortie miles long; and somewhere eight, & in some
+ places twelue miles broad: it is moreouer verie hillie, which hilles
+ are therevnto loaden with great store of wood, as the woods are with
+ pasture, the fields with corne and cattell; and (besides all other
+ commodities) with no small heards of mares, whereby they raise great
+ aduantage and commoditie. It hath fiue riuers verie much abounding
+ with salmons, and other fresh streams not altogither void of that
+ prouision. It is inuironed also with manie baies, wherein great
+ plentie of herrings is taken in time of the yéere. It hath also a
+ noble poole of fresh water; fiue castels and sundrie townes; as Aie,
+ S. Iohns, Dunwegen, S. Nicholas, &c. The old Scots called it
+ Skianacha, that is, Winged, but now named Skie. There lie certeine
+ small Ilands about this also, as Rausa a batable soile for corne &
+ gras; Conie Iland full of woods and conies; Paba a theeuish Iland, in
+ whose woods théeues do lurke to rob such as passe by them. Scalpe Ile,
+ which is full of deere; Crowling, wherein is verie good harbour for
+ ships; Rarsa, full of béechen woods and stags, being in length seuen
+ miles, and two in breadth. The Ron, a woodie Ile and full of heath:
+ yet hath it a good hauen, which hath a little Iland called Gerloch on
+ the mouth thereof, and therein lurke manie théeues. There is not farre
+ off from this Ron, to wit about six miles also, the Flad, the Tiulmen,
+ Oransa, Buie the lesse, and Buie the more and fiue other little
+ trifling Iles, of whose names I haue no notice.
+
+ After these we come vnto the Ise, a pretie fertile Iland, to the Oue,
+ to the Askoome, to the Lindill. And foure score miles from the Skie
+ towards the west, to the Ling, the Gigarmen, the Berner, the Magle,
+ the Pable, the Flad, the Scarpe, the Sander, the Vateras, which later
+ hath a noble hauen for great ships, beside sundrie other commodities:
+ and these nine last rehearsed are vnder the dominion of the bishop of
+ [Sidenote: Bar.]
+ the Iles. After this we come to the Bar, an Iland seauen miles in
+ length, not vnfruitfull for grasse and corne, but the chiefe
+ commoditie thereof lieth by taking of herrings, which are there to be
+ had abundantlie. In one baie of this Iland there lieth an Islet, and
+ therein standeth a strong castell. In the north part hereof also is an
+ hill which beareth good grasse from the foot to the top, and out of
+ that riseth a spring, which running to the sea, doth carrie withall a
+ kind of creature not yet perfectlie formed, which some do liken vnto
+ cockels; and vpon the shore where the water falleth into the sea, they
+ take vp a kind of shelfish, when the water is gone, which they suppose
+ to be ingendred or increased after this manner. Betwéene the Barre and
+ the Visse lie also these Ilands, Orbaus, Oue, Hakerset, Warlang, Flad,
+ the two Baies, Haie, Helsaie, Gigaie, Lingaie, Fraie, Fudaie, and
+ Friskaie. The Visse is thirtie miles long and six miles broad; and
+ therein are sundrie fresh waters, but one especiallie of three miles
+ in length: neuerthelesse, the sea hath now of late found a waie into
+ it, so that it cannot be kept off with a banke of three score foot,
+ but now and then it will flowe into the same, and leaue sea-fish
+ behind it in the lake. There is also a fish bred therein almost like
+ vnto a salmon, sauing that it hath a white bellie, a blacke backe, and
+ is altogither without scales: it is likewise a great harbour for
+ théeues and pirats.
+
+ Eight miles beyond this lieth the Helscher, appertinent to the nuns of
+ Iona: then haue we the Hasker, verie plentifullie benefited by seales,
+ which are there taken in time of the yéere. Thrée score miles from
+ this also is the Hirth, whose inhabitants are rude in all good science
+ and religion; yet is the Iland verie fruitfull in all things, and
+ bringeth foorth shéepe farre greater than are else-where to be found,
+ for they are as big as our fallow deare, horned like bugles, and haue
+ their tailes hanging to the ground. He that is owner of this Ile,
+ sendeth ouer his bailiffe into the same at midsummer, to gather in his
+ duties, and with him a préest to saie masse, and to baptise all the
+ children borne since that time of the yéere precedent: or if none will
+ go ouer with him (bicause the voiage is dangerous) then doth each
+ [Sidenote: Baptisme without preests.]
+ father take paine to baptise his owne at home. Their rents are paid
+ commonlie in dried seales and sea foule. All the whole Ile is not
+ aboue a mile euerie waie; and except thrée mounteines that lie vpon
+ one part of the shore, such as dwell in the other Iles can see no part
+ thereof.
+
+ Being past the Visse, we came after to Walaie, the Soa, the Strome, to
+ Pabaie, to Barner, Ensaie, Killiger, the two Sagas, the Hermodraie,
+ Scarfe, Grie, Ling, Gilling, Heie, Hoie, Farlaie, great So, little So,
+ Ise, Sein the more, Sein the lesse, Tarant, Slegan, Tuom, Scarpe,
+ Hareie, and the seauen holie Ilands, which are desert and bréed
+ [Sidenote: Wild sheepe.]
+ nothing but a kind of wild shéepe, which are often hunted, but seldome
+ or neuer eaten. For in stéed of flesh they haue nothing but tallow;
+ and if anie flesh be, it is so vnsauorie, that few men care to eate of
+ it, except great hunger compell them. I suppose, that these be the
+ wild sheepe which will not be tamed; and bicause of the horrible
+ [Sidenote: Tigers.]
+ grenning thereof, is taken for the bastard tiger. Their haire is
+ betweene the wooll of a sheepe, and the haire of a goat, resembling
+ both, shacked, and yet absolutelie like vnto neither of both: it maie
+ be also the same beast which Capitolinus calleth Ouis fera, shewed in
+ the time of Gordian the emperour; albeit that some take the same for
+ the Camelopardalis: but hereof I make no warrantise.
+
+ There is also not farre off the Garuell, the Lambe, the Flad, the
+ Kellas, the two Bernars, the Kirt, the two Buies, the Viraie, the
+ [Sidenote: Ile of Pigmeies.]
+ Pabaie, the two Sigrams, and the Ile of Pigmeies (which is so called
+ vpon some probable coniecture) for manie little sculs and bones are
+ dailie there found déepe in the ground, perfectlie resembling the
+ bodies of children; & not anie of greater quantities, wherby their
+ coniecture (in their opinion) is the more likelie to be true. There is
+ also the Fabill Ile, Adams Ile, the Ile of Lambes, Hulmes, Viccoll,
+ Haueraie, Car, Era, Columbes Ile, Tor Ile, Iffurd, Scalpe, Flad, and
+ the Swet; on whose east side is a certeine vault or caue, arched ouer,
+ a flight shoot in length, wherevnto meane ships do vse to runne for
+ harbour with full saile when a tempest ouertaketh them, or the raging
+ of the sea, in those parts do put them in danger of wrecke. Also we
+ passed by the old castell Ile, which is a pretie and verie commodious
+ plat for fish, foule, egges, corne, and pasture. There is also the Ile
+ Eust or Eu, which is full of wood, and a notable harbour for théeues,
+ as is also the Grinort; likewise the preests Ile, which is verie full
+ of sea foule and good pasture. The Afull, the two Herbrerts, to wit,
+ the greater and the lesse; and the Iles of Horsses, and Mertaika: and
+ these 8 lie ouer against the baie which is called the Lake Brian.
+ After this, we go toward the north, and come to the Haraie, and the
+ Lewis or the Leug, both which make (in truth) but one Iland of thrée
+ score miles in length, and sixtéene in breadth, being distinguished by
+ no water, but by huge woods, bounds, and limits of the two owners that
+ doo possesse those parts. The south part is called Haraie, and the
+ whole situate in the Deucalidon sea, ouer against the Rosse, & called
+ [Sidenote: Lewis called Thule by Tacitus, with no
+ better authoritie than the Angleseie Mona.]
+ Thule by Tacitus, wherein are manie lakes, and verie pretie villages,
+ as lake Erwijn, lake Vnsalsago: but of townes, S. Clements, Stoie,
+ Nois, S. Columbane, Radmach, &c. In like sort, there are two churches,
+ whereof one is dedicated to saint Peter, an other to S. Clement,
+ beside a monasterie called Roadill. The soile also of this Ile is
+ indifferent fruitfull; but they reape more profit vnder the ground
+ than aboue, by digging. There is neither woolfe, fox, nor serpent
+ séene in this Iland; yet are there great woods therein, which also
+ separate one part from the other. Likewise there be plentie of stags,
+ but farre lesse in quantitie than ours: and in the north part of the
+ Iland also is a riuer which greatlie aboundeth with salmons. That part
+ also called Lewisa, which is the north half of the Ile is well
+ inhabited toward the sea coasts, and hath riuers no lesse plentifull
+ for salmon than the other halfe. There is also great store of herrings
+ taken, whereof the fisher men doo raise great gaine and commoditie;
+ and no lesse plentie of sheepe, which they doo not sheere, but plucke
+ euerie yeere; yet is the ground of this part verie heathie, and full
+ of mosse, and the face thereof verie swart and blacke, for the space
+ of a foot in depth, through the corruption of such woods as in time
+ past haue rotted on the same. And therefore in time of the yeere they
+ conuert it into turffe to burne, as néede shall serue; and in the
+ yéere after, hauing well doonged it in the meane time with slawke of
+ the sea, they sowe barleie in the selfe places where the turffes grew,
+ and reape verie good corne, wherewith they liue and féed. Such plentie
+ [Sidenote: Tithe whales.]
+ of whales also are taken in this coast, that the verie tithe hath
+ béene knowne, in some one yéere, to amount vnto seauen and twentie
+ whales of one greatnesse and other. This is notable also in this part
+ of the Ile, that there is a great caue two yards déepe of water when
+ the sea is gone, and not aboue foure when it is at the highest; ouer
+ which great numbers doo sit of both sexes and ages, with hooks and
+ lines, and catch at all times an infinite deale of fish, wherewith
+ they liue, and which maketh them also the more idle.
+
+ Being past this about sixtie miles, we come vnto the Rona, or Ron,
+ which some take for the last of the Hebrides, distant (as I said)
+ about fortie miles from the Orchades, and one hundreth and thirtie
+ from the promontorie of Dungisbe. The inhabitants of this Ile are
+ verie rude and irreligious, the lord also of the soile dooth limit
+ their number of housholds, & hauing assigned vnto them what numbers of
+ the greater and smaller sorts of cattell they shall spend and inioie
+ for their owne prouision, they send the ouerplus yéerlie vnto him to
+ Lewis. Their cheefe paiments consist of a great quantitie of meale,
+ which is verie plentifull among them, sowed vp in shéepes skins. Also
+ of mutton and sea foule dried, that resteth ouer and aboue, which they
+ themselues do spend. And if it happen that there be more people in the
+ Iland than the lords booke or rate dooth come vnto, then they send
+ also the ouerplus of them in like maner vnto him: by which means they
+ liue alwaies in plentie. They receiue no vices from strange countries,
+ neither know or heare of anie things doone else-where than in their
+ owne Iland. Manie whales are taken also vpon their coasts, which are
+ likewise replenished with seale, and porpasse, and those which are
+ either so tame, or so fierce, that they abash not at the sight of such
+ as looke vpon them, neither make they anie hast to flie out of their
+ presence.
+
+ [Sidenote: Suilscraie.]
+ Beyond this Ile, about 16 miles westward, there is another called
+ Suilscraie, of a mile length, void of grasse, and without so much as
+ heath growing vpon hir soile: yet are there manie cliffes and rocks
+ therein, which are couered with blacke mosse, whereon innumerable
+ sorts of foules do bréed and laie their egs. Thither in like sort
+ manie doo saile from Lewissa, to take them yoong in time of the yeare,
+ before they be able to flie, which they also kill and drie in eight
+ daies space, and then returne home againe with them, and great plentie
+ of fethers gathered in this voiage. One thing is verie strange and to
+ [Sidenote: Colke foule.]
+ be noted in this Iland, of the Colke foule, which is little lesse than
+ a goose; and this kind commeth thither but once in the yeare, to wit,
+ in the spring, to laie hir egs and bring vp hir yoong, till they be
+ able to shift for themselues, & then they get them awaie togither to
+ the sea, and come no more vntill that time of the yéere which next
+ insueth. At the same season also they cast their fethers there, as it
+ were answering tribute to nature for the vse of hir mossie soile:
+ wherein it is woonderfull to sée, that those fethers haue no stalkes,
+ neither anie thing that is hard in them, but are séene to couer their
+ bodies as it were wooll or downe, till breeding time (I saie) wherein
+ they be left starke naked.
+
+ [Sidenote: Orchades.]
+ The Orchades (whose first inhabitants were the Scithians, which came
+ from those Iles where the Gothes did inhabit, as some sparks yet
+ remaining among them of that language doo declare) lie partlie in the
+ Germaine, and partlie in the Calidon seas, ouer against the point of
+ Dunghisbie (being in number eight and twentie, or as other saie
+ thirtie & one, yet some saie thirtie thrée, as Orosius, but Plinie
+ saith fortie) and now belonging to the crowne of Scotland, as are the
+ rest whereof héeretofore I haue made report, since we crossed ouer the
+ mouth of the Solueie streame, to come into this countrie. Certes the
+ people of these Islands reteine much of their old sparing diets, and
+ therevnto they are of goodlie stature, tall, verie comelie,
+ healthfull, of long life, great strength, whitish colour, as men that
+ féed most vpon fish; sith the cold is so extreame in those parts, that
+ the ground bringeth foorth but small store of wheate, and in maner
+ verie little or no fuell at all, wherewith to warme them in the
+ winter, and yet it séemeth that (in times past) some of these Ilands
+ also haue béene well replenished with wood, but now they are without
+ either trée or shrub, in stéed whereof they haue plentie of heath,
+ which is suffered to grow among them, rather thorough their
+ negligence, than that the soile of it selfe will not yéeld to bring
+ forth trées & bushes. For what store of such hath béene in times past,
+ the roots yet found and digged out of the ground doo yéeld sufficient
+ triall. Otes they haue verie plentifullie, but greater store of
+ barleie, wherof they make a nappie kind of drinke, and such indéed, as
+ will verie readilie cause a stranger to ouershoot himselfe. Howbeit
+ this may be vnto vs in lieu of a miracle, that although their drinke
+ be neuer so strong, & they themselues so vnmeasurable drinkers (as
+ [Sidenote: If he speake all in truth.]
+ none are more) yet it shall not easilie be séene (saith Hector) that
+ there is anie drunkard among them, either frantike, or mad man, dolt,
+ or naturall foole, meet to weare a cockescombe.
+
+ This vnmeasurable drinking of theirs is confessed also by Buchanan,
+ who noteth, that whensoeuer anie wine is brought vnto them from other
+ soiles, they take their parts thereof aboundantlie. He addeth
+ moreouer, how they haue an old bole (which they call S. Magnus bole,
+ who first preached Christ vnto them) of farre greater quantitie than
+ common boles are, and so great, that it may séeme to be reserued since
+ the Lapithane banket, onelie to quaffe and drinke in. And when anie
+ bishop commeth vnto them, they offer him this bole full of drinke,
+ which if he be able to drinke vp quite at one draught; then they
+ assure themselues of good lucke, and plentie after it. Neuerthelesse
+ this excesse is not often found in the common sort, whom penurie
+ maketh to be more frugall; but in their priests, and such as are of
+ the richer calling. They succour pirats also, and verie often exchange
+ their vittels with their commodities, rather for feare and want of
+ power to resist (their Ilands lieng so scattered) than for anie
+ necessitie of such gains as they doo get by those men: for in truth,
+ they thinke themselues to haue little need of other furniture than
+ their owne soiles doo yéeld and offer vnto them. This is also to be
+ read of the inhabitants of these Ilands, that ignorance of excesse is
+ vnto the most part of them in stéed of physicke; and labour and
+ trauell a medicine for such few diseases as they are molested and
+ incombred withall.
+
+ In like sort they want venemous beasts, chéefelie such as doo delight
+ in hotter soile, and all kinds of ouglie creatures. Their ewes also
+ are so full of increase, that some doo vsuallie bring foorth two,
+ three, or foure lambes at once, whereby they account our anelings
+ (which are such as bring foorth but one at once) rather barren than to
+ be kept for anie gaine. As for wild and tame foules, they haue such
+ plentie of them, that the people there account them rather a burthen
+ to their soile, than a benefit to their tables: they haue also neat
+ and gotes, whereby they abound in white meat, as butter and cheese:
+ wherein, next vnto fish, the chéefe part of their sustenance dooth
+ consist. There is also a bishop of the Orchades, who hath his see in
+ Pomona the chéefe of all the Ilands, wherein also are two strong
+ castels, and such hath béene the superstition of the people here, that
+ there is almost no one of them, that hath not one church at the least
+ dedicated to the mother of Christ. Finallie, there is little vse of
+ physicke in these quarters, lesse store of éeles, and least of frogs.
+ As for the horsses that are bred amongst them, they are commonlie not
+ much greater than asses, and yet to labour and trauell, a man shall
+ find verie few else-where, able to come neere, much lesse to match
+ with them, in holding out their iournies. The seas about these Ilands
+ are verie tempestuous, not onelie through strong winds, and the
+ influences of the heauens and stars; but by the contrarie méetings and
+ workings of the west ocean, which rageth so vehementlie in the
+ streicts, that no vessell is able to passe in safetie amongst them.
+ Some of these Ilands also are so small and low, that all the
+ commoditie which is to be reaped by anie of them, is scarselie
+ sufficient to susteine one or two men: and some of them so barren and
+ full of rocks, that they are nothing else but mosse or bare shingle.
+ Wherefore onelie thirtéene of them are inhabited and made account of,
+ the rest being left vnto their sheepe and cattell. Of all these Ilands
+ also Pomona is the greatest, and therfore called the continent, which
+ conteineth thirtie miles in length, and is well replenished with
+ people: for it hath twelue parish churches, and one towne which the
+ Danes (sometime lords of that Iland) called Cracouia: but now it hight
+ [Sidenote: Kirkwa.]
+ Kirkwa. There are also two pretie holds, one belonging to the king,
+ the other to the bishop: and also a beautifull church, and much
+ building betweene the two holds, and about this church, which being
+ taken as it were for two townes, the one is called the kings and the
+ other the bishops towne. All the whole Iland is full of cliffes and
+ promontories, whereby no small number of baies and some hauens are
+ producted.
+
+ There is also tin and lead to be found in six of these Iles, so good
+ and plentifullie as anie where else in Britaine. It lieth foure &
+ twentie miles from Cathnesse, being separated from the same by the
+ Pictish sea: wherein also lie certeine Ilands, as Stroma, foure miles
+ from Cathnesse, which albeit that it be but foure miles from
+ Cathnesse, is not reputed for anie of the Orchades. Going therefore
+ from hence northward, we come to the first Ile of the Orchades, called
+ south Rauals, which is sixtéene miles from Dunghilsbie, aliàs
+ Dunachisbie, & that in two houres space, such is the swiftnesse of the
+ sea in that tract. This Ile is fiue miles long, and hath a faire port
+ called saint Margarets hauen. Then passe we by two desert Iles, which
+ lie towards the east, wherein nothing is found but cattell: some call
+ them the holmes, bicause they lie low, and are good for nothing but
+ grasse. On the northside lieth the Bur, and two other holmes betweene
+ the same & Pomona. From Bur, toward the west lie thrée Iles, Sun,
+ Flat, and Far: and beyond them Hoie and Vall, which some accompt for
+ two, and other but for one; bicause that in March and September, the
+ flats that lie betwéene them, doo séeme to ioine them togither, after
+ the tide is gone. This neuerthelesse is certeine, that in this single
+ or double Ile, which is ten miles in length, the highest hilles are to
+ be séene that are in all the Orchades. And as they lie eight miles
+ from Rauals, so are they two miles from Pomona, & from saint Donats in
+ Scotland full twentie miles, and on the north side of it lieth the
+ Brainse, in a narrow streict, as Buchanan dooth remember. And these
+ are the Iles which lie betweene Pomona and Cathnesse. As for the west
+ side of the continent, I find that it lieth open to the sea, without
+ either shelues, Ilands, or rocks appéering néere vnto it: but on the
+ east side thereof Cobesa dooth in maner ouershadow it. Siapinsa also
+ an Ile of six miles long, lieth within two miles of Cracouia, toward
+ the east, on the west side of Pomona lieth the Rouse of six miles in
+ length: and by east of that, the Eglisa, wherin (as they saie) their
+ patrone S. Magnus lieth interred. From hense southward lie the Vera,
+ Gersa, and not far off the Vester (which is fourescore miles from
+ Hethland) Papa & Stronza, which is also eightie miles from Hethland as
+ is the Vester. In the middest also of this tract lieth Far, or Fara,
+ which is to saie, faire Ile, in old English, faire eie: and within
+ sight so well of Hethland, as the Orchades (by reason of three
+ insuperable rocks which are apparant in the same) a verie poore Iland,
+ and yet yearelie robbed of such commodities as it hath by such Flemish
+ and English fishermen as passe by the coasts thereof in time of the
+ yeare, to catch fish for the prouision of their countries.
+
+ Next vnto this is the greatest of all the Hethlands, an Iland called
+ the Maine, sixtie miles in length, and sixteene in bredth, full of
+ rocks, and whose coasts are onelie inhabited, the innermost parts
+ being left vnto the foules of the aire, bicause of the barrennesse and
+ vnfruitfulnesse of the soile: yet of late some haue indeuoured to
+ impeople it, but with no successe correspondent to their desire.
+ Wherefore they returned to their former trades, making their chéefe
+ commoditie and yearelie gaine by fish, as aforetime. Ten miles from
+ this toward the north, lieth the Zeale, twentie miles in length, eight
+ in bredth, and so wild that it will suffer no creature to liue
+ thereof, that is not bred therein. Betwéene this Iland also and the
+ Maine, are other smaller Ilands to be found, as the Ling, Orne, Big,
+ and Sanferre. And from hense nine miles northward Vsta, twentie miles
+ long, & six in bredth, plaine, pleasant, but inuironed with a swift
+ and terrible sea. Betwéene this also and the Zeale, are the Vie, the
+ Vre, and the Ling: also towards the west, the two Skeues, Chalseie,
+ Nordwade, Brase, and Mowse, on the west side lie the west Skeies,
+ Rottia, Papa the lesse, Wunned, Papa the more, Valla, Londra, Burra,
+ Haura the more, Haura the lesse, & in maner so manie holmes dispersed
+ heere and there, whereof I haue no notice. Some call these the
+ Shetland, and some the Shotland Iles. Buchanan nameth them in the
+ third member of his diuision Zelandine, and toward the end of his
+ first booke seemeth to auouch, that they liue in maner as doo the
+ inhabitants of the Orchades: although not in so ciuill wise, nor in
+ such large measure and aboundance of diet in their houses. He addeth
+ moreouer, that their apparrell is after the Germaine cut, comelie, but
+ not so chargeable and costlie, and how they raise their gaine by skins
+ of beasts, as marterns, sheepe, oxen, and gotes skins, and therevnto a
+ kind of cloth which they weaue, and sell to the merchants of Norwaie,
+ togither with their butter, fish, either salted or dried, and their
+ traine oile, and exercise their trade of fishing also in their
+ vncerteine skewes, which they fetch out of Norwaie.
+
+ Their speech is Gothish, and such of them as by their dealing with
+ forren merchants doo gather anie wealth, that will they verie often
+ bestow vpon the furniture of their houses. Their weights & measures
+ are after the Germaine maner, their countrie is verie healthie, and so
+ wholesome, that a man was found which had married a wife at one
+ hundred yeares of age, and was able to go out a fishing with his bote
+ at one hundred and fortie, and of late yéeres died of méere age,
+ without anie other disease. Dronkennesse is not heard of among them,
+ and yet they meet and make good chéere verie often. Neither doo I read
+ of anie great vse of flesh or foule there, although that some of their
+ Ilands haue plentie of both. Nor anie mention of corne growing in
+ these parts, and therefore in steed of bread they drie a kind of fish,
+ which they beat in morters to powder, & bake it in their ouens, vntill
+ it be hard and drie. Their fuell also is of such bones as the fish
+ yéeldeth, that is taken on their coasts: and yet they liue as
+ themselues suppose in much felicitie, thinking it a great péece of
+ their happinesse to be so farre distant from the wicked auarice, and
+ cruell dealings of the more rich and ciuill part of the world.
+
+ Herein also they are like vnto the Hirthiens, in that at one time of
+ the yeare, there commeth a priest vnto them out of the Orchades (vnto
+ which iurisdiction they doo belong) who baptiseth all such children,
+ as haue béene borne among them, since he last arriued, and hauing
+ afterward remained there for a two daies, he taketh his tithes of them
+ (which they prouide and paie with great scrupulositie in fish, for of
+ other commodities haue they none) and then returneth home againe, not
+ without boast of his troublesome voiage, except he watch his time. In
+ [Sidenote: Amber.]
+ these Iles also is great plentie of fine Amber to be had (as Hector
+ saith) which is producted by the working of the sea vpon those coasts:
+ but more of this elsewhere. This neuertheles is certeine, that these
+ Ilands, with the Orchades, were neuer perfectlie vnited to the crowne
+ of Scotland, till the mariage was made betwéene king Iames and the
+ ladie Marie daughter to Christierne king of Denmarke 1468, which
+ Christierne at the birth of their sonne Iames (afterward king of
+ Scotland and called Iames the fourth) resigned all his right and title
+ whatsoeuer either he or his ancestors either presently or hertofore
+ had, might haue had, or herafter may or should haue, vnto the
+ aforesaid péeres, as appéereth by the charter.
+
+ From these Shetland Iles, and vntill we come southwards to the Scarre,
+ which lieth in Buquhamnesse, I find no mention of anie Ile situat vpon
+ that coast, neither greatlie from thence, vntill we come at the Forth,
+ that leadeth vp to Sterling, neither thought we it safetie for vs to
+ search so farre as Thule, whence the most excellent brimstone commeth,
+ & thereto what store of Ilands lie vnder the more northerlie climats,
+ whose secret situations though partlie seene in my time, haue not yet
+ bin perfectlie reueled or discouered by anie, bicause of the great
+ aboundance of huge Ilands of ice that mooueth to and fro vpon their
+ shores, and sundrie perilous gulfes and indraughts of water, and for
+ as much as their knowlege doth not concerne our purpose, wherfore
+ casting about, we came at the last into the Firth or Forth, which some
+ call the Scotish sea, wherein we passe by seuen or eight such as they
+ be, of which the first called the Maie, the second Baas, and Garwie
+ the third, doo seeme to be inhabited. From these also holding on our
+ course toward England, we passe by another Ile, wherein Faux castell
+ standeth, and this (so far as my skill serueth) is the last Iland of
+ the Scotish side, in compassing whereof I am not able to discerne,
+ whether their flats and shallowes, number of Ilands without name,
+ confusion of situation, lacke of true description, or mine owne
+ ignorance hath troubled me most. No meruell therefore that I haue
+ béene so oft on ground among them. But most ioifull am I that am come
+ home againe: & although not by the Thames mouth into my natiue citie
+ (which taketh his name of Troie) yet into the English dominion, where
+ good interteinement is much more franke and copious, and better
+ harborough wherein to rest my wearie bones, and refresh at ease our
+ wetherbeaten carcasses.
+
+ The first Iland therefore which commeth to our sight, after we passed
+ [Sidenote: Lindesfarne or Holie Iland.]
+ Berwike, is that which was somtime called Lindesfarne, but now Holie
+ Iland, and conteineth eight miles; a place much honored among our
+ monasticall writers, bicause diuerse moonks and heremits did spend
+ their times therein. There was also the bishops see of Lindesfarne for
+ a long season, which afterward was translated to Chester in the
+ stréet, & finallie to Duresme, Dunelme, or Durham. It was first
+ erected by Oswald, wherein he placed Aidanus the learned Scotish
+ moonke, who came hither out of the Ile called Hij, whereof Beda
+ speaking in the third chapter of his third booke, noteth, that
+ although the said Hij belong to the kings of Northumberland, by reason
+ of situation & néerenesse to the coast; yet the Picts appointed the
+ bishops of the same, and gaue the Ile with the see it selfe to such
+ Scotish moonks as they liked, bicause that by their preaching they
+ first receiued the faith. But to returne to Lindesfarne. After Aidan
+ departed this life, Finanus finished and builded the whole church with
+ sawed timber of oke, after the maner of his countrie, which when
+ Theodorus the archbishop of Canturburie had dedicated, Edbert the
+ bishop did couer ouer with lead.
+
+ [Sidenote: Farne.]
+ Next vnto this is the Ile of Farne, and herein is a place of defense
+ so far as I remember, and so great store of egs laid there by diuerse
+ kinds of wildfoule in time of the yeare, that a man shall hardlie run
+ for a wager on the plaine ground without the breach of manie, before
+ his race be finished. About Farne also lie certeine Iles greater than
+ Farne it selfe, but void of inhabitants; and in these also is great
+ [Sidenote: Puffins.]
+ store of puffins, graie as duckes, and without coloured fethers,
+ sauing that they haue a white ring round about their necks. There is
+ [Sidenote: Saint Cuthberts foules.]
+ moreouer another bird, which the people call saint Cuthberts foules, a
+ verie tame and gentle creature, and easie to be taken. After this we
+ came to the Cocket Iland; so called, bicause it lieth ouer against the
+ fall of Cocket water. Herein is a veine of meane seacole, which the
+ people dig out of the shore at the low water; and in this Iland
+ dwelled one Henrie sometime a famous heremite, who (as his life
+ declareth) came of the Danish race. And from thence vntill we came
+ vnto the coast of Norffolke I saw no more Ilands.
+
+ Being therfore past S. Edmunds point, we found a litle Ile ouer
+ against the fall of the water that commeth from Holkham, & likewise
+ another ouer against the Claie, before we came at Waburne hope: the
+ third also in Yarmouth riuer ouer against Bradwell, a towne in low or
+ little England, whereof also I must néeds saie somewhat, bicause it is
+ in maner an Iland, and as I gesse either hath béene or may be one: for
+ the brodest place of the strict land that leadeth to the same, is
+ little aboue a quarter of a mile, which against the raging waues of
+ [Sidenote: Little England.]
+ the sea can make but small resistance. Little England or low England
+ therefore is about eight miles in length and foure in bredth, verie
+ well replenished with townes, as Fristan, Burgh castell, Olton,
+ Flixton, Lestoft, Gunton, Blundston, Corton, Lownd, Ashebie, Hoxton,
+ Belton, Bradwell, and Gorleston, and beside this it is verie fruitfull
+ and indued with all commodities.
+
+ Going forward from hence, by the Estonnesse (almost an Iland) I saw a
+ small parcell cut from the maine in Orford hauen, the Langerstone in
+ Orwell mouth, & two péeces or Islets at Cattiwade bridge; and then
+ [Sidenote: Merseie.]
+ casting about vnto the Colne, we beheld Merseie which is a pretie
+ Iland, well furnished with wood. It was sometime a great receptacle
+ for the Danes when they inuaded England; howbeit at this present it
+ hath beside two decaied blockehouses, two parish churches, of which
+ one is called east Merseie, the other west Merseie, and both vnder the
+ [Sidenote: Foulnesse.]
+ archdeacon of Colchester, as parcell of his iurisdiction. Foulenesse
+ is an Ile void of wood, and yet well replenished with verie good
+ grasse for neat and sheepe, whereof the inhabitants haue great
+ plentie: there is also a parish church, and albeit that it stand
+ somewhat distant from the shore, yet at a dead low water a man may (as
+ they saie) ride thereto if he be skilfull of the causie; it is vnder
+ the iurisdiction of London. And at this present master William Tabor
+ bacheler of diuinitie and archdeacon of Essex hath it vnder his
+ iurisdiction & regiment, by the surrender of maister Iohn Walker
+ doctor also of diuinitie, who liued at such time as I first attempted
+ to commit this booke to the impression.
+
+ In Maldon water are in like sort thrée Ilands inuironed all with salt
+ [Sidenote: Osithe.]
+ [Sidenote: Northeie.]
+ streames, as saint Osithes, Northeie, and another (after a mersh) that
+ beareth no name so far as I remember. On the right hand also as we
+ [Sidenote: Ramseie.]
+ [Sidenote: Reie.]
+ went toward the sea againe, we saw Ramseie Ile, or rather a Peninsula
+ or Biland, & likewise the Reie, in which is a chappell of saint Peter.
+ And then coasting vpon the mouth of the Bourne, we saw the Wallot Ile
+ and his mates, whereof two lie by east Wallot, and the fourth is
+ Foulnesse, except I be deceiued, for here my memorie faileth me on the
+ one side, and information on the other, I meane concerning the placing
+ of Foulenesse. But to procéed. After this, and being entered into the
+ Thames mouth, I find no Iland of anie name, except you accompt
+ Rochford hundred for one, whereof I haue no mind to intreat, more than
+ of Crowland, Mersland, Elie, and the rest, that are framed by the
+ ouze. Andredeseie in Trent, so called of a church there dedicated to
+ saint Andrew, and Auon (two noble riuers hereafter to be described)
+ sith I touch onelie those that are inuironed with the sea or salt
+ [Sidenote: Canwaie.]
+ water round about, as we may see in the Canwaie Iles, which some call
+ marshes onelie, and liken them to an ipocras bag, some to a vice,
+ scrue, or wide sléeue, bicause they are verie small at the east end,
+ and large at west. The salt rilles also that crosse the same doo so
+ separat the one of them from the other, that they resemble the slope
+ course of the cutting part of a scrue or gimlet, in verie perfect
+ maner, if a man doo imagine himselfe to looke downe from the top of
+ the mast vpon them. Betwéene these, moreouer and the Leigh towne lieth
+ another litle Ile or Holme, whose name is to me vnknowne. Certes I
+ would haue gone to land and viewed these parcels as they laie, or at
+ the least haue sailed round about them by the whole hauen, which may
+ easilie be doone at an high water: but for as much as a perrie of wind
+ (scarse comparable to the makerell gale, whereof Iohn Anele of Calis
+ one of the best seamen that England euer bred for his skill in the
+ narow seas was woont to talke) caught hold of our sailes, & caried vs
+ forth the right waie toward London, I could not tarie to sée what
+ things were hereabouts. Thus much therefore of our Ilands, & so much
+ may well suffice where more cannot be had.
+
+
+
+
+ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE THAMES, AND SUCH RIUERS AS FALL INTO THE SAME.
+
+ CAP. XI.
+
+
+ Hauing (as you haue séene) attempted to set downe a full discourse of
+ all the Ilands, that are situat vpon the coast of Britaine, and
+ finding the successe not correspondent to mine intent, it hath caused
+ me somewhat to restreine my purpose in this description also of our
+ riuers. For whereas I intended at the first to haue written at large,
+ of the number, situation, names, quantities, townes, villages,
+ castels, mounteines, fresh waters, plashes or lakes, salt waters, and
+ other commodities of the aforesaid Iles, mine expectation of
+ information from all parts of England, was so deceiued in the end,
+ that I was faine at last onelie to leane to that which I knew my selfe
+ either by reading, or such other helpe as I had alreadie purchased and
+ gotten of the same. And euen so it happeneth in this my tractation of
+ waters, of whose heads, courses, length, bredth, depth of chanell (for
+ burden) ebs, flowings, and falles, I had thought to haue made a
+ perfect description vnder the report also of an imagined course taken
+ by them all. But now for want of instruction, which hath béene
+ largelie promised, & slacklie perfourmed, and other sudden and
+ iniurious deniall of helpe voluntarilie offered, without occasion
+ giuen on my part, I must needs content my selfe with such obseruations
+ as I haue either obteined by mine owne experience, or gathered from
+ time to time out of other mens writings: whereby the full discourse of
+ the whole is vtterlie cut off, and in steed of the same a mangled
+ rehearsall of the residue set downe and left in memorie.
+
+ Wherefore I beséech your honour to pardon this imperfection and
+ rudenesse of my labour, which notwithstanding is not altogither in
+ vaine, sith my errors maie prooue a spurre vnto the better skilled,
+ either to correct or inlarge where occasion serueth, or at the
+ leastwise to take in hand a more absolute péece of worke, as better
+ direction shall incourage them thereto. The entrance and beginning of
+ euerie thing is the hardest; and he that beginneth well, hath atchiued
+ halfe his purpose. The ice (my lord) is broken, and from hencefoorth
+ it will be more easie for such as shall come after to wade through
+ with the rest, sith "Facile est inuentis addere;" and to continue and
+ finish, is not so great a matter in building, as to attempt and laie
+ the foundation or platforme of anie noble péece of workmanship, though
+ [Sidenote: Thamesis.]
+ it be but rudelie handled. But to my purpose. As I began at the Thames
+ in my description of Ilands, so will I now doo the like with that of
+ famous riuers; making mine entrie at the said riuer it selfe, of whose
+ founteine some men make as much adoo, as in time past of the true head
+ of Nilus, which, till of late (if it be yet descried) was neuer found:
+ or the Tanais, whose originall was neuer knowne, nor shall be: for
+ whilest one placeth it here, another there; there are none at all that
+ deale with it exactlie. Wherefore leaning to such mens writings as
+ haue of set purpose sought out the spring of the Thames; I affirme
+ that this famous streame hath his head or beginning out of the side of
+ an hill, standing in the plaines of Cotswold, about one mile from
+ Tetburie, néere vnto the Fosse (an high waie so called of old) where
+ it was sometime named Isis, or the Ouse, although diuerse doo
+ ignorantlie call it the Thames euen there, rather of a foolish custome
+ than anie skill, bicause they either neglect or vtterlie are ignorant
+ how it was named at the first. From hence it runneth directlie toward
+ the east (as all good riuers should) and méeteth with the Cirne or
+ [Sidenote: Corinium.]
+ Churne, (a brooke called in Latine Corinium) whereof Cirncester towne
+ (by which it commeth) doth take the denomination.
+
+ From hence it hasteth vnto Créekelade, aliàs Crekanford, Lechlade,
+ Radcotebridge, Newbridge, and Eouesham, receiuing by the waie an
+ infinit sort of small streames, brookes, beckes, waters, and rundels:
+ and here on this side of the towne diuideth it selfe into two courses,
+ of which the one goeth straight to Botleie and Hinkseie, the other by
+ Godstow, a village not farre off. This latter spreadeth it selfe also
+ for a while into sundrie smaller branches, which run not farre yer
+ they be reunited, and then beclipping sundrie pleasant meadowes, it
+ passeth at length by Oxford, of some supposed rather to be called
+ [Sidenote: Charwell.]
+ Ouseford of this riuer, where it meeteth with the Charwell, and a
+ litle from whence the originall branches doo ioine and go togither by
+ Abbandune (aliàs Sensham or Abington as we call it) although no part
+ of it at the first came so néere the towne as it doth now, till a
+ branch thereof was led thither the maine streame, thorough the
+ [Sidenote: Some write, that the maine streame was brought thither
+ from which ranne before betweene Andredeseie and Culenham.]
+ industrie of the moonks, as (beside the testimonie of old records
+ thereof yet extant to be séene) by the decaie of Cair Dour, now
+ Dorchester it selfe, sometime the throughfare from Wales and the west
+ countrie to London, which insued vpon this fact, is easie to be seene.
+ From hence it goeth to Dorchester, and so to Thame, where ioining with
+ a riuer of the same denomination, it looseth the name of Isis or Ouse
+ (whereof Ouseneie at Oxford is producted) and from thenceforth is
+ called Thamesis. From Thame it goeth to Wallingford, and so to Reding,
+ which in time past, of the number of bridges there, was called
+ [Sidenote: Pontium.]
+ [Sidenote: Saint Marie ouer Rhee.]
+ Pontium; albeit that the English name doth rather proceed from Rhe, or
+ Ree, the Saxon word for a water-course or riuer; which maie be séene
+ in Ouerée, or Sutherée, for ouer the Ree, or south of the Rhee, as to
+ the skilfull doth readilie appéere; yet some hold (and not altogither
+ against probabilitie and likelihood) that the word Sutherée is so
+ called of Sudrijc, to wit, the south kingdome, wherevnto in part the
+ Thames is a bound. But that holdeth not in denomination, either of the
+ said church or name of the foresaid countie. Other affirme likewise,
+ that Reding is so called of the Greeke word ([Greek: rheô]) which is
+ to ouerflowe. Certes, as neither of these coniectures are to be
+ contemned, so the last c[=o]meth most neere to mine aid, who affirme,
+ that not onelie the course of euerie water it selfe, but also his
+ ouerflowing was in time past called Rhe, by such Saxons as inhabited
+ in this Iland: and euen to this daie in Essex I haue oft obserued,
+ that when the lower grounds by rage of water haue béene ouerflowen,
+ the people beholding the same, haue said; All is on a Rhe, as if they
+ should haue said; All is now a riuer, albeit the word Riuer be deriued
+ from the French, and borrowed by them from the Latins, but not without
+ corruption, as it was brought vnto them. I will not here giue notice
+ how farre they are deceiued, which call the aforesaid church by the
+ name of S. Marie Auderies, or S. Marie ouer Isis, or Ise: but I will
+ procéed with the course of this noble streame, which, howsoeuer these
+ matters stand after it hath passed by Reding, & there receiued the
+ [Sidenote: Kenet.]
+ [Sidenote: Thetis.]
+ Kenet, which commeth from the hilles that lie west of Marleborough (&
+ then the Thetis, commonlie called the Tide that commeth from
+ Thetisford) hieth to Sudlington otherwise called Maidenhead, and so to
+ Windleshore (or Windsore) Eaton, and then to Chertseie, where
+ Erkenwald bishop of London sometime builded a religious house or cell,
+ as I doo read.
+
+ From Chertseie it hasteth directlie vnto Stanes, and receiuing an
+ [Sidenote: Cole.]
+ other streame by the waie, called the Cole (wherevpon Colbrooke
+ standeth) it goeth by Kingstone, Shene, Sion and Brentford or
+ [Sidenote: Brene.]
+ Bregentford, where it méeteth the Brane or the Brene (another brooke
+ descending from Edgworth) whose name signifieth a frog, in the
+ Brittish speach. Vpon this also sir John Thin had sometime a statelie
+ house, with a maruellous prouision to inclose and reteine such fish as
+ should come about the same. From Brentfoord it passeth by Mortlach,
+ Putneie, Fulham, Batterseie, Chelseie, Lambeth, and so to London.
+ Finallie going from thence vnto the sea, it taketh the Lée with it by
+ the waie vpon the coast of Essex, and another that commeth from
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ Abreche not far off, and the Darnt vpon Kent side, which riseth néere
+ to Tanrige, and commeth by Shoreham, vnto Derntford, wherevnto the
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ Craie falleth. And last of all the Medwaie a notable riuer (in mine
+ opinion) which watereth all the south and southwest part of Kent, and
+ whose description shall insue.
+
+ Hauing in this maner bréefelie touched this noble riuer, and such
+ brookes as fall into the same; I will now adde a particular
+ description of each of these last by themselues, whereby their courses
+ also shall be seuerallie described to the satisfaction of the
+ studious. But yer I take the same in hand, I will insert a word or two
+ of the commodities of the said riuer, which I will performe with so
+ much breuitie as is possible. Héereby also finding out his whole tract
+ and course from the head to the fall thereof into the sea. It
+ appeareth euidentlie that the length thereof is at the least, one
+ hundreth and eightie miles, if it be measured by the iourneies of the
+ land. And as it is in course, the longest of the thrée famous riuers
+ of this Ile, so it is nothing inferiour vnto them in aboundance of all
+ kind of fish, whereof it is hard to saie, which of the three haue
+ either most plentie, or greatest varietie, if the circumstances be
+ duelie weighed. What some other write of the riuers of their countries
+ it skilleth not, neither will I (as diuerse doo) inuent strange things
+ of this noble streame, therewith to nobilitate and make it more
+ honorable: but this will I in plaine termes affirme, that it neither
+ swalloweth vp bastards of the Celtish brood, or casteth vp the right
+ begotten that are throwne in without hurt into their mothers lap, as
+ Politian fableth of the Rhene, Epistolarum lib. 8. epi. 6. nor
+ yéeldeth clots of gold as the Tagus dooth: but an infinit plentie of
+ excellent, swéet and pleasant fish, wherewith such as inhabit néere
+ vnto hir bankes are fed and fullie nourished.
+
+ [Sidenote: Salmons.]
+ What should I speake of the fat and swéet salmons, dailie taken in
+ this streame, and that in such plentie (after the time of the smelt be
+ past) as no riuer in Europa is able to excéed it. What store also of
+ barbels, trouts, cheuins, pearches, smelts, breames, roches, daces,
+ gudgings, flounders, shrimps, &c: are commonlie to be had therein, I
+ refer me to them that know by experience better than I, by reason of
+ their dailie trade of fishing in the same. And albeit it seemeth from
+ time to time, to be as it were defrauded in sundrie wise of these hir
+ large commodities, by the insatiable auarice of the fishermen, yet
+ this famous riuer complaineth commonlie of no want, but the more it
+ [Sidenote: Carps a fish late brought into England
+ and later into the Thames.]
+ looseth at one time, the more it yéeldeth at another. Onelie in carps
+ it séemeth to be scant, sith it is not long since that kind of fish
+ was brought ouer into England, and but of late to speake of into this
+ streame, by the violent rage of sundrie landflouds, that brake open
+ the heads and dams of diuers gentlemens ponds, by which means it
+ became somewhat partaker also of this said commoditie, whereof earst
+ it had no portion that I could euer heare. Oh that this riuer might be
+ spared but euen one yeare from nets, &c! But alas then should manie a
+ poore man be vndoone. In the meane time it is lamentable to see, how
+ it is and hath béene choked of late with sands and shelues, through
+ the penning and wresting of the course of the water for commodities
+ sake. But as this is an inconuenience easilie remedied, if good order
+ were taken for the redresse thereof: so now, the fine or prise set
+ vpon the ballasse sometime freelie giuen to the merchants by patent,
+ euen vnto the lands end (Iusques au poinct) will be another cause of
+ harme vnto this noble streame, and all through an aduantage taken at
+ the want of an (i) in the word ponct: which grew through an error
+ committed by an English notarie vnskilfull in the French toong,
+ wherein that patent was granted.
+
+ Furthermore, the said riuer floweth and filleth all his chanels twise
+ in the daie and night, that is in euerie twelue houres once; and this
+ ebbing & flowing, holdeth on for the space of seauentie miles, within
+ the maine land: the streame or tide being alwaies highest at London,
+ when the moone dooth exactlie touch the northeast and south or west
+ points of the heauens, of which one is visible, the other vnder the
+ earth, and not subiect to our sight. These tides also differ in their
+ times, each one comming latter than other, by so manie minuts as passe
+ yer the reuolution and naturall course of the heauens doo reduce, and
+ bring about the said planet vnto those hir former places: whereby the
+ [Sidenote: The iust dist[=a]ce betwéene one tide and another.]
+ 36 common difference betwéene one tide and another, is found to
+ consist of twentie foure minuts, which wanteth but twelue of an whole
+ houre in foure and twentie, as experience dooth confirme. In like sort
+ we sée by dailie triall, that each tide is not of equall heigth and
+ greatnesse: for at the full and change of the moone we haue the
+ greatest flouds, and such is their ordinarie course, that as they
+ diminish from their changes and fuls, vnto the first and last
+ quarters; so afterwards they increase againe, vntill they come to the
+ full and change. Sometimes also they rise so high (if the wind be at
+ the north or northeast, which bringeth in the water with more
+ vehemencie, bicause the tide which filleth the chanell, commeth from
+ Scotland ward) that the Thames ouerfloweth hir banks néere vnto
+ London: which hapneth especiallie in the fuls and changes of Januarie
+ and Februarie, wherein the lower grounds are of custome soonest
+ drowned. This order of flowing in like sort is perpetuall, so that
+ when the moone is vpon the southwest and north of points, then is the
+ water by London at the highest: neither doo the tides alter, except
+ some rough winds out of the west or southwest doo kéepe backe and
+ [Sidenote: The streame oft checked in hir entrance into the land.]
+ checke the streame in his entrance, as the east and northeast do
+ hasten the comming in thereof, or else some other extraordinarie
+ occasion, put by the ordinarie course of the northerne seas, which
+ fill the said riuer by their naturall returne and flowing. And that
+ both these doo happen eft among, I refer me to such as haue not
+ sildome obserued it, as also the sensible chopping in of thrée or
+ foure tides in one naturall daie, wherof the vnskilfull doo descant
+ manie things.
+
+ But how so euer these small matters doo fall out, and how often soeuer
+ this course of the streame doth happen to be disturbed; yet at two
+ seuerall times of the age of the moone, the waters returne to their
+ naturall course and limits of time exactlie. Polydore saith, that this
+ riuer is seldome increased or rather neuer ouerfloweth hir banks by
+ landflouds: but he is herein verie much deceiued, as it shalbe more
+ apparentlie séene hereafter. For the more that this riuer is put by of
+ hir right course, the more the water must of necessitie swell with the
+ white waters which run downe from the land: bicause the passage cannot
+ be so swift and readie in the winding as in the streight course. These
+ landflouds also doo greatlie straine the finesse of the streame, in so
+ much that after a great landfloud, you shall take haddocks with your
+ hands beneath the bridge, as they flote aloft vpon the water, whose
+ eies are so blinded with the thicknesse of that element, that they
+ cannot see where to become, and make shift to saue themselues before
+ death take hold of them. Otherwise the water of it selfe is verie
+ cléere, and in comparison next vnto that of the sea, which is most
+ subtile and pure of all other; as that of great riuers is most
+ excellent, in comparison of smaller brookes: although Aristotle will
+ haue the salt water to be most grosse, bicause a ship will beare a
+ greater burden on the sea than on the fresh water; and an eg sinke in
+ this that swimmeth on the other. But he may easilie be answered by the
+ quantitie of roome and aboundance of waters in the sea; whereby it
+ becommeth of more force to susteine such vessels as are committed to
+ the same, and whervnto the greatest riuers (God wot) are nothing
+ comparable. I would here make mention of sundrie bridges placed ouer
+ [Sidenote: London bridge.]
+ this noble streame, of which that of London is most chieflie to be
+ commended, for it is in maner a c[=o]tinuall street, well replenished
+ with large and statelie houses on both sides, and situat vpon twentie
+ arches, whereof ech one is made of excellent free squared stone,
+ euerie of them being thréescore foot in height, and full twentie in
+ distance one from another, as I haue often viewed.
+
+ In like maner I could intreat of the infinit number of swans dailie to
+ [Sidenote: 2000 boates vpon the Thames and 3000 poore m[=e]
+ mainteined by the same whose gaines come in most
+ plentifullie in the tearme time.]
+ be séene vpon this riuer, the two thousand wherries and small boats,
+ wherby three thousand poore watermen are mainteined, through the
+ cariage and recariage of such persons as passe or repasse, from time
+ to time vpon the same: beside those huge tideboats, tiltbotes, and
+ barges, which either carrie passengers, or bring necessarie prouision
+ from all quarters of Oxfordshire, Barkeshire, Buckinghamshire,
+ Bedfordshire, Herfordshire, Midlesex, Essex, Surrie, and Kent, vnto
+ the citie of London. But for somuch as these things are to be repeated
+ againe in the particular description of London, annexed to his card; I
+ surceasse at this time to speake anie more of them here, as not
+ lingering but hasting to performe my promise made euen now, not yet
+ forgotten, and in performance whereof I thinke it best to resume the
+ description of this noble riuer againe into my hands, and in adding
+ whatsoeuer is before omitted, to deliuer a full and perfect
+ demonstration of his course. How and where the said streame ariseth,
+ is alreadie & with sufficiencie set downe, noting the place to be
+ within a mile of Tetburie, whereof some doo vtterlie mislike, bicause
+ that rill in summer drouths is oft so drie, that there is little or no
+ water at all séene running aboue ground in the same. For this cause
+ [Sidenote: Isis.]
+ therefore manie affirme the verie head of Isis to come from the poole
+ aboue Kemble. Other confound it with the head of the Cirne or Chirne,
+ called in Latine Corinium that riseth aboue Coberleie. For my part I
+ follow Leland, as he dooth the moonke of Malmesburie, which wrote the
+ historie intituled Eulogium historiarum, who searched the same of set
+ purpose, and pronounced with Leland, although at this present that
+ course be verie small, and choked vp (as I heare) with grauell and
+ sand. Procéeding therefore from the head, it first of all receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Couus.]
+ the Kemble water called the Coue, which riseth aboue Kemble towne,
+ goeth by Kemble it selfe vnto Poole and Somerford, and then
+ (accompanieth the Thames) vnto Canes, Ashton, Canes, and Howston,
+ holding on in one chanell vntill they méet with the Chirne, the next
+ of all to be described.
+
+ [Sidenote: Corinium.]
+ The Chirne is a faire water arising out of the ground aboue Coberleie,
+ from whence it runneth to Cowleie, Cowlesburne, Randcome, and so into
+ the Isis on the left side aboue Crekelade. These thrée waters being
+ thus vnited and brought into one chanell, within a little space of the
+ head of Isis, it runneth on by Crekelade, beneath which towne it
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ receiueth the Rhe, descending from Elcombe, Escot, Redburne, Widhill,
+ & at the fall into Isis, or not far off ioineth with another that
+ runneth west of Purton by Braden forrest, &c. Next of all our Isis
+ [Sidenote: Amneie.]
+ méeteth with the Amneie on the left hand, which comming from aboue
+ Holie roode Amneie, runneth by Downe Amneie, and finallie into the
+ Isis a little aboue Iseie. In like sort I read of another that méeteth
+ withall on the right hand aboue Iseie also, which so far as I can call
+ to remembrance, commeth from about Drifield and falleth so into our
+ Isis, that they run as one vntill they come at the Colne, although not
+ so nakedlie and without helpe, but that in this voiage, the maine
+ streame dooth crosse one water that descendeth from Swindon, and going
+ also by Stratton toward Seuingham, is it selfe increased with two rils
+ by the waie, whereof one commeth from Liddenton by Wambreie, as I haue
+ béene informed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Colneius, Colineus, or Colunus.]
+ The Colne is a faire riuer rising by north neere to Witchington, &
+ from thence goeth to Shiptons, Compton Abdale, Wittenton, Parneworth,
+ Colne Deanes, and Colne Rogers, Winston, Biberie, Colne Alens,
+ Quenington, Faireford, and west of Lachelade into the riuer Isis,
+ which hereabout on the southside also taketh in another, whereof I
+ find this remembrance. The Isis being once past Seuingham, crosseth a
+ brooke from southest that mounteth about Ashbirie, and receiuing a
+ rill from bywest (that commeth from Hinton) beneath Shrineham, it
+ afterward so diuideth it selfe, that the armes therof include
+ Inglesham, and by reason that it falleth into the Isis at two seuerall
+ places, there is a plesant Iland producted, whereof let this suffice.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lecusor Leche.]
+ Being past Lechelade a mile, it runneth to saint Johns bridge, &
+ thereabout méeteth with the Leche on the left hand. This brooke,
+ whereof Lechlade taketh the name (a towne wherevnto one péece of an
+ old vniuersitie is ascribed, which it did neuer possesse, more than
+ Crekelade did the other) riseth east of Hampnet, fr[=o] whence it
+ goeth to north Lech, Estenton, Anlesworth, east Lech, south Thorpe,
+ Farendon, & so into the Isis. From hence this famous water goeth by
+ Kenskot toward Radcote bridge (taking in the rill that riseth in an od
+ péece of Barkeshire, and runneth by Langford) and being past the said
+ bridge (now notable through a conspiracie made there sometimes by
+ sundrie barons against the estate) it is not long yer it crosse two
+ other waters, both of them descending from another od parcell of the
+ said countie, whereof I haue this note giuen me for my further
+ information. There are two fals of water into Isis beneath Radcote
+ bridge, wherof the one commeth from Shilton in Barkeshire by Arescote,
+ blacke Burton and Clarrefield. The other also riseth in the same
+ péece, and runneth by Brisenorton vnto Bampton, and there receiuing an
+ armelet from the first that breake off at blacke Burton, it is not
+ long yer they fall into Isis, and leaue a pretie Iland. After these
+ confluences, the maine course of the streame hasteth by Shifford to
+ [Sidenote: Winrush.]
+ Newbridge, where it ioineth with the Winrush. The Winrush riseth aboue
+ Shieburne in Glocestershire, from whence it goeth to Winrush, &
+ c[=o]ming by Barrington, Burford, Widbrooke, Swinbecke castell,
+ Witneie, Duckington, Cockthorpe, Stanlake, it méeteth with the Isis
+ west by south of Northmore. From hence it goeth beneath Stanton,
+ Hartingcourt and Ensham, betwéene which and Cassinton, it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Briwerus.]
+ (as Leland calleth it) the Bruerne water.
+
+ It riseth aboue Limington, and going to Norton in the Marsh, and
+ through a patch of Worcestershire vnto Euenlode, betweene it and the
+ [Sidenote: Comus.]
+ foure shirestones, it taketh in a rill called Come, comming by the
+ long and the little Comptons. After this also it goeth by Bradwell,
+ Odington, and so to Bleddenton, aboue which towne it taketh in the
+ [Sidenote: Rolrich.]
+ Rolrich water that issueth at two heads, in the hils that lie by west
+ of little Rolrich, and ioine aboue Kenkeham, and Church hill. From
+ thence also it goeth vnto Bruerne, Shipton vnderwood, Ascot, Short
+ hamton, Chorleburie, Corneburie parke, Stonfield, Longcombe, and
+ [Sidenote: Enis.]
+ southeast of Woodstocke parke, taketh in the Enis, that riseth aboue
+ Emstone, and goeth to Ciddington, Glimton, Wotton (where it is
+ increased with a rill that runneth thither from stéeple Barton, by the
+ Béechin trée) Woodstocke, Blaidon, so that after this confluence, the
+ said Enis runneth to Cassinton, and so into the Isis, which goeth from
+ hence to Oxford, and there receiueth the Charwell, now presentlie to
+ be described.
+
+ [Sidenote: Charwell.]
+ The head of Charwell is in Northamptonshire, where it riseth out of a
+ little poole, by Charleton village, seuen miles aboue Banberie
+ northeast, and there it issueth so fast at the verie surge, that it
+ groweth into a pretie streame, in maner out of hand. Soone after also
+ [Sidenote: Bure.]
+ it taketh in a rillet called the Bure, which falleth into it, about
+ Otmere side: but forasmuch as it riseth by Bincester, the whole course
+ therof is not aboue foure miles, and therefore cannot be great. A
+ friend of mine prosecuting the rest of this description reporteth
+ thereof as followeth. Before the Charwell commeth into Oxfordshire, it
+ [Sidenote: Culen.]
+ receiueth the Culen, which falleth into the same, a little aboue
+ Edgcote, and so descending toward Wardington, it méeteth with another
+ comming from by north west, betweene Wardington and Cropreadie. At
+ [Sidenote: Come.]
+ Banberie also it méeteth with the Come (which falleth from fennie
+ Conton by Farneboro, and afterwards going by kings Sutton, not far
+ from Aine, it receiueth the discharge of diuerse rillets, in one
+ bottome before it come at Clifton. The said water therfore ingendred
+ of so manie brookelets, consisteth chiefelie of two, whereof the most
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ southerlie called Oke, commeth from Oke Norton, by Witchington or
+ Wiggington, and the Berfords; and carieng a few blind rils withall,
+ dooth méet with the other that falleth from by northwest into the
+ same, within a mile of Charwell.
+
+ That other (as I coniecture) is increased of thrée waters, wherof each
+ [Sidenote: Tudo.]
+ one hath his seuerall name. The first of them therefore hight Tudo,
+ which comming betwéene Epwell and the Lée by Toddington, ioineth about
+ [Sidenote: Ornus.]
+ Broughton with the second that runneth from Horneton, named Ornus, as
+ I gesse. The last falleth into the Tude or Tudelake, beneath
+ Broughton; and for that it riseth not far from Sotteswell in
+ Warwikeshire, some are of the opinion, that it is to be called
+ [Sidenote: Sotbrooke.]
+ Sotbrooke. The next water that méeteth without Charwell beneath
+ [Sidenote: Souarus.]
+ [Sidenote: Sowar.]
+ Clifton commeth from about Croughton, and after this is the Sowar or
+ Swere, that riseth north of Michaell Tew, and runneth by nether
+ [Sidenote: Burus.]
+ Wotton. The last of all is the Reie aliàs Bure, whose head is not far
+ aboue Burcester, aliàs Bincester, and Burncester: and from whence it
+ goeth by Burecester to Merton, Charleton, Fencote, Addington, Noke,
+ Islip, and so into Charwell, that holdeth on his course after this
+ augmentation of the waters, betwéene Wood and Water Eton, to Marston,
+ and the east bridge of Oxford by Magdalene college, and so beneath the
+ south bridge into our aforesaid Isis.
+
+ [Sidenote: Middest of England whereabouts.]
+ In describing this riuer, this one thing (right honorable) is come
+ vnto my mind, touching the center and nauill as it were of England.
+ Certes there is an hillie plot of ground in Helledon parish, not far
+ from Danberie, where a man maie stand and behold the heads of thrée
+ notable riuers, whose waters, and those of such as fall into them, doo
+ abundantlie serue the greatest part of England on this side of the
+ Humber. The first of these waters is the Charwell, alreadie described.
+ The second is the Leme that goeth westward into the fourth Auon. And
+ the third is the head of the Nene or fift Auon it selfe, of whose
+ courses there is no card but doth make sufficient mention; and
+ therefore your honour maie behold in the same how they doo coast the
+ countrie, and also measure by compasses how this plot lieth in respect
+ of all the rest, contrarie to common iudgement, which maketh
+ Northampton to be the middest and center of our countrie.
+
+ But to go forward with my description of the Ouse, which being past
+ Oxford goeth to Iflie, Kennington, Sanford, Rodleie, Newnham, and so
+ to Abington, som time called Sensham, without increase, where it
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ receiueth the Oche, otherwise called the Coche, a little beneath S.
+ Helens, which runneth thither of two brooklets, as I take it, whereof
+ one commeth from Compton, out of the vale and west of the hill of the
+ White horsse, the other from Kings Letcombe, and Wantage in Barkshire,
+ and in one chanell, entreth into the same, vpon the right side of his
+ [Sidenote: Arun.]
+ course. From Abington likewise (taking the Arun withall southwest of
+ Sutton Courtneie) it goeth by Appleford, long Wittenham, Clifton,
+ Wittenham the lesse, & beneath Dorchester, taketh in the Thame water,
+ from whence the Isis loseth the preheminence of the whole denomination
+ of this riuer, and is contented to impart the same with the Thame, so
+ that by the coniunction of these two waters Thamesis is producted, and
+ that name continued euen vnto the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Thame.]
+ Thame riuer riseth in the easterlie parts of Chilterne hils, towards
+ Penleie parke, at a towne called Tring west of the said parke, which
+ is seauen miles from the stone bridge, that is betweene Querendon and
+ Ailsburie (after the course of the water) as Leland hath set downe.
+ Running therefore by long Merston, and Puttenham, Hucket, and Bearton,
+ it receiueth soone after a rill that commeth by Querendon from
+ Hardwike, and yer long an other on the other side that riseth aboue
+ Windouer in the Chilterne, and passing by Halton, Weston, Turrill,
+ Broughton, and Ailsburie, it falleth into the Tame west of the said
+ towne (except my memorie doo faile me.) From this confluence the Tame
+ goeth by Ethorpe, the Winchingtons, Coddington, Chersleie, Notleie
+ abbeie: and comming almost to Tame, it receiueth one water from
+ southeast aboue the said towne, and another also from the same quarter
+ beneath the towne; so that Tame standeth inuironed vpon thrée sides
+ with thrée seuerall waters, as maie be easilie séene. The first of
+ these commeth from the Chiltern east of Below or Bledlow, from whence
+ it goeth to Hinton, Horsenden, Kingseie, Towseie, and so into the
+ Tame. The other descendeth also from the Chilterne, and going by
+ Chinner, Crowell, Siddenham, and Tame parke, it falleth in the end
+ into Tame water, and then they procéed togither as one by Shabbington,
+ Ricot parke, Dracot, Waterstoke, Milton, Cuddesdon, and Chiselton.
+ Here also it taketh in another water from by-east, whose head commeth
+ from Chilterne hils, not farre from Stocking church, in the waie from
+ Oxford to London. From whence it runneth to Weston (and méeting
+ beneath Cuxham with Watlington rill) it goeth onto Chalgraue, Stadham,
+ and so into the Tame. From hence our streame of Thame runneth to
+ Newenton, Draton, Dorchester (sometime a bishops see, and a noble
+ citie) and so into the Thames, which hasteth in like sort to
+ [Sidenote: Blauius.]
+ Bensington, Crowmarsh, or Wallingford, where it receiueth the Blaue,
+ descending from Blaueburg, now Blewberie, as I learne.
+
+ Thus haue I brought the Thames vnto Wallingford, situate in the vale
+ of White horsse, that runneth a long therby. From hence it goeth by
+ Newenham, north Stoke, south Stoke, Goring, Bassilden, Pangburne,
+ where it meeteth with a water that commeth from about Hamsted Norris,
+ runneth by Frizelham, Buckelburie, Stanford, Bradfeld, Tidmarsh and
+ Pangburne. After which confluence it goeth on betweene Mapledorham and
+ Purleie, to Cauersham, and Cauersham manour, and a little beneath
+ receiueth the Kenet that commeth thereinto from Reading.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cenethus.]
+ The Kenet riseth aboue Ouerton 5 or 6 miles west of Marleborow, or
+ Marlingsborow, as some call it; & then going by Fifeld, Clatfor,
+ Maulon, & Preshute, vnto Marleburie: it holdeth on in like order to
+ Ramsburie, and northwest of little Cote, taketh in a water by north
+ descending from the hilles aboue Alburne chase west of Alburne town.
+ Thence it runneth to little Cote, Charnhamstréet, & beneth
+ [Sidenote: Bedwiine.]
+ [Sidenote: Chalkeburne.]
+ Charnhamstréet it crosseth the Bedwin, which (taking the Chalkburne
+ rill withall) commeth from great Bedwijne, & at Hungerford also two
+ other in one botom somewhat beneath the towne. From hence it goeth to
+ Auington, Kinburie, Hamsted marshall, Euburne, Newberie; and beneath
+ [Sidenote: Lamburne.]
+ this towne, taketh in the Lamburne water that commeth by Isberie,
+ Egerston, the Sheffords, Westford, Boxford, Donington castell, and
+ [Sidenote: Alburnus.]
+ Shaw. From Newberie it goeth to Thatcham, Wolhampton, Aldermaston, a
+ little aboue which village it receiueth the Alburne, another brooke
+ increased with sundrie rils: and thus going on to Padworth, Oston, and
+ Michaell, it commeth at last to Reading, where (as I said) it ioineth
+ with the Thames, and so they go forward as one by Sonning to Shiplake,
+ and there on the east side receiue the Loddon that commeth downe
+ thither from the south, as by his course appéereth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lodunus.]
+ The Loddon riseth in Hamshire betwéene west Shirburne and Wooton
+ toward the southwest, afterward directing his course toward the
+ northwest, thorough the Vine, it passeth at the last by Bramlie, and
+ thorough a peece of Wiltshire, to Stradfield, Swallowfield,
+ Arberfield, Loddon bridge, leauing a patch of Wiltshire on the right
+ hand (as I haue béene informed.) This Loddon not far from Turges towne
+ receiueth two waters in one bottome, whereof the westerlie called
+ Basing water, commeth from Basingstoke, and thorough a parke vnto the
+ aforesaid place.
+
+ The other descendeth of two heads from Mapledour well, and goeth by
+ Skewes, Newenham, Rotherwijc, and yer it come at Hartlie, ioineth with
+ the Basing water, from whence they go togither to Turges, where they
+ méet with the Loddon (as I haue said alreadie.) The next streame
+ [Sidenote: Ditis vadum.]
+ toward the south is called Ditford brooke. It riseth not farre from
+ Vpton, goeth by Gruell, and beneath Wharnborow castell receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Ikelus.]
+ Ikell (comming from a parke of the same denomination) from whence they
+ go togither by Maddingleie vnto Swalowfield, and so into the Loddon.
+ [Sidenote: Elueius.]
+ In this voiage also the Loddon méeteth with the Elwie or Elueie that
+ commeth from Aldershare, not farre by west of Euersleie: and about
+ [Sidenote: Ducus.]
+ Eluesham likewise with another running from Dogmansfield named the
+ [Sidenote: Erin.]
+ Douke: and also the third not inferior to the rest comming from Erin,
+ whose head is in Surreie, and going by Ash becommeth a limit, first
+ betwéene Surreie and Hamshire; then betwéene Hamshire and Barkeshire,
+ and passing by Ash, Erinleie, Blacke water, Perleie, and Finchamsted;
+ it ioineth at last with the Ditford, before it come at Swalowfield. To
+ conclude therefore with our Loddon, hauing receiued all these waters;
+ and after the last confluence with them now being come to Loddon
+ bridge, it passeth on by a part of Wiltshire to Twiford bridge, then
+ to Wargraue, and so into the Thames that now is maruellouslie
+ increased and growen vnto triple greatnesse (to that it was at
+ Oxford.)
+
+ Being therefore past Shiplake and Wargraue, it runneth by Horsependon,
+ or Harding: then to Henleie vpon Thames, where sometime a great rill
+ voideth it selfe in the same. Then to Remenham, Greneland (going all
+ this waie from Shiplake iust north, and now turning eastwards againe)
+ by Medenham, Hurlie, Bisham, Marlow the greater, Marlow the lesse, it
+ meeteth with a brooke soone after that consisteth of the water of two
+ [Sidenote: Vsa.]
+ rilles, whereof the one called the Vse, riseth about west Wickham, out
+ of one of the Chilterne hilles, and goeth from thence to east Wickham
+ or high Wickham, a pretie market towne. The other named Higden,
+ [Sidenote: Higden.]
+ descendeth also from those mounteines but a mile beneath west Wickham,
+ and ioining both in one at the last, in the west end of east Wickham
+ towne, they go togither to Wooburne, Hedsor, & so into the Thames.
+ Some call it the Tide; and that word doo I vse in my former treatise:
+ but to procéed. After this confluence our Thames goeth on by Cowkham,
+ Topleie, Maidenhead, aliàs Sudlington, Braie, Dorneie, Clure, new
+ Windsore (taking in neuerthelesse, at Eaton by the waie, the Burne
+ which riseth out of a Moore, & commeth thither by Burnham) old
+ Windsor, Wraiborow, and a little by east therof doth crosse the Cole,
+ whereof I find this short description insuing.
+
+ [Sidenote: Colus, aliàs Vere and Vertume.]
+ The Cole riseth néere vnto Flamsted, from whence it goeth to Redburn,
+ S. Michaels, S. Albons, Aldenham, Watford, and so by More to
+ Richmansworth, where there is a confluence of three waters, of which
+ [Sidenote: Gadus.]
+ this Cole is the first. The second called Gadus riseth not farre from
+ Ashridge, an house or palace belonging to the prince: from whence it
+ runneth to great Gaddesdin, Hemsted, betwéene Kings Langleie, and
+ Abbots Langleie, then to Hunters, and Cashew bridges, and so to
+ Richmanswoorth, receiuing by the waie a rill comming from Alburie by
+ northwest, to Northchurch, Barkehamsted, and beneath Hemsted ioining
+ with the same. The last commeth in at northwest from aboue Chesham, by
+ Chesham it selfe, then by Chesham Bois, Latimers, Mawdlens, Cheinies,
+ Sarret and Richmanswoorth, and so going on all in one chanell vnder
+ the name of Cole, it runneth to Vxbridge, where it taketh in the
+ Missenden water, from northwest, which rising aboue Missenden the
+ greater goeth by Missenden the lesse, Hagmondesham (now Hammersham)
+ the Vach, Chalfhunt Giles, Chalfhunt S. Peters, Denham, and then into
+ the Cole aboue Vxbridge (as I haue said.) Soone after this our Cole
+ doth part it selfe into two branches, neuer to ioine againe before
+ they come at the Thames, for the greater of them goeth thorough the
+ goodlie medows straight to Colebrooke, the other vnto two milles, a
+ mile and a halfe east of Colebrooke, in the waie to London, leauing an
+ Iland betwéene them of no small size and quantitie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vindeles.]
+ Being past the Cole, we come to the fall of the Vindeles, which riseth
+ by northwest néere vnto Bagshot, from whence it goeth to Windlesham,
+ Chobham, and méeting with a brooklet comming westward from Bisleie,
+ they run togither toward Cherteseie, where when they haue met with a
+ small rill rising north of Sonning hill in Windlesoure great parke, it
+ falleth into the Thames on the northeast side of Cherteseie. When we
+ were come beyond this water, it was not long yer we came vnto another
+ on the same side, that fell into the Thames betweene Shepperton on the
+ [Sidenote: Veius.]
+ one side, and Oteland on the other, and is called the Waie. The Weie
+ or the Waie rising by west, commeth from Olsted, & soone after taking
+ the Hedleie brooke withall (which riseth in Wulmere forrest, and goeth
+ by Hedleie and Frensham) hasteth by Bentleie, Farnham, Alton,
+ Waiberleie, Elsted, and so to Pepper harrow, where it ioineth with the
+ [Sidenote: Thuresbie.]
+ Thuresbie water, which commeth not farre off from a village of the
+ same denomination. From hence also it goeth to Godalming, and then
+ toward Shawford, but yer it come there, it crosseth Craulie becke,
+ which rising somewhere about the edge of Sussex short of Ridgewijc,
+ [Sidenote: Crawleie.]
+ goeth by Vacherie parke, Knoll, Craulie, Bramleie, Wonarsh, and so
+ into the Waie. From hence then our riuer goeth to Shawford, and soone
+ [Sidenote: Abbinger.]
+ after (méeting with the Abbinger water that commeth by Shere, Albirie,
+ and the chappell on the hill) it proceedeth to Guldeford, thence to
+ Stoke, Sutton in the parke, Send, Woking, and at Newarke parke side
+ taketh in a brooke that riseth of two heads, whereof one dooth spring
+ betwéene two hils north of Pepper harrow, and so runneth through
+ Henleie parke, the other aboue Purbright, and afterward ioining in
+ one, they go foorth vnto Newarke, and being there vnited, after the
+ confluence it goeth to Purford court, to Bifler, Waifred, Oteland, and
+ so into the Thames.
+
+ [Sidenote: Molts.]
+ From Oteland the Thames goeth by Walton, Sunburie, west Moulseie,
+ Hampton, and yer it come at Hampton court on the northside, and east
+ Moulseie on the other, it taketh in the Moule water, which giueth name
+ vnto the two townes that stand on each side of the place, where it
+ falleth into our streame. It riseth in Word forrest, and going by
+ Burstow, it méeteth afterward with another gullet, conteining a small
+ course from two seuerall heads, whereof one is also in the forrest
+ aforenamed, the other runneth from Febush wood, and comming by Iseld,
+ méeteth with the first aboue Horleie, and so run on in one chanell, I
+ saie, till they ioine with the Moule water, whereof I spake before.
+
+ After this confluence in like sort, it is not long yer the Moule take
+ in another from by north, which commeth from about Mesham on the one
+ side, and another on the other side, running by Ocleie and Capell, and
+ whereinto also a branch or rill commeth from a wood on the northwest
+ part. Finallie, being thus increased with these manie rilles, it goeth
+ by east Becheworth, west Becheworth, and ouer against the Swalow on
+ the side of Drake hill, taking in another that c[=o]meth thither from
+ Wootton by Darking and Milton, it runneth to Mickleham, Letherhed,
+ Stoke, Cobham, Ashire parke, east Moulseie, and so into the Thames,
+ which after this coniunction goeth on to Kingston, and there also
+ méeteth with another becke, rising at Ewell south of Nonsuch. Certes,
+ this rill goeth from Ewell by the old parke, then to Mauldon, & so to
+ Kingston towne. The Thames in like maner being past Kingston, goeth to
+ Tuddington, Petersham, Twickenham, Richmond, and Shene, where it
+ receiueth a water on the northwest side, which comming from about
+ Harrow on the hill, and by west of the same, goeth by Haies,
+ Harlington, Felthan, and Thistleworth into the Thames.
+
+ The next fall of water is at Sion, néere vnto new Brainford, so that
+ [Sidenote: Brane.]
+ it issueth into the Thames betwéen them both. This water is called
+ Brane, that is in the Brittish toong (as Leland saith) a frog. It
+ riseth about Edgeworth, and commeth from thence by Kingesburie,
+ Twiford, Periuall, Hanwell, and Austerleie. Thence we followed our
+ riuer to old Brentford, Mortlach, Cheswijc, Barnelmes, Fulham, and
+ Putneie, beneath which townes it crossed a becke from Wandlesworth,
+ that riseth at Woodmans turne, and going by Easthalton, méeteth
+ another comming from Croidon by Bedington, and so going on to Mitcham,
+ Marton abbeie, and Wandlesworth, it is not long yer it fall into the
+ [Sidenote: Mariburne.]
+ Thames. Next vnto this is Mariburne rill on the other side, which
+ commeth in by S. Iames, so that by this time we haue either brought
+ the Thames, or the Thames conueied vs to London, where we rested for a
+ season to take view of the seuerall tides there, of which each one
+ differeth from other, by foure & twentie minuts, that is fortie eight
+ in a whole daie, as I haue noted before, except the wether alter them.
+ Being past London, and in the waie toward the sea: the first water
+ that it méeteth withall, is the Brome on Kent side, west of
+ [Sidenote: Bromis.]
+ Gréenewich, whose head is Bromis in Bromleie parish, and going from
+ thence to Lewsham, it taketh in a water from by east, and so directeth
+ his course foorth right vnto the Thames.
+
+ The next water that it méeteth withall, is on Essex side, almost
+ [Sidenote: Lée.]
+ against Woolwich, and that is the Lée or Luie, whose head riseth short
+ of Kempton in Hertfordshire, foure miles southeast of Luton, sometime
+ [Sidenote: Logus.]
+ called Logodunum or Logrodunum, & going through a péece of Brokehall
+ parke (leauing Woodhall parke on the north, and Hatfield on the south,
+ with another parke adioining) it goeth toward Hartford towne. But yer
+ [Sidenote: Marran.]
+ it come there, it receiueth a water (peraduenture the Marran) rising
+ at northwest in Brodewater hundred, from aboue Welwin, northeast of
+ Digeswell, and going to Hartingfeld burie, where the said confluence
+ is within one mile of the towne. Beneath Hatfield also it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Beane.]
+ the Beane (as I gesse) comming from Boxwood by Benington, Aston,
+ Watton, and Stapleford, and a little lower, the third arme of increase
+ from aboue Ware, which descendeth from two heads: whereof the greatest
+ commeth from Barkewaie in Edwinster hundred, the other Sandon in
+ Oddesey hundred, and after they be met beneath little Hornemeade, they
+ go togither by Pulcherchurch, or Puckrich, Stonden, Thunderidge,
+ Wadesmill, Benghoo, and so into the Lée, which from hence runneth on
+ till it come at Ware, which was drowned by the rage of the same 1408,
+ and so to Amwell, where on the north side it receiueth the water that
+ commeth from little Hadham, through a péece of Singleshall parke, then
+ by great Hadham, and so from Widford to the aforesaid towne. From
+ hence also they go as one to old Stansted called Le Veil, branching in
+ such wise yer it come there, that it runneth through the towne in
+ sundrie places. Thence it goeth foorth to Abbats Stansted, beneath
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ which it méeteth with the Stoure, west (as I remember) of Roidon. This
+ Sture riseth at Wenden lootes, from whence it goeth to Langleie,
+ Clauering, Berden, Manhuden, & Birchanger (where it taketh a rill
+ comming from Elsingham, & Stansted Mountfitchet.) Thence it hieth on
+ to Bishops Stourford, Sabrichfoord, and beneath this towne crosseth
+ with another from the east side of Elsingham, that goeth to Hatfield,
+ Brodocke, Shiring, Harlo, & so into the Stoure, and from whence they
+ go togither to Eastwic, Parmedon, and next into the Lée. These things
+ being thus performed, the Lée runneth on beneath Hoddesdon, Broxburne,
+ and Wormleie, where a water breaketh out by west of the maine streame,
+ a mile lower than Wormeleie it selfe, but yet within the paroch, and
+ is called Wormeleie locke.
+
+ It runneth also by Cheston nunrie, and out of this a little beneath
+ the said house, breaketh an arme called the Shirelake, bicause it
+ diuideth Eastsex and Hartford shire in sunder, and in the length of
+ one medow called Fritheie. This lake runneth not but at great flouds,
+ and méeteth againe with a succor of ditchwater, at a place called
+ Hockesditch, halfe a mile from his first breaking out, and halfe a
+ mile lower at Marsh point ioineth againe with the streame from whence
+ it came before. Thence commeth the first arme to S. Maulie bridge (the
+ first bridge westward vpon that riuer) vpon Waltham causie, & halfe a
+ mile lower than Maulie bridge, at the corner of Ramnie mead, it
+ méeteth with the kings streame & principall course of Luy, or Lee, as
+ it is commonlie called. The second arme breaketh out of the kings
+ streame at Halifield halfe a mile lower than Cheston nunrie, and so to
+ the fulling mill, and two bridges by west of the kings streame,
+ wherinto it falleth about a stones cast lower at a place called
+ Malkins shelffe, except I was wrong informed. Cheston & Hartfordshire
+ men doo saie, that the kings streame at Waltham dooth part
+ Hartfordshire and Essex, but the Essex men by forrest charter doo
+ plead their liberties to hold vnto S. Maulies bridge. On the east side
+ also of the kings streame breaketh out but one principall arme at
+ Halifield, three quarters of a mile aboue Waltham, & so goeth to the
+ corne mill in Waltham, and then to the K. streame againe a little
+ beneath the kings bridge.
+
+ From hence the Lée runneth on by south on Waltonstow till it come to
+ Stretford Langthorne, where it brancheth partlie of it selfe, and
+ [Sidenote: Alfred.]
+ partlie by mans industrie for mils. Howbeit heerein the dealing of
+ Alfred (sometimes king of England) was not of smallest force, who
+ vnderstanding the Danes to be gotten vp with their ships into the
+ countrie, there to kill and slaie his subiects, in the yeere of grace
+ 896, by the conduct of this riuer: he in the meane time before they
+ could returne, did so mightilie weaken the maine chanell, by drawing
+ great numbers of trenches from the same; that when they purposed to
+ come backe, there was nothing so much water left as the ships did
+ draw: wherefore being set on ground, they were soone fired, & the
+ aduersaries ouercome. By this policie also much medow ground was
+ woone, & made firme land, whereby the countrie about was not a little
+ inriched, as was also a part of Assyria by the like practise of Cyrus
+ with the Ganges, at such time as he came against Babylon, which riuer
+ before time was in maner equall with Euphrates. For he was so
+ offended, that one of his knights whom he loued déerlie, was drowned
+ and borne awaie with the water in his passage ouer the same, that he
+ sware a deepe oth yer long to make it so shallow that it should not
+ wet a woman to the knées. Which came to passe, for he caused all his
+ armie to dig 46 new draines fr[=o] the same, wherby the vow that he
+ had made was at the full performed. Senec. de Tra. li. 3. But to
+ conclude with the Lee that somtime ouerflowed all those medowes,
+ through which it passeth (as for a great waie not inferior to the
+ Thames) and I find that being past Westham, it is not long yer it fall
+ into that streame. One thing I read more of this riuer before the
+ conquest, that is, how Edward the first, & sonne of Alfred, in the
+ yeare of grace 912, builded Hartford towne: at which time also he had
+ Wittham a towne in Essex in hand, as his sister called Aelfled
+ repaired Oxford & London, and all this foure yeares before the
+ building of Maldon; of some called Hertford or Herudford betweene
+ three waters, that is, the Lée, the Benefuth, and Memmarran, or rather
+ Penmarran: but how these waters are distinguished in these daies, as
+ yet I cannot tell. It is possible, that the Bene may be the same which
+ commeth by Benington, and Benghoo: which if it be so, then must the
+ Memmarran be the same that descendeth from Whitwell, for not farre
+ from thence is Branfield, which might in time past right well be
+ called Marranfield, for of like inuersion of names I could shew manie
+ examples.
+
+ Being past the Lee (whose chanell is begun to be purged 1576, with
+ further hope to bring the same to the north side of London) we come
+ [Sidenote: Rodon or Rodunus.]
+ vnto the Rodon, vpon Essex side in like maner, and not verie farre
+ (for foure miles is the most) from the fall of the Lée. This water
+ riseth at little Canfield, from whence it goeth to great Canfield,
+ high Roding, Eithorpe Roding, Ledon Roding, White Roding, Beauchampe
+ Roding, Fifeld, Shelleie, high Ongar, and Cheping Ongar, where the
+ [Sidenote: Lauer.]
+ Lauer falleth into it, that ariseth betwixt Matching and high Lauer;
+ and taking another rill withall comming from aboue Northweld at
+ Cheping Ongar, they ioine (I saie) with the Rodon, after which
+ [Sidenote: Iuelus.]
+ confluence Leland coniectureth that the streame is called Iuell: for
+ my part, I wot not what to say of it. But héerof I am sure, that the
+ whole course being past Ongar, it goeth to Stansted riuers, Theidon
+ mount, Heibridge, Chigwell, Woodford bridge, Ilford bridge, Barking, &
+ so into the Thames.
+
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ The Darwent méeteth with our said Thames vpon Kents side, two miles
+ and more beneath Erith. It riseth at Tanridge, or there abouts, as I
+ haue beene informed by Christopher Saxtons card late made of the same,
+ and the like (I hope) he will doo in all the seuerall shires of
+ England at the infinit charges of sir Thomas Sackford knight, &
+ maister of the requests, whose zeale vnto his countrie héerin I cannot
+ but remember, & so much the rather, for that he meaneth to imitate
+ Ortelius, & somewhat beside this hath holpen me in the names of the
+ townes, by which these riuers for the Kentish part do run. Would to
+ God his plats were once finished for the rest! But to procéed. The
+ Darwent therefore, rising at Tanridge, goeth on by Titseie toward
+ Brasted, and receiuing on ech side of that towne (& seuerall bankes) a
+ riuer or rill, it goeth on to Nockhold, Shorham, Kinsford, Horton,
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ Darnhith, Dartford or Derwentford, & there taking in the Craie on the
+ left hand that coms from Orpington by Marie Craie, Paules Craie, North
+ Craie, and Craiford, it is not long yer it fall into the Thames. But
+ after I had once passed the fall of the brooke, it is a world to sée
+ what plentie of Serephium groweth vpon the Kentish shore, in whose
+ description Fuichsius hath not a little halted; whilest he giueth
+ foorth the hearbe Argentaria for Serephium, betwéene which there is no
+ maner of likelihood. This neuerthelesse is notable in the said hearbe,
+ that being translated into the garden, it receiueth another forme
+ cleane different from the first, which it yéelded when it grew vpon
+ the shore, and therevnto appeareth of more fat & foggie substance.
+ Which maketh me to thinke that our physicians do take it for a
+ distinct kind of wormewood, whereof controuersie ariseth among them.
+ The next water that falleth into the Thames, is west of the Wauie
+ Iles, a rill of no great fame, neither long course, for rising about
+ Coringham, it runneth not manie miles east and by south, yer it fall
+ into the mouth of this riuer, which I doo now describe.
+
+ I would haue spoken of one créeke that commeth in at Cliffe, and
+ another that runneth downe from Haltsto by S. Maries: but sith I
+ vnderstand not with what backewaters they be serued, I let them passe
+ as not skilfull of their courses. And thus much of the riuers that
+ fall into the Thames, wherein I haue doone what I maie, but not what I
+ would for mine owne satisfaction, till I came from the head to
+ Lechlade, vnto which, as in lieu of a farewell, I will ascribe that
+ distichon which Apollonius Rhodius writeth of the Thermodon:
+
+   Huic non est aliud flumen par, nec tot in agros
+   Vllum dimittit riuos quot fundit vtrinque.
+
+ [Sidenote: Midwaie.]
+ Next vnto the Thames we haue the Midwaie water, whereof I find two
+ descriptions, the first beginneth thus. The Midwaie water is called in
+ Latine Medeuia (as some write) bicause the course therof is midwaie in
+ a manner betwéene London and Dorobernia, or (as we now call it)
+ Canturburie. In British it hight Dourbrée: and thereof Rochester was
+ sometime called Durobreuum. But in an old charter which I haue seene
+ (conteining a donation sometime made to the monasterie of saint
+ Andrews there by Ceadwalla) I find that the Saxons called this riuer
+ Wedring; and also a towne standing betweene Malling and east Farleie,
+ Wedrington; and finallie, a forrest also of the same denomination,
+ Wedrington, now Waterdon, wherby the originall name appeareth to be
+ fetched from this streame. It ariseth in Waterdon forrest east of
+ Whetlin or Wedring, and ioineth with another brooke that descendeth
+ from Ward forrest in Sussex: and after this confluence they go on
+ togither, as one by Ashhirst, where hauing receiued also the second
+ brooke, it hasteth to Pensherst, and there carrieth withall the Eden,
+ that commeth from Lingfield parke. After this it goeth to the
+ [Sidenote: Frethus.]
+ southeast part of Kent, and taketh with it the Frith or Firth, on the
+ northwest side, and an other little streame that commeth from the
+ hilles betwéene Peuenburie and Horsemon on the southeast. From thence
+ [Sidenote: Theise.]
+ also, and not farre from Yalling it receiueth the Theise (a pretie
+ [Sidenote: Grane aliàs Cranus.]
+ streame that ariseth about Theise Hirst) & afterward the Gran or
+ Crane, which hauing his head not farre from Cranbrooke, and méeting
+ with sundrie other riuelets by the waie, whereof one branch of Theise
+ is the last, for it parteth at the Twist, and including a pretie
+ Iland, doth ioine with the said Midwaie, a little aboue Yalding, and
+ then with the Lowse. Finallie at Maidstone it méeteth with another
+ brooke, whose name I know not, and then passeth by Allington, Duton,
+ Newhide, Halling, Cuckestane, Rochester, Chattham, Gillingham,
+ Vpchurch, Kingsferrie, and falleth into the maine sea betwéene Shepeie
+ and the Grane.
+
+ And thus much out of the first authour, who commendeth it also, for
+ that in time past it did yéeld such plentie of sturgeon, as beside the
+ kings portion, and a due vnto the archbishop of Canturburie out of the
+ same, the deane and chapter of Rochester had no small allowance also
+ of that commoditie: likewise for the shrimps that are taken therein,
+ which are no lesse estéemed of in their kind, than the westerne smelts
+ or flounders taken in the Thames, &c. The second authour describeth it
+ after this manner, and more copiouslie than the other.
+
+ The cheefe head of this streame riseth in Waterdon forrest, from
+ whence after it hath runne a pretie waie still within the same, east
+ of Whetlin, it méeteth with a brooke, whose head is in Ward forrest,
+ southwest of Greenested, which goeth to Hartfield, and so to Whetlin,
+ and yer long ioineth with the Midwaie. After this confluence it is not
+ long yer it take in another by west from Cowden ward, and the third
+ aboue Pensherst, growing from two heads, whereof one is in Lingfield
+ parke, the other west of Crawherst; and ioining aboue Edinbridge, it
+ doth fall into the midwaie beneath Heuer towne, and Chiddingston. From
+ Pensherst our maine streame hasteth to Ligh, Tunbridge, and Twidleie,
+ and beneath the towne, it crosseth a water from North, whereof one
+ head is at the Mote, another at Wroteham, the third at west Peckham,
+ & likewise another from southest, that runneth east of Capell. Next
+ after this it receiueth the These, whose forked head is at Theise
+ Hirst, which descending downe toward the north, taketh in not farre
+ from Scotnie a brooke out of the northside of Waterden forrest, whose
+ name I find not, except it be the Dour. After this confluence our
+ riuer goeth to Goldhirst, and comming to the Twist, it brancheth in
+ such wise, that one part of it runneth into Midwaie, another into the
+ [Sidenote: Garunus, Cranus.]
+ Garan, or rather Cranebrooke (if my coniecture be anie thing.) The
+ Garan (as Leland calleth it) or the Crane (as I doo take it) riseth
+ néere to Cranebrooke, and going by Siffinghirst, it receiueth yer long
+ one water that commeth by Fretingdon, and another that runneth from
+ great Chard by Smerdon, and Hedcorne, crossing two rilles by the waie
+ from by north, Hedcorne it selfe standing betwéene them both.
+ Finallie, the Garan or Crane meeting with Midwaie south of Yalling,
+ they on the one side, and the These on the other, leaue a pretie Iland
+ in the middest, of foure miles in length, and two in breadth, wherein
+ is some hillie soile, but neither towne nor village, so farre as I
+ remember.
+
+ From Yalling forward, the Midwaie goeth to west Farlegh, east Farlegh:
+ and yer it come at Maidstone, it interteineth a rill that riseth short
+ of Ienham, and goeth by Ledes and Otteringden, which is verie
+ beneficiall to clothiers in drie yéeres: for thither they conueie
+ their clothes to be thicked at the fulling milles, sometimes ten miles
+ for the same: there is also at Ledes great plentie of fulling earth,
+ which is a necessarie commoditie.
+
+ Being past Maidstone, it runneth by Allington, Snodland, Halling,
+ Cuckstane, and Rochester, where it passeth vnder a faire bridge of
+ stone, with a verie swift course, which bridge was begun 1388 by the
+ lord Iohn Cobham, the ladie Margaret his wife, and the valiant sir
+ Robert Knolles, who gaue the first onset vpon that péece of worke, and
+ therevnto builded a chappell of the Trinitie at the end therof, in
+ testimonie of his pietie. In processe of time also one Iohn Warner of
+ Rochester made the new coping thereof; and archbishop Warham of
+ Canturburie the iron barres: the bishops also of that see were not
+ slacke in their beneuolence and furtherances toward that worke,
+ especiallie Walter Merton founder of Merton college in Oxford, who by
+ misfortune perished by falling from the same, as he rode to surueie
+ the workemen. Being past Rochester, this noble riuer goeth to Chatham,
+ Gillingham, Vpchurch, and soone after branching, it imbraceth the
+ Greene at his fall, as his two heads doo Ashdon forrest, that lieth
+ betwéene them both.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUCH STREAMES AS FALL INTO THE SEA, BETWEENE THE THAMES AND THE
+ MOUTH OF THE SAUERNE.
+
+ CHAP. XII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Stoure.]
+ After the Midwaie we haue the Stoure that riseth at Kingeswood, which
+ [Sidenote: Nailburne water also (as I heare) neer to Cantwarbirie,
+ but I wote not whereabouts: sée _Marianus Scotus_.]
+ is fourtéene or fifteene miles from Canturburie. This riuer passeth by
+ Ashford, Wie, Nackington, Canturburie, Fordish, Standish, and
+ Sturemouth, where it receiueth another riuer growing of three
+ branches. After our Stoure or Sture parteth it self in twaine, & in
+ such wise, that one arme therof goeth toward the north, and is called
+ (when it commeth at the sea) the north mouth of Stoure; the other
+ runneth southeastward vp to Richborow, and so to Sandwich, from whence
+ it goeth northeast againe and falleth into the sea. The issue of this
+ later tract is called the hauen of Sandwich. And peraduenture the
+ streame that commeth downe thither, after the diuision of the Stoure,
+ [Sidenote: Wantsome.]
+ maie be the same which Beda calleth Wantsome; but as I cannot vndoo
+ this knot at will, so this is certeine, that the Stoure on the one
+ side, and peraduenture the Wantsome on the other, parteth and cutteth
+ the Tenet from the maine land of Kent, whereby it is left for an
+ Iland.
+
+ There are other little brookes which fall into the Stoure, whereof
+ Leland speaketh, as Fishpoole becke that ariseth in Stonehirst wood,
+ and meeteth with it foure miles from Canturburie: another beginneth at
+ Chislet, and goeth into the Stoure gut, which sometime inclosed
+ Thanet, as Leland saith: the third issueth out of the ground at
+ Northburne (where Eadbert of Kent sometime past held his palace) and
+ runneth to Sandwich hauen, as the said authour reporteth: and the
+ fourth called Bridgewater that riseth by S. Marie Burne church, and
+ going by Bishops Burne, meeteth with Canturburie water at Stourmouth:
+ also Wiham that riseth aboue Wiham short of Adsam, and falleth into
+ Bridgewater at Dudmill, or Wenderton: and the third namelesse, which
+ riseth short of Wodensburgh (a towne wherein Hengist & the Saxons
+ honored their grand idoll Woden, or Othine) and goeth by Staple to
+ Wingam: but sith they are obscure I will not touch them here. From
+ hence passing by the Goodwine, a plot verie perilous for sea-faring
+ men (sometime firme land, that is, vntill the tenth of the conquerours
+ sonne, whose name was William Rufus, and wherein a great part of the
+ inheritance of erle Goodwine in time past was knowne to lie) but
+ [Sidenote: Dour.]
+ escaping it with ease, we came at length to Douer. In all which voiage
+ we found no streame, by reason of the cliffes that inuiron the said
+ coast. Howbeit vpon the south side of Douer, there is a pretie fresh
+ riuer, whose head ariseth at Erwell, not passing foure miles from the
+ sea, and of some is called Dour, which in the British toong is a
+ common name for waters, as is also the old British word Auon for the
+ greatest riuers, into whose mouthes or falles shippes might find safe
+ entrance; and therefore such are in my time called hauens, a new word
+ growen by an aspiration added to the old: the Scots call it Auen. But
+ more of this else-where, sith I am now onelie to speake of Dour,
+ wherof it is likelie that the towne & castell of Douer did sometime
+ take the name. From hence we go toward the Camber (omitting
+ peraduenture here and there sundrie small creeks void of backwater by
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ the waie) whereabouts the Rother a noble riuer falleth into the sea.
+ This Rother separateth Sussex from Kent, and hath his head in Sussex,
+ not farre from Argas hill néere to Waterden forrest, and from thence
+ directeth his course vnto Rotherfield. After this it goeth to
+ Ethlingham or Hitchingham, and so foorth by Newendon vnto Mattham
+ ferrie, where it diuideth it selfe in such wise, that one branch
+ thereof goeth to Appledoure (where is a castell sometime builded by
+ the Danes, in the time of Alfred, as they did erect another at
+ Middleton, and the third at Beamflete) and at this towne, where it
+ [Sidenote: Bilie.]
+ méeteth the Bilie that riseth about Bilsington, the other by Iden, so
+ that it includeth a fine parcell of ground called Oxneie, which in
+ time past was reputed as a parcell of Sussex; but now vpon some
+ occasion or other (to me vnknowne) annexed vnto Kent. From hence also
+ growing into some greatnesse, it runneth to Rie, where it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Becke.]
+ finallie with the Becke, which commeth from Beckleie: so that the plot
+ wherein Rie standeth, is in manner a by-land or peninsula, as
+ experience doth confirme. Leland and most men are of the likeliest
+ [Sidenote: Limenus.]
+ opinion, that this riuer should be called the Limen, which (as Peter
+ of Cornhull saith) doth issue out of Andredeswald, where the head
+ thereof is knowne to be. Certes, I am of the opinion, that it is
+ called the Rother vnto Appledoure, & from thence the Limen, bicause
+ the Danes are noted to enter into these parts by the Limen; and
+ sailing on the same to Appledoure, did there begin to fortifie, as I
+ haue noted alreadie. Howbeit, in our time it is knowne by none other
+ name than the Rother or Appledoure water, whereof let this suffice.
+
+ Being thus crossed ouer to the west side of Rie hauen, & in vewing the
+ issues that fall into the same, I meet first of all with a water that
+ groweth of two brookes, which come downe by one chanell into the east
+ side of the mouth of the said port. The first therfore that falleth
+ into it descendeth from Beckleie or thereabouts (as I take it) the
+ next runneth along by Pesemarsh, & soone after ioining with all, they
+ hold on as one, till they fall into the same at the westerlie side of
+ Rie: the third streame commeth from the north, and as it mounteth vp
+ not farre from Munfield, so it runneth betweene Sescambe and
+ Wacklinton néere vnto Bread, taking another rill withall that riseth
+ (as I heare) not verie far from Westfield. There is likewise a fourth
+ that groweth of two heads betweene Ielingham and Pet, and going by
+ Winchelseie it méeteth with all about Rie hauen, so that Winchelseie
+ standeth inuironed on thrée parts with water, and the streames of
+ these two that I haue last rehearsed.
+
+ The water that falleth into the Ocean, a mile by southwest of,
+ [Sidenote: Aestus.]
+ Hastings or therabouts, is called Æstus or Asten: perhaps of Hasten or
+ Hasting the Dane, (who in time past was a plague to France and
+ England) & rising not far from Penhirst, it meeteth with the sea (as I
+ [Sidenote: Buluerhithe.]
+ heare) by east of Hollington. Buluerhith is but a creeke (as I
+ remember) serued with no backewater; and so I heare of Codding or Old
+ hauen, wherefore I meane not to touch them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Peuenseie.]
+ Into Peuenseie hauen diuerse waters doo resort, and of these, that
+ which entereth into the same on the east side riseth out from two
+ [Sidenote: Ash.]
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ heads, whereof the most easterlie is called Ash, the next vnto the
+ Burne, and vniting themselues not farre from Ashburne, they continue
+ their course vnder the name and tide of Ashburne water, as I read. The
+ second that commeth thereinto issueth also of two heads, whereof the
+ one is so manie miles from Boreham, the other not far from the Parke
+ east of Hellingstowne, and both of them concurring southwest of
+ Hirstmowsen, they direct their course toward Peuenseie (beneath which
+ they méet with another rising at Foington) and thence go in one
+ chanell for a mile or more, till they fall togither into Peuenseie
+ [Sidenote: Cucomarus.]
+ hauen. The Cuckmer issueth out at seuerall places, and hereof the more
+ easterlie branch commeth from Warbleton ward, the other from Bishops
+ wood, and méeting beneath Halling, they run one bottome by Micham,
+ Arlington, Wellington, old Frithstan, and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Isis.]
+ [Sidenote: Ni fallor.]
+ Vnto the water that commeth out at Newhauen, sundrie brookes and
+ riuerets doo resort, but the chiefe head riseth toward the west,
+ somewhat betwéene Etchinford and Shepleie, as I heare. The first water
+ therefore that falleth into the same on the east side, issueth out of
+ the ground about Vertwood, and running from thence by Langhton and
+ Ripe, on the west side; it falleth into the aforesaid riuer beneath
+ Forle and Glime, or thrée miles lower than Lewis, if the other buttall
+ like you not. The next herevnto hath his head in Argas hill, the third
+ descendeth from Ashedon forrest, and ioining with the last mentioned,
+ they crosse the maine riuer a little beneath Isefield. The fourth
+ water commeth from Ashedon forrest by Horstéed Caines (or Ousestate
+ Caines) and falleth into the same, likewise east of Linfield. Certes I
+ am deceiued if this riuer be not called Isis, after it is past
+ [Sidenote: Sturewell.]
+ Isefield. The fift riseth about Storuelgate, and meeteth also with the
+ maine streame aboue Linfield, and these are knowen to lie vpon the
+ right hand as we rowed vp the riuer. On the other side are onelie two,
+ whereof the first hath his originall neere vnto Wenefield, and holding
+ on his course toward the east, it meeteth with his maister betweene
+ Newicke and Isefield (or Ifield) as some read it. The last of all
+ [Sidenote: Plimus.]
+ commeth from Plimodune or Plumpton, and hauing met in like sort with
+ the maine riuer about Barcham, it runneth foorth with it, & they rest
+ in one chanell by Barcham, Hamseie, Malling, Lewis, Piddingburne, and
+ so foorth into the maine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Soru.]
+ The next riuer that we came vnto west of Brighthemston is the Sore,
+ which notwithstanding I find to be called Brember water, in the
+ ancient map of Marton colledge in Oxford: but in such sort (as I take
+ it) as the Rother or Limen is called Appledoure streame, bicause of
+ the said towne that standeth thervpon. But to procéed, it is a
+ pleasant water, & thereto if you consider the situation of his armes,
+ and branches from the higher grounds, verie much resembling a foure
+ stringed whip. Whereabout the head of this riuer is, or which of these
+ branches may safelie be called Sora from the rising, in good sooth I
+ cannot say. For after we had passed nine or ten mils thereon vp into
+ the land, suddenlie the crosse waters stopped vs, so that we were
+ inforced to turne either east or west, for directlie foorth right we
+ had no waie to go. The first arme on the right hand as we went, riseth
+ out of a parke by south of Alborne, and going on for a certeine space
+ toward the northwest, it turneth southward betwéene Shermonburie and
+ [Sidenote: Bimarus.]
+ Twinham, and soone after méeteth with the Bimar, not much south from
+ Shermonburie, whence they run togither almost two miles, till they
+ fall into the Sore. That on the west side descendeth from about
+ Billingeshirst, & going toward the east, it crosseth with the fourth
+ (which riseth a litle by west of Thacam) east from Pulborow, and so
+ they run as one into the Sore, that after this confluence hasteth it
+ selfe southward by Brember, Burleis, the Combes, and yer long into the
+ Ocean.
+
+ [Sidenote: Arunus.]
+ The Arun (of which beside Arundell towne the castell and the vallie
+ wherin it runneth is called Vallis Aruntina, or Arundale in English)
+ is a goodlie water, and thereto increased with no small number of
+ excellent & pleasant brookes. It springeth vp of two heads, whereof
+ one descendeth from the north not far from Gretham, and going by Lis,
+ méeteth with the next streame (as I gesse) about Doursford house. The
+ second riseth by west from the hils that lie toward the rising of the
+ sunne from East maine, and runneth by Peterfield. The third commeth
+ from Beriton ward, and ioineth with the second betwéene Peterfield and
+ Doursford, after which confluence they go togither in one chanell
+ still toward the east (taking a rill with them that c[=o]mmeth
+ betwéene Fernehirst and S. Lukes chappell, southwest of Linchmere, and
+ meeting with it east of Loddesworth (as I doo read, and likewise
+ sundrie other in one chanell beneath Stopham) to Waltham, Burie,
+ Houghton, Stoke, Arundell, Tortington ford, Climping (all on the west
+ side) and so into the sea.
+
+ Hauing thus described the west side of Arun, let vs doo the like with
+ the other in such sort as we best may. The first riuer that we come
+ vnto therfore on the east side, and also the second, rise of sundrie
+ places in S. Leonards forrest, & ioining a little aboue Horsham, they
+ méet with the third, which commeth from Ifield parke, not verie farre
+ from Slinfeld. The fourth hath two heads, whereof one riseth in
+ Witleie parke, the other by west, neere vnto Heselméere chappell, and
+ meeting by west of Doursfeld, they vnite themselues with the chanell,
+ growing by the confluence that I spake of beneath Slinfeld, a little
+ aboue Billingshirst. The last water commeth from the hils aboue
+ Linchemere, and runneth west and south, and passing betwéene
+ Billingshirst and Stopham it commeth vnto the chanell last mentioned,
+ and so into the Arun beneath Stopham, without anie further increase,
+ at the least that I doo heare of.
+
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ Burne hath his issue in a parke néere Aldingburrie (or rather a little
+ aboue the same toward the north, as I haue since beene informed) and
+ running by the bottomes toward the south, it falleth betwéene north
+ [Sidenote: Elin.]
+ Berflete and Flesham. Erin riseth of sundrie heads, by east of
+ Erinleie, and directing his course toward the sunne rising, it
+ peninsulateth Seleseie towne on the southwest and Pagham at northwest.
+ [Sidenote: Del[=u]s.]
+ Deel springeth about Benderton, and thence running betwéene middle
+ Lauant and east Lauant, it goeth by west of west Hampnet, by east of
+ Chichester, or west of Rumbaldesdowne, and afterward by Fishburne,
+ where it meeteth with a rill comming north west from Funtingdon (a
+ little beneath the towne) & then running thus in one streame toward
+ the sea, it méeteth with another rillet comming by north of Bosham,
+ and so into Auant gulfe by east of Thorneie Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Racunus.]
+ The Racon riseth by east of Racton or Racodunum (as Leland calleth it)
+ and comming by Chidham, it falleth into the sea, northeast of Thorneie
+ [Sidenote: Emill.]
+ aforesaid. The Emill commeth first betwéene Racton and Stansted, then
+ downe to Emilsworth or Emmesworth, & so vnto the Ocean, separating
+ Sussex from Hampshire almost from the very head. Hauing in this maner
+ passed along the coasts of Sussex, the next water that I remember,
+ riseth by east of the forrest of Estbirie, from whence it goeth by
+ Southwike, west Burhunt, Farham, and so into the gulfe almost full
+ [Sidenote: Badunus forte.]
+ south. Then come we to Bedenham creeke (so called of a village
+ standing thereby) the mouth whereof lieth almost directlie against
+ Porchester castell, which is situat about three miles by water from
+ Portesmouth towne, as Leland dooth report. Then go we within halfe a
+ [Sidenote: Forten or Fordon.]
+ mile further to Forten creeke, which either giueth or taketh name of a
+ [Sidenote: Osterpoole.]
+ village hard by. After this we come to Osterpoole lake, a great
+ créeke, that goeth vp by west into the land, and lieth not far from a
+ round turret of stone, from whence also there goeth a chaine to
+ another tower on the east side directlie ouer against it, the like
+ whereof is to be séene in diuerse other hauens of the west countrie,
+ wherby the entrance of great vessels into that part may be at pleasure
+ restreined.
+
+ From hence we go further to Tichefeld water, that riseth about
+ [Sidenote: Tichefield.]
+ Eastmaine parke, ten or twelue miles by northeast or there abouts from
+ Tichefeld. From Eastmaine it goeth (parting the forrests of Waltham,
+ and Eastberie by the way) to Wicham or Wicombe, a pretie market towne
+ & large throughfare, where also the water separateth it selfe into two
+ armelets, and going vnder two bridges of wood commeth yer long againe
+ vnto one chanell. From hence it goeth three or foure miles further, to
+ a bridge of timber by maister Writhoseleies house (leauing Tichfeld
+ towne on the right side) and a little beneath runneth vnder Ware
+ bridge, whither the sea floweth as hir naturall course inforceth.
+ Finallie, within a mile of this bridge it goeth into the water of
+ Hampton hauen, whervnto diuerse streames resort, as you shall heare
+ hereafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hamelrish.]
+ After this we come to Hamble hauen, or Hamelrish créeke, whose fall is
+ betwéene saint Andrewes castell, and Hoke. It riseth about Shidford in
+ Waltham forrest, & when it is past Croke bridge, it méeteth with
+ another brooke, which issueth not farre from Bishops Waltham, out of
+ sundrie springs in the high waie on Winchester, from whence it passeth
+ (as I said) by Bishops Waltham, then to Budeleie or Botleie, and then
+ ioining with the Hamble, they run togither by Prowlingsworth, Vpton,
+ Brusill, Hamble towne, and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Southhampton.]
+ Now come we to the hauen of Southhampton, by Ptolomie called Magnus
+ portus, which I will briefelie describe so néere as I can possiblie.
+ The bredth or entrie of the mouth hereof (as I take it) is by
+ estimation two miles from shore to shore. At the west point therof
+ also is a strong castell latelie builded, which is rightlie named
+ Caldshore, but now Cawshot, I wote not by what occasion. On the east
+ side thereof also is a place called Hoke (afore mentioned) or Hamell
+ hoke; wherein are not aboue thrée or foure fisher houses, not worthie
+ to be remembred. This hauen shooteth vp on the west side by the space
+ of seuen miles, vntill it come to Hampton towne, standing on the other
+ side, where it is by estimation a mile from land to land. Thence it
+ goeth vp further about thrée miles to Redbridge, still ebbing and
+ flowing thither, and one mile further, so farre as my memorie dooth
+ serue mée. Now it resteth that I describe the Alresford streame, which
+ some doo call the Arre or Arle, and I will procéed withall in this
+ order following.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alresford.]
+ The Alresford beginneth of diuerse faire springs, about a mile or more
+ fr[=o] Alresford, or Alford as it is now called, and soone after
+ resorting to one bottome, they become a broad lake, which for the most
+ part is called Alford pond. Afterward returning againe to a narrow
+ chanell, it goeth through a stone bridge at the end of Alford towne
+ (leauing the towne it selfe on the left hand) toward Hicthingstocke
+ thrée miles off, but yer it commeth there, it receiueth two rils in
+ one bottome, whereof one commeth from the Forrest in maner at hand,
+ and by northwest of old Alresford, the other fr[=o] Browne Candiuer,
+ that goeth by Northenton, Swarewotton, Aberstone, &c: vntill we méet
+ with the said water beneath Alford towne. Being past Hichinstocke, it
+ commeth by Auington to Eston village, and to Woorthie, where it
+ beginneth to branch, and ech arme to part it selfe into other that
+ resort to Hide and the lower soiles by east of Winchester, there
+ seruing the stréets, the close of S. Maries, Wolueseie, and the new
+ college verie plentifullie with their water. But in this meane while,
+ the great streame commeth from Worthie to the east bridge, and so to
+ saint Elizabeth college, where it dooth also part in twaine,
+ enuironing the said house in most delectable maner. After this it
+ goeth toward S. Crosses, leauing it a quarter of a mile on the right
+ hand: then to Twiford (a mile lower) where it gathereth againe into
+ [Sidenote: Otter.]
+ one bottome, and goeth six miles further to Woodmill, taking the Otter
+ brooke withall on the east side, and so into the salt créeke that
+ leadeth downe to the hauen.
+
+ On the other side of Southhampton, there resorteth into this hauen
+ [Sidenote: Stocke.]
+ also both the Test & the Stockbridge water in one bottome, whereof I
+ find this large description insuing. The verie head of the
+ Stockewater, is supposed to be somewhere about Basing stoke, or church
+ Hockleie, and going from thence betwéene Ouerton and Steuenton, it
+ commeth at last by Lauerstocke & Whitchurch, and soone after receiuing
+ [Sidenote: Bourne.]
+ a brooke by northwest, called the Bourne (descending from S. Marie
+ Bourne, southeast from Horsseburne) it procéedeth by Long paroch and
+ the wood, till it meet with the Cranburne, on the east side (a pretie
+ riuelet rising about Michelneie, and going by Fullington, Barton, and
+ to Cramburne) thence to Horwell in one bottome, beneath which it
+ meeteth with the Andeuer water, that is increased yer it come there by
+ an other brooke, whose name I doo not know. This Andeuer streame
+ riseth in Culhamshire forrest, not far by north from Andeuer towne,
+ and going to vpper Clatford, yer it touch there it receiueth the rill
+ of which I spake before, which rising also néere vnto Anport, goeth to
+ Monketon, to Abbatesham, the Andeuer, and both (as I said) vnto the
+ Test beneath Horwell, whereof I spake euen now.
+
+ These streames being thus brought into one bottome, it runneth toward
+ the south vnder Stockbridge, and soone after diuiding it selfe in
+ twaine, one branch thereof goeth by Houghton, & a little beneath
+ meeteth with a rill, that commeth from bywest of S. Ans hil, and goeth
+ by east of vpper Wallop, west of nether Wallop, by Bucholt forrest,
+ [Sidenote: Valopius.]
+ Broughton, and called (as I haue béene informed) the Gallop, but now
+ it is named Wallop. The other arme runneth through the parke, by north
+ west of kings Somburne, and vniting themselues againe, they go forth
+ [Sidenote: Test.]
+ by Motteshunt, and then receiue the Test, a pretie water rising in
+ Clarendun parke, that goeth by west Deane, and east Deane, so to
+ Motteshunt, and finallie to the aforesaid water, which from
+ thencefoorth is called the Test, euen vnto the sea. But to procéed.
+ After this confluence, it taketh the gate to Kimbebridge, then to
+ Rumseie, Longbridge, and beneath the same receiueth a concourse of two
+ rilles whereof the one commeth from Sherefield, the other from the new
+ Forrest, and ioining in Wadeleie parke, they beat vpon the Test, not
+ verie farre from Murseling. From thence the Test goeth vnder a pretie
+ bridge, before it come at Redbridge, from whence it is not long yer it
+ fall into the hauen.
+
+ The next riuer that runneth into this port, springeth in the new
+ [Sidenote: Eling.]
+ Forrest, and commeth thereinto about Eling, not passing one mile by
+ west of the fall of Test. From hence casting about againe into the
+ maine sea, and leauing Calde shore castell on the right hand, we
+ directed our course toward the southwest, vnto Beaulieu hauen,
+ [Sidenote: Mineie.]
+ whereinto the Mineie descendeth. The Mineie riseth not far from
+ Mineiestéed, a village in the north part of the new Forrest; and going
+ by Beaulieu, it falleth into the sea southwest (as I take it) of
+ Exburie, a village standing vpon the shore.
+
+ [Sidenote: Limen.]
+ Being past the Mineie, we crossed the Limen as it is now called, whose
+ head is in the verie hart of the new Forrest (sometime conuerted into
+ a place of nourishment for déere by William Rufus, buieng his pleasure
+ with the ruine of manie towns and villages, as diuerse haue inclosed
+ or inlarged their parks by the spoile of better occupiengs) & running
+ southwest of Lindhirst & the parke, it goeth by east of Brokenhirst,
+ west of Bulder, & finallie into the sea south and by east of
+ Lemington. I take this not to be the proper name of the water, but of
+ the hauen, for Limen in Gréeke is an hauen: so that Limendune is
+ nothing else, but a downe or higher plot of ground lieng on the hauen:
+ neuerthelesse, sith this denomination of the riuer hath now hir frée
+ passage, I think it not conuenient to séeke out any other name that
+ should be giuen vnto it. The next fall that we passed by is namelesse,
+ [Sidenote: Bure.]
+ [Sidenote: Milis.]
+ except it be called Bure, & as it descendeth from new Forrest, so the
+ next vnto it hight Mile, as I haue heard in English. Certes the head
+ thereof is also in the southwest part of the said Forrest, & the fall
+ not far from Milford bridge, beyond the which I find a narrow going or
+ strictland leading fr[=o] the point to Hirst castell which standeth
+ into the sea, as if it hoong by a thred, from the maine of the Iland,
+ readie to be washed awaie by the continuall working and dailie beating
+ of the waues.
+
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ The next riuer that we came vnto of anie name is the Auon, which (as
+ Leland saith) riseth by northeast, and not far from Woolfehall in
+ Wiltshire, supposed to be the same which Ptolomie called Halenus. The
+ first notable bridge that it runneth vnto, is at Vphauen, thence foure
+ miles further it goeth to little Ambresburie, and there is another
+ bridge, from thence to Woodford village, standing at the right hand
+ banke, and Newton village on the left. The bishops of Sarum had a
+ proper manor place at Woodford, which bishop Sharton pulled downe
+ altogither, bicause it was somewhat in ruine. Thence it goeth to
+ Fisherton bridge, to Cranebridge, old Salisburie, new Salisburie, and
+ finallie to Harnham, which is a statelie bridge of stone, of six
+ arches at the least. There is at the west end of the said bridge, a
+ little Iland, that lieth betwixt this and another bridge, of foure
+ pretie arches, and vnder this later runneth a good round streame,
+ which (as I take it) is a branch of Auon, that breaketh out a little
+ aboue, & soone after it reuniteth it selfe againe: or else that Wilton
+ water hath there his entrie into the Auon, which I cannot yet
+ determine. From Harneham bridge it goeth to Dounton, that is about
+ foure miles, and so much in like sort from thence to Fordingbridge, to
+ Ringwood bridge fiue miles, to Christes church Twinham fiue miles, and
+ streight into the sea; and hitherto Leland of this streame, which for
+ the worthinesse thereof (in mine opinion) is not sufficientlie
+ described. Wherefore I thinke good to deliuer a second receiued of
+ another, which in more particular maner dooth exhibit his course vnto
+ vs.
+
+ Certes this Auon is a goodlie riuer, rising (as I said before néere)
+ vnto Wolfe hall; although he that will séeke more scrupulouslie for
+ the head in déed, must looke for the same about the borders of the
+ forrest of Sauernake (that is Soure oke) which lieth as if it were
+ imbraced betwéene the first armes thereof, as I haue beene informed.
+ These heads also doo make a confluence by east of Martinshall hill,
+ and west of Wootton. From whence it goeth to Milton, Powseie,
+ Manningfield abbeie, Manningfield crosse, and beneath Newington taketh
+ in one rill west from Rudborow, and another a little lower that riseth
+ also west of Alcanninges, and runneth into the same by Patneie,
+ Merden, Wilford, Charleton, and Rustisall. Being therefore past
+ Newington, it goeth to Vphauen (whereof Leland speaketh) to
+ Chesilburie, Compton, Ablington, little Almsburie, Darntford,
+ Woodford, old Salisburie, and so to new Salisburie, where it receiueth
+ one notable riuer from by northwest, & another from north east, which
+ two I will first describe, leauing the Auon at Salisburie for a while.
+ [Sidenote: Wilugh.]
+ The first of these is called the Wilugh, whereof the whole shire dooth
+ take hir name, and not of the great plentie of willowes growing
+ therein, as some fantasticall heads doo imagine: whereof also there is
+ more plentie in that countrie than is to be found in other places. It
+ riseth among the Deuerels, and running thence by hill Deuerell, &
+ Deuerell long bridge, it goeth toward Bishops straw, taking in one
+ rill by west & another from Vpton by Werminster at northwest. From
+ Bishops straw it goeth to Norton, Vpton, Badhampton, Steplinford, and
+ Stapleford, where it meeteth with the Winterburie water from by north,
+ descending from Maddenton by Winterburne. From Stapleford it hasteth
+ to Wishford, Newton, Chilhampton, Wilton: and thither commeth a water
+ vnto it from southwest, which riseth of two heads aboue Ouerdonet.
+ After this it goeth by Wordcastell, to Tisburie, and there receiueth a
+ water on ech side, whereof one commeth from Funthill, the other from
+ two issues (of which one riseth at Austie, the other at Swalodise) and
+ so keeping on still with his course, our Wilugh runneth next of all by
+ Sutton. Thence it goeth to Fouant, Boberstocke, Southburcombe, Wilton
+ [Sidenote: Nader becke.]
+ (where it taketh in the Fomington or Nader water) Westharnam,
+ Salisburie, and Eastharnam: and this is the race of Wilugh.
+
+ The other is a naked arme or streame without anie branches. It riseth
+ aboue Colingburne Kingston in the hils, and thence it goeth to
+ Colingburne, the Tidworths (whereof the more southerlie is in
+ Wiltshire) Shipton, Cholterton, Newton, Toneie, Idmerson, Porton, the
+ Winterburns, Lauerstocke, and so into Auon east of Salisburie. And
+ thus is the confluence made of the aforesaid waters, with this our
+ [Sidenote: Becquith brooke.]
+ second Auon, whereinto another water falleth (called Becquithes
+ brooke) a mile beneath Harneham bridge, whose head is fiue miles from
+ Sarum, and thrée miles aboue Becquithes bridge, as Leland doth
+ [Sidenote: Chalkeburne.]
+ remember, who noteth the Chalkeburne water to haue his due recourse
+ also at this place into the aforesaid riuer. Certes it is a pretie
+ brooke, and riseth six miles from Shaftesburie, and in the waie toward
+ Salisburie in a bottome on the right hand, whence it commeth by
+ Knighton and Fennistratford, to Honington, that is about twelue miles
+ from the head, and about two miles and an halfe from Honington beneath
+ Odstocke, goeth into the Auon, a mile lower than Harnham bridge,
+ except he forget himselfe. This Harnham, whereof I now intreat, was
+ sometime a pretie village before the erection of new Salisburie, and
+ had a church of S. Martine belonging vnto it, but now in stéed of this
+ church, there is onelie a barne standing in a verie low mead on the
+ northside of S. Michaels hospitall. The cause of the relinquishing of
+ it was the moistnesse of the soile, verie oft ouerflowne. And whereas
+ the kings high waie laie sometime through Wilton, licence was obteined
+ of the king and Richard bishop of Salisburie, to remooue that passage
+ vnto new Salisburie in like maner, and vpon this occasion was the
+ [Sidenote: Thrée towns decaied by changing one waie.]
+ maine bridge made ouer Auon at Harneham. By this exchange of the waie
+ also old Salisburie fell into vtter decaie, & Wilton which was before
+ the head towne of the shire, and furnished with twelue parish
+ churches, grew to be but a poore village, and of small reputation.
+ Howbeit, this was not the onelie cause of the ruine of old Salisburie,
+ sith I read of two other, whereof the first was a salue vnto the
+ latter, as I take it. For whereas it was giuen out, that the townesmen
+ wanted water in old Salisburie, it is flat otherwise; sith that hill
+ is verie plentifullie serued with springs and wels of verie swéet
+ water. The truth of the matter therefore is this.
+
+ [Sidenote: An holie conflict.]
+ In the time of ciuill warres, the souldiors of the castell and chanons
+ of old Sarum fell at ods, insomuch that after often bralles, they fell
+ at last to sad blowes. It happened therefore in a rogation weeke that
+ the cleargie going in solemne procession, a controuersie fell betwéene
+ them about certeine walkes and limits, which the one side claimed and
+ the other denied. Such also was the hot intertainment on ech part,
+ that at the last the Castellanes espieng their time, gate betwéene the
+ cleargie and the towne, and so coiled them as they returned homeward,
+ that they feared anie more to gang about their bounds for the yeare.
+ Héerevpon the people missing their bellie cheare (for they were woont
+ to haue banketing at euerie station, a thing commonlie practised by
+ the religious in old time, wherewith to linke in the commons vnto
+ them, whom anie man may lead whither he will by the bellie, or as
+ Latimer said, with beefe, bread and beere) they conceiued foorthwith a
+ deadlie hatred against the Castellans. But not being able to cope with
+ them by force of armes, they consulted with Richard Pore their bishop,
+ and he with them so effectuallie, that it was not long yer they, I
+ meane the chanons, began a new church vpon a péece of their owne
+ ground called Mirifield, pretending to serue God there in better
+ safetie, and with far more quietnesse than they could doo before. This
+ [Sidenote: New Salisburie begun.]
+ church was begun 1219, the nine and twentith of Aprill, and finished
+ with the expenses of 42000 marks, in the yeare 1260, and fiue &
+ twentith of March, whereby it appeereth that it was aboue fortie yéers
+ in hand, although the clearks were translated to the new towne 1220,
+ or the third yeere after the fraie. The people also séeing the
+ diligence of the chanons, and reputing their harmes for their owne
+ inconuenience, were as earnest on the other side to be néere vnto
+ these prelats, and therefore euerie man brought his house vnto that
+ place, & thus became old Sarum in few yeeres vtterlie desolate, and
+ new Salisburie raised vp in stéed thereof, to the great decaie also of
+ Harnham and Wilton, whereof I spake of late. Neuerthelesse it should
+ séeme to me that this new citie is not altogither void of some great
+ hinderances now and then by water: for in the second of Edward the
+ second (who held a parlement there) there was a sudden thaw after a
+ great frost, which caused the waters so fast to arise, that euen at
+ high masse time the water came into the minster, and not onelie
+ ouerflowed the nether part of the same, but came vp all to the kings
+ pauase where he sate, whereby he became wetshod, and in the end
+ inforced to leaue the church, as the executour did his masse, least
+ they should all haue béene drowned: and this rage indured there for
+ the space of two daies, wherevpon no seruice could be said in the said
+ minster.
+
+ Now to returne againe from whence I thus digressed. Our Auon therefore
+ departing from Salisburie, goeth by Burtford, Longford, and taking in
+ the waters afore mentioned by the waie, it goeth by Stanleie,
+ Dunketon, Craiford, Burgate, Fording bridge, Ringwood, Auon, Christes
+ church; and finallie into the sea. But yer it come all there & a litle
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ beneth Christes church, it crosseth the Stoure or Sture, a verie faire
+ streame, whose course is such as may not be left vntouched. It riseth
+ of six heads, whereof thrée lie on the north side of the parke at
+ Sturton within the pale, the other rise without the parke; & of this
+ riuer the towne and baronie of Sturton dooth take his name as I gesse,
+ for except my memorie do too much faile me, the lord Sturton giueth
+ the six heads of the said water in his armes. But to procéed. After
+ these branches are conioined in one bottome, it goeth to long Laime
+ mill, Stilton, Milton, and beneath Gillingham receiueth a water that
+ descendeth from Mere. Thence the Sture goeth to Bugleie, Stoure,
+ [Sidenote: Cale.]
+ Westouer bridge, Stoure prouost, and yer long it taketh in the Cale
+ water, from Pen that commeth downe by Wickhampton to Moreland, & so to
+ Stapleford, seuen miles from Wickhampton, passing in the said voiage,
+ by Wine Caunton, and the fiue bridges. After this confluence, it
+ [Sidenote: Lidden.]
+ [Sidenote: Deuilis.]
+ runneth to Hinton Maries, and soone after crosseth the Lidden and
+ Deuilis waters all in one chanell, whereof the first riseth in
+ Blackemore vale, and goeth to the bishops Caundell: the second in the
+ hils south of Pulham, and so runneth to Lidlinch; the third water
+ [Sidenote: Iber.]
+ issueth néere Ibberton, and going by Fifehed to Lidlington, and there
+ [Sidenote: Blackewater.]
+ méeting with the Lidden, they receiue the Blackewater aboue Bagburne,
+ and so go into the Stoure.
+
+ After this the Stoure runneth on to Stoureton minster, Fitleford,
+ Hammond, and soone after taking in one water that commeth from
+ Hargraue by west Orchard, and a second from Funtmill, it goeth on to
+ Chele, Ankeford, Handford, Durweston, Knighton, Brainston, Blandford,
+ Charleton: and crossing yer long a rill that riseth about Tarrent, and
+ goeth to Launston, Munketon, Caunston, Tarrant, it proceedeth foorth
+ by Shepwijc, and by and by receiuing another brooke on the right hand,
+ that riseth about Strictland, and goeth by Quarleston, Whitchurch,
+ Anderston, and Winterburne, it hasteth forward to Stoureminster,
+ Berford lake, Alen bridge, Winburne, aliàs Twinburne minster, whither
+ commeth a water called Alen (from Knolton, Wikehampton, Estambridge,
+ Hinton, Barnsleie) which hath two heads, whereof one riseth short of
+ Woodcotes, and east of Farneham, named Terig, the other at Munketon
+ aboue S. Giles Winburne, and going thence to S. Giles Ashleie, it
+ taketh in the Horton becke, as the Horton dooth the Cranburne.
+ Finallie, meeting with the Terig aboue Knolton, they run on vnder the
+ [Sidenote: This Stoure aboundeth with pike, perch, roch,
+ dace, gudgeon and éeles.]
+ name of Alen to the Stoure, which goeth to the Canfords, Preston,
+ Kingston, Perleie, and Yolnest: but yer it come at Yolnest it taketh
+ in two brookes in one bottome, whereof one commeth from Woodland parke
+ by Holt parke, and Holt, another from aboue vpper Winburne, by
+ Edmondesham, Vertwood, and Mannington, and ioining about S. Leonards,
+ they go to Hornebridge, and so into Stoure. After which confluence,
+ the said Stoure runneth by Iuor bridge, and so into Auon, leauing
+ Christs church aboue the méeting of the said waters (as I haue said
+ before.)
+
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ Hauing in this maner passed Christes church head we come to the fall
+ of the Burne, which is a little brooke running from Stourefield heath,
+ without branches; from whence we proceeded: & the next fall that we
+ [Sidenote: Poole.]
+ come vnto is Poole, from whose mouth vpon the shore, by southwest in a
+ baie of thrée miles off, is a poore fisher towne called Sandwich,
+ where we saw a péere and a little fresh brooke. The verie vtter part
+ of saint Adelmes point, is fiue miles from Sandwich. In another baie
+ lieth west Lilleworth, where (as I heare) is some profitable
+ harborough for ships. The towne of Poole is from Winburne about foure
+ miles, and it standeth almost as an Ile in the hauen. The hauen it
+ selfe also, if a man should measure it by the circuit, wanteth little
+ of twentie miles, as I did gesse by the view.
+
+ Going therefore into the same, betwéene the north and the south
+ points, to sée what waters were there, we left Brunkeseie Iland, and
+ the castell on the left hand within the said points; and passing about
+ by Pole, and leauing that créeke, bicause it hath no fresh, we came by
+ Holton and Kesworth, where we beheld two falles, of which one was
+ called the north, the other the south waters. The north streame hight
+ [Sidenote: Piddle.]
+ Piddle as I heare. It riseth about Alton, and goeth from thence to
+ Piddle trench head, Piddle hinton, Walterstow, and yer it come at
+ [Sidenote: Deuils.]
+ Birstam, receiueth Deuils brooke that commeth thither from Brugham and
+ Melcombe by Deuilish towne. Thence it goeth to Tow piddle, Ashe
+ piddle, Turners piddle (taking in yer it come there, a water that
+ runneth from Helton by Middleton, Milburne & Biere) then to Hide, and
+ so into Pole hauen, and of this water Marianus Scotus speaketh, except
+ [Sidenote: Frome.]
+ I be deceiued. The south water is properlie called Frome for Frame. It
+ riseth néere vnto Euershot, and going downe by Fromequitaine,
+ Chelmington, and Catstocke, it receiueth there a rill from beside
+ Rowsham, and Wraxehall. After this it goeth on to Chilfrome, and
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ thence to Maden Newton, where it méeteth with the Owke, that riseth
+ either two miles aboue Hoke parke at Kenford, or in the great pond
+ within Hoke parke, and going by the Tollards, falleth into the Frome
+ about Maden Newton, & so go as one from thence to Fromevauchirch,
+ Crokewaie, Frampton, and Muckilford, and receiueth néere vnto the same
+ a rill from aboue Vpsidling by S. Nicholas Sidling, and Grimston. From
+ hence it goeth on by Stratton and Bradford Peuerell, and beneath this
+ [Sidenote: Silleie.]
+ [Sidenote: Minterne.]
+ [Sidenote: Cherne.]
+ Bradford, it crosseth the Silleie aliàs Minterne and Cherne brooks
+ both in one chanell: whereof the first riseth in vpper Cherne parish,
+ the other at Minterne, and méeting aboue middle Cherne, they go by
+ nether Cherne, Forston, Godmanston, and aboue Charneminster into
+ Frome. In the meane time also our Frome brancheth and leaueth an Iland
+ aboue Charneminster, and ioining againe néere Dorchester, it goeth by
+ Dorchester, and Forthington; but yer it come at Beckington, it méeteth
+ with another Becke that runneth thereinto from Winterburne, Stapleton,
+ Martinstow, Heringstow, Caine and Stafford, and from thence goeth
+ without anie further increase as yet to Beckington, Knighton,
+ Tinkleton, Morton, Wooll, Bindon, Stoke, & beneath Stoke receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Luckford.]
+ issue of the Luckford lake, from whence also it passeth by Eastholme,
+ [Sidenote: Séeke more for Wilie brooke that goeth by
+ West burie to Pole hauen.]
+ Warham, and so into the Baie. From this fall we went about the arme
+ point by Slepe, where we saw a little créeke, then by Owre, where we
+ beheld an other, & then comming againe toward the entrance by saint
+ Helens, and Furleie castell, we went abroad into the maine, and found
+ ourselues at libertie.
+
+ When we were past Pole hauen, we left the Handfast point, the Peuerell
+ point, S. Adelmes chappell, and came at last to Lughport hauen,
+ whereby and also the Luckeford lake, all this portion of ground last
+ remembred, is left in maner of a byland or peninsula, and called the
+ Ile of Burbecke, wherein is good store of alum and hard stone. In like
+ sort going still westerlie, we came to Sutton points, where is a
+ créeke. Then vnto Waie or Wilemouth, by kings Welcombe, which is
+ twentie miles from Pole, and whose head is not full foure miles aboue
+ the hauen by northwest at Vphill in the side of a great hill. Hereinto
+ when we were entred, we saw three falles, whereof the first and
+ greatest commeth from Vpweie by Bradweie, and Radipoole, receiuing
+ afterward the second that ran from east Chekerell, and likewise the
+ third that maketh the ground betwéene Weimouth and Smalmouth passage
+ almost an Iland. There is a little barre of sand at the hauen mouth,
+ and a great arme of the sea runneth vp by the right hand; and scant a
+ mile aboue the hauen mouth on the shore, is a right goodlie and
+ warlike castell made, which hath one open barbicane. This arme runneth
+ vp also further by a mile as in a baie, to a point of land where a
+ passage is into Portland, by a little course of pibble sand. It goeth
+ vp also from the said passage vnto Abbatsbirie about seauen miles off,
+ where a litle fresh rondell resorteth to the sea. And somewhat aboue
+ [Sidenote: Chesill.]
+ this, is the head or point of the Chesill lieng northwest, which
+ stretcheth vp from thence about seauen miles, as a maine narrow banke,
+ by a right line vnto the southeast, and there abutteth vpon Portland
+ scant a quarter of a mile aboue the Newcastle there. The nature of
+ this banke is such, that so often as the wind bloweth vehementlie at
+ southeast, so often the sea beateth in, and losing the banke soketh
+ through it: so that if this wind should blow from that corner anie
+ long time togither, Portland should be left an Iland as it hath béene
+ before. But as the southwest wind dooth appaire this banke, so a
+ northwest dooth barre it vp againe. It is pretie to note of the
+ Townelet of Waimouth, which lieth streight against Milton on the other
+ side, and of this place where the water of the hauen is but of small
+ breadth, that a rope is commonlie tied from one side of the shore to
+ another, whereby the ferrie men doo guide their botes without anie
+ helpe of Ores. But to procéed with our purpose. Into the mouth of this
+ riuer doo ships often come for succour.
+
+ Going by Portland and the point thereof called the Rase, we sailed
+ along by the Shingle, till we came by saint Katharins chappell, where
+ we saw the fall of a water that came downe from Blackdéene Beaconward,
+ by Portsham and Abbatsburie. Thence we went to another that fell into
+ the sea, neere Birton, and descended from Litton by Chilcombe, then
+ [Sidenote: Bride.]
+ vnto the Bride or Brute port, a pretie hauen, and the riuer it selfe
+ serued with sundrie waters. It riseth halfe a mile or more aboue
+ [Sidenote: Nature hath set the mouth of this riuer in maner betwixt
+ two hils, so that a little cost would make an hau[=e] there.]
+ Bemister, and so goeth from Bemister to Netherburie by Parneham, then
+ to Melplash, and so to Briteport, where it taketh in two waters from
+ by east in one chanell, of which one riseth east of Nettlecort, and
+ goeth by Porestoke and Milton, the other at Askerwell, and runneth by
+ [Sidenote: Simen.]
+ Longlether. From hence also our Bride going toward the sea, taketh the
+ Simen on the west that commeth by Simensburge into the same, the whole
+ streame soone after falling into the sea, and leauing a pretie
+ hauenet.
+
+ [Sidenote: Chare.]
+ The next port is the Chare, serued with two rils in one confluence,
+ beneath Charemouth. The cheefe head of this riuer is (as Leland saith)
+ in Marshwood parke, and commeth downe by Whitechurch: the other
+ runneth by west of Wootton, and méeting beneath Charemouth towne (as I
+ said) dooth fall into the sea. Then came we to the Cobbe, and beheld
+ [Sidenote: Buddle.]
+ the Lime water, which the townesmen call the Buddle, which commeth
+ about thrée miles by north of Lime, from the hils, fleting vpon Rockie
+ soile, and so falleth into the sea. Certes, there is no hauen héere
+ that I could sée, but a quarter of a mile by west southwest of the
+ towne, is a great and costlie iuttie in the sea for succour of ships.
+ The towne is distant from Coliton, about fiue miles. And heere we
+ ended our voiage from the Auon, which conteineth the whole coast of
+ Dorcester, or Dorcetshire, so that next we must enter into Summerset
+ countie, and sée what waters are there.
+
+ [Sidenote: Axe.]
+ The first water that we méet withall in Summersetshire is the Axe,
+ which riseth in a place called Axe knoll, longing to sir Giles
+ Strangwaie, néere vnto Cheddington in Dorsetshire, from whence it
+ runneth to Mosterne, Feborow, Claxton, Weiford bridge, Winsham foord,
+ and receiuing one rill from the east by Hawkechurch, and soone after
+ another comming from northwest by Churchstoke, from Wainbroke, it
+ [Sidenote: Yare aliàs Arte.]
+ goeth to Axeminster, beneath which it crosseth the Yare, that commeth
+ from about Buckland, by Whitstaunton, Yarecombe, Long bridge,
+ Stockeland, Kilmington bridge (where it receiueth a brooke from by
+ south, that runneth by Dalwood) and so into the Axe. From hence our
+ Axe goeth to Drake, Musburie, Culliford: but yer it come altogither at
+ Culliford, it méeteth with a water that riseth aboue Cotleie, and
+ goeth from thence by Widworthie, Culliton, and there receiuing a rill
+ also, procéedeth on after the confluence aboue Culliford bridge, into
+ the Axe, and from thence hold on togither into the maine sea,
+ whereinto they fall vnder the roots of the winter cliffes, the points
+ of them being almost a mile in sunder. The most westerlie of them
+ called Berewood, lieth within halfe a mile of Seton.
+
+ But the other toward the east is named Whitecliffe, of which I saie no
+ more, but that "in the time of Athelstane, the greatest nauie that
+ euer aduentured into this Iland, arriued at Seton in Deuonshire, being
+ replenished with aliens that sought the conquest of this Iland, but
+ Athelstane met and incountered with them in the field, where he
+ ouerthrew six thousand of his aforesaid enimies. Not one of them also
+ that remained aliue, escaped from the battell without some deadlie or
+ verie gréeuous wound. In this conflict moreouer were slaine fiue
+ kings, which were interred in the churchyard of Axe minster, and of
+ the part of the king of England were killed eight earles of the chéefe
+ of his nobilitie, and they also buried in the churchyard aforesaid.
+ Héervnto it addeth how the bishop of Shireburne was in like sort
+ slaine in this battell, that began at Brunedune neere to Coliton, and
+ indured euen to Axe minster, which then was called Brunberie or
+ Brunburg. The same daie that this thing happened the sunne lost his
+ light, and so continued without anie brightnesse, vntill the setting
+ of that planet, though otherwise the season was cléere and nothing
+ cloudie."
+
+ As for the hauen which in times past as I haue heard, hath béene at
+ [Sidenote: Sidde.]
+ Sidmouth (so called of Sidde a rillet that runneth thereto) and
+ [Sidenote: Seton.]
+ likewise at Seton, I passe it ouer, sith now there is none at all. Yet
+ hath there béene sometime a notable one, albeit, that at this present
+ betweene the two points of the old hauen, there lieth a mightie bar of
+ pibble stones, in the verie mouth of it, and the riuer Axe is driuen
+ to the verie east point of the hauen called White cliffe. Thereat also
+ a verie little gull goeth into the sea, whither small fisherbotes doo
+ oft resort for succour. The men of Seton began of late to stake and
+ make a maine wall within the hauen to haue changed the course of the
+ Axe, and (almost in the middle of the old hauen) to haue trenched
+ through the Chesill, thereby to haue let out the Axe, & to haue taken
+ in the maine sea, but I heare of none effect that this attempt did
+ come vnto. From Seton westward lieth Coliton, about two miles by west
+ [Sidenote: Colie.]
+ northwest, whereof riseth the riuer Colie, which going by the
+ aforesaid towne, passeth by Colecombe parke, and afterward falleth
+ betweene Axe bridge and Axe mouth towne into the Axe riuer.
+
+ By west of Bereworth point lieth a créeke, serued (so farre as I
+ remember) with a fresh water that commeth from the hilles south of
+ [Sidenote: Sid.]
+ Soutleie or Branscombe. Sidmouth hauen is the next, and thither
+ commeth a fresh water by S. Maries from the said hils, that goeth from
+ S. Maries aforesaid to Sidburie, & betweene Saltcombe & Sidmouth into
+ [Sidenote: Autrie aliàs Ottereie.]
+ the maine sea. By west of Auterton point also lieth another hauen, and
+ thither commeth a pretie riueret, whose head is in the Hackpendon
+ hilles, and commeth downe first by Vpauter, then by a parke side to
+ Mohuns Auter, Munketon, Honniton, Buckewell, and north of Autrie
+ [Sidenote: Tale.]
+ receiueth a rill called Tale, that riseth northwest of Brodemburie in
+ a wood, and from whence it commeth by Pehemburie, Vinniton, and making
+ a confluence with the other, they go as one betwéene Cadde and Autrie,
+ to Herford, Luton, Collaton, Auterton, Budeleie, and so into the sea.
+ On the west side of this hauen is Budeleie almost directly against
+ Otterton. It is easie to be seene also, that within lesse space than
+ one hundred yeers, ships did vse this hauen, but now it is barred vp.
+ Some call it Budeleie hauen of Budeleie towne, others Salterne port,
+ of a little créeke comming out of the maine hauen vnto Salterne
+ village, that hath in time past béene a towne of great estimation.
+
+ [Sidenote: Exe.]
+ The Ex riseth in Exmore in Summersetshire, néere vnto Ex crosse, and
+ goeth from thence vnto Exeford, Winsford, and Extun, where it
+ receiueth a water comming from Cutcombe, by north. After this
+ confluence it goeth on toward the south, till it méet with a pretie
+ brooke rising northeast of Whettell (going by Brunton Regis) increased
+ at the least with thrée rilles which come all from by north. These
+ being once met, this water runneth on by west of the beacon that
+ [Sidenote: Barleie.]
+ beareth the name of Haddon, & soone after taketh in the Barleie, that
+ [Sidenote: Done aliàs Dones broke.]
+ receiueth in like sort the Done at Hawkbridge, and from hence goeth by
+ Dauerton, and Combe, and then doth méet with the Exe, almost in the
+ verie confines betwéene Dorset & Summersetshires. Being past this
+ coniunction, our Exe passeth betwéene Brushford and Murbath, and then
+ to Exe bridge, where it taketh in (as I heare) a water by west from
+ east Austie: and after this likewise another on ech side, whereof one
+ [Sidenote: Woodburne.]
+ commeth from Dixford, and Baunton, the other called Woodburne,
+ somewhat by east of Okeford. From these meetings it goeth to Caue and
+ through the forrest and woods to Hatherland and Washfields, vntill it
+ come to Tiuerton, and here it receiueth the Lomund water that riseth
+ aboue Ashbrittle, & commeth downe by Hockworthie, vpper Loman, and so
+ to Tiuerton that standeth almost euen in the verie confluence. Some
+ [Sidenote: Lomund or Simming.]
+ call this Lomund the Simming brooke or Sunnings bath. After this our
+ Exe goeth to Bickleie, Theuerten, (taking in a rill by  west) nether
+ [Sidenote: Columbe.]
+ Exe, Bramford, beneath which it ioineth with the Columbe that riseth
+ of one head northeast of Clarie Haidon, and of another south of
+ Shildon, and méeting beneath Columbe stocke, goeth by Columbe and
+ Bradfeld, and there crossing a rill that commeth by Ashford, it
+ runneth south to Wood, More haies, Columbton, Brandnicke, Beare,
+ Columbe Iohn, Hoxham, and ioining (as I said) with the Exe at
+ Bramford, passing vnder but one bridge, yer it meet with another water
+ [Sidenote: Cride.]
+ [Sidenote: Forten.]
+ by west, growing of the Forten and Cride waters (except it be so that
+ I doo iudge amisse.) The Cride riseth aboue Wollesworthie, and néere
+ vnto Vpton: after it is past Dewrish, crosseth a rill from betweene
+ Puggill and Stockeleie by Stocke English, &c. From hence it goeth to
+ Fulford, where it méeteth with the Forten, wherof one branch commeth
+ by Caldbrooke, the other from S. Marie Tedburne, and ioining aboue
+ Crediton, the chanell goeth on to the Cride, (which yer long also
+ receiueth another from by north, comming by Stockeleie and Combe) then
+ betwéene Haine and Newton Sires, to Pines, and so into the Exe, which
+ staieth not vntill it come to Excester. From Excester (whither the
+ burgesses in time past laboured to bring the same, but in vaine) it
+ runneth to Were, there taking in a rill from by west, and an other
+ lower by Exminster, next of all vnto Toppesham; beneath which towne
+ [Sidenote: Cliuus.]
+ the Cliue entreth thereinto, which rising about Plumtree, goeth by
+ Cliff Haidon, Cliff Laurence, Brode Cliff, Honiton, Souton, Bishops
+ Cliff, S. Marie Cliff, Cliff saint George, and then into the Exe, that
+ runneth forward by Notwell court, Limston and Pouderham castell. Here
+ [Sidenote: Ken.]
+ (as I heare) it taketh in the Ken, or Kenton brooke (as Leland calleth
+ it) comming from Holcombe parke, by Dunsdike, Shillingford, Kenford,
+ Ken, Kenton, and so into Exe hauen, at whose mouth lie certeine rocks
+ which they call the Checkstones, except I be deceiued. The next fall,
+ whereof Leland saith nothing at all, commeth by Ashcombe and Dulish,
+ and hath his head in the hilles thereby.
+
+ [Sidenote: Teigne.]
+ The Teigne mouth is the next fall that we came to, & it is a goodlie
+ port foure miles from Exemouth. The head of this water is twentie
+ miles from the sea at Teigne head in Dartmore among the Gidleie
+ hilles. From whence it goeth to Gidleie towne, Teignton drue, where it
+ [Sidenote: Crokerne.]
+ receiueth the Crokerne comming from by north, and likewise an other
+ west of Fulford parke. Then it goeth to Dufford, Bridford, Kirslowe,
+ [Sidenote: Bouie.]
+ Chidleie, Knighton, and beneath the bridge there receiueth the Bouie,
+ whose course is to north Bouie, Lilleie, and Bouitracie. Thence it
+ [Sidenote: Eidis.]
+ runneth to kings Teignton, taking in Eidis, a brooke beneath Preston
+ that commeth from Edeford by the waie. And when it is past this
+ [Sidenote: Leman.]
+ confluence, at kings Teignton, it crosseth the Leman, which commeth
+ from Saddleton rocke by Beckington, and Newton Bushels: and soone
+ [Sidenote: Aller.]
+ after the Aller that riseth betwéene Danburie and Warog well,
+ afterward falling into the sea by Bishops Teignton, south of
+ Teignmouth towne.
+
+ The verie vtter west point of the land, at the mouth of Teigne is
+ called the Nesse, and is a verie high red cliffe. The east part of the
+ hauen is named the Poles, a low sandie ground, either cast vp by the
+ spuing of the sand out of the Teigne, or else throwne vp from the
+ shore by the rage of wind and water. This sand occupieth now a great
+ quantitie of the ground betwéene the hauen where the sand riseth, and
+ Teignmouth towne, which towne (surnamed Regis) hath in time past béene
+ sore defaced by the Danes, and of late time by the French.
+
+ From Teignemouth we came to Tor baie, wherof the west point is called
+ Birie, and the east Perritorie, betwéene which is little aboue foure
+ miles. From Tor baie also to Dartmouth is six miles, where (saith
+ Leland) I marked diuerse things. First of all vpon the east side of
+ the hauen a great hillie point called Downesend, and betwixt
+ Downesend, and a pointlet named Wereford is a little baie. Were it
+ selfe, in like sort, is not full a mile from Downesend vpward into the
+ hauen. Kingswere towne standeth out as another pointlet, and betwixt
+ it & Wereford is the second baie. Somewhat moreouer aboue Kingswere
+ towne goeth a little créeke vp into the land from the maine streame of
+ the hauen called Waterhead, and this is a verie fit place for vessels
+ to be made in. In like sort halfe a mile beyond this into the landward
+ goeth another longer créeke, and aboue that also a greater than either
+ of these called Gawnston, whose head is here not halfe a mile from the
+ maine sea, by the compassing thereof, as it runneth in Tor baie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dart.]
+ The riuer of Dart or Darent (for I read Derenta muth for Dartmouth)
+ commeth out of Dartmore fiftéene miles aboue Totnesse, in a verie
+ large plot, and such another wild morish & forrestie ground as Exmore
+ is. Of it selfe moreouer this water is verie swift, and thorough
+ occasion of tin-workes whereby it passeth, it carrieth much sand to
+ Totnesse bridge, and so choketh the depth of the riuer downeward, that
+ the hauen it selfe is almost spoiled by the same. The mariners of
+ Dartmouth accompt this to be about a kenning from Plimmouth. The
+ Darent therefore proceeding from the place of his vprising, goeth on
+ to Buckland, from whence it goeth to Buckland hole; and soone after
+ [Sidenote: Ashburne.]
+ [Sidenote: Buckfastlich.]
+ taking in the Ashburne water on the one side that runneth from
+ Saddleton rocke by north, and the Buckfastlich that commeth from north
+ west, it runneth to Staunton, Darington, Hemston, and there also
+ crossing a rill on ech side passeth foorth to Totnesse, Bowden, and
+ [Sidenote: Hartburne.]
+ aboue Gabriell Stoke, méeteth with the Hartburne that runneth vnder
+ Rost bridge, two miles aboue Totnes, or (as another saith) by Ratter,
+ Harberton, Painesford, and Asprempton into Darent, which yon long also
+ commeth to Corneworthie, Grenewaie, Ditsham, Darntmouth towne
+ (wherevnto king Iohn gaue sometimes a maior, as he did vnto Totnesse)
+ from thence betwéene the castelles, and finallie into sea.
+
+ From hence we went by Stokeflemming to another water, which commeth
+ from blacke Auton, then to the second that falleth in east of Slapton,
+ and so coasting out of this baie by the Start point, we saile almost
+ directlie west, till we come to Saltcombe hauen. Certes this port hath
+ verie little fresh water comming to it, and therefore no meruell
+ though it be barred; yet the head of it (such as it is) riseth néere
+ Buckland, and goeth to Dudbrooke, which standeth betwéene two créekes.
+ Thence it hieth to Charleton, where it taketh in a rill, whose head
+ commeth from south and north of Shereford. Finallie it hath another
+ créeke that runneth vp by Ilton: and the last of all that falleth in
+ north of Portlemouth, whose head is so néere the baie last afore
+ remembred, that it maketh it a sorie peninsula (as I haue heard it
+ said.)
+
+ [Sidenote: Awne.]
+ Then come we to the Awne, whose head is in the hils farre aboue Brent
+ towne, from whence it goeth to Dixford wood, Loddewell, Hache, Aunton,
+ Thorleston, and so into the sea ouer against a rocke called S.
+ [Sidenote: Arme.]
+ Michaels burrow. Arme riseth aboue Harford, thence to Stoford, Iuie
+ bridge, Armington bridge, Fléet, Orchardton, Ownewell, and so vnto the
+ sea, which is full of flats and rocks, so that no ship commeth thither
+ in anie tempest, except it be forced therto, through the vttermost
+ extremitie and desperat hazard of the fearefull mariners. King Philip
+ [Sidenote: Sée Hen. 7. pag. 792, 793, 794.]
+ of Castile lost two ships here in the daies of king Henrie the
+ seuenth, when he was driuen to land in the west countrie by the rage
+ [Sidenote: Yalme.]
+ of weather. Yalme goeth by Cornewood, Slade, Stratleie, Yalmeton,
+ Collaton, Newton ferrie, and so into the sea, about foure miles by
+ [Sidenote: Plim.]
+ south east from the maine streame of Plimmouth. Being past these
+ portlets, then next of all we come to Plimmouth hauen, a verie busie
+ péece to describe, bicause of the numbers of waters that resort vnto
+ it, & small helpe that I haue for the knowledge of their courses; yet
+ will I doo what I may in this, as in the rest, and so much I hope by
+ Gods grace to performe, as shall suffice my purpose in this behalfe.
+
+ [Sidenote: Plim.]
+ The Plimne or Plim, is the verie same water that giueth name to
+ Plimpton towne. The mouth of this gulfe, wherein the ships doo ride,
+ is walled on ech side and chained ouer in time of necessitie, and on
+ the south side of the hauen is a blocke house vpon a rockie hill: but
+ as touching the riuer it selfe, it riseth in the hils west of
+ Cornewood, and commeth downe a short course of thrée miles to Newenham
+ after it be issued out of the ground. From Newenham also it runneth to
+ [Sidenote: Stoure aliàs Catwater.]
+ Plimpton, and soone after into the Stoure, which Stoure ariseth
+ northwest of Shepistour, & goeth fr[=o] thence to Memchurch, Hele,
+ Shane, Bickleie, and so to Eford, where taking in the Plim, it runneth
+ downe as one vnder the name of Plim, vntill it go past Plimmouth, and
+ fall into the hauen south east of Plimmouth aforesaid. I haue
+ oftentimes trauelled to find out the cause whie so manie riuers in
+ England are called by this name Stoure, and at the first supposing
+ that it was growne by the corruption of Dour, the British word for a
+ streame, I rested thervpon as resolued for a season: but afterward
+ finding the word to be méere Saxon, and that Stouremare is a prouince
+ subiect to the duke of Saxonie, I yéelded to another opinion: whereby
+ I conceiue that the said name was first deriued from the Saxons. But
+ to returne to our purpose.
+
+ Plimmouth it selfe standeth betweene two créeks, not serued with anie
+ backewater, therefore passing ouer these two, we enter into the Thamar
+ that dischargeth it selfe into the aforesaid hauen. Going therfore vp
+ that streame, which for the most part parteth Deuonshire from
+ [Sidenote: Taue or Tauie.]
+ Cornewall, the first riueret that I met withall on the east side is
+ called Tauie, the head whereof is among the mounteins foure miles
+ aboue Peters Tauie, beneath which it meeteth with another water from
+ by west, so that these two waters include Marie Tauie betwéene them,
+ though nothing neere the confluence. From hence the Taue or Tauie
+ runneth to Tauistocke, aboue which it taketh in a rill from by west,
+ and another aboue north Buckland, whose head is in Dartmore, and
+ commeth therevnto by Sandford and Harrow bridge. From hence it goeth
+ into Thamar, by north Buckland, moonks Buckland, Beare, and Tamerton
+ follie. Hauing thus dispatched the Tauie, the next that falleth in on
+ [Sidenote: Lidde.]
+ the east side vpwards is the Lidde, which rising in the hils aboue
+ Lidford, runneth downe by Curriton and Siddenham, and so to Lidstone,
+ [Sidenote: Trushell.]
+ aboue which it receiueth the Trushell brooke, which rising north east
+ of Brediston, goeth by Trusholton to Ibaine, where it receiueth a rill
+ that commeth by Bradwood from Germanswike, and after the confluence
+ runneth to Liston, and from thence into the Thamar. The next aboue
+ [Sidenote: Core.]
+ this is the Corewater, this ariseth somewhere about Elwell or Helwell,
+ and going by Virginston, runneth on by saint Giles without anie
+ increase vntill it come to Thamar. Next of all it taketh in two
+ brookes not much distant in sunder, whereof the one commeth in by
+ Glanton, the other from Holsworthie, and both east of Tamerton, which
+ standeth on the further banke, & other side of the Thamar, and west
+ northwest of Tedcote, except the quarter deceiue me.
+
+ [Sidenote: Thamar.]
+ Certes, the Thamar it selfe riseth in Summersetshire, about thrée
+ miles northeast of Hartland, and in maner so crosseth ouer the whole
+ west countrie betwéene sea and sea, that it leaueth Cornewall, a
+ byland or peninsula. Being therefore descended from the head, by a
+ tract of six miles, it commeth to Denborow, Pancrase well, Bridge
+ Reuell, Tamerton, Tetcote, Luffencote, Boiton, and Wirrington, where
+ [Sidenote: Arteie.]
+ it meeteth with a water on the west side called Arteie, that riseth
+ short of Jacobstow. Two miles in like sort fr[=o] this confluence, we
+ [Sidenote: Kenseie.]
+ met with the Kenseie, whose head is short of Warpeston by south east:
+ from whence it goeth by Treneglos, Tremone, Tresmure, Trewen, Lanston,
+ and so into the Thamar, that runneth from hence by Lowwhitton vnto
+ Bradston, and going on toward Dunterton, taketh in a rill from south
+ Pitherwijc, and by Lesant; beneath Dunterton also it crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Enian.]
+ Enian. This riuer riseth at Dauidston, and directeth his race by saint
+ Clethir, Lancast, and Trelaske first; and then vnder sundrie bridges,
+ vntill it méet with the Thamar. From hence also the Thamar goeth by
+ Siddenham to Calstocke bridge, Calstocke towne, Clifton, Cargreue
+ (there abouts taking in a créeke aboue Landilip) and running on from
+ [Sidenote: Liuer.]
+ thence, hasteth toward Saltash, where it receiueth the Liuer water.
+ The head of Liuer is about Broomwellie hill, from whence it goeth on
+ to North hill, Lekenhorne, South hill, and taking in a rill by east
+ (from aboue Kellington) it runneth on to Newton, Pillaton, Wootton,
+ Blosfleming, saint Erne, and beneath this village crosseth a rillet
+ that runneth thither from Bicton by Quithiocke, saint Germans, and
+ Sheuiocke. But to procéed. After the confluence, it goeth betweene
+ Erlie and Fro Martine castell, and soone after taking in a rill from
+ by north, that passeth west of saint Steuens, it is not long yer it
+ fall into the Thamar, which after this (receiuing the Milbrooke
+ creeke) goeth on by Edgecombe, and betwéene saint Michaels Ile and
+ Ridden point into the maine sea. And thus haue I finished the
+ description of Plimmouth water, and all such falles as are betwéene
+ Newston rocke on the east side, and the Ram head on the other.
+
+ After this we procéeded on with our iournie toward the west, and
+ passing by Longstone, we came soone after to Sothan baie, where we
+ crossed the Seton water, whose head is about Liscard, & his course by
+ [Sidenote: Sutton.]
+ [Sidenote: Low.]
+ Minheniet, Chafrench, Tregowike, Sutton and so into the sea. Then came
+ we to Low, and going in betwéene it and Mount Ile, we find that it had
+ a branched course, and thereto the confluence aboue Low. The chiefe
+ head riseth in the hils, as it were two miles aboue Gaine, and going
+ by that towne, it ceaseth not to continue his course east of Dulo,
+ till it come a little aboue Low, where it crosseth and ioineth with
+ the Brodoke water that runneth from Brodokes by Trewargo, and so into
+ the sea. Next vnto these are two other rils, of which one is called
+ [Sidenote: Polpir.]
+ Polpir, before we come at Foy, or Fawy.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fawie.]
+ Foy or Fawy riuer riseth in Fawy moore, on the side of an hill in Fawy
+ moore, from whence it runneth by certeine bridges, till it méet with
+ [Sidenote: Glin.]
+ the Glin water west of Glin towne, which rising aboue Temple, &
+ méeting with a rill that commeth in from S. Neotes, doth fall into
+ Fawy a mile and more aboue Resprin from by east. After this confluence
+ then, it goeth to Resprin bridge, Lestermen castell, Lostwithiell
+ bridge, Pill, saint Kingtons, saint Winnow, and Golant, and here also
+ [Sidenote: Lerinus.]
+ receiueth the Lerine water out of a parke, that taketh his waie into
+ the maine streame by Biconke, Tethe, and the Fining house. Being thus
+ vnited, it proceedeth vnto Fawy towne, taking in a rill or creeke from
+ aboue it on the one side, and another beneath it south of Halling on
+ the other: of which two this latter is the longest of course, sith it
+ [Sidenote: Faw.]
+ runneth thrée good miles before it come at the Foy. Leland writing of
+ this riuer addeth verie largelie vnto it after this maner. The Fawy
+ riseth in Fawy moore (about two miles from Camilford by south, and
+ sixtéene miles from Fawy towne) in a verie quaue mire on the side of
+ an hill. From hence it goeth to Drainesbridge, to Clobham bridge,
+ Lergen bridge, New bridge, Resprin bridge, and Lostwithiell bridge,
+ where it meeteth with a little brooke, and néere therevnto parteth it
+ selfe in twaine. Of these two armes therefore one goeth to a bridge of
+ stone, the other to another of timber, and soone after ioining againe,
+ the maine riuer goeth to saint Gwinnowes, from thence also to the
+ point of saint Gwinnowes wood, which is about halfe a mile from
+ thence, except my memorie dooth faile me. Here goeth in a salt créeke
+ halfe a mile on the east side of the hauen, and at the head of it is a
+ bridge called Lerine bridge; the créeke it selfe in like maner bearing
+ the same denomination.
+
+ [Sidenote: In the middle of this créeke was a cell of S. Ciret in an
+ Islet longing sometime to Mountegew a priorie.]
+ From Lerine créeke, to S. Caracs pill or créeke, is about halfe a
+ mile, and Lower on the east side of the said hauen: it goeth vp also
+ not aboue a mile and an halfe into the land. From Caracs créeke to
+ Poulmorland a mile, and this likewise goeth vp scant a quarter of a
+ mile into the land, yet at the head it parteth it selfe in twaine.
+ From Poulmorland vnto Bodnecke village halfe a mile, where the passage
+ and repassage is commonlie to Fawy. From Bodnecke to Pelene point
+ (where a créeke goeth vp not fullie a thousand paces into the land) a
+ mile, thence to Poulruan a quarter of a mile, and at this Poulruan is
+ a tower of force, marching against the tower on Fawy side, betwéene
+ which (as I doo heare) a chaine hath sometime beene stretched, and
+ likelie inough; for the hauen there is hardly two bow shot ouer. The
+ verie point of land at the east side of the mouth of this hauen, is
+ called Pontus crosse, but now Panuche crosse. It shall not be amisse
+ in this place somewhat to intreat of the towne of Fawy, which is
+ [Sidenote: Comwhath.]
+ called in Cornish Comwhath, and being situat on the northside of the
+ hauen, is set hanging on a maine rockie hill, being in length about
+ one quarter of a mile, except my memorie deceiue me.
+
+ The renowme of Fawy rose by the wars vnder king Edward the first,
+ Edward the third, and Henrie the fift, partlie by feats of armes, and
+ partlie by plaine pirasie. Finallie, the townesmen feeling themselues
+ somwhat at ease and strong in their purses, they fell to merchandize,
+ and so they prospered in this their new deuise, that as they trauelled
+ into all places, so merchants from all countries made resort to them,
+ whereby within a while they grew to be exceeding rich. The ships of
+ Fawy sailing on a time by Rhie and Winchelseie in the time of king
+ Edward the third, refused stoutlie to vale anie bonet there, although
+ warning was giuen them so to doo by the portgreues or rulers of those
+ townes. Herevpon the Rhie and Winchelseie men made out vpon them with
+ cut and long taile: but so hardlie were they interteined by the Fawy
+ pirates (I should saie aduenturers) that they were driuen home againe
+ with no small losse and hinderance. Such fauour found the Fawy men
+ also immediatlie vpon this bickering, that in token of their victorie
+ ouer their winching aduersaries, and riding ripiers (as they called
+ them in mockerie) they altered their armes and compounded for new,
+ wherein the scutchion of Rhie and Winchelseie is quartered with
+ [Sidenote: Gallants of Foy or Fawy.]
+ theirs, and beside this the Foyens were called the gallants of Fawy or
+ Foy, whereof they not a little reioiced, and more peraduenture than
+ for some greater bootie. And thus much of Fawy towne, wherein we sée
+ what great successe often commeth of witlesse and rash aduentures. But
+ to returne againe to our purpose from whence we haue digressed, and as
+ hauing some desire to finish vp this our voiage, we will leaue the
+ Fawmouth & go forward on our iournie.
+
+ Being therefore past this hauen, we come into Trewardith baie, which
+ lieth into the land betwéene Canuasse and the Blacke head point, and
+ here about Leland placeth Vrctoum promontorium. In this we saw the
+ fall of two small brookes, not one verie far distant from another. The
+ first of them entring west of Trewardith, the other east of saint
+ Blaies, and both directlie against Curwarder rocke, except I mistake
+ my compasse. Neither of them are of anie great course, and the longest
+ not full thrée miles and an halfe. Wherfore sith they are neither
+ branched nor of anie great quantitie, what should I make long haruest
+ of a little corne and spend more time than may well be spared about
+ them?
+
+ [Sidenote: Austell.]
+ When we were past the Blacke head, we came to Austell brooke, which is
+ increased with a water that commeth from aboue Mewan, and within a
+ mile after the confluence, they fall into the sea at Pentoren, from
+ whence we went by the Blacke rocke, and about the Dudman point, till
+ [Sidenote: Chare.]
+ we came to Chare haies, where falleth in a pretie water, whose head is
+ two miles aboue saint Tues. Thence we went by here and there a méere
+ salt créeke, till we passed the Graie rocke, in Gwindraith baie, and
+ S. Anthonies point, where Leland maketh his accompt to enter into
+ Falamouth hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fala.]
+ The Fala riseth a little by north of Penuenton towne, and going
+ westward till it come downwards toward saint Dionise, it goeth forth
+ from thence to Melader, saint Steuens Grampont, Goldon, Crede,
+ Corneleie, Tregue, Moran, Tregunnan, it falleth into the hauen with a
+ good indifferent force: and this is the course of Fala. But least I
+ should séeme to omit those creekes that are betwéene this and S.
+ Anthonies point, I will go a little backe againe, and fetch in so
+ manie of them, as come now to my remembrance. Entring therefore into
+ the port, we haue a créeke that runneth vp by saint Anthonies toward
+ saint Gereus, then another that goeth into the land by east of saint
+ Maries castell, with a forked head, passing in the meane time by a
+ great rocke that lieth in the verie midst of the hauen, in maner of
+ the third point of a triangle, betwéene saint Maries castell and
+ Pendinant.
+
+ Thence we cast about by the said castell, and came by another créeke
+ that falleth in by east, then the second aboue saint Iustus, the third
+ at Ardenora, the fourth at Rilan. And hauing as it were visited all
+ these in order, we came backe againe about by Tregonnian, and then
+ going vpward betweene it and Taluerne, till we came to Fentangolan, we
+ found the confluence of two great creekes beneath saint Clements,
+ whereof one hath a fresh water comming downe by S. Merther, the other
+ another from Truro, increased with sundrie branches, though not one of
+ them of anie greatnesse, and therefore vnworthie to be handled. Pole
+ hole standeth vpon the head almost of the most easterlie of them. S.
+ Kenwen and Truro stand aboue the confluence of other two. The fourth
+ falleth in by west from certeine hils: as for the fift and sixt, as
+ they be little créeks and no fresh, so haue I lesse language and talke
+ to spend about them.
+
+ [Sidenote: S. Caie.]
+ Of saint Caie, and saint Feokes créeke, whose issue is betwéene
+ Restronget and créeke of Trurie, I sée no cause to make any long
+ [Sidenote: S. Feoks.]
+ spéech; yet I remember that the towne of S. Feoke standeth betwéene
+ them both. That also called after this saint, rising aboue
+ [Sidenote: Milor.]
+ Perannarwothill, and comming thence by Kirklo, falleth into Falamouth,
+ northeast of Milor, which standeth vpon the point betwéene it and
+ Milor créeke. Milor creeke is next Restronget: some call it Milor
+ poole, from whence we went by Trefusis point, and there found an other
+ great fall from Perin, which being branched in the top, hath Perin
+ towne almost in the verie confluence. And thus much by my collection
+ of the fall. But for somuch as Leland hath taken some paines in the
+ description of this riuer, I will not suffer it to perish, sith there
+ is other matter conteined therein worthie remembrance, although not
+ deliuered in such order as the thing it selfe requireth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fala.]
+ The verie point (saith he) of the hauen mouth (being an hill whereon
+ the king hath builded a castell) is called Pendinant. It is about a
+ mile in compasse, almost inuironed with the sea: and where the sea
+ couereth not, the ground is so low that it were a small mastrie to
+ make Pendinant an Iland. Furthermore, there lieth a cape or foreland
+ within the hauen a mile and a halfe, and betwixt this and maister
+ Killigrewes house one great arme of the hauen runneth vp to Penrine
+ towne, which is three miles from the verie entrie of Falamouth hauen,
+ [Sidenote: Leuine.]
+ and two good miles from Penfusis. Moreouer there is Leuine, Priselo,
+ betwixt saint Budocus and Pendinas, which were a good hauen but for
+ the barre of sand. But to procéed.
+
+ The first creeke or arme that casteth on the northwest side of
+ Falemouth hauen, goeth vp to Perin, and at the end it breaketh into
+ two armes, whereof the lesse runneth to Glasenith, Viridis nidus, the
+ gréene nest, or Wagméere at Penrine: the other to saint Glunias the
+ parish church of Penrine. In like sort out of each side of Penrine
+ créeke, breaketh an arme yer it come to Penrine. This I vnderstand
+ also that stakes and foundations of stone haue béene set in the créeke
+ at Penrine a little lower than the wharfe, where it breaketh into
+ armes: but howsoeuer this standeth, betwixt the point of Trefusis and
+ [Sidenote: Milor.]
+ the point of Restronget is Milor créeke, which goeth vp a mile into
+ the land, and by the church is a good rode for ships. The next creeke
+ [Sidenote: Restronget.]
+ beyond the point of Restronget wood, is called Restronget, which going
+ two miles vp into the maine, breaketh into two armes. In like order
+ betwixt Restronget and the creeke of Trurie be two créekes; one called
+ [Sidenote: S. Feoks.]
+ [Sidenote: S. Caie.]
+ saint Feokes, the other saint Caie, next vnto which is Trurie créeke
+ that goeth vp about two miles créeking from the principall streame,
+ and breaketh within halfe a mile of Trurie, casting in a branch
+ westward euen hard by Newham wood.
+
+ [Sidenote: Trurie créeke.]
+ This creeke of Trurie is diuided into two parts before the towne of
+ Trurie, and each of them hauing a brooke comming downe and a bridge,
+ the towne of Trurie standeth betwixt them both. In like sort Kenwen
+ stréet is seuered from the said towne with this arme, and Clements
+ street by east with the other. Out of the bodie also of Trurie creeke
+ breaketh another eastward a mile from Trurie, and goeth vp a mile and
+ a halfe to Cresilian bridge of stone. At the verie entrie and mouth of
+ this créeke is a rode of ships called Maples rode: and here fought not
+ long since eightéene ships of Spanish merchants, with foure ships of
+ warre of Deepe, but the Spaniards draue the Frenchmen all into this
+ harborow. A mile and an halfe aboue the mouth of Crurie creeke, is
+ [Sidenote: Moran.]
+ another named Lhan Moran of S. Morans church at hand. This créeke
+ goeth vp a quarter of a mile from the maine streame into the hauen, as
+ the maine streame goeth vp two miles aboue Moran créeke ebbing and
+ flowing: and a quarter of a mile higher, is the towne of Cregowie,
+ where we found a bridge of stone vpon the Fala riuer. Fala it selfe
+ riseth a mile or more west of Roche hill, and goeth by Graund pont,
+ where I saw a bridge of stone.
+
+ [Sidenote: Graund pont.]
+ This Graund pont is foure miles from Roche hill, and two little miles
+ from Cregowie, betwixt which the Fala taketh his course. From Cregowie
+ to passe downe by the bodie of the hauen of Falamouth to the mouth of
+ Lanie horne pill or créeke, on the south side of the hauen is a mile,
+ and (as I remember) it goeth vp halfe a mile from the principall
+ streame of the hauen. From Lanihorne pill also is a place or point of
+ sand about a mile waie of fortie acres or thereabout (as a peninsula)
+ called Ardeuerauter. As for the water or créeke that runneth into the
+ south southeast part, it is but a little thing of halfe a mile vp into
+ the land, and the créeke that hemmeth in this peninsula, of both dooth
+ seeme to be the greater. From the mouth of the west creeke of this
+ peninsula, vnto saint Iustes creeke, is foure miles or more.
+
+ [Sidenote: S. Iustus.]
+ [Sidenote: S. Mawes.]
+ In like maner from saint Iustes pill or créeke (for both signifie one
+ thing) to saint Mawes creeke is a mile and a halfe, and the point
+ betwéene them both is called Pendinas. The créeke of saint Mawes goeth
+ vp a two miles by east northeast into the land, and beside that it
+ ebbeth and floweth so farre, there is a mill driuen with a fresh
+ créeke that resorteth to the same. Halfe a mile from the head of this
+ downeward to the hauen, is a créeke in maner of a poole, whereon is a
+ mill also that grindeth with the tide. And a mile beneath that on the
+ south side entereth a créeke (about halfe a mile into the countrie)
+ which is barred from the maine sea by a small sandie banke, and
+ another mile yet lower, is an other little créekelet. But how so euer
+ these créekes doo run, certeine it is that the bankes of them that
+ belong to Fala are meruellouslie well woodded. And hitherto Leland,
+ whose words I dare not alter, for feare of corruption and alteration
+ of his iudgement. Being past Falmouth hauen therefore (as it were a
+ quarter of a mile beyond Arwennach, maister Killegrewes place which
+ standeth on the brimme or shore within Falmouth) we came to a little
+ hauen which ran vp betwéene two hilles, but it was barred: wherefore
+ we could not learne whether it were serued with anie backe fresh water
+ or not.
+
+ [Sidenote: Polwitherall.]
+ From thence we went by Polwitherall creeke (parted into two armes)
+ [Sidenote: Polpenrith.]
+ then to the Polpenrith, wherevnto a riueret falleth that riseth not
+ farre from thence, and so goeth to the maine streame of the hauen at
+ the last, whither the créeke resorteth about thrée miles and more from
+ the mouth of the hauen, and into which the water that goeth vnder Gare
+ bridges, doo fall in one bottome (as Leland hath reported.) Vnto this
+ [Sidenote: Wike.]
+ [Sidenote: Gare.]
+ [Sidenote: Mogun.]
+ [Sidenote: Penkestell.]
+ [Sidenote: Callous.]
+ [Sidenote: Cheilow.]
+ [Sidenote: Gilling.]
+ hauen also repaireth the Penkestell, the Callous, the Cheilow, and the
+ Gilling, although this latter lieth against saint Mawuons on the
+ hither side hard without the hauen mouth (if I haue doone aright.) For
+ so motheaten, mouldie, & rotten are those bookes of Leland which I
+ haue, and beside that, his annotations are such and so confounded, as
+ no man can (in a maner) picke out anie sense from them by a leafe
+ togither. Wherefore I suppose that he dispersed and made his notes
+ intricate of set purpose: or else he was loth that anie man should
+ easilie come to that knowledge by reading, which he with his great
+ charge & no lesse trauell attained vnto by experience. Thus leauing
+ Fala hauen, as more troublesome for me to describe, than profitable
+ for seafaring men, without good aduise to enter into, we left the
+ rocke on our left hand, and came straight southwest to Helford hauen,
+ [Sidenote: Haile.]
+ whose water commeth downe from Wréeke (where is a confluence of two
+ small rilles whereof that rill consisteth) by Mawgan and Trelawarren,
+ and then it receiueth a rill on the north ripe from Constantine, after
+ whose confluence it goeth a maine vntill it come to the Ocean, where
+ the mouth is spoiled by sand comming from the tinworks. See Leland in
+ the life of S. Breaca. Beneath this also is another rill comming from
+ S. Martyrs, by whose course, and another ouer against it on the west
+ side that falleth into the sea by Winniton, all Menage is left almost
+ in maner of an Iland. From hence we go south to the Manacle point,
+ then southwest to Lisard, and so north and by west to Predannocke
+ points, beyond which we méet with the fall of the said water that
+ riseth in the edge of Menag, and goeth into the sea by Melien on the
+ north, and Winniton on the south. By north also of Winniton is the
+ [Sidenote: Curie.]
+ Curie water that runneth short of Magan, and toucheth with the Ocean
+ south of Pengwenian point.
+
+ [Sidenote: Loo.]
+ From hence we sailed to the Loo mouth, which some call Lopoole,
+ because it is narrower at the fall into the sea, than it is betwéene
+ the sea and Hailston. It riseth aboue S. Sethians, and comming downe
+ by Wendron, it hasteth to Hailston or Helston, from whence onelie it
+ is called Loo: but betwéene Helston and the head, men call it
+ commonlie Cohor. Of this riuer Leland saith thus: The Lopoole is two
+ miles in length, and betwixt it and the maine Ocean is but a barre of
+ sand that once in thrée or foure yéeres, what by weight of the fresh
+ water, and working of the sea breaketh out, at which time it maketh a
+ wonderfull noise: but soone after the mouth of it is barred vp againe.
+ At all other times the superfluitie of the water of Lopole (which is
+ full of trout and éele) draineth out through the sandie barre into the
+ open sea: certes if this barre could alwaies be kept open, it would
+ make a goodlie hauen vp vnto Haileston towne, where coinage of tin is
+ also vsed, as at Trurie and Lostwithiell, for the quéenes aduantage.
+
+ Being passed the Loo, I came to another water that descendeth without
+ [Sidenote: Simneie.]
+ anie increase from Crowan by Simneie, whose whole course is not aboue
+ thrée miles in all. Then going by the Cuddan point, we entered the
+ mounts Baie, and going streight north (leauing S. Michaels mount a
+ [Sidenote: Lid.]
+ little vpon the left hand) we came to the Lid, which rising short of
+ Tewidnacke, descendeth by Lidgenan, and so into the sea. Certes the
+ course of these waters cannot be long, sith in this verie place this
+ breadth of land is not aboue foure miles, and not more than fiue at
+ the verie lands end. There is also a rill east of Korugie, and
+ Guluall, and another west of the same hard at hand, and likewise the
+ third east of Pensants: and not a full quarter of a mile from the
+ second, southwest of Pensants also lieth the fourth that commeth from
+ Sancrete ward by Newlin, from whence going southwest out of the baie
+ by Moushole Ile, that lieth south of Moushole towne, we come to a
+ water that entreth into the Ocean betwixt Remels & Lamorleie point.
+ Trulie the one head thereof commeth from by west of Sancrete, the
+ other from by west of an hill that standeth betwéene them both, and
+ ioining aboue Remels, it is not long yer they salute their grandame.
+ After this, and before we come at Rosecastell, there are two other
+ créekes, whereof one is called Boskennie, that riseth south of saint
+ Buriens, and an other somewhat longer than the first, that issueth by
+ west of the aforesaid towne, wherein is to be noted, that our cards
+ made heretofore doo appoint S. Buriens to be at the very lands end of
+ Cornewall, but experience now teacheth vs, that it commeth not néere
+ the lands end by thrée miles. This latter rill also is the last that I
+ doo reade of on the south side, and likewise on the west and north,
+ till we haue sailed to S. Ies baie, which is full ten miles from the
+ [Sidenote: Bresan Ile.]
+ lands end, or Bresan Ile eastward, & rather more, if you reckon to the
+ fall of the Haile, which lieth in the very middest and highest part of
+ the baie of the same. The soile also is verie hillie here, as for
+ saint Ies towne, it is almost (as I said) a byland, and yet is it well
+ watered with sundrie rilles that come from those hilles vnto the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: Haile.]
+ The Haile riseth in such maner, and from so manie heads, as I haue
+ before said: howbeit I will adde somewhat more vnto it, for the
+ benefit of my readers. Certes the chéefe head of Haile riseth by west
+ of Goodalfin hilles, and going downe toward saint Erthes, it receiueth
+ the second, and best of the other three rilles from Goodalfin towne:
+ finallie, comming to saint Erthes, and so vnto the maine baie, it
+ [Sidenote: Clowart.]
+ taketh in the Clowart water from Guimer, south of Phelacke, which hath
+ two heads, the said village standing directlie betwixt them both.
+
+ [Sidenote: Caine.]
+ The Caine riseth southeast of Caineburne towne a mile and more, from
+ whence it goeth without increase by west of Gwethian, and so into the
+ sea west of Mara Darwaie. From hence we coasted about the point, &
+ left the baie till we came to a water that riseth of two heads from
+ those hilles that lie by south of the same: one of them also runneth
+ by saint Vni, another by Redreuth, and méeting within a mile, they
+ [Sidenote: Luggam.]
+ fall into the Ocean beneath Luggam or Tuggan. A mile and a halfe from
+ this fall we come vnto another small rill, and likewise two other
+ créekes, betwixt which the towne of saint Agnes standeth; and likewise
+ the fourth halfe a mile beyond the most easterlie of these, whose head
+ is almost thrée miles within the land in a towne called saint Alin.
+ Thence going by the Manrocke, and west of saint Piran in the sand, we
+ find a course of thrée miles and more from the head, and hauing a
+ forked branch, the parts doo méet at west aboue saint Kibbard, and so
+ [Sidenote: S. Pirans créeke.]
+ [Sidenote: Carantocke.]
+ go into the sea. I take this to be saint Pirans créeke, for the next
+ is Carantocke pill or créeke, whose head is at Guswarth, from whence
+ it goeth vnto Trerise, and soone after taking in a rill from by west,
+ it runneth into the sea coast of saint Carantakes. Beyond this is
+ another créeke that riseth aboue little saint Colan, and goeth by
+ lesse saint Columbe: and east and by north hereof commeth downe one
+ more whose head is almost south of the Nine stones, & going from
+ thence to great saint Columbes, it passeth by Lamberne, and so into
+ the sea. S. Merous créeke is but a little one, rising west of Padstow,
+ and falling in almost ouer against the Gull rocke. Then turning
+ [Sidenote: Padstow.]
+ [Sidenote: Locus bufonis.]
+ betwéene the point and the blacke rocke, we entred into Padstow hauen
+ thrée miles lower than port Issec, and a mile from port Ewin, whose
+ waters remaine next of all to be described.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alannus.]
+ The Alan ariseth flat east from the hauen mouth of Padstow, well néere
+ [Sidenote: Eniam.]
+ eight or nine miles about Dauidstone, neere vnto which the Eniam also
+ issueth, that runneth into the Thamar. Going therefore from hence it
+ passeth to Camelford, saint Aduen, saint Bernard (both Cornish saints)
+ and soone after receiueth a rill at northeast, descending from Rowters
+ hill. Thence it goeth to Bliseland, and Helham, the first bridge of
+ name that standeth vpon Alin. Yer long also it taketh in one rill by
+ south from Bodman, another from saint Laurence, the third by west of
+ this, and the fourth that commeth by Wethiell, no one of them
+ excéeding the course of thrée miles, and all by south. From hence it
+ goeth toward Iglesaleward, and there receiueth a water on the east
+ side, which commeth about two miles from saint Teath, by Michelston,
+ saint Tuchoe, saint Maben (mo Cornish patrons) and finallie south of
+ Iglesall, méeteth with the Alen that goeth from thence by S. Breaca to
+ Woodbridge. Hereabout I find, that into our Alein or Alen, there
+ [Sidenote: Carneseie.]
+ [Sidenote: Laine.]
+ should fall two riuerets, whereof the one is called Carneseie, the
+ other Laine, and comming in the end to full notice of the matter, I
+ sée them to issue on seuerall sides beneath Woodbridge almost
+ directlie the one against the other. That which descendeth from
+ northwest, and riseth about saint Kew, is named Carneseie, as I heare:
+ the other that commeth in on the southwest banke hight Laine, and
+ noted by Leland to rise two miles aboue S. Esse. But howsoeuer this
+ matter standeth, there are two other créekes on ech side also, beneath
+ [Sidenote: Pethrike.]
+ [Sidenote: Minner.]
+ [Sidenote: Dunmere.]
+ these, as Pethrike creeke, and Minner créeke (so called of the Cornish
+ saints) for that soile bred manie, wherewith I finish the description
+ of Alen, or (as some call it) Dunmere, and other Padstow water.
+
+ From Padstow hauen also they saile out full west to Waterford in
+ Ireland. There are likewise two rockes, which lie in the east side of
+ the hauen, secretlie hidden at full sea, as two pads in the straw,
+ whereof I think it taketh the name. Yet I remember how I haue read
+ that Padstow is a corrupted word for Adlestow, and should signifie so
+ much as Athelstani locus, as it may well be. For it is euident that
+ they had in time past sundrie charters of priuilege from Athelstane,
+ although at this present it be well stored with Irishmen. But to our
+ purpose. Leland supposed this riuer to be the same Camblan, where
+ Arthur fought his last and fatall conflict: for to this daie men that
+ doo eare the ground there, doo oft plow vp bones of a large size, and
+ great store of armour, or else it may be (as I rather coniecture) that
+ the Romans had some field (or Castra) thereabout, for not long since
+ (and in the remembrance of man) a brasse pot full of Romane coine was
+ found there, as I haue often heard. Being thus passed Padstow hauen,
+ and after we had gone three miles from hence, we came to Portgwin a
+ poore fisher towne, where I find a brooke and a péere. Then I came to
+ Portissec aliàs Cunilus two miles further, and found there a brooke, a
+ péere, and some succor for fisher boats. Next of all vnto a brooke
+ that ran from south east, directlie north into the Sauerne sea, and
+ within halfe a mile of the same laie a great blacke rocke like an
+ Iland. From this water to Treuenni is about a mile, where the paroch
+ church is dedicated to saint Simphorian, and in which paroch also
+ Tintagell or Dundagie castell standeth, which is a thing inexpugnable
+ for the situation, and would be made with little reparations one of
+ the strongest things in England. For it standeth on a great high
+ terrible crag inuironed with the sea. There is a chappell yet standing
+ in the dungeon thereof, dedicated to saint Vlet. Tintagell towne and
+ Treuenni are not a mile in sunder.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tredwie.]
+ The next créeke is called Bosinni, which is a mile from Tintagell, and
+ to the same Tredwie water resorteth, and so they go to the sea betwixt
+ two hils, whereof that on the one side lieth out like an arme or cape,
+ and maketh the fashion of an hauenet or peere, whither shiplets
+ sometime doo resort for succour. A frier of late daies tooke vpon him
+ to make an hauen at this place, but in vaine. There lie also two
+ blacke rocks as Ilets, at the west northwest point, or side of this
+ créeke, the one (sauing that a little gut dooth part them) ioining
+ with the other, and in these by all likelihood is great store of
+ gulles. I can not tell whether this be the water that runneth by
+ Boscastell or not, but if it be not, then haue I this description of
+ [Sidenote: Boscastell.]
+ the latter. Boscastell créeke that lieth east of Tintagell, is but a
+ small thing, running at the most not aboue two miles into the land,
+ yet it passeth by foure townes, whereof the first is called Lesneth,
+ the second saint Juliet, the third Minster, and the fourth Boscastell
+ or Bushcastell, as some men doo pronounce it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bede.]
+ In Bede baie I find the Bedewater, whose chiefe head is not farre from
+ [Sidenote: Lancels.]
+ Norton. Thence running to Stratton, it receiueth the Lancels rill
+ before it come at Norham. And here also it crosseth another whose head
+ is east of saint Marie wijke, from whence it runneth by Wolston and
+ Whalesborow, and thence into the sea betweene Efford and Plough hill.
+ And thus much of the waters that lie betwéene the point of Cornewall,
+ and the Hartland head vpon the north side of Cornewall. Now let vs doo
+ the like with those that remaine of Deuonshire, whereo the said
+ Hartland is the verie first point in this our poeticall voiage. Hauing
+ therefore brought Hartland point on our backs, we come next of all to
+ Barstable bar, and so into the hauen, whereinto two principall streams
+ doo perpetuallie vnburden their chanels.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ The first and more westerlie of these is called Ocus, whose head is
+ not farre west of the head of Darnt, and Loth in Darntmore. Rising
+ therefore in the aforesaid place, it runneth northwest to Snorton, and
+ so to Okehampton, beneath which towne it méeteth with an other water
+ comming from southeast, & riseth not much west from the head of Tawe.
+ From hence it goeth to Stow Exborne, Moonke Okington, & Iddesleie,
+ [Sidenote: Tanridge.]
+ [Sidenote: Turrege.]
+ where it taketh in the Tanridge a verie pretie streamelet, whose issue
+ is not full a mile by east from the head of Thamar, thrée miles by
+ north east from Hartland. Comming therefore by west and east Putford,
+ Bulworthie, Bockington, Newton, and Shebbor, it receiueth a forked
+ rill that runneth from ech side of Bradworthie by Sutcombe, Treborow,
+ Milton, & so to Thornebirie, where méeting with an other forked water
+ (whereof one head comming from Dunsland, ioineth with the other north
+ of Cockbirie) it goeth with speed into the Tanridge water. After this
+ confluence it runneth on to Shéepewash (by west whereof falleth in the
+ [Sidenote: Buckland.]
+ Buckland water from by north) thence to high Hainton, and so to
+ Haitherlaie, north wherof it taketh in a rill from by south, and
+ endeth his race at Iddesleie, by ioining with the Oke. Hence then the
+ Ocus hasteth to Dowland, and betwéene it and Doulton, receiueth one
+ rill from by east, as it dooth an other betwéene Doulton and Marton
+ from by west, and so procéeding on with his course, it commeth east of
+ Torrington the lesse, and taking in a water at east, that runneth from
+ thrée heads (by Wollie parke) betweene which Combe and Roughborow are
+ situat, it descendeth to
+
+ [Sidenote: Langtrée.]
+ Torington the more, and meeting with the Langtrée water on the one
+ [Sidenote: Were or Ware.]
+ side, and the Ware brooke on the other, it procéedeth to Bediford,
+ crossing a rill by the waie that commeth vnto it betwéene Annarie &
+ Littham. From Bediford bridge it goeth without anie increase to
+ Westleie, Norham, Appledoure, and so into the hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Taw.]
+ The Taw of both is the more noble water, notwithstanding that his
+ hauen be barred with sand; and thereby dangerous, and hath most rils
+ descending into his chanell. Howbeit, by these two is all the hart of
+ Deuonshire well watered on the northside of the moores. The Tawy
+ riseth directlie at south west of Throwlie, and north of the head of
+ Darnt, or (as Leland saith) in Exmore south east from Barstable. From
+ thence also it runneth to Sele, South Taueton, Cockatre, Bath,
+ Northtaueton, Ashridge, Colridge, and soone after receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Bowmill.]
+ Bowmill créeke, wherof one head riseth at Bow, the other at Mill, and
+ meeting beneth Bishops Morchard, they fall into the Taw north of
+ Nimeth Rowland, as I haue béene informed. From hence then it runneth
+ by Edgeforth, to Chimligh, by south whereof it méeteth with a rill
+ comming downe of two heads from about Rakenford, by Wetheridge and
+ Chawleie. Thence it goeth to Burrington, and Chiltenholtwood, and
+ [Sidenote: Moulebraie.]
+ there taketh in the Moulebraie water consisting of two in one chanell,
+ wherof the Moll dooth rise aboue north Moulton, and comming to Moulton
+ receiueth another rill running from Molland, and soone after the
+ second that growing by two brookes (the head of one being at Knawston,
+ and of the other west of Crokeham, and both vniting themselues beneath
+ Mariston) dooth fall into the same yer long also, and so go togither
+ [Sidenote: Braie.]
+ till it crosse the Braie, which (being the second of the two that
+ maketh the Moulbraie) riseth at Braie, commeth by Buckland, and south
+ of Holtwood dooth make his confluence with Taw. Being past the wood,
+ it goeth on to Brightleie hall, Taueton, Tauestocke, & Berstable,
+ sometime a pretie walled towne with foure gates, but now a little
+ thing; and such in déed, as that the suburbes thereof are greater than
+ it selfe. I suppose that the name of this towne in the British speach
+ was Abertaw, bicause it stood toward the mouth of Taw, and Berdnesse
+ pronounced short (as I gesse) for Abernesse. As for Staple, it is an
+ addition for a market, & therefore hath nothing to doo in the proper
+ name of the towne. King Athelstane is taken here for the chiefe
+ priuileger of the towne. This is also worthie to be noted hereof, that
+ the houses there are of stone, as most are in all the good townes
+ thereabout.
+
+ But to proceed with our purpose. Beneath this towne there falleth in a
+ water that hath one head néere about Challacombe, & another at east
+ Downe, whereof this descending by Stoke riuer, and the other by
+ Sherwell, they vnite themselues within thrée miles of Berstaple. Soone
+ after also it taketh in another that descendeth from Bitenden by
+ Ashford, and the last of all east of saint Anthonies chappell, named
+ [Sidenote: Doneham.]
+ the Doneham, bicause one head is at west Done, and the other at Ham,
+ both of them méeting west of Ash. And thus is Taue described, which is
+ no great water nor quicke streame, as may appéere in Low water marke
+ at Berstable and yet is it a pretie riueret. This also is worthie to
+ be noted thereof, that it receiueth no brooke from by west, whereof I
+ would somewhat maruell, if Taurige were not at hand.
+
+ Being past the Taue, Cride baie and Bugpoint aliàs Bagpoint, we go by
+ More baie, Morstone aliàs Mortstone, and then toward the northeast,
+ till we come by a créekelet to Ilfare combe, & so to Combe Marton,
+ whereat (I meane ech of them) are sundrie créekes of salt water, but
+ not serued with anie fresh that I as yet doo heare of. Marrie there is
+ betwéene Martinbow & Trensow, a créeke that hath a backewater, which
+
+ [Sidenote: Paradine.]
+ descendeth from Parracombe (so farre as I call to mind named Parradine
+ [Sidenote: Orus.]
+ becke) but the greatest of all is betweene Linton and Connisberie
+ called Ore, which riseth in Summersetshire in Exmore (east of Hore
+ oke, more than a mile) and going by Owre, falleth into the sea
+ betwéene Linton and Conisberie, so that the whole race thereof
+ amounteth in and out to an eight miles, as I haue heard reported. Thus
+ [Sidenote: The bredth of Deuonshire & Cornewall.]
+ haue I finished the discourse of the waters of Deuonshire, whose
+ breadth in this place from hence ouerthwart to the Checkstones in the
+ mouth of Ex, on the south side of the Ile, is eight and thirtie miles
+ or vnder fortie, and so much likewise is it from Plimmouth to Hartland
+ point, but the broadest part there commeth to six and thirtie miles,
+ whereas the broadest part of Cornewall doth want two miles of fortie.
+
+ Being past the aforesaid limits of the counties we came to
+
+ [Sidenote: Loch.]
+ Portlochbaie, whither commeth a water named Loch that descendeth from
+ [Sidenote: Durus.]
+ Stokepero, Lucham and Portloch without increase. Thence to Dunsteir
+ brooke, which runneth from about Wootton, and Courtneie by Tunbercombe
+ and Dunsteir, then to another that commeth west of Old Cliffe, leauing
+ [Sidenote: Vacetus.]
+ a parke on the west side, next of all to Watchet water, whereof one
+ head commeth from the Quantocke hils south of Bickualer by
+ [Sidenote: Williton.]
+ Westquantocke head, and almost at Doniford, receiueth the Williton
+ becke, then to east Quantocke brooke (omitting a créeket) & next of
+ [Sidenote: Doddington.]
+ all to Doddington water, that goeth by Holford, Alfoxton, and
+ afterward into the sea. From hence we go by Bottesall point, to Stert
+ point, where two noble riuers doo make their confluence, which I will
+ seuerallie describe, as to my purpose apperteineth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iuelus.]
+ The first of these is called the Iuell, or (as I find it in an ancient
+ writer) Yoo, who saith that the riuer Yoo dooth runne from Ilchester
+ to Bridgewater, and so into the sea. It riseth aboue Oburne, and at
+ Shirburne receiueth a water, whereof Leland saith thus. There are
+ [Sidenote: The seuen sisters.]
+ seuen springs in an hill called the seuen sisters, north east from
+ Shireburne, which gather into one bottome, & come into the Mere.
+ Another brooke likewise commeth by Heidon from Puscandell, three miles
+ from thence by flat east, betwixt the parke and the Mere full so great
+ as the streame of the Mere, and ioining at the lower mill of
+ Shireburne, with the Mere water, it is not long yer it fall into the
+ Euill. Thence our Euill goeth on towards Glasen Bradford, and yer it
+ come there taketh in a forked rill from by south, descending from
+ about west Chelburie and Chetnall in Dorsetshire, beneath which towne
+ the other head falleth into the same, so that they run foorth by
+ Bearhaggard and Thorneford (till they méet with the Iuell) and so to
+ Clifton, Euill a proper market towne, Trent, Mutford, Ashinton, and
+ [Sidenote: Cade.]
+ east of Limminton it méeteth with the Cade that runneth from
+ Yarlington, by north Cadbirie, and soone after crossing a rill also
+ from by east, that commeth from Blackeford by Compton, it hasteth to
+ south Cadbirie, Sparkeford, Queenes Camell, west Camell, and so into
+ Iuell, which runneth on to Kimmington, Ilchester, Ilbridge, long
+ Sutton, and yer it come at Langport, taketh in two famous waters in
+ one chanell, next of all to be remembred before I go anie further. The
+ first of all these riseth southeast betwéene the Parrets (where it is
+ [Sidenote: Parret.]
+ called Parret water) and goeth to Crokehorne, and at Meriot taketh in
+ a brooke from the east, which consisteth of two courses vnited at
+ Bowbridge, whereof the one descendeth from Pen by Hasilburie, the
+ other from aboue the thrée Chenocks, as I doo vnderstand.
+
+ From hence also they go as one with the Parret water, toward south
+ Pederton (taking in at east a becke comming from Hamden hill) thence
+ to Pederton, Lambrooke, Thorneie bridge, and Muchelneie where it
+ [Sidenote: Ill.]
+ méeteth with the second called Ill or Ilus, whose head is aboue
+ Chellington, & comming downe from thence by Cadworth, before it come
+ at Dunniet, it taketh in a rill that runneth by Chascombe and Knoll.
+ Thence leauing Ilmister on the east side, it meeteth with another from
+ by east, descending from about Whitlakington. Then it goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Ilton.]
+ Pokington (where it crosseth the Ilton water by west) next to
+ Ilbruers, and there it ioineth with a rillet that riseth by west at
+ Staple, and runneth by Bicknell and Abbats Ilie, and after this
+ confluence goeth on toward Langport. And here after some mens opinion,
+ the Iuell looseth his name, and is called Parret: but this coniecture
+ cannot hold, sith in the old writers it is called Iuell, till it fall
+ into the sea. Neuerthelesse, how soeuer this matter standeth, being
+ past Langport, it goeth by Awber toward saint Anthonies, where it
+ méeteth with the Tone next of all to be described.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tone.]
+ The Tone issueth at Clatworthie, and goeth by west of Wiuelscombe, to
+ Stawleie, Ritford, Runton, Wellington and Bradford, beneath which it
+ taketh in a faire water c[=o]ming from Sanford Combe, Elworthie, Brunt
+ Rafe, Miluerton, Oke and Hilfarens. After this confluence also it
+ runneth to Helebridge, and there below méeteth with one water that
+ runneth by Hawse, Hethford, and Norton, then another from Crokeham by
+ bishops Slediard, and the third & fourth at Taunton, that descendeth
+ from Kingston by north, and another by south that riseth about
+ Pidmister. And thus is the Tone increased, which goeth from Taunton to
+ Riston, Crech, Northcurrie, Ling, and so by Anthonie into the Iuell,
+ [Sidenote: Chare or Care.]
+ that after this confluence méeteth yer long with the Chare, a pretie
+ riuer that commeth by east from Northborow, by Carleton, Badcare,
+ Litecare, Somerton, Higham, Audrie moore, Audrie, and Michelsborow.
+ From whence going on betweene Quéenes moore and North moore, it
+ [Sidenote: Peder.]
+ receiueth one brooke called Peder from by southwest, that runneth
+ through Pederton parke and North moore; and likewise another that
+ passeth by Durleie, yer it doo come at Bridgewater. From Bridgewater
+ it goeth by Chilton directlie northwest, and then turning flat west,
+ it goeth northward towards the sea, taking in two waters by the waie,
+ [Sidenote: Camington.]
+ whereof one runneth by Coripole & Camington, and beareth the name of
+ Camington, the other by Siddington and Comage, and then receiuing the
+ [Sidenote: Brier.]
+ Brier before it come at Start point, they fall as one into the Ocean,
+ whereof let this suffice for the description of the Iuell, whose
+ streame dooth water all the west part of Summersetshire and leaueth it
+ verie fruitfull.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brier.]
+ The Brier, Bruer, or Bréer, riseth of two waters, wherof one is in
+ Selwood forest, & commeth downe by Bruecombe, Bruham, and Bruton. The
+ [Sidenote: _Leland_ writeth the first Brieuelus and the second
+ Mellodunus or the Milton water.]
+ other which Leland nameth Mellos, is northest of Staffordell towne,
+ and going by the same, it runneth by Redlinch, to Wike; where it
+ méeteth with the other head, and thence go on as one to Awnsford,
+ [Sidenote: Dulis.]
+ Alford (where it taketh in a water called Dulis from by north that
+ riseth néere Dolting, and commeth by Euerchurch parke) then to the
+ Lidfords, Basborow wood, the Torhill, Pont perilous (whereinto they
+ fable that Arthur being wounded to death did throw Calibur his sword)
+ by Glastenburie and so into the Méere. Beside this riuer there are two
+ other also that fall into the said Méere, whereof the one called
+ [Sidenote: Sowaie or Stowaie.]
+ Sowaie commeth from Créechurch parke, and Pulton by Hartlacke bridge,
+ [Sidenote: Cos.]
+ the other named Cos or the Coscombe water, from aboue Shepton, Mallet
+ (which east of Wike taketh in a water comming from Welles) by Wike,
+ Gedneie, and so into the Méere. Finallie, returning all into one
+ chanell, it runneth to Burtlehouse, and soone after diuiding it selfe,
+ one arme goeth by Bastian aliàs Brent bridge, to High bridge, leauing
+ Huntspill a market towne by southwest, the other by Marke to Rokes
+ bridge, Hebbes passage, and so into the sea, leauing a faire Iland,
+ wherin beside Brentmarsh are seuen or eight townes, of whose names I
+ haue no knowledge.
+
+ Now as touching the water that commeth from Welles, which falleth (as
+ I said) into the Coscombe water on the right hand of the Cawseie; you
+ shall vnderstand that as manie springs are in Wels, so the chiefe of
+ them is named Andres well, which riseth in a medow plat not farre from
+ the east end of the cathedrall church, and afterward goeth into the
+ [Sidenote: Milton.]
+ [Sidenote: Golafer.]
+ Coscombe, in such place as I haue noted. Leland speaketh of the Milton
+ & Golafer waters, which should fall likewise into the Brier: but
+ whether those be they whereof the one riseth aboue Staffordell, and in
+ the descent runneth by Shipton, Pitcombe, and so to Awnsford on the
+ one side, as the other dooth rise betwéene Batcombe and Vpton noble on
+ the other halfe; or vnto whether of them either of these names are
+ seuerallie to be attributed: as yet I doo not read.
+
+ [Sidenote: Axe. 2.]
+ The second Axe which commeth by Axe towne in old time called Vexa,
+ issueth out of Owkie hole, from whence it goeth by Owkie towne,
+ [Sidenote: The Chederbrooke, driueth twelue miles within a quarter of
+ a mile of his head.]
+ afterward meeting with the Chederbrooke that commeth from the Cheder
+ rocks, wherein is an hole in old time called Carcer Æoli, wherof much
+ hath béene written & surmised past credit. It runneth by Were,
+ Ratcliffe, and after a little compasse into the northeast branch of
+ the aforesaid riuer last described, betweene Rokes bridge and Hebbes
+ passage, as I haue beene informed. From the fall of Axe we come to an
+ [Sidenote: Bane.]
+ other called Bane, northeast of Woodspring, whose head is about
+ Banwell parke, or else in Smaldon wood. Then to an other, and to the
+ [Sidenote: Artro.]
+ third, called Artro, which riseth about Litton, and going by the
+ Artroes, Vbbeie, Perribridge (receiuing a rill yer it come thither
+ from by south) beneath Cungesbirie, or (as I learne) betwéene Kingston
+ and Laurence Wike, it méeteth with the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sottespill.]
+ Sottespill water riseth betwéene Cheueleie and Naileseie, howbeit it
+ hath no increase before it come into the sea at Sottespill, more than
+ [Sidenote: Cleueden.]
+ the next vnto it, which is named Cleueden water, of a certeine towne
+ neere to the fall thereof. It riseth southeast of Barrow, goeth by
+ [Sidenote: Auon. 3.]
+ Burton Naileseie, and so vnto Cleuedon. The Auon, commonlie called the
+ third Auon, is a goodlie water, and growne to be verie famous by
+ sundrie occasions, to be particularlie touched in our description of
+ Bristow. Yet thus much will I note héere thereof as a rare accident,
+ how that in king Edgars daies, the verie same yeare that the old
+ monasterie of Euesham fell downe by itselfe, a porpasse was taken
+ therein neere to the said monasterie, and neuer anie before or since
+ that time heard of to haue béene found in that streame. And euen so
+ [Sidenote: Sturgion taken in Rochester water.]
+ not manie yeares before I first wrote this treatise, a sturgion was
+ taken aliue in Rochester streame, which the bishop gaue vnto your
+ honor, and you would as gladlie haue sent it to the quéenes maiestie,
+ if she might haue béene presented withall aliue as it was taken.
+ Certes both these rare occurrents gaue no lesse occasion of strange
+ surmises to the inhabitants of both places, than the blockes of
+ Brerton, when they appeare, doo vnto that familie; of which the report
+ goeth that they are neuer séene but against some mischéefe or other to
+ befall vnto that house. But how farre am I gone from my purpose?
+
+ The Auon therefore riseth in the verie edge of Tetburie, and goeth by
+ long Newton to Brokenton, Whitchurch, and Malmsburie, where it
+ receiueth two waters, that is to saie, one from by west comming by
+ Foreleie and Bromleham, which runneth so néere to the Auon in the west
+ suburbe of Malmsburie, that the towne thereby is almost made an Iland.
+ Another from Okeseie parke by Hankerton, Charleton, and Garesden.
+ After this confluence it hasteth to Cole parke, then goeth it toward
+ the southeast, till it méet with a water comming from southwest
+ (betwéene Hullauington and Bradfield) by Aston: and soone after with
+ another at the northside from Binall by Wootton Basset (through the
+ parke to Gretenham, and Idouer bridges) and after the confluence to
+ Dauntseie, Segar, Sutton, Christmalford, Auon, Calwaies house, and
+ then to west Tetherton. Beneath this towne also it taketh in a water
+ increased by two brookes, whereof one comming from Cleue by Hilmarton,
+ Whitleie house and Bramble (and there receiuing another that commeth
+ by Calne) passeth on by Stanlie into the Auon, which from thencefoorth
+ [Sidenote: Cosham.]
+ goeth to Chippenham, Rowdon, Lekham, and then receiuing Cosham water,
+ goeth to Lacocke, Melsham, and yer it come at Whaddon, crosseth two
+ other in one chanell, whereof one riseth about Brumham house, and
+ goeth to Sene, the other about the Diuizes, and from thence runneth to
+ Potterne wood, Creeke wood, Worton, Maston, Bucklington, and ioining
+ with the other aboue Litleton, they run by Semmington, and north of
+ Whaddon aforesaid into the maine streame, whereof I now intreat. From
+ hence our Auon runneth to Stauerton, and southwest of that towne
+ [Sidenote: Were.]
+ méeteth with the Were that commeth from Vpton by Dilton, Brooke parke
+ [Sidenote: Westbirie vnder the plaine,
+ neuer without a théefe or twaine.]
+ (there crossing a rill called Bisse from Westbirie vnder the plaine)
+ then to north Bradleie, Trubridge, and so into Auon that goeth from
+ thence to Bradford, & within a mile or thereabouts, before it come at
+ Freshford, it méeteth with the Frome, whose description dooth insue.
+
+ [Sidenote: Frome.]
+ The Frome riseth in the east part of Mendip hils, and from thence
+ runneth by Astwijc, the Cole pits, Lie vnder Mendip, Whateleie,
+ [Sidenote: Nonneie.]
+ Elmesbridge, and soone after taketh in the Nonneie water, comming from
+ Nonneie castell, thence to Walles and Orcharleie bridge, where it
+ receiueth a pretie brooke descending from Frome Selwood west of
+ Brackleie, increased with sundrie rils, whereof two come out of
+ Selwood forrest (and one of them from the Fratrie) another out of Long
+ lead parke, from Horningsham, and the fourth from Cosleie. Hence our
+ Frome goeth to Lullington, Beckington, Farleie castell, Bord and Fresh
+ [Sidenote: Silling.]
+ foord, and taking in the Silling brooke, falleth into the Auon beneath
+ Bradford, and east of Freshford. From thence going beneath Stoke, it
+ receiueth on the left hand a water comming from southwest, increased
+ by sundrie brookes, whereof one commeth from Camelet by Litleton, and
+ Dankerton, the other from Stone Eston, Midsummer Norton, by Welston,
+ Rodstocke, Wrigleton, Foscot, and Wellow, and there (taking in a rill
+ from Phillips Norton) it goeth by Clauerton to Hampton, and there it
+ méeteth with another water comming from Barthford, whose head is at
+ Litleton from whence it runneth by west Kineton to Castell combe
+ (where it ioineth with a rill rising by north from Litleton drue) and
+ thence commeth south to Slaughtenford, Haselburie, Box, Baithford, and
+ so into the Auon, which turning plaine west, hasteth to Baithwijc, and
+ (meeting with another in his passage from Caldaston) to Bath, the
+ Tiuertons, and Coston.
+
+ Héere also it taketh in a rill by the waie from Markesburie by
+ Wilmerton and Newton, and then going on to Sawford, it méeteth with
+ [Sidenote: Swinford.]
+ one rill soone west of Northstocke, named Swinford, and another by
+ Bitton, from Durhain by Wike, and so procéedeth still holding on his
+ [Sidenote: Swinford parteth Summerset & Glocestershires in sunder.]
+ way to Caimsham, a towne in Summerset shire (so called of Caim an
+ English saint, by whose praiers, as the countrie once beléeued, all
+ the adders, snakes and serpents were turned into stone, their formes
+ reserued, and for a certeine space of ground about the said towne, and
+ whereof some store as yet is to be found in those quaries. But this
+ miracle is so true as the historie of Hilda, or that S. Patrike should
+ chase all venemous creatures out of Italie, with his staffe; or that
+ maid Radegund should driue the crowes to the pound, which did annoie
+ hir corne while she went vnto a chappell to heare & sée a masse) where
+ it crosseth the Chute, which issueth at Winford, and goeth by bishops
+ Chue to Penford, and there receiueth the Clue comming from Cluton, and
+ from thence to Chute, & so into the Auon. The Auon likewise after all
+ these confluences goeth to Briselton, and so to Bristow, beneath which
+ it receiueth a rill on each side (wherof one commeth from about Stoke
+ lodge in Glocestershire, being a faire water and running by Acton,
+ Frampton, Hambroch, Stapleton, and through Bristow, the other by south
+ from Dundreie hill and towne, by Bisport and Bedminster) and so
+ descending yet lower, goeth to Rawneham passage and Clifton, then by
+ S. Vincents rocke and Laie, next of all to Crocampill, and finallie
+ into the sea, whither all waters by nature doo resort.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alderleie.]
+ Beside this water, Leland maketh mention of Alderleie brooke, which in
+ some ancient records is also called Auon, and runneth by Barkeleie. In
+ [Sidenote: Douresleie.]
+ like maner he talketh of Douresleie becke, whose principall head is in
+ Douresleie towne: howbeit he saith no thing of it more, than that it
+ [Sidenote: Torworth.]
+ serueth sundrie tucking lucking milles, and goeth by Tortworth or
+ foure miles further, before it come at the Sauerne. Finallie, making
+ mention of an excellent quarrie of hard stone about Douresleie, he
+ telleth of the Tortworth becke, that runneth within a flight shot of
+ Barkeleie towne, and falleth on the left hand into Sauerne marches,
+ taking with all the Alderleie or Auon, except I mistake his meaning,
+ which may soone be doone among his confused notes.
+
+
+
+
+ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SAUERNE, & SUCH WATERS AS DISCHARGE THEMSELUES
+ INTO THE SAME.
+
+ CHAP. XIII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Sauerne.]
+ The Sauerne which Ptolomie calleth Sabriana, Tacitus Sabrina, diuideth
+ England or that part of the Iland, which sometime was called Lhoegres
+ from Cambria, so called of Camber, the second sonne of Brute, as our
+ histories doo report. But now that region hight Wales, of the Germane
+ word Walsh, whereby that nation dooth vse to call all strangers
+ without respect of countrie. This riuer tooke the name of a certeine
+ ladie, called Habren or Hafren, base daughter to Locrinus begotten
+ vpon Estrildis daughter to Humber otherwise called Cumbrus or Vmar,
+ and for which some write Chonibrus king of Scithia, that sometime
+ inuaded this Island, and was ouerthrowne here in the daies of this
+ Locrinus, as shall be shewed at hand: although I suppose rather that
+ this ladie was called Ine, and that the word Sabrina is compounded of
+ Aber and Ine, and the letter S added "Propter euphoniam:" for the
+ mouth or fall of euerie riuer in the British spéech is called Aber,
+ whereby Aber Ine is so much to saie as, the fall of Ine. But let vs
+ returne againe to our discourse of Humber or Vmar, which is worthie to
+ be remembred.
+
+ For after the death of Locrinus, it came to passe that Guendolena his
+ wife ruled the kingdome in the nonage of hir sonne: and then getting
+ the said Estrildis and Habren hir daughter into hir hands, she drowned
+ them both in this riuer. And in perpetuall remembrance of hir husbands
+ disloialtie towards hir, she caused the streame to be called Habren of
+ the yoong ladie, for which the Romans in processe of time for
+ readinesse and mildnesse of pronunciation, wrote Sabrina, and we at
+ this time doo pronounce the Sauerne. Of the drowning of the said Abren
+ also I find these verses insuing:
+
+                   In fluuium præcipitatur Abren,
+   Nomen Abren, fluuio de virgine, nomen eidem
+     Nomine corrupto deinde Sabrina datur.
+
+ But to returne to our Sauerne. It falleth into the maine sea betweene
+ Wales and Cornewall, which is and shall be called the Sauerne sea, so
+ long as the riuer dooth keepe hir name. But as the said streame in
+ length of course, bountie of water, and depth of chanell commeth farre
+ behind the Thames: so for other commodities, as trade of merchandize,
+ plentie of cariage, & store of all kind of fish, as salmon, trouts,
+ breames, pikerell, tench, perch, &c: it is nothing at all inferiour or
+ second to the same. Finallie, there is nothing to be discommended in
+ this riuer, but the opennesse thereof in manie places to the weather,
+ whereby sundrie perils oft ouertake such as fish or saile in small
+ vessels on the same.
+
+ The head of this noble streame is found in the high mounteines of
+ south Wales called Helennith or Plim limmon; in English, the blacke
+ mounteins, or moore heads, from whence also the Wie and the Rhidoll do
+ procéed: and therefore these thrée waters are commonlie called the
+ thrée sisters, and haue in latitude two and fiftie degrees ten
+ minutes, in longitude fiftéene and fiftie, as the description
+ inferreth. So soone as it is out of the ground, it goeth
+ southeastward, till it come within a mile of Laundlos, where it
+ receiueth a chanell from by south southwest, called the Dulas, which
+ commeth thereinto on the south side, & southwest of Lan Idlos. It
+ riseth (as it should séeme) of diuerse heads in the edge of
+ Radnorshire, and taking in sundrie small rilles, it meeteth at the
+ [Sidenote: Brueham.]
+ last with the Brueham brooke, and so they go togither till they fall
+ [Sidenote: Clewdogh.]
+ into the Sauerne. Beneath Lan Idlos it taketh in the Clewdogh, from
+ northwest, a water producted by the influence of foure pretie brookes,
+ [Sidenote: Bacho.]
+ [Sidenote: Dungum.]
+ [Sidenote: Lhoid.]
+ [Sidenote: Bigga.]
+ [Sidenote: Couine.]
+ whereof one is called Bacho, another Dungum comming out of lin
+ Glaslin, the third Lhoid rising in lin Begilin, and the most
+ southerlie called Bigga. After which confluence our Sauerne procéedeth
+ on by Berhlaid toward Landiman, taking in by the waie, on the east
+ side the Couine, thence to Cairfuse castell, where it meeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Carnon.]
+ [Sidenote: Taran.]
+ Carnon, and the Taran both in one chanell, and going not far from the
+ [Sidenote: Hawes.]
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse. 2.]
+ aforesaid fortresse. After this it crosseth the Hawes on the north
+ halfe beneath Aberhawes, next of all the Dulesse that riseth in the
+ edge of Radnor shire, and méeteth with it before it come at Newton in
+ Powisie, otherwise called Trenewith, as I find in British language.
+ Being come to Trenewith, I cannot eschue (right honorable) to giue one
+ note, as by the waie, touching the originall of my ladie your
+ bedfellowes ancestrie, which came from hence, & were surnamed Newtons
+ onelie, for that the grandfather of sir John Newton either dwelled or
+ was borne there: otherwise the right name is Caradoc, for which some
+ doo corruptlie write Cradocke, respecting rather the shortnesse of
+ pronuntiation, than the true orthographie and writing of the word.
+ Certes the Caradockes haue béene, and yet are a linage of great honor,
+ antiquitie, and seruice; their lands also sometime belonged (for the
+ most part) to the noble Connoanies of Summersetshire: but in what
+ order they descended to the Newtons, in good sooth I cannot tell. But
+ to procéed with our riuer, which being past Newton, runneth foorth by
+ [Sidenote: Mule.]
+ Landilouarne, and so foorth on till it come to the fall of the Mule,
+ whose head is in the edge of Radnor also, and thereto his passage by
+ Kerie and Lanmereiwijc. After this also it procéedeth further till it
+ [Sidenote: Kenlet.]
+ [Sidenote: Camalet.]
+ [Sidenote: Tate.]
+ meet with the Kenlet or the Camalet, which taketh in also the Tate or
+ Tadbrooke water rising out of the hilles a mile from Bishops towne,
+ the whole course thereof being about seauen miles from the head (as I
+ haue often heard.) Of this also I find two descriptions, whereof one I
+ borrow out of Leland, who saith that it is a pretie brooke, running in
+ the vale by Mountgomerie, and comming within halfe a mile of the place
+ where Chirbirie priorie stood, it falleth into the Sauerne about a
+ mile from thence. Of the rilles (saith he) that run from the hilles
+ thorough Mountgomerie, which are a mile from the Sauerne shore, and
+ [Sidenote: Lan Idlos.]
+ likewise of the Lan Idlos brooke that méeteth withall within foure
+ miles of the head, I speake not, but thinke it sufficient to touch
+ those of some estimation, onelie leauing the rest to such as maie
+ hereafter deale with things more particularlie as time and trauell
+ maie reueale the truth to them. And hitherto Leland, whose words I
+ dare not alter. But another noteth this Camalet or Kenlet to run by
+ More, Liddiom, Sned, Churchstocke, Chirbirie, Walcote, and Winsbirie,
+ and so into the Sauerne.
+
+ From hence then, and after this confluence it goeth on by Fordon,
+ Leighton, and Landbreuie toward Meluerleie, and there it méeteth with
+ [Sidenote: Tanet.]
+ sundrie waters in one chanell, whereof the one called the Tanet is a
+ [Sidenote: Peuereie or Murnewie.]
+ verie pretie water (whereinto the Peuereie or Murneweie doth fall,
+ which descendeth from the hilles by west of Matrafall not farre from
+ [Sidenote: Auernie.]
+ Lhan Filin) the other Auernie, and ioining beneath Abertannoth, or
+ aboue Lannamonach neere unto the ditch of Offa, it is not long yer
+ [Sidenote: Mordant.]
+ they méet with the Mordant brooke, and there loose their names so
+ soone as they ioine and mix their waters with it. The head of the
+ Mordant issueth out of the Lanuerdan hilles, where diuerse saie, that
+ the parish church of crosse Oswald or Oswester sometimes stood.
+ Certes, Oswester is thirtéene miles northwest from Shrewesburie, and
+ conteineth a mile within the walles. It hath in like sort foure
+ suburbs or great stréetes, of which one is called Stratlan, another
+ Wuliho, the third Beterich, wherein are one hundred and fortie barns
+ standing on a row belonging to the citizens or burgesses, and the
+ fourth named the Blackegate stréet, in which are thirtie barns
+ mainteined for corne and haie. There is also a brooke running thorough
+ [Sidenote: Simons becke.]
+ the towne by the crosse, comming from Simons well, a bow shoote
+ without the wall; & going vnder the same betweene Thorowgate &
+ Newgate, running vnder the Blacke gate. There is another, ouer whose
+ [Sidenote: Bederich.]
+ course the Baderikes or Bederich gate standeth, and therefore called
+ Bederich brooke. The third passeth by the Willigate or Newgate, &
+ these fall all togither with the Crosse brooke, a mile lower by south
+ into the Mordant that runneth (as I said) by Oswester. From hence also
+ it goeth to Mordant towne, and betwéene Landbreuie and Meluerleie doth
+ fall into the Sauerne. After this our principall streame goeth to
+ Sheauerdon castell, Mountford, and Bicton chappell: and here it
+ receiueth a water on the left hand, that riseth of two heads, whereof
+ one is aboue Merton, the other at Ellismere, and ioining betweene
+ Woodhouses & Bagleie, the confluence runneth on by Radnall, Halton,
+ Teddesmer, Roiton, Baschurch, Walford, Grafton, Mitton, and so into
+ the Sauerne. From hence it runneth to Fitz, Eton, or Leiton, Barwijc,
+ vpper Rossall, Shelton, and so to Shrewsburie, where it crosseth the
+ Mele water, whose head (as I heare) is said to be in Weston.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mele.]
+ The Mele therefore rising at Weston, goeth by Brocton, Worthen, Aston
+ [Sidenote: Haberleie.]
+ Pigot, Westleie, Asterleie, and at Lea it méeteth with the Haberleie
+ water that commeth downe by Pontesford and Aunston. After this
+ confluence also it runneth to Newenham & Crokemele, there taking in a
+ rill on the other side that descendeth by Westburie and Stretton, &
+ thence going on to Hanwood, Noball, Pulleie, Bracemele, and
+ Shrewesburie, it falleth (as I said) into the open Sauerne. From hence
+ our Sauerne hasteth to Vffington, Preston, and betwéene Chilton and
+ Brampton taketh in the Terne, a faire streame and worthie to be well
+ handled; if it laie in me to performe it. This riuer riseth in a mere
+ beside Welbridge parke, néere vnto Ternemere village in Staffordshire.
+ From whence it runneth by the parkes side to Knighton, Norton, Betton,
+ and at Draiton Hales crosseth with a water comming from about Adbaston
+ (where maister Brodocke dwelleth) and runneth by Chippenham and
+ [Sidenote: Terne.]
+ Amming: so that the Terne on the one side, and this brooke on the
+ [Sidenote: * Sée Hen. 6. pag. 649]
+ other, doo inclose a great part of [*]Blore heath, where a noble
+ battell was somtime purposed betwéene king Henrie the sixt, and the
+ duke of Yorke: but it wanted execution.
+
+ But to procéed. After this confluence, it runneth to Draiton Hales,
+ Ternehill bridge: and yer long taking in a rill from Sandford by
+ Blechleie, it goeth to Stoke Allerton, Peplaw, and Eaton, where it
+ crosseth with a brooke that riseth about Brinton, and going by Higham,
+ Morton, the great Mere, Forton, Pilson, Pickstocke, Keinton,
+ Tibberton, and Bolas, it ioineth with the said Terne not farre from
+ Water Vpton. Thence passing to Crogenton, it méeteth with another
+ brooke that commeth from Chaltwen Aston, by Newport, Longford,
+ Aldneie, and so through the Wilde moore to Kinsleie & Sléepe, and
+ finallie into the Terne, which hasteth from thence to Eston bridge,
+ [Sidenote: Roden.]
+ and néere vnto Walcote taketh in the Roden. This water riseth at
+ Halton in Cumbermere lake: and comming to Ouenleie, crosseth a rill
+ from Cowlemere by Leniall. Thence it goeth to Horton, and (ioining
+ with another rill beneath Nonlaie that commeth from Midle) runneth on
+ to Wen, Aston, there crossing a rill beneath Lacon hall from Prées
+ ward, and so to Lée, Befford, Stanton, Morton, Shabrée, Painton,
+ Roden, Rodington, and then into Terne, that runneth from thence by
+ Charlton, Vpton, Norton, Barwijc, Acham, and so into the Sauerne two
+ miles beneath Shrewesburie (as I wéene.)
+
+ Thus haue I described the Terne in such wise as my simple skill is
+ able to performe. Now it resteth that I proceed on (as I maie) with
+ the Sauerne streame, with which, after this former confluence, it
+ goeth vnto Roxater or Roxcester, Brampton, Eaton vpon Sauerne,
+ [Sidenote: Euerne.]
+ Draiton, where it ioineth with the Euerne that runneth from
+ Frodesleieward by Withiall and Pitchford, Cresfedge, Garneston,
+ [Sidenote: Wenlocke or Rhe.]
+ Leighton, and betwéene the two Bildasses crosseth the Rhe or Wenlocke
+ water, and so goeth on to Browsleie and Hoord parke, where it vniteth
+ it selfe with another brooke to be described in this place, whilest
+ the Sauerne rests, and recreates it selfe here among the plesant
+ bottoms.
+
+ This water ariseth aboue Tongcastell, and yer it haue run anie great
+ distance from the head, it méeteth with a rill comming by Sheriffe
+ Hales, and Staunton. Thence it goeth on to Hatton, Roiton, and there
+ crossing another from Woodhouses, comming by Haughton and Euelin, it
+ [Sidenote: Worfe.]
+ procéedeth to Beckebirie and Higford, and not omitting here to crosse
+ the Worfe (sometime a great streame that runneth vnto it out of
+ Snowdon poole) and so passeth foorth to Badger, Acleton, Worffield: a
+ litle from whence (about Wickin) it taketh in another brooke into it
+ called Churle, & so goeth on to Rindleford, and then into Sauerne
+ somwhat aboue Bridgenorth at Penston mill (except mine information
+ deceiue me.) From Bridgenorth our Sauerne descendeth to Woodburie,
+ [Sidenote: Marbrooke.]
+ Quatford, and there taking in the Marbrooke beneath Eaton that riseth
+ aboue Collaton, and goeth by Moruill & Vnderton, it runneth by
+ Didmanston, Hempton, Aueleie, & beneath in the waie to Bargate,
+ crosseth with a brooke comming from Vpton parke, by Chetton,
+ Billingsleie, and Highleie, which being admitted, it holdeth on to
+ [Sidenote: Dowlesse.]
+ Areleie, Ciarnewood parke, Hawbach and Dowlesse. Here also it méeteth
+ with the Dowlesse water, a pretie brooke issuing out of the Cle hilles
+ in Shropshire, verie high to looke vpon, and thrée miles or
+ thereabouts from Ludlow, which runneth through Clebirie parke in Wire
+ [Sidenote: Lempe.]
+ forrest, & taking withall the Lempe, dooth fall into the Sauerne not
+ far from Bewdleie.
+
+ But to procéed. From Bewdleie our Sauerne hasteth directlie to
+ [Sidenote: Stoure.]
+ Ribford, Areleie and Redston, and here it méeteth with a water called
+ Stoure, descending from Elie, or out of the ponds of Hales Owen in
+ Worcestershire, where it receiueth a rill from the left hand, and
+ another from the right, and then goeth on to Sturbridge (taking in
+ there the third water yer long running from Sturton castell) then to
+ Kniuer Whittenton, Ouerleie and Kidormister, aboue which it crosseth
+ one brookelet that commeth thither by Church hill, and another beneath
+ it that runneth by Belborow, betwixt which two waters lieth an od
+ peece of Staffordshire included, and also the Cle hill. From hence the
+ aforesaid Sauerne hasteth by Redston to Shrawleie; and aboue this
+ [Sidenote: Astleie.]
+ towne receiueth the Astleie water, as beneath the same it dooth
+ another. From Witleie then it goeth on to Holt castell, and so to
+ [Sidenote: Doure.]
+ [Sidenote: Sulwaie.]
+ Grimleie, taking in thereabout with the Doure, and Sulwaie waters,
+ whereof this riseth at Chadswijc, and runneth by Stoke priorie, &
+ Droitwich, the other aboue Chaddesleie, and commeth by Dourdale. After
+ this it goeth foorth vnto Worcester, in old time called Cair Brangon,
+ [Sidenote: Tiber.]
+ or Cair Frangon, where it méeteth with the Tiber, or Tiberton water,
+ on the right hand aboue that citie, and beneth it neere vnto Powijc
+ with the Temde, whose description shall be set downe before I procéed
+ or go anie further with the Sauerne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Temde.]
+ The Temde, or (as some name it) the Tame riseth vp in Radnorshire, out
+ of the Melenith hilles, and soone after his issue, méeting with a
+ water from Withall, it runneth to Begeldie, Lanuerwaterden, and so to
+ Knighton, which is fiue or six miles (as I heare) from his originall.
+ From Knighton it goeth ouer the ditch of Offa vnto Standish, and
+ [Sidenote: Clude.]
+ crossing a rill that commeth from betwéene the parke named Clude, (and
+ is a bound of Radnorshire) it goeth to Buckton, Walford, and
+ Lanuarden, where it meeteth with the Bardwell or Berfield, and the
+ Clun, both in one chanell, of which I find these descriptions here
+ [Sidenote: Barfield.]
+ folowing word for word in Leland. The Bardwell or Barfield riseth
+ [Sidenote: Clun.]
+ aboue New Chappell, in the honour of Clun, hard by the ditch of Offa,
+ and goeth by Bucknell. The Clun issueth out of the ground betwéene
+ Lhan Vehan and Maiston, and going on by Bucton, Cluncastell, Clundon,
+ Purslaw, and Clunbirie, it crosseth with a brooke that runneth along
+ by Kempton and Brampton. Thence going foorth by Clunbirie, Brome,
+ Abcot and Marlow, it méeteth with the Bardwell, and so in the Temde,
+ not verie far from Temderton. I suppose that Leland calleth the
+ [Sidenote: Owke.]
+ Bardwell by the name of Owke, but I will not abide by it bicause I am
+ not sure of it. After these confluences therefore, our Temde goeth by
+ Trippleton, Dounton, Burrington, and Broomefield, where it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Oneie.]
+ with the Oneie, which is an indifferent streame, and increased with
+ sundrie waters, whereof I saie as followeth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bow.]
+ The first of all is called the Bow. It riseth (as I learne) in the
+ hilles betwéene Hissington and Shelue, and from thence commeth downe
+ [Sidenote: Warren.]
+ by Lindleie and Hardwijc, where it crosseth the Warren that issueth
+ out of the ground about Rotlie chappell, and runneth by Adston and
+ Wentnor. After the confluence also going on by Choulton and Cheinies,
+ [Sidenote: Queneie and Strabroke.]
+ it taketh in the Queneie and Strabroke both in one chanell, wherof the
+ first riseth at Lebotwood, and commeth downe by the Strettons, till it
+ passe by Fellanton. The second mounteth about Longuill, and goeth by
+ Rushburie, Newhall, Harton, and Alcaster, from whence it is not long
+ yer it fall into the Queneie, and so by Stratford into the Oneie,
+ which hath borne that name since the confluence of the Bow and Warren
+ at Hardwijc, whereof I spake before. Finallie, the Oneie which some
+ [Sidenote: Somergill.]
+ call the Somergill being thus increased, it runneth on to Hawford
+ chappell, Oneibirie, Broomefield, and so into Temde, and next of all
+ to Ludlow. The Temde being thus brought to Ludlow, méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Corue.]
+ Corue, which commeth thorough Coruedale from aboue Brocton by
+ Morehouses, Shipton, Hungerford, and a little beneath taking in a rill
+ that commeth by Tugford, and Brencost castell, goeth on to Corsham
+ castell, and there crossing another from saint Margarets Clée, it
+ hieth to Stanton Lacie, and so likewise to Ludlow.
+
+ From Ludlow in like sort it goeth to Ludford, the Ashfordes, little
+ [Sidenote: Ladwich.]
+ Hereford, Burrington, and at Burfford vniteth it selfe with the
+ Ladwich that commeth beneath Milburne stoke, from betweene Browne,
+ Cleehill, and Stittertons hill, to Middleton, Henleie, Ladwich, Conam,
+ and so into Temde, which beneath Temdbirie receiueth another rill on
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ the other side, and the second on the left hand called Rhe, that
+ commeth from aboue Ricton, Staterton, Hound, Nene, Clebirie, Knighton,
+ and then into the Temde. From hence the Temde doeth goe by Astham,
+ Lingridge, Shelleie Welch, Clifton, Whitburne (and crossing a water
+ that commeth from the Sapies) to Knightwijc and Bradwaies. Hereabout
+ againe it interteineth a rill that descendeth from about Kidburie on
+ the right hand, and goeth by Collomatherne, Credeleie, Aufrike, and so
+ into Temde, and then procéeding forward, the said streame runneth to
+ [Sidenote: Langherne.]
+ Braunford, and yer long (taking in the Langherne that riseth about
+ Martleie, and passeth by Kengewijc) it goeth to Powijc, and so into
+ the Sauerne before it come at Wickecester.
+
+ Thus haue I brought all such streames before me that fall into the
+ Sauerne from the head, vntill I come to Powijc, wherof (as you may
+ easily perceiue) the Temde is the most excellent. Now it resteth that
+ I proceed with the rest of the discourse intended concerning this our
+ riuer. Certes, from Powijc mils which are about halfe a mile beneth
+ Worcester, the Sauerne runneth on to Kempseie and Cleueld, whence
+ after it hath crossed a brooke comming from Cowleie, it hasteth first
+ to Stoke, and so to Vpton, which is eleuen or twelue miles from
+ Glocester, whither it floweth manie times at high tides, but yer it
+ come there, it drowneth another fall descending from Maluerne hilles
+ by Blackemoore parke, & soone after the third growing by two branches,
+ wherof one commeth also from Maluerne hils by little Maluerne and
+ Welland, the other from Elderford by Pendocke and Longdon. After these
+ confluences in like sort, it runneth to Bushelleie, and Tewkesburie,
+ where it receiueth the Auon, that followed next of all in order to be
+ described, before I procéed anie further in my discourse of Sauerne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Auon. 4.]
+ The Auon riseth at Nauesbie in the borders of Northamptonshire, a
+ little side hand of Gillesborow and foot of the hils whereon Nauesbie
+ standeth, and euen out of the church yard of the said village. From
+ hence it goeth to Welford, Stamford, Lilburne, Clifton, and Rugbie, by
+ [Sidenote: Swiuethus.]
+ north whereof it crosseth a water called Swift, which commeth from
+ aboue Kimcote, to Lutterworth, Browne ouer and Colsford. From thence
+ also it goeth to Newbold, Wolston, Ruington, and betwéene the Stonlies
+ [Sidenote: Souus.]
+ taketh in the Sow. This Sow is a pretie water comming from aboue
+ Calendon to Whitleie, and soone after méeting with a riueret from
+ Couentrie, which some doo call Shirburne water, it goeth thence to
+ [Sidenote: Kinell.]
+ Bagginton, where it taketh in a rill called Kinell, as I haue read
+ from Kenelsworth, from whence it runneth to Stonleie, & so into the
+ Auon. After this confluence the Auon procéedeth on to Stonleie abbeie,
+ Ashehow, Miluerton, Edmonds cote, and appace to Warwijc.
+
+ But yer it come there, it méeteth from south east with two waters in
+ one chanell, whereof the least commeth to Marton from Bishops
+ Itchington, by Herburbirie and Thorpe, where it crosseth a rill from
+ [Sidenote: Leame.]
+ Southam. The other is called Leame, or Lime that descendeth from about
+ Helladon, or néere vnto Catesbie in Northamptonshire, and going by
+ Ouencote, Braunston, Lemington and Mertun, it ioineth with the other,
+ and then go from thence togither vnder the name of Leame, to
+ Hunnington, Cobbington, and so into the Auon, as I gaue notice before.
+ At Warwike also the Auon taketh in a water running northwest from
+ Groue parke. Thence it goeth on to Bereford, and there crossing
+ another from Shirburne, it passeth forth to Bishops Hampton, méeting
+ finallie with the third, from Kineton that runneth by Walton and
+ Charlecote. After this last rehearsed confluence, it hasteth to
+ Stretford vpon Auon, and then to Luddington ward, where it taketh in
+ the Stoure that riseth aboue Cherington, & whose course from thence is
+ such, as that being once past the head, it goeth by Weston, and yer
+ long crossing a water from Campden, hanging Aston, & Todnam, it
+ runneth to Barcheston, Aldermaston, Clifford, & so into the Auon. From
+ hence then the said Auon goeth to Luddington, Burton, Bitford, and
+ Cleue, and being parted from the said towne, yer it come at Sawford,
+ [Sidenote: Arow.]
+ it receiueth the Arow or Aur, which rising in the blacke hils in
+ Worchestershire, commeth by Alchurch, Beleie parke, Ypsleie, Studleie,
+ [Sidenote: Alne.]
+ and then taking in another rill called Alne, out of Fecknam forrest,
+ and going by Coughton parke, it hasteth to Alcester, Arow, Ragleie,
+ Wheteleie, Bouington, Standford, and so into Auon, which after this
+ conjunction goeth to Vffenton & then to Eouesholme: but yer it come
+ there it receiueth two waters in one chanell, whereof the first riseth
+ about Willerseie, the other néere to Buckland, and ioining beneath
+ [Sidenote: Pludor.]
+ Badseie, they fall into Anon, vnder the name of Pludor brooke, before
+ it come to Eouesholme.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vincélus.]
+ Being past Eouesholme it crosseth the Vincell, which rising out of the
+ hils somewhere about Sudleie, runneth two miles further to
+ Winchelcombe, and Gretton, and taking in a rill by the waie from
+ Hailes, procéedeth on (going within one quarter of a mile of Hailes
+ abbaie) to Tuddington, or Doddington, beneath which when it hath
+ crossed another rill that commeth from Stanwaie, it goeth to
+ Wannington, Sedgeborow, and receiuing there the last on the right hand
+ also (as all aboue rehearsed) it falleth into the Auon, when it is
+ come by Hinton, vnto a towne called Hampton, or (as some doo write it)
+ Ampton. After this confluence the Auon goeth to Charleton, to
+ Crapthorne (and there taking in a rill on the left hand) to Fladbirie
+ wike, and almost at Persore bridge, méeteth with a branched water that
+ [Sidenote: Piddle.]
+ commeth by Piddle, whereof one head is at Alberton, an other at
+ Piddle. From Persore it goeth to Birlingham, and soone after carrieng
+ a brooke withall descending from Fakenham, by Bradleie, Himbleton,
+ Huddenton, Crowleie, Churchhill, Pibleton, Besseford and Desseford, it
+ fléeteth to Eckington, Bredon, Twining, Mitton, and Tewkesburie, where
+ it ioineth with the Sauerne.
+
+ Now to resume the course of the Sauerne, you shall vnderstand, that
+ from Tewkesburie it goeth to Derehirst, the How passage, and soone
+ [Sidenote: Chilus.]
+ after receiuing the Chiltenham water that commeth thither by Bodenton,
+ Sawton, and Norton, it runneth to Ashelworth, Sainthirst; and here it
+ parteth it selfe till it come to Glocester, where it vniteth it selfe
+ againe. But in the meane time the easterlie branch receiueth a forked
+ chanell, whereof one head is not far fr[=o] Leke Hampton, the other
+ about Witcombe, from whence it goeth to Brockworth. The other branch
+ or arme taketh in the Leadon that commeth downe by Preston, Dimmocke,
+ [Sidenote: Leadon.]
+ Pantleie vpper Leadon, Leadon court, and there taking in one rill that
+ commeth from Linton by Areknoll, and another beneath it from Tainton
+ by Rudford, it falleth into the said branch on the right side, before
+ it come at Glocester.
+
+ The Sauerne therefore being past Glocester, it méeteth with a litle
+ rill on the right hand, and thence holding on his course by Elmore,
+ Minsterworth, Longneie, to Framilode, it receiueth yer it come at this
+ [Sidenote: Strowd.]
+ latter the Strowd brooke, which rising not farre from Side, goeth by
+ Massade, Edgeworth, Frampton, Strowd, and receiuing there a water that
+ commeth from Panneswijc Lodge, by Pittescombe on the one side, and
+ another from Radbridge on the other, it prosecuteth his voiage to
+ Stone house, Eslington, white Misen, & so toward Framilode, where the
+ said Strowd dooth fall into the Sauerne. After the fall of Strowd, the
+ Sauerne goeth from thence to Newenham, and Arlingham, and soone after
+ receiuing a water on each side, whereof one commeth from Vleie by Cham
+ and Chambridge, the other by Blackneie and Catcombe, it goeth foorth
+ till it méet with another water on ech side, whereof that on the
+ English halfe is forked, so that one head thereof is to be found about
+ Borwell, the other at Horton, and méeting aboue Tortworthie, they run
+ by Stone and Barkeleie castell, and so into the Sauerne. That on the
+ [Sidenote: Newarne.]
+ Welsh halfe is named Newarne, which cömeth from the forrest of Deane,
+ and so into the Sauerne.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUCH WATERS AS FALL INTO THE SEA IN COMPASSE OF THE ILAND, BETWÉENE
+ THE SAUERNE AND THE HUMBER.
+
+ CHAP. XIV.
+
+
+ The Sauerne being thus described, it resteth that I go forward with
+ the names of those that lie vpon the coast of Southwales, making my
+ entrie at the ferrie ouer betwéene Aust in Glocestershire, and a
+ village on the further banke of Sauerne, not farre from Tarendacus
+ [Sidenote: Wie mouth.]
+ chappell, in the mouth of the riuer Wie, which ferrie is about three
+ [Sidenote: Guie aliàs Wie.]
+ miles ouer (saith Leland) or else my memorie dooth faile me. This
+ riuer Guie or Wie beginneth (as I said before) on the side of the
+ hilles, where the Sauerne dooth arise, and passing through Wenceland,
+ that is, southeast by Raiader Guie to Buelt (where the Irwon meeteth
+ withall) it goeth to Glasburie, Hereford, Monmouth, and finallie into
+ the Sauerne sea at Chepstow: for so they call Monhafren, which
+ seuereth Wales from Summersetshire, Deuonshire, Cornewall: as for the
+ Rhidoll which is the third sister, it hath the shortest course of all,
+ for it runneth northward, and into the sea at Aberistwith, which is
+ not farre off, as the writers doo report.
+
+ Leland writing of this riuer Guie or Wie saith thus; The Wie goeth
+ thorough all Herefordshire by Bradwarden castell, belonging to sir
+ Richard Vehan, and so to Hereford east, thence eight miles to Rosse, a
+ [Sidenote: Vmber a fish onelie in the Wie.]
+ market towne in Herefordshire: and in this riuer be vmbers, otherwise
+ called grailings. It is also found by common experience, that the
+ salmon of this riuer is in season, when the like fish to be found in
+ all other riuers is abandoned and out of vse; wherof we of the east
+ parts doo not a little maruell. But let vs not staie vpon these
+ descriptions, sith an other is come to my hand more exact than either
+ of these.
+
+ The Guie therefore riseth out of the blacke mounteines of Wales, out
+ of which the Sauerne springeth in Radnorshire, and comming by
+ [Sidenote: Darnoll.]
+ Lhangerike, and Raiadargoie, it receiueth one rill from the west
+ called Darnoll, and another from by northeast comming by saint Harmon.
+ Thence it goeth to Lhanuthell, and in the waie betwixt Raiader and
+ [Sidenote: Elland.]
+ Lhanuthell, it ioineth with the Elland, whose head is néere to
+ [Sidenote: Clardwen.]
+ Comeristwith, and taketh likewise into him the Clardwen that diuideth
+ for a season Radnorshire from Brecknoch, which Clardwen is likewise
+ increased by the Clarthie within thrée miles of his head and lesse,
+ hauing his course from southwest & hille soile adiacent. From
+ [Sidenote: Ithan.]
+ Lhanuthell it goeth west of Dissart, where it receiueth the Ithan, a
+ riuer rising aboue Lhanibister, and from whence it runneth to Landwie,
+ and Lambaderne vawr: beneath which it crosseth a water on ech side,
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ whereof that on the right hand consisteth on the Dulesse and the
+ [Sidenote: Lamaron.]
+ Cluedoch, after their confluence: the other hight Lomaron, whose head
+ is aboue Lanthangle, and in the forrest of Blethwag. After these
+ confluences, it runneth on crinkeling in strange manner, vnder the
+ [Sidenote: Hawie.]
+ name of Ithor, till it come to Dissart, taking in the Hawie on the
+ left side yer it come there, and then into the Wie on the north side,
+ which directeth his course further to Bealt, where it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Yrwon.]
+ Yrwon, a notable streame, descending from the hilles aboue Lanihangle
+ Abergwessen, and thence comming downe by Lanurid Lang marsh, Lanauan,
+ Vechan, Langantan, and so to Beth or Bealt, being inlarged by the waie
+ [Sidenote: Weuereie.]
+ with sundrie faire waters, as the Weuereie, whose head is about
+ Lanauan moore, the Dulasse, or (as some call it) the Dowlasse, that
+ [Sidenote: Dulasse.]
+ [Sidenote: Comarch.]
+ [Sidenote: Dulasse.]
+ commeth from the hilles west of the head of Weuereie. The Comarch
+ whose head and course is west of the Dowlasse on the north side, and
+ likewise by two other on the southwest, and Dilasse from by southwest,
+ which last rehearsed falleth into him halfe a mile and more aboue the
+ influence of the Comarch which lieth on the other side. After this our
+ [Sidenote: Dehon.]
+ Yrwon goeth to Lhanuareth, where it crosseth the Dehon on the
+ [Sidenote: Edwie.]
+ southwest side, then to Aberedwie, and there receiueth the Edwie on
+ the northeast, which ariseth in the hilles aboue Botins chappell, and
+ commeth downe by Crigend and Lanhaderne, thence the Guie goeth on to
+ [Sidenote: Machaweie.]
+ Lanstephan, and there (or a little aboue) taketh in the Machaweie that
+ commeth by castell Paine, and so going on in processe of time with the
+ [Sidenote: Leuenni.]
+ Leuenni, whereof Leland in his commentaries doth write as here
+ insueth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Euer.]
+ [Sidenote: Euerie.]
+ The Leuenni, otherwise called the Euer or Euerie, is a farre streame
+ rising in Welch Talgarth hard by Blaine Leuenni, among the Atterill
+ hilles, from whence it goeth to Brecknoch mere, which is two miles
+ long, and a mile broad, and where men doo fish in Vniligneis or botes
+ of one peece, as they doo in Lhin Seuathan, which is foure miles from
+ Brecknoch. Finallie bringing great store of red sand withall, and
+ [Sidenote: Brennich.]
+ there with the Brennich water (that hath his originall issue at
+ [Sidenote: Trufrin.]
+ Mennith gader, and is increased with the Trufrin) it falleth into the
+ Wie aboue Glesbirie three miles from Haie, at a place that of the
+ onelie fall of this brooke is named Aberleuenni, after this the Guie.
+ Being come to Haie, a pretie towne where much Romane coine is found,
+ which they call Jewes monie: and after it hath passed or crossed a
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ little brooke, which commeth from Lanigon, it méeteth with the Dulesse
+ that commeth also from the Atterill by Kersop, and from thence goeth
+ to Clifford castell (being now entred into Herefordshire, and leauing
+ Radnor, wherevnto it hath for a long course béene march) then to the
+ Whitneies, Winferton, Letton, Bradwarden, Broberie, Monington, Biford,
+ Bridgesalers, Eaton, Brinton, and Hereford, without anie influence of
+ riuer worthie of memorie, and yet with manie windlesses, & there
+ méeteth with a water rising short of Wormesleie, which goeth by
+ Maunsell, Lacie, Brinsop, Crednell, Stretton, and Huntington, and
+ soone after into the Wie, beside a little rill that runneth betwéene
+ them both euen into Hereford towne. From hence in like sort the Wie
+ hasteth to Rotheras church, Hampton, and Mordeford, where it taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Lug.]
+ sundrie waters in one chanell, of which the Lug or Luie is the
+ principall, and next of all to be described, before I go anie further
+ with the course of the Wie, whereinto it dischargeth the chanell. It
+ riseth in the edge of the forrest of Kemples aboue Langunlo: from
+ whence it goeth to Momonacht, Pilleth Whitton, Fuldibrooke, Prestaine,
+ so into Herefordshire, where betwéene Bonie & Beton, or Bitton, it
+ receiueth in the Somergill, whose crotched head being march to Radnor
+ forrest, directeth his streame betwéene the new and old Radnors, to
+ Knill, to Nash, and so into the Lug, which presentlie passeth by
+ Kinsham, Shirleie, Ailmister, Kingsland, Eaton chappell, and so into
+ Lemister, where it crosseth the Oneie (a streamelet rising short of
+ Shobden, and going by Chorlester) a little before it come to the west
+ side of the towne.
+
+ At Lemister it selfe in like sort three waters doo méet, and almost
+ [Sidenote: Pinsell.]
+ inuiron the towne, that is to saie, the Lug, the Pinfulleie or Pinsell
+ [Sidenote: Kenbrooke.]
+ (a riueret rising at Kingsland two miles from Lemister) & the
+ Kenbrooke, which commeth out of the blacke mounteins, from Lemister,
+ otherwise called Leofminster, of the builder, and also Leonminster,
+ the Lug or Luie goeth on to Eaton, and there taketh in a rill beneath
+ Hampton, and aboue Hope, whereof one head is betwéene Hatfield and
+ Bickleton, another néere vnto Marston, and méeting of both at Humber.
+ From Hampton it goeth to Bodenham, Wellington, Morton, Sutton,
+ Shelwijc, Lugwardin, and Longward, where it crosseth the Fromeie or
+ Frome, a pretie water, and worthie to be remembred. It riseth about
+ Wolferelaw, from whence it commeth downe toward the southest by
+ [Sidenote: Fromeie.]
+ Edwinsloch to Bromyard, Auenburie, Bishops Frome, Castell Frome, Can
+ Frome, to Stretton vpon Frome, and there taking in a water called
+ [Sidenote: Loden aliàs Acton.]
+ Loden, comming from aboue Bishops Grendon, by Pencombe, Cowarne, Stoke
+ Lacie, Cowarne, and Engleton, our Frome goeth on to Yarkeleie,
+ Dornington, and Longward, and so into the Lug, betwéene Longward and
+ Suston, which runneth foorthwith to Mordford, or Morthford, and there
+ into the Wie, vnto whose description I now returne againe.
+
+ Being come therefore vnto Mordford, it goeth to Fawnehope, Hamlacie,
+ [Sidenote: Treske.]
+ Ballingham, Capull regis, where it receiueth a water called Treske,
+ from little Berch by Treske, Fawleie, How, Capull Inkeston, Foie,
+ Brampton, Bridstow, Wilton castell, the Rosse, and there a rill from
+ Bishops Vptonward by Rudhall, Weresend, Ham, Glewston, Godderich, here
+ in like sort meeting with another that commeth from Ecleswall in the
+ confines of Glocestershire, by Peniard castell & Coughton, to Welch
+ Bicknor, English Bicknor, Huntesham, including a parcell of
+ Monmouthshire, being an outliggand, as ye may find in that parcell of
+ Herefordshire which butteth vpon Glocestershire (as you shall find the
+ like péece of Herefordshire in the confines of Salop and Worcester,
+ wherein Rochford standeth, beside manie other which I haue elsewhere
+ [Sidenote: Gainar.]
+ spoken of) Whitchurch, where it taketh in Gainar water that commeth
+ from Much Birch, by Lanwarne, Michaell church, and at Langarran
+ [Sidenote: Garran.]
+ crosseth the Garran brooke, that riseth in Gregwood, short of Arcop,
+ six miles from Monemouth by northwest: after which these two doo runne
+ as one to Marston, and almost Whitchurch, and so into the Wie, which
+ goeth from thence to Gunnarew, S. Michaell, Dixton, and Monemouth,
+ where I will staie a while, till I haue described the Mone, next of
+ all to be remembred here.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mona.]
+ The Mona or Monbecke, riseth in the forrest of Hene, twentie miles
+ from Monemouth by west in Eirisland, and going by Creswell, or
+ Craswall chappell not farre from the marches of Brecknocke, and
+ northeast of Hatuill hils, which after it hath run a good distance
+ [Sidenote: Eskill.]
+ from the head receiueth first the Eskle, and passeth by Lanihangle and
+ [Sidenote: Elkon.]
+ the old Court, from northweast, then the Olcon, from southwest, which
+ méeteth withall néere Cledoll or Knedoch, & passing by the old towne,
+ it hasteth to Altrinis, where it becommeth march betwéene Hereford and
+ [Sidenote: Hodneie.]
+ Monemouth shires, and taketh in a water comming by Trewin, & likewise
+ the Hordwie or Hodneie which riseth in Becknocke, among the
+ Saterelles, & runneth by Capell a fin, Lantonie, Cumroie, Michaell
+ church in Monemouthshire, and ioineth with our Mona at Altrinis, which
+ after this confluence hasteth to Walderstone, Lansillo Langua,
+ [Sidenote: Doure.]
+ betwéene which and Kinechurch it ioineth with the Doure that riseth
+ about the Bache aboue Dourston, which is six miles aboue Doure abbie,
+ so that it runneth through the Gilden dale, by Peterchurch, Fowchurch,
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ Morehampton, Newcourt, Doure, and beneath Doure taketh in the Dulesse,
+ [Sidenote: Wormesbecke.]
+ from southwest and Lanihangle, by Harleswas castell on the one side,
+ and yer long the Wormesbecke, descending from aboue Keuernall by
+ Didleie, Deuerox, Workebridge, and Kenderchurch on the other, and so
+ running all in one chanell vnto Mona, that riuer goeth on to Kinech
+ church, Grismond, Cardwaie, Skenfrith, Warnethall, Perthire, and so to
+ Monemouth, where it meeteth with the Wie, ouer each of which riuers
+ Monemuth towne hath his particular bridge.
+
+ The Guie or Wie therefore being increased with thus manie brookes and
+ waters, passeth on from hence, and going toward Landogo, it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Trollie.]
+ with the Trollie becke, whose head is aboue Lannam ferrie in the north
+ part of Monemouth shire, and goeth from thence by Lhantellio,
+ Lanihangle, Gracedieu, Diggestow, Wonastow, Troie, and so into Wie,
+ [Sidenote: Elwie.]
+ that runneth also by Wies wood chase, taking in there the Elwie that
+ commeth from aboue Landelwie by Langowen, Lannissen, Penclase,
+ Trilegh, and Langogo, where méeting with the aforesaid streame, the
+ Wie directeth his course from thence by Tinterne abbeie (where it
+ crosseth a rill from Trile grange) Chapell hill, Parcasicke, Penterie
+ chapell, Lancante, Chepstowe, and so into the sea, leauing the Treacle
+ (a chappell standing on a rocke) on the hand betweene it & Sauerne,
+ ouer against the point that lieth south of Betteslie. Next vnto the
+ Wie, I find a rill of no great course, comming downe from Mounton
+ chappell, by a place of the bishops of Landaffe. Thence passing by
+ Charston rocke, and the point whereon Trinitie chappell standeth, I
+ [Sidenote: Trogie.]
+ come vnto the fall of Trogie, which riseth short of Trogie castell,
+ and runneth toward the sea, by Landuair, Dewston, Calicot, and so into
+ the Ocean, ouer against the Charston rocke. The next fall is of a
+ water that commeth from aboue Penho by saint Brides, north and by west
+ [Sidenote: Dennie Iland in the middest of the Sauerne,
+ and likewise another litle one called Beuerage.]
+ of Dennie Iland, which lieth midwaie betweene that fall & Porshot
+ point, and before I touch at Goldcliffe point, I crosse another fall
+ of a fresh brooke, whose head is aboue Landueigo in Wencewood, and
+ course by Lhanbed, Langston, Lhanwarme, and through the More to
+ Witston.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wiske.]
+ Next vnto this is the Aberwish, or Wiske, in Latine Osca, whereon
+ Caerleon standeth, sometime called Chester and Ciuitas legionum,
+ bicause the Romans soiourned there, as did afterward Arthur the great,
+ who also held a noble parlement in the same, whereof Galfride maketh
+ mention Lib. 7. cap. 4. affirming thereto, that in those daies the
+ maiestie thereof was such, as that all the forefronts of their houses
+ were in maner laid ouer with gold, according to the Romane vsage.
+ There was in the same in like sort a famous vniuersitie, wherein were
+ 200 philosophers; also two goodlie churches erected in the remembrance
+ of Iulius and Aaron, two Brittish martyrs, whereby it might well be
+ reputed for the third metropoliticall sée in Britaine. But to our
+ water, whereof I read that it is furthermore one of the greatest in
+ Southwales, and huge ships might well come to the towne of Caerleon,
+ as they did in the time of the Romans, if Newport bridge were not a
+ let vnto them; neuerthelesse, big botes come thereto. It is eight
+ Welsh or twelue English miles from Chepstow or Strigull, and of some
+ thought to be in base Wenceland, though other be of the contrarie
+ opinion. But howsoeuer the matter standeth, this riuer is taken to be
+ the bounds of Brechnockshire, as Renni is middle to Wenceland &
+ Glamorganshire. But to leaue these by-matters, and come to the
+ description of the water.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vske.]
+ You shall vnderstand that the Vske or Wiske, in Latin Osca riseth in
+ the blacke mounteins ten miles aboue Brechnocke toward Carmardine, the
+ hill being properlie called Yminidh Duy out of which it falleth, and
+ situate in the verie confines betwéene Brechnocke and Carmardine
+ shires, from whence winding into the northeast, it commeth to
+ Trecastle, and in the waie betwéene it and Capell Ridburne, it taketh
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ in the Craie brooke, on the right hand before it come to Ridburne
+ chappell. Going also from thence toward Deuinocke, it crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Sennie.]
+ Senneie on the same side (which riseth aboue Capell Senneie) next of
+ [Sidenote: Camblas.]
+ [Sidenote: Brane.]
+ all the Camblas, & at Aberbraine, the Brane, or the Bremich, whose
+ head is thrée miles from Brechnocke, and running by Lanihangle, it
+ méeteth I saie with the Vske, about master Awbries manor. Beneath Aber
+ [Sidenote: Yster.]
+ Yster, it receiueth the Yster, which riseth northwest aboue Martyr
+ Kinoch, and commeth by Battell chappell, and going from thence by
+ Lanspithed and Newton, it runneth in the end to Brechnocke, where it
+ [Sidenote: Hodneie.]
+ taketh in the Hodneie or Honthie on the one side, whose head is in
+ Blaine Hodneie, and comming downe from thence by Defrune chappell,
+ Lanihangle and Landiuilog, it méeteth with the Vske or Brechnocke
+ townes end, which of the fall of this water was sometime called
+ Aberhodni, as I haue beene informed: on the other halfe likewise
+ [Sidenote: Tertarith.]
+ it receiueth the Tertarith that riseth among the Bane hils, fiue miles
+ from Brechnocke, and commeth likewise into the verie suburbs of the
+ towne, beneath Trenewith, or new Troie, whereby it taketh the course.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kinuricke.]
+ After these confluences, the Vske procéedeth on toward Aberkinurike,
+ or the fall of a water whose head is in the roots of Menuchdennie
+ hill, and passage by Cantreffe. Thence it goeth by Lanhamlaghe,
+ Penkethleie castell, Lansanfreid, Landettie, Langonider, and soone
+ [Sidenote: Riangall.]
+ after receiuing the Riangall (which riseth about the hill whereon
+ Dinas castell standeth, and runneth by Lanihangle and Tretoure) it
+ passeth betwéene Laugattocke and Cerigkhowell, to Langroinie, and
+ [Sidenote: Groini.]
+ there about crosseth the Groinie brooke, that descendeth from
+ Monegather, Arthur hill, by Peter church, as I find. When the Vske is
+ past this brooke, it taketh in thrée other short rils, from by south
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch Vaur.]
+ [Sidenote: Fidan.]
+ [Sidenote: Cledochveh[=a].]
+ within a little distance, whereof the first hight Cledoch Vaur, the
+ second Fidan, and the third Cledochvehan. Of these also the last
+ falleth in néere to Lanwenarth. From hence the Vske runneth to
+ [Sidenote: Kebbie.]
+ Abergeuenni towne, where it méeteth with the Kebbie water from by
+ north, that riseth short of Bettus chappell aboue the towne, and the
+ [Sidenote: Geuenni.]
+ Geuennie that descendeth from aboue Landilobartholl beneath not farre
+ from Colbroke, and so goeth on to Hardwijc, beneath which it crosseth
+ thrée namelesse rilles, on the right hand or southwest side before it
+ come at Lanihangle vpon Vske, of whose courses I know not anie more
+ than that they are not of anie length, nor the chanell of sufficient
+ greatnesse seuerallie to intreat of. Betwéene Kemmeis and Trostreie it
+ [Sidenote: Birthin.]
+ meeteth with such an other rill that commeth downe by Bettus Newith.
+ [Sidenote: Caer Vske standeth on one side of
+ Vske, and Caerleon on the other, but Caer Vske
+ by diuerse miles further into the land.]
+ Thence it goeth to Caer Vske or Brenbigeie (whose bridge, I mene that
+ of Vske, was ouerthrowne by rage of this riuer, in the six and
+ twentith yeare of king Henrie the eight, vpon saint Hughes daie after
+ a great snow) but yer it come there, it receiueth the Birthin on the
+ right hand, which is a pretie water, descending from two heads,
+ whereof the first is northwest of Manihilot, as the other is of
+ Lanihangle and Pentmorell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Elwie.]
+ Next vnto this it ioineth with the Elwie aboue Lanbadocke, whose head
+ is east of Penclase, and running westwards by Penclase, Lanislen,
+ Langowen (and beneath Landewie taking in a brooket from Ragland
+ castell, that commeth downe thither by Ragland parke) it bendeth
+ southwest, vntill it come at the Vske, which crinkling towards the
+ south, and going by Lanhowell, méeteth with three rilles before it
+ come to Marthenie chappell, whereof the first lieth on the right hand,
+ and the other on the left: the midlemost falling into the same, not
+ farre from Lantressen, as I haue béene informed. From the mouth of the
+ Romeneie to the mouth of the Taffe are two miles. Certes the Taffe is
+ the greatest riuer in all Glamorganshire, (called by Ptolomie
+ Rhatostathybius, as I gesse) and the citie Taffe it selfe of good
+ countenance, sith it is indued with the cathedrall see of a bishop.
+ The course of the water in like maner is verie swift, and bringeth oft
+ such logs and bodies of trées withall from the wooddie hilles, that
+ they doo not seldome crush the bridge in péeces, but for so much as it
+ is made with timber it is repaired with lighter cost, wheras if it
+ were of hard stone, all the countrie about would hardlie be able to
+ amend it. It riseth in Brechnockshire among the woodie hilles, from
+ two heads, whereof one is in Monuchdenie, the other west of that
+ mounteine, of which the first called Taffe vaure, goeth by Capell lan
+ vehan, Vainor, and Morlais, the other by Capell Nantie, and ioining at
+ southwest beneath Morlais castle, they go to Martyr Tiduill, and
+ toward Lannabor, but by the waie it taketh in from northwest a brooke
+ called Cunnon, which commeth out of Brechnockshire by Abardare, and
+ afterward the Rodneie comming out of the same quarter (but not out of
+ the same shire) which runneth by Estridinodoch, a crotched brooke, &
+ therefore diuided into Rodneie vaure, & Rodneie vehan, that being
+ ioined with the Taffe, doth run on withall to Eglefilian, castle Coch,
+ Whitchurch, Landaffe, Cardiffe, and so into the sea, not far from
+ Pennarth point, where also the Laie dooth bid him welcome vnto his
+ chanell or streame. Furthermore, from Marthellie it hasteth to
+ Kemmeis, and yer it come at Caerleon or Chester in the south, taketh
+ in two waters on the right hand, of which the first commeth downe from
+ the north betweene Landgwie, Landgweth, and by Lhan Henoch, without
+ anie further increase: but the other is a more beautifull streame,
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ called Auon, and thus described as I find it among my pamphlets. The
+ Auon riseth in the hilles that séeme to part Monemouth and Brechenocke
+ shires in sunder, and after a rill receiued from Blorench hill on the
+ northside of the same, running downe from thence by Capell Newith and
+ Triuethin, it receiueth a water from by south almost of equall course,
+ and from that quarter of the countrie, and in processe of time another
+ little one from the same side, yer it come to Lanurgwaie and
+ Lanihangle, from whence it goeth to Guennocke and Penrose, & so in
+ Vske before it go by Caerleon. But here you must note, that the course
+ of this streame ioining beneath Quenocke chappell, with the other
+ which descendeth (as I said) from the hilles about foure miles aboue
+ Landgwaie and Langweth, dooth make an Iland aboue Caerleon, where
+ Penrose standeth, & much Romane coine is found of all sorts, so that
+ the influence of the one into the other séemeth to me to be but a
+ draine deuised by man, to kéepe the citie from the violence of such
+ water as otherwise would oft annoie the same.
+
+ Being past Caerleon it runneth to Crindie, where maister Harbert
+ dwelleth, and there carieng another brooke withall, that riseth north
+ of Tomberlow hill, and descendeth by Henlis and Bettus chappell, it
+ runneth forth to Newport (in Welch castle Newith) and from thence
+ vnder a bridge, after thrée or foure miles course to the sea, taking
+ [Sidenote: Ebowith.]
+ the Ebowith water withall, which méeteth with the same almost in the
+ verie mouth or fall, and riseth in the edge of Brecknoch shire, or (as
+ Leland saith) high Winceland, from two heads of which one is called
+ Eberith Vehan, the other Eberith Mawr, as I haue beene informed. The
+ course of the first head is by Blamgrent, and after the confluence
+ they passe togither by Lanhileth, and comming by west of Tomberlow
+ hill (crossing a rill, from north east by the waie) it taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Serowie.]
+ thereabout the Serowie, that runneth by Trestrent, & is of lesse race
+ hitherto than the Ebowith, and from that same quarter. After this
+ confluence it goeth to Risleie, Rocheston castell, next of all
+ thorough a parke, and so by Greenefield castell, and is not long yer
+ it fall into the sea, being the last issue that I doo find in the
+ countie, which beareth the name of Monemouth, and was in old time a
+ part of the region of the Silures.
+
+ [Sidenote: Romeneie.]
+ The Romenie or (as some corruptlie call it) the Nonneie, is a goodlie
+ water, and from the head a march betwéene Monemouth & Glamorgan
+ shires. The head hereof is aboue Egglins Tider vap Hoell otherwise
+ called Fanum Theodori, or the church of Theodorus, whence commeth
+ manie springs, & taking one bottome, the water is called Canoch and
+ not Romeneie till it be come to Romeneie. It receiueth no water on the
+ east side, but on the west diuerse small beckes, whereof three (and
+ one of them called Ifra) are betwéene the rising and Brathetere
+ chappell, the fourth c[=o]meth in by Capell Gledis, and Kethligaire,
+ the fift from betwéene the Faldraie and Lanuabor, the sixt & seuenth
+ before it come to Bedwas, and the eight ouer against Bedwas it selfe
+ from chappell Martin, Cairfillie castell, and Thauan, after which
+ confluences it runneth on by Maghan, Keuen, Mableie and Romeneie, &
+ yer long crossing a becke at north west that commeth from aboue
+ Lisuan, Lamssen and Roch, it falleth into the sea, about six miles
+ from the Wisbe, and albeit the mouth therof be nothing profitable for
+ ships, yet is it also a march betwéene the Silures and Glamorganshire.
+
+ [Sidenote: Laie.]
+ The Laie falleth into the sea a mile almost from the Taffe, and riseth
+ in the hilles aboue Lantrissent (for all the region is verie hillie.)
+ From whence comming by Lantrissent and Auercastell, it runneth by Coit
+ Marchan parke, Lambedder, S. Brides, Lhannihangle, saint Fagans and
+ Elaie, Leckwith, Landowgh, Cogampill, and so into the sea, without
+ [Sidenote: Dunelais.]
+ anie maner increase by anie rils at all sauing the Dunelais, which
+ riseth foure miles from his fall, east northeast, and meeteth withall
+ a little more than a quarter of a mile from Pont Velim Vaur, and
+ [Sidenote: Methcoid.]
+ likewise by west, the Methcoid that commeth from Glinne Rodeneie, and
+ [Sidenote: Pedware.]
+ wherein to the Pedware dischargeth that small water gathered in his
+ chanell. Here will I staie a little and breake off into a discourse,
+ which Leland left also as parcell of this coast who toucheth it after
+ this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Laie.]
+ From Taffe to Laie mouth or Ele riuer a mile, from Laie mouth (or
+ [Sidenote: Thawan.]
+ rather Penarth, that standeth on the west point of it) to the mouth of
+ Thawan riuer (from whence is a common passage ouer vnto Mineheued in
+ Summersetshire of 17 miles) are about seuen Welsh miles, which are
+ [Sidenote: Scilleie.]
+ counted after this maner. A mile and a halfe aboue Thawan is Scilleie
+ hauenet (a pretie succour for ships) whose head is in Wenno paroch two
+ [Sidenote: Barrie.]
+ miles and a halfe from the shore. From Scilleie mouth to Aber Barrie a
+ mile, and thither commeth a little rill of fresh water into Sauerne,
+ whose head is scant a mile off in plaine ground by northeast, and
+ [Sidenote: This Ile went fiftie yeares agone for x. pounds.]
+ right against the fall of this becke lieth Barrie Iland a flight shot
+ from the shore at the full sea. Halfe a mile aboue Aber Barrie is the
+ [Sidenote: Come kidie.]
+ mouth of Come kidie, which riseth flat north from the place where it
+ goeth into the Sauerne, and serueth oft for harbour vnto sea-farers.
+ Thence to the mouth of Thawan are thrée miles, wherevnto ships may
+ come at will.
+
+ [Sidenote: Colhow.]
+ Two miles aboue Thawan is Colhow, whither a little rill resorteth from
+ Lau Iltuit, thence to the mouth of Alen foure miles, that is a mile to
+ [Sidenote: Alen.]
+ saint Dinothes castell, and thrée miles further. The Alen riseth by
+ northeast vp into the land at a place called Lhes Broimith, or
+ Skirpton, about foure miles aboue the plot where it commeth by it
+ [Sidenote: Ogur.]
+ selfe into Sauerne. From thence to the mouth of Ogur aliàs Gur thrée
+ [Sidenote: Kensike.]
+ miles. Then come they in processe of time vnto the Kensike or
+ Colbrooke riuer, which is no great thing, sith it riseth not aboue
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ three miles from the shore. From Kensike to Aber Auon two miles, and
+ herein doo ships molested with weather oftentimes séeke harborough. It
+ commeth of two armes, wherof that which lieth northeast is called Auon
+ Vaur, the other that lieth northwest Auon Vehan. They meet togither at
+ Lhanuoie Hengle, about two miles aboue Aber Auon village, which is two
+ miles also from the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Neth.]
+ From hence to the Neth is about two miles and a halfe, thereon come
+ shiplets almost to the towne of Neth from the Sauerne. From the mouth
+ of Neth vnto the mouth of Crimline becke is two miles, and being
+ [Sidenote: Tauie.]
+ passed the same we come vnto the Tauie, which descendeth from the
+ aforesaid hilles and falleth into the sea by east of Swanseie. Being
+ [Sidenote: Lochar.]
+ past this we come vnto the Lichwr, or Lochar mouth, and then gliding
+ [Sidenote: Wandres.]
+ by the Wormes head, we passed to the Wandresmouth, wherof I find this
+ [Sidenote: Vendraith Vaur, Vendraith Vehan.]
+ description following in Leland. Both Vendraith Vaur and Vendraith
+ Vehan rise in a péece of Carmardineshire, called Issekenen, that is to
+ saie, the low quarter about Kennen riuer, and betwixt the heads of
+ these two hils is another hill, wherein be stones of a gréenish
+ colour, whereof the inhabitants make their lime. The name of the hill
+ that Vendraith Vaur riseth in, is called Mennith Vaur, and therein is
+ a poole as in a moorish ground, named Lhintegowen, where the
+ principall spring is, and this hill is eight or nine miles from
+ Kidwellie: the hill that Vendraith Vehan springeth out of, is called
+ Mennith Vehan, and this water commeth by Kidwellie towne.
+
+ But about thrée or foure miles yer it come thither, it receiueth a
+ brooke called Tresgirth, the course whereof is little aboue a mile
+ from the place where it goeth into Vendraith, and yet it hath foure or
+ fiue tucking milles and thrée corne milles vpon it. At the head of
+ this brooke is an hole in the hilles side, where men often enter and
+ walke in a large space. And as for the brooke it selfe, it is one of
+ the most plentifull and commodious that is to be found in Wales. All
+ along the sides also of Vendraith Vaur, you shall find great plentie
+ of sea-coles. There is a great hole by head of Vendraith Vehan, where
+ men vse to enter into vaults of great compasse, and it is said, that
+ they maie go one waie vnder the ground to Wormes head, and another
+ waie to Cairkemen castell, which is three miles or more into the land.
+ But how true these things are, it is not in me to determine; yet this
+ is certeine, that there is verie good hawking at the Heron in
+ Vendraith Vehan. There are diuerse prints of the passage of certeine
+ worms also in the caue, at the head of Vendraith Vehan, as the
+ inhabitants doo fable: but I neuer heard of anie man that saw anie
+ worme there, and yet it is beléeued that manie wormes are there.
+ Hitherto out of Leland. But now to returne to mine owne course.
+
+ [Sidenote: Laie.]
+ Leauing the Laie, which some call Elaie, and passing the Pennarth
+ baie, that lieth betwéene the Pennarth and the Lauerocke points, we
+ left Scillie Ilet (which lieth on the mouth of Scillie hauen before
+ [Sidenote: Barrie.]
+ described) and came vnto the Barrie, whose head is aboue Wrinston
+ castell, and from whence he runneth by Deinspowis, Cadoxton, Barrie,
+ and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Aberthaw.]
+ Being past the Barrie water, we come to a fall called Aberthaw, which
+ riseth two or thrée miles aboue Lansanor, and going by Welch Newton,
+ it commeth at length to Cowbridge, and from thence goeth to
+ Lanblethian, Landoch, Beanpéere, Flimston, Gilston, and betweene the
+ east and the west Aberthaw, & into the Sauerne sea. But yer it come
+ all there it receiueth a brooke called Kensan, or Karnsan, or Kensech,
+ on the east side, whose head is east of Bolston, & comming by
+ Charnelhoid, Lhancaruan, & Lancadle, it falleth into the former aboue
+ [Sidenote: Kensan.]
+ either of the Thawans. Leland saith, that Kensan hath two heads,
+ whereof the more northerlie called Brane, lieth in Luenlithan, and
+ runneth seauen miles before it méet with the other. Leauing this water
+ we sailed on, casting about the Nash point, omitting two or thrée
+ small waters (whereof Leland hath alreadie as ye see made mention)
+ because I haue nothing more to add vnto their descriptions, except it
+ be, that the Colhow taketh in a rill from Lan Iltruit, of whose course
+ (to saie the truth) I haue no manner of knowledge.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ogur.]
+ The Ogur or Gur, which some call the Ogmur, is a well faire streame
+ (as we were woont to saie in our old English) whose head is in the
+ same hilles, where the Rodeneies are to be found, but much more
+ westerlie, and running a long course yer it come to anie village, it
+ goeth at the length beneath Languineuere or Langouodoch, to S. Brides
+ vpon Ogur, then to Newcastell, and Marthermaure, beneath which it
+ [Sidenote: Wennie.]
+ méeteth the Wennie, halfe a mile from Ogur or Ogmur castell on the
+ east side of the banke. It riseth fiue or six miles from this place,
+ among the hilles, and comming downe at last by Lanharne, it crosseth a
+ rill yer long from northeast, and the confluence passeth foorth by
+ Coitchurch, Ogur castell, & so into the Ogur. Leland writing of the
+ waters that fall into this Ogur saith thus. Into the Ogur also
+ [Sidenote: Garrow.]
+ resorteth the Garrow two miles aboue Lansanfride bridge, descending
+ from Blaingarow. It taketh furthermore (saith he) another called
+ [Sidenote: Leuennie.]
+ [Sidenote: Corug.]
+ Leuennie rising in the parish of Glin Corug, at northwest, and then
+ running two miles lower, vniteth it selfe with the Corug brooke, a
+ little short thing, and worthie no longer speach. From this confluence
+ the Leuennie goeth seauen miles further yer it meete with the Ogur on
+ the west side, at Lansanfride, two miles aboue Penbowt. And so far
+ Leland. But I wot not what he meaneth by it. Next vnto the Ogur is the
+ [Sidenote: Kensig.]
+ Kensig water, that commeth downe by the Pile and Kensig castell, and
+ [Sidenote: Margan.]
+ being past the same we crosse the Margan rill, where sir Edward
+ Manxell dwelt, and so vnto Auon, which hauing two heads (as is said)
+ the more easterlie of them commeth downe by Hauodaport chappell, the
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ other by Glin Corug, Michaell church, Aber Auon, and so into the sea,
+ yéelding also in time of néed a good harbour for ships to lodge and
+ ride in. From hence we went along by the Cole pits to the mouth of the
+ [Sidenote: Neth.]
+ [Sidenote: Nethuehan.]
+ Neth. The Neth is a faire water, rising of diuerse heads, whereof the
+ more easterlie named Nethuehan riseth not farre from the head of the
+ Kennon, and comming downe by Penedorin to Aberpirgwin it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Nethuaur.]
+ Nethuaur, a little aboue the towne, which rising not farre southeast
+ of the head of Tauie in Brecknoch shire (as all the rest doo)
+ [Sidenote: Trangarth.]
+ [Sidenote: Meltaie.]
+ [Sidenote: Hepsaie.]
+ receiueth the Trangarth, the Meltaie and the Hepsaie, all which are
+ accounted as members of his head in one chanell, about a mile or more
+ before it ioine with Nethuehan. For as Trangarth riseth east of
+ Nethuaur, so the Melta riseth by east of Trangarth, and ioineth with
+ the same aboue Istrad wealthie, and a little beneath the same towne
+ taketh in the Hepsaie. So that albeit their seuerall risings be half
+ or a whole mile in sunder, yet haue they (in a maner) like distance
+ from Aberpirgwin, and their finall confluence in the edge of
+ Glamorganshire, which they directlie doo crosse. After these
+ confluences, the maine streame runneth in and out by sundrie miles,
+ and through the wooddie soiles, till it meet with Cledaugh, which
+ ioineth with the same beneath the Resonlaie, and goeth withall to
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ Lanisted, where it taketh in the Dulesse, whose head is aboue Chappell
+ Krenaunt, in the marches of Brecknoch. Thence it goeth to Cador towne,
+ or betwéene it and Lannistide, then to Neth towne, whither small
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch.]
+ vessels often come: and beneath the same receiuing the Cledoch that
+ runneth by Kelebebilch (and also Neth abbeie where maister Crumwell
+ dwelleth) it goeth on by Coitfranke forrest, Nethwood, Briton ferrie,
+ and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tauie.]
+ The Tauie riseth in the thickest of the blacke mounteines in
+ Brecknochshire west of Nethnaur, and comming downe west of Calwen
+ [Sidenote: Coilus.]
+ chappell, it receiueth on the east banke a rill named Coiell that
+ runneth thither by Coielburne chappell: and being thus vnited, the
+ [Sidenote: Torch.]
+ chanell passeth foorth by Istradgunles, and then méeting with the
+ Turch or Torch water that c[=o]meth from the foot of the blacke
+ mounteines, and is march to parcell of Caermardinshire, it runneth to
+ Langoge, Lansamled, saint Iohns, Swanseie, and so into the Baie. Being
+ past this, we come by another little fall, whose water runneth thrée
+ or foure miles yer it come into Swanseie baie, but without name.
+ Thence we go to the Crimline becke, whose description I neither haue,
+ nor find anie great want therof. Wherfore going about by Oistermont
+ castell, and Mumbles point, we passe foorth toward the southwest, by
+ [Sidenote: Ilston.]
+ Penmarch point, til we come to Ilston water, whose head is not farre
+ within the land; and yet as it commeth thorough the woodland, and
+ downe by Penmarch castell, a rill or two dooth fall into the same.
+ Then casting about by Oxwich point, we go onward there by, and sailing
+ flat north by the Holme (hauing passed the Wormeshead and S. Kennets
+ chappell) and then northeast by Whitford point, we went at length to
+ [Sidenote: Lochar.]
+ the Lochar or Loghor, or as Lhoyd nameth it, the Lichwr, whose
+ indraught for a certene space is march betwéene Caermardine and
+ Glamorgan shires. It riseth aboue Gwenwie chappell, from whence it
+ goeth Landbea, to and aboue Bettus receiueth a rill named Amond that
+ entreth thereinto from northeast. Being past Bettus, it passeth by
+ Laneddie, Arthelas bridge and ouer against Landilo Talabout, it
+ [Sidenote: Combwilie.]
+ crosseth from by west, the Combwilie by west of Parkreame, and
+ [Sidenote: Morlais.]
+ afterward the Morlais aboue Langnarch on the same side. Then comming
+ [Sidenote: Lhu.]
+ to Loghor castell, it taketh in on the east side, the Lhu, whose
+ course is not aboue fiue miles, and thence loosing the name of Lochar,
+ [Sidenote: Burraie.]
+ it is called Burraie, as some gesse, vntill it come to the sea, where
+ it parteth it selfe going on each side (of Bachannie Iland, a small
+ thing) and not worthie for anie thing I read thereof, as yet to be
+ particularlie described. From this water we passed (I saie) by
+ Bachannies Ile, to the Aberlheddie water, whose head being in the
+ hilles aboue Prenacrois, it passeth by Lhaneltheie, and thence into
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ the sea. Then went we to the Dulesse a little rill, whose head is not
+ farre from Trinsaren: thence by the Pembraie and Calicoit points, till
+ [Sidenote: Wandres.]
+ we came about to the Wandres or Vendraith mouth, whose description is
+ partlie touched alreadie; but bicause it is not such as I would wish
+ it to be, I will here after my owne maner deale somewhat further
+ withall. Gwendrath or Vendraith vaur riseth in the lower ground, or
+ not far from the hill Renneth Vaur, whereon castell Careg standeth,
+ and descending by a pretie long course vnder sundrie bridges, commeth
+ at the last to Glin, then to Capull Lanberie, and so vnto the sea,
+ being little augmented with influences by the waie. Vendraith Vehan
+ riseth a mile higher towards the north than Vendraith Vaur, but out of
+ the same soile, & thence directing his course toward the southwest, it
+ goeth by Lancharog, Langendarne, Capull Langell, Bithon, Leighdenie,
+ Kidwillie, and so into the sea, about one mile from the fall of
+ Vendraith Vaur.
+
+ [Sidenote: Towie.]
+ The Towie riseth in the mounteines of Elennith foure miles by
+ southeast from Lintiue, and two from Lingonon, in a moorish ground
+ foure & twentie miles from Caermardine, and in a forrest called
+ Bishops forrest, midwaie betwixt Landwibreuie & Landanuerie castell.
+ For fish, in my opinion, this is much better than the Taw or Taffe,
+ whose head breedeth no fish, but if it be cast into it, they turne vp
+ their bellies flote aloft and die out of hand. It parteth Brecknoch
+ from Cardigonshire also for a certeine season, till it come by the
+ [Sidenote: Trausnant.]
+ water of Trausnant, that falleth thereinto from by east out of the
+ confins of Brecknoch, vnto Pilin capell, and so to Istrodefine, where
+ [Sidenote: Tothée.]
+ it méeteth with the Tothee that commeth thither from Lhinuerwin where
+ it riseth, and so through Rescoth forrest, vniting it selfe by the
+ [Sidenote: Pescotter.]
+ waie with the Pescotter, which mounting out of the ground in the edge
+ of Cardigonshire, runneth along as a limit and march vnto the same,
+ till it ioine with the Tothée, and both come togither beneath
+ Istrodefine into Towie, which we haue now in hand. After this
+ confluence it commeth to Lhanuair Awbreie, Lanihowell, and
+ Lanimphfrie, and here it receiueth two waters in one chanell, whereof
+ [Sidenote: Brane.]
+ [Sidenote: Gutherijc.]
+ the first is called Brane, the other Gutherijc (which lieth more
+ southerlie of the two) and fall (as I said) into Towie beneath
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ [Sidenote: Morlais.]
+ Landonuereie, which runneth on till it méet with the first Dulesse
+ that goeth by Lenurdie, then with the Morlais, and these on the
+ northwest. Certes the Brane is a pretie brooke rising two or thrée
+ miles aboue Capell Newith, and descending by Lanbrane and
+ Vstradwalter, it méeteth (I saie) with the Gutherijc, whose head is
+ west of Tridcastell in Brecknochshire, and thereby it is not a little
+ increased. But to proceed with the Towie, which being past Lanimphfrie
+ and a rill that méeteth with the same, descending from northwest of
+ Lanurdan, it taketh in the influences of diuerse waters in one
+ chanell, of which the greatest is called Modewie, and thereof I find
+ this description.
+
+ [Sidenote: Modewie.]
+ The Modewie, or (as some pronounce it) Motheuie, riseth of two heads,
+ which ioining aboue Lanihangle, the streame runneth on till it méet
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch.]
+ with the Cledoch on the left hand, procéeding also further toward
+ [Sidenote: Sawtheie.]
+ Langadocke, it receiueth not far from thence the Sawtheie, whose two
+ heads descend from the blacke mounteines or east edge of
+ Carmardineshire (as mine information leadeth me.) After this
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse. 2.]
+ confluence the second Dulesse dooth méet with the Towie, whose head is
+ in the hilles aboue Talthogaie abbeie, northwest from Langadocke full
+ fiue miles: then comming downe by Landilovaur, Newton, Dinefar
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse. 3.]
+ castell, and Golden groue, it receiueth the third Dulesse from by
+ north that commeth in by Lanihangle and Drislan castell, and after
+ [Sidenote: Cothie.]
+ that the Cothie, whose race is somewhat long, and therefore his
+ description not vtterlie to be passed ouer.
+
+ Not farre from the head (which is three miles from Landanbreuie, vnder
+ the hulke of Blame Icorne, a narrow passage, and therein manie heaps
+ of stones) and somewhat beneath Lana Pinsent chappell, it taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Turche.]
+ the Turche becke that runneth thither from aboue Lanacroies: thence it
+ goeth to Lansawell, Abergorlech, Breghuangothie, Lannigood, and so
+ into Towie, which hasting forward by chappell Dewie, receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Rauelthie.]
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ Rauelthie from by north, then the Gwilie from northwest, whose head is
+ aboue Lanie Pinsent, and race by Canwell, Eluert, Comewilie, and
+ Merling hill as I haue often heard. After this confluence with the
+ Gwilie, the Towie goeth to Caermardine, then to Lanigang, then to
+ Lanstephan, S. Ismaels, and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Taue.]
+ Next vnto the Towie is the Taue, whose head is in the blacke
+ mounteines, as at the roots of Wrenni vaur hill in Pembrookeshire,
+ from whence it runneth by Lanuurnach, Langludien, Lanualteg, and
+ [Sidenote: Dudderie.]
+ taking in the Dudderie from southwest, out of the same countie by
+ Lanbederuelfraie, and Lindwie, it goeth to Eglesware chappell, beneath
+ [Sidenote: Marlais.]
+ which it crosseth the Marlais by north that runneth by Lanbedie and
+ [Sidenote: Vennie.]
+ Whitland. Thence meeting with one rill called Venni, as I take it,
+ [Sidenote: Caire.]
+ that commeth through Cardith forrest on the one side, and the Caire on
+ the other that runneth into it west of Landowror, it hasteth to
+ [Sidenote: Carthkinnie.]
+ S. Clares, where it taketh in the Carthkinnie, or Barthkinnie (as
+ [Sidenote: Gow.]
+ Leland calleth it) and the Gow or Tow both in one chanell, of which
+ the first riseth aboue Capell Bettus, from whence it runneth by
+ Talacouthe, Kilsant, and Langinnin, the other issueth out of the
+ ground aboue Trologh Bettus, by Midrun, & ioining with the former a
+ little aboue S. Clares, they run into the Taue, and from thence to
+ Lanihangle, and betwéene it and Abercowen, admitteth finallie the
+ [Sidenote: Gowen.]
+ Gowen or Gow streame, which comming likewise from the blacke
+ mounteines, goeth by Ebbernant, & so into the Taue, who directeth his
+ course by Lancharne castell, and then into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gwair.]
+ The next water that we come to is the Gwair, which is but a small
+ thing rising aboue Lambeder Velfraie, and going from thence by east of
+ castell Merhie hill, Crumuier and Argwaire, it is not long yer it fall
+ into the sea, and so we leaue Cairdinshire, and go ouer into
+ Penbrooke. Then passed we by an other comming out of Rathe forrest
+ called Coit Rathe, the water it selfe rising about Templeton. Thence
+ leauing the Monkeston rocke, we came to Tenbie or Dinbechie Piscood,
+ and passing into the port betwéene the castell and S. Katharines
+ [Sidenote: Brechnocke.]
+ rocke, we found it serued with two little backe waters, of so small
+ countenance, that they are not worthie of anie further talke to be
+ spent in their descriptions: yet the one séemeth to be called Florence
+ brooke, the other Fresto, Gunfreston standing betwéene them both, when
+ [Sidenote: From Londie to Caldie thirtie miles.]
+ by their sight cannot perish. After this we passed betwéene Londie and
+ an other Ilet or rocke lieng by northwest of the same, to Ludsop
+ point, & so to Abertrewent, where I found a sillie fresh water named
+ [Sidenote: Trewent.]
+ Trewend that riseth a mile or thereabout within the land. From thence
+ we went southwards by Brode hauen, till we came to S. Gowans point.
+ Then gathering west and by north before we came at Shepe Iland, we
+ found another fresh water, that riseth short of Kiriog Maharen, and
+ running south of Vggarston, Windmill hill, or betwéene it and Castell
+ Norton and Gupton, it holdeth on flat west all the waie till it come
+ to the Ocean.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pennar.]
+ Being passed this water, we cast about toward the northwest, by the
+ Poptons and Pennar, till we came to the Pennar mouth, out of which the
+ salt water issueth that in manor inuironneth Penbroke. From this
+ (omitting sundrie salt créekes on both sides of the hauen, not
+ appertinent to our purpose) we came to the fall of two waters in one
+ chanell, aboue whose confluence Williamston parke standeth, and
+ whereof one (a méere salt course) incloseth thrée parts of Carew
+ castell. The other rising néere to Coit Rath forrest is a fresh, &
+ going by Geffraiston, Creswell & Lawrenie, it leaueth the parke on the
+ south side, & goeth into the hauen after confluence with the former.
+
+ Now come I to the two swords, or hauen of Milford, whereinto two
+ [Sidenote: Dugledu.]
+ riuers direct their course from the northeast called Dugledu or the
+ [Sidenote: Cultlell.]
+ two swords, and betwéene them both is a rill which they call also
+ Cultlell (that is to saie) the knife. Hereof riseth a merrie tale of a
+ Welshman, that lieng in this place abroad all night in the cold
+ weather, and peraduenture not verie well occupied, was demanded of his
+ hostesse (where he did breake his fast the next morrow) at what inne
+ he laie in the night precedent, bicause he came so soone to hir house
+ yer anie of hir maids were vp? Oh good hostesse (quoth he) be
+ contented, I laie to night in a dangerous estate, for I slept betweene
+ two swords with a long knife at my heart; meaning indéed that he laie
+ betwéene these two riuers, and his brest towards the south neere to
+ the head of Cultlell. But to passe ouer these iests. Here Leland
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ speaketh of a riuer called Gwilie, but where it riseth or falleth, he
+ maketh no certeine report: wherefore it is requisit that I proceed
+ according to my purpose.
+
+ The one of these swords is called Clotheie or Clothie, of which I find
+ [Sidenote: Clotheie.]
+ this short and breefe description. The Clothie riseth at the foot of
+ Wrennie vaure hill and comming downe to Monachlodge, Langelman,
+ Lannakeuen, and Egremond, it receiueth a rill from by northwest before
+ it come at Lanhaddon castell, which commeth from aboue the moore by
+ Clarbaston and Bletherston, his head arising in the hill west of
+ Mancloghaie, as Leland dooth informe me. Yer long also and beneath
+ Lanhaddon it taketh in another on the east side from Narbarth castell,
+ comming by Robeston, then going by Cunaston, Slebach, Picton castell,
+ Sister houses, Minware & Martheltwie, at Rise castell point west of
+ [Sidenote: Dugledie.]
+ Coit Kenles (as I haue béene informed) it taketh in the other sword,
+ named Dugledie, wherof I read as followeth. The head of the Dugledie
+ is somwhere at northwest, betwixt S. Laurences & S. Dugwels, from
+ whence it runneth to Trauegarne, Redbaxton, & taking in a rill by the
+ waie from Camrose at the west, it goeth to Hauerford or Hereford west,
+ and there vniteth it selfe with a water, which peraduenture is the
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ same that Leland called Gwilie. Certes it riseth short of Walton, and
+ comming by S. Leonards chappell and Pendergest, it falleth I saie into
+ the Dugledie, ouer against the towne of Hauerford or Herford west, but
+ in Welsh Hufford; as Lhoid dooth set it downe. Beneath Herford it
+ taketh in another water from south west, whose head is short of S.
+ Margarets chappell, and enterance betweene Harraldston and Herford,
+ which Harraldstone receiueth the name of Harrald the successour of
+ Edward the confessour as some call him, who was a gréeuous mall vnto
+ the Britons that remained in the time of the said Edward; as I haue
+ noted elsewhere. Then the Dugledie still descending taketh in the
+ Frese fr[=o] Fresethorpe, a rill of no great accompt, and therefore I
+ go from it making hast vnto Culthell, & omitting two rils betwéene it
+ and the Clotheie on the southside, of no great weight and moment. The
+ Cultlhell commeth into the Dugledie beneath Bolston, with a streight
+ course from by north, of three or foure miles, rising by west of
+ Slebach, and comming by Bowlston, after whose vnition with the
+ aforesaid water they run on as one till they méet with the Clothie,
+ casting out by the waie sundrie salt créekes, as the maine chanell
+ dooth from thence foorth vntill it passe the Sandie hauen, the Dale
+ rode (whither a sillie fresh rill commeth of small value) & be come
+ about againe to the large Ocean.
+
+ Having thus shewed the courses of those few fresh waters that come to
+ Milford hauen, we cast about by the Blockehouse and S. Annes chappell
+ [Sidenote: Gateholme Ile.]
+ to Gateholme Ile, that lieth betwéene S. Annes and the Wilocke point,
+ [Sidenote: Stockholme Ile.]
+ directlie ouer against Stockeholme Iland that is situat further off
+ into the sea, toward the southwest, and is full halfe so great as the
+ Scalmeie that I elsewhere described. Betweene the Willocke point also
+ [Sidenote: Midland Ile.]
+ and the Scalmeie, directlie west is the Midland Ile, full so great as
+ the Gateholme. As for the two rocks that lie by north and south of the
+ Scalmeie, of which the one is called the Yardland stone, the other
+ Mewstone, it shall not be greatlie requisit to stand on their
+ discourses, sith they are such as may hardlie be taken for Ilands, and
+ euen in like sort we may iudge of S. Brides Ile, which is southwest of
+ [Sidenote: Gresholme.]
+ Calthrop rode, & likewise of the Gresholme, whereof I find this short
+ description. The Gresholme lieth directlie west of Scalmeie, from
+ whence if you saile thither on the south side, you must néeds passe by
+ the Mewstone rocke: if on the north of Scalmeie, you must leaue the
+ Yarland stone on your left hand. Wherto if you note well the situation
+ of these Ilands alreadie named, and confer them with the Ramseie and
+ S. Dauids land, you shall find them to produce as it were two
+ dangerous points, including the Bridbaie, wherein (notwithstanding the
+ greatnesse) are 1000 perils, and no fresh brookes for me to deale
+ withall. Finallie, hauing doubled the Willocke point, we thought it
+ not good altogether to leaue that baie vnsearched, at lestwise to sée
+ what Ilands might there be found, & long entred into the same, we
+ [Sidenote: S. Brides Iland.]
+ beheld one which the men of the countrie call S. Brides Iland, a verie
+ little place and situate néere the land, before I came at Galtroie
+ rode. From thence we went about by the little hauen, Doluach hauen,
+ Caruaie hauen, Shirelace rocke, Carnbuddie, and Carnaie baies,
+ Portelais, and so into the sound betwéene Ramseie and the point. In
+ this sound likewise is a little Ile, almost annexed to the maine: but
+ in the middest thereof, I meane of the sound, is a rocke called the
+ horsse (a mile and more by north of Ribbie rocke, that lieth south
+ east of Ramseie) and more infortunate than ten of Seians colts, but
+ thanked be God I neuer came on his backe. Thence passing by
+ [Sidenote: A sort of dangerous rocks lieng on a row upon the
+ west end of South-wales called the Bishop & his clerkes.]
+ S. Stephans, and Whitesand baies, we saluted the Bishop and his
+ clerks, as they went on procession on our left side (being loth to
+ take anie salted holie water at their hands) and came at last to the
+ point called S. Dauids head, which Ptolomie calleth Octapitanum
+ promontorium, except I be deceiued. But here gentle reader giue me
+ leaue to staie a while, and insert the words of Leland touching the
+ land called S. Dewies or S. Dauids land, whereof some men may
+ peraduenture haue vse, his words are these. Being therefore past this
+ hauen and point of Demetia, in casting about the coast we come to
+ [Sidenote: S. Dewie or Dauid all one.]
+ S. Dewies or S. Dauids land, which Ptolomie calleth Octapitanum
+ promontorium, I read to be separated from the rest of the countrie
+ much after this maner, although I grant that there may be and are
+ diuerse other little creekes betwixt Newgale and S. Dauids head, and
+ betwixt S. Dauids and Fischard, beside those that are héere mentioned
+ out of a register of that house.
+
+ As we turne therefore from Milford, S. Dauids land beginneth at
+ Newgale, a créeke serued with a backe fresh water. Howbeit there is a
+ baie before this creeke betwixt it and Milford. From hence about foure
+ [Sidenote: Saluach.]
+ miles is Saluach creeke, otherwise called Sauerach, whither some fresh
+ water resorteth: the mouth also thereof is a good rescue for
+ balingers, as it (I meane the register) saith. Thence go we to
+ [Sidenote: Portelais.]
+ [Sidenote: Alen.]
+ Portelais three miles, where is a little portlet, whither the Alen
+ that commeth through saint Dewies close dooth run. It lieth a mile
+ south-west from S. Dewies, saint Stinans Chappell also is betwéene
+ [Sidenote: Portmaw.]
+ [Sidenote: Maw.]
+ [Sidenote: Pendwie.]
+ [Sidenote: Lanuehan.]
+ Portelais, and Portmaw. The next is Port Maw, where I found a great
+ estuarie into the land. The Pendwie halfe a mile from that: Lhand
+ Vehan is thrée miles from Pendwie, where is a salt créeke, then to
+ [Sidenote: Tredine.]
+ [Sidenote: Langunda.]
+ Tredine three miles, where is another creeke to Langunda, foure miles,
+ and another créeke is there in like sort where fishermen catch
+ herrings. Héere also the Gwerne riuer diuideth Penbidiane from
+ [Sidenote: Fischard.]
+ [Sidenote: Gwerne.]
+ Fischerdine Kemmeis land. From Langunda to Fischard at the Gwerne
+ mouth foure miles, and here is a portlet or hauenet also for ships.
+ And thus much of S. Dauids land.
+
+ Besides this also, Leland in a third booke talketh of lhinnes and
+ pooles, but for as much as my purpose is not to speake of lakes and
+ lhinnes, I passe them ouer as hasting to Teifie, in Latine Tibius, and
+ after Ptolomie Tuerobius or Tiuirobius, which is the next riuer that
+ serueth for my purpose. And yet not forgetting to touch the Gwerne,
+ for after we came from saint Dauids head, we coasted along toward the
+ southeast, till wée came ouer against saint Catharins, where going
+ northwards by the broad hauen, and the Strombles head, we sailed
+ thence northeast, and by north, to Langlas head, then flat south by
+ the Cow and Calfe (two cruell rockes) which we left on the left hand,
+ & so coasted ouer to Abergwin or Fischard where we found a fresh water
+ [Sidenote: Gwerne.]
+ named Guin, or Gwerne, whose course is in manner directlie out of the
+ east into the west, from Vremie hils by pont Vaunt and Lanichair,
+ vntill it come within a mile of the foresaid towne. It riseth flat
+ north of the Perselie hill, from whence it goeth by Pont vaine,
+ Lauerillidoch, Lanchar, Landilouair, & so to Abergwine, or Abergwerne,
+ for I read both. From Abergwine, we cast about by Dinas head, till we
+ [Sidenote: Neuerne.]
+ come to the fall of Neuerne, where Newport standeth. The head of this
+ riuer is aboue Capell Nantgwin, from whence it runneth by Whitchurch,
+ but yer it come at Kilgwin, it taketh in a little water that riseth
+ short of Wrenie vaure, and thence go foorth as one vntill they come to
+ Newport. Cardigan hauen is the next fall that I did stumble on,
+ wherein lieth a little Iland ouer against the north point. Hereinto
+ [Sidenote: Teifie or Tine.]
+ also commeth the Teifie, a noble riuer which riseth in Lintiuie, and
+ is fraught with delicate samons, and herein and not else where in all
+ the riuers of Britaine, is the Castor or Beuer to be found. But to
+ procéed. The verie hed thereof (I saie) is foure miles aboue
+ Stradflore in Luitie, and after it hath run from thence a little
+ space, it receiueth a brooke from southeast that commeth out of Lin
+ Legnant, and then after the confluence runneth on to Stradflore
+ [Sidenote: Miricke.]
+ abbeie, beneth which it méeteth with the Miricke water (that riseth
+ [Sidenote: Landurch.]
+ aboue Stradmirich) and soone after with the Landurch (both from the
+ northwest) and finallie the Bremich aboue Tregaron, that commeth in by
+ the east; as Leland hath set downe.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bromis.]
+ Néere to Landwibreuie also it crosseth the Bromis by east northeast,
+ [Sidenote: Matherne.]
+ and then goeth to Landuair, Cledogh, Kellan, and soone after taking in
+ the Matherne from by east, that parteth Cardigan partlie from
+ [Sidenote: Dulas.]
+ Carmardine shire, and likewise that Dulas aboue Lanbedder (which
+ riseth aboue Langibbie, and goeth thence to Bettus) on the northwest,
+ it goeth next of all to Lanbedder towne, then to Laniuair, beneath
+ [Sidenote: Grauelth.]
+ which it crosseth the Grauelth, thence to Pencarocke, Lanibether,
+ Lanlonie, Lanihangle, and Sandissell, and there it vniteth it selfe
+ [Sidenote: Clethor.]
+ with the Clethor or Dettor, which commeth downe thither by Lantisilued
+ chappell, Lanfraine, and finallie Landissell from by north, as I doo
+ here affirme. After this confluence it procéedeth on to Landuaie,
+ Alloine, Bangor, Langeler, Landeureog and Newcastell, yer long taking
+ [Sidenote: Kerie.]
+ in the Kerie from by north, whose head is not farre from that of
+ Clethor, and whose course is somewhat inlarged by such rilles as
+ descend into the same. For west of Kenwith two becks in one chanell
+ doo fall into it, which be namelesse, and but of a little length.
+
+ Beneath Tredwair also it crosseth another from by west, that runneth
+ along by Bettus, Euan, and finallie méeting with the Teifie, they run
+ as one by Kennarth (still parting Cardigon shire from Carmardin, as it
+ hath doone sith it met with the Matherne) and so forth on till they
+ [Sidenote: Cheach.]
+ ioine with the Cheach, which rising southeast aboue chappell Euan,
+ dooth part Carmardine and Brechnocke shire in sunder, till it come
+ vnto the Teifie. From this confluence, and being still a limit vnto
+ Cardigon shire, it goeth by Marierdine, and so to Cardigon, taking in
+ one rill from by north descending by Penneralt, by north of Monardiue
+ or Marierdine, and two other from by southwest, of which the one
+ commeth in beneath Kilgaron castell, the other from Lantwood north
+ west of Oscoid Mortemer, which lieth southeast of Cardigan, and then
+ going forward betwéene S. Dogmaile, & Langordmere, it is not long yer
+ it fall into the Irish sea, flat west and by north from his vprise,
+ and sending vs forth from Penlooke into Cardigon shire, wherevnto it
+ hath become march euer sithence it came from Kellam, or confluence
+ with the Matherne.
+
+ Being come into Cardigon shire, and hauing passed the Cardigon point,
+ an Iland of the same denomination lieng by west thereof, we came vnto
+ [Sidenote: Airon.]
+ the fall of Airon thrée miles beneath Lancleere, it riseth in the
+ mounteines by a chappell called Blam Peniall belonging to Landwie
+ breuie about thrée or foure miles from Tiue banks, & runneth on by
+ Lamberwooddie, Langitho, Tregrigaron hill, Treuilian, Talaferne, and
+ soone after taking in a rill from by south from Siliam by Lanleir it
+ runneth by Istrade, Kilkennen, Lanicharin, and finallie into the sea,
+ [Sidenote: Bidder.]
+ crossing by the waie the Bidder brooke, which comming from Dehewide,
+ dooth fall into the same, betwéene Lanchairin, and Henuenneie. The
+ [Sidenote: Arth.]
+ Arth which is the next fall is no great thing, neither of anie long
+ course, yet somewhat crotched, and it riseth three or foure miles or
+ more within the land slopewise, and comming by Lambaderne, and
+ Treueglois, it falleth into the sea, northeast of Aberarth.
+
+ Being past the Arth, & hauing staied there a while bicause we found
+ [Sidenote: Ris aliàs Wereie.]
+ some harborough, we came next of all vnto the Wereie, which riseth of
+ two heads, aboue whose confluence standeth a towne, named Lanihangle,
+ Redrod, and from whence it goeth by Lanigruthen to Laristed, & so into
+ the Ocean. Then went we to the Ystwith, which riseth in the blacke
+ mounteins aboue Comerstwith, from whence it runneth certeine miles,
+ [Sidenote: Istwith.]
+ vntill it come vnto Ispittie, Istwith, Lananon, Laniler, Lan
+ Nachairne, and so into the sea, taking withall first the Meleuen, then
+ [Sidenote: Redholl.]
+ the Ridall or Redholl not farre from the shore, whereof I haue this
+ description. The Ridall riseth in the top of Plimlimmon hill out of a
+ lake named Lin Ridall, from whence going toward Spittie Kinwen, it
+ crosseth one water on the north, and another beneth it on the
+ southeast, and so goeth on by Lanbeder vaure, till it come to
+ Aberistwith, the Istwith, and so into the Ocean. Hauing thus viewed
+ the Istwith, and taken our selues againe to the sea, we crossed the
+ [Sidenote: Salique.]
+ Salke or Salique brooke, whereof I find this memoriall.
+
+ The Salique brooke descendeth in like sort from the blacke mounteins,
+ & going from Vmmaboue, toward Gogarth, or Gogirthar, it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Massalique.]
+ Massalique, and from thence goeth into the sea, southwest from his
+ [Sidenote: Lerie.]
+ originall. From hence we went to the Lerie, an indraught of no great
+ quantitie, neither commodious as I gesse (yet I may be deceiued) for
+ anie ship to harborough in. It riseth toward the lower ground of the
+ blacke hils, and going by Lanihangle castell Gwalter, it runneth from
+ thence northeast into the Ocean, receiuing a rill by the waie from the
+ hilles which lie by northeast of his course. But what stand I vpon
+ trifles?
+
+ [Sidenote: Wie.]
+ Thus haue I brought my selfe out of Caerdigan shire vnto the Wie,
+ which is limit betwéene it and Merioneth for a certeine space, & being
+ entred in the mouth thereof we gat vp to the head, minding in the
+ description of the same to come downeward as in the rest, which we
+ will doo in such good manner as for the time and want of some
+ information is possible to be performed. It ariseth in the south part
+ of Snowdonie and goeth on foorth right to Lammothwie, by Mowdhewie,
+ Mathan laith, and comming downe to Dinas Mathew, it receiueth two
+ rilles from northwest, and the third comming by Mailroid called
+ Cludoch from northeast, & so holdeth on crossing the Angell water at
+ the west, which boundeth Mongomerie shire in part, till it come to
+ [Sidenote: Remis.]
+ Romis, beneath which water it taketh in the Towin that passeth by
+ Lambrin mawr from Talgarth, and then goeth to Mathrauerne, crossing
+ another from by north and so foorth to Lanworing, where it méeteth
+ with the Kerig on the one side, and the Gwidall which commeth from
+ Dorowen on the other.
+
+ After this, our maine riuer goeth by Pengos, and beneath the same
+ taketh in an influence from southeast, called the Dulas, and another
+ from the northwest: from thence it hasteth on to Magenillet, or
+ Machenlet, first crossing the Leuennie from southeast, secondlie the
+ Peniall from northwest, thirdlie the Einon, fourthlie the Kinar,
+ fiftlie the Cleidor, these thrée last rehearsed falling into it from
+ southeast, & the last hauing his course by Langwinhelin and so into
+ the sea, as mine instruction vpholdeth. It séemeth in some mens
+ iudgements to part Northwales and Westwales in sunder, and the same
+ which in Latine hight Deuus, in Welsh or British Difi or Dewie,
+ whereof the Latine doth séeme to fetch his sound. But to procéed with
+ the rest of such falles and waters as are to be found in this countie.
+ Going therfore northwestward we come to a fall fr[=o] the north called
+ Towen Merionneth which is the mouth of the Difonnie streame, a pretie
+ riuer rising in the hilles aboue Lanihangle, and west of castell
+ Traherne receiueth the Ridrijc, which commeth from Chadridrijc hill,
+ by Tallillin castell, Treherie, and so into the Difonnie from
+ southeast, fetching his course by Lanegrin, and so into the sea within
+ fiue miles thereof.
+
+ Being past this we did cast about by the Sarnabigh point, till we came
+ to the Lingouen becke, and so to the Barre, which is a faire water,
+ and therefore worthie to be with diligence described, yet it is not
+ called Bar from the head, but rather Moth or Derie, for so are the two
+ chiefe heads called out of which this riuer descendeth, and are about
+ six miles west of the Lin, out of which the Dée hath his issue, and
+ betwéene which the Raran vaure hilles are situat and haue their being.
+ After the ioining of the two heds of this Barre, as I name it from the
+ originall, it receiueth a rill from northeast called Cain, & another
+ beneath the same, comming from Beurose wood, and so holdeth on towards
+ the south betwéene Laniltid and Kemmor abbaie, till it meet a little
+ by west of Dolgelth with the Auon vaure, which comming also out of the
+ Woodland soile, & taking in a rill from Gwannas, hasteth northwestward
+ (by Dolgelth) to ioine with the Barre, and being met they receiue the
+ Kessilgunt, then the Hirgun, & after a course of foure to fiue miles
+ it falleth into the sea, hauing watered the verie hart & inward parts
+ of this shire. From hence we crosse the Skethie which runneth by
+ Corsogdale and Lanthwie, aliàs Lanthonie, then the Lambader which
+ receiuing the Artro aboue Lambader, doth fall into the sea, southeast
+ of the point, and flat south of Landango, which is a towne situat on
+ the other side of the turning.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ho.]
+ After this we passed by Aberho, so named of the riuer Ho, that falleth
+ there into the sea, and commeth thither from the Alpes or hils of
+ Snowdonie, mounteins, no lesse fertile for grasse, wood, cattell, fish
+ and foule, than the famous Alpes beyond the seas, whereof all the
+ writers doo make so honorable report. From hence we sailed by Abermawr
+ [Sidenote: Mawr.]
+ or mouth of Mawr, which commeth in like sort from Snowdonie, and
+ [Sidenote: Artro.]
+ taketh diuerse riuers with him whose names I doo not know. Then vnto
+ the Artro a brooke, whose head commeth from by north east, and in his
+ course receiueth the Gedar on the north side, and so holdeth on till
+ it fall into the sea, after a few windlesses which it maketh as it
+ passeth. After this we come to Traith vehan, which is the fall of the
+ Drurid, a pretie riuer comming from the marches of Caernaruonshire,
+ which passing by Festimog, soone after taketh in the Cunwell, then the
+ Velenrid; and so holdeth on to Deckoin, where it falleth into the said
+ Traith. For of the other two rilles that lie by south hereof, and haue
+ their issue also into the same, I make but small accompt, bicause
+ their quantitie is not great. Next vnto this we haue Traith mawr,
+ [Sidenote: Farles.]
+ whereinto the Farles hath his issue, a riuer proceeding from Snowdonie
+ or the Snowdon hils, descending by Bethkelerke and Lanwrothen, without
+ mixture of anie other water in all his course and passage. It is
+ parcell of the march also betwéene Merioneth and Caernaruon shires.
+ From Traith mawr we passe by the Krekith, and come to another water
+ descending from the north by Lanstidwie, and after that to the Moie,
+ whose mouthes are so néere togither, that no more than halfe a mile of
+ the land dooth seeme to kéepe them in sunder.
+
+ [Sidenote: Erke.]
+ Then come we vnto the Erke, a pretie brooke descending from Madrijn
+ hils, into whose mouth two other of no lesse quantitie than it selfe
+ doo séeme to haue their confluence, and whose courses doo come along
+ from the west and northwest; the most southerlie being called Girch,
+ and the other the Hellie: except my memorie doo faile me. Then casting
+ about toward the south (as the coast lieth) we saw the Abersoch or
+ [Sidenote: Soch.]
+ mouth of the Soch riuer vpon our right hand, in the mouth whereof, or
+ not farre by south thereof lie two Ilands, of which the more
+ northerlie is called Tudfall, and the other Penrijn: as Leland did
+ obserue. I would set downe the British names of such townes and
+ villages as these waters passe by; but the writing of them (for want
+ of the language) is so hard to me, that I choose rather to shew their
+ falles and risings, than to corrupt their denominations in the
+ writing: and yet now and then I vse such words as our Englishmen doo
+ giue vnto some of them, but that is not often, where the British name
+ is easie to be found out and sounded.
+
+ After this, going about by the point, and leauing Gwelin Ile on the
+ [Sidenote: Daron.]
+ right hand, we come to Daron riuer, wherevpon standeth Aberdaron a
+ quarter of a mile from the shore betwixt Aberdaron and Vortigernes
+ vale, where the compasse of the sea gathereth in a head, and entereth
+ [Sidenote: Edarne beck.]
+ at both ends. Then come we about the point to Edarne becke, a mile and
+ more south of Newin. And ten or twelue miles from hence is the Vennie
+ brooke, whose course is little aboue so manie miles; and not farre
+ from it is the Liuan, a farre lesse water, comming also from the east:
+ and next vnto that another, wherinto the Willie by south and the
+ Carrog by north after their coniunction doo make their common
+ influence. Hauing passed this riuer, we cast about toward the north
+ east, and enter at Abermenaie ferrie, into the streicts or streame
+ called Menaie, betweene Angleseie and the maine, méeting first of all
+ with the Gornaie, which commeth from the Snowdonie out of the
+ Treuennian lake, and passeth by Lanunda into the sea or Menaie streame
+ at Southcrocke. Next of all we meet with the Saint, which commeth from
+ Lin Lanbereie, passeth by Lanihangle, and so falleth into the Menaie
+ at Abersaint, which is on the southwest side of Caernaruon: on the
+ other side also of the said towne is the Skeuernocke, whereby it
+ standeth betweene two riuers, of which this hath his head not farre
+ from Dinas Orueg.
+
+ Then come we (saith Leland) to Gwiniwith mirith (or Horsse brooke) two
+ miles from Moilethon, and it riseth at a Well so called full a mile
+ from thence. Moilethon is a bowe shot from Aberpowle, from whence
+ [Sidenote: Conte.]
+ ferrie botes go to the Termone or Angleseie. Aberpowle runneth thrée
+ miles into the land, and hath his head foure miles beyond Bangor in
+ Meneie shore: and here is a little comming in for botes bending into
+ [Sidenote: Gegeine.]
+ the Meneie. Aber Gegeine commeth out of a mounteine a mile aboue, and
+ [Sidenote: Torronnen.]
+ Bangor (thorough which a rill called Torronnen hath his course) almost
+ [Sidenote: Ogwine.]
+ a mile aboue it. Aber Ogwine is two miles aboue that; it riseth at
+ Tale linne, Ogwine poole, fiue miles aboue Bangor in the east side of
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ Withow. Aber Auon is two miles aboue Aberogwene, and it riseth in a
+ [Sidenote: Lannar Vehan.]
+ poole called Lin man Auon, thrée miles off. Auon lan var Vehan riseth
+ in a mounteine therby, and goeth into the sea, two miles aboue
+ [Sidenote: Duegeuelth.]
+ Duegeuelth. Auon Duegeuelth is three miles aboue Conweie, which rising
+ in the mounteins a mile off, goeth by it selfe into Meneie salt arme.
+ On the said shore also lieth Conweie, and this riuer dooth run betwixt
+ Penmaine Maur, and Penmaine Vehan. It riseth about three miles from
+ Penmaclon hils which lie about sixtie miles from Conweie abbeie, now
+ dissolued out of a lake called Lin Conweie, and on the north and west
+ of this riuer standeth the towne of Conweie, which taketh his name
+ thereof.
+
+ [Sidenote: Téec.]
+ This riuer (which Ptolomie calleth Toesobius, as I take it) after the
+ deriuation thereof from the head, passeth on the west side by
+ Spittieuan and Tiherio, beneath which it taketh in a streame comming
+ from the east out of Denbighshire, deriued from thrée heads, and of
+ the greatest called Nag. Soone after also another, and then the third,
+ which commeth in from the west by Lanpen Mawr: next of all the Leder
+ on the same side, which commeth by Dolathelan castell: and aboue that
+ from a Lin of the same denomination. Beneath this and selfe hand lieth
+ [Sidenote: Ligow.]
+ likewise the Ligow or Ligwie, procéeding from two lakes, that is, the
+ Mumber and the Ligow. On the right hand as we still descend, is the
+ Coid, then the Glin, & a little lower we méet with the Lin Gerioneth:
+ and after we be past another on the right side, we come to the
+ Perloid, which commeth out of Lin Cowlid, to the Ygan, to the Idulin,
+ to the castell Water on the left, & then to the Melandider on the
+ right, without the sight of anie other, till we come almost to
+ Conweie, where we find a notched streame comming from by west, and
+ called Guffen or Gyffin into the same by one chanell on the northeast
+ side of the towne, beneath Guffin or Gyffin, and ouer against
+ Lansanfraid in Denbighshire; so farre as I now remember. Some part of
+ Carnaruonshire stretcheth also beyond Aber Conweie, or the fall of
+ [Sidenote: Ormeshed.]
+ Conweie, & it is called Ormeshed point, wherein also is a rill, whose
+ fall into the sea is betwéene Penrin and Landright. And thus we haue
+ made an end of the chéefe waters which are to be found in this
+ countie.
+
+ The next is a corner of Denbigh, by which we doo as it were step ouer
+ into Flintshire, and whose first water is not great, yet it commeth
+ from southwest, and falleth into the north or Irish sea called
+ Virginium, beneath Landilas; as the next that commeth south from
+ Bettas dooth the like thrée miles beneath Abergele, and is not onelie
+ [Sidenote: Gele.]
+ called Gele (as the name it selfe importeth) but also noted to take
+ his course through the Canges. Hauing thus gone ouer the angle of
+ Denbighshire, that lieth betwéene those of Carnaruon and Flint, we
+ come next of all vnto Aber Cluide, or the fall of Clotha or Glota,
+ which is a streame not to be shortlie intreated of. It riseth among
+ certeine hilles, which lie not far distant from the confines of
+ Merioneth and Denbighshires. Southeast from his fall, and hauing run
+ foure or fiue miles from the head, it commeth about to Darwen, taking
+ [Sidenote: Maniton.]
+ in the Maniton on the left hand, and the Mespin on the right: and
+ soone after the third from bywest, whose head is not farre from
+ Gloucanocke. Beneath Ruthen also it taketh in the Leueneie: and after
+ that another, and the third, all on the right hand, and so holdeth on
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ till it méet with the Cluedoch, then with the Ystrade, which passeth
+ by Whitchurch on the left hand. After which we come to the Whéeler on
+ the right, and so to his ioining with the Elwie, which is beneath
+ [Sidenote: Elwie.]
+ S. Asaphes, a bishops sée that is inuironed with them both. This Elwie
+ riseth aboue Gwitherne, & beneath Lanuair taketh in the Alode, which
+ commeth from lin Alode, by Lansannan, and ioineth with him fiue miles
+ beneath Langrenew. The Cluda therefore and the Elwie being met, the
+ confluence passeth on to the sea by Rutland castell, where it taketh
+ in the Sarne, which commeth from by east, and hath a course almost of
+ sixteene miles. From hence we tooke sea toward the Dée mouth: and as
+ we passed by the rest of the shore, we saw the fall of a little brooke
+ néere Basing Werke, of another néere to Flint, of the third at Yowleie
+ castell, which with his two armes in maner includeth it; and the
+ fourth beneath Hawarden hold, which in like sort goeth round about the
+ same, & from whence we came to the Dée, where we landed and tooke vp
+ our lodging in Chester. In this place also it was no hard matter to
+ deliuer & set downe the names of such riuers and streames as are also
+ to be found in Angleseie, finding my selfe to haue some leasure and
+ fit opportunitie for the same: and imagining a iourneie thither also,
+ as vnto the other places mentioned in this description, whither as yet
+ it hath not béene my hap to trauell: I thought it not amisse to take
+ it also in hand, and performe it after this maner.
+
+ Ferrieng therefore ouer out of Carnaruonshire to Beaumarise, I went by
+ land without crossing of anie riuer or streame worthie memorie, till I
+ came to the Brant, which hath his fall not farre from the southest
+ point of that Iland. This Brant riseth farre vp in the land, not farre
+ from Lauredenell, and holding on his course southward to Lanthoniell
+ Vaall, it goeth on to Bodoweruch, Langainwen, and so into the sea.
+
+ The next fall we came vnto was called Maltrath, and it is producted by
+ the confluence of two riuers, the Geuennie and the Gint, who ioine not
+ farre from Langrestoll. This also last rehearsed hath his head neere
+ to Penmoneth, the other being forked riseth in the hillie soile aboue
+ Tregaion and Langwithlog: so that part of the Iland obteineth no small
+ commoditie and benefit by their passage. Next vnto this we came vnto
+ [Sidenote: Fraw.]
+ the Fraw, whose head is neere to Langinewen, and passage by Cap Maer;
+ after which it falleth into a lake, from whence it goeth east of
+ Aberfraw, and so into the sea. The next riuer hath no name to my
+ knowledge: yet hath it a longer course than that which I last
+ described. For it riseth two or thrée miles aboue Haneglosse: and
+ passing from thence to Treualghmaie, after the descent of foure miles,
+ it falleth into the sea. After this we came to an other, which riseth
+ more to Cap legan ferwie, and falleth into the sea; southeast of the
+ little Iland, which is called Ynis Wealt, it is namelesse also as the
+ other was: and therefore hauing small delight to write thereof, we
+ passed ouer the salt créeke by a bridge into Cair Kibie, which by the
+ same, is as it were cut from the maine Iland, and in some respect not
+ vnworthie to be taken for an Ile. In the north side therefore of Cair
+ Kibie is a little rill or créeke: but whether the water thereof be
+ fresh or salt, as yet I doo not remember.
+
+ This place being viewed, I came backe againe by the aforesaid bridge,
+ into the maine of Angleseie, and going northwards I find a fall
+ inforced by thrée riuerets, each one hauing his course almost south
+ from other; and the last falling into the confluence of the two first,
+ not halfe a mile from the west, where I first espied the streame: the
+ [Sidenote: Linon.]
+ [Sidenote: Allo.]
+ name of the most northerlie is Linon, of the second Allo; but the
+ third is altogither namelesse for aught that I can learne, wherefore
+ it shall not be necessarie to spend anie time in the further searching
+ of his course. Being past this, we went northwards till we came to the
+ point, and then going eastward, we butted vpon the fall of a certeine
+ confluence growing by the ioining of the Nathanon and the Geger, which
+ méet beneath and néere to the Langechell. And after the same we passed
+ on somewhat declining southward by the Hillarie point, toward the
+ southeast, till we came to the Dulesse: and from thence to Pentraeth
+ water: after which we turned northward, then eastward; and finallie
+ southward, till we came to Langurdin; from whence vnto Beaumarise
+ (where began our voiage) we find not anie water worthie to be
+ remembred. And thence I go forward with the description of the Dee.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dée or Deua.]
+ The Dee or Deua (as Ptolomie calleth it) is a noble riuer, & breeder
+ of the best trout, whose head is in Merioneth shire, about thrée miles
+ aboue the lake, situate in the countie of Penthlin, and called Lin
+ Tegnis, whose streame yet verie small, by reason of the shortnesse of
+ his course, falleth into the said lake, not far from Lanullin. There
+ are sundrie other waters which come also into the said lake, which is
+ foure or five miles in length, and about two miles ouer; as one from
+ by south, whose fall is east, and not manie furlongs from the Dee:
+ another hath his issue into the same by Langower: the third on the
+ north side of Lanullin, named Leie: the fourth at Glanlintegid called
+ Jauerne, the lake it selfe ending about Bala, and from thence running
+ [Sidenote: Trowerin.]
+ into the Trowerin, a pretie streame, and not a little augmented by the
+ Kelme and Monach which fall by north into the same, and ioineth with
+ the Dée south of Lanuair; from whence forth it looseth the name, and
+ is afterward called Dée. East of Bala in like sort it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Ruddoch.]
+ [Sidenote: Cleton.]
+ Ruddoch, then the Cleton, and so passing on by Landright to Langar, it
+ méeteth with a confluence procéeding from the Alwen and the Giron, of
+ which this riseth in the hils aboue Langham, the other in the
+ mounteines about fiue or six miles by northwest of Lanihangle in
+ Denbighshire, where (as I gesse) it falleth into the ground; and
+ afterward rising againe betwéene Lanihangle and Bettus, it holdeth on
+ about two miles, and then ioineth with the Giron, full six miles aboue
+ Dole, and before it come to the Dee. From hence the Dee goeth by
+ Lansanfraid, and the marches of Merioneth into Denbighshire, and so to
+ Langellon, Dinas, Bren, &c: kéeping his course by certeine windlesses,
+ [Sidenote: Gristioneth.]
+ till he receiue the Gristioneth, descending by Ruabon, then another
+ [Sidenote: Keriog.]
+ est of the same; the third from by west called Keriog (whose head is
+ not farre from the bounds of Merioneth and course by Lanarmon,
+ Lansanfraid, and Chirke) the fourth from south east out of Shropshire,
+ called Morlais, and so passeth as bounds betwéene Denbighshire, and
+ the Outliggand of Flintshire, to wit by Bistocke on the one side and
+ Bangor on the other, till it come to Worthenburie: whereabout it
+ receiueth a chanell descending from foure influences, of which one
+ commeth by Penlie chappell, the second from Hamnere, which goeth downe
+ by Emberhall, and falleth in a little by east of the other; the third
+ from Blackmere (by Whitchurch) &c: and the fourth from betwéene Chad
+ and Worsall. These two later méeting aboue nether Durtwich, doo hold
+ on to Talerne, as mine information instructeth me.
+
+ From Wrothenburie the Dee goeth northwestwards toward Shocklige,
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ méeting by the waie with the confluence of the Cluedoch (or Dedoch
+ originall mother to those trouts for which the Dée is commended) and
+ [Sidenote: Gwinrogh.]
+ descendeth from Capell Moinglath) and the Gwinrogh, that runneth
+ through Wrexham, both ioining a mile and more beneath Wrexham, not far
+ from Hantwerne. Soone after also our maine riuer receiueth another
+ becke from by east, which is bound on the northwest side to the
+ Outliggand of Flintshire, and so passeth on betwéene Holt castell and
+ Ferneton, Almere and Pulton, as march betwéene Denbighshire and
+ [Sidenote: Alannus.]
+ Cheshire, and then taketh in the Alannus or Alen; a pretie riuer and
+ worthie to be described. The head of this Alen therefore is in
+ Denbighshire, and so disposed that it riseth in two seuerall places,
+ ech being two miles from other, the one called Alen Mawr, the other
+ Alen Vehan, as I doo find reported. They méet also beneath Landegleie,
+ and run northwards till they come beyond Lanuerres, where meeting with
+ a rill comming from by west, it runneth on to the Mold to Horsheth,
+ and so in and out to Greseford, taking the Cagidog from southwest with
+ it by the waie; then to Traue Alen, and so into the Dée, a mile and
+ more aboue the fall of Powton becke, which also descendeth from
+ southwest out of Flintshire, and is march vnto the same, euen from the
+ verie head. After which confluence the Dée hauing Chestershire on both
+ sides, goeth to Aldford with a swift course, where it méeteth with the
+ Beston brooke, whereof I doo find this description following.
+
+ [Sidenote: Beston.]
+ "The Beston water riseth in the wooddie soile betwéene Spruston and
+ Beston castell with a forked head, and leauing Beston towne on the
+ northeast, it goeth to Tarneton, and to Hakesleie, where it diuideth
+ it selfe in such wise, that one branch thereof runneth by Totnall,
+ Goldburne, and Léehall, to Alford, and so into the Dée, the other by
+ Stapleford, Terwine, Barrow, Picton, and Therton, where it brancheth
+ againe, sending foorth one arme by Stanneie poole, and the parke side
+ into Merseie arme, toward the northwest, and another by southwest,
+ which commeth as it were backe againe, by Stoke, Croughton, Backeford,
+ Charleton, Vpton, the Baites, and so vnder a bridge to Chester ward,
+ where it falleth into the Dée arme at Flockes brooke, excluding Wirall
+ on the northwest as an Iland, which lieth out like a leg betwéene the
+ Merseie and the Dée armes, and including and making another fresh
+ Iland within the same, whose limits by northwest are betwéene
+ Thorneton, Chester, & Aldford, on the northeast Thorneton and
+ Hakesleie, and on the southeast Hakesleie and Aldford, whereby the
+ forme thereof dooth in part resemble a triangle." And thus much of the
+ Dée, which is a troublesome streame when the wind is at southwest, and
+ verie dangerous, in so much that few dare passe thereon. Sometimes
+ also in haruest time it sendeth downe such store of water, when the
+ wind bloweth in the same quarter, that it drowneth all their grasse
+ and corne that groweth in the lower grounds néere vnto the bankes
+ thereof. Certes it is about thrée hundred foot, at his departure from
+ the Tignie, and worthilie called a litigious streame; because that by
+ often alteration of chanell, it inforceth men to séeke new bounds vnto
+ their lands, for here it laieth new ground, and there translateth and
+ taketh awaie the old, so that there is nothing more vnconstant than
+ the course of the said water. Of the monasterie Bangor also, by which
+ it passeth after it hath left Orton bridge, I find this note, which I
+ will not omit, because of the slaughter of monks made sometime néere
+ vnto the same. For although the place require it not, yet I am not
+ willing altogither to omit it.
+
+ [Sidenote: The situation of the monasterie of Bangor.]
+ This abbeie of Bangor stood sometime in English Mailor, by hither and
+ south of the riuer Dée. It is now ploughed ground where that house
+ stood, by the space of a Welsh mile (which reacheth vnto a mile and an
+ halfe English) and to this day the tillers of the soile there doo plow
+ vp bones (as they saie) of those monks that were slaine in the
+ quarrell of Augustine, and within the memorie of man some of them were
+ taken vp in their rotten weeds, which were much like vnto those of our
+ late blacke monks, as Leland set it downe: yet Erasmus is of the
+ opinion, that the apparell of the Benedictine monks was such as most
+ men did weare generallie at their first institution. But to proceed.
+ This abbeie stood in a valleie, and in those times the riuer ran hard
+ by it. The compasse thereof likewise was as the circuit of a walled
+ towne, and to this daie two of the gates may easilie be discerned, of
+ which the one is named Port Hogan lieng by north, the other Port Clais
+ situat vpon the south. But the Dée hauing now changed his chanell,
+ runneth through the verie middest of the house betwixt those two
+ gates, the one being at the left a full halfe mile from the other. As
+ for the squared stone that is found hereabout, and the Romane coine,
+ there is no such necessitie of the rehersall therof, but that I may
+ passe it ouer well inough without anie further mention.
+
+ Being past the Dée we sailed about Wirall, passing by Hibrie or
+ Hilbrée Iland, and Leuerpole, Nasse, making our entrie into Merseie
+ arme by Leuerpole hauen, where we find a water falling out betwéene
+ Seacombe and the Ferie, which dooth in maner cut off the point from
+ the maine of Wirall. For rising néere to the northwest shore, it
+ holdeth a course directlie toward the southeast by Wallaseie and
+ Poton, and so leaueth all the north part beyond that water a
+ peninsula, the same being three square, inuironed on two sides with
+ the Ocean, & on the third with the aforesaid brooke, whose course is
+ well néere three miles except I be deceiued. Fr[=o] hence entring
+ further into the hauen, we find another fall betwéene Bebington and
+ Brombro chappell, descending from the hilles, which are seene to lie
+ not farre from the shore, and thence crossing the fall of the Beston
+ [Sidenote: Wiuer.]
+ water, we come next of all vnto the Wiuer, than the which I read of no
+ riuer in England that fetcheth more or halfe so many windlesses and
+ crinklings, before it come at the sea. It riseth at Buckle hilles,
+ which lie betwéene Ridleie and Buckle townes, and soone after making a
+ lake of a mile & more in length called Ridleie poole, it runneth by
+ Ridleie to Chalmondlie.
+
+ Thence it goeth to Wrenburie, where it taketh in a water out of a
+ [Sidenote: Combrus.]
+ moore that commeth from Marburie: and beneth Sandford bridge the
+ Combrus from Combermer or Comber lake: and finallie the third that
+ commeth from about Moneton, and runneth by Langerslaw, then betweene
+ Shenton and Atherlie parkes, and so into the Wiuer, which watereth all
+ the west part of England, and is no lesse notable than the fift Auon
+ or third Ouze, whereof I haue spoken alreadie. After these confluences
+ it hasteth also to Audlem, Hawklow, and at Barderton crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Betleie.]
+ Betleie water, that runneth by Duddington, Widdenberie, and so by
+ Barderton into the aforesaid streame. Thence it goeth to Nantwich, but
+ yer it come at Marchford bridge, it meeteth with a rill called
+ [Sidenote: Salop.]
+ Salopbrooke (as I gesse) comming from Caluerleie ward, and likewise
+ [Sidenote: Lée and Wuluarne.]
+ beneath the said bridge, with the Lée and the Wuluarne both in one
+ chanell, wherof the first riseth at Weston, the ether goeth by
+ Copnall. From hence the Wiuer runneth on to Minchion and Cardeswijc,
+ [Sidenote: Ashe.]
+ and the next water that falleth into it is the Ashe (which passeth by
+ Darnall Grange) and afterward going to Warke, the vale Roiall, and
+ [Sidenote: Dane.]
+ Eaton, it commeth finallie to Northwich where it receiueth the Dane,
+ to be described as followeth. The Dane riseth in the verie edges of
+ Chester, Darbishire, & Staffordshire, and comming by Warneford,
+ Swithamleie and Bosleie, is a limit betwéene Stafford and Darbie
+ shires, almost euen from the verie head, which is in Maxwell forrest.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bidle.]
+ It is not long also yer it doo méet with the Bidle water, that commeth
+ by Congerton, and after the confluence goeth vnto Swetham, the
+ Heremitage, Cotton and Croxton, there taking in two great waters,
+ [Sidenote: Whelocke.]
+ whereof the one is called Whelocke, which comming from the edge of the
+ countie by Morton to Sandbach, crosseth another that descended from
+ church Cawlhton, and after the confluence goeth to Warmingham, ioining
+ also beneath Midlewish with the Croco or Croxston, the second great
+ water, whose head commeth out of a lake aboue Bruerton (as I heare)
+ [Sidenote: Croco.]
+ and thence both the Whelocke and the Croco go as one vnto the Dane, at
+ Croxton, as the Dane dooth from thence to Bostocke, Dauenham,
+ Shebruch, Shurlach, and at Northwich into the foresaid Wiuer. After
+ this confluence the Wiuer runneth on to Barneton, and there in like
+ sort receiueth two brookes in one chanell, whereof one commeth from
+ aboue Allostocke, by Holme & Lastocke, the other from beyond Birtles
+ [Sidenote: Piuereie.]
+ mill, by Chelford (where it taketh in a rill called Piuereie) thence
+ [Sidenote: Waterlesse.]
+ to ouer Peuer, Holford, and there crossing the Waterlesse brooke
+ (growing of two becks and ioining at nether Tableie) it goeth foorth
+ to Winshambridge, and then méeting with the other, after this
+ confluence they procéed till they come almost at Barneton, where the
+ said chanell ioineth with a pretie water running thorough two lakes,
+ whereof the greatest lieth betwéene Comberbach, Rudworth and Marburie.
+ But to go forward with the course of the maine riuer. After these
+ confluences our Wiuer goeth to Warham, Actonbridge, and Dutton, ouer
+ against which towne, on the other side it méeteth with a rill, comming
+ from Cuddington: also the second going by Norleie, and Gritton,
+ finallie the third soone after from Kimsleie, and then procéedeth on
+ in his passage by Asheton chappell, Frodesham, Rockesauage, and so
+ into the sea: and this is all that I doo find of the Wiuer, whose
+ influences might haue beene more largelie set downe, if mine
+ iniunctions had béene amplie deliuered, yet this I hope may suffice
+ for his description, and knowledge of his course.
+
+ [Sidenote: Merseie.]
+ The Merseie riseth among the Peke hils, and from thence going downe to
+ the Woodhouse, and taking sundrie rilles withall by the waie, it
+ becommeth the confines betwéene Chester and Darbishires. Going also
+ toward Goitehall, it méeteth with a faire brooke increased by sundrie
+ [Sidenote: Goite.]
+ waters called Goite, whereof I find this short and briefe description.
+ The Goite riseth not far from the Shire méere hill (wherein the Doue
+ and the Dane haue their originall) that parteth Darbishire and
+ Chestershire in sunder, and thence commeth downe to Goite houses,
+ [Sidenote: Frith.]
+ Ouerton, Taxhall, Shawcrosse, and at Weibridge taketh in the Frith,
+ [Sidenote: Set.]
+ and beneath Berdhall, the Set that riseth aboue Thersethall and
+ runneth by Ouerset. After this confluence also the Merseie goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Tame.]
+ Goite hall, & at Stockford or Stopford towne méeteth with the Tame,
+ which diuideth Chestershire and Lancastershire in sunder, and whose
+ head is in the verie edge of Yorkeshire, from whence it goeth
+ southward to Sadleworth Firth, then to Mukelhirst, Stalie hall, Ashdon
+ Vnderline, Dunkenfield, Denton, Reddish, and so at Stockford into the
+ Merseie streame, which passeth foorth in like sort to Diddesbirie,
+ receiuing a brooke by the waie that commeth from Lime parke, by
+ Brumhall parke and Chedle.
+
+ [Sidenote: Irwell.]
+ From Diddesbirie it procéedeth to Norden, Ashton, Aiston, Flixston,
+ where it receiueth the Irwell a notable water, and therefore his
+ description is not to be omitted before I doo go forward anie further
+ with the Merseie, although it be not nauigable by reason of sundrie
+ rockes and shalowes that lie dispersed in the same. It riseth aboue
+ Bacop, and goeth thence to Rosendale, and in the waie to Aitenfield it
+ taketh in a water from Haselden. After this confluence it goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Ræus, or Rache.]
+ Newhall, Brandlesham, Brurie, and aboue Ratcliffe ioineth with the
+ [Sidenote: Leland speaketh of the Corue water about
+ Manchester; but I know nothing of his course.]
+ Rache water, a faire streame and to be described when I haue finished
+ the Irwell, as also the next vnto it beneath Ratcliffe, bicause I
+ would not haue so manie ends at once in hand wherewith to trouble my
+ readers. Being therfore past these two, our Irwell goeth on to
+ Clifton, Hollond, Edgecroft, Strengwaies, and to Manchester, where it
+ [Sidenote: Yrke.]
+ vniteth it selfe with the Yrke, that runneth thereinto by Roiton
+ Midleton, Heaton hill, and Blackeleie. Beneath Manchester also it
+ [Sidenote: Medlockte.]
+ méeteth with the Medlocke that commeth thither from the northeast side
+ of Oldham, and betwéene, Claiton and Garret Halles, and so betwéene
+ two parkes, falling into it about Holne. Thence our Irwell going
+ forward to Woodsall, Whicleswijc, Ecles, Barton, and Deuelhom, it
+ falleth néere vnto Flixton, into the water of Merseie, where I will
+ staie a while withall, till I haue brought the other vnto some passe,
+ of which I spake before.
+
+ [Sidenote: Rache.]
+ The Rache, Rech or Rish consisteth of sundrie waters, whereof ech one
+ in maner hath a proper name, but the greatest of all is Rache it
+ selfe, which riseth among the blacke stonie hils, from whence it goeth
+ [Sidenote: Beile.]
+ to Littlebrough, and being past Clegge, receiueth the Beile, that
+ commeth thither by Milneraw chappell. After this confluence also, it
+ [Sidenote: Sprotton.]
+ méeteth with a rill néere vnto Rachedale, and soone after with the
+ [Sidenote: Sudleie.]
+ Sprotton water, and then the Sudleie brooke, whereby his chanell is
+ not a little increased, which goeth from thence to Grisehirst and so
+ [Sidenote: Bradsha.]
+ into the Irwell, before it come at Ratcliffe. The second streame is
+ called Bradsha. It riseth of two heds, aboue Tureton church, whence it
+ [Sidenote: Walmesleie.]
+ runneth to Bradsha, and yer long taking in the Walmesleie becke, they
+ go in one chanell till they come beneath Bolton in the More. From
+ hence (receiuing a water that commeth from the roots of Rauenpike hill
+ by the way) it goeth by Deane and Bolton in the More, and so into
+ Bradsha water, which taketh his waie to Leuermore, Farnworth,
+ Leuerlesse, and finallie into the Irwell, which I before described,
+ and whereof I find these two verses to be added at the last:
+
+   Irke, Irwell, Medlocke, and Tame,
+   When they meet with the Merseie, do loose their name.
+
+ Now therefore to resume our Merseie, you shall vnderstand that after
+ his confluence with the Irwell, he runneth to Partington, and not
+ [Sidenote: Gles.]
+ farre from thence interteineth the Gles, or Glesbrooke water,
+ increased with sundrie armes, wherof one commeth from Lodward, another
+ from aboue Houghton, the third from Hulton parke, and the fourth from
+ Shakerleie: and being all vnited néere vnto Leigh, the confluence
+ goeth to Holcroft, and aboue Holling gréene into the swift Merseie.
+ After this increase the said streame in like sort runneth to Rigston,
+ [Sidenote: Bollein brooke.]
+ & there admitteth the Bollein or Bolling brooke water into his
+ societie, which rising néere the Chamber in Maxwell forrest goeth to
+ Ridge, Sutton, Bollington, Prestbirie, and Newton, where it taketh in
+ a water comming from about Pot Chappell, which runneth from thence by
+ Adlington, Woodford, Wimesleie, Ringeie, and Ashleie, there receiuing
+ [Sidenote: Birkin.]
+ the Birkin brooke that commeth from betwéene Allerton and Marchall, by
+ [Sidenote: Mar.]
+ Mawberleie, and soone after the Marus or Mar, that commeth thereinto
+ from Mar towne, by Rawstorne, and after these confluences goeth on to
+ Downham, and ouer against Rixton beneath Crosford bridge into the
+ Merseie water, which procéeding on, admitteth not another that méeteth
+ with all néere Lim before it go to Thelwall. Thence also it goeth by
+ Bruche and so to Warrington, a little beneath crossing a brooke that
+ commeth from Par by Browseie, Bradleie, and Saukeie on the one side,
+ and another on the other that commeth thither from Gropenhall, and
+ with these it runneth on to nether Walton, Acton grange, and so to
+ [Sidenote: Bold.]
+ [Sidenote: Grundich.]
+ Penkith, where it interteineth the Bold, and soone after the Grundich
+ water on the other side, that passeth by Preston, and Daresbirie.
+ Finallie our Merseie going by Moulton, it falleth into Lirepoole, or
+ as it was called of old Liuerpoole hauen, when it is past Runcorne.
+ And thus much of the Merseie, comparable vnto the Wiuer, and of no
+ lesse fame than most riuers of this Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tarbocke.]
+ Being past these two, we come next of all to the Tarbocke water, that
+ falleth into the sea at Harbocke, without finding anie mo till we be
+ past all Wirall, out of Lirepoole hauen, and from the blacke rockes
+ that lie vpon the north point of the aforesaid Iland. Then come we to
+ [Sidenote: Alt or Ast.]
+ the Altmouth, whose fresh rising not far into the land, commeth to
+ Feston, and soone after receiuing another on the right hand, that
+ passeth into it by Aughton, it is increased no more before it come at
+ the sea. Neither find I anie other falles till I méet with the mouth
+ [Sidenote: Duglesse or Dulesse.]
+ of the Yarrow and Duglesse, which haue their recourse to the sea in
+ one chanell as I take it. The Duglesse commeth from by west of
+ Rauenspike hill, and yer long runneth by Andertonford to Worthington,
+ and so (taking in two or thrée rilles by the waie) to Wigen, where it
+ receiueth two waters in one chanell, of which one commeth in south
+ from Brin parke, the other from northeast. Being past this, it
+ receiueth one on the north side from Standish, and another by south
+ from Hollond, and then goeth on toward Rufford chappell taking the
+ [sidenote: Taud or Skelmere.]
+ Taud withall, that descendeth from aboue Skelmersdale towne, and goeth
+ through Lathan parke, belonging (as I heare) vnto the earle of Derbie.
+ [Sidenote: Merton.]
+ It méeteth also on the same side, with Merton méere water, in which
+ méere is one Iland called Netholme beside other, and when it is past
+ the hanging bridge, it is not long yer it fall into the Yarrow.
+
+ [Sidenote: Yarrow.]
+ [Sidenote: Bagen.]
+ The Yarrow riseth of two heads, whereof the second is called Bagen
+ brooke, and making a confluence beneath Helbie wood, it goeth on to
+ Burgh, Eglestan, Crofton, and then ioineth next of all with the
+ Dugglesse, after which confluence, the maine streame goeth foorth to
+ Bankehall, Charleton, How, Hesket, and so into the sea. Leland writing
+ of the Yarrow, saith thus of the same, so fare as I now remember. Into
+ the Dugglesse also runneth the Yarrow, which commeth within a mile or
+ thereabout of Chorleton towne, that parteth Lelandshire from
+ Derbieshire. Vnder the foot of Chorle also I find a rill named Ceorle,
+ and about a mile and a halfe from thence a notable quarreie of stones,
+ whereof the inhabitants doo make a great boast and price. And hitherto
+ to Leland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ribble.]
+ The Ribble, a riuer verie rich of salmon, and lampreie, dooth in
+ manner inuiron Preston in Andernesse, and it riseth neere to
+ Kibbesdale aboue Gisborne, from whence it goeth to Sawleie or Salleie,
+ [Sidenote: Odder.]
+ Chathburne, Woodington, Clithero castell, and beneath Mitton méeteth
+ the Odder at north west, which riseth not farre from the crosse of
+ Gréet in Yorkeshire, and going thence to Shilburne, Newton, Radholme
+ parke, and Stonie hirst, it falleth yer long into the Ribble water.
+ [Sidenote: Calder.]
+ From hence the Ribble water hath not gone farre, but it méeteth with
+ the Calder from southeast. This brooke riseth aboue Holme church in
+ Yorkeshire, which lieth by east of Lancastershire, and going by
+ Towleie and Burneleie, where it receiueth a trifling rill, thence to
+ Higham, and yer long crossing one water that commeth from Wicoler by
+ [Sidenote: Pidle.]
+ Colne, and another by and by named Pidle brooke, that runneth by New
+ church in the Pidle, it méeteth with the Calder, which passeth foorth
+ to Paniam; and thence receiuing a becke on the other side, it runneth
+ [Sidenote: Henburne.]
+ on to Altham, and so to Martholme, where the Henburne brooke dooth
+ ioine withall, that goeth by Akington chappell, Dunkinhalgh, Rishton,
+ and so into the Calder, as I haue said before. The Calder therefore
+ being thus inlarged, runneth foorth to Reade, where maister Nowell
+ dwelleth, to Whallie, and soone after into Ribble, that goeth from
+ this confluence to Salisburie hall, Ribchester, Osbastin, Samburie,
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ Keuerden, Law, Ribbles bridge, & then taketh in the Darwent, before it
+ goeth by Pontwarth or Pentwarth into the maine sea. The Darwent
+ diuideth Lelandshire from Andernesse, and it riseth by east aboue
+ Darwent chappell; and soone after vniting it selfe with the
+ [Sidenote: Blackeburne.]
+ [Sidenote: Rodlesworth.]
+ Blackeburne, and Rodlesworth water, it goeth through Houghton parke,
+ by Houghton towne, to Walton hall, and so into the Ribble. As for
+ [Sidenote: Sannocke.]
+ the Sannocke brooke, it riseth somewhat aboue Longridge chappell,
+ goeth to Broughton towne, Cotham, Lée hall, and so into Ribble. And
+ here is all that I haue to saie of this riuer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wire.]
+ The Wire riseth eight or ten miles from Garstan, out of an hill in
+ Wiresdale forrest, from whence it runneth by Shireshed chappell, and
+ then going by Wadland, or Waddiler, Grenelaw castell (which belongeth
+ to the erle of Darbie) Garstan, and Kirkland hall, it first receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Calder. 2.]
+ the second Calder, that commeth downe by Edmerseie chappell, then
+ another chanell increased with sundrie waters, which I will here
+ describe before I procéed anie further with the Wire. I suppose that
+ [Sidenote: Plimpton.]
+ the first water is called Plimpton brooke, it riseth south of Gosner,
+ [Sidenote: Barton.]
+ and commeth by Cawford hall, and yer long receiuing the Barton becke,
+ [Sidenote: Brooke.]
+ it procéedeth forward till it ioineth with the Brooke rill that
+ commeth from Bowland forrest, by Claughton hall, where master
+ Brookehales dooth lie, & so through Mersco forrest. After this
+ confluence the Plime or Plimpton water méeteth with the Calder, and
+ then with the Wire, which passeth foorth to Michaell church, and the
+ [Sidenote: Skipton.]
+ Raw cliffes, and aboue Thorneton crosseth the Skipton that goeth by
+ Potton, then into the Wire rode, and finallie through the sands into
+ the sea, according to his nature. When we were past the fall of the
+ [Sidenote: Coker.]
+ Wire, we coasted vp by the salt cotes, to Coker mouth, whose head,
+ though it be in Weresdale forrest, not far from that of the Wire, yet
+ [Sidenote: Cowdar.]
+ the shortnesse of course deserueth no description. The next is Cowdar,
+ which is comming out of Wire dale, as I take it, is not increased with
+ anie other waters more than Coker, and therefore I will rid my hands
+ thereof so much the sooner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lune.]
+ Being past these two, I came to a notable riuer called the Lune or
+ Loine, or (as the booke of statutes hath) Lonwire Anno 13 Ric. 2. cap.
+ 19, and giueth name to Lancaster, Lonecaster, or Lunecaster, where
+ much Romane monie is found, and that of diuerse stamps, whose course
+ dooth rest to be described as followeth; and whereof I haue two
+ descriptions. The first being set downe by Leland, as master Moore of
+ Catharine hall in Cambridge deliuered it vnto him. The next I exhibit
+ as it was giuen vnto me, by one that hath taken paines (as he saith)
+ to search out and view the same, but verie latelie to speake of. The
+ Lune (saith master Moore) of some commonlie called the Loine, riseth
+ at Crosseho, in Dent dale, in the edge of Richmondshire out of thrée
+ heads. North also from Dent dale is Garsdale, an vplandish towne,
+ wherein are séene manie times great store of red déere that come downe
+ to feed from the mounteins into the vallies, and thereby runneth a
+ water, which afterward commeth to Sebbar vale, where likewise is a
+ brooke méeting with Garsdale water, so that a little lower they go as
+ one into Dent dale becke, which is the riuer that afterward is called
+ Lune, or Lane, as I haue verie often noted it. Beside these waters
+ also before mentioned, it receiueth at the foot of Sebbar vale, a
+ great brooke, which commeth out of the Worth, betwéene Westmerland and
+ Richmondshire, which taking with him the aforesaid chanels, dooth run
+ seauen miles yer it come to Dent dale foot. From hence it entreth into
+ Lansdale, corruptlie so called, peraduenture for Lunesdale, & runneth
+ therein eight or nine miles southward, and in this dale is Kirbie.
+ Hitherto master Moore, as Leland hath exemplified that parcell of his
+ [Sidenote: Burbecke.]
+ letters. But mine other note writeth hereof in this manner. Burbecke
+ water riseth at Wustall head, by west, and going by Wustall foot to
+ [Sidenote: Breder.]
+ Skaleg, it admitteth the Breder that descendeth thither from Breder
+ dale. From hence our Burbecke goeth to Breder dale foot, & so to
+ Tibarie, where it méeteth with foure rilles in one bottome, of which
+ one commeth from besides Orton, another from betwéene Rasebecke and
+ Sunbiggin, the third and fourth from each side of Langdale: and after
+ the generall confluence made, goeth toward Roundswath, aboue which
+ [Sidenote: Barrow.]
+ it vniteth it selfe with the Barrow. Thence it runneth to Howgill,
+ Delaker, Firrebanke, and Killington, beneath which it meeteth with a
+ [Sidenote: Dent.]
+ water comming from the Moruill hilles, and afterward crossing the Dent
+ brooke, that runneth thither from Dent towne, beneath Sebbar, they
+ continue their course as one into the Burbecke, from whence it is
+ called Lune. From hence it goeth to Burbon chappell, where it taketh
+ in another rill comming from by east, then to Kirbie, Lansbele, and
+ aboue Whittenton crosseth a brooke comming from the countie stone by
+ [Sidenote: Greteie.]
+ Burros, and soone after beneath Tunstall and Greteie, which descending
+ from about Ingelborow hill, passeth by Twiselton, Ingleton, Thorneton,
+ Burton, Wratton, and néere Thurland castell, toucheth finallie with
+ the Lune, which brancheth, and soone after vniteth it selfe againe.
+ [Sidenote: Wennie.]
+ After this also it goeth on toward New parke, and receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Hinburne.]
+ Wennie, and the Hinburne both in one chanell, of which this riseth
+ north of the crosse of Greteie, and going by Benthams and Roberts
+ [Sidenote: Rheburne.]
+ hill, aboue Wraie taketh in the Rheburne that riseth north of
+ Wulfecrag. After this confluence also aboue New parke, it maketh his
+ gate by Aughton, Laughton, Skirton, Lancaster, Excliffe, Awcliffe,
+ Soddaie, Orton, and so into the sea. Thus haue you both the
+ descriptions of Lune, make your conference or election at your
+ pleasure, for I am sworne to neither of them both.
+
+ [Sidenote: Docker.]
+ The next fall is called Docker, and peraduenture the same that Leland
+ [Sidenote: Kerie.]
+ dooth call the Kerie, which is not farre from Wharton, where the rich
+ Kitson was borne, it riseth north of Docker towne, and going by
+ Barwijc hall, it is not increased before it come at the sea, where it
+ falleth into the Lune water at Lunesands. Next of all we come to
+ Bitham beck, which riseth not far from Bitham towne and parke, in the
+ hilles, where about are great numbers of goates kept and mainteined,
+ and by all likelihood resorteth in the end to Linsands.
+
+ Being past this, we find a forked arme of the sea called Kensands:
+ into the first of which diuerse waters doo run in one chanell, as it
+ were from foure principall heads, one of them comming from Grarrig
+ hall, another fr[=o] by west of Whinfield, & ioining with the first on
+ [Sidenote: Sprota.]
+ the east side of Skelmere parke. The third called Sprot or Sprota
+ riseth at Sloddale, & commeth downe by west of Skelmer parke, so that
+ these two brookes haue the aforesaid parke betwéene them, & fall into
+ the fourth east of Barneside, not verie farre in sunder. The fourth or
+ [Sidenote: Ken.]
+ last called Ken, commeth from Kentmers side, out of Ken moore, in a
+ poole of a mile compasse, verie well stored with fish, the head
+ whereof, as of all the baronie of Kendall is in Westmerland, & going
+ to Stauelope, it taketh in a rill from Chappleton Inges. Then leauing
+ Colnehead parke by east, it passeth by Barneside, to Kendall, Helston,
+ Sigath, Siggeswijc, Leuenbridge, Milnethorpe, and so into the sea.
+ Certes this Ken is a pretie déepe riuer, and yet not safelie to be
+ aduentured vpon, with boates and balingers, by reason of rolling
+ stones, & other huge substances that oft annoie & trouble the middest
+ of the chanell there. The other péece of the forked arme, is called
+ [Sidenote: Winstar.]
+ Winstar, the hed wherof is aboue Winstar chappell, & going downe
+ almost by Carpmaunsell, & Netherslake, it is not long yer it fall into
+ the sea, or sands, for all this coast, & a gulfe from the Ramside
+ point to the Mealenasse, is so pestered with sands, that it is almost
+ incredible to sée how they increase. Those also which inuiron the
+ Kenmouth, are named Kensands: but such as receiue the descent from the
+ Fosse, Winander, and Sparke, are called Leuesands, as I find by
+ sufficient testimonie. The mouth or fall of the Dodon also is not
+ farre from this impechment: wherefore it is to be thought, that these
+ issues will yer long become verie noisome, if not choked vp
+ [Sidenote: Winander.]
+ altogither. The Winander water riseth about Cunbalrasestones, from
+ whence it goeth to Cangridge, where it maketh a méere: then to
+ Ambleside, and taking in yer it come there, two rilles on the left
+ hand, and one on the right that commeth by Clapergate, it maketh (as I
+ take it) the greatest méere, or fresh water in England; for I read it
+ is ten miles in length. Finallie, comming to one small chanell aboue
+ Newbridge, it reacheth not aboue six miles yer it fall into the sea.
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ There is in like sort a water, called the Fosse that riseth néere vnto
+ Arneside, and Tillerthwates, and goeth foorth by Grisdale,
+ Satrethwate, Rusland, Powbridge, Bowth, and so falleth with the
+ Winander water into the maine sea. On the west side of the Fosse also
+ commeth another through Furnesse felles, and from the hilles by north
+ thereof, which yer long making the Thurstan lake not far from
+ Hollinhow, and going by Bridge end, in a narrow channell, passeth
+ [Sidenote: Sparke.]
+ foorth by Nibthwaits, Blareth, Cowlton, & Sparke bridge, and so into
+ the sea. Hauing passed the Leuen or Conisands, or Conistonesands, or
+ [Sidenote: Lew.]
+ Winander fall (for all is one) I come to the Lew, which riseth at
+ [Sidenote: Rawther.]
+ Cewike chappell, and falleth into the sea beside Plumpton. The Rawther
+ descending out of low Furnesse, hath two heads, whereof one commeth
+ from Penniton, the other by Vlmerstone abbeie, and ioining both in one
+ chanell, they hasten into the sea, whither all waters direct their
+ voiage. Then come we to another rill southwest of Aldingham,
+ descending by Glaiston castell; and likewise the fourth that riseth
+ néere Lindell, and running by Dawlton castell and Furnesse abbeie, not
+ farre from the Barrow head, it falleth into the sea ouer against
+ Waueie and Waueie chappell, except mine aduertisements misleade me.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dodon.]
+ The Dodon, which from the head is bound vnto Cumberland and
+ Westmerland, commeth from the Shire stone hill bottome, and going by
+ Blackehill, Southwake, S. Iohns, Vffaie parke, & Broughton, it falleth
+ into the orltwater, betwéene Kirbie, and Mallum castell. And thus are
+ we now come vnto the Rauenglasse point, and well entred into the
+ Cumberland countie.
+
+ Comming to Rauenglasse, I find hard by the towne a water comming from
+ two heads, and both of them in lakes or pooles, whereof one issueth
+ [Sidenote: Denocke.]
+ out of Denocke or Deuenocke méere, and is called Denocke water, the
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ other named Eske from Eske poole which runneth by Eskedale, Dalegarth,
+ and soone after meeting with the Denocke, betwéene Mawburthwate and
+ Rauenglasse, falleth into the sea. On the other side of Rauenglasse
+ [Sidenote: Mite.]
+ also commeth the Mite brooke, from Miterdale as I read. Then find we
+ another which commeth from the hils, and at the first is forked, but
+ soone after making a lake, they gather againe into a smaller chanell:
+ [Sidenote: Brenge.]
+ finallie meeting with the Brenge, they fall into the sea at Carleton
+ [Sidenote: Cander.]
+ southeast, as I wéene of Drig. The Cander, or (as Leland nameth it)
+ the Calder, commeth out of Copeland forrest, by Cander, Sellefield,
+ and so into the sea. Then come we to Euer water, descending out of a
+ poole aboue Coswaldhow, and thence going by Euerdale, it crosseth a
+ water from Arladon, and after procéedeth to Egremond, S. Iohns, and
+ taking in another rill from Hide, it is not long yer it méeteth with
+ the sea.
+
+ The next fall is at Moresbie, whereof I haue no skill. From thence
+ therefore we cast about by saint Bees to Derwentset hauen, whose water
+ [Sidenote: Dargwent.]
+ is truelie written Dargwent or Deruent. It riseth in the hils about
+ Borrodale, from whence it goeth vnto the Grange, thence into a lake,
+ in which are certeine Ilands, and so vnto Keswijc, where it falleth
+ [Sidenote: Burthméere.]
+ into the Bure, whereof the said lake is called Bursemere, or the
+ Burthmere poole. In like sort the Bure or Burthmere water, rising
+ among the hils goeth to Tegburthesworth, Forneside, S. Iohns, and
+ [Sidenote: Grise.]
+ Threlcote: and there méeting with a water from Grisdale, by
+ Wakethwate, called Grise, it runneth to Burnesse, Keswijc, and there
+ receiueth the Darwent. From Keswijc in like sort it goeth to
+ Thorneswate (and there making a plash) to Armanswate, Isell, Huthwate
+ [Sidenote: Cokar.]
+ and Cokermouth, and here it receiueth the Cokar, which rising among
+ the hils commeth by Lowsewater, Brakenthwate, Lorton, and so to
+ Cokarmouth towne, from whence it hasteth to Bridgeham, and receiuing a
+ rill called the Wire, on the south side that runneth by Dein, it
+ leaueth Samburne and Wirketon behind it, and entereth into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wire.]
+ Leland saith that the Wire is a créeke where ships lie off at rode,
+ and that Wirketon or Wirkington towne dooth take his name thereof. He
+ addeth also that there is iron and coles, beside lead ore in Wiredale.
+ Neuerthelesse the water of this riuer is for the most part sore
+ troubled, as comming thorough a suddie or soddie more, so that little
+ [Sidenote: Elmus.]
+ good fish is said to liue therein. But to proceed. The Elme riseth in
+ the mines aboue Amautrée, and from Amautre goeth to Yeresbie, Harbie,
+ Brow, and there taking in a rill on the left hand comming by
+ Torpennie, it goeth to Hatton castell, Alwarbie, Birthie, Dereham, and
+ so into the sea. Thence we go about by the chappell at the point, and
+ come to a baie serued with two fresh waters, whereof one rising
+ westward goeth by Warton, Rabbie, Cotes, and so into the maine, taking
+ [Sidenote: Croco.]
+ in a rill withall from by south, called Croco, that commeth from
+ [Sidenote: Vamus.]
+ Crockdale, by Bromefield. The second is named Wampoole broocke, & this
+ riseth of two heads, whereof one is about Cardew. Thence in like sort
+ it goeth to Thuresbie, Croston, Owton, Gamlesbie, Wampall, the Larth,
+ and betwéene Whiteridge and Kirbie into the saltwater. From hence we
+ double the Bowlnesse, and come to an estuarie, whither thrée notable
+ riuers doo resort, and this is named the Solueie mouth. But of all,
+ the first excéedeth, which is called Eden, and whose description dooth
+ follow here at hand.
+
+ [Sidenote: Eden.]
+ The Eden well fraught with samon, descendeth (as I heare) from the
+ hils in Athelstane moore at the foot of Hussiat Moruell hil, where
+ Swale also riseth, and southeast of Mallerstang forrest. From thence
+ in like maner it goeth to Mallerstang towne, Pendragon castell,
+ Wharton hall, Netbie, Hartleie castell, Kirkebie Stephan, and yer it
+ come at great Musgrane, it receiueth thrée waters, whereof one is
+ [Sidenote: Helbecke.]
+ called Helbecke, bicause it commeth from the Derne and Elinge
+ mounteins by a towne of the same denomination. The other is named
+ [Sidenote: Bellow.]
+ Bellow, and descendeth from the east mounteins by Sowarsbie, & these
+ two on the northeast: the third falleth from Rauenstandale, by
+ Newbiggin, Smardale, Soulbie, Blaterne, and so into Eden, that goeth
+ [Sidenote: Orne.]
+ from thence by Warcop; and taking in the Orne about Burelles on the
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ one side, and the Morton becke on the other, it hasteth to Applebie,
+ [Sidenote: Dribecke.]
+ thence to Cowlbie, where it crosseth the Dribecke, thence to Bolton,
+ [Sidenote: Trowt becke.]
+ and Kirbie, and there méeting with the Trowt becke, and beneath the
+ [Sidenote: Liuenet.]
+ same with the Liuenet (whereinto falleth an other water from Thurenlie
+ méeting withall beneath Clebron) it runneth finallie into Eden. After
+ the confluences also the Eden passeth to Temple, and soone after
+ meeting with the Milburne and Blincorne waters, in one chanell, it
+ runneth to Winderwarth and Hornebie, where we will staie till I haue
+ described the water that meeteth withall néere the aforesaid place
+ [Sidenote: Vlse.]
+ called the Vlse.
+
+ This water commeth out of a lake, which is fed with six rils, whereof
+ [Sidenote: Marke.]
+ one is called the Marke, and néere the fall thereof into the plash is
+ [Sidenote: Harteshop.]
+ a towne of the same name; the second hight Harteshop, & runneth from
+ [Sidenote: Paterdale.]
+ Harteshop hall by Depedale; the third is Paterdale rill; the fourth
+ [Sidenote: Roden.]
+ [Sidenote: Glenkguin.]
+ Glent Roden, the fift Glenkguin, but the sixt runneth into the said
+ lake, south of Towthwate. Afterward when this lake commeth toward Pole
+ towne, it runneth into a small chanell, & going by Barton, Dalumaine,
+ it taketh in a rill by the waie from Daker castell. Thence it goeth to
+ Stockebridge, Yoneworth, and soone after méeteth with a pretie brooke
+ [Sidenote: Loder.]
+ called Loder, comming from Thornethwate by Bauton, and héere a rill;
+ then by Helton, and there another; thence to Askham, Clifton, and so
+ ioining with the other called Vlse, they go to Brougham castell, Nine
+ churches, Hornebie, and so into Eden, taking in a rill (as it goeth)
+ that commeth downe from Pencath. Being past Hornebie, our Eden runneth
+ to Langunbie, and soone after receiuing a rill that commeth from two
+ heads, and ioining beneath Wingsell, it hasteth to Lasenbie, then to
+ Kirke Oswald (on ech side whereof commeth in a rill from by east)
+ thence to Nonneie, and there a rill, Anstable, Cotehill, Corbie
+ castell, Wetherall, Newbie: where I will staie, till I haue described
+ the Irding, and such waters as fall into the same before I go to
+ Carleill.
+
+ [Sidenote: Irding.]
+ The Irding ariseth in a moore in the borders of Tindale, néere vnto
+ [Sidenote: Terne.]
+ Horsse head crag, where it is called Terne becke; vntill it come to
+ Spicrag hill, that diuideth Northumberland and Gillesland in sunder,
+ from whence it is named Irding. Being therfore come to Ouerhall, it
+ [Sidenote: Pultrose.]
+ receiueth the Pultrose becke, by east, and thence goeth on to
+ Ouerdenton, Netherdenton, Leuercost, and Castelstead, where it taketh
+ [Sidenote: Cambocke.]
+ in the Cambocke, that runneth by Kirke Cambocke, Askerton castell,
+ Walton, and so into Irding, which goeth from thence to Irdington,
+ Newbie, & so into Eden. But a little before it come there, it crosseth
+ [Sidenote: Gillie.]
+ with the Gillie that commeth by Tankin, and soone after falleth into
+ it. After these confluences, our Eden goeth to Linstocke castell, (and
+ here it interteineth a brooke, comming from Cotehill ward by
+ Aglionbie) and then vnto Carleill, which is now almost inuironed with
+ foure waters.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pedar aliàs Logus.]
+ For beside the Eden it receiueth the Peder, which Leland calleth Logus
+ from southeast. This Peder riseth in the hils southwest of
+ Penruddocke, from whence it goeth to Penruddocke, then to Grastocke
+ castell, Cateleie, and Kenderside hall, and then taking in a water
+ from Vnthanke, it goeth to Cathwade, Pettrelwaie, Newbiggin, Carleton,
+ and so into Eden, northeast of Carleill. But on the north side the
+ [Sidenote: Bruferth.]
+ Bruferth brooke dooth swiftlie make his entrance, running by
+ Leuerdale, Scalbie castell, and Housedon; as I am informed. The third
+ is named Candan (if not Deua after Leland) which rising about the
+ Skidlow hils, runneth to Mosedale, Caldbecke, Warnell, Saberham, Rose
+ castell, Dawston, Brounston, Harrington, and west of Carleill falleth
+ into Eden, which going from thence by Grimsdale, Kirke Andros,
+ Beaumont, falleth into the sea beneath the Rowcliffe castell. And thus
+ much of the Eden, which Leland neuerthelesse describeth after another
+ sort, whose words I will not let to set downe here in this place, as I
+ find them in his commentaries.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vlse after Leland.]
+ The Eden, after it hath run a pretie space from his head, méeteth in
+ time with the Vlse water, which is a great brooke in Westmerland, and
+ [Sidenote: Loder.]
+ rising aboue Maredale, a mile west of Loder, it commeth by the late
+ dissolued house of Shappe priorie, thrée miles from Shappe, and by
+ Brampton village into Loder or Lodon. Certes this streame within halfe
+ a mile of the head, becommeth a great lake for two miles course, and
+ afterward waxing narrow againe, it runneth foorth in a meane and
+ [Sidenote: Aimote.]
+ indifferent bottome. The said Eden in like sort receiueth the Aimote
+ about thrée miles beneath Brougham castell, and into the same Aimote
+ [Sidenote: Dacor.]
+ falleth Dacor becke (alreadie touched) which riseth by northwest in
+ Materdale hils, foure miles aboue Dacor castell, and then going
+ through Dacor parke, it runneth by east a good mile lower into Eimote,
+ a little beneath Delamaine, which standeth on the left side of Dacor.
+ In one of his bookes also he saith, how Carleill standeth betwéene two
+ [Sidenote: Deua.]
+ streames, that is to saie the Deua, which commeth thither from by
+ southwest, and also the Logus that descendeth from the southeast. He
+ [Sidenote: Vala.]
+ addeth moreouer how the Deua in times past was named Vala or Bala, and
+ that of the names of these two, Lugibala for Caerleill hath beene
+ deriued, &c. And thus much out of Leland. But where he had the cause
+ of this his coniecture as yet I haue not read. Of this am I certeine,
+ that I vse the names of most riuers here and else-where described,
+ accordinglie as they are called in my time, although I omit not to
+ speake here and there of such as are more ancient, where iust occasion
+ mooueth me to remember them, for the better vnderstanding of our
+ histories, as they doo come to hand.
+
+ [Sidenote: Leuen.]
+ Blacke Leuen and white Leuen waters, fall into the sea in one chanell,
+ [Sidenote: Lamford.]
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ and with them the Lamford and the Eske, the last confluence being not
+ a full mile from the maine sea. The white and blacke Leuen ioining
+ [Sidenote: Tomunt.]
+ therfore aboue Bucknesse, the confluence goeth to Bracken hill,
+ Kirkleuenton, and at Tomunt water meeteth with the Eske. In like sort
+ [Sidenote: Kirsop.]
+ [Sidenote: Lidde.]
+ the Kirsop ioining with the Lidde out of Scotland at Kirsop foot,
+ running by Stangerdike side, Harlow, Hathwater, and taking in the Eske
+ aboue the Mote, it looseth the former name, and is called Eske, vntill
+ it come to the sea.
+
+ Hauing thus gone thorough the riuers of England, now it resteth that
+ we procéed with those which are to be found vpon the Scotish shore, in
+ such order as we best may, vntill we haue fetched a compasse about the
+ same, and come vnto Barwike, whence afterward it shall be easie for vs
+ to make repaire vnto the Thames, from which we did set forward in the
+ beginning of our voiage. The first riuer that I met withall on the
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ Scotish coast, is the Eske, after I came past the Solueie, which hath
+ his head in the Cheuiot hilles, runneth by Kirkinton, and falleth into
+ the sea at Borow on the sands. This Eske hauing receiued the Ewis
+ falleth into the Solueie first at Atterith. After this I passed ouer a
+ little créeke from Kirthell, and so to Anand, whereof the vallie
+ Anandale dooth séeme to take the name. There is also the Nide, whereof
+ commeth Nidsdale, the Ken, the Dée, the Crale, and the Bladnecke, and
+ all these (besides diuerse other small rilles of lesse name) doo lie
+ vpon the south of Gallowaie.
+
+ On the north side also we haue the Ruan, the Arde, the Cassile Dune,
+ the Burwin, the Cluide (wherevpon sometime stood the famous citie of
+ Alcluide, and whereinto runneth the Carath) the Hamell, the
+ Dourglesse, and the Lame. From hence in like maner we came vnto the
+ Leuind mouth, wherevnto the Blake on the southwest and the Lomund
+ Lake, with his fléeting Iles and fish without finnes (yet verie
+ holesome) dooth séeme to make his issue. This lake of Lomund in calme
+ weather ariseth sometimes so high, and swelleth with such terrible
+ billowes, that it causeth the best marriners of Scotland to abide the
+ leisure of this water, before they dare aduenture to hoise vp sailes
+ on hie. The like is seene in windie weather, but much more perillous.
+ There are certeine Iles also in the same, which mooue and remooue,
+ oftentimes by force of the water, but one of them especiallie, which
+ otherwise is verie fruitfull for pasturage of cattell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Leue. Long.]
+ [Sidenote: Goile. Heke.]
+ [Sidenote: Robinseie.]
+ [Sidenote: Forelan. Tarbat.]
+ [Sidenote: Lean.]
+ [Sidenote: Abir. Arke.]
+ [Sidenote: Zefe. Sell.]
+ [Sidenote: Zord. Owin.]
+ [Sidenote: Nowisse. Orne.]
+ [Sidenote: Lang. Drun.]
+ [Sidenote: Hew. Brun.]
+ [Sidenote: Kile. Dowr.]
+ [Sidenote: Faro. Nesse.]
+ Next vnto this is the Leue, the Rage, the Long, the Goile, & the Heke,
+ which for the excéeding greatnesse of their heads, are called lakes.
+ Then haue we the Robinseie, the Foreland, the Tarbat, the Lean, and
+ the Abir, wherevnto the Spanseie, the Loine, the Louth, the Arke, and
+ the Zefe doo fall, there is also the Sell, the Zord, the Owin, the
+ Newisse, the Orne, the Lang, the Drun, the Hew, the Brun, the Kell,
+ the Dowr, the Faro, the Nesse, the Herre, the Con, the Glasse, the
+ Maur, the Vrdall, the Fers (that commeth out of the Caldell) the
+ Fairsoke, which two latter lie a little by west of the Orchades, and
+ are properlie called riuers, bicause they issue onelie from springs;
+ but most of the other lakes, bicause they come from linnes and huge
+ [Sidenote: Herre. Con.]
+ [Sidenote: Glasse. Maur.]
+ [Sidenote: Vrdall. Fesse.]
+ [Sidenote: Calder. Wifle.]
+ [Sidenote: Browre. Clin.]
+ [Sidenote: Twin. Shin.]
+ [Sidenote: Sillan. Carew.]
+ [Sidenote: Nesse. Narding.]
+ [Sidenote: Spaie. Downe.]
+ [Sidenote: Dée. Eske.]
+ pooles, or such low bottomes, fed with springs, as séeme to haue no
+ accesse, but onelie recesse of waters, whereof there be manie in
+ Scotland.
+
+ But to proceed. Hauing once past Dungisbie head in Cathnesse, we shall
+ yer long come to the mouth of the Wifle, a prettie streame, comming by
+ south of the mounteins called the Maidens pappes. Then to the Browre,
+ the Clin, the Twin (whereinto runneth three riuers, the Shin, the
+ Sillan, and Carew) the Nesse, which beside the plentie of samon found
+ therein is neuer frosen, nor suffereth yee to remaine there, that is
+ cast into the poole. From thence we come vnto the Narding, the
+ Finderne, the Spaie (which receiues the Vine) the Fitch, the Bulich,
+ the Arrian, the Leuin, and the Bogh, from whence we saile vntill we
+ come about the Buquhan head, and so to the Downe, and Dee: which two
+ streames bring forth the greatest samons that are to be had in
+ Scotland, and most plentie of the same. Then to the north Eske,
+ whereinto the Esmond runneth aboue Brechin, the south Eske, then the
+ Louen and the Taw, which is the finest riuer for water that is in all
+ Scotland, and wherevnto most riuers and lakes doo run. As Farlake,
+ Yrth, Goure, Loich, Cannach, Linell, Loion, Irewer, Erne, and diuerse
+ other besides small rillets which I did neuer looke vpon.
+
+ Then is there the lake Londors, vpon whose mouth saint Andrewes dooth
+ stand, the lake Lewin vnto whose streame two other lakes haue recourse
+ in Fifland, and then the Firth or Fortha, which some doo call the
+ Pictish and Scotish sea, whither the kingdome of the Northumbers was
+ sometime extended, and with the riuer last mentioned (I meane that
+ commeth from Londors) includeth all Fife, the said Fortha being full
+ of oisters and all kinds of huge fish that vse to lie in the déepe.
+ How manie waters run into the Firth, called by Ptolomie Lora, it is
+ not in my power iustlie to declare: yet are there both riuers, rills,
+ [Sidenote: Clacke. Alon.]
+ [Sidenote: Dune. Kerie.]
+ [Sidenote: Cambell.]
+ [Sidenote: Cumer. Tere.]
+ [Sidenote: Man.]
+ [Sidenote: Torkesan.]
+ [Sidenote: Rosham.]
+ [Sidenote: Mushell. Blene.]
+ [Sidenote: Twede.]
+ & lakes that fall into the same, as Clacke, Alon, Dune, Kerie,
+ Cambell, Cumer, Tere, Man, Torkeson, Rosham, Mushell, Blene, and
+ diuerse other which I call by these names, partlie after information,
+ and partlie of such townes as are neere vnto their heads. Finallie,
+ when we are past the Haie, then are we come vnto the Twede, whereinto
+ we entred, leauing Barwike on the right hand and his appurtenances,
+ wherein Halidon hill standeth, and conteineth a triangle of so much
+ ground beyond the said riuer, as is well néere foure miles in length,
+ and thrée miles in bredth in the broad end: except mine information
+ doo faile me.
+
+ The Twede (which Ptolomie nameth Toualsis or Toesis, & betwéene which
+ and the Tine the countie of Northumberland is in maner inclosed, and
+ watred with sundrie noble riuers) is a noble streame and the limes or
+ bound betwéene England & Scotland, wherby those two kingdomes are now
+ diuided in sunder. It riseth about Drimlar in Eusbale (or rather out
+ of a faire well (as Leland saith) standing in the mosse of an hill
+ called Airstane, or Harestan in Twede dale ten miles from Pibble) and
+ so comming by Pibble, Lander, Dribiwgh, Lelse, Warke, Norham and
+ Hagarstone, it falleth into the sea beneath Barwike, as I heare. Thus
+ saith Leland. But I not contented with this so short a discourse of so
+ long a riuer & briefe description of so faire a streame, will ad
+ somewhat more of the same concerning his race on the English side, and
+ rehearsall of such riuers as fall into it. Comming therefore to Ridam,
+ it receiueth betwéene that and Carham a becke, which descendeth from
+ the hilles that lie by west of Windram. Going also from Ridam by
+ Longbridgham (on the Scotish side) and to Carham, it hasteth
+ immediatlie to Warke castell on the English, and by Spilaw on the
+ other side, then to Cornewall, Cald streame, and Tilmouth, where it
+ receiueth sundrie waters in one botome which is called the Till, and
+ whose description insueth here at hand.
+
+ [Sidenote: Till.]
+ Certes there is no head of anie riuer that is named Till, but the
+ issue of the furthest water that commeth hereinto, riseth not farre
+ from the head of Vswaie in the Cheuiot hilles, where it is called
+ Brennich, whereof the kingdome of Brennicia did sometime take the
+ name. From thence it goeth to Hartside, Ingram, Branton, Crawleie,
+ Hedgeleie, Beueleie, and Bewijc, beneath which it receiueth one water
+ comming from Rodham by west, and soone after a second descending from
+ [Sidenote: Bromis.]
+ the Middletons, and so they go as one with the Bromish, by Chatton to
+ Fowbreie (where they crosse the third water falling downe by north
+ from Howborne by Heselbridge) thence to Woller, there also taking in a
+ rill that riseth about Middleton hall, and runneth by Hardleie,
+ Whereleie, and the rest afore remembred, wherby the water of Bromis is
+ not a little increased, and after this latter confluence beneath
+ Woller, no more called Bromis but the Till, vntill it come at the
+ Twede. The Till passing therefore by Weteland and Dedington, méeteth
+ soone after with a faire streame comming from by southwest, which most
+ [Sidenote: Bowbent.]
+ men call the Bowbent or Bobent.
+
+ It riseth on the west side of the Cocklaw hill, and from thence
+ hasteth to Hattons, beneath the which it ioineth from by southeast
+ with the Hellerborne, and then goeth to Pudston, Downeham, Kilham, and
+ a little by north of Newton Kirke, and betweene it and west Newton, it
+ taketh in another water called Glin, comming from the Cheuiot hilles
+ by Heth poole, and from thenseforth runneth on without anie further
+ increase, by Copland Euart, and so in the Till. The Till for his part
+ in like sort after this confluence goeth to Broneridge, Fodcastell,
+ Eatall castell, Heaton, & north of Tilmouth into the Twede, or by west
+ of Wesell, except my memorie dooth faile me. After this also our
+ aforesaid water of Twede descendeth to Grotehugh, the Newbiggins,
+ [Sidenote: Whitaker.]
+ Norham castell, Foord, Lungridge, & crossing the Whitaker on the other
+ side from Scotland beneath Cawmill, it runneth to Ordo, to Barwike,
+ and so into the Ocean, leauing (as I said) so much English ground on
+ the northwest ripe, as lieth in manner of a triangle betwéene Cawmils,
+ Barwike, and Lammeton, which (as one noteth) is no more but two miles
+ and an halfe euerie waie, or not much more; except he be deceiued.
+
+ Being past this noble streame, we came by a rill that descendeth from
+ Bowsden by Barington. Then by the second which ariseth betwéene
+ Middleton and Detcham or Dereham, and runneth by Eskill and the Rosse,
+ next of all to Warnemouth, of whose backe water I read as followeth.
+ [Sidenote: Warne.]
+ The Warne or Gwerne riseth southwest of Crokelaw, and going by
+ Warneford, Bradford, Spindlestone, and Budill, it leaueth Newton on
+ the right hand, and so falleth into the Ocean, after it hath run
+ almost nine miles from the head within the land, and receiued a rill
+ beneath Yessington, which commeth downe betweene Newland and
+ Olchester, and hath a bridge beneath the confluence, which leadeth
+ ouer the same. From Warnemouth we sailed by Bamborow castell, and came
+ at last to a fall betweene Bedwell and Newton. The maine water that
+ serueth this issue, riseth aboue Carleton from the foot of an hill,
+ which séemeth to part the head of this and that of Warne in sunder. It
+ runneth also by Carleton, Tonleie, Doxford, Brunton, and Tuggell, and
+ finallie into the sea, as to his course apperteineth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Aile, or Alne, aliàs Chalne.]
+ From this water we went by Dunstanbugh castell, vnto the Chalne or
+ Alnemouth, which is serued with a pretie riueret called Alne, the head
+ whereof riseth in the hils west of Alnham towne, and called by
+ Ptolomie, Celnius. From thense also it runneth by Rile, Kile,
+ Eslington, and Whittingham, where it crosseth a rill comming from by
+ south, and beneath the same, the second that descendeth from Eirchild
+ at Brone, & likewise the third that riseth at Newton, and runneth by
+ Edlingham castell and Lemmaton (all on the southeast side or right
+ hand) and so passeth on further, till it meet with the fourth, comming
+ from aboue Shipleie from by north, after which confluence it goeth to
+ Alnewijc, & then to Dennijc, receiuing there a rillet from by south
+ and a rill from by north, and thence going on to Bilton, betweene
+ Ailmouth towne and Wooddon, it sweepeth into the Ocean.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cocket.]
+ The Cocket is a goodlie riuer, the head also thereof is in the roots
+ of Kemblespeth hils, from whence it goeth to Whiteside, and there
+ [Sidenote: Vswaie.]
+ meeting with the Vswaie (which descendeth from the north) it goeth a
+ [Sidenote: Ridleie.]
+ little further to Linbridge, and there receiueth the Ridleie by
+ southwest, and after that with another, called (as I thinke) the Hoc,
+ which commeth from the Woodland and hillie soile by Allington, &
+ falleth into the same, west of Parke head. It ioineth also yer long
+ with the Ridland, which commeth in north by Bilstone, and then hieth
+ [Sidenote: Yardop.]
+ to Sharpton, to Harbotle, where it crosseth the Yardop water by south,
+ then to Woodhouse, and swallowing in a little becke by the waie from
+ southwest, to Bickerton, to Tossons, Newton, and running apace toward
+ Whitton towre, it taketh a brooke withall that commeth in northwest of
+ Alnham, néere Elihaw, and goeth by Skarnewood, ouer nether Trewhet,
+ Snitter, and Throxton, and soone after vniteth it selfe with the
+ [Sidenote: It may be Leland mistaketh Tickington
+ water for one of these.]
+ Cocket, from whence they go together to Rethburie, or Whitton towre,
+ to Halie, to Brinkehorne, Welden, taking withall soone after the Tod
+ or burne called Tod, which falleth in from by south, then to Elihaw,
+ Felton (receiuing thereabout the Fareslie brooke, that goeth by
+ Wintring by south east, and Sheldike water, that goeth by Hason, to
+ Brainsaugh by north) and from thence to Morricke, Warkworth castell,
+ and so into the sea.
+
+ There is furthermore a little fall, betwéene Hawkeslaw and Drurith,
+ which riseth about Stokes wood, goeth by east Cheuington, and
+ [Sidenote: Lune.]
+ Whittington castell, and afterward into the Ocean. The Lune is a
+ pretie brooke rising west of Espleie, from whence it goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Wansbecke.]
+ Tritlington, Vgham, Linton, and yer long in the sea. Wansbecke (in old
+ time Diua) is far greater than the Lune. It issueth vp west and by
+ north of west Whelpington, thence it runneth to Kirke Whelpington,
+ Wallington, Middleton, and Angerton. Heere it méeteth with a water
+ running from about Farnelaw by the grange, and Hartburne on the north,
+ and then going from Angerton, it runneth by Moseden to Mitforth, and
+ [Sidenote: Font.]
+ there in like maner crosseth the Font, which issuing out of the ground
+ about Newbiggin, goeth by Nonneie Kirke, Witton castell, Stanton,
+ Nunriding, Newton, and so into the Wansbecke, which runneth in like
+ maner from Mitford to Morpheth castell (within two miles whereof it
+ ebbeth and floweth) the new Chappell, Bottle castell, Shepwash, and so
+ into the sea, thrée miles from the next hauen which is called Blithe.
+
+ [Sidenote: Blithe.]
+ Blithe water riseth about kirke Heaton, and goeth by Belfe, Ogle, and
+ (receiuing the Port aliàs the Brocket, that springeth east of S.
+ Oswolds) passeth by Portgate, Whittington, Fennike hall, Madfennes,
+ Hawkewell, the Grange, & Dissingtons. After it hath taken in the Pont
+ [Sidenote: Hartleie.]
+ from the east (whose head is not farre from that of Hartleie streame)
+ and is past Barwijc on the hill, it runneth by Harford, Bedlington,
+ Cowpon, and at Blithes nuke, into the deepe Ocean. Hartleie streamelet
+ riseth in Wéeteslade parioch, goeth by Haliwell, and at Hartleie towne
+ yeeldeth to the sea.
+
+ The Tine or Tinna, a riuer notablie stored with samon, and other good
+ fish, and in old time called Alan, riseth of two heads, whereof that
+ [Sidenote: North Tine.]
+ called north Tine, is the first that followeth to be described. It
+ springeth vp aboue Belkirke in the hils, & thence goeth to Butterhawgh
+ [Sidenote: Shele.]
+ (where it receiueth a confluence of Kirsop and the Shele) thence to
+ Cragsheles, Leapelish (receiuing on the south a rill out of Tindale)
+ then to Shilburne, against which it taketh in a becke that commeth out
+ of Tindale called Shill, also two other on the same side, betweene
+ Yarro and Fawston hall, and the third at Thorneburne, and so goeth on
+ to Grenested, and there carrieth withall a fall, from by north also
+ made by the confluence of one rill comming by Thecam, and another that
+ passeth by Holinhead, and likewise another on the south comming from
+ Tindale, by Chuden, Dalacastell, and Brokes: after which our north
+ Tine goeth by Hellaside, to Billingham, and at Rhedes mouth méeteth
+ with the Ridde, a verie prettie water, whose description is giuen me
+ after this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ridde.]
+ The Ridde therefore riseth within thrée miles of the Scotish march, as
+ Leland saith, & commeth through Riddesdale, wherevnto it giueth the
+ name. Another writeth how it riseth in the roots of the Carter, and
+ Redsquibe hilles, and yer it hath gone farre from the head, beside a
+ [Sidenote: Shelhop.]
+ few little rilles it taketh in the Spelhop or Petop from the north and
+ [Sidenote: Cheslop.]
+ the Cheslop on the south, beside sundrie other wild rils nameless and
+ obscure, as one on the north side next vnto the Petop or Spelhop;
+ another by south out of Riddesdale, the third west of Burdop, the
+ fourth runneth by Wullaw to Rochester, then two from southwest,
+ another from by north which goeth by Durtburne, and is called Durt or
+ Durth, then the Smalburne from the west. Next to the same is the Otter
+ or Otterburne on the north side also the Ouereie, and finallie the
+ last which descendeth from Ellesdon hilles, by Munkrige and ioineth
+ with our Ridde, northwest of Nudhowgh, after which the said Ridde
+ goeth by Woodburne, Risingham, Leame, and so into the Tine, a mile
+ lower than Belingham or Bilingham, which standeth somewhat aloofe from
+ north Tine and is (as I take it) ten miles at the least aboue the
+ towne of Hexham. After this confluence it passeth to Léehall, to
+ [Sidenote: 3. Burnes.]
+ [Sidenote: Shitlington.]
+ Carehouse (crossing Shitlington becke by west which also receiueth the
+ Yare on the south side of Shitlington) another also beneath this on
+ the same side, made by the confluence of Workesburne, and Middleburne,
+ at Roseburne, beside the third called Morleis or Morelée aboue, and
+ Simons burne beneath Shepechase, and likewise the Swine from by north
+ that runneth by Swinburne castell, next of all the Riall from the
+ northeast, which commeth by Erington, & so holding his course
+ directlie southwards, it goeth by S. Oswolds through the Pictishwall,
+ to Wall, and so into south Tine, beneath Accam, and northwest (as I
+ doo wéene) of Hexham.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tine. S.]
+ The south Tine ariseth in the Cheuiot hils, and yer it hath gone farre
+ [Sidenote: Esgill.]
+ from the head, it méeteth with Esgill on the east, and another rill on
+ the west, and so going by the houses toward Awsten moore, it ioineth
+ [Sidenote: Vent.]
+ with Schud from by west, and soone after with the Vent from by east
+ aboue Lowbier. From Lowbier it goeth to Whitehalton, to Kirke Haugh
+ [Sidenote: Gilders beck.]
+ (crossing the Gilders becke on the one side, and the Alne on the
+ other) to Thornehope, where it is inlarged with a water on each side,
+ [Sidenote: Knare.]
+ to Williamstone, and almost at Knaresdale, taketh in the Knare, and
+ then runneth withall to Fetherstone angle. At Fetherstone angle
+ likewise it méeteth with Hartleie water, by southwest comming from
+ Sibins or Sibbenes, another a little beneath from southeast, and
+ thence when it commeth to Billester castell, it carieth another
+ withall from by west, Thirlewall called Rippall which riseth in the
+ forrest of Lowes, and goeth by the Waltowne, Blinkinsop, & Widon, and
+ after which confluence it taketh in another from by north rising west
+ of Swinsheld, which goeth by Grenelegh to Haltwestell: thence going by
+ Vnthanke, it crosseth another rill from by south, descending from the
+ hilles that lie north of Todlewood, and then proceeding vnto
+ Wilmotteswijc, it admitteth the Wilmots becke from the south, and
+ another running by Bradleie hall on the north side of Beltingham;
+ after which it méeteth with the Alen a proper water, and described
+ after this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: East Alen.]
+ The Alen or Alon hath two heads, whereof one is called east Alen, the
+ other west Alen. The first of them riseth southeast of Sibton Sheles,
+ & going by Sundorp, it taketh in a rill withall from by est; after
+ which confluence it runneth to Newshele, Allington, Caddon, Old towne,
+ [Sidenote: West Alen.]
+ & in the course to Stauertpele, méeteth with the west Alen. The west
+ Alen riseth in Killop low hilles aboue Wheteleie sheles, from whence
+ it goeth to Spartwell, Hawcopole, Owston, and taking in a rill
+ thereabouts, it procéedeth on to Permandbie, and crossing there
+ another rill in like maner from by west, it goeth by Whitefield, and
+ ioining soone after with the est Alen, they run as one to Stauert
+ poole, Plankford, and so into the Tine betweene Beltingham and Lées,
+ from whence the Tine runneth on by Lees Haddon, Woodhall, Owmers,
+ Whernebie, Costleie, & so by Warden, till it crosse the north Tine,
+ and come to Hexham, from whence it goeth to Dilstan, crossing two
+ waters by the waie, whereof one commeth from by south, and is called
+ the Wolsh, which holdeth his course by Stelehall, and Newbiggin
+ receiueth another comming from Grimbridge: the other called Dill
+ somewhat lower descending from Hedleie, and running by Rising, till it
+ fall into the south side of our streame from Dilstan, it goeth to
+ Bywell castell, ouer against which it receiueth a rill that runneth by
+ Hindleie, thence it hasteth to Eltingham, Pruddo, Willam, (and there
+ it meeteth with another becke) then to Reton, Blaidon, and next of all
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ ioineth with the Darwent, from by south.
+
+ This riuer riseth aboue Knewdon, and Rudlamhope in Northumberland,
+ from two heads: the northerlie being called Dere, and the southerlie
+ the Guent: and ioining so well yer long in chanell as in name, they
+ runne on to Humsterworth, new Biggin, Blankeland, Acton, Aspersheles,
+ Blackheadlie, Brentfield side, Pansheles, Ebchester, and there taking
+ in a water from Hedleie in Northumberland, néere to Blacke hall in the
+ bishoprike, it goeth on to Spen, Hollinside, Wickham, Swalwell, and so
+ into Tine, which passeth from thence by Elswijc, and méeting with
+ another water comming from Shildraw, by Rauensworth castell to
+ Redhugh, it goeth on to Newcastell, Fellin, Netherheworth, Walker,
+ Waswon, Hedburne, and next to Jerro or Girwie, where Beda dwelled in
+ an abbeie; now a gentlemans place (although the church be made a
+ parish church, wherevnto diuerse townes resort, as moonke Eaton where
+ Beda was borne, which is a mile from thence, Southsheles, Harton,
+ Westhow, Hebburne, Hedworth, Wardleie, Fellin, Follinsbie, the
+ Heworthes) and from thence to the south and Northsheles, and so into
+ the sea, fiue miles by northwest of Weremouth, and (as I gesse)
+ somewhat more.
+
+ Beneath the confluence in like sort of both the Tines, standeth
+ Corbridge, a towne sometime inhabited by the Romans, and about twelue
+ miles from Newcastell, and hereby dooth the Corue run, that meeteth
+ yer long with the Tine. Not farre off also is a place called
+ Colchester, wherby Leland gesseth that the name of the brooke should
+ [Sidenote: Corue.]
+ rather be Cole than Corue, and in my iudgement his coniecture is verie
+ likelie; for in the life of S. Oswijn (otherwise a féeble authoritie)
+ the word Colbridge is alwaies vsed for Corbridge, whereof I thought
+ good to leaue this short aduertisement. In this countrie also are the
+ thrée vales or dales, whereof men haue doubted whether théeues or true
+ men doo most abound in them, that is to saie, Riddesdale, Tuidale, and
+ Liddesdale: this last being for the most part Scotish, and without the
+ marches of England. Neuerthelesse, sithens that by the diligence
+ cheefelie of maister Gilpin, and finallie of other learned preachers,
+ the grace of God working with them, they haue béene called to some
+ obedience and zeale vnto the word, it is found that they haue so well
+ profited by the same, that at this present their former sauage
+ demeanour is verie much abated, and their barbarous wildnesse and
+ fiercenesse so qualified, that there is great hope left of their
+ reduction vnto ciuilitie, and better order of behauiour than hitherto
+ they haue béene acquainted withall. But to procéed with the rest.
+
+ [Sidenote: Were.]
+ Ptolomie, writing of the Were, calleth it Vedra, a riuer well knowne
+ vnto Beda the famous préest, who was brought vp in a monasterie that
+ stood vpon the bankes thereof. It riseth of thrée heads in
+ [Sidenote: Burdop.]
+ Kelloppeslaw hill, whereof the most southerlie is called Burdop, the
+ [Sidenote: Wallop.]
+ [Sidenote: Kellop.]
+ middlemost Wallop, and the northerliest Kellop, which vniting
+ themselues about S. Iohns chappell, or a little by west thereof, their
+ confluence runneth through Stanhope parke, by east Yare, and so to
+ Frosterleie. But yer it come there, it receiueth thrée rilles from the
+ north in Weredale, whereof one commeth in by Stanhope, another west of
+ Woodcroft hall, and the third at Frosterleie afore mentioned. And a
+ little beneath these, I find yet a fourth on the south side, which
+ descendeth from southwest by Bolliop, Bishopsleie, Milhouses, and
+ Landew, as I haue béene informed. Being therefore vnited all with the
+ Were, this streame goeth on to Walsingham, there taking in the
+ [Sidenote: Wascrop.]
+ Wascropburne, beside another at Bradleie, the third at Harpleie hall
+ (and these on the north side) and the fourth betwéene Witton and
+ [Sidenote: Bedburne.]
+ Witton castell called Bedburne, comming by Hamsterleie, whereby this
+ riuer dooth now wax verie great. Going therefore from hence, it
+ hasteth to Bishops Akeland, and beneath it receiueth the Garondlesse,
+ which (as Leland saith) riseth six miles by west of Akeland castell,
+ and running south thereof, passeth by west Akeland, S. Helens Akeland,
+ S. Andrewes Akeland, and bishops Akeland, and then into the Were which
+ goeth to Newfield, and Willington. Neere vnto this place also and
+ somewhat beneath Sunderland, the Were, crosseth one brooke from
+ southest by Het, Croxseie, Cronefurth, Tursdale, and Cordale, and two
+ other from by northwest in one botome, whereof the first commeth from
+ aboue Ash by Langleie: the other called Coue, from aboue Kinchleie by
+ Newbiggin, Lanchester, north Langlie, and through Beare parke, & so
+ méeting beneath Kelleie or Hedleie with the other, they fall both as
+ one into the Were, betweene south Sunderland and Burnall. From hence
+ our riuer goeth on to Howghwell, Shirkeleie, old Duresme (and there
+ [Sidenote: Pidding brooke.]
+ taking in the Pidding brooke by northeast) it goeth to Duresme,
+ Finkeleie, Harbarhouse, Lumleie castell (where it méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Pilis.]
+ Pilis, whose heads are vnited betweene Pelton and Whitwell (and after
+ called Hedleie) and from thence to Lampton, Harroton, the Bedikes,
+ Vfferton, Hilton parke, Bishops Weremouth, and so into the sea,
+ betweene north Sunderland and north Weremouth towne, which now is
+ called moonke Weremouth of the monasterie sometime standing there,
+ wherin Beda read & wrote manie of his bookes, as to the world
+ appeareth. This mouth of Were is eight miles from Durham, and six from
+ Newcastell. Being thus passed the Were, & entered into the Bishoprijc,
+ yer we come at the mouth of the These, almost by two miles, ouer
+ passing a rill that runneth by castell Eden, and Hardwijc, and
+ likewise Hartlepoole towne, which lieth ouer into the sea in maner of
+ a byland or peninsula, we meet with a prettie fall, which groweth by a
+ riuer that is increased with two waters, whereof one riseth by
+ northwest about Moretons, and goeth by Stotfeld and Claxton, the other
+ at Dawlton, going by Breerton, Owtham, and Grettam, finallie ioining
+ within two miles of the sea, they make a prettie portlet: but I know
+ not of what securitie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Thesis.]
+ The These, a riuer that beareth and féedeth an excellent samon, riseth
+ in the Blacke lowes, aboue two miles flat west of the southerlie head
+ of Were called Burdop, and south of the head of west Alen, and thence
+ runneth through Tildale forrest: and taking in the Langdon water from
+ northwest it runneth to Durtpit chappell, to Newbiggin, and so to
+ Middleton, receiuing by west of each of these a rill comming from by
+ [Sidenote: Hude.]
+ north (of which the last is called Hude) and likewise the Lune
+ afterward by southwest that riseth at thrée seuerall places, whereof
+ the first is in the borders of Westmerland and there called Arnegill
+ [Sidenote: Lune.]
+ becke, the second more southerlie, named Lunebecke, and the third by
+ [Sidenote: Arnegill.]
+ south at Bandor Skarth hill, and méeting all aboue Arnegill house,
+ they run togither in one bottome to Lathekirke bridge, and then into
+ the These. Hauing therefore met with these, it runneth to Mickelton (&
+ [Sidenote: Skirkewith.]
+ there taking in the Skirkwith water) it goeth to Rombald kirke
+ [Sidenote: Bander.]
+ (crossing there also one rill and the Bander brooke by south west) and
+ then going to Morewood hag, and Morewood parke, till it come to
+ Bernards castell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Rere crosse.]
+ Here also it receiueth the Thuresgill water, comming east of Rere
+ crosse in Yorkeshire, from the spittle in Stanmore by Crag almost
+ southwest, and being vnited with the These, it goeth by Stratford,
+ Eglesdon, Rokesbie, Thorpe, Wickliffe, Ouington, Winston, and betweene
+ Barfurth and Gainfurth méeteth with another rill, that commeth from
+ Langleie forest, betwéene Rabie castell and Standorpe, of whose name I
+ haue no knowledge. But to procéed. The These being past Ramforth,
+ runneth betwéene Persore and Cliffe, and in the waie to Crofts bridge
+ [Sidenote: Skerne.]
+ taketh in the Skerne a pretie water, which riseth about Trimdon, and
+ goeth by Fishburne, Bradburie, Preston, Braforton, Skirmingham, the
+ Burdens, Haughton and Darlington, & there finallie meeting with the
+ Cocke becke or Dare, it falleth in the These beneath Stapleton, before
+ it come at Crofts bridge, and (as it should séeme) is the same which
+ Leland calleth Gretteie or Grettie. From thence it runneth to
+ Sockburne, nether Dunsleie, Middleton row, Newsham, Yarne (crossing a
+ brooke from Leuen bridge) called Leuen or Leuinus in Latine, whose
+ crinkling course is notable, and the streame of some called Thorpe,
+ which I find described in this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Thorpe aliàs Leuand.]
+ The Thorpe riseth of sundrie heads, whereof one is aboue Pinching
+ Thorpe, from whence it goeth to Nonnethorpe, and so to Stokesleie. The
+ second hath two branches, and so placed, that Kildale standeth
+ betweene them both: finallie, méeting beneath Easbie they go by Eaton,
+ and likewise vnto Stokesleie. The last hath also two branches, whereof
+ one commeth from Inglesbie, and méeteth with the second beneath
+ Broughton; & going from thence to Stokesleie, they méet with the
+ Thorpe aboue the towne, as the other fall into it somewhat beneath the
+ same. From hence it goeth to Ridleie, and there taketh in another rill
+ [Sidenote: Crawthorne.]
+ comming from Potto, thence to Crawthorne brooke, Leuanton, Milton,
+ Hilton, Inglesbie, and so into the These, betwéene Yarne and Barwijc,
+ whereof I made mention before. After this confluence our These hasteth
+ on to Barwijc, Preston, Thorne abbeie, and Arsham, which standeth on
+ the southeast side of the riuer almost betweene the falles of two
+ waters, whereof one descendeth from west Hartburne by long Newton,
+ Elton, & Stockton; the other from Stillington, or Shillington, by
+ Whitton, Thorpe, Blackestone, Billingham, and Norton. From Arsham
+ finallie it goeth to Bellasis, Middleburgh, and so into the sea.
+ Leland describing this riuer speaketh of the Wiske, which should come
+ thereinto from by south vnder Wiske bridge, by Danbie, and
+ Northalarton, and should ioine with a greater streame: but as yet I
+ find no certeine place where to bestow the same.
+
+ Next of all we come vnto the high Cliffe water, which rising aboue
+ Hutton, goeth by Gisborow, and there receiueth another streame comming
+ from by southeast, and then continuing on his course, it is not long
+ yer it fall into the sea. The next is the Scaling water, which
+ descendeth from Scaling towne, from whence we come to the Molemouth,
+ not farre from whose head standeth Molgraue castell: then to Sandford
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ creeke, and next of all to Eske mouth, which riseth aboue Danbie wood,
+ and so goeth to Castelton, there méeting by the waie with another rill
+ comming from about Westerdale by Danbie, and so they go on togither by
+ Armar and Thwate castell, till they ioine with another water aboue
+ Glasdule chappell, thence to new Biggin, taking yet another brooke
+ [Sidenote: Ibur.]
+ with them, running from Goodland ward, and likewise the Ibur, and so
+ go on without anie further increase by Busworth, yer long into the
+ sea.
+
+ There is also a créeke on each side of Robin Whoodes baie, of whose
+ names and courses I haue no skill, sauing that Fillingale the towne
+ dooth stand betwéene them both. There is another not far from
+ Scarborow, on the north side called the Harwood brooke. It runneth
+ through Harwood dale by Cloughton, Buniston, and soone after méeting
+ with another rill on the southwest, they run as one into the ocean
+ sea. From Scarborow to Bridlington, by Flamborow head, we met with no
+ more falles. This water therefore that we saw at Bridlington, riseth
+ at Dugglebie, from whence it goeth to Kirbie, Helperthorpe,
+ Butterwijc, Boithorpe, Foxhole, (where it falleth into the ground, and
+ riseth vp againe at Rudston) Thorpe, Cathorpe, Bridlington, and so
+ into the Ocean.
+
+ Being come about the Spurne head, I meete yer long with a riuer that
+ riseth short of Withersie, and goeth by Fodringham and Wisted, from
+ thence to another that commeth by Rosse, Halsham, Carmingham: then to
+ the third, which riseth aboue Humbleton, and goeth to Esterwijc,
+ Heddon, and so into the Humber. The fourth springeth short of
+ Sprotleie, goeth by Witton, and falleth into the water of Humber at
+ Merflete, as I heare.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hull.]
+ The next of all is the Hull water, which I will describe also here,
+ and then crosse ouer vnto the southerlie shore. The furthest head of
+ Hull water riseth at Kilham, from whence it goeth to Lewthorpe créeke,
+ and so to Fodringham, a little beneath which it meeteth with sundrie
+ waters, whereof one falleth in on the northest side, comming from
+ about Lisset; the second on the northwest banke from Nafferton; the
+ third from Emmeswell and Kirkeburne: for it hath two heads which
+ ioined beneth little Drifield, and the fourth which falleth into the
+ same: so that these two latter run vnto the maine riuer both in one
+ chanell, as experience hath confirmed. From hence then our Hull goeth
+ to Ratseie, to Goodalehouse, and then taking in a water from Hornesie
+ mere, it goeth on through Beuerleie medowes, by Warron, Stoneferrie,
+ Hull, and finallie into the Humber. Of the rill that falleth into this
+ water from south Netherwijc, by Skirlow, and the two rilles that come
+ from Cottingham and Woluerton, I saie no more, sith it is enough to
+ name them in their order.
+
+
+
+
+ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE HUMBER OR ISIS, AND SUCH WATER-COURSES AS DOO
+ INCREASE HIR CHANELL.
+
+ CHAP. XV.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Humber.]
+ There is no riuer called Humber from the hed. Wherfore that which we
+ now call Humber, Ptolomie Abie, Leland Aber, as he gesseth, hath the
+ same denomination no higher than the confluence of Trent with the
+ Ouze, as beside Leland sundrie ancient writers haue noted before vs
+ both. Certes it is a noble arme of the sea, and although it be
+ properlie to be called Ouze or Ocellus euen to the Nuke beneath
+ Ancolme, yet are we contented to call it Humber of Humbrus or Vmar, a
+ king of the Scithians, who inuaded this Ile in the time of Locrinus,
+ thinking to make himselfe monarch of the same. But as God hath from
+ time to time singularlie prouided for the benefit of Britaine, so in
+ this businesse it came to passe, that Humber was put to flight, his
+ men slaine: and furthermore, whilest he attempted to saue himselfe by
+ hasting to his ships (such was the prease of his nobilitie that
+ followed him into his owne vessell, and the rage of weather which
+ hastened on his fatall daie) that both he and they were drowned
+ togither in that arme. And this is the onelie cause wherefore it hath
+ béene called Humber, as our writers saie; and wherof I find these
+ verses:
+
+   Dum fugit obstat ei flumen submergitur illic,
+     Déque suo tribuit nomine nomen aquæ.
+
+ This riuer in old time parted Lhoegres or England from Albania, which
+ was the portion of Albanactus, the yongest sonne of Brute. But since
+ that time the limits of Lhoegres haue béene so inlarged, first by the
+ prowesse of the Romans, then by the conquests of the English, that at
+ this present daie, the Twede on the one side, & the Solue on the
+ other, be taken for the principall bounds betweene vs and those of
+ Scotland. In describing therefore the Humber, I must néeds begin with
+ the Ouze, whose water bringeth foorth a verie sweet, fat and delicat
+ samon, as I haue béene informed, beside sundrie other kinds of fish,
+ which we want here on the south and southwest coasts & riuers of our
+ land, whereof I may take occasion to speake more at large heerafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vre aliàs Ouze, or Isis.]
+ The Vre therfore riseth in the furthest parts of all Richmondshire,
+ among the Coterine hilles, in a mosse, toward the west fourtéene miles
+ beyond Midleham. Being therefore issued out of the ground, it goeth to
+ Holbecke, Hardraw, Hawshouse, Butterside, Askebridge (which Leland
+ calleth the Askaran, and saith thereof and the Bainham, that they are
+ but obscure bridges) then to Askarth, through Wanlesse parke,
+ Wenseleie bridge (made two hundred yeares since, by Alwin, parson of
+ Winslaw) New parke, Spennithorne, Danbie, Geruise abbeie, Clifton and
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ Masham. When it is come to Masham, it receiueth the Burne, by south
+ [Sidenote: Wile.]
+ west (as it did the Wile, from verie déepe scarrie rockes, before at
+ Askaran) and diuerse other wild rilles not worthie to be remembred.
+ From Masham, it hasteth vnto Tanfield (taking in by the waie a rill by
+ southwest) then to another Tanfield, to Newton hall, and Northbridge,
+ at the hither end of Rippon, and so to Huickes bridge. But yer it come
+ [Sidenote: Skell.]
+ there it méeteth with the Skell, which being incorporat with the same,
+ they run as one to Thorpe, then to Alborow, and soone after receiue
+ the Swale.
+
+ [Sidenote: Swale.]
+ Here (saith Leland) I am brought into no little streict, what to
+ coniecture of the méeting of Isis and Vre, for some saie that the Isis
+ and the Vre doo méet at Borowbridge, which to me dooth séeme to be
+ verie vnlikelie, sith Isurium taketh his denomination of Isis and Vro,
+ for it is often séene that the lesse riuers doo mingle their names
+ with the greater, as in the Thamesis and other is easie to be found.
+ Neither is there any more mention of the Vre after his passage vnder
+ Borowbridge, but onelie of Isis or the Ouze in these daies, although
+ in old time it held vnto Yorke it selfe, which of the Vre is truelie
+ called Vrewijc (or Yorke short) or else my persuasion dooth faile me.
+ I haue red also Ewerwijc and Yorwijc. But to procéed, and leaue this
+ superfluous discourse.
+
+ From Borowbridge, the Ouze goeth to Aldborough, and (receiuing the
+ Swale by the waie) to Aldworke, taking in Vsburne water, from the
+ southwest, then to Linton vpon Ouze, to Newton vpon Ouze, and to
+ Munketun, méeting with the Nid yer long, and so going withall to the
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ Redhouses, to Popleton, Clifton, Yorke (where it crosseth the Fosse)
+ to Foulfoorth, Middlethorpe, Acaster, & Acaster, Kelfléet, Welehall,
+ Barelebie, Selbie, Turmonhall, Skurthall, Hokelath, Hoke, Sandhall,
+ Rednesse, Whitegift, Vslet, Blacketoft, Foxfléet, Brownfléet, and so
+ into Humber.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ouze.]
+ The course of the Ouze being thus described, and as it were simplie
+ without his influences, now will I touch such riuers as fall into the
+ same also by themselues, contrarie to my former proceeding, imagining
+ a voiage from the Rauenspurne, vntill I come néere to the head of
+ These, & so southwards about againe by the bottome of the hillie soile
+ vntill I get to Buxston, Sheffeld, Scrobie, & the verie south point of
+ Humber mouth, whereby I shall crosse them all that are to be found in
+ this walke, & leaue (I doubt) some especiall notice of their seuerall
+ [Sidenote: Hull or Hulne.]
+ heads and courses. The course of the Hull, a streame abounding with
+ sturgeon and lampreie, as also the riuers which haue their issue into
+ the same, being (as I say) alreadie described, I thinke it not amisse,
+ as by the waie to set downe what Leland saith thereof, to the end that
+ his trauell shall not altogither be lost in this behalfe; and for that
+ it is short, and hath one or two things worthie to be remembred
+ conteined in the same.
+
+ The Hulne (saith he) riseth of thrée seuerall heads, whereof the
+ greatest is not far from Driefield, now a small village sixtéene miles
+ from Hull. Certes it hath beene a goodlie towne, and therein was the
+ palace of Egbright king of the Northumbers, and place of sepulture of
+ Alfred the noble king sometime of that nation, who died there 727, the
+ ninetéene Cal. of Julie, the twentith of his reigne, and whose toombe
+ or monument dooth yet remaine (for ought that I doo know to the
+ contrarie) with an inscription vpon the same written in Latine
+ letters. Néere vnto this towne also is the Danefield, wherein great
+ numbers of Danes were slaine, and buried in those hils, which yet
+ remaine there to be séene ouer their bones and carcasses. The second
+ head (saith he) is at Estburne, and the third at Emmeswell, and
+ méeting all togither not farre from Drifield, the water there
+ beginneth to be called Hulne, as I haue said alreadie.
+
+ From hence also it goeth through Beuerleie medowes, and comming at the
+ last not farre from an arme led from the Hulne by mans hand (and able
+ to beare great vessels) almost to Beuerleie towne, which in old time
+ either hight or stood in Deirwald, vntill John of Beuerleie (whom
+ Leland nameth out of an old author to be the first doctor or teacher
+ of diuinitie that euer was in Oxford, and (as it should séeme also by
+ an ancient monument yet remaining) to be of an hostell where the
+ vniuersitie college now standeth; & therfore they write him, Somtime
+ fellow of that house) began to be of fame, of whom it is called
+ Beuerleie (as some affirme) to this daie. Indéed all the countrie
+ betwéene the Deirwent & the Humber was sometime called Deira, and the
+ lower part Caua Deira in respect of the higher soile, but now it is
+ named the east Riding. But what is this to my purpose? The Hulne
+ therefore being come almost to Beuerleie towne, & méeting thereabout
+ [Sidenote: Cottingham.]
+ also with the Cottingham becke comming from Westwood by the waie, it
+ hasteth to Kingston vpon Hulne or Hull, and so into the Humber without
+ anie maner impeachment.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fowlneie.]
+ The Fowlneie riseth about Godmanham, from whence it goeth by Wighton,
+ Hareswell, Seton, Williams bridge, and soone after spreading it selfe,
+ [Sidenote: Skelfléet.]
+ one arme called Skelfleet goeth by Cane Cawseie to Brownefléet and so
+ into the Ouze. The other passeth by Sandholme, Gilberts dike, Scalbie
+ chappell, Blacketoft, and so into the aforesaid Ouze, leauing a verie
+ pretie Iland, which is a parcell (as I heare) of Walding fen more,
+ though otherwise obscure to vs that dwell here in the south.
+
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ The Darwent riseth in the hilles that lie west of Robin Whoodes baie,
+ or two miles aboue Aiton bridge, west from Scarborow as Leland saith:
+ and yer it hath run farre from the head, it receiueth two rilles in
+ one bottome from by west, which ioine withall about Longdale end.
+ Thence they go togither to Broxeie, and at Hacknesse take in another
+ water comming from about Silseie. Afterward it commeth to Aiton, then
+ [Sidenote: Kenford.]
+ to Haibridge, and there crosseth the Kenford that descendeth from
+ Roberteston. After this also it goeth on to Potersbrumton where it
+ taketh in one rill, as it dooth another beneath running from
+ Shirburne, and the third yet lower on the further banke, that
+ descendeth from Brumton. From these confluences it runneth to
+ Fowlbridge, Axbridge, Yeldingham bridge, & so to Cotehouse, receiuing
+ by the waie manie waters, & yéelding great plentie of delicate samons
+ to such as fish vpon the same. Leland reckoning vp the names of the
+ seuerall brookes, numbreth them confusedlie after his accustomed
+ order. The Darwent (saith he) receiueth diuerse streames, as the
+ [Sidenote: Shirihutton.]
+ [Sidenote: Crambecke.]
+ Shirihutton. The second is the Crambecke, descending from Hunderskell
+ castell (so called Tanquam à centum fontibus, or multitude of springs
+ [Sidenote: Rie.]
+ that rise about the same) and goeth to Rie, which comming out of the
+ [Sidenote: Ricoll.]
+ Blackemore, passeth by Riuers abbeie, taking in the Ricoll on the left
+ [Sidenote: Seuen.]
+ [Sidenote: Costeie.]
+ [Sidenote: Pickering.]
+ hand, then the Seuen, the Costeie, and Pickering brooke.
+
+ The Seuin also (saith he) riseth in the side of Blackemoore, and
+ thence goeth by Sinnington foure miles from Pickering, and about a
+ mile aboue a certeine bridge ouer Rie goeth into the streame. The
+ Costeie in like sort springeth in the verie edge of Pickering towne,
+ at a place called Keld head, and goeth into the Rie two miles beneath
+ Pickering, about Kirbie minster. Finallie, Pickering water ariseth in
+ Blackemoore, and halfe a mile beneath Pickering falleth into Costeie,
+ [Sidenote: Pocklington.]
+ meeting by the way with the Pocklington becke, and an other small rill
+ or two, of whose names I haue no knowledge. Hitherto Leland. But in
+ mine opinion, it had béene far better to haue described them thus. Of
+ those waters that fall into the Darwent beneath Cotehouse, the first
+ commeth from Swenton, the second from Ebberston, the third from
+ Ollerston, the fourth from Thorneton & Pickering, and the fift on the
+ other side that commeth thither from Wintringham. For so should he
+ haue dealt in better order, and rid his hands of them with more
+ expedition, referring the rest also vnto their proper places.
+
+ But to procéed after mine owne maner. Being past Cotehouse, & yer the
+ [Sidenote: Rie.]
+ Darwent come at Wickham, it crosseth the Rie, which riseth of two
+ heads, and ioining west of Locton they run through Glansbie parke.
+ [Sidenote: Costeie.]
+ Finallie, receiuing the Costeie, it méeteth at the last with an other
+ streame increased by the fals of six waters and more yer it come into
+ the Darwent.
+
+ [Sidenote: Seuen.]
+ The most easterlie of these is called Seuen, and riseth (as is
+ aforesaid) in Blackemoore, from whence it goeth by Sinnington, Murton,
+ [Sidenote: Don or Done.]
+ Normanbie, Newsound, How, and so into the Rie. The second named Don
+ hath his originall likewise in Blackemoore, and descending by Rasmore,
+ [Sidenote: Hodgebecke.]
+ Keldon and Edston (where it receiueth the Hodgebecke, that commeth by
+ Bernesdale, Kirkedale, & Welburne) it goeth to Sawlton, and there
+ [Sidenote: Ricoll.]
+ taketh in first the Ricoll, that goeth by Careton, and whereof Ridall
+ [Sidenote: Fesse.]
+ (as some think, but falslie) doth séeme to take the name. Then Fesse,
+ which riseth aboue Bilisdale chappell, and méeteth with the Rie at the
+ Shaking bridge, from whence they go togither vnder the Rie bridge, to
+ Riuis abbeie, and thence (after it hath crossed a becke from the west)
+ through a parke of the earle of Rutlands to Newton, Muniton, and so to
+ [Sidenote: Holbecke.]
+ Sawton or Sawlton, as I doo find it written. Here also it taketh in
+ the Holbecke brooke, that commeth thither from by west by Gilling
+ castell, and Stangraue, from whence it goeth on to Brabie, next into
+ the Seuen, then into the Rie, and so into the Darwent, which from
+ thence dooth run to Wickham.
+
+ Being past Wickham, it méeteth with a water that commeth thereinto
+ from Grinston to Setterington at southeast, and thence it goeth on to
+ Malton and Malton (where the prouerbe saith that a bushell of rie and
+ an other of malt is woorth but sixpence, carie awaie whilest you may,
+ so as you can kéepe them from running through the sackes) Sutton,
+ Wellam, Furbie, and Kirkeham, receiuing by the waie one rill on the
+ one side and an other on the other, whereof this commeth from
+ Burdfall, that other from Conisthorpe. From Kirkeham it goeth to
+ Cramburne and Owsham bridge (crossing by the waie an other brooke
+ comming from saint Edwards gore, by Faston) then to Aldbie, Buttercram
+ (aliàs Butterham) bridge, Stamford bridge, Kerbie bridge, Sutton,
+ Ellerton, Aughton, Bubwith, Wresill, Babthorpe, and so into the Ouze,
+ wherewith I finish the description of Darwent: sauing that I haue to
+ let you vnderstand how Leland heard that an arme ran some time from
+ the head of Darwent also to Scarborow, till such time as two hils
+ betwixt which it ran, did shalder and so choke vp his course.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ The Fosse (a slow streame yet able to beare a good vessell) riseth in
+ Nemore Calaterio, that is, Galters wood or Cawood, among the wooddie
+ hilles, and in his descent from the higher ground, he leaueth Crake
+ castell, on his west side: thence he goeth by Marton abbeie, Marton,
+ Stillington, Farlington, Towthorpe, Erswijc, Huntington, & at Yorke
+ [Sidenote: Kile.]
+ into the Ouze. The Kile riseth flat north at Newborow, from whence it
+ goeth by Thorneton on the hill, Ruskell parke, Awne, Tollerton, and so
+ [Sidenote: Swale.]
+ into the Ouze about Newton vpon Ouze. The Swale is a right noble
+ riuer, & march in some places betwéene Richmondshire and Westmerland,
+ it riseth not far from Pendragon castell in the hilles aboue
+ Kirkedale, and from this towne it goeth to Kelde chappell, Carret
+ [Sidenote: Barneie.]
+ house, Crackepot, Whiteside, and neere vnto Yalen taketh in the
+ Barneie water, which commeth from the north east. Thence it goeth by
+ [Sidenote: Arcleie.]
+ Harcaside to Reth (where it méeteth with the Arcleie) and so to
+ [Sidenote: Holgate.]
+ Flemington, Grinton, Marrike (taking in the Holgate that commeth from
+ [Sidenote: Mariske becke.]
+ by south: and in the waie to Thorpe, the Mariske becke, or
+ peraduenture Applegarth water, as Leland calleth it, that descendeth
+ from the north) then to Thorpe, Applegarth, Richmond, Easbie and
+ Brunton.
+
+ Here by north it interteineth two or thrée waters in one chanell,
+ [Sidenote: Rauenswath.]
+ called Rauenswath water, whereof the two furthest doo ioine not farre
+ from the Dawltons, and so go by Rauenswath, Hartfoorth, Gilling, and
+ at Skebie méet with the third, comming from Richmond beaconward. By
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ west also of Brunton, the Swale méeteth with the Rhe, running from
+ Resdale, and being past Brunton, it goeth to Caterijc bridge beneath
+ Brunton, then to Ellerton, Kirkebie, Langton parua, Thirtoft, Anderbie
+ [Sidenote: Bedall aliàs Leming.]
+ stéeple: and before it come vnto Gatenbie, it meeteth with the Bedall
+ brooke, aliàs Lemings becke, that commeth west of Kellirbie, by
+ Cunstable, Burton, Langthorpe, Bedall, and Leming chappell. From
+ [Sidenote: Wiske.]
+ Gattenbie likewise it goeth to Mawbie, & at Brakenbirie receiueth the
+ Wiske, which is a great water, rising betwéene two parkes aboue
+ Swanbie in one place, and southeast of Mountgrace abbeie in another;
+ and after the confluence which is about Siddlebridge, goeth on
+ betwéene the Rughtons to Appleton, the Smetons, Birtbie, Hutton
+ Coniers, Danbie, Wijc, Yafford, Warlabie, and taking in there a rill
+ from Brunton Aluerton, it procéedeth to Otterington, Newlie, Kirbie
+ Wiske, Newson, and Blackenburie, there méeting (as I said) with the
+ Swale, that runneth fr[=o] thence by Skipton bridge, Catton,
+ Topcliffe, and Raniton, and aboue Eldmire méeteth with sundrie other
+ [Sidenote: Cawdebec.]
+ rilles in one bottome, whereof the northwesterlie is called Cawdebec:
+ [Sidenote: Kebecke.]
+ the south easterlie Kebecke, which ioine est of Thorneton moore, and
+ so go to Thorneton in the stréet, Kiluington, Thruske, Sowerbie,
+ Grastwijc, and soone after crossing another growing of the mixture of
+ [Sidenote: Cuckwolds becke.]
+ the Willow, and likewise of the Cuckewold beckes, which ioine aboue
+ Bridforth, and running on till it come almost at Dawlton, it maketh
+ confluence with the Swale, and go thence as one with all their samons
+ by Thorneton bridge, Mitton vpon Swale, and so into the Ouze.
+
+ [Sidenote: Skell.]
+ The Skell riseth out of the west two miles from Founteines abbeie, and
+ commeth (as Leland saith) with a faire course by the one side of
+ Rippon, as the Vre dooth on the other. And on the bankes hereof stood
+ the famous abbeie called Founteines or Adfontes, so much renowmed for
+ the lustie monks that sometimes dwelled in the same. It receiueth also
+ [Sidenote: Lauer.]
+ the Lauer water (which riseth thrée miles from Kirbie, and meeteth
+ withall néere vnto Rippon) and finallie falleth into the Vre, a
+ quarter of a mile beneath Rippon towne, & almost midwaie betwéene the
+ North and Huicke bridges.
+
+ [Sidenote: Nidde.]
+ The Nidde, which the booke of statutes called Nidor (anno 13. Edw. 1.)
+ and thereto noteth it to be inriched with store of samon, as are also
+ the Wheof and Aire, riseth among those hilles that lie by west
+ northwest of Gnarresborow, fiue miles aboue Pakeleie bridge, and going
+ in short processe of time by Westhouses, Lodgehouses, Woodhall,
+ Newhouses, Midlesmore, Raunsgill, Cowthouse, Gowthwall, Bureleie,
+ [Sidenote: Killingale.]
+ Brimham, Hampeswale, and soone after méeting with the Killingale
+ becke, it goeth after the confluence by Bilton parke, Gnaresbridge,
+ Washford, Cathall, Willesthorpe, Munketon, or Nonmocke, and so into
+ the Ouze, fouretéene miles beneath Gnaresborow, being increased by the
+ waie with verie few or no waters of anie countenance. Leland hauing
+ said thus much of the Nidde, addeth herevnto the names of two other
+ [Sidenote: Couer.]
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ waters, that is to saie, the Couer and the Burne, which doo fall
+ likewise into the Vre or Ouze. But as he saith little of the same, so
+ among all my pamphlets, I can gather no more of them, than that the
+ first riseth six miles aboue Couerham by west, and falleth into the
+ Vre, a little beneath Middleham bridge, which is two miles beneath the
+ towne of Couerham. As for the Burne, it riseth at More hilles, and
+ falleth into the said riuer a little beneath Massham bridge. And so
+ much of these two.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wharfe aliàs Gwerfe.]
+ The Wharffe or Gwerfe ariseth aboue Vghtershaw, from whence it runneth
+ to Beggermons, Rosemill, Hubberham, Backden, Starbotton, Kettlewell,
+ Cunniston in Kettlewell, and here it meeteth with a rill comming from
+ Haltongill chappell, by Arnecliffe, and ioining withall northeast of
+ Kilneseie crag, it passeth ouer by the lower grounds to Girsington,
+ and receiuing a rill there also from Tresfeld parke, it proceedeth on
+ to Brunsall bridge. Furthermore at Appletréewijc, it méeteth with a
+ rill from by north, and thence goeth to Barden towre, Bolton, Beth and
+ Misleie hall, where it crosseth a rill comming from by west, thence to
+ Addingham, taking in there also another from by west, and so to
+ Ikeleie, and receiuing yer long another by north from Denton hall, it
+ hasteth to Weston Vauasour, Oteleie, and Letheleie, where it taketh in
+ the Padside, & the Washburne (both in one streame from Lindleie ward)
+ and thence to Casleie chappell, and there it crosseth one from by
+ north, and another yer long from by south, and so to Yardwood castell,
+ Kerebie, Woodhall, Collingham, Linton, Wetherbie, Thorpatch, Newton,
+ [Sidenote: Cockebecke.]
+ Tadcaster, and when it hath receiued the Cockebecke from southwest,
+ that goeth by Barwie, Aberfoorth, Leadhall, and Grimston, it runneth
+ to Exton, Kirbie Wharfe, Vskell, Rither, Nunapleton, & so into the
+ Ouze beneath Cawood, a castell belonging to the archbishop of Yorke,
+ where he vseth oft to lie when he refresheth himselfe with change of
+ aire and shift of habitation, for the auoiding of such infection as
+ may otherwise ingender by his long abode in one place, for want of due
+ purgation and airing of his house.
+
+ [Sidenote: Air.]
+ The Air or Arre riseth out of a lake or tarne south of Darnbrooke,
+ wherein (as I heare) is none other fish but red trowt, and perch.
+ Leland saith it riseth néere vnto Orton in Crauen, wherfore the ods is
+ but little. It goeth therefore from thence to Mawlam, Hamlith, Kirbie,
+ Moldale, Calton hall, Areton, and so foorth till it come almost to
+ [Sidenote: Otterburne.]
+ Gargraue, there crossing the Otterburne water on the west, and the
+ [Sidenote: Winterburne.]
+ Winterburne on the north, which at Flasbie receiueth a rill from
+ Helton, as I heare. Being past Gargraue, our Air goeth on to Eshton,
+ Elswood, and so foorth on, first receiuing a brooke from southwest
+ (whereof one branch commeth by Marton, the other by Thorneton, which
+ meete about Broughton) then another from northeast, that runneth by
+ Skipton castell. After this confluence it hasteth by manifold
+ windlesses, which caused thirteene bridges at the last to be ouer the
+ same within a little space, to Newbiggin, Bradleie, and Kildwijc, by
+ south east whereof it méeteth with one water from Mawsis, and
+ [Sidenote: Glike.]
+ Glusburne or Glukesburne, called Glike; another likewise a little
+ beneath from Seton, beside two rilles from by north, after which
+ confluence it runneth by Reddlesden, and ouer against this towne the
+ [Sidenote: Lacocke.]
+ [Sidenote: Woorth.]
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ Lacocke and the Woorth doo meet withall in one chanell, as the Moreton
+ water dooth on the north, although it be somewhat lower. Thence it
+ goeth to Rishfoorth hall, and so to Bungleie, where it taketh a rill
+ from Denholme parke to Shipeleie, and there crossing another from
+ Thorneton, Leuenthorpe, and Bradleie, it goeth to Caluerleie, to
+ Christall, and so to Léedes, where one water runneth thereinto by
+ north from Wettlewood, & two other from by south in one chanell,
+ wherof the first hath two armes, of which the one commeth from Pudseie
+ chappell, the other from Adwalton, their confluence being made aboue
+ Farnesleie hall. The other likewise hath two heads, whereof one is
+ aboue Morleie, the other commeth from Domingleie, and méeting with the
+ first not far southwest of Leedes, they fall both into the Air, and so
+ [Sidenote: Rodwell.]
+ run with the same to Swillington, and there taking in the Rodwell
+ becke south of the bridge, it proceedeth to Ollerton, Castleford,
+ [Sidenote: Went.]
+ Brotherton & Ferribridge, there receiuing the Went, a becke from
+ Pontefract or Pomfret, which riseth of diuerse heads, wherof one is
+ among the cole pits. Thence to Beall, Berkin, Kellington, middle
+ Hodleseie, Templehirst, Gowldall, Snath, Rawcliffe, Newland, Armie,
+ and so into the Ouze with an indifferent course. Of all the riuers in
+ the north, Leland (in so manie of his bookes as I haue séene) saith
+ least of this. Mine annotations also are verie slender in the
+ particular waters wherbie it is increased: wherfore I was compelled of
+ necessitie to conclude euen thus with the description of the same, and
+ had so left it in déed, if I had not receiued one other note more to
+ ad vnto it (euen when the leafe was at the presse) which saith as
+ followeth in maner word for word.
+
+ There is a noble water that falleth into Air, whose head (as I take
+ it) is about Stanford. From whence it goeth to Creston chappell, to
+ Lingfield, and there about receiuing one rill néere Elfrabright
+ [Sidenote: Hebden.]
+ bridge, and also the Hebden by northwest, it goeth to Brearleie hall,
+ and so taking in the third by north, it procéedeth on eastward by
+ Sorsbie bridge chappell (and there a rill from southwest) and so to
+ Coppeleie hall. Beneath this place I find also that it receiueth one
+ rill from Hallifax, which riseth from two heads, and two other from
+ southwest, of which one commeth by Baresland, and Staneland in one
+ chanell, as I read. So that after this confluence the aforesaid water
+ goeth on toward Cowford bridge, and as it taketh in two rilles aboue
+ the same on the north side, so beneath that bridge there falleth into
+ it a pretie arme increased by sundrie waters c[=o]ming from by south,
+ as from Marsheden chappell, from Holmesworth chappell, and Kirke
+ Heton, each one growing of sundrie heads; whereof I would saie more,
+ if I had more intelligence of their seuerall gates and passages.
+
+ But to procéed. From Cowford bridge it runneth to Munfeld, and
+ receiuing yer long one rill from Leuersage hall, and another from
+ Burshall by Dewesburie, it goeth on northeast of Thornehull, south of
+ Horbirie thornes, and thereabout crossing one rill from by south from
+ Woller by new Milner Dam, and soone after another from northwest,
+ [Sidenote: Chald.]
+ called Chald, rising in the Peke hils, whereon Wakefield standeth, and
+ likewise the third from southeast, and Waterton hall, it goeth by
+ Warmefield, Newland, Altoftes, and finallie into the Aire, west of
+ Castelworth, as I learne. What the name of this riuer should be as yet
+ I heare not, and therefore no maruell that I doo not set it downe, yet
+ is it certeine that it is called Chald, after his c[=o]fluence with
+ the Chald, and finallie Chaldair or Chaldar after it hath ioined with
+ the Air or Ar. But what is this for his denominations from the head?
+ It shall suffice therefore thus farre to haue shewed the course
+ thereof: and as for the name I passe it ouer vntill another time.
+
+ [Sidenote: Trent.]
+ The Trent is one of the most excellent riuers in the land, not onelie
+ for store of samon, sturgeon, and sundrie other kinds of delicate fish
+ wherewith it dooth abound, but also for that it is increased with so
+ manie waters, as for that onelie cause it may be compared either with
+ the Ouze or Sauerne, I meane the second Ouze, whose course I haue
+ latelie described. It riseth of two heads which ioine beneath Norton
+ in the moore, and from thence goeth to Hilton abbeie, Bucknell church,
+ [Sidenote: Foulebrooke.]
+ and aboue Stoke receiueth in the Foulebrooke water, which commeth
+ thither from Tunstall, by Shelton, and finallie making a confluence
+ they go to Hanfleet, where they méet with another on the same side,
+ that descendeth from Newcastell vnder Line, which Leland taketh to be
+ the verie Trent it selfe, saieng: that it riseth in the hils aboue
+ Newcastell, as may be séene by his commentaries.
+
+ But to proceed. At Trentham, or not farre from thence, it crosseth a
+ riueret from northeast, whose name I know not, & thence going to Stone
+ Aston, Stoke Burston, the Sandons and Weston, a little aboue Shubburne
+ & Hawood, it receiueth the Sow, a great chanell increased with sundrie
+ waters, which I will here describe, leauing the Trent at Shubburne,
+ [Sidenote: Sow.]
+ till I come backe againe. The Sow descendeth from the hilles, aboue
+ Whitemoore chappell, and goeth by Charleton, and Stawne, and beneath
+ Shalford ioineth with another by northeast that commeth from bishops
+ Offeleie, Egleshall, Chesbie, Raunton. After this confluence also it
+ runneth by Bridgeford, Tillington, & Stafford, beneath which towne
+ [Sidenote: Penke.]
+ it crosseth the Penke becke, that riseth aboue Nigleton, & Berwood, &
+ aboue Penke bridge vniteth it selfe with another comming from
+ Knightleie ward, by Gnashall church, Eaton: and so going foorth as
+ one, it is not long yer they fall into Sow, after they haue passed
+ Draiton, Dunstan, Acton, and Banswich, where loosing their names, they
+ with the Sow & the Sow with them doo ioine with the Trent, at
+ Shubburne, vpon the southerlie banke.
+
+ From Shubburne the Trent goeth on to little Harwood (meeting by the
+ waie one rill at Ousleie bridge, and another south of Riddlesleie)
+ thence by Hawksberie, Mauestane, Ridware, and so toward Yoxhall; where
+ I must staie a while to consider of other waters, wherewith I méet in
+ this voiage. Of these therefore the lesser commeth in by south from
+ Farwall, the other from by west, a faire streame, and increased with
+ two brooks, whereof the first riseth in Nedewood forrest, northeast of
+ [Sidenote: Blith.]
+ Haggersleie parke, whereinto falleth another west of Hamsteed Ridware,
+ called Blith, which riseth among the hilles in Whateleie moore, aboue
+ Weston Conie, and thence going to the same towne, it commeth to
+ Druicote, aliàs Dracote, Painsleie, Gratwitch, Grimleie, Aldmaston,
+ Hamstéed, Ridware, and finallie into the Trent, directlie west of
+ Yoxhall, which runneth also from thence, & leauing kings Bromleie in a
+ parke (as I take it) on the left hand, and the Blacke water comming
+ from Southton and Lichfield on the right, goeth streightwaie to
+ [Sidenote: Tame.]
+ Catton, where it méeteth with the Tame, whose course I describe as
+ followeth.
+
+ It riseth in Staffordshire (as I remember) not farre from Petteshall,
+ and goeth foorth by Hamsted, toward Pirihall and Brimichams Aston,
+ taking in by the waie a rill on each side, whereof the first groweth
+ through a confluence of two waters, the one of them comming from
+ Tipton, the other from Aldburie, and so running as one by Wedburie
+ till they fall into the same. The latter commeth from Woolfhall, and
+ ioineth with it on the left hand. After this, and when it is past the
+ aforesaid places, it crosseth in like sort a rill from Smethike ward:
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ thence it goeth to Yarneton hall, beneath which it méeteth with the
+ Rhée, and thence through the parke, at Parke hall by Watercote,
+ [Sidenote: Cole.]
+ crossing finallie the Cole, whose head is in the forrest by
+ Kingesnorton wood, and hath this course, whereof I now giue notice. It
+ riseth (as I said) in the forrest by Kingesnorton wood, and going by
+ Yareleie and Kingeshirst, it méeteth betwéene that and the parke, with
+ a water running betwéene Helmedon and Sheldon.
+
+ Thence it passeth on to Coleshull, by east whereof it ioineth with a
+ [Sidenote: Blith.]
+ brooke, mounting southwest of Golihull called Blith, which going by
+ Henwood and Barston, crosseth on ech side of Temple Balshall, a rill,
+ whereof one commeth through the Quéenes parke or chase that lieth by
+ west of Kenelworth, & the other by Kenelworth castell it selfe, from
+ about Haselie parke. After which confluences it procéedeth in like
+ maner to Hampton in Arden, and the Packingtons, and so to Coleshull,
+ where it méeteth with the Cole, that going a little further, vniteth
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ it selfe with the Burne on the one side (whereinto runneth a water
+ comming from Ansleie on the east) and soone after on the other dooth
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ fall into the Tame, that which some call the Rhée, a common name to
+ all waters that mooue and run from their head. For [Greek: reo] in
+ Gréeke is to flow and run, although in truth it is proper to the sea
+ onelie to flow. Leland nameth the Brimicham water, whose head (as I
+ heare) is aboue Norffield, so that his course shuld be by
+ Kingesnorton, Bremicham, Budston hall, till it fall beneath Yarneton
+ into the Tame it selfe, that runneth after these confluences on by
+ Lée, Kingesbirie parke, and going by east of Draiton, Basset parke, to
+ Falkesleie bridge, it méeteth with another water called Burne, also
+ comming from Hammerwich church, by Chesterford, Shenton, Thickebrowne,
+ and the north side of Draiton, Basset parke, wherof I spake before.
+ From hence our Tame runneth on to Tamworth, there taking in the Anchor
+ by east, whose description I had in this maner deliuered vnto me.
+
+ It riseth aboue Burton, from whence it goeth by Nonneaton, Witherleie
+ and Atherstone. Yer long also it taketh in a water from northeast,
+ which commeth by Huglescote, Shapton, Cunston, Twicrosse (vniting it
+ [Sidenote: Anchor.]
+ selfe with a water from Bosworth) Ratcliffe, & so to the Anchor, which
+ after this confluence passeth by Whittendon, Crindon, Pollesworth,
+ Armington, Tamworth, & so into Tame, that hasteth to Hopwash,
+ Comberford hall, Telford, and soone after crossing a rill that riseth
+ short of Swinfield hall, and commeth by Festirike, it runneth not
+ farre from Croxhall, and so to Catton, thereabout receiuing his last
+ [Sidenote: Mese.]
+ increase not worthie to be omitted. This brooke is named Mese, and it
+ riseth in the great parke that lieth betwéene Worthington, and
+ Smethike, from whence also it goeth by Ashbie de la Souche,
+ Packington, Mesham, and Stretton, and therabout crossing a rill about
+ Nethersale grange, from Ouersale by east, it proceedeth by Chilcote,
+ Clifton, Croxall, into the Thame, and both out of hand into the maine
+ riuer a mile aboue Repton. Leland writing of this riuer (as I earst
+ noted) saith thereof in this wise. Into the Thame also runneth the
+ Bremicham brooke, which riseth foure or fiue miles about Bremicham in
+ the Blacke hils in Worcestershire, and goeth into the aforesaid water
+ a mile aboue Crudworth bridge. Certes (saith he) this Bremicham is a
+ towne mainteined chieflie by smiths, nailers, cutlers, edgetoole
+ forgers, lorimers or bitmakers, which haue their iron out of Stafford
+ and Warwijc shires, and coles also out of the first countie. Hitherto
+ Leland. Now to resume the Trent, which being growen to some
+ greatnesse, goeth on to Walton, Drakelow, and there crossing a water
+ that commeth by Newbold hall, it runneth to Stapenell, Winshull,
+ Wightmere, and Newton Souch, where it receiueth two chanels within a
+ short space, to be described apart.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dou.]
+ The first of these is called the Dou or Doue, it riseth about the
+ thrée shires méere, and is as it were limes betweene Stafford and
+ Darbishires, vntill it come at the Trent. Descending therefore from
+ the head, it goeth by Earlesbooth, Pilsburie grange, Hartington,
+ Wolscot, Eaton, Hunsington grange, and aboue Thorpe receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Manifold.]
+ Manifold water, so called, bicause of the sundrie crinckling rills
+ that it receiueth, and turnagaines that it selfe sheweth before it
+ come at the Dou. Rising therefore not farre from Axe edge crosse (in
+ the bottome thereby) it runneth from thence to Longmore, Shéene,
+ Warslow chappell, and Welton.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hansleie.]
+ Beneath Welton also it taketh in the Hansleie water, that commeth out
+ of Blackemoore hilles to Watersall, where it falleth into the ground:
+ and afterward mounting againe is receiued into the Manifold, north of
+ Throwleie (as I heare) which goeth from thence to Ilam, and aboue
+ Thorpe dooth cast it selfe into Dou. Hauing therefore met togither
+ after this maner, the Dou procéedeth on to Maplington, beneath which
+ it crosseth one water descending from Brassington by Fennie Bentleie,
+ and another somewhat lower that commeth from Hocston hall by Hognaston
+ and Ashburne, and then going to Matterfield, Narburie, Ellaston,
+ [Sidenote: Churne.]
+ Rawston Rowcester, it meeteth with the Churne, euen here to be
+ described before I go anie further. It riseth a good waie aboue
+ Delacrasse abbie, and comming thither by Hellesbie wood, it taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Dunsmere.]
+ the Dunsmere, betwéene Harracrasse and Leike.
+
+ [Sidenote: Yendor.]
+ Thence it goeth to the Walgrange, and a little beneath receiueth the
+ Yendor that commeth from aboue Harton, thence to Cheddleton, and
+ [Sidenote: Aula Canuti.]
+ [Sidenote: Ashenhirst.]
+ hauing crossed the Ashenhirst brooke aboue Cnutes hall, it runneth by
+ Ypston, Froghall, Below hill, Alton castell, Préestwood, and at
+ Rowcester falleth into the Dou, which yer long also receiueth a rill
+ [Sidenote: Teine.]
+ from Crowsden, and then going to Eton méeteth first with the Teine
+ that commeth thither from each side of Chedleie by Teinetowne,
+ [Sidenote: Vttoxeter or Vncester.]
+ Bramhirst and Stranehill. Secondlie with the Vncester or Vttoxeter
+ water, and then going on to Merchington, Sidberie, Cawlton, it
+ crosseth a brooke from Sidmister college, by Saperton. From this
+ confluence in like sort it passeth foorth to Tilberie castell,
+ Marston, and at Edgerton méeteth with the water that commeth from
+ Yeldersleie by Longford (whereinto runneth another that commeth from
+ Hollington) and so to Hilton. These waters being thus ioined, and
+ manie ends brought into one, the Dou it selfe falleth yer long
+ likewise into the Trent, aboue Newton Souch. So that the maine riuer
+ being thus inlarged, goeth onwards with his course, and betwéene
+ Willington and Repton meeteth with two waters on sundrie sides,
+ whereof that which falleth in by Willington, riseth néere Dawberie
+ Lies, and runneth by Trusselie and Ashe: the other that entereth aboue
+ Repton, descendeth from Hartesburne, so that the Trent being past
+ these, hasteth to Twiford, Inglebie, Staunton, Weston, Newton, and
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ Aston, yer long also méeting with the Darwent; next of all to be
+ dispatched. The Darwent, or (to vse the verie British word) Dowr gwine
+ (but in Latine Fluuius Dereuantanus) riseth plaine west, néere vnto
+ the edge of Darbishire, aboue Blackwell a market towne, and from the
+ head runneth to the New chappell, within a few miles after it be
+ risen. From hence moreouer it goeth by Howden house, Darwent chappell,
+ [Sidenote: Neue.]
+ Yorkeshire bridge, and at Witham bridge dooth crosse the Neue or
+ Nouius that commeth from Newstole hill, by Netherburgh, Hope (crossing
+ there one rill from Castelton, another from Bradwell, and the third at
+ Hathersage, from Stonie ridge hill) and so goeth on to Padleie,
+ Stockehall, receiuing a rill by the waie from by west, to Stonie
+ [Sidenote: Burbroke.]
+ Middleton, and Baslow, and hauing here taken in the Burbrooke on the
+ one side, and another from Halsop on the other, it goeth to Chatworth
+ and to Rowseleie, where it is increased with the Wie comming from by
+ west, and also a rill on the east, a little higher. But I will
+ describe the Wie before I go anie further.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wie.]
+ The Wie riseth aboue Buxston well, and there is increased with the
+ [Sidenote: Hawkeshow.]
+ [Sidenote: Wile.]
+ Hawkeshow, and the Wile brooke, whose heads are also further distant
+ from the edge of Darbishire than that of Wie, and races somwhat
+ longer, though neither of them be worthie to be accompted long. For
+ the Wile, hauing two heads, the one of them is not farre aboue the
+ place where Wilebecke abbeie stood, the other is further off by west,
+ about Wilebecke towne: and finallie ioining in one they runne to
+ Cuckneie village, where receiuing a becke that commeth downe from by
+ west, it holdeth on two miles further, there taking in the second
+ [Sidenote: Rufford aliàs Manbecke.]
+ rill, and so resort to Rufford, or the Manbecke. Vnto this also doo
+ other two rills repaire, wherof the one goeth through and the other
+ hard by Maunsfield, of which two also this latter riseth west about
+ foure miles, and runneth foorth to Clipston (three miles lower) and so
+ likewise to Rufford, whereof I will speake hereafter. In the meane
+ time to returne againe to the Wie. From Buxston well, it runneth to
+ Staddon, Cowdale, Cowlow, New medow, Milhouses, Bankewell, and Haddon
+ [Sidenote: Lathkell.]
+ hall, beneath which it receiueth the Lath kell, that runneth by
+ [Sidenote: Bradford.]
+ Ouerhaddon, and the Bradford, both in one bottome after they be ioined
+ in one at Alport. And this is the first great water that our Darwent
+ dooth méet withall. Being therefore past the Rowsleies, the said
+ Darwent goeth to Stancliffe, Darleie in the peake, Wensleie,
+ Smitterton hall, and at Matlocke taketh in a rill by northeast, as it
+ dooth another at Crumford that goeth by Boteshall.
+
+ From Mattocke, it procéedeth to Watston, or Watsond, Well bridge,
+ [Sidenote: Amber.]
+ Alderwash, and ioineth with another streame called Amber comming in
+ from by north by Amber bridge, whose description shall insue in this
+ wise, as I find it. The head of Amber is aboue Edleston hall, or (as
+ Leland saith) est of Chesterfield, and comming from thence by
+ Middleton to Ogston hall, it taketh withall another brooke, descending
+ from Hardwijc wood, by Alton and Streton. Thence it goeth to Higham,
+ Brackenfield, and aboue Dale bridge meeteth with a brooke running from
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ Hucknalward to Shireland parke side, there crossing the Moreton becke,
+ and so to Alferton, except I name it wrong. From Dale bridge it goeth
+ by Wingfeld, to Hedge, Fritchlin, and so into Darwent, taking the
+ water withall that descendeth from Swanswijc by Pentridge, as Leland
+ doth remember. From this confluence likewise it runneth to Belper,
+ where it méeteth with a rill comming from Morleie parke: thence to
+ [Sidenote: Eglesburne.]
+ Makenie, and at Duffeld, receiueth the Eglesburne, which ariseth about
+ Wirkesworth or Oresworth, but in the same parish out of a rocke, and
+ commeth in by Turnedich. From Duffeld, it passeth to Bradsall, Darleie
+ abbeie, and at Darbie taketh in a rill comming from Mirkaston by
+ Weston vnderwood, Kidleston and Merton. If a man should say that
+ Darwent riuer giueth name to Darbie towne, he should not well know how
+ euerie one would take it, and peraduenture therby he might happen to
+ offend some. In the meane time I beleeue it, let other iudge as
+ pleaseth them, sith my coniecture can preiudice none. To proceed
+ therefore. From Darbie it runneth on by Aluaston, Ambaston, the
+ [Sidenote: Sora, or Surus.]
+ Welles, and so into Trent, which goeth from hence to Sawleie, and
+ north of Thrumpton taketh in the Sore, a faire streame, and not
+ worthie to be ouerpassed.
+
+ It riseth in Leicestershire aboue Wigton, and thence goeth to
+ Sharneford, Sapcote, and beneath Staunton taketh in a rill that
+ commeth by Dounton and Broughton Astleie. Thence to Marleborow, and
+ before it come to Eston, crosseth another on the same side (descending
+ by Burton, Glen, Winstow, Kilbie and Blabie) then to Leircester towne,
+ Belgraue, Burstall, Wanlip; and yer it come at Cussington or Cositon,
+ [Sidenote: Eie.]
+ crosseth the Eie, which riseth néere Occam aboue Bramston, going by
+ [Sidenote: _Leland_ calleth one of these rilles Croco.]
+ Knawstow, Somerbie, Pickwell, Whitesonden; and beneath (a litle)
+ receiueth a rill on the right hand, from Coldnorton. Thence to
+ Stapleford, & soone after crossing a brooke from aboue Sproxton,
+ Coson, Garthorpe and Sarbie, it runneth to Wiuerbie, Brentingbie; and
+ yer it come at Milton, meeteth with two other small rilles, from the
+ right hand whereof one commeth from about Caldwell by Thorpe Arnold,
+ and Waltham in the Would; the other from Skaleford ward, and from
+ Melton goeth by Sisonbie, there méeting with another from northeast
+ ouer against Kirbie Hellars, after which time the name of Eie is
+ [Sidenote: Warke, Vrke, or Wreke.]
+ changed into Warke or Vrke, and so continueth vntill it come at the
+ Soure. From hence also it goeth to Asterbie, Radgale, Habie,
+ Trussington, Ratcliffe; and soone after crosseth sundrie waters not
+ verie farre in sunder, whereof one commeth from Oueston, by Twiford,
+ Ashbie, and Gadesbie; another from Losebie, by Baggraue, and Crawston,
+ and ioining with the first at Ouennihow, it is not long yer they fall
+ into the Warke. The second runneth from Engarsbie, by Barkeleie, and
+ Sison. But the third and greatest of the thrée, is a chanell increased
+ with thrée waters, whereof one commeth from Norton by Burton, Kilbie,
+ Foston and Blabie, the other from Dounton by Broughton and Astleie,
+ and méeting with the third from Sapcoth, and stonie Staunton, they run
+ togither by Narborow, and soone after ioining aboue Elston, with the
+ first of the thrée, they go as one by Elston to Leircester, Belgraue,
+ Wanlip, and aboue Cussington doo fall into the Warke, and soone after
+ into the Soure. The Soure in like sort going from thence to mount
+ Sorrell, & taking in another brooke southwest from Leircester forrest,
+ by Glenfield, Austie, Thurcaston and Rodelie, ioineth with the Soure,
+ which goeth from thence to mount Sorrell, and Quarendon (where it
+ taketh in a water comming from Charnewood forrest, and goeth by
+ Bradegate and Swithland) and then procéedeth to Cotes, Lughborow and
+ Stanford, there also taking in one rill out of Nottinghamshire by
+ northeast; and soone after another from southwest, comming from
+ Braceden to Shepesheued, Garrington, & Dighlie grange, and likewise
+ the third from Worthington, by Disworth, long Whitton, and Wathorne.
+ Finallie, after these confluences, it hasteth to Sutton, Kingston, and
+ Ratcliffe, and so into the Trent.
+
+ These things being thus brought togither, and we now resuming the
+ discourse of the same riuer, it dooth after his méeting with the
+ [Sidenote: Erwash.]
+ Soure, procéed withall to Barton, where it taketh in the Erwash, which
+ riseth about Kirbie, and thence goeth to Selston, Wansbie, Codnor
+ castell, Estwood, and crossing a water from Beuall, runneth to
+ Coshall, Trowell (and there taking in another rill comming from Henor
+ by Shipleie) it proceedeth on to Stapleford, long Eaton, and so into
+ the Trent. This being doone it goeth to Clifton, and yer it come at
+ Wilford, it méeteth with a brooke that passeth from Staunton by Bonnie
+ and Rodington, and thence to Notingham, where it crosseth the Line,
+ which riseth aboue Newsted; and passing by Papplewijc, Hucknall,
+ Bafford, Radford and Linton, next of all to Thorpe & Farmdon, where it
+ brancheth and maketh an Iland, and into the smaller of them goeth a
+ brooke from Beuer castell, which rising betweene east Well and Eaton
+ [Sidenote: Dene.]
+ in Leircester is called the Dene, and from thence runneth by Bramston
+ to Knipton, & beneath Knipton méeteth with a brooke that commeth by
+ west of Croxston, and thence holdeth on with his course, betwéene
+ Willesthorpe and Beuer castell aforesaid, and so to Bottesworth,
+ [Sidenote: Snite.]
+ Normanton, Killington, Shilton, there receiuing the Snite from by
+ south (whose head is néere Clauston, & course from thence by Hickling,
+ Langer, Whalton, Orston, and Flareborow) and yer long another comming
+ from Bingham, and Sibthorpe. Thence our Trent runneth to Coxam,
+ Hawton, Newarke castell, and so to Winthorpe, where the branches are
+ reunited, and thence going on by Holme to Cromwell (and soone after
+ taking in a brooke comming from Bilsthorpe, by Kersall, Cawnton,
+ Norwell and Willowbie) to Carlton, and to Sutton, there making a litle
+ Ile, then to Grinton, where it toucheth a streame on ech side, whereof
+ one commeth from Morehouse by Weston & Gresthorpe, another from
+ Langthorpe, by Collingham, and Bosthorpe. From hence likewise it
+ passeth to Clifton, Newton, Kettlethorpe, Torkeseie, Knash,
+ Gainsborow, Waltrith, Stockwith; and leauing Axholme on the left hand,
+ it taketh withall Hogdike water out of the Ile, and so goeth foorth to
+ Wildsworth, Eastferrie, Frusworth, Burringham, Gummeis, Hixburgh,
+ Burton, Walcote, and at Ankerburie into the Humber, receiuing the
+ swift Doue by the waie, which for his noblenesse is not to be
+ ouerpassed, especiallie for that Anno 1536 Hen. 8, 28, it was (by Gods
+ prouidence) a staie of great bloudshed like to haue fallen out
+ betwéene the kings side and the rebelles of the north, in a quarrell
+ [Sidenote: A miracle.]
+ about religion. For the night before the battle should haue béene
+ stricken, and without anie apparent cause (a little showre of raine
+ excepted farre vnpossible vpon such a sudden to haue made so great a
+ water) the said riuer arose so high, & ran with such vehemencie, that
+ on the morow the armies could not ioine to trie & fight it out: after
+ which a pacification insued, and those countries were left in quiet.
+ Secondlie, the description hereof is not to be ouerpassed, bicause of
+ the fine grasse which groweth vpon the banks thereof, which is so fine
+ and batable, that there goeth a prouerbe vpon the same; so oft as a
+ man will commend his pasture, to say that there is no better féed on
+ Doue banke: that maketh it also the more famous.
+
+ [Sidenote: Doue.]
+ The Doue therefore riseth in Yorkeshire among the Peke hilles, and
+ hauing receiued a water comming by Ingbirchworth (where the colour
+ thereof is verie blacke) it goeth to Pennistone, which is foure miles
+ from the head: then by Oxspring to Thurgoland, and soone after
+ (ioining by the waie with the Midhop water, that runneth by Midhop
+ chappell, and Hondshelfe) it méeteth with another comming from
+ Bowsterston chappell. Then goeth it by Waddesleie wood to Waddesleie
+ bridge, and at Aluerton receiueth the Bradfeld water. Then passeth it
+ to Crokes, and so to Sheffeld castell (by east whereof it receiueth a
+ brooke from by south that commeth through Sheffeld parke.) Thence it
+ procéedeth to Westford bridge, Briksie bridge; and southwest of
+ [Sidenote: Cowleie.]
+ Timsleie receiueth the Cowleie streame that runneth by Ecclefield.
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ Next of all it goeth to Rotheram, where it méeteth with the Rother, a
+ goodlie water, whose head is in Darbieshire about Pilsleie, from
+ whence it goeth vnder the name of Doleie, till it come at Rotheram, by
+ north Winfield church, Wingerworth, and Foreland hall, twelue miles
+ [Sidenote: Iber.]
+ [Sidenote: Brampton.]
+ from Rotheram, to Chesterford, where it méeteth with the Iber, and
+ Brampton water that commeth by Holme hall, both in one chanell. Thence
+ it runneth to Topton castell, and yer long crossing one water comming
+ from Dronefeld by Whittington on the one side, and the second from
+ aboue Birmington on the other, it goeth through Stalie parke, and
+ soone after méeteth with the Crawleie becke, whereof I find this note.
+
+ [Sidenote: Crawleie.]
+ The Crawleie riseth not farre from Hardwijc, and going by Stanesbie
+ and Woodhouse, it receiueth aboue Netherthorpe, one water on the one
+ side comming from the Old parke, and another from Barlborow hill on
+ the other, that runneth not farre from Woodthorpe. After this
+ confluence likewise they run as one into the Rother, which hasteth
+ from thence to Eckington (there crossing a rill that runneth by
+ Birleie hill) and so to Kilmarsh, in the confines of Darbieshire,
+ [Sidenote: Gunno.]
+ where it taketh in the Gunno from by east. Thence to Boughton, vniting
+ it selfe therabout with another by west from Gledles, called
+ [Sidenote: Mesebrooke.]
+ Mesebrooke, which diuideth Yorkeshire from Darbieshire, and so runneth
+ to Treton, Whiston, there taking in a rill from Aston, and so to
+ Rotheram, where it méeteth with the Doue, and from whence our Doue
+ (yéelding plentie of samon all the waie as it passeth) hasteth to
+ Aldwarke, Swaiton, Mexburge, there taking in the Darne, which I will
+ next describe, and staie with the Doue, vntill I haue finished the
+ same. It riseth at Combworth, and so commeth about by Bretton hall, to
+ Darton ward, where it crosseth a water that runneth from Gonthwake
+ hall, by Cawthorne vnited of two heads. From hence it goeth to Burton
+ grange, then to Drax, where it toucheth with a water from southwest, &
+ then goeth to Derfield and Goldthorpe: but yer it come to Sprotborow,
+ it vniteth it selfe with a faire riuer, increased by diuerse waters,
+ before it come at the Doue, & whereinto it falleth (as I heare)
+ northeast of Mexburgh. After this confluence likewise the Doue goeth
+ by Sprotborow, to Warnesworth, Doncaster, Wheatleie, (there méeting
+ [Sidenote: Hampall.]
+ with the Hampall créeke on the northeast side, which riseth east of
+ Kirbie) thence to Sandall, Kirke Sandall, Branwith ferrie, Stanford,
+ Fishlake, and so to Thuorne or Thurne, where it crosseth the Idle
+ (whose description followeth) and finallie into Trent, and so into the
+ Humber.
+
+ But before I deale with the description of the Idle, I will adde
+ somewhat of the Rume, a faire water. For though the description
+ thereof be not so exactlie deliuered me as I looked for; yet such as
+ it is I will set downe, conferring it with Lelands booke, and helping
+ their defect so much as to me is possible. It riseth by south of
+ Maunsfield, fiue miles from Rumford abbeie, and when the streame
+ commeth neere the abbeie, it casteth it selfe abroad and maketh a
+ faire lake. After this it commeth againe into a narrow channell, and
+ [Sidenote: Budbie.]
+ [Sidenote: Gerberton.]
+ so goeth on to Rumford village, carrieng the Budbie and the Gerberton
+ waters withall. From thence, and with a méetlie long course, it goeth
+ to Bawtrie or Vautrie, a market towne in Nottinghamshire, fiue miles
+ from Doncaster, and so into the Trent. Beneath Rumford also commeth in
+ [Sidenote: Girt.]
+ the Girt, which goeth vnto Southwell milles, and so into the Trent.
+ Now as concerning our Idle.
+
+ [Sidenote: Idle.]
+ The Idle, which some call Brier streame, riseth at Sutton in Ashfield,
+ from whence it runneth to Maunsfield, Clipston & Allerton, where it
+ taketh in a water that riseth in the forrest, one mile north of
+ Bledworth, and runneth on by Rughford abbeie, till it come to
+ [Sidenote: Manbecke.]
+ Allerton. The forresters call this Manbecke, whereof Leland also
+ speaketh, who describeth it in this maner. Manbrooke riseth somewhere
+ about Linthirst wood, from whence it goeth to Blisthorpe, and so to
+ Allerton. But to procéed. The Idle hauing taken in the Manbecke, it
+ runneth to Bothomsall, by Boughton, & Perlethorpe: but yer it come
+ [Sidenote: Meding becke.]
+ there, it méeteth the Meding Maiden, or Midding brooke, which rising
+ about Teuersall, goeth to Pleasleie, Nettleworth, Sawcan, Warsop,
+ Budleie, Thursbie, Bothomsall, and so into the Idle. After this it
+ proceedeth to Houghton, west Draiton, but yer it touch at Graunston or
+ [Sidenote: Wilie.]
+ Gaunston, it taketh in the Wilie, which commeth from Clowne, to
+ Creswell, Holbecke, Woodhouse, Wilebecke, Normenton, Elsleie,
+ Graunston, and so into the Idle. Being thus increased, the Idle
+ runneth on to Idleton, Ordsall, Retford, Bollam, Tilneie, Matterseie
+ abbeie, and so to Bawtrie, where it méeteth another from the shire
+ Okes, that riseth aboue Geitford, passeth on to Worksop (or Radfurth)
+ [Sidenote: Blith.]
+ Osberton, Bilbie, and Blith, there vniting it selfe with thrée rilles
+ in one bottome, whereof one commeth from Waldingwell to Careleton, and
+ so thorough a parke to Blith towne, another from by west Furbecke
+ thrée miles, and so to Blith: but the third out of the White water
+ néere to Blith, and there being vnited they passe on to Scrobie, and
+ so into the Idle.
+
+ From hence it runneth on to Missen, to Sadlers bridge, and next of all
+ [Sidenote: Sandbecke.]
+ to Santoft, where it méeteth with the Sandbecke, which rising not
+ farre from Sandbecke towne, passeth by Tickhill, Rosington bridge,
+ Brampton, Rilholme, Lindholme, and one mile south of Santoft into the
+ Idle water, which runneth from thence to Thorne, where it méeteth with
+ the Doue, and so with it to Crowleie. Finallie, inuironing the Ile of
+ Axeholme, it goeth vnto Garthorpe, Focorbie, & so into the Trent.
+ Leland writing of the Wilie, Wile, or Gwilie (as some write it) saith
+ thus therof. The Wile hath two heads, whereof one is not farre aboue
+ the place where Wilbecke abbeie stood; the other riseth further off by
+ west aboue Welbecke or Wilebecke towne: finallie ioining in one, they
+ runne to Cuckeneie village, where crossing a becke that commeth in
+ from by west, it holdeth on two miles further, there taking in the
+ second rill, and so resort to Rufford. To this riuer likewise (saith
+ he) doo two other waters repaire, whereof the one goeth hard by
+ Maunsfield (rising foure miles from thence by west) and then commeth
+ thrée miles lower to Rufford; the other (so far as I remember) goeth
+ quite through the towne.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUCH FALLES OF WATERS AS IOINE WITH THE SEA, BETWEENE HUMBER AND
+ THE THAMES.
+
+ CHAP. XVI.
+
+
+ Hauing in this maner described the Ouze, and such riuers as fall into
+ the same: now it resteth that I procéed in my voiage toward the
+ Thames, according to my former order. Being therefore come againe into
+ the maine sea, I find no water of anie countenance or course (to my
+ [Sidenote: Ancolme.]
+ remembrance) till I come vnto the Ancolme a goodlie water, which
+ riseth east of Mercate Rasing, and from thence goeth by middle Rasing.
+ Then receiuing a short rill from by south, it runneth on vnder two
+ bridges, by the waie, till it come to Wingall, northeast; where also
+ it méeteth with another brooke, from Vsselbie that commeth thither by
+ Vresbie, goeth by Cadneie (taking in the two rilles in one bottome,
+ that descend from Howsham, and north Leiseie) and thence to Newsted,
+ Glanford, Wardeleie, Thorneham, Applebie, Horslow, north Ferribie, and
+ so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kilis.]
+ Being past Ancolme, we go about the Nesse, and so to the fall of the
+ water which commeth from Kelebie, by Cotham abbeie, Nersham abbeie,
+ Thorneton, and leauing Coxhill by west, it falleth into the Ocean. The
+ next is the fall of another brooke comming from Fleting, all alongst
+ by Stallingburne. Then crossed we Grimsbie gullet, which issuing aboue
+ Erebie commeth to Lasebie, the two Cotes, and then into the sea. After
+ this we passed by another portlet, whose backwater descendeth from
+ Balesbie by Ashbie, Briggesleie, Wath, and Towneie, and finallie to
+ the next issue, before we come at Saltflete, which branching at the
+ last, leaueth a prettie Iland wherein Comsholme village standeth. This
+ water riseth short (as I heare) of Tathewell, from whence it goeth to
+ Rathbie, Hallington, Essington, Lowth, Kidirington, Auingham, and then
+ branching aboue north Somerton, one arme méeteth with the sea, by
+ Grauethorpe, the other by north of Somercote.
+
+ [Sidenote: Saltflete.]
+ Saltflete water hath but a short course: for rising among the
+ Cockeringtons, it commeth to the sea, at Saltflete hauen: howbeit the
+ next vnto it is of a longer race, for it riseth (as I take it) at
+ Cawthorpe paroch, and descendeth by Legburne, the Carletons, the west
+ middle and east Saltfletes, and so into the Ocean. The water that
+ riseth aboue Ormesbie and Dribie, goeth to Cawsbie, Swabie abbeie,
+ Clathorpe, Belew, Tattle, Witherne, Stane, and northeast of
+ Thetilthorpe into the maine sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Maplethorpe]
+ Maplethorpe water riseth at Tharesthorpe, and going by Markeleie,
+ Folethorpe, and Truthorpe, it is not long yer it méet with the Germane
+ Ocean. Then come we to the issue that commeth from aboue the Hotoft,
+ and thence to Mumbie chappell, whither the water comming from Claxbie,
+ Willowbie, and Slouthbie (and whereinto another rill falleth) dooth
+ runne, as there to doo homage vnto their lord and souereigne. As for
+ Ingold mill créeke, I passe it ouer, and come straight to another
+ water, descending from Burge by Skegnes. From hence I go to the issue
+ of a faire brooke, which (as I heare) dooth rise at Tetford, and
+ thence goeth by Somerbie, Bagenderbie, Ashwardbie, Sawsthorpe,
+ Partneie, Ashbie, the Stepings, Thorpe croft, and so into the sea. As
+ for Wainflete water, it commeth from the east sea, and goeth betwéene
+ S. Maries & Alhallowes by Wainflete towne, and treading the path of
+ his predecessors, emptieth his chanell to the maintenance of the sea.
+
+ Now come I to the course of the Witham, a famous riuer, whereof goeth
+ the biword, frequented of old, and also of Ancolme, which I before
+ described:
+
+   Ancolme ele, and Witham pike,
+   Search all England and find not the like.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lindis, Witham, Rhe.]
+ Leland calleth it Lindis, diuerse the Rhe, and I haue read all these
+ names my selfe: and thereto that the Lincolneshire men were called in
+ old time Coritani, and their head citie Lindus, Lindon, or Linodunum,
+ in which region also Ptolomie placeth Rage, which some take to be
+ Notingham, except my memorie doo faile me. It riseth among the
+ Wickhams, in the edge of Lincolnshire, and (as I take it) in
+ south-Wickham paroch, from whence it goeth to Colsterworth, Easton,
+ Kirkestoke Paunton, and Paunton Houghton, and at Grantham taketh in a
+ rill from by southwest, as I heare. From Grantham it runneth to Man,
+ Thorpe, Bolton, and Barneston, where crossing a becke from northeast,
+ it procéedeth further southwest ward by Mereston, toward Faston (there
+ also taking in a brooke that riseth about Denton, and goeth by
+ Sidbrooke) it hasteth to Dodington, Clapale, Barmebie, Beckingham,
+ Stapleford, Bassingham, Thursbie, and beneath Amburgh crosseth a water
+ that commeth from Stogilthorpe by Somerton castell.
+
+ After this confluence also, our Witham goeth still foorth on his waie
+ to the Hickhams, Boltham, Bracebridge, and Lincolne it selfe, for
+ which the Normans write Nicholl by transposition of the letters, or
+ (as I may better saie) corruption of the word. But yer it come there,
+ it maketh certeine pooles (whereof one is called Swan poole) and soone
+ after diuiding it selfe into armes, they run both thorough the lower
+ part of Lincolne, each of them hauing a bridge of stone ouer it,
+ thereby to passe through the principall stréet: and as the bigger arme
+ is well able to beare their fisher botes, so the lesser is not without
+ his seuerall commodities. At Lincolne also this noble riuer méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Fosse dike.]
+ with the Fosse dike, whereby in great floods vessels may come from the
+ Trents side to Lincolne. For betweene Torkseie, where it beginneth,
+ and Lincolne citie, where it endeth, are not aboue seuen miles, as
+ Leland hath remembred. Bishop Atwater began to clense this ditch,
+ thinking to bring great vessels from Trent to Lincolne in his time:
+ but sith he died before it was performed, there hath no man beene
+ since so well minded as to prosecute his purpose. The course moreouer
+ of this our streame following, from Lincolne to Boston is fiftie miles
+ by water: but if you mind to ferrie, you shall haue but 24. For there
+ are foure common places where men are ferried ouer; as Short ferrie,
+ fiue miles from Lincolne, Tatersall ferrie, eight miles from Short
+ ferrie, Dogdike ferrie a mile, Langreth ferrie fiue miles, and so
+ manie finallie to Boston.
+
+ But to go forward with the course of Lindis (whereof the whole
+ prouince hath béene called Lindeseie) when it is past Lincolne, it
+ goeth by Shepewash, Wassingburg, Fiskerton, and soone after taketh in
+ sundrie riuers in one chanell, whereby his greatnesse is verie much
+ increased. From this confluence it goeth to Bardolfe, and there
+ receíuing a rill (descending from betweene Sotbie and Randbie, and
+ going by Harton) it slideth foorth by Tupham to Tatersall castell,
+ taking vp there in like sort thrée small rills by the waie, whereof I
+ haue small notice as yet: and therefore I referre them vnto a further
+ consideration to be had of them hereafter, if it shall please God that
+ I may liue to haue the filing of these rude pamphlets yet once againe,
+ & somewhat more leasure to peruse them than at this time is granted.
+ Finallie, being past Tatersall, and Dogdike ferrie, the Witham goeth
+ toward Boston, & thence into the sea. Thus haue I brieflie dispatched
+ this noble riuer Witham. But hauing another note deliuered me thereof
+ from a fréend, I will yéeld so farre vnto his gratification, that I
+ will remember his trauell here, and set downe also what he hath
+ written thereof, although the riuer be sufficientlie described
+ alredie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Witham.]
+ Into Witham therefore from by north, and seuen miles beneath Lincolne,
+ [Sidenote: Hake.]
+ there falleth a faire water, the head whereof is at Hakethorne, from
+ whence it goeth by Hanworth, Snarford, Resbie, Stainton, and at
+ Bullington méeteth with a water on ech side, whereof one commeth from
+ Haiton and Turrington, the other from Sudbrooke, and likewise beneath
+ Birlings with the third comming from Barkeworth by Stansted, and
+ ioining all in one, soone after it is not long yer it fall into the
+ chanell of Witham, and so are neuer more heard of. There is also a
+ brooke by southwest, that commeth from Kirbie to Cateleie, Billingams,
+ [Sidenote: Bane.]
+ and the Ferrie. At Tatersall it méeteth with the Bane, which riseth
+ aboue Burgh, and néere vnto Ludford goeth downe to Dunnington,
+ Stanigod, Hemmingsbie, Bamburgh, Fillington, Horne castell, (where it
+ crosseth a rill from Belchworth) Thornton, Marton, Halton, Kirkebie,
+ Comsbie, Tatersall, and so to Dogdike ferrie.
+
+ Aboue Boston likewise it taketh in a water comming from Lusebie by
+ Bolingbrooke, Stickeford, Stickneie, Sibbeseie and Hildrike. And to
+ Boston towne it selfe doo finallie come sundrie brookes in one
+ chanell, called Hammond becke, which rising at Donesbie, runneth on to
+ Wrightbold, where it casteth one arme into Holiwell water. Thence it
+ hasteth toward Dunnington, receiuing four brookes by the waie, whereof
+ the first commeth from Milthorpe, the second from Fokingham, called
+ [Sidenote: Bollingborow.]
+ Bollingborow, or (after some, I wote not vpon what occasion)
+ [Sidenote: Sempringham.]
+ Sempringham water, the third from Bridge end, the fourth from
+ Sempringham, and afterwards the maine streame is found to run by
+ Kirton holme, and so into the Witham. Into the Wiland likewise falleth
+ the Holiwell, which riseth of a spring that runneth toward the east
+ from Haliwell to Onebie, Esonden, Gretford, and so to Catbridge, where
+ it receiueth another rising at Witham and west of Manthorpe, and the
+ second comming from Laund, and so run from thence togither to
+ Willesthorpe and Catbridge, and then into the Haliwell, which after
+ these confluences goeth to Tetford and Eastcote, where it meeteth with
+ a draine, comming from Bourne, and so through the fennes to
+ Pinchbecke, Surfleet, and Fosdike, where it méeteth with the Welland,
+ in the mouth of the Wash, as I haue noted vnto you.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wiland.]
+ Hauing thus set foorth the riuers that fall into the Witham, now come
+ we to the Wiland or Welland, wherevnto we repaire after we be past
+ Boston, as drawing by litle and litle toward the Girwies, which
+ inhabit in the fennes (for Gir in the old Saxon speach dooth signifie
+ déepe fennes and marishes) and these beginning at Peterborow eastward,
+ extend themselues by the space of thrée score miles & more, as Hugh of
+ Peterborow writeth. This streame riseth about Sibbertoft, and running
+ betwéene Bosworth and Howthorpe, it goeth to Féedingworth, Merson,
+ [Sidenote: Braie.]
+ Bubberham, Trussell, Herborow (receiuing there the Braie, which
+ commeth from Braiebrooke castell) to Bowton, Weston, Wiland, Ashleie,
+ Medburne, Rokingham, and Cawcot, where a riueret called little Eie
+ méeteth withall, comming from east Norton by Alexstone, Stocke,
+ Fasten, and Drie stocke. From Cawcot it goeth to Gritto, Harringworth,
+ Seton, Wauerlie, Duddington, Collie Weston, Eston, and there ioineth
+ [Sidenote: Warke.]
+ with the third called Warke, not far from Ketton, which commeth from
+ Lie by Preston, Wing, Lindon, Luffenham, &c. Thence it goeth on by
+ [Sidenote: Brooke water.]
+ [Sidenote: Whitnell.]
+ Tinwell, to Stanford (crossing the Brooke water, and Whitnelbecke,
+ both in one bottome) and from Stanford by Talington, Mareie, to
+ Mercate Deeping, Crowland (where it almost meeteth with the Auon) then
+ to Spalding, Whapland, and so into the sea.
+
+ Leland writing of this Wiland, addeth these words which I will not
+ omit, sith in mine opinion they are worthie to be noted, for better
+ consideration to be had in the said water and his course. The Wiland
+ (saith he) going by Crowland, at Newdrene diuideth it selfe into two
+ [Sidenote: Newdrene.]
+ branches, of which one goeth vp to Spalding called Newdrene, and so
+ [Sidenote: South.]
+ into the sea at Fossedike Stow: the other named the South into
+ Wisbech. This latter also parteth it selfe two miles from Crowland,
+ [Sidenote: Writhlake.]
+ sendeth a rill called Writhlake by Thorneie, where it méeteth with an
+ arme of the Nene, that commeth from Peterborow, and holdeth course
+ with the broad streame, till it be come to Murho, six miles from
+ Wisbech, where it falleth into the South.
+
+ [Sidenote: Shéepees eie.]
+ Out of the South in like sort falleth another arme called Sheepes eie
+ and at Hopelode (which is fouretéene miles from Lin) did fall into the
+ sea. But now the course of that streame is ceased, wherevpon the
+ inhabitants susteine manie grieuous flouds, bicause the mouth is
+ stanched, by which it had accesse before into the sea. Hitherto
+ Leland. Of the course of this riuer also from Stanford, I note this
+ furthermore out of another writing in my time. Being past Stanton
+ (saith he) it goeth by Burghleie, Vffington, Tallington, Mareie,
+ Déeping, east Deeping, and comming to Waldram hall, it brancheth into
+ two armes, whereof that which goeth to Singlesole, receiueth the Nene
+ out of Cambridgeshire, and then going by Dowesdale, Trekenhole, and
+ winding at last to Wisbech, it goeth by Liuerington, saint Maries, and
+ so into the sea. The other arme hasteth to Crowland, Clowthouse,
+ Bretherhouse, Pikale, Cowbecke and Spalding. Here also it receiueth
+ the Baston dreane, Longtoft dreane, Déeping dreane, and thence goeth
+ by Wickham into the sea, taking withall on the right hand sundrie
+ other dreanes. And thus farre he.
+
+ Next of all, when we are past these, we come to another fall of water
+ into the Wash, which descendeth directlie from Whaplade dreane to
+ Whaplade towne in Holland: but bicause it is a water of small
+ importance, I passe from thence, as hasting to the Nene, of both the
+ more noble riuer: and about the middest thereof in place is a certeine
+ swallow, so déepe and so cold in the middest of summer, that no man
+ dare diue to the bottome thereof for coldnesse, and yet for all that
+ in winter neuer found to haue béene touched with frost, much lesse to
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ be couered with ise. The next therefore to be described is the Auon,
+ [Sidenote: Nene.]
+ otherwise called Nene, which the said author describeth after this
+ maner. The Nene beginneth foure miles aboue Northampton in Nene méere,
+ where it riseth out of two heads, which ioine about Northampton. Of
+ this riuer the citie and countrie beareth the name, although we now
+ pronounce Hampton for Auondune, which errour is committed also in
+ south Auondune, as we may easilie see. In another place Leland
+ describeth the said riuer after this maner. The Auon riseth in Nene
+ méere field, and going by Oundale and Peterborow, it diuideth it selfe
+ into thrée armes, whereof one goeth to Horneie, another to Wisbech,
+ the third to Ramseie: and afterward being vnited againe, they fall
+ into the sea not verie farre from Lin. Finallie, the descent of these
+ waters leaue here a great sort of Ilands, wherof Elie, Crowland, and
+ Mersland, are the chiefe. Hitherto Leland.
+
+ Howbeit, because neither of these descriptions touch the course of
+ this riuer at the full, I will set downe the third, which shall
+ supplie whatsoeuer the other doo want. The Auon therefore arising in
+ Nenemere field, is increased with manie rilles, before it come at
+ Northampton, & one aboue Kings thorpe, from whence it goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Vedunus.]
+ Dallington, and so to Northhampton, where it receiueth the Wedon. And
+ here I will staie, till I haue described this riuer. The Wedon
+ therefore riseth at Faulesse in master Knightlies pooles, and in
+ Badbie plashes also are certeine springs that resort vnto this
+ streame. Faulesse pooles are a mile from Chareton, where the head of
+ Chare riuer is, that runneth to Banberie. There is but an hill called
+ Alberie hill betwéene the heads of these two riuers.
+
+ From the said hill therefore the Wedon directeth his course to Badbie,
+ Newenham, Euerton, Wedon, betwixt which and Floretowne, it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Florus.]
+ the Florus (a pretie water rising of foure heads, whereof the one is
+ at Dauentrie, another at Watford, the third at long Bucke, the fourth
+ aboue Whilton) and then passeth on to Heiford, Kislingberie, Vpton,
+ and so to Northhampton, where it falleth into the Auon, receiuing
+ [Sidenote: Bugius.]
+ finallie by the waie the Bugbrooke water at Heiford, Patshall water
+ néere Kislingberie, and finallie Preston water beneath Vpton, which
+ running from Preston by Wootton, méeteth at the last with Milton rill,
+ and so fall into Auon. Now to resume the tractation of our Auon. From
+ Northhampton therefore it runneth by Houghton, great Billing,
+ Whitstone, Dodington, and Willingborow, where we must staie a while:
+ for betweene Willingborow and Higham ferries, it receiueth a pretie
+ [Sidenote: Kilis.]
+ water comming from about Kilmarsh, which going by Ardingworth,
+ Daisborow, Rusheton, Newton, Gaddington, Boughton, Warketon,
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ Kettering, Berton, and Burton, méeteth there with Rothwell water,
+ which runneth west of Kettering to Hisham, the greater Haridon, and
+ then into the Auon.
+
+ Being therfore past Burton, our maine streame goeth to Higham Ferries,
+ Artleborow, Ringsted, Woodford, and (méeting thereby with Cranford
+ [Sidenote: Ocleie.]
+ rill) to Thraxton, north whereof it ioineth also with the Ocleie
+ water, that commeth from Sudborow and Lowicke, to old Vmkles, Waden
+ ho, Pilketon, Toke (where it taketh in the Liueden becke) and so to
+ Oundell, Cotterstocke, Tansoner, and betweene Tothering and Warmington
+ [Sidenote: Corbie.]
+ receiueth the Corbie water, which rising at Corbie, goeth by Weldon,
+ Denethap, Bulwich, Bletherwijc, Fineshed, Axthorpe, Newton, Tothering,
+ and so into the Auon. After this, the said Auon goeth to Elton,
+ Massittgton, Yerwell, Sutton, Castor, Allerton, and so to Peterborow,
+ where it diuideth it selfe into sundrie armes, and those into seuerall
+ branches and draines, among the fennes and medowes, not possible
+ almost to be numbred, before it méet with the sea on the one side of
+ the countrie, and fall into the Ouze on the other.
+
+ [Sidenote: Isis 3.]
+ The Ouze, which Leland calleth the third Isis, falleth into the sea
+ betwéene Mersland & Downeham. The chiefe head of this riuer ariseth
+ néere to Stanes, from whence it commeth to Brackleie (sometime a noble
+ towne in Northampton shire, but now scarselie a good village) and
+ there taking in on the left hand one water comming from the parke
+ [Sidenote: Sisa.]
+ betwéene Sisam and Astwell (which runneth by Whitfield and Tinweston)
+ [Sidenote: Imelus.]
+ and another on the right from Imleie, it goeth on by Westbirie,
+ Fulwell, water Stretford, Buckingham, and Berton, beneath which towne
+ the Erin falleth into it, whereof I find this short description to be
+ [Sidenote: Erin.]
+ inserted here. The Erin riseth not farre from Hardwijc in
+ Northamptonshire, from hence it goeth by Heth, Erinford, Godderington,
+ Twiford, Steeple Cladon, & yer it come at Padbirie, méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Garan.]
+ Garan brooke descending from Garanburge, and so they go togither by
+ Padbirie, till they fall into the Ouze, which carieth them after the
+ confluence to Thorneton bridge (where they crosse another fall of
+ water comming from Whitlewood forrest by Luffeld, Lecamsted and
+ Foscot) and so to Beachampton, Culuerton, Stonie Stratford, and
+ Woluerton.
+
+ [Sidenote: Verus.]
+ Here the Ouze méeteth with a water (called, as Leland coniectureth,
+ the Vere or Were) on the left hand, as you go downewards, that commeth
+ betwéene Wedon and Wexenham in Northamptonshire, and goeth by
+ Towcester, and Alderton, and not farre from Woluerton and Hauersham
+ into the foresaid Ouze, which goeth also from hence to
+ Newportpaganell, where in like sort I must staie a while till I haue
+ [Sidenote: Cle aliàs Claius.]
+ described another water, named the Clée, by whose issue the said
+ streame is not a little increased. This riuer riseth in the verie
+ confines betwéene Buckingham and Bedfordshires, not farre from
+ Whippesnade, and going on toward the northwest, by Eaton and Laiton,
+ it commeth to Linchlade, where it entreth whollie into
+ Buckinghamshire, and so goeth on by Hammond, Brickle, Fennie
+ Stratford, Simpson, Walton and Middleton, beneath which it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Saw.]
+ the Saw from aboue Halcot, and so goeth on till it meet with the Ouze
+ néere vnto Newport, as I haue said. Being vnited therefore, we set
+ forward from the said towne, and follow this noble riuer, to
+ Lathbirie, Thuringham, Filgrane, Lawndon, Newington, Bradfield on the
+ one side, and Turueie on the other, till it come at length to Bedford
+ after manie windlesses, and then méeteth with another streame, which
+ is increased with so manie waters, that I was inforced to make an
+ imagined staie here also, and view their seuerall courses, supposing
+ my selfe to looke downe from the highest steeple in Bedford, whence
+ (as best meane to view anie countrie wheresoeuer) I note the same as
+ followeth.
+
+ Certes on the east side, where I began this speculation, I saw one
+ that came from Potton, and met withall néere Becliswade: another that
+ grew of two waters, wherof one descended from Baldocke, the other from
+ Hitchin, which ioined beneth Arleseie, and thence went to Langford and
+ [Sidenote: These rise not far from Michelborow
+ & one of them in Higham parke.]
+ Edworth. The third which I beheld had in like sort two heads, wherof
+ one is not farre from Wood end, the other from Wooburne (or Howburne),
+ and ioining about Flitwijc, they go to Flitton (where they receiue
+ Antill brooke) and so by Chiphill, and Chicksand, they come to
+ Shafford, from whence taking the aforsaid Langford water with them,
+ they go foorth by Becliswade, Sandie, Blumham, and neere vnto
+ Themisford are vnited with the Ouze. And now to our purpose againe.
+
+ [Sidenote: Verus or the Were.]
+ After this the Ouze goeth by Berkeford, to Winteringham (méeting there
+ with the Wareslie becke) and so runneth to S. Neotes (or saint Nedes,
+ [Sidenote: Stoueus.]
+ in old time Goluesburg, as Capgraue saith In vita Neoti) to Paxston,
+ Offordes, and so to Godmanchester, in old time called Gumicester,
+ which (as it should séeme) hath béene a towne of farre greater
+ countenance than at this present it is; for out of the ruines thereof
+ much Romane coine is found, and sometimes with the image of C. Antius
+ which hath long haire, as the Romans had before they receiued barbars
+ into their citie, and therevnto the bones of diuerse men of farre
+ greater stature than is credible to be spoken of in these daies. But
+ what stand I vpon these things? From hence therfore our water goeth on
+ to Huntingdon, Wilton, saint Iues, Holiwell, and Erith, receiueth in
+ [Sidenote: Stoueus.]
+ [Sidenote: Helenus.]
+ [Sidenote: Elmerus.]
+ the meane time the Stow (néere vnto little Paxton) and likewise the
+ Ellen, and the Emmer, in one chanell a little by west of Huntingdon.
+
+ Finallie, the maine streame spreading abroad into the Fennes, I cannot
+ tell into how manie branches, neither how manie Ilets are inforced by
+ the same; although of Iles, Marshland, Ancarig or Ancarie be the
+ chiefe, and of which this later is called Crowland (as Crowland also
+ hight thornie A cruda terra, or store of bushes saith Hugo le Blanc)
+ sometime growing in the same, and Ancarijc because sundrie Ancres haue
+ liued & borne great swaie therein. But howsoeuer this case standeth,
+ this is certeine, that after it hath thus delited it selfe with
+ ranging a while about the pleasant bottoms & lower grounds, it méeteth
+ with the Granta, from whence it goeth with a swift course vnto
+ Downeham. Betwéene it also and the Auon, are sundrie large meeres or
+ plashes, by southwest of Peterborow full of powts and carpes, whereof
+ [Sidenote: Riuelus.]
+ Whittleseie méere, and Ramseie méere (whereinto the Riuall falleth),
+ that commeth from aboue Broughton, Wiston, and great Riuelleie) are
+ said to be greatest. Of all the riuers that run into this streame,
+ [Sidenote: Granta.]
+ that called Granta (whereof the whole countie in old time was called
+ Grantabrycshire, as appéereth by the register of Henrie prior of
+ Canturburie) is the most noble and excellent, which I will describe
+ euen in this place, notwithstanding that I had earst appointed it vnto
+ my second booke. But for somuch as a description of Ouze and Granta
+ were deliuered me togither, I will for his sake that gaue them me, not
+ separate them now in sunder.
+
+ The verie furthest head and originall of this riuer is in Henham, a
+ large parke belonging to the earle of Sussex, wherein (as the
+ townesmen saie) are foure springs that run foure sundrie waies into
+ the maine sea. Leland sought not the course of this water aboue
+ Newport pond, and therefore in his commentaries vpon the song of the
+ swan, he writeth thereof after this maner insuing. Although doctor
+ Iohn Caius the learned physician, and some other are of the opinion,
+ that this riuer comming from Newport, is properlie to be called the
+ Rhée: but I may not so easilie dissent from Leland, whose iudgement in
+ my mind is by a great deale the more likelie. Harken therefore what he
+ saith.
+
+ The head of Grantha or Granta, is in the pond at Newport, a towne of
+ the east Saxons, which going in a bottome beside the same, receiueth a
+ pretie rill, which in the middest thereof dooth driue a mill, and
+ descendeth from Wickin Bonhant, that standeth not farre from thence.
+ Being past Newport, it goeth alongst in the lower ground, vntill it
+ come to Broke Walden, west of Chipping Walden (now Saffron Walden)
+ hard by the lord Awdleis place, where the right honorable Thomas
+ Howard with his houshold doo soiourne, and sometime stood an abbeie of
+ Benedictine moonks, before their generall suppression. From Awdleie
+ end it goeth to Littleburie, the lesse and greater Chesterfords,
+ Yealdune, Hincstone, Seoston or Sawson, and néere vnto Shaleford
+ [Sidenote: Babren.]
+ receiueth the Babren that commeth by Linton, Abbington, Babrenham, and
+ Stapleford: and so going forward it commeth at the last to
+ Trompington, which is a mile from Cambridge. But yer it come
+ altogither to Trompington, it méeteth with the Barrington water, as
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ Leland calleth it, but some other the Rhee (a common name to all
+ waters in the Saxon speech) whereof I find this description, to be
+ touched by the waie. The Rhée riseth short of Ashwell in
+ Hertfordshire, and passing under the bridge betweene Gilden Mordon and
+ Downton, and leauing Tadlow on the west side (as I remember) it goeth
+ toward Crawden, Malton, Barrington, Haselingfield, and so into Granta,
+ taking sundrie rills with him from south and southwest, as Wendie
+ water southwest of Crawden, Whaddon brooke southwest of Orwell,
+ Mildred becke southwest of Malton, and finallie the Orme which commeth
+ out of Armington or Ormendum well, and goeth by Fulmere and Foxton,
+ and falleth into the same betweene Barrington and Harleston, or
+ Harston; as they call it.
+
+ Now to procéed with our Granta. From Trompington on the one side, and
+ Grantcester, on the other, it hasteth to Cambridge ward, taking the
+ Burne with it by the waie, which descendeth from a castell of the same
+ denomination, wherein the Picotes and Peuerels sometime did inhabit.
+ Thence it goeth by sundrie colleges in Cambridge, as the queenes
+ college, the kings college, Clare hall, Trinitie college, S. Johns,
+ &c: vnto the high bridge of Cambridge, and betwéene the towne and the
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ castell to Chesterton, and receiuing by and by the Stoure, or Sture
+ (at whose bridge the most famous mart in England is yearlie holden and
+ kept) from Chesterton it goeth to Ditton, Milton, and yer long méeting
+ with two rilles (from Bottesham and Wilberham, in one bottome) it
+ runneth to Horningseie, & Water Bech: and finallie here ioining with
+ [Sidenote: Bulbecke.]
+ the Bulbecke water, it goeth by Dennie, and so forth into the Ouze,
+ fiftéene miles from Cambridge, as Leland hath set downe. And thus much
+ of the third Isis or Ouze, out of the aforesaid author: wherevnto I
+ haue not onelie added somewhat of mine owne experience, but also of
+ other mens notes, whose diligent obseruation of the course of this
+ riuer hath not a little helped me in the description of the same. Now
+ it resteth that we come neerer to the coast of Northfolke, and set
+ foorth such waters as we passe by vpon the same, wherein I will deale
+ so preciselie as I may: and so farre will I trauell therein, as I hope
+ shall content euen the curious reader: or if anie fault be made, it
+ shall not be so great, but that after some trauell in the finding, it
+ shall with ease be corrected.
+
+ The first riuer that therefore we come vnto, after we be past the
+ confluence of Granta, and the Ouze, and within the iurisdiction of
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ Northfolke, is called the Burne. This streame riseth not verie farre
+ from Burne Bradfield, aboue the greater Wheltham, and from thence it
+ goeth on to Nawnton, Burie, Farneham Martin, Farneham Alhallowes,
+ Farneham Genouefa, Hengraue, Flemton, Lackeford, Icklingham, and to
+ [Sidenote: Dale.]
+ Milden hall: a little beneath which, it meeteth with the Dale water,
+ that springeth not farre from Catilege, and going by Asheleie, Moulton
+ (a benefice as the report goeth not verie well prouided for) to
+ Kenford, Kenet, Bradingham, Frekenham, it falleth at the last not
+ farre from Iselham into the Burne, from whence they go togither as one
+ into the Ouze. With the Burne also there ioineth a water comming from
+ about Lidgate, a little beneath Iselham, and not verie far from
+ Mildenhall.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dunus.]
+ The Dune head, and rising of Wauenheie, are not much in sunder: for as
+ it is supposed, they are both not farre distant from the bridge
+ betwéene Loph[=a]m and Ford, wherby the one runneth east and the other
+ west, as I haue béene informed. The Dune goeth first of all by
+ Feltham, then to Hopton, & to Kinets hall, where it meeteth with a
+ water c[=o]ming out of a lake short of Banham (going, by Quiddenham,
+ Herling, Gasthorpe) and so on, both in one chanell, they run to
+ Ewston. Here they méet in like sort, with another descending from two
+ heads, wherof the one is néere vnto Pakenham, the other to Tauestocke,
+ as I heare. Certes these heads ioine aboue Ilesworth, not farre from
+ Stow Langtoft, from whence they go to Yxworth, Thorpe, Berdwell,
+ Hunnington, Fakenham, and so into the Dune at Ewston; as I said. From
+ hence also they hasten to Downeham, which of this riuer dooth séeme to
+ borow his name. South Rée rill I passe ouer as not worthie the
+ description, because it is so small.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bradunus fortè.]
+ Next vnto this riuer on the south side is the Braden, or Bradunus,
+ which riseth at Bradenham, and goeth by Necton, north Peckenham, south
+ Peckenham, Kirsingham, Bedneie, Langford, Igbor, Munford, North Old,
+ Stockebridge, Ferdham, Helgie, and so into the Ouze. The néerest vnto
+ [Sidenote: Linus.]
+ this is another which riseth about Lukeham, and from thence commeth to
+ Lexham, Massingham, Newton, the castell Acre, Acres, Nerboe, Pentneie,
+ Wrongeie, Rounghton (which at one time might haue béene my liuing if I
+ would haue giuen sir Thomas Rugband money inough, but now it belongeth
+ to Gundeuill and Caius college in Cambridge) Westchurch, and so to
+ Linne. As so dooth also another by north of this, which commeth from
+ [Sidenote: Congunus.]
+ the east hilles by Congenham, Grimston, Bawseie, Gaiwood, whereof let
+ this suffice. And now giue eare to the rest sith I am past the Ouze.
+ Being past the mouth or fall of the Ouze, we méet next of all with the
+ [Sidenote: Rising.]
+ Rising chase water, which Ptolomie (as some thinke) doth call Metaris,
+ [Sidenote: Ingell.]
+ and descendeth from two heads, and also the Ingell that commeth from
+ about Snetsham. From hence we go by the point of saint Edmund, and so
+ hold on our course till we come vnto the Burne, which falleth into the
+ sea by south from Waterden, and going betwéene the Crakes to Burnham
+ Thorpe, and Burnham Norton, it striketh at the last into the sea; east
+ of Burnham Norton a mile at the least, except my coniecture doo faile
+ [Sidenote: Glouius.]
+ me. The Glow or Glowie riseth not far from Baconsthorpe, in the
+ hundred of Tunsted; & going by and by into Holt hundred, it passeth by
+ Hunworth, Thornage, Glawnsford, Blackneie, Clare, and so into the sea,
+ receiuing there at hand also a rill by east, which descendeth from the
+ hilles lieng betwéene Killing towne and Waiburne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wantsume.]
+ The Wantsume riseth in Northfolke at Galesend in Holt hundred, from
+ whence it goeth to Watersend, Townton, Skelthorpe, Farneham,
+ Pensthorpe, Rieburg, Ellingham, and Billingsford. And here it
+ receiueth two waters in one bottome, of which the first goeth by
+ Stanfield and Beteleie, the other by Wandling and Gressonhall, and so
+ run on ech his owne waie, till they méet at Houndlington, southwest of
+ Billingsford with the Wantsume. From hence they go all togither to
+ Below, Ieng, Weston, and Moreton; but yer it come to Moreton, it
+ [Sidenote: Yocus.]
+ méeteth with the Yowke, which (issuing about Yexham) goeth by
+ Matteshall and Barrow. After this the said Wantsume goeth on by
+ Ringland, and so to Norwich the pontificall sée of the bishop, to
+ whome that iurisdiction apperteineth, which seemeth by this memoriall
+ yet remaining in the corrupted name of the water, to be called in old
+ time Venta, or (as Leland addeth) Venta Icenorum. But to procéed.
+ Beneath Norwich also it receiueth two waters in one chanell, which I
+ will seuerallie describe, according to their courses, noting their
+ confluence to be at Bixleie, within two miles of Norwich, except my
+ annotation deceiue me. The first of these hath two heads wherof one
+ mounteth vp southwest of Whinborow, goeth by Gerneston, and is the
+ [Sidenote: Hierus.]
+ [Sidenote: Gerus.]
+ verie Hiere or Yare that drowneth the name of Wantsume, so soone as he
+ meeteth withall. The other head riseth at Wood in Mitford hundred, and
+ after confluence with the Hiere at Caston, going by Brandon, Bixton,
+ Berford, Erleham, Cringlefield (not farre from Bixleie as I said) doth
+ méet with his companion, which is the second to be described as
+ followeth. It hath two heads also that méet northwest of Therstane;
+ and hereof the one commeth from Findon hall, by Wrenningham from about
+ Wotton, by Hemnall, Fretton, Stretton, and Tasborow, till they ioine
+ at Therston, as I gaue notice aforehand. From Therston therefore they
+ go togither in one to Newton, Shotesham, Dunston, Castor, Arminghale,
+ Bixleie, Lakenham, and Trowse, and then fall into the Wantsume beneath
+ Norwich, which hereafter is named Hiere. The Hiere, Yare, or Gare
+ therefore proceeding in his voiage, as it were to salute his grandame
+ the Ocean, goeth from thence by Paswijc, Surlingham, Claxton, and
+ Yardleie; and here it meeteth againe with another riueret descending
+ from about Shotesham to Therstane, Shedgraue, Hockingham, and so into
+ Gare or Yare, whereof Yardleie the towne receiueth denomination. After
+ this it goeth to Frethorpe, and aboue Burgh castell meeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Wauen.]
+ Waueneie, and so into the sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bure.]
+ Into this riuer also falleth the Bure, which rising at a towne of the
+ same name, passeth by Milton, Buresdune, Corpesteie, Marington,
+ Blekeling, Bure, Alesham, Brampton, Buxton, Horsted, Werxham bridge,
+ [Sidenote: Thurinus.]
+ Horning, Raneworth; and beneath Bastewijc receiueth the Thurine which
+ riseth aboue Rolesbie; then to Obie, Clipsbie (there also receiuing
+ another from Filbie) Rimham, Castor, and by Yarmouth into the Ocean.
+ The Waueneie afore mentioned, riseth on the south side of Brisingham,
+ and is a limit betweene Northfolke and Suffolke. Going therefore by
+ Dis, Starton, not farre from Octe, it méeteth with the Eie, which
+ riseth néere Ockold, or betwéene it and Braisworth, & goeth on by
+ [Sidenote: Wauen.]
+ Brome, Octe, and so into the Waueneie. From thence our Waueneie
+ runneth by Silam, Brodish, Nedam, Harleston, Rednam, Alborow, Flixton,
+ Bungeie, Sheepemedow, Barsham, Beckles, Albie, & at Whiteacre (as I
+ heare) parteth in twaine, or receiuing Milford water (which is most
+ [Sidenote: Einus.]
+ likelie) it goeth along by Somerleie, Hormingfléet, S. Olaues, (there
+ [Sidenote: Fritha.]
+ receiuing the Frithstane or Fristan brooke, out of low or litle
+ England) Fristan & Burgh castell, where it méeteth with the Hiere, &
+ from thencefoorth accompanieth it (as I said) vnto the sea. Willingham
+ water commeth by Hensted, Einsted, or Enistate, and falleth into the
+ sea by south of Kesland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cokelus.]
+ The Cokell riseth south southwest of Cokeleie towne in Blithe hundred,
+ and neere vnto Hastelworth it meeteth with the rill that commeth from
+ Wisset, and so going on togither by Wenhaston, and Bliborow, it
+ falleth into the sea at an hauen betwéene Roidon and Walderswicke. A
+ little rill runneth also thereinto from Eston by Sowold, and another
+ from Dunwich, by Walderswijke: and hereby it wanteth little that Eston
+ Nesse is not cut off and made a pretie Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ford.]
+ The Ford riseth at Poxford, and going by Forderleie, and Theberton, it
+ [Sidenote: Orus.]
+ falleth at last into Mismere créeke. Into the Oreford hauen runneth
+ one water comming from Aldborow ward, by a narrow passage from the
+ [Sidenote: Fromus.]
+ north into the south. By west wherof (when we are past a little Ile)
+ it receiueth the second, descending from betwéene Talingston and
+ Framingham in Plomes hundred; which c[=o]ming at last to Marleford,
+ [Sidenote: Glema.]
+ meeteth with a rill southwest of Farnham called the Gleme (that
+ commeth by Rendlesham, the Gleinhams) and so passing foorth, it taketh
+ another at Snapesbridge, comming from Carleton by Saxmundham,
+ [Sidenote: Iken, or Ike.]
+ Sternefield & Snape. Then going to Iken (where it méeteth with the
+ third rill at the west side) it fetcheth a compasse by Sudburne east
+ of Orford, and so into the hauen. Next vnto this by west of Orford,
+ there runneth vp another créeke by Butleie, whereinto the waters
+ comming from Cellesford, and from the Ike, doo run both in one
+ bottome. And thus much of Orford hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Deua.]
+ The Deue riseth in Debenham, in the hundred of Hertesméere, and from
+ thence goeth to Mickford, Winston, Cretingham, Lethringham, Wickham,
+ hitherto still creeping toward the south: but then going in maner full
+ south, it runneth neere vnto Ash, Rendlesham, Vfford, Melton, and
+ Woodbridge, beneath which it receiueth on the west side, a water
+ comming of two heads, wherof one is by north from Oteleie, and the
+ other by south from Henleie, which ioining west of Mertelsham, go vnto
+ the said towne and so into the Deue, east of Mertelsham abouesaid.
+ [Sidenote: Clarus fons.]
+ From thence the Deue goeth by Waldringfield and Henleie, and méeting
+ soone after with Brightwell brooke, it hasteth into the maine sea,
+ leauing Bawdseie on the east, where the fall therof is called Bawdseie
+ hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vrus.]
+ Vre riseth not farre from Bacton, in Hertesmeere hundred, and thense
+ descendeth into Stow hundred by Gipping Newton, Dagworth, Stow
+ (beneath which it méeteth with a water comming from Rattlesden, by one
+ house) and so going on to Nedeham (through Bosméere and Claidon
+ hundreds) to Blakenham, Bramford, Ypswich, receiuing beneath Stoke,
+ which lieth ouer against Ypswich, the Chatsham water, that goeth by
+ Belsted, and so into the Vre, at the mouth whereof is a maruellous
+ deepe and large pit, whereof some marriners saie that they could neuer
+ find the bottome, and therefore calling it a well, and ioining the
+ name of the riuer withall, it commeth to passe that the hauen there is
+ called Vrewell, for which in these daies we doo pronounce it Orwell.
+ Into this hauen also the Sture or Stoure hath readie passage, which
+ remaineth in this treatise next of all to be described.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ The Sture or Stoure parteth Essex from Suffolke, as Houeden saith, and
+ experience confirmeth. It ariseth in Suffolke, out of a lake neere
+ vnto a towne called Stourméere. For although there come two rilles
+ vnto the same, whereof the one descendeth from Thirlo, the Wratings
+ and Ketton, the other from Horshed parke, by Hauerill, &c: yet in
+ summer time they are often drie, so that they cannot be said to be
+ perpetuall heads vnto the aforesaid riuer. The Stoure therefore
+ (being, as I take it, called by Ptolomie, Edomania, for thereon toward
+ the mouth standeth a prettie towne named Manitrée, which carieth some
+ shadow of that ancient name thereof vnto this daie, if my coniecture
+ be any thing) ariseth at Stouremeere, which is a poole conteining
+ twentie acres of ground at the least, the one side whereof is full of
+ alders, the other of réeds, wherin the great store of fish there bred,
+ is not a little succoured. From this méere also it goeth to Bathorne
+ bridge, to Stocke clare, Cawndish, Pentlo, Paules Beauchampe, Milford,
+ Foxerth, Buresleie, Sudburie, Bures, Boxsted, Stoke, Nailand, Lanham,
+ Dedham, Strotford, east Barfold, Brampton, Manitree, Catwade bridge,
+ and so into the sea, where in the verie fall also it ioineth with
+ Orwell hauen, so néere that of manie they are reputed as one, and
+ parted but by a shingle that dooth run along betwéene them: neither
+ dooth it passe cléere in this voiage, but as it were often occupied by
+ the waie, in receiuing sundrie brookes and rilles not héere to be
+ omitted.
+
+ For on Essex side it hath one from Hemsted, which goeth by Bumsted,
+ and Birdbrooke: another rising short of Foxerth, that runneth by water
+ Beauchampe, Brundon, and falleth into the same at Badlington, west of
+ Sudburie: and the third that glideth by Horkesleie, and méeteth
+ withall west of Boxsted. On the north, or vpon Suffolke side, it
+ receiueth one descending from Catiledge, by Bradleie, Thurlow,
+ Wratting, Kiddington, and at Hauerell falleth into this Sture. The
+ second descendeth northward from Posling field, and ioineth therewith
+ east of Clare. It was in old time called Cicux or Ceuxis, and it
+ méeteth with the Stoure in such wise that they séeme to make a right
+ angle, in the point almost wherof standeth a ruinous castell. Howbeit
+ as sithence which time this water (in some mens iudgement) hath béene
+ named Clarus (not so much for the greatnesse as clearnesse of the
+ streame) even so the Stoure it selfe was also called Ens as they say,
+ and after their confluence the whole Clarens, which giueth
+ denomination to a duchie of this Iland of no small fame and honour.
+ But these are but méere fables, sith the word Clare is deriued from
+ the towne, wherein was an house of religion erected to one Clara, and
+ Clarens brought from the same, because of an honour the prince had in
+ those parties: which may suffice to know from whence the name
+ proceedeth. The third ariseth of two heads, whereof one commeth from
+ Wickham brooke, the other from Chedbar in Risbie hundred, and ioining
+ about Stanfield, it goeth by Hawton, Somerton, Boxsted, Stansted, and
+ north of Foxerth falleth into Stoure. The fourth issueth from betwéene
+ the Waldingfields, and goeth by Edwardstone, Boxsted, Alington,
+ Polsted, Stoke, and so at south Boxsted falleth into the same. The
+ fift riseth northwest of Cockefield, and goeth to Cockefield, Laneham,
+ [Sidenote: Kettle baston.]
+ Brimsleie, Midling, and receiuing Kettle Baston water southwest of
+ Chelsworth (and likewise the Breton that commeth from Bretenham, by
+ Hitcheham, and Bisseton stréet on the south east of the same towne) it
+ goeth in by Nedging, Aldham, Hadleie, Lainham, Shellie, Higham, and so
+ into the Stoure. The sixt is a little rill descending southwest from
+ Chappell. The seuenth riseth betweene Chappell and Bentleie, and going
+ betwéene Tatingston, and Whetsted, Holbrooke, and Sutton, it falleth
+ at length into Stoure, and from thence is neuer heard of.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ocleie.]
+ As for Ocleie Drill, that riseth betweene Ocleie, and Wikes parkes,
+ and so goeth into the Stoure, on Essex side, west of Harwich, and east
+ of Rée Ile; I passe it ouer, because it is of it selfe but a rill, and
+ not of anie greatnesse, till it come to the mill aboue Ramseie bridge,
+ where I was once almost drowned (by reason of the ruinous bridge which
+ leadeth ouer the streame being there verie great) as an arme of the
+ sea that continuallie ebbeth & floweth. Next vnto this, we came to
+ [Sidenote: Mosa.]
+ another that runneth south of Beaumont by Mosse, and falleth into the
+ sea about the middest of the Baie, betwixt Harwich and the Naze.
+ Betwixt the Naze also and the mouth of Colne, is another rill, which
+ riseth at little Bentleie, and thence goeth to Tendring thorpe,
+ [Sidenote: Claco.]
+ through Clacton parke by great Holland, and east of little Holland,
+ into the déepe sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: Colunus.]
+ The Colne hath three heads, whereof one is at Ouington that goeth by
+ Tilberie, and east of Yeldam falleth into the chiefe head which riseth
+ about Redgewell in Essex, from whence also it goeth to Yeldam and
+ Hedingham, otherwise called Yngham: also Hedningham or Heuedingham,
+ [Sidenote: * Sic.]
+ [*] or Heuedingham of the superioritie which accrued therevnto,
+ because the chiefe lords of the same from time to time kept residence
+ in the towne. For Heued or Hed signifieth The chiefe, in the old
+ English language, which in the name of this and manie other townes and
+ villages yet standing in England cannot easilie be forgotten. The
+ third falleth in south of Yeldam, and being once met all in one
+ chanell, and called the Colne, it goeth (as I said) to Hedningham,
+ Hawsted, Erles Colne, Wakes Colne, Fordon, Bardfold, Colchester, in
+ old time Camalodunum, and so into the sea at Brickleseie. Some thinke
+ that Colchester and Camalodunum are sundrie cities and situat in
+ diuerse places, whereby Maldon (or Ithancester out of whose ruines the
+ said towne of Maldon was erected) should rather be Camalodunum than
+ Colchester, but hereof I cannot iudge. Indeed if (as Leland saith)
+ Maldon should be written Malodunum, it were a likelihood that there
+ assertions should be probable. Some reason also may be gathered for
+ the same out of Dion, and such as make the Thames mouth to take his
+ beginning at Colchester water. But I dare not presume to conclude any
+ thing hereof, least I should séeme rashlie to take hold of euerie
+ coniecture. This I relie vpon rather as a more certeintie, that in the
+ first edition of this treatise I was persuaded, that the sea entring
+ by the Colne made thrée seuerall passages fr[=o] thence into the land:
+ but now I vnderstand that these are seuerall entrances and streames,
+ of which the Colne is one, another is the Salcote water, which commeth
+ in beneath the Stroud (a causeie that leadeth vnto Merseie Ile, ouer
+ which the sea méeteth with a contrarie course) and the third the faire
+ arme that floweth vnto Maldon, and all these thrée haue their falles
+ either ouer against or néere vnto the aforesaid Ile, which at a low
+ water is not halfe a mile from the shore. Into the Colne or Colunus
+ also (whereof Leland thinketh Colchester to take his name, and not A
+ colonia Romanorum, although I may not consent to him herein) doo run
+ manie salt creekes beneath Fingering ho, of whose names sith I doo not
+ know, nor whether they be serued with anie backewaters or not, I giue
+ ouer to intreat anie further & likewise of their positions. Into that
+ of Maldon runneth manie faire waters, whereof I will saie so much as I
+ know to be true in maner by experience.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gwin or Pant.]
+ There is a pretie water that beginneth néere vnto Gwinbach or Winbeche
+ church in Essex, a towne of old, and yet belonging to the Fitzwaters,
+ taking name of Gwin, which is beautifull or faire, & Bache that
+ signifieth a wood: and not without cause, sith not onelie the hilles
+ on ech side of the said rillet, but all the whole paroch hath sometime
+ abounded in woods; but now in manner they are vtterlie decaied, as the
+ like commoditie is euerie where, not onelie thorough excessiue
+ building for pleasure more than profit, which is contrarie to the
+ ancient end of building; but also for more increase of pasture &
+ commoditie to the lords of the soile, through their sales of that
+ emolument, whereby the poore tenants are inforced to buie their
+ fewell, and yet haue their rents in triple maner inhanced.) This said
+ brooke runneth directlie from thence vnto Radwinter, now a parcell of
+ your lordships possessions in those parts, descended from the
+ Chamberleins, who were sometime chéefe owners of the same. By the waie
+ also it is increased with sundrie pretie springs, of which Pantwell is
+ the chéefe (whereof some thinke the whole brooke to be named Pant) and
+ which (to saie the truth) hath manie a leasing fathered on the same.
+ Certes by the report of common fame it hath béene a pretie water, and
+ of such quantitie, that botes haue come in time past from Bilie abbeie
+ beside Maldon vnto the moores in Radwinter for corne. I haue heard
+ also that an anchor was found there neere to a red willow, when the
+ water-courses by act of parlement were surueied and reformed
+ throughout England, which maketh not a little with the aforesaid
+ relation. But this is strangest of all, that a lord sometime of
+ Winbech (surnamed the great eater, because he would breake his fast
+ with a whole calfe, and find no bones therein as the fable goeth)
+ falling at contention with the lord Iohn of Radwinter, could worke him
+ none other iniurie, but by stopping vp the head of Pantwell, to put by
+ the vse of a mill which stood by the church of Radwinter, and was
+ serued by that brooke abundantlie. Certes I know the place where the
+ mill stood, and some posts thereof doo yet remaine. But sée the malice
+ of mankind, whereby one becommeth a woolfe vnto the other in their
+ mischeeuous moodes. For when the lord saw his mill to be so spoiled,
+ he in reuenge of his losse, brake the necke of his aduersarie, when he
+ was going to horsebacke, as the constant report affirmeth. For the
+ lord of Radwinter holding a parcell of his manour of Radwinter hall of
+ the Fitzwaters, his sonne was to hold his stirrop at certeine times
+ when he should demand the same. Shewing himselfe therefore prest on a
+ time to doo his said seruice, as the Fitzwater was readie to lift his
+ leg ouer the saddle, he by putting backe his foot, gaue him such a
+ thrust that he fell backward, and brake his necke: wherevpon insued
+ great trouble, till the matter was taken vp by publike authoritie; and
+ that seruile office conuerted into a pound of pepper, which is trulie
+ paid to this daie. But to leaue these impertinent discourses, and
+ returne againe to the springs whereby our Pant or Gwin is increased.
+ There is likewise another in a pasture belonging to the Grange, now in
+ possession of William Bird esquier, who holdeth the same in the right
+ of his wife, but in time past belonging to Tilteie abbeie. The third
+ commeth out of the yard of one of your lordships manors there called
+ Radwinter hall. The fourth from Iohn Cockswets house, named the
+ Rotherwell, which running vnder Rothers bridge, méeteth with the Gwin
+ or Pant on the northwest end of Ferrants meade, southeast of Radwinter
+ church, whereof I haue the charge by your honours fauourable
+ preferment.
+
+ I might take occasion to speake of another rill which falleth into the
+ Rother from Bendish hall: but bicause it is for the most part drie in
+ summer I passe it ouer. Yet I will not omit to speake also of the
+ manor which was the chiefe lordship sometime of a parish or hamlet
+ called Bendishes, now worne out of knowledge, and vnited partlie to
+ Radwinter, and partlie to Ashdon. It belonged first to the Bendishes
+ gentlemen of a verie ancient house yet extant, of which one laieng the
+ said manour to morgage to the moonks of Feuersham, at such time as K.
+ Edward the third went to the siege of Calis, thereby to furnish
+ himselfe the better toward the seruice of his prince, it came to passe
+ that he staied longer beyond the sea than he supposed. Wherevpon he
+ came before his daie to confer with his creditors, who commending his
+ care to come out of debt, willed him in friendlie maner not to suspect
+ anie hard dealing on their behalfes, considering his businesse in
+ seruice of the king was of it selfe cause sufficient, to excuse his
+ delaie of paiment vpon the daie assigned. Herevpon he went ouer againe
+ vnto the siege of Calis. But when the daie came, the moonks for all
+ this made seisure of the manour, and held it continuallie without anie
+ further recompense, maugre all the friendship that the aforesaid
+ Bendish could make. The said gentleman also tooke this cousening part
+ in such choler, that he wrote a note yet to be séene among his
+ euidences, whereby he admonisheth his posteritie to beware how they
+ trust either knaue moonke or knaue frier, as one of the name and
+ descended from him by lineall descent hath more than once informed me.
+ Now to resume our springs that méet and ioine with our Pant.
+
+ [Sidenote: Froshwell.]
+ The next is named Froshwell. And of this spring dooth the whole
+ hundred beare the name, & after this confluence the riuer it selfe
+ whervnto it falleth (from by north) so farre as I remember. Certes,
+ all these, sauing the first and second, are within your lordships
+ towne aforesaid. The streame therefore running from hence (& now, as I
+ said, called Froshwell, of Frosh, which signifieth a frog) hasteth
+ immediatlie vnto old Sandford, then through new Sandford parke, and
+ afterward with full streame (receiuing by the waie, the Finch brooke
+ that commeth thorough Finchingfield) to Shalford, Bocking, Stifted,
+ Paswijc, and so to Blackewater, where the name of Froshwell ceaseth,
+ the water being from hencefoorth (as I heare) commonlie called
+ Blackwater, vntill it come to Maldon, where it falleth into the salt
+ arme of the sea that beateth vpon the towne; and which of some (except
+ I be deceiued) is called also Pant: and so much the rather I make this
+ conjecture, for that Ithancester stood somewhere vpon the banks
+ thereof, & in the hundred of Danseie, whose ruines (as they saie) also
+ are swalowed vp by the said streame, which can not be verified in our
+ riuer that runneth from Pantwell, which at the mouth and fall into the
+ great current, excéedeth not (to my coniecture) aboue one hundred
+ foot. But to returne to our Pant, alias the Gwin. From Blackwater it
+ goeth to Coxall, Easterford, Braxsted and Wickham, where it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Barus.]
+ with the Barus, and so going togither as one, they descend to
+ Heiebridge, and finallie into the salt water aboue Maldon, and at hand
+ as is aforesaid. As for the Barus, it riseth in a statelie parke of
+ Essex called Bardfield, belonging to sir Thomas Wroth whilest he
+ liued, who hath it to him and his heires males for euer, from the
+ crowne. Being risen, it hasteth directlie to old Saling Brainetrée,
+ crossing a rillet by the waie comming from Raine, blacke Norleie,
+ white Norleie, Falkeburne, Wittham, and falleth into the Blackewater
+ beneath Braxsted on the south.
+
+ [Sidenote: Chelmer.]
+ Beside this, the said Pant or Gwin receiueth the Chelme or Chelmer,
+ which ariseth also in Wimbech aforesaid, where it hath two heads: of
+ which the one is not farre from Brodockes (where master Thomas Wiseman
+ esquier dwelleth) the other nigh vnto a farme called Highams in the
+ same paroch, and ioining yer long in one chanell, they hie them toward
+ Thacsted vnder Prowds bridge, méeting in the waie with a rill comming
+ from Boiton end, whereby it is somewhat increased. Being past
+ Thacsted, it goeth by Tilteie, and soone after receiueth one rill
+ [Sidenote: Lindis.]
+ which riseth on the north side of Lindsell, & falleth into the Chelmer
+ by northeast at Tilteie aforesaid, & another c[=o]ming from southwest,
+ rising southeast from Lindsell at much Eiston. From thence then
+ holding on still with the course, it goeth to Candfield the more,
+ Dunmow, litle Dunmow, Falsted, Lies, both Walthams, Springfield, and
+ so to Chelmeresford. Here vpon the south side I find the issue of a
+ water that riseth fiue miles (or thereabouts) south and by west of the
+ said towne, from whence it goeth to Munasing, Buttesburie (there
+ receiuing a rill from by west, to Ingatstone, Marget Inge, Widford
+ bridge, Writtle bridge, and so to Chelmeresford (crossing also the
+ [Sidenote: Roxford.]
+ second water that descendeth from Roxford southwest of Writtle by the
+ waie) whereof let this suffice.
+
+ From hence the Chelmer goeth directlie toward Maldon by Badow, Owting,
+ Woodham water, Bilie, and so to Blackwater northwest of Maldon,
+ receiuing neuerthelesse yer it come fullie thither, a becke also that
+ [Sidenote: Lée.]
+ goeth from Lée parke, to little Lées, great Lées, Hatfield, Peuerell,
+ Owting, and so into Blackwater (whereof I spake before) as Maldon
+ streame dooth a rill from by south ouer against saint Osithes, and
+ also another by Bradwell. After which the said streame growing also to
+ be verie great, passeth by the Tolshunts, Tollesbie, and so foorth
+ into the maine sea neere vnto Marseie: betwéene which fall and the
+ place where Salute water entreth into the land, Plautus abode the
+ comming of Claudius sometime into Britaine, when he being hardlie
+ beeset, did send vnto him for aid and spéedie succour, who also being
+ come did not onelie rescue his legat, but in like manner wan
+ Colchester, and put it to the spoile, if it be Camalodunum.
+
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ The Burne riseth somewhere about Ronwell, and thence goeth to Hull
+ bridge, south Fambridge, Kirkeshot ferrie, and so to Foulnesse. And as
+ this is the short course of that riuer, so it brancheth, and the south
+ arme thereof receiueth a water comming from Haukewell, to great
+ Stanbridge, and beneath Pakesham dooth méet by south with the said
+ arme, and so finish vp his course, as we doo our voiage also about the
+ coast of England.
+
+ Thus haue I finished the description of such riuers and streames as
+ fall into the Ocean, according to my purpose, although not in so
+ precise an order and manner of handling as I might, if information
+ promised had been accordinglie performed; or others would, if they had
+ taken the like in hand. But this will I saie of that which is here
+ done, that from the Solueie by west, which parteth England & Scotland
+ on that side; to the Twede, which separateth the said kingdoms on the
+ east: if you go backeward, contrarie to the course of my description,
+ you shall find it so exact, as beside a verie few by-riuers, you shall
+ not need to vse anie further aduise for the finding and falles of the
+ aforesaid streames. For such hath beene my helpe of maister Sackfords
+ cardes, and conference with other men about these, that I dare
+ pronounce them to be perfect and exact. Furthermore, this I haue also
+ to remember, that in the courses of our streames, I regard not so much
+ to name the verie towne or church, as the limits of the paroch. And
+ therefore if I saie it goeth by such a towne, I thinke my dutie
+ discharged, if I hit vpon anie part or parcell of the paroch. This
+ also hath not a little troubled me, I meane the euill writing of the
+ names of manie townes and villages: of which I haue noted some one
+ man, in the description of a riuer, to write one towne two or thrée
+ manner of waies, whereby I was inforced to choose one (at aduenture
+ most commonlie) that séemed the likeliest to be sound in mine opinion
+ and iudgement.
+
+ Finallie, whereas I minded to set downe an especiall chapter of ports
+ and créeks, lieng on ech coast of the English part of this Ile; and
+ had prouided the same in such wise as I iudged most conuenient: it
+ came to passe, that the greater part of my labour was taken from me by
+ stealth, and therefore as discouraged to meddle with that argument, I
+ would haue giuen ouer to set downe anie thing therefore at all: and so
+ much the rather, for that I sée it may prooue a spurre vnto further
+ mischéefe, as things come to passe in these daies. Neuerthelesse,
+ because a little thereof is passed in the beginning of the booke, I
+ will set downe that parcell thereof which remaineth, leauing the
+ supplie of the rest either to my selfe hereafter, (if I may come by
+ it) or to some other that can better performe the same.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUCH PORTS AND CREEKS AS OUR SEAFARING-MEN DOO NOTE FOR THEIR
+ BENEFIT UPON THE COASTS OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XVII.
+
+
+ It maie be that I haue in these former chapters omitted sundrie hauens
+ to be found vpon the shore of England, and some of them serued with
+ backe waters, through want of sound and sufficient information from
+ such as haue written vnto me of the same. In recompense whereof I haue
+ thought good to adde this chapter of ports and creekes, whereby (so
+ farre as to me is possible) I shall make satisfaction of mine
+ ouersights. And albeit I cannot (being too too much abused by some
+ that haue béereft me of my notes in this behalfe) bring my purpose to
+ passe for all the whole coast of England round about, from Berwike to
+ the Solue: yet I will not let to set downe so much as by good hap
+ remaineth, whereby my countriemen shall not altogither want that
+ benefit, hoping in time to recouer also the rest, if God grant life
+ and good successe thereto.
+
+ [Sidenote: Northumberland.]
+ In Northumberland therefore we haue Berwike, Holie Iland, Bamborow,
+ Bedwell, Donstanborow, Cocket Iland, Warkeworth, Newbiggin, Almow,
+ Blithes nuke, and Tinmouth hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Durham.]
+ In the bishoprijc, Sonderland, Stocketon, Hartlepoole, These.
+
+ [Sidenote: Yorkeshire.]
+ In Yorkeshire, Dapnam sands, Steningreene, Staies, Runswike,
+ Robinhoods baie, Whitbie, Scarborow, Fileie, Flamborow, Bricklington,
+ Horneseie becke, Sister kirke, Kelseie, Cliffe, Pattenton, Holmes,
+ Kenningham, Pall, Hidon, Hulbrige, Beuerlie, Hull, Hasell,
+ Northferebie, Bucke créeke, Blacke cost, Wrethell, Howden.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lincolneshire.]
+ In Lincolneshire, Selbie, Snepe, Turnebrige, Rodiffe, Catebie,
+ Stockwith, Torkeseie, Gainsborow, Southferebie, Barton a good point,
+ Barrow a good hauen, Skatermill a good port, Penningham, Stalingborow
+ a good hauen, Guimsbie a good port, Clie, March chappell, Saltfléete,
+ Wilgripe, Mapleford, saint Clements, Wenfléete, Friscon, Toft,
+ Skerbike, Boston, Frompton, Woluerton, Fossedike a good hauen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Northfolke.]
+ In Northfolke, Linne a good hauen, Snatchham, Hitchham, Desingham
+ good, Thunstone, Thorneham good, Brankester good, Burnham good, with
+ diuers townes and villages thereto belonging, Welles good, Strikeie,
+ Marston, Blakeleie towne, Withon Claie, Blakelie hauen good, Salthouse
+ créeke, Sheringham hith, Roughton, Cromer, Beston, Trinningham,
+ Mounsleie, Bromwall, Haseborow, Wakesham, Eckelles, Winterton, Custer,
+ Helmesleie, Okell, Vpton, Waibridge, Yarmouth, good all the waie to
+ Norwich, with diuerse villages on the riuer side.
+
+ [Sidenote: Suffolke.]
+ In Suffolke, Becles, Bongeie, Southton, Corton, Gorton, Laistow a good
+ port, Kirtill, Pakefield, Kasseldon, Bliborow, Coffe hith, Eston,
+ Walderswijc, Donewich, Swold hauen, Sisewell, Thorpe, Alborow, Orford
+ a good hauen, Balseie good, Felixstow, Colneie, Sproten, Ypswich,
+ Downambridge good, Pinnemill, Shoteleie, Cataweie, Barfold.
+
+ [Sidenote: Essex.]
+ In Essex we haue Dedham, Maning trée, Thorne, Wrabbesnes, Ramseie,
+ Harwich, Douercourt, Handford, Okeleie, Kirbie, Thorpe, Brichwill,
+ Walton mill, Walton hall, Ganfléete, Newhauen good, S. Osithes,
+ Bentleie good, Bricleseie, Thorlington (where good ships of a hundred
+ tun or more be made) Alsford, Wiuenhall, Colchester, Cold hith, Rough
+ hedge, Fingering ho, east Merseie, west Merseie, Salcot, Goldanger,
+ Borow, Maldon, Stanesgate, Sudmester, S. Peters, Burnham, Crixseie,
+ Aldon, Clements gréene, Hulbridge, Pacleston, Barling, litle Wakering,
+ much Wakering, south Sudburie, Wakeringham, Melton, Papper hill, or
+ Lee, Beamfléete, Pidseie range, Fobbing, Hadleie good, Mucking,
+ Stanford, and Tilberie ferrie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kent.]
+ In Kent, Harling, Cliffe, Tanfleete, Stokehow, Snodlond, Melhall,
+ Maidston, Ailesford, New hith, Rochester, Gelingham, Reinham,
+ Vpchurch, Halsted, Quinborow, Milton, Feuersham, Whitstaple, Herne,
+ Margate, Brodestaier, Ramsgate; and manie of these good créekes: also
+ Sandwich, Douer, Hide, reasonable ports, although none of the best.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sussex.]
+ In Sussex we haue Smalade with the créekes adioining to the same,
+ Ridon, Appledoure, Rie a good hauen, and Winchelseie nothing at all
+ inferiour to the same, and so manie shires onelie are left vnto me at
+ this time, wherefore of force I must abruptlie leaue off to deale anie
+ further with the rest, whose knowledge I am right sure would haue been
+ profitable: and for the which I hoped to haue reaped great thankes at
+ the hands of such sea-faring men, as should haue had vse hereof.
+
+ _Desunt cætera._
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE AIRE, SOILE, AND COMMODITIES OF THIS ILAND.
+
+ CAP. XVIII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: The aire of Britaine.]
+ The aire (for the most part) throughout the Iland is such, as by
+ reason in maner of continuall clouds, is reputed to be grosse, and
+ nothing so pleasant as that is of the maine. Howbeit, as they which
+ affirme these things, haue onelie respect to the impediment or
+ hinderance of the sunne beames, by the interposition of the clouds and
+ oft ingrossed aire: so experience teacheth vs, that it is no lesse
+ pure, wholesome, and commodious, than is that of other countries, and
+ (as Cæsar himselfe hereto addeth) much more temperate in summer than
+ that of the Galles, from whom he aduentured hither. Neither is there
+ anie thing found in the aire of our region, that is not vsuallie séene
+ amongst other nations lieng beyond the seas. Wherefore, we must néeds
+ confesse, that the situation of our Iland (for benefit of the heauens)
+ is nothing inferiour to that of anie countrie of the maine, where so
+ euer it lie vnder the open firmament. And this Plutarch knew full
+ well, who affirmeth a part of the Elisian fields to be found in
+ Britaine, and the Iles that are situate about it in the Ocean.
+
+ [Sidenote: The soile.]
+ The soile of Britaine is such, as by the testimonies and reports both
+ of the old and new writers, and experience also of such as now inhabit
+ the same, is verie fruitfull; and such in deed as bringeth foorth
+ manie commodities, whereof other countries haue néed, and yet it selfe
+ (if fond nicenesse were abolished) néedlesse of those that are dailie
+ brought from other places. Neuerthelesse it is more inclined to
+ féeding and grasing, than profitable for tillage, and bearing of
+ corne; by reason whereof the countrie is wonderfullie replenished with
+ neat, and all kind of cattell: and such store is there also of the
+ same in euerie place, that the fourth part of the land is scarselie
+ manured for the prouision and maintenance of graine. Certes this
+ fruitfulnesse was not vnknowne vnto the Britons long before Cæsars
+ time, which was the cause wherefore our predecessors liuing in those
+ daies in maner neglected tillage, and liued by féeding and grasing
+ onelie. The grasiers themselues also then dwelled in mooueable
+ villages by companies, whose custome was to diuide the ground amongst
+ them, and each one not to depart from the place where his lot laie (a
+ [Sidenote: Criacht.]
+ thing much like to the Irish Criacht) till by eating vp of the
+ countrie about him, he was inforced to remooue further, and séeke for
+ better pasture. And this was the British custome (as I learne) at
+ first. It hath béene commonlie reported, that the ground of Wales is
+ neither so fruitfull as that of England, neither the soile of Scotland
+ so bountifull as that of Wales: which is true, for corne and for the
+ most part: otherwise, there is so good ground in some parts of Wales,
+ as is in England, albeit the best of Scotland be scarselie comparable
+ to the meane of either of both. Howbeit, as the bountie of the Scotish
+ dooth faile in some respect, so dooth it surmount in other; God and
+ nature hauing not appointed all countries to yéeld foorth like
+ commodities.
+
+ But where our ground is not so good as we would wish, we haue (if néed
+ be) sufficient help to cherish our ground withall, and to make it more
+ fruitfull. For beside the compest that is carried out of the
+ husbandmens yards, ditches, ponds, doouehouses, or cities and great
+ townes: we haue with vs a kind of white marle, which is of so great
+ force, that if it be cast ouer a péece of land but once in thrée score
+ years, it shall not need of anie further compesting. Hereof also dooth
+ Plinie speake, lib. 17, cap. 6, 7, 8, where he affirmeth that our
+ [Sidenote: Marle.]
+ marle indureth vpon the earth by the space of fourescore yeares:
+ insomuch that it is laid vpon the same but once in a mans life,
+ whereby the owner shall not need to trauell twise in procuring to
+ commend and better his soile. He calleth it Marga, and making diuerse
+ kinds thereof, he finallie commendeth ours, and that of France, aboue
+ all other, which lieth sometime a hundred foot déepe, and farre better
+ than the scattering of chalke vpon the same, as the Hedni and Pictones
+ did in his time, or as some of our daies also doo practise: albeit
+ diuerse doo like better to cast on lime, but it will not so long
+ indure, as I haue heard reported.
+
+ [Sidenote: Plentie of riuers.]
+ There are also in this Iland great plentie of fresh riuers and
+ streams, as you haue heard alreadie, and these throughlie fraught with
+ all kinds of delicate fish accustomed to be found in riuers. The whole
+ [Sidenote: Hilles.]
+ Ile likewise is verie full of hilles, of which some (though not verie
+ manie) are of exceeding heigth, and diuerse extending themselues verie
+ far from the beginning; as we may see by Shooters hill, which rising
+ east of London, and not farre from the Thames, runneth along the south
+ side of the Iland westward, vntill it come to Cornewall. Like vnto
+ these also are the Crowdon hils, which though vnder diuers names (as
+ also the other from the Peke) doo run into the borders of Scotland.
+ What should I speake of the Cheuiot hilles, which reach twentie miles
+ [Sidenote: (*) Here lacks.]
+ in length? of the blacke mounteines in Wales, which go from (*) to (*)
+ miles at the least in length? of the Cle hilles in Shropshire, which
+ come within foure miles of Ludlow, and are diuided from some part of
+ Worcester by the Teme? of the Grames in Scotland, and of our Chiltren,
+ which are eightéene miles at the least from one end of them, which
+ reach from Henlie in Oxfordshire to Dunstable in Bedfordshire, and are
+ verie well replenished with wood and corne? notwithstanding that the
+ most part yéeld a sweet short grasse, profitable for shéepe. Wherein
+ albeit they of Scotland doo somewhat come behind vs, yet their outward
+ defect is inwardlie recompensed, not onelie with plentie of quarries
+ (and those of sundrie kinds of marble, hard stone, and fine alabaster)
+ but also rich mines of mettall, as shall be shewed hereafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Winds.]
+ In this Iland likewise the winds are commonlie more strong and fierce,
+ than in anie other places of the maine, which Cardane also espied: and
+ that is often séene vpon the naked hilles, not garded with trées to
+ beare and kéepe it off. That grieuous inconuenience also inforceth our
+ [Sidenote: Building.]
+ nobilitie, gentrie, and communaltie, to build their houses in the
+ vallies, leauing the high grounds vnto their corne and cattell, least
+ the cold and stormie blasts of winter should bréed them greater
+ annoiance: whereas in other regions each one desireth to set his house
+ aloft on the hill, not onlie to be seene a farre off, and cast forth
+ his beames of statelie and curious workemanship into euerie quarter of
+ the countrie; but also (in hot habitations) for coldnesse sake of the
+ aire, sith the heat is neuer so vehement on the hill top as in the
+ vallie, because the reuerberation of the sunne beames either reacheth
+ not so farre as the highest, or else becommeth not so strong as when
+ it is reflected upon the lower soile.
+
+ [Sidenote: Husbandrie amended.]
+ But to leaue our buildings vnto the purposed place (which
+ notwithstanding haue verie much increased, I meane for curiositie and
+ cost, in England, Wales, and Scotland, within these few yeares) and to
+ returne to the soile againe. Certeinelie it is euen now in these our
+ daies growne to be much more fruitfull, than it hath béene in times
+ past. The cause is for that our countriemen are growne to be more
+ painefull, skilfull, and carefull through recompense of gaine, than
+ heretofore they haue béene: insomuch that my Synchroni or time fellows
+ can reape at this present great commoditie in a little roome; whereas
+ of late yeares, a great compasse hath yéelded but small profit, and
+ this onelie through the idle and negligent occupation of such, as
+ dailie manured and had the same in occupieng. I might set downe
+ examples of these things out of all the parts of this Iland, that is
+ to saie, manie of England, more out of Scotland, but most of all out
+ of Wales: in which two last rehearsed, verie little other food and
+ liuelihood was wont to be looked for (beside flesh) more than the
+ soile of it selfe, and the cow gaue; the people in the meane time
+ liuing idelie, dissolutelie, and by picking and stealing one from
+ another. All which vices are now (for the most part) relinquished, so
+ that each nation manureth hir owne with triple commoditie, to that it
+ was before time.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pasture.]
+ The pasture of this Iland is according to the nature and bountie of
+ the soile, whereby in most places it is plentifull, verie fine,
+ batable, and such as either fatteth our cattell with speed, or
+ yéeldeth great abundance of milke and creame: whereof the yellowest
+ butter and finest chéese are made. But where the blue claie aboundeth
+ (which hardlie drinketh vp the winters water in long season) there the
+ grasse is spearie, rough, and verie apt for brushes: by which occasion
+ it commeth nothing so profitable vnto the owner as the other. The best
+ pasture ground of all England is in Wales, & of all the pasture in
+ Wales that of Cardigan is the cheefe. I speake of the same which is to
+ be found in the mounteines there, where the hundred part of the grasse
+ growing is not eaten, but suffered to rot on the ground, whereby the
+ soile becommeth matted, and diuerse bogges and quicke moores made
+ withall in long continuance: because all the cattell in the countrie
+ are not able to eat it downe. If it be to be accompted good soile, on
+ which a man may laie a wand ouer night, and on the morrow find it
+ hidden and ouergrowen with grasse: it is not hard to find plentie
+ thereof in manie places of this land. Neuertheless, such is the
+ fruitfulnes of the aforsaid countie that it farre surmounteth this
+ proportion, whereby it may be compared for batablenesse with Italie,
+ which in my time is called the paradise of the world, although by
+ reason of the wickednesse of such as dwell therein it may be called
+ the sinke and draine of hell: so that whereas they were woont to saie
+ of vs that our land is good but our people euill, they did but onlie
+ speake it; whereas we know by experience that the soile of Italie is a
+ noble soile, but the dwellers therein farre off from anie vertue or
+ goodnesse.
+
+ [Sidenote: Medowes.]
+ Our medowes, are either bottomes (whereof we haue great store, and
+ those verie large, bicause our soile is hillie) or else such as we
+ call land meads, and borowed from the best & fattest pasturages. The
+ first of them are yearelie & often ouerflowen by the rising of such
+ streames as passe through the same, or violent falles of land-waters,
+ that descend from the hils about them. The other are seldome or neuer
+ ouerflowen, and that is the cause wherefore their grasse is shorter
+ than that of the bottomes, and yet is it farre more fine, wholesome,
+ and batable, sith the haie of our low medowes is not onelie full of
+ sandie cinder, which breedeth sundrie diseases in our cattell, but
+ also more rowtie, foggie, and full of flags, and therefore not so
+ profitable for stouer and forrage as the higher meads be. The
+ difference furthermore in their commodities is great, for whereas in
+ our land meadowes we haue not often aboue one good load of haie, or
+ peraduenture a little more in an acre of ground (I vse the word
+ Carrucata or Carruca which is a waine load, and, as I remember, vsed
+ by Plinie lib. 33. cap. 11.) in low meadowes we haue sometimes thrée,
+ but commonlie two or vpward, as experience hath oft confirmed.
+
+ Of such as are twise mowed I speake not, sith their later math is not
+ so wholesome for cattell as the first; although in the mouth more
+ pleasant for the time: for thereby they become oftentimes to be
+ rotten, or to increase so fast in bloud, that the garget and other
+ diseases doo consume manie of them before the owners can séeke out any
+ remedie, by Phlebotomie or otherwise. Some superstitious fooles
+ suppose that they which die of the garget are ridden with the night
+ mare, and therefore they hang vp stones which naturallie haue holes in
+ them, and must be found vnlooked for; as if such a stone were an apt
+ cockeshot for the diuell to run through and solace himselfe withall,
+ whilest the cattell go scot free and are not molested by him. But if I
+ should set downe but halfe the toies that superstition hath brought
+ into our husbandmens heads in this and other behalfes, it would aske a
+ greater volume than is conuenient for such a purpose, wherefore it
+ shall suffice to haue said thus much of these things.
+
+ [Sidenote: Corne.]
+ The yéeld of our corne-ground is also much after this rate folowing.
+ Through out the land (if you please to make an estimat thereof by the
+ acre) in meane and indifferent yeares, wherein each acre of rie or
+ wheat, well tilled and dressed, will yeeld commonlie sixtéene or
+ twentie bushels, an acre of barlie six and thirtie bushels, of otes
+ and such like foure or fiue quarters, which proportion is
+ notwithstanding oft abated toward the north, as it is oftentimes
+ surmounted in the south. Of mixed corne, as peason and beanes, sowen
+ togither, tares and otes (which they call bulmong) rie and wheat named
+ miscelin here is no place to speake, yet their yéeld is neuerthelesse
+ much after this proportion, as I haue often marked. And yet is not
+ this our great foison comparable to that of hoter countries of the
+ maine. But of all that euer I read, the increase which Eldred Danus
+ writeth of in his De imperio Iudæorum in Aethiopia surmounteth, where
+ he saith that in the field néere to the Sabbatike riuer, called in old
+ time Gosan, the ground is so fertile, that euerie graine of barleie
+ growing dooth yéeld an hundred kernels at the least vnto the owner.
+
+ Of late yeares also we haue found and taken vp a great trade in
+ planting of hops, whereof our moorie hitherto and vnprofitable grounds
+ doo yeeld such plentie & increase, that their are few farmers or
+ occupiers in the countrie, which haue not gardens and hops growing of
+ their owne, and those farre better than doo come from Flanders vnto
+ us. Certes the corruptions vsed by the Flemings, and forgerie dailie
+ practised in this kind of ware, gaue vs occasion to plant them here at
+ home: so that now we may spare and send manie ouer vnto them. And this
+ I know by experience, that some one man by conuersion of his moorie
+ grounds into hopyards, wherof before he had no commoditie, dooth raise
+ yearelie by so little as twelue acres in compasse two hundred markes;
+ all charges borne toward the maintenance of his familie. Which
+ industrie God continue! though some secret fréends of Flemings let not
+ to exclaime against this commoditie, as a spoile of wood, by reason of
+ the poles, which neuerthelesse after three yeares doo also come to the
+ fire, and spare their other fewell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cattell.]
+ The cattell which we breed are commonlie such, as for greatnesse of
+ bone, swéetnesse of flesh, and other benefits to be reaped by the
+ same, giue place vnto none other: as may appeare first by our oxen,
+ whose largenesse, height, weight, tallow, hides, and hornes are such,
+ as none of anie other nation doo commonlie or may easilie excéed them.
+ Our shéepe likewise for good tast of flesh, quantitie of lims, finesse
+ of fléece caused by their hardnesse of pasturage, and abundance of
+ increase (for in manie places they bring foorth two or thrée at an
+ eaning) giue no place vnto anie, more than doo our goates, who in like
+ sort doo follow the same order, and our déere come not behind. As for
+ our conies, I haue séene them so fat in some soiles, especiallie about
+ [Sidenote: Meall and Disnege.]
+ Meall and Disnege, that the grease of one being weighed, hath peised
+ verie néere six or seuen ounces. All which benefits we first refer to
+ the grace and goodnesse of God, and next of all vnto the bountie of
+ our soile, which he hath indued with so notable and commodious
+ fruitfulnesse.
+
+ But as I meane to intreat of these things more largelie hereafter, so
+ will I touch in this place one benefit which our nation wanteth, and
+ [Sidenote: Wine.]
+ that is wine; the fault whereof is not in our soile, but the
+ negligence of our countriemen (especiallie of the south partes) who
+ doo not inure the same to this commoditie, and which by reason of long
+ discontinuance, is now become vnapt to beare anie grapes almost for
+ pleasure & shadow, much lesse then the plaine fields or seuerall
+ vineyards for aduantage and commoditie. Yet of late time some haue
+ assaied to deale for wine, as to your lordship also is right well
+ knowen. But sith that liquor when it commeth to the drinking hath bin
+ found more hard, than that which is brought from beyond the sea, and
+ the cost of planting and keeping thereof so chargeable, that they may
+ buie it far better cheape from other countries: they haue giuen ouer
+ their enterprises without anie consideration, that as in all other
+ things, so neither the ground it selfe in the beginning, nor successe
+ of their trauell can answer their expectation at the first, vntill
+ such time as the soile be brought as it were into acquaintance with
+ this commoditie, and that prouision may be made for the more easinesse
+ of charge, to be imploied vpon the same.
+
+ If it be true, that where wine dooth last and indure well, there it
+ will grow no worse: I muse not a little wherefore the planting of
+ vines should be neglected in England. That this liquor might haue
+ growne in this Iland heretofore, first the charter that Probus the
+ emperour gaue equallie to vs, the Galles, and Spaniards, is one
+ sufficient testimonie. And that it did grow here, beside the
+ testimonie of Beda lib. 1. cap. 1. the old notes of tithes for wine
+ that yet remaine in the accompts of some parsons and vicars in Kent, &
+ elsewhere, besides the records of sundrie sutes, commensed in diuerse
+ ecclesiasticall courts, both in Kent, Surrie, &c: also the inclosed
+ parcels almost in euerie abbeie yet called the vineyardes, may be a
+ notable witnesse, as also the plot which we now call east Smithfield
+ in London giuen by Canutus sometime king of this land, with other
+ soile there about vnto certeine of his knights, with the libertie of a
+ Guild which therof was called Knighten Guild. The truth is (saith Iohn
+ Stow our countrie man, and diligent traueller in the old estate of
+ this my natiue citie) that it is now named Port soken ward, and giuen
+ in time past to the religious house within Algate. Howbeit first
+ Otwell, the Archouell, Otto, & finallie Geffrie erle of Essex
+ constables of the Tower of London, withheld that portion fr[=o] the
+ said house, vntill the reigne of king Stephan, and thereof made a
+ vineyard to their great commoditie and lucre. The Ile of Elie also was
+ in the first times of the Normans called Le Ile des vignes. And good
+ record appéereth, that the bishop there had yearelie thrée or foure
+ tunne at the least giuen him Nomine decimæ, beside whatsoeuer
+ ouer-summe of the liquor did accrue to him by leases and other
+ excheats, whereof also I haue seene mention. Wherefore our soile is
+ not to be blamed, as though our nights were so exceeding short, that
+ in August and September the moone which is ladie of moisture, & chiefe
+ ripener of this liquor, cannot in anie wise shine long inough vpon the
+ same: a verie méere toie and fable right worthie to be suppressed,
+ because experience conuinceth the vpholders thereof euen in the
+ Rhenish wines.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wad.]
+ The time hath béene also that wad, wherwith our countrie men died
+ their faces (as Cæsar saith) that they might séeme terrible to their
+ enimies in the field, and also women & their daughters in law did
+ staine their bodies & go naked, in that pickle to the sacrifices of
+ their gods, coueting to resemble therin the Ethiopians, as Plinie
+ [Sidenote: Madder.]
+ saith li. 22. cap. 1. and also madder haue béene (next vnto our tin
+ and woolles) the chiefe commodities, and merchandize of this realme. I
+ [Sidenote: Rape.]
+ find also that rape oile hath beene made within this land. But now our
+ soile either will not or at the leastwise may not beare either wad or
+ madder: I saie not that the ground is not able so to doo, but that we
+ are negligent, afraid of the pilling of our grounds, and carelesse of
+ our owne profit, as men rather willing to buie the same of others than
+ take anie paine to plant them here at home. The like I may saie of
+ [Sidenote: Flax.]
+ flax, which by law ought to be sowen in euerie countrie-towne in
+ England, more or lesse: but I sée no successe of that good and
+ wholesome law, sith it is rather contemptuouslie reiected than
+ otherwise dutifullie kept in anie place of England.
+
+ Some saie that our great number of lawes doo bréed a generall
+ negligence and contempt of all good order; bicause we haue so manie,
+ that no subiect can liue without the transgression of some of them,
+ and that the often alteration of our ordinances dooth much harme in
+ this respect, which (after Aristotle) doth séeme to carie some reason
+ withall, for (as Cornelius Gallus hath:)
+
+ [Sidenote: Eleg. 2.]
+
+   Euentus varios res noua semper habet.
+
+ But verie manie let not to affirme, that the gréedie corruption of the
+ promoters on the one side, facilitie in dispensing with good lawes,
+ and first breach of the same in the lawmakers & superiors, & priuat
+ respects of their establishment on the other, are the greatest causes
+ whie the inferiours regard no good order, being alwaies so redie to
+ offend without anie facultie one waie, as they are otherwise to
+ presume, vpon the examples of their betters when anie hold is to be
+ [Sidenote: Principis longè magis exemplo quion culpa peccare solent.]
+ taken. But as in these things I haue no skill, so I wish that fewer
+ licences for the priuat commoditie but of a few were granted (not that
+ thereby I denie the maintenance of the prerogatiue roiall, but rather
+ would with all my hart that it might be yet more honorablie increased)
+ & that euerie one which by féeed friendship (or otherwise) dooth
+ attempt to procure oughts from the prince, that may profit but few and
+ proue hurtfull to manie, might be at open assizes and sessions
+ denounced enimie to his countrie and commonwealth of the land.
+
+ Glasse also hath beene made here in great plentie before, and in the
+ time of the Romans; and the said stuffe also, beside fine scissers,
+ shéeres, collars of gold and siluer for womens necks, cruses and cups
+ of amber, were a parcell of the tribute which Augustus in his daies
+ laid vpon this Iland. In like sort he charged the Britons with
+ certeine implements and vessels of iuorie (as Strabo saith.) Wherby it
+ appéereth that in old time our countriemen were farre more industrious
+ and painefull in the vse and application of the benefits of their
+ countrie, than either after the comming of the Saxons or Normans, in
+ which they gaue themselues more to idlenesse and following of the
+ warres.
+
+ [Sidenote: Earth.]
+ If it were requisit that I should speake of the sundrie kinds of
+ moold, as the cledgie or claie, whereof are diuerse sorts (red, blue,
+ blacke and white) also the red or white sandie, the lomie, rosellie,
+ grauellie, chalkie or blacke, I could saie that there are so manie
+ diuerse veines in Britaine, as else where in anie quarter of like
+ quantitie in the world. Howbeit this I must néeds confesse, that the
+ sandie and cledgie doo beare great swaie: but the claie most of all,
+ as hath beene, and yet is alwaies séene & felt through plentie and
+ dearth of corne. For if this latter (I meane the claie) doo yeeld hir
+ full increase (which it dooth commonlie in drie yeares for wheat) then
+ is there generall plentie: wheras if it faile, then haue we scarsitie,
+ according to the old rude verse set downe of England, but to be
+ vnderstood of the whole Iland, as experience dooth confirme:
+
+   When the sand dooth serue the claie,
+   Then may we sing well awaie,
+   But when the claie dooth serue the sand,
+   Then is it merie with England.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vallies.]
+ I might here intreat of the famous vallies in England, of which one is
+ called the vale of White horsse, another of Eouesham, commonlie taken
+ for the granarie of Worcestershire, the third of Ailesbirie that goeth
+ by Tame, the rootes of Chilterne hils, to Donstable, Newport panell,
+ Stonie Stratford, Buckhingham, Birstane parke, &c. Likewise of the
+ fourth of Whitehart or Blackemoore in Dorsetshire. The fift of
+ Ringdale or Renidale, corruptlie called Ringtaile, that lieth (as mine
+ author saith) vpon the edge of Essex and Cambridgeshire, and also the
+ Marshwood vale: but for somuch as I know not well their seuerall
+ limits, I giue ouer to go anie further in their description. In like
+ [Sidenote: Fennes.]
+ sort it should not be amisse to speake of our fennes, although our
+ countrie be not so full of this kind of soile as the parties beyond
+ the seas, to wit, Narbon, &c: and thereto of other pleasant botoms,
+ the which are not onelie indued with excellent riuers and great store
+ of corne and fine fodder for neat and horsses in time of the yeare
+ (whereby they are excéeding beneficiall vnto their owners) but also of
+ no small compasse and quantitie in ground. For some of our fens are
+ well knowen to be either of ten, twelue, sixtéene, twentie, or thirtie
+ miles in length, that of the Girwies yet passing all the rest, which
+ is full 60 (as I haue often read.) Wherein also Elie the famous Ile
+ standeth, which is seuen miles euerie waie, and wherevnto there is no
+ accesse but by thrée causies, whose inhabitants in like sort by an old
+ priuilege may take wood, sedge, turfe, &c; to burne: likewise haie for
+ their cattell, and thatch for their houses of custome, and each
+ occupier in his appointed quantitie through out the Ile; albeit that
+ couetousnesse hath now begun somewhat to abridge this large
+ beneuolence and commoditie, aswell in the said Ile as most other
+ places of this land.
+
+ [Sidenote: Commons.]
+ Finallie, I might discourse in like order of the large commons, laid
+ out heretofore by the lords of the soiles for the benefit of such
+ poore, as inhabit within the compasse of their manors. But as the true
+ intent of the giuers is now in most places defrauded, in so much that
+ not the poore tenants inhabiting vpon the same, but their landlords
+ haue all the commoditie and gaine, so the tractation of them belongeth
+ rather to the second booke. Wherfore I meane not at this present to
+ deale withall, but reserue the same wholie vnto the due place whilest
+ I go forward with the rest; setting downe neuerthelesse by the waie a
+ generall commendation of the whole Iland, which I find in an ancient
+ monument, much vnto this effect.
+
+
+   Illa quidem longè celebris splendore, beata,
+   Glebis, lacte, fauis, supereminet insula cunctis,
+   Quas regit ille Deus, spumanti cuius ab ore
+   Profluit oceanus, &c.
+   _And a little after_: Testis Lundonia ratibus, Wintonia Baccho,
+   Herefordia grege, Worcestria fruge redundans,
+   Batha lacu, Salabyra feris, Cantuaria pisce,
+   Eboraca syluis, Excestria clara metallis,
+   Norwicum Dacis hybernis, Cestria Gallis,
+   Cicestrum Norwagenis, Dunelmia præpinguis,
+   Testis Lincolnia gens infinita decore,
+   Testis Eli formosa situ, Doncastria visu, &c.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE FOURE HIGH WAIES SOMETIME MADE IN BRITAINE BY THE PRINCES OF
+ THIS ILAND.
+
+ CAP. XIX.
+
+
+ There are, which indeuoring to bring all things to their Saxon
+ originall, doo affirme, that this diuision of waies, (whereof we now
+ intreat) should apperteine vnto such princes of that nation as reigned
+ here, since the Romanes gaue vs ouer: and herevpon they inferre, that
+ Wattling street was builded by one Wattle from the east vnto the west.
+ But how weake their coniectures are in this behalfe, the antiquitie of
+ these streets it selfe shall easilie declare, whereof some parcelles,
+ after a sort, are also set downe by Antoninus; and those that haue
+ written of the seuerall iournies from hence to Rome: although
+ peraduenture not in so direct an order as they were at the first
+ established. For my part, if it were not that I desire to be short in
+ this behalfe, I could with such notes as I haue alreadie collected for
+ that purpose, make a large confutation of diuerse of their opinions
+ concerning these passages, and thereby rather ascribe the originall of
+ these waies to the Romans than either the British or Saxon princes.
+ But sith I haue spent more time in the tractation of the riuers than
+ was allotted vnto me, and that I sée great cause (notwithstanding my
+ late alledged scruple) wherfore I should hold with our Galfride before
+ anie other; I will omit at this time to discourse of these things as I
+ would, and saie what I maie for the better knowledge of their courses,
+ procéeding therein as followeth.
+
+ First of all I find, that Dunwallon king of Britaine, about 483 yeares
+ before the birth of our sauiour Iesus Christ, séeing the subiects of
+ his realme to be in sundrie wise oppressed by théeues and robbers as
+ they trauelled to and fro; and being willing (so much as in him laie)
+ to redresse these inconueniences, caused his whole kingdome to be
+ surueied; and then commanding foure principall waies to be made, which
+ should leade such as trauelled into all parts thereof, from sea to
+ sea, he gaue sundrie large priuileges vnto the same, whereby they
+ became safe, and verie much frequented. And as he had regard herein to
+ the securitie of his subiects, so he made sharpe lawes grounded vpon
+ iustice, for the suppression of such wicked members as did offer
+ violence to anie traueler that should be met withall or found within
+ the limits of those passages. How and by what parts of this Iland
+ these waies were conueied at the first, it is not so wholie left in
+ memorie: but that some question is mooued among the learned,
+ concerning their ancient courses. Howbeit such is the shadow remaining
+ hitherto of their extensions, that if not at this present perfectlie,
+ yet hereafter it is not vnpossible, but that they may be found out, &
+ left certeine vnto posteritie. It seemeth by Galfride, that the said
+ Dunwallon did limit out those waies by dooles and markes, which being
+ in short time altered by the auarice of such irreligious persons as
+ dwelt néere, and incroched vpon the same (a fault yet iustlie to be
+ found almost in euerie place, euen in the time of our most gratious
+ and souereigne Ladie Elizabeth, wherein the lords of the soiles doo
+ vnite their small occupieng, onelie to increase a greater proportion
+ of rent; and therefore they either remooue, or giue licence to erect
+ small tenements vpon the high waies sides and commons; wherevnto, in
+ truth, they haue no right: and yet out of them also doo raise a new
+ commoditie) and question mooued for their bounds before Belinus his
+ sonne, he to auoid all further controuersie that might from
+ thencefoorth insue, caused the same to be paued with hard stone of
+ eightéene foot in breadth, ten foot in depth, and in the bottome
+ thereof huge flint stones also to be pitched, least the earth in time
+ should swallow vp his workemanship, and the higher ground ouer-grow
+ their rising crests. He indued them also with larger priuileges than
+ before, protesting that if anie man whosoeuer should presume to
+ infringe his peace, and violate the lawes of his kingdome in anie
+ maner of wise, neere vnto or vpon those waies, he should suffer such
+ punishment without all hope to escape (by freendship or mercie) as by
+ the statutes of this realme latelie prouided in those cases were due
+ vnto the offendors. The names of these foure waies are the Fosse, the
+ Gwethelin or Watling, the Erming, and the Ikenild.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ The Fosse goeth not directlie but slopewise ouer the greatest part of
+ this Iland, beginning at Dotnesse or Totnesse in Deuonshire, where
+ Brute somtime landed, or (as Ranulphus saith, which is more likelie)
+ at the point of Cornwall, though the eldest writers doo séeme to note
+ the contrarie. From hence it goeth thorough the middle of Deuonshire &
+ Summersetshire, and commeth to Bristow, from whence it runneth
+ manifestlie to Sudberie market, Tetburie, and so foorth holdeth on as
+ you go almost to the midde waie betweene Glocester and Cirnecester,
+ (where the wood faileth, and the champeigne countrie appeareth toward
+ Cotteswald) streight as a line vntill you come to Cirnecester it
+ selfe. Some hold opinion that the waie, which lieth from Cirnecester
+ to Bath, should be the verie Fosse; and that betwixt Cirnecester and
+ Glocester to be another of the foure waies, made by the Britons. But
+ ancient report grounded vpon great likelihood, and confirmed also by
+ some experience, iudgeth that most of the waies crossed ech other in
+ this part of the realme. And of this mind is Leland also, who learned
+ it of an abbat of Cirnecester that shewed great likelihood by some
+ records thereof. But to procéed. From Cirnecester, it goeth by
+ Chepingnorton to Couentrie, Leircester, Newarke, and so to Lincolne
+ ouerthwart the Watlingstreet: where, by generall consent of all the
+ writers (except Alfred of Beuerleie, who extendeth it vnto Cathnesse
+ in Scotland) it is said to haue an end.
+
+ [Sidenote: Watling stréet.]
+ The Watlingstréete begun (as I said) by Dunwallo, but finished by
+ Gutheline, of whome it is directlie to be called Gutheline stréet,
+ though now corrupted into Watlingstréet, beginneth at Douer in Kent,
+ and so stretcheth through the middest of Kent vnto London, and so
+ foorth (peraduenture by the middest of the citie) vnto Verolamium or
+ Verlamcester, now saint Albons, where, in the yeare of grace, one
+ thousand fiue hundred thirtie & one, the course thereof was found by a
+ man that digged for grauell wherwith to mend the high waie. It was in
+ this place eighteene foot broad, and about ten foot déepe, and stoned
+ in the bottome in such wise as I haue noted afore, and peraduenture
+ also on the top: but these are gone, and the rest remaine equall in
+ most places, and leuell with the fields. The yelow grauell also that
+ was brought thither in carts two thousand yéeres passed, remained
+ there so fresh and so strong, as if it had béene digged out of the
+ naturall place where it grew not manie yéeres before. From hence it
+ goeth hard by Margate, leauing it on the west side. And a little by
+ south of this place, where the priorie stood, is a long thorough fare
+ vpon the said street, méetly well builded (for low housing) on both
+ sides. After this it procéedeth (as the chronicle of Barnwell saith)
+ to Caxton, and so to Huntingdon, & then forward, still winding in and
+ out till it not onelie becommeth a bound vnto Leicestershire toward
+ Lugbie, but also passeth from Castleford to Stamford, and so foorth by
+ west of Marton, which is but a mile from Torkeseie.
+
+ Here by the waie I must touch the opinion of a traueller of my time,
+ who noteth the said stréet to go another waie, insomuch that he would
+ haue it to crosse the third Auon, betwixt Newton and Dowbridge, and so
+ go on to Binford bridge, Wibtoft, the High crosse, and thence to
+ Atherston vpon Ancre. Certes it may be, that the Fosse had his course
+ by the countrie in such sort as he describeth; but that the
+ Watlingstréet should passe by Atherston, I cannot as yet be persuaded.
+ Neuerthelesse his coniecture is not to be misliked, sith it is not
+ vnlikelie that thrée seuerall waies might méet at Alderwaie (a towne
+ vpon Tame, beneath Salters bridge) for I doo not doubt that the said
+ towne did take his name of all three waies, as Aldermarie church in
+ London did of all thrée Maries, vnto whom it hath béene dedicated: but
+ that the Watlingstréet should be one of them, the compasse of his
+ passage will in no wise permit. And thus much haue I thought good to
+ note by the waie. Now to returne againe to Leland, and other mens
+ collections.
+
+ The next tidings that we heare of the Watlingstréet, are that it goeth
+ thorough or neere by the parke at Pomfret, as the common voice also of
+ the countrie confirmeth. Thence it passeth hastilie ouer Castelford
+ bridge to Aberford, which is fiue miles from thence, and where are
+ most manifest tokens of this stréet and his broad crest by a great
+ waie togither, also to Yorke, to Witherbie, and then to Borowbridge,
+ where on the left hand thereof stood certeine monuments, or pyramides
+ of stone, sometimes placed there by the ancient Romanes. These stones
+ (saith Leland) stand eight miles west from Bowis, and almost west from
+ Richmond is a little thorough fare called Maiden castell, situate
+ apparantlie vpon the side of this stréet. And here is one of those
+ pyramides or great round heapes, which is three score foot compasse in
+ the bottome. There are other also of lesse quantities, and on the
+ verie top of ech of them are sharpe stones of a yard in length; but
+ the greatest of all is eighteene foot high at the least, from the
+ ground to the verie head. He addeth moreouer, how they stand on an
+ hill in the edge of Stanes moore, and are as bounds betwéene
+ Richmondshire, and Westmerland. But to procéed. This stréet lieng a
+ mile from Gilling, and two miles from Richmond commeth on from
+ Borowbridge to Catericke, eightéene miles; that is, twelue to Leuing,
+ & six to Catericke; then eleuen miles to Greteie or Gritto, fiue miles
+ to Bottles, eight miles to Burgh on Stanes moore, foure miles from
+ Applebie, and fiue to Browham, where the said stréet commeth thorough
+ Winfoll parke, and ouer the bridge on Eiemouth and Loder, and leauing
+ Perith a quarter of a mile or more on the west side of it, goeth to
+ Carleill seuenteene miles from Browham, which hath béene some notable
+ thing. Hitherto it appeareth euidentlie, but going from hence into
+ Scotland, I heare no more of it, vntill I come to Cathnesse, which is
+ two hundred and thirtie miles or thereabouts out of England.
+
+ [Sidenote: Erming stréet.]
+ The Erming stréet, which some call the Lelme, stretcheth out of the
+ east, as they saie, into the southeast, that is, from Meneuia or S.
+ Dauids in Wales vnto Southampton, whereby it is somewhat likelie
+ indeed that these two waies, I meane the Fosse and the Erming, should
+ méet about Cirnecester, as it commeth from Glocester, according to the
+ opinion conceiued of them in that countrie. Of this waie I find no
+ more written, and therefore I can saie no more of it, except I should
+ indeuor to driue awaie the time, in alleging what other men say
+ thereof, whose minds doo so farre disagrée one from another, as they
+ doo all from a truth, and therefore I giue them ouer as not delighting
+ in such dealing.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ikenild.]
+ The Ikenild or Rikenild began somewhere in the south, and so held on
+ toward Cirnecester, then to Worcester, Wicombe, Brimcham, Lichfield,
+ Darbie, Chesterfield; and crossing the Watlingstréet somewhere in
+ Yorkeshire, stretched foorth in the end vnto the mouth of the Tine,
+ where it ended at the maine sea, as most men doo confesse. I take it
+ to be called the Ikenild, because it passed thorough the kingdome of
+ the Icenes. For albeit that Leland & other following him doo séeme to
+ place the Icenes in Norffolke and Suffolke; yet in mine opinion that
+ can not well be doone, sith it is manifest by Tacitus, that they laie
+ néere vnto the Silures, and (as I gesse) either in Stafford and
+ Worcester shires, or in both, except my coniecture doo faile me. The
+ author of the booke, intituled Eulogium historiarum, doth call this
+ stréet the Lelme. But as herein he is deceiued, so haue I dealt
+ withall so faithfullie as I may among such diuersitie of opinions; yet
+ not denieng but that there is much confusion in the names and courses
+ of these two latter, the discussing whereof I must leaue to other men
+ that are better learned than I.
+
+ Now to speake generallie of our common high waies through the English
+ part of the Ile (for of the rest I can saie nothing) you shall
+ vnderstand that in the claie or cledgie soile they are often verie
+ déepe and troublesome in the winter halfe. Wherfore by authoritie of
+ parlement an order is taken for their yearelie amendment, whereby all
+ sorts of the common people doo imploie their trauell for six daies in
+ summer vpon the same. And albeit that the intent of the statute is
+ verie profitable for the reparations of the decaied places, yet the
+ rich doo so cancell their portions, and the poore so loiter in their
+ labours, that of all the six, scarcelie two good days works are well
+ performed and accomplished in a parish on these so necessarie
+ affaires. Besides this, such as haue land lieng vpon the sides of the
+ waies, doo vtterlie neglect to dich and scowre their draines and
+ watercourses, for better auoidance of the winter waters (except it may
+ be set off or cut from the meaning of the statute) whereby the stréets
+ doo grow to be much more gulled than before, and thereby verie noisome
+ for such as trauell by the same. Sometimes also, and that verie often,
+ these daies works are not imploied vpon those waies that lead from
+ market to market, but ech surueior amendeth such by-plots & lanes as
+ séeme best for his owne commoditie, and more easie passage vnto his
+ fields and pastures. And whereas in some places there is such want of
+ stones, as thereby the inhabitants are driuen to seeke them farre off
+ in other soiles: the owners of the lands wherein those stones are to
+ be had, and which hitherto haue giuen monie to haue them borne awaie,
+ doo now reape no small commoditie by raising the same to excessiue
+ prices, whereby their neighbours are driuen to grieuous charges, which
+ is another cause wherefore the meaning of that good law is verie much
+ defrauded. Finallie, this is another thing likewise to be considered
+ of, that the trées and bushes growing by the stréets sides; doo not a
+ little keepe off the force of the sunne in summer for drieng vp of the
+ lanes. Wherefore if order were taken that their boughs should
+ continuallie be kept short, and the bushes not suffered to spread so
+ far into the narrow paths, that inconuenience would also be remedied,
+ and manie a slough proue hard ground that yet is déepe and hollow. Of
+ the dailie incroaching of the couetous vpon the hie waies I speake
+ not. But this I know by experience, that wheras some stréets within
+ these fiue and twentie yeares haue béene in most places fiftie foot
+ broad according to the law, whereby the traueller might either escape
+ the théefe or shift the mier, or passe by the loaden cart without
+ danger of himselfe and his horsse; now they are brought vnto twelue,
+ or twentie, or six and twentie at the most, which is another cause
+ also whereby the waies be the worse, and manie an honest man encombred
+ in his iourneie. But what speake I of these things whereof I doo not
+ thinke to heare a iust redresse, because the error is so common, and
+ the benefit thereby so swéet and profitable to manie, by such houses
+ and cotages as are raised vpon the same.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE GENERALL CONSTITUTION OF THE BODIES OF THE BRITONS.
+
+ CHAP. XX.
+
+
+ Such as are bred in this Iland are men for the most part of a good
+ complexion, tall of stature, strong in bodie, white of colour, and
+ thereto of great boldnesse and courage in the warres. As for their
+ generall comelinesse of person, the testimonie of Gregorie the great,
+ at such time as he saw English capteins sold at Rome, shall easilie
+ confirme what it is, which yet dooth differ in sundrie shires and
+ soiles, as also their proportion of members, as we may perceiue
+ betwéene Herefordshire and Essex men, or Cambridgeshire and the
+ Londoners for the one, and Pokington and Sedberrie for the other;
+ these latter being distinguished by their noses and heads, which
+ commonlie are greater there than in other places of the land. As
+ concerning the stomachs also of our nation in the field, they haue
+ alwaies beene in souereigne admiration among forren princes: for such
+ hath béene the estimation of our souldiers from time to time, since
+ our Ile hath béene knowne vnto the Romans, that wheresoeuer they haue
+ serued in forren countries, the cheefe brunts of seruice haue beene
+ reserued vnto them. Of their conquests and bloudie battels woone in
+ France, Germanie, and Scotland, our histories are full: & where they
+ haue beene ouercome, the victorers themselues confessed their
+ victories to haue béene so déerelie bought, that they would not
+ gladlie couet to ouercome often, after such difficult maner. In
+ martiall prowesse, there is little or no difference betwéene
+ Englishmen and Scots: for albeit that the Scots haue beene often and
+ verie gréeuouslie ouercome by the force of our nation, it hath not
+ béene for want of manhood on their parts, but through the mercie of
+ God shewed on vs, and his iustice vpon them, sith they alwaies haue
+ begun the quarels, and offered vs méere iniurie with great despite and
+ crueltie.
+
+ Leland noting somewhat of the constitution of our bodies, saith these
+ words grounding (I thinke vpon Aristotle, who writeth that such as
+ dwell neere the north, are of more courage and strength of bodie than
+ skilfulnesse or wisdome.) The Britons are white in colour, strong of
+ bodie, and full of bloud, as people inhabiting neere the north, and
+ farre from the equinoctiall line, where the soile is not so fruitfull,
+ and therefore the people not so feeble: whereas contrariwise such as
+ dwell toward the course of the sunne, are lesse of stature, weaker of
+ bodie, more nice, delicate, fearefull by nature, blacker in colour, &
+ some so blacke in déed as anie crow or rauen. Thus saith he. Howbeit,
+ as those which are bred in sundrie places of the maine, doo come
+ behind vs in constitution of bodie, so I grant, that in pregnancie of
+ wit, nimblenesse of limmes, and politike inuentions, they generallie
+ exceed vs: notwithstanding that otherwise these gifts of theirs doo
+ often degenerate into méere subtiltie, instabilitie, vnfaithfulnesse,
+ & crueltie. Yet Alexander ab Alexandro is of the opinion, that the
+ fertilest region dooth bring foorth the dullest wits, and contrariwise
+ the harder soile the finest heads. But in mine opinion, the most
+ fertile soile dooth bring foorth the proudest nature, as we may see by
+ the Campanians, who (as Cicero also saith) had "Penes eos ipsum
+ domicilium superbiæ." But nether of these opinions do iustlie take
+ hold of vs, yet hath it pleased the writers to saie their pleasures of
+ vs. And for that we dwell northward, we are commonlie taken by the
+ forren historiographers, to be men of great strength and little
+ policie, much courage and small shift, bicause of the weake abode of
+ the sunne with vs, whereby our braines are not made hot and warmed, as
+ Pachymerus noteth lib. 3: affirming further, that the people
+ inhabiting in the north parts are white of colour, blockish, vnciuill,
+ fierce and warlike, which qualities increase, as they come neerer vnto
+ the pole; whereas the contrarie pole giueth contrarie gifts,
+ blacknesse, wisdome, ciuilitie, weakenesse, and cowardise, thus saith
+ he. But alas, how farre from probabilitie or as if there were not one
+ and the same conclusion to be made of the constitutions of their
+ bodies, which dwell vnder both the poles. For in truth his assertion
+ holdeth onelie in their persons that inhabit néere vnto and vnder the
+ equinoctiall. As for the small tariance of the sunne with vs, it is
+ also confuted by the length of our daies.
+
+ [Sidenote: Non vi sed virtute, non armis sed ingenio vincuntur Angli.]
+ Wherefore his reason seemeth better to vphold that of Alexander ab
+ Alexandro afore alledged, than to prooue that we want wit, bicause our
+ brains are not warmed by the tariance of the sunne. And thus also
+ dooth Comineus burden vs after a sort in his historie, and after him,
+ Bodinus. But thanked be God, that all the wit of his countriemen, if
+ it may be called wit, could neuer compasse to doo so much in Britaine,
+ as the strength and courage of our Englishmen (not without great
+ wisedome and forecast) haue brought to passe in France. The Galles in
+ time past contemned the Romans (saith Cæsar) bicause of the smalnesse
+ of their stature: howbeit, for all their greatnesse (saith he) and at
+ the first brunt in the warres, they shew themselues to be but féeble,
+ neither is their courage of any force to stand in great calamities.
+ Certes in accusing our wisedome in this sort, he dooth (in mine
+ opinion) increase our commendation. For if it be a vertue to deale
+ vprightlie with singlenesse of mind, sincerelie and plainlie, without
+ anie such suspicious fetches in all our dealing, as they commonlie
+ practise in their affaires, then are our countrimen to be accompted
+ wise and vertuous. But if it be a vice to colour craftinesse, subtile
+ practises, doublenesse, and hollow behauiour, with a cloake of
+ policie, amitie and wisedome: then are Comineus and his countrimen to
+ be reputed vicious, of whome this prouerbe hath of old time beene vsed
+ as an eare marke of their dissimulation,
+
+   Galli ridendo fidem frangunt. &c.
+
+ How these latter points take hold in Italie, I meane not to discusse.
+ How they are dailie practised in manie places of the maine, & he
+ accompted most wise and politike, that can most of all dissemble; here
+ is no place iustlie to determine (neither would I wish my countrimen
+ to learne anie such wisedome) but that a king of France could saie;
+ "Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare, _or_ viuere," their owne
+ histories are testimonies sufficient. Galen, the noble physician,
+ transferring the forces of our naturall humors from the bodie to the
+ mind, attributeth to the yellow colour, prudence; to the blacke,
+ constancie; to bloud, mirth; to phlegme, courtesie: which being mixed
+ more or lesse among themselues, doo yéeld an infinit varietie. By this
+ meanes therefore it commeth to passe, that he whose nature inclineth
+ generallie to phlegme, cannot but be courteous: which joined with
+ strength of bodie, and sinceritie of behauiour (qualities vniuersallie
+ granted to remaine so well in our nation, as other inhabitants of the
+ north) I cannot see what may be an hinderance whie I should not rather
+ conclude, that the Britons doo excell such as dwell in the hoter
+ countries, than for want of craft and subtilties to come anie whit
+ behind them. It is but vanitie also for some to note vs (as I haue
+ often heard in common table talke) as barbarous, bicause we so little
+ regard the shedding of our bloud, and rather tremble not when we sée
+ the liquor of life to go from vs (I vse their owne words.) Certes if
+ we be barbarous in their eies, bicause we be rather inflamed than
+ appalled at our wounds, then are those obiectors flat cowards in our
+ iudgement: sith we thinke it a great péece of manhood to stand to our
+ tackling, vntill the last drop, as men that may spare much bicause we
+ haue much: whereas they hauing lesse are afraid to lose that little
+ which they haue: as Frontinus also noteth. As for that which the
+ French write of their owne manhood in their histories, I make little
+ accompt of it: for I am of the opinion, that as an Italian writing of
+ his credit; A papist intreating of religion, a Spaniard of his
+ méekenesse, or a Scot of his manhood, is not to be builded on; no more
+ is a Frenchman to be trusted in the report of his owne affaires,
+ wherein he dooth either dissemble or excéed, which is a foule vice in
+ such as professe to deale vprightlie. Neither are we so hard to
+ strangers as Horace wold séeme to make vs, sith we loue them so long
+ as they abuse vs not, & make accompt of them so far foorth as they
+ despise vs not. And this is generallie to be verified, in that they
+ vse our priuileges and commodities for diet, apparell and trade of
+ gaine, in so ample manner as we our selues enioy them: which is not
+ lawfull for vs to doo in their countries, where no stranger is
+ suffered to haue worke, if an home-borne be without. But to procéed
+ with our purpose.
+
+
+ With vs (although our good men care not to liue long, but to liue
+ well) some doo liue an hundred yéers, verie manie vnto foure score: as
+ for thrée score, it is taken but for our entrance into age, so that in
+ Britaine no man is said to wax old till he draw vnto thrée score, at
+ which time God spéed you well commeth in place; as Epaminondas
+ [Sidenote: Salutations according to our ages.]
+ sometime said in mirth, affirming that vntill thirtie yeares of age,
+ You are welcome is the best salutation; and from thence to thréescore,
+ God kéepe you; but after thréescore, it is best to saie, God spéed you
+ well: for at that time we begin to grow toward our iournies end,
+ whereon manie a one haue verie good leaue to go. These two are also
+ noted in vs (as things apperteining to the firme constitutions of our
+ bodies) that there hath not béene séene in anie region so manie
+ carcasses of the dead to remaine from time to time without corruption
+ as in Britaine: and that after death by slaughter or otherwise, such
+ as remaine vnburied by foure or fiue daies togither, are easie to be
+ knowne and discerned by their fréends and kindred; whereas Tacitus and
+ other complaine of sundrie nations, saieng, that their bodies are "Tam
+ fluidae substantiæ," that within certeine houres the wife shall
+ hardlie know hir husband, the mother hir sonne, or one fréend another
+ after their liues be ended. In like sort the comelinesse of our liuing
+ bodies doo continue from midle age (for the most) euen to the last
+ gaspe, speciallie in mankind. And albeit that our women through
+ bearing of children doo after fortie begin to wrinkle apace, yet are
+ they not commonlie so wretched and hard fauoured to looke vpon in
+ their age, as the French women, and diuerse of other countries with
+ whom their men also doo much participate; and thereto be so often
+ waiward and peeuish, that nothing in maner may content them.
+
+ I might here adde somewhat also of the meane stature generallie of our
+ women, whose beautie commonlie excéedeth the fairest of those of the
+ maine, their comlinesse of person and good proportion of limmes, most
+ of theirs that come ouer vnto vs from beyond the seas. This
+ neuerthelesse I vtterlie mislike in the poorer sort of them, for the
+ wealthier doo sildome offend herein: that being of themselues without
+ gouernement, they are so carelesse in the education of their children
+ (wherein their husbands are also to be blamed) by means whereof verie
+ manie of them neither fearing God, neither regarding either maners or
+ obedience, doo oftentimes come to confusion, which (if anie correction
+ or discipline had béene vsed toward them in youth) might haue prooued
+ good members of their common-wealth & countrie, by their good seruice
+ and industrie. I could make report likewise of the naturall vices and
+ vertues of all those that are borne within this Iland, but as the full
+ tractation herof craueth a better head than mine to set foorth the
+ same, so will I giue place to other men that list to take it in hand.
+ Thus much therefore of the constitutions of our bodies: and so much
+ may suffice.
+
+
+
+
+ HOW BRITAINE AT THE FIRST GREW TO BE DIUIDED INTO THREE PORTIONS.
+
+ CAP. XXI.
+
+
+ After the comming of Brutus into this Iland (which was, as you haue
+ read in the foresaid treatise, about the yeare of the world, 2850, or
+ 1217 before the incarnation of Christ, although Goropius after his
+ maner doo vtterlie denie our historie in this behalfe) he made a
+ generall surueie of the whole Iland from side to side, by such means
+ to view and search out not onelie the limits and bounds of his
+ dominions, but also what commodities this new atchiued conquest might
+ yéeld vnto his people. Furthermore, finding out at the last also a
+ conuenable place wherin to erect a citie, he began there euen the
+ verie same which at this daie is called London, naming it Trenouanton,
+ in remembrance of old Troie, from whence his ancestors proceeded, and
+ for which the Romans pronounced afterward Trinobantum, although the
+ Welshmen doo call it still Trenewith. This citie was builded (as some
+ write) much about the tenth yeare of his reigne, so that he liued not
+ aboue fiftéene yeares after he had finished the same. But of the rest
+ of his other acts attempted and doone, before or after the erection of
+ this citie, I find no certeine report, more than that when he had
+ reigned in this Iland after his arriuall by the space of foure and
+ twentie yeares, he finished his daies at Trenouanton aforesaid, being
+ in his yoong and florishing age, where his carcase was honourablie
+ interred. As for the maner of his death, I find as yet no mention
+ thereof among such writers as are extant; I meane whether it grew vnto
+ him by defect of nature, or force of gréeuous wounds receiued in his
+ warres against such as withstood him from time to time in this Iland,
+ and therefore I can saie nothing of that matter. Herein onelie all
+ agree, that during the time of his languishing paines, he made a
+ disposition of his whole kingdome, diuiding it into three parts or
+ portions, according to the number of his sonnes then liuing, whereof
+ the eldest excéeded not eight and twentie yeares of age, as my
+ coniecture giueth me.
+
+ [Sidenote: Locrine.]
+ To the eldest therefore, whose name was Locrine, he gaue the greatest
+ and best region of all the rest, which of him to this daie is called
+ [Sidenote: Lhoegria.]
+ Lhoegres among the Britons, but in our language England: of such
+ English Saxons as made conquest of the same. This portion also is
+ included on the south with the British sea, on the est with the
+ Germane Ocean, on the north with the Humber, and on the west with the
+ Irish sea, and the riuers Dee and Sauerne, whereof in the generall
+ [Sidenote: Camber.]
+ [Sidenote: Cambri.]
+ description of this Iland I haue spoken more at large. To Camber his
+ second sonne he assigned all that lieth beyond the Sauerne and Dée,
+ toward the west (which parcell in these daies conteineth Southwales
+ and Northwales) with sundrie Ilands adiacent to the same, the whole
+ being in maner cut off and separated from England or Lhoegria by the
+ said streams, wherby it séemeth also a peninsula or by-land, if you
+ respect the small hillie portion of ground that lieth indifferentlie
+ betwéene their maine courses, or such branches (at the least) as run
+ and fall into them. The Welshmen or Britons call it by the ancient
+ name still vnto this day, but we Englishmen terme it Wales: which
+ denomination we haue from the Saxons, who in time past did vse the
+ word Walsh in such sort as we doo Strange: for as we call all those
+ strangers that are not of our nation, so did they name them Walsh
+ which were not of their countrie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Albanact.]
+ The third and last part of the Iland he allotted vnto Albanact his
+ youngest sonne (for he had but three in all, as I haue said before)
+ whose portion séemed for circuit to be more large than that of Camber,
+ and in maner equall in greatnesse with the dominions of Locrinus. But
+ if you haue regard to the seuerall commodities that are to be reaped
+ by each, you shall find them to be not much discrepant or differing
+ one from another: for whatsoeuer the first & second haue in plentie of
+ corne, fine grasse, and large cattell, this latter wanteth not in
+ excéeding store of fish, rich mettall, quarries of stone, and
+ abundance of wild foule: so that in mine opinion, there could not be a
+ more equall partition than this made by Brute, and after the aforesaid
+ maner. This later parcell at the first, tooke the name of Albanactus,
+ who called it Albania. But now a small portion onelie of the region
+ (being vnder the regiment of a duke) reteineth the said denomination,
+ the rest being called Scotland, of certeine Scots that came ouer from
+ Ireland to inhabit in those quarters. It is diuided from Lhoegres also
+ by the Solue and the Firth, yet some doo note the Humber; so that
+ [Sidenote: Albania.]
+ Albania (as Brute left it) conteined all the north part of the Iland
+ that is to be found beyond the aforesaid streame, vnto the point of
+ Cathnesse.
+
+ To conclude, Brute hauing diuided his kingdome after this maner, and
+ therein contenting himselfe as it were with the generall title of the
+ whole, it was not long after yer he ended his life; and being
+ solemnelie interred at his new citie by his thrée children, they
+ parted each from other, and tooke possession of their prouinces. But
+ [Sidenote: Locrine king also of Scotland.]
+ Scotland after two yeares fell againe into the hands of Locrinus as to
+ the chiefe lord, by the death of his brother Albanact, who was slaine
+ by Humber king of the Scithians, and left none issue behind him to
+ succéed him in that kingdome.
+
+
+
+
+ AFTER WHAT MANER THE SOUEREIGNTIE OF THIS ILE DOOTH REMAINE TO THE
+ PRINCES OF LHOEGRES OR KINGS OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XXII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: The Scots alwaies desirous to shake off the English
+ subiection, have often made cruell & odious attempts so to doo,
+ but in vaine.]
+ It is possible that some of the Scotish nation, reading the former
+ chapter, will take offence with me for meaning that the principalitie
+ of the north parts of this Ile hath alwais belonged to the kings of
+ Lhoegres. For whose more ample satisfaction in this behalfe, I will
+ here set downe a discourse thereof at large, written by diuerse, and
+ now finallie brought into one treatise, sufficient (as I thinke) to
+ satisfie the reasonable, although not halfe enough peraduenture to
+ content a wrangling mind, sith there is (or at the leastwise hath
+ beene) nothing more odious among some, than to heare that the king of
+ England hath ought to doo in Scotland.
+
+ How their historiographers haue attempted to shape manie coloured
+ excuses to auoid so manifest a title, all men may see that read their
+ bookes indifferentlie, wherevnto I referre them. For my part there is
+ little or nothing of mine herein, more than onelie the collection and
+ abridgement of a number of fragments togither, wherein chéeflie I haue
+ vsed the helpe of Nicholas Adams a lawier, who wrote thereof (of set
+ purpose) to king Edward the sixt, as Leland did the like to king
+ Henrie the eight, Iohn Harding vnto Edward the fourth; beside thrée
+ other, whereof the first dedicated his treatise to Henrie the fourth,
+ the second to Edward the third, and the third to Edward the first, as
+ their writings yet extant doo abundantlie beare witnesse. The title
+ also that Leland giueth his booke, which I haue had written with his
+ owne hand, beginneth in this maner: "These remembrances following are
+ found in chronicles authorised, remaining in diuerse monasteries both
+ in England and Scotland, by which it is euidentlie knowne and shewed,
+ that the kings of England haue had, and now ought to haue the
+ souereigntie ouer all Scotland, with the homage and fealtie of the
+ kings there reigning from time to time, &c." Herevnto you haue heard
+ alreadie, what diuision Brute made of this Iland not long before his
+ death, wherof ech of his children, so soone as he was interred, tooke
+ seisure and possession. Howbeit, after two yeares it happened that
+ Albanact was slaine, wherevpon Locrinus and Camber raising their
+ powers, reuenged his death: and finallie the said Locrinus made an
+ entrance vpon Albania, seized it into his owne hands (as excheated
+ wholie vnto himselfe) without yéelding anie part thereof vnto his
+ brother Camber, who made no claime nor title vnto anie portion of the
+ same. Hereby then (saith Adams) it euidentlie appeareth, that the
+ entire seigniorie ouer Albania consisted in Locrinus, according to
+ which example like law among brethren euer since hath continued, in
+ preferring the eldest brother to the onelie benefit of the collaterall
+ ascension from the yongest, as well in Scotland as in England vnto
+ this daie.
+
+ Ebranke the lineall heire from the bodie of this Locrine, that is to
+ saie, the sonne of Mempris, sonne of Madan, sonne of the same Locrine
+ builded in Albania the castell of Maidens, now called Edenborough (so
+ called of Aidan somtime king of Scotland, but at the first named Cair
+ Minid Agnes. 1. the castell on mount Agnes, and the castell of
+ virgins) and the castell of Alcluith or Alclude, now called Dunbriton,
+ as the Scotish Hector Boetius confesseth: whereby it most euidentlie
+ appeareth, that our Ebranke was then thereof seized. This Ebranke
+ reigned in the said state ouer them a long time; after whose death
+ Albania (as annexed to the empire of Britaine) descended to the onelie
+ king of Britons, vntill the time of the two sisters sonnes, Morgan and
+ Conedage, lineall heires from the said Ebranke, who brotherlie at the
+ first diuided the realme betwéen them; so that Morgan had Lhoegres,
+ and Conedage had Albania. But shortlie after Morgan the elder brother,
+ pondering in his head the loue of his brother with the affection to a
+ kingdome, excluded nature, and gaue place to ambition, and therevpon
+ denouncing warre, death miserablie ended his life (as the reward of
+ his vntruth) whereby Conedage obteined the whole empire of all
+ Britaine: in which state he remained during his naturall life.
+
+ From him the same lineallie descended to the onelie king of Britons,
+ vntill (and after) the reigne of Gorbodian, who had issue two sonnes,
+ Ferrex, and Porrex. This Porrex, requiring like diuision of the land,
+ affirming the former partitions to be rather of law than fauor, was by
+ the hands of his elder brother (best loued of queene mother) both of
+ his life and hoped kingdome béereaued at once. Wherevpon their
+ vnnaturall mother, vsing hir naturall malice for the death of hir one
+ sonne (without regard of the loosing of both) miserablie slue the
+ other in his bed mistrusting no such treason.
+
+ Cloten, by all writers, as well Scotish as other, was the next
+ inheritour to the whole empire: but lacking power (the onelie meane in
+ those daies to obteine right) he was contented to diuide the same
+ among foure of his kinsmen; so that Scater had Albania. But after the
+ death of this Cloten, his sonne Dunwallo Mulmutius made warre vpon
+ these foure kings, and at last ouercame them, and so recouered the
+ whole dominion. In token of which victorie, he caused himselfe to be
+ crowned with a crowne of gold, the verie first of that mettall (if
+ anie at all were before in vse) that was worne among the kings of this
+ nation. This Dunwallo erected temples, wherein the people should
+ assemble for praier; to which temples he gaue benefit of sanctuarie.
+ He made the law for wager of battell, in cases of murder and felonie,
+ whereby a théefe that liued and made his art of fighting, should for
+ his purgation fight with the true man whom he had robbed, beléeuing
+ assuredlie, that the gods (for then they supposed manie) would by
+ miracle assigne victorie to none but the innocent partie. Certes the
+ priuileges of this law, and benefit of the latter, as well in Scotland
+ as in England, be inioied to this daie, few causes by late positiue
+ laws among vs excepted, wherin the benefit of wager of battell is
+ restreined. By which obedience to his lawes, it dooth manifestlie
+ appéere, that this Dunwallo was then seized of Albania, now called
+ Scotland. This Dunwallo reigned in this estate ouer them manie yeares.
+
+ Beline and Brenne the sonnes also of Dunwallo, did after their fathers
+ death fauourablie diuide the land betweene them; so that Beline had
+ Lhoegres, & Brenne had Albania: but for that this Brenne (a subiect)
+ without the consent of his elder brother and lord, aduentured to
+ marrie with the daughter of the king of Denmarke; Beline seized
+ Albania into his owne hands, and thervpon caused the notable waies
+ priuileged by Dunwallons lawes to be newlie wrought by mens hands,
+ which for the length extended from the further part of Cornewall, vnto
+ the sea by north Cathnesse in Scotland. In like sort to and for the
+ better maintenance of religion in those daies, he constituted
+ ministers called archflamines, in sundrie places of this Iland (who in
+ their seuerall functions resembled the bishops of our times) the one
+ of which remained at Ebranke now called Yorke, and the whole region
+ Caerbrantonica (whereof Ptolomie also speaketh but not without
+ wresting of the name) whose power extended to the vttermost bounds of
+ Albania, wherby likewise appeareth that it was then within his owne
+ dominion. After his death the whole Ile was inioied by the onelie
+ kings of Britaine, vntill the time of Vigenius & Peridurus lineall
+ heires from the said Beline, who fauourablie made partition, so that
+ Vigenius had all the land from Humber by south, and Peridurus from
+ thence northwards all Albania, &c. This Vigenius died, and Peridurus
+ suruiued, and thereby obteined the whole, from whom the same quietlie
+ descended, and was by his posteritie accordinglie inioied, vntill the
+ reigne of Coell the first of that name. In his time an obscure nation
+ (by most writers supposed Scithians) passed by seas from Ireland, and
+ arriued in that part of Britaine called Albania: against whome this
+ Coell assembled his power, and being entred Albania to expell them,
+ one Fergus in the night disguised, entered the tent of this Coell, and
+ in his bed traitorouslie slue him.
+
+ This Fergus was therfore, in reward of his great prowesse, made there
+ king, whervpon they sat downe in that part, with their wiues and
+ children, and called it Scotland, and themselues Scots: from the
+ beginning of the world, foure thousand six hundred and seauentéene
+ yeares after the Scotish accompt, which by iust computation and
+ confession of all their owne writers, is six hundred yeares lacking
+ ten, after that Brutus had reigned ouer the whole Iland, the same land
+ being inioied by him and his posteritie before their comming, during
+ two and fiftie descents of the kings of Britaine, which is a large
+ prescription. Certes this intrusion into a land so manie hundred
+ yeares before inhabited, and by so manie descents of kings quietlie
+ inioied, is the best title that all their owne writers can alledge for
+ them. But to proceed. Fergus herevpon immediatlie did diuide Albania
+ also among his capteins and their souldiers: whereby it most
+ euidentlie appeareth, that there were no people of that nation
+ inhabiting there before, in proofe whereof the same partition shall
+ follow.
+
+ The lands of Cathnes lieng against Orkneie, betwéene Dummesbeie and
+ [Sidenote: Out of Hector Boecius lib. 1.]
+ the water of Thane, was giuen vnto one Cornath, a capteine and his
+ people. The lands betwéene the water of Thane & Nes, now called Rosse,
+ being in bredth from Cromart to the mouth of the water of Locht, were
+ giuen to Lutorke, another capteine and his people. The lands betweene
+ Spaie and Nes, from the Almane seas to the Ireland seas, now called
+ Murraie land, were giuen to one Warroch and his people. The land of
+ Thalia, now called Boin Ainze, Bogewall, Gariot, Formartine, and
+ Bowguhan, were giuen to one Thalis and his people. The lands of Mar
+ Badezenoch, and Lochquhaber, were giuen to Martach and his people. The
+ lands of Lorne and Kintier, with the hilles and mounteins thereof,
+ lieng from Mar to the Ireland seas, were giuen to capteine Nanance and
+ his people. The lands of Athole were giuen to Atholus, another
+ capteine and his people. The lands of Strabraun, & Brawdawane lieng
+ west from Dunkell, were giuen to Creones & Epidithes two capteins. The
+ lands of Argile, were giuen to Argathelus a capteine. The lands of
+ Linnox & Clidisdale were allotted to Lolgona a capteine. The lands of
+ Siluria now called Kile, Carrike & Cuningham, were giuen to Silurth
+ another capteine. The lands of Brigance now called Gallowaie, were
+ giuen to the companie called Brigandes, which (as their best men) were
+ appointed to dwell next the Britons, who afterward expelled the
+ Britons from Annandale in Albania, whereby it is confessed to be
+ before inhabited by Britons. The residue of the land now called
+ Scotland, that is to saie: Meirnis, Angus, Steremond, Gowrie,
+ Strahern, Pirth, Fiffe, Striueling, Callender, Calderwood, Lougthian,
+ Mers, Teuedale, with other the Rement Dales, & the Sherifdome, of
+ Berwicke, were then enioied by a nation mingled in marriage with the
+ [Sidenote: Berouicum potiùs à Berubio promontorio.]
+ Britons, and in their obedience, whose capteine called Beringer
+ builded the castell and towne of Berwicke vpon Twede, & these people
+ were called Picts, vpon whome by the death of this Coell, these Scots
+ had opportunitie to vse wars, whereof they ceased not, vntill such
+ time as it pleased God to appoint another Coell king of Britons,
+ against whose name, albeit they hoped for a like victorie to the
+ first, yet he preuailed and ceased not his warre, vntill these Scots
+ were vtterlie expelled out of all the bounds of Britaine, in which
+ they neuer dared to reenter, vntill the troublesome reigne of Sisilt
+ king of Britons, which was the twelft king after this Coell. During
+ all which time the countrie was reinhabited by the Britons. But then
+ the Scots turning the ciuill discord of this realme, betweene this
+ Sisilt and his brother Blede to their best aduantage, arriued againe
+ in Albania, & there made one Reuther their king.
+
+ Vpon this their new arriuall, new warre was made vpon them by this
+ Sisilt king of Britons, in which warre Reuther their new king died,
+ and Thereus succéeded, against whome the warre of Britons ceased not,
+ vntill he freelie submitted himselfe to the said Sicill king of
+ Britons at Ebranke, that is Yorke, where shortlie after the tenth
+ yeare of his reigne he died. Finnane brother of Josine succeeded by
+ their election to the kingdome of Scots, who shortlie after (compelled
+ by the warres of the same Sicill) declared himselfe subiect, and for
+ the better assurance of his faith and obeisance to the king of
+ Britons, deliuered his sonne Durstus into the hands of this Sicill:
+ who fantasieng the child, and hoping by his owne succession to alter
+ their subtiltie (I will not saie duplicitie saith Adams) married him
+ in the end to Agasia his owne daughter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Durstus.]
+ This Durstus was their next king; but for that he had married a Briton
+ woman, (though indeed she was a kings daughter) the Scots hated him
+ for the same cause, for which they ought rather to haue liked him the
+ better, and therefore not onelie traitorouslie slue him; but further
+ to declare the end of their malice, disinherited (as much as in them
+ was) the issues of the same Durstus and Agasia. Herevpon new warre
+ sproong betwéene them and vs, which ceased not vntill they were
+ contented to receiue Edeir to their king, the next in bloud then
+ liuing, descended from Durstus and Agasia, and thereby the bloud of
+ the Britons, of the part of the mother, was restored to the crowne of
+ Albania: so that nature, whose law is immutable, caused this bond of
+ loue to hold. For shortlie after this Edeir attended vpon Cassibelane
+ king of Britons, for the repulse of Iulius Cæsar, as their owne author
+ Boetius confesseth, who commanded the same as his subiect. But Iulius
+ Cæsar, after his second arriuall, by treason of Androgeus preuailed
+ against the Britons, and therevpon pursued this Edeir into Scotland;
+ and (as himselfe saith in his commentaries) subdued all the Ile of
+ Britaine. Which though the liuing Scots denie it, their dead writers
+ confesse that he came beyond Calender wood, and cast downe Camelon,
+ the principall citie of the Picts. And in token of this victorie, not
+ farre from Carron, builded a round temple of stone, which remained in
+ some perfection vntill the reigne of our king Edward called the first
+ after the conquest, by whome it was subuerted: but the monument
+ thereof remaineth to this daie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Marius.]
+ Marius the sonne of Aruiragus, being king of all Britaine, in his time
+ one Roderike a Scithian, with a great rabble of néedie souldiours,
+ came to the water of Frith in Scotland, which is an arme of the sea,
+ diuiding Pentland from Fiffe: against whome this Marius assembled a
+ power, by which he slue this Rodericke, and discomfited his people in
+ Westmerland: but to those that remained aliue, he gaue the countrie of
+ Cathnesse in Scotland, which prooueth it to be within his owne
+ dominion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Coelus.]
+ Coell the sonne of this Marius had issue Lucius, counted the first
+ Christian king of this nation: he conuerted the three archflamines of
+ this land into bishopriks, and ordeined bishops vnto ech of them. The
+ first remained at London, and his power extended from the furthest
+ part of Cornewall to Humber water. The second dwelled at Yorke, and
+ his power stretched from Humber to the furthest part of all Scotland.
+ The third aboded at Caerleon vpon the riuer of Wiske in Glamorgan in
+ Wales, & his power extended from Seuerne through all Wales. Some write
+ that he made but two, and turned their names to archbishops, the one
+ to remaine at Canturburie, the other at Yorke: yet they confesse that
+ he of Yorke had iurisdiction through all Scotland: either of which is
+ sufficient to prooue Scotland to be then vnder his dominion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Seuerus.]
+ Seuerus, by birth a Romane, but in bloud a Briton (as some thinke) and
+ the lineall heire of the bodie of Androgeus sonne of Lud, & nephue of
+ Cassibelane, was shortlie after emperour & king of Britons, in whose
+ time the people to whom his ancestor Marius gaue the land of Cathnesse
+ in Scotland, conspired with the Scots, & receiued them from the Iles
+ into Scotland. But herevpon this Seuerus came into Scotland, and
+ méeting with their faith and false harts togither, droue them all out
+ of the maine land into Iles, the vttermost bounds of all great
+ Britaine. But notwithstanding this glorious victorie, the Britons
+ considering their seruitude to the Romans, imposed by treason of
+ Androgeus, ancestor to this Seuerus, began to hate him, whome yet they
+ had no time to loue, and who in their defense and suertie had slaine
+ of the Scots and their confederats in one battell thirtie thousand:
+ but such was the consideration of the common sort in those daies,
+ whose malice no time could diminish, nor iust desert appease.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bassianus.]
+ Antoninus Bassianus borne of a Briton woman, and Geta borne by a
+ Romane woman, were the sonnes of this Seuerus, who after the death of
+ their father, by the contrarie voices of their people, contended for
+ the crowne. Few Britons held with Bassianus, fewer Romans with Geta:
+ but the greater number with neither of both. In the end Geta was
+ slaine, and Bassianus remained emperour, against whom Carautius
+ rebelled, who gaue vnto the Scots, Picts, and Scithians, the countrie
+ of Cathnesse in Scotland, which they afterward inhabited, whereby his
+ seison thereof appeareth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Coill.]
+ Coill, descended of the bloud of the ancient kings of this land, was
+ shortlie after king of the Britons, whose onelie daughter and heire
+ called Helen, was married vnto Constantius a Romane, who daunted the
+ rebellion of all parts of great Britaine; and after the death of this
+ Coill was in the right of his wife king thereof, and reigned in his
+ state ouer them thirtéene or fourtéene yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: Constantine.]
+ Constantine the sonne of this Constance, and Helen, was next king of
+ Britons, by the right of his mother, who passing to Rome to receiue
+ the empire thereof, deputed one Octauius king of Wales, and duke of
+ the Gewisses (which some expound to be afterward called west Saxons)
+ to haue the gouernment of this dominion. But abusing the kings
+ innocent goodnesse, this Octauius defrauded this trust, and tooke vpon
+ him the crowne. For which traitorie albeit he was once vanquished by
+ Leonine Traheron, great vncle to Constantine: yet after the death of
+ this Traheron, he preuailed againe, and vsurped ouer all Britaine.
+ Constantine being now emperor sent Maximius his kinsman hither (in
+ processe of time) to destroie the same Octauius, who in singular
+ battell discomfited him. Wherevpon this Maximius, as well by the
+ consent of great Constantine, as by the election of all the Britons,
+ for that he was a Briton in bloud, was made king or rather vicegerent
+ of Britaine. This Maximius made warre vpon the Scots and Scithians
+ within Britaine, and ceassed not vntill he had slaine Eugenius their
+ king, and expelled and driuen them out of the whole limits and bounds
+ of Britaine. Finallie he inhabited all Scotland with Britons, no man,
+ woman, nor child of the Scotish nation suffered to remaine within it,
+ which (as their Hector Boetius saith) was for their rebellion; and
+ rebellion properlie could it not be, except they had béene subiects.
+ He suffered the Picts also to remaine his subiects, who made solemne
+ othes to him, neuer after to erect anie peculiar king of their owne
+ nation, but to remaine vnder the old empire of the onelie king of
+ Britaine. I had once an epistle by Leland exemplified (as he saith)
+ out of a verie ancient record which beareth title of Helena vnto hir
+ sonne Constantine, and entreth after this manner; "Domino semper
+ Augusto filio Constantino, mater Helena semper Augusta, &c." And now
+ it repenteth me that I did not exemplifie and conueigh it into this
+ treatise whilest I had his books. For thereby I might haue had great
+ light for the estate of this present discourse: but as then I had no
+ mind to haue trauelled in this matter; neuerthelesse, if hereafter it
+ come againe to light I would wish it were reserued. It followeth on
+ also in this maner (as it is translated out of the Gréeke) "Veritatem
+ sapientis animus non recusat, nec fides recta aliquando patitur
+ quamcunque iacturam, &c."
+
+ About fiue and fourtie yeares after this (which was long time after
+ the death of this Maximius) with the helpe of Gouan or Gonan and
+ Melga, the Scots newlie arriued in Albania, and there created one
+ Fergus the second of that name to be there king. But bicause they were
+ before banished the continent land, they crowned him king on their
+ aduenture in Argile, in the fatall chaire of marble, the yéere of our
+ Lord, foure hundred and two and twentie, as they themselues doo write.
+
+ [Sidenote: Maximian.]
+ Maximian sonne of Leonine Traheron, brother to king Coill, and vncle
+ to Helene, was by lineall succession next king of Britons: but to
+ appease the malice of Dionothus king of Wales, who also claimed the
+ kingdome, he married Othilia eldest daughter of Dionothus, and
+ afterwards assembled a great power of Britons, and entered Albania,
+ inuading Gallowaie, Mers, Annandale, Pentland, Carrike, Kill, and
+ Cuningham, and in battell slue both this Fergus then king of Scots,
+ and Durstus the king of Picts, and exiled all their people out of the
+ continent land: wherevpon the few number of Scots then remaining a
+ liue, went to Argile, and there made Eugenius their king. When this
+ Maximian had thus obteined quietnesse in Britaine, he departed with
+ his cousine Conan Meridocke into Armorica, where they subdued the
+ king, and depopulated the countrie, which he gaue to Conan his
+ cousine, to be afterward inhabited by Britons, by the name of Britaine
+ the lesse: and hereof this realme tooke name of Britaine the great,
+ which name by consent of forren writers it keepeth vnto this daie.
+
+ After the death of Maximian, dissention being mooued betweene the
+ nobles of Britaine, the Scots swarmed togither againe, and came to the
+ wall of Adrian, where (this realme being diuided in manie factions)
+ they ouercame one. And herevpon their Hector Boetius (as an hen that
+ for laieng of one eg, will make a great cakeling) solemnlie triumphing
+ for a conquest before the victorie, alledgeth that hereby the Britons
+ were made tributaries to the Scots, and yet he confesseth that they
+ won no more land, by that supposed conquest, but the same portion
+ betwéene them and Humber, which in the old partitions before was
+ annexed to Albania. It is hard to be beléeued, that such a broken
+ nation as the Scots at that time were, returning from banishment
+ within foure yeares before, and since in battell loosing both their
+ kings, and the great number of their best men, to be thus able to make
+ a conquest of great Britaine; and verie vnlikelie if they had
+ conquered it, they would haue left the hot sunne of the south parts,
+ to dwell in the cold snow in Scotland. Incredible it is, that if they
+ had conquered it, they would not haue deputed officers in it, as in
+ cases of conquest behooueth. And it is beyond all beliefe, that great
+ Britaine, or any other countrie, should be woon without the comming of
+ anie enimie into it: as they did not, but taried finallie at the same
+ wall of Adrian, whereof I spake before.
+
+ But what need I speake of these defenses, when the same Boecius
+ scantlie trusteth his owne beliefe in this tale. For he saieth that
+ Galfride, and sundrie other authentike writers, diuerslie varie from
+ this part of his storie, wherein his owne thought accuseth his
+ conscience of vntruth: herein also he further forgetting how it
+ behooueth a lier to be mindfull of his assertion, in the fourth
+ chapter next following, wholie bewraieth himselfe, saieng that the
+ confederat kings of Scots and Picts, vpon ciuill warres betwéene the
+ Britons (which then followed) hoped shortlie to inioie all the land of
+ great Britaine, from beyond Humber vnto the fresh sea, which hope had
+ bene vaine, and not lesse than void, if it had béene their owne by
+ anie conquest before.
+
+ Constantine of Britaine, descended from Conan king thereof, cousine of
+ Brutes bloud to this Maximian, and his neerest heire was next king of
+ Britaine; he immediatlie pursued the Scots with wars, and shortlie in
+ battell slue their king Dongard, in the first yeare of his reigne,
+ whereby he recouered Scotland out of their hands, and tooke all the
+ holdes thereof into his owne possessions. Vortiger shortlie after
+ obteined the crowne of Britaine, against whom the Scots newlie
+ rebelled: for the repressing whereof (mistrusting the Britons to hate
+ him for sundrie causes, as one that to auoid the smoke dooth oft fall
+ into the fire) receiued Hengest a Saxon, and a great number of his
+ countriemen, with whom and a few Britons he entred Scotland & ouercame
+ them, wherevpon they tooke the Iles, which are their common refuge. He
+ gaue also much of Scotland, as Gallowaie, Pentland, Mers and
+ Annandale, with sundrie other lands to this Hengest and his people to
+ inhabit, which they did accordinglie inioie. But when this Hengest in
+ processe of time thirsted after the whole kingdome of the south, he
+ was banished, and yet afterward being restored, he conspired with the
+ Scots against Aurilambrose the sonne of Constantine, the iust
+ inheritor of this whole dominion. But his vntruth and theirs were both
+ [Sidenote: Some thinke the Seimors to come from this man by lineall
+ descent and I suppose no lesse.]
+ recompensed togither, for he was taken prisoner by Eldulph de Samor a
+ noble man of Britaine, and his head for his traitorie striken off at
+ the commandement of Aurilambrose. In the field the Scots were
+ vanquished: but Octa the sonne of Hengest was receiued to mercie, to
+ whome and his people this Aurilambrose gaue the countrie of Gallowaie
+ in Scotland, for which they became his subiects. And hereby appeareth
+ that Scotland was then againe reduced into his hands.
+
+ Vter called also Pendragon, brother to Aurilambrose was next king of
+ the Britons, against whome, these sworne Saxons now foresworne
+ subiects (confederate with the Scots) newlie rebelled: but by his
+ power assembled against them in Gallowaie in Scotland, they were
+ discomfited, & Albania againe recouered vnto his subiection. Arthur
+ the sonne of this Vter, begotten before the mariage, but lawfullie
+ borne in matrimonie, succéeded next to the crowne of great Britaine;
+ whose noble acts, though manie vulgar fables haue rather stained than
+ commended: yet all the Scotish writers confesse, that he subdued great
+ Britaine, and made it tributarie to him, and ouercame the Saxons then
+ scattered as far as Cathnesse in Scotland: and in all these wars
+ against them, he had the seruice and obeisance of Scots and Picts. But
+ at the last setting their féet in the guilefull paths of their
+ predecessors, they rebelled and besieged the citie of Yorke, Howell
+ king of the lesse Britaine cousine to king Arthur being therein. But
+ he with an host came thither and discomfited the Scots, chased them
+ into a marsh, and besieged them there so long, that they were almost
+ famished: vntill the bishops, abbats, and men of religion (for as much
+ as they were christened people) besought him to take them to his
+ mercie and grace, and to grant them a portion of the same countrie to
+ dwell in vnder euerlasting subiection. Vpon this he tooke them to his
+ grace, homage and fealtie: and when they were sworne his subiects and
+ liegemen, he ordeined his kinsman Anguisan to be their king and
+ gouernour, Vrian king of Iland, and Murefrence king of Orkeneie. He
+ made an archbishop of Yorke also, whose authoritie extended through
+ all Scotland.
+
+ Finallie, the said Arthur holding his roiall feast at Cairleon, had
+ there all the kings that were subiects vnto him, among which, Angusian
+ the said king of Scots did his due seruice and homage, so long as he
+ was with him for the realme of Scotland, & bare king Arthurs sword
+ afore him. Malgo shortlie after succéeded in the whole kingdome of
+ great Britaine, who vpon new resistance made, subdued Ireland, Iland,
+ the Orchads, Norwaie and Denmarke, and made Ethelfred a Saxon king of
+ Bernicia, that is, Northumberland, Louthian, and much other land of
+ Scotland, which Ethelfred by the sword obteined at the hands of the
+ wilfull inhabitants, and continued true subiect to this Malgo.
+
+ Cadwan succéeded in the kingdome of great Britaine, who in defense of
+ his subiects the Scots, made warre vpon this Ethelfred, but at the
+ last they agréed, and Cadwan vpon their rebellion gaue all Scotland
+ vnto this Ethelfred, which he therevpon subdued and inioied: but
+ afterward in the reigne of Cadwallo that next succeeded in great
+ Britaine, he rebelled. Whervpon the same Cadwallo came into Scotland,
+ and vpon his treason reseised the countrie into his owne hands, and
+ hauing with him all the vicerois of the Saxons, which then inhabited
+ here as his subiects, in singular battell he slue the same Ethelfred
+ with his owne hands.
+
+ Oswald was shortlie after by Cadwallos gift made king of Bernicia, and
+ he as subiect to Cadwallo, and by his commandement discomfited the
+ Scots and Picts, and subdued all Scotland. Oswie the brother of this
+ Oswald, was by the like gift of Cadwallo, made next king of Bernicia,
+ and he by like commandement newlie subdued the Scots and Picts, and
+ held them in that obeisance to this Cadwallow, during eight and
+ twentie yeares. Thus Cadwallo reigned in the whole monarchie of great
+ Britaine, hauing all the seuen kings thereof, as well Saxons as others
+ his subiects: for albeit the number of Saxons from time to time
+ greatlie increased, yet were they alwaies either at the first
+ expelled, or else made tributarie to the onelie kings of Britons for
+ the time being, as all their owne writers doo confesse.
+
+ Cadwallader was next king of the whole great Britaine, he reigned
+ twelue yeares ouer all the kings thereof, in great peace and
+ tranquillitie: and then vpon the lamentable death of his subiects,
+ which died of sundrie diseases innumerablie, he departed into little
+ Britaine. His sonne and cousine Iuor and Iue, being expelled out of
+ England also by the Saxons, went into Wales, where among the Britons
+ they and their posteritie remained princes. Vpon this great
+ alteration, and warres being through the whole dominion betwéene the
+ Britons and Saxons, the Scots thought time to slip the collar of
+ obedience, and therevpon entred in league with Charles then king of
+ France, establishing it in this wise.
+
+ 1 "The iniurie of Englishmen doone to anie of these people, shall be
+ perpetuallie holden common to them both.
+
+ 2 "When Frenchmen be inuaded by Englishmen, the Scots shall send their
+ armie in defense of France, so that they be supported with monie and
+ vittels by the French.
+
+ 3 "When Scots be inuaded by Englishmen, the Frenchmen shall come vpon
+ their owne expenses, to their support and succour.
+
+ 4 "None of the people shall take peace or truce with Englishmen,
+ without the aduise of other, &c."
+
+ [Sidenote: _Nicholas Adams._]
+ Manie disputable opinions may be had of warre without the praising of
+ it, as onelie admittable by inforced necessitie, and to be vsed for
+ peace sake onelie, where here the Scots sought warre for the loue of
+ warre onelie. For their league giueth no benefit to themselues, either
+ in frée traffike of their owne commodities, or benefit of the French,
+ or other priuilege to the people of both. What discommoditie riseth by
+ loosing the intercourse and exchange of our commodities (being in
+ necessaries more aboundant than France) the Scots féele, and we
+ perfectlie know. What ruine of their townes, destruction of countries,
+ slaughter of both peoples, haue by reason of this bloudie league
+ chanced, the histories be lamentable to read, and horrible among
+ Christian men to be remembred: but God gaue the increase according to
+ their séed, for as they did hereby sowe dissention, so did they
+ shortlie after reape a bloudie slaughter and confusion. For Alpine
+ their king, possessing a light mind that would be lost with a little
+ wind, hoped by this league shortlie to subdue all great Britaine, and
+ to that end not onelie rebelled in his owne kingdome, but also vsurped
+ vpon the kingdome of Picts. Whervpon Edwine king of England, made one
+ Brudeus king of Picts, whom he sent into Scotland with a great power,
+ where in battell he tooke this Alpine king of Scots prisoner, and
+ discomfited his people. And this Alpine being their king found subiect
+ and rebell, his head was striken off at a place in Scotland, which
+ thereof is to this daie called Pasalpine, that is to saie, the head of
+ Alpine. And this was the first effect of their French league.
+
+ Osbright king of England, with Ella his subiect, and a great number of
+ Britons and Saxons shortlie after, for that the Scots had of
+ themselues elected a new king, entered Scotland, and ceassed not his
+ war against them, vntill their king and people fled into the Iles,
+ with whome at the last vpon their submission, peace was made in this
+ wise.
+
+ The water of Frith shall be march betwéene Scots and Englishmen in the
+ east parts, and shall be named the Scotish sea.
+
+ The water of Cluide to Dunbriton, shall be march in the west parts
+ betwéene the Scots and Britons. This castell was before called
+ Alcluide, but now Dunbriton, that is to say, the castle of Britons,
+ and sometimes it was destroied by the Danes. So the Britons had all
+ the lands from Sterling to the Ireland seas, and from the water of
+ Frith & Cluide to Cumber, with all the strengths and commodities
+ thereof: and the Englishmen had the lands betwéene Sterling and
+ Northumberland. Thus was Cluide march betwéene the Scots and the
+ Britons on the one side, and the water of Frith named the Scotish sea,
+ march betwéene them and Englishmen on the other side, and Sterling
+ common march to thrée people, Britons, Englishmen, and Scots, howbeit
+ king Osbright had the castle of Stirling, where first he caused to be
+ coined Sterling monie. The Englishmen also builded a bridge of stone,
+ for passage ouer the water of Frith, in the middest whereof they made
+ a crosse, vnder which were written these verses:
+
+   I am free march, as passengers may ken,
+   To Scots, to Britons, and Englishmen.
+
+ Not manie yeares after this, Hinguar and Hubba, two Danes, with a
+ great number of people, arriued in Scotland, and slue Constantine,
+ whom Osbright had before made king: wherevpon Edulfe or Ethelwulfe,
+ then king of England, assembled his power against Hinguar and Hubba,
+ and in one battell slue them both; but such of their people as would
+ remaine and become christians, he suffered to tarie: the rest he
+ banished or put to death, &c.
+
+ This Ethelwulfe granted the Peter pence, of which albeit Peter & Paule
+ had little need and lesse right: yet the paiment thereof continued in
+ this realme euer after vntill now of late yeares. But the Scots euer
+ since vnto this daie haue, and yet doo paie it, by reason of that
+ grant, which prooueth them to be then vnder his obeisance.
+
+ Alured or Alfred succéeded in the kingdome of England, and reigned
+ noblie ouer the whole monarchie of great Britaine: he made lawes, that
+ persons excommunicated should be disabled to sue or claime anie
+ propertie; which law Gregour, whome this Alured had made king of
+ Scots, obeied; and the same law as well in Scotland as in England is
+ holden to this daie, which also prooueth him to be high lord of
+ Scotland.
+
+ This Alured constreined Gregour king of Scots also to breake the
+ league with France, for generallie he concluded with him, and serued
+ him in all his warres, as well against Danes as others, not reseruing
+ or making anie exception of the former league with France.
+
+ The said Alured, after the death of Gregour, had the like seruice and
+ obeisance of Donald king of Scots with fiue thousand horssemen,
+ against one Gurmond a Dane that then infested the realme, and this
+ Donald died in this faith and obeisance with Alured.
+
+ Edward the first of that name called Chifod sonne of this Alured
+ succéeded his father, and was the next king of England: against whome
+ Sithrijc a Dane and the Scots conspired; but they were subdued, and
+ Constantine their king brought to obeisance. He held the realme of
+ Scotland also of king Edward, and this dooth Marian their owne
+ countrieman a Scot confesse: beside Roger Houeden, and William of
+ Malmesberie.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 923, the same king Edward was president and
+ gouernour of all the people of England, Cumberland, Scots, Danes, and
+ Britons.
+
+ King Athelstane in like sort conquered Scotland, and as he laie in his
+ tents beside Yorke, whilest the warres lasted, the king of Scots
+ feined himselfe to be a minstrell, and harped before him onelie to
+ espie his ordinance and his people. But being (as their writers
+ confesse) corrupted with monie, he sold his faith and false heart
+ together to the Danes, and aided them against king Athelstane at
+ sundrie times. Howbeit he met with all their vntruthes at Broningfield
+ in the west countrie, as is mentioned in the ninth chapter of the
+ first booke of this description, where he discomfited the Danes, and
+ slue Malcolme deputie in that behalfe to the king of Scots: in which
+ battell the Scots confesse themselues to haue lost more people than
+ were remembred in anie age before. Then Athelstane following his good
+ lucke, went throughout all Scotland and wholie subdued it, and being
+ in possession thereof, gaue land there lieng in Annandale by his deed,
+ the copie wherof dooth follow:
+
+ "I king Athelstane, giues vnto Paulam, Oddam and Roddam, als good and
+ als faire, as euer they mine were, and thereto witnesse Mauld my
+ wife."
+
+ By which course words, not onelie appeareth the plaine simplicitie of
+ mens dooings in those daies: but also a full proofe that he was then
+ seized of Scotland. At the last also he receiued homage of Malcolme
+ king of Scots: but for that he could not be restored to his whole
+ kingdome, he entered into religion, and there shortlie after died.
+
+ Then Athelstane, for his better assurance of that countrie there
+ after, thought it best to haue two stringes to the bowe of their
+ obedience, and therefore not onelie constituted one Malcolme to be
+ their king, but also appointed one Indulph sonne of Constantine the
+ third, to be called prince of Scotland, to whome he gaue much of
+ Scotland: and for this Malcolme did homage to Athelstane.
+
+ Edmund brother of Athelstane succéeded next king of England, to whome
+ this Indulph then king of Scots not onelie did homage, but also serued
+ him with ten thousand Scots, for the expulsion of the Danes out of the
+ realme of England.
+
+ [Sidenote: Some referre this to an Edward.]
+ Edred or Eldred brother to this Edmund succéeded next king of England:
+ he not onelie receiued the homage of Irise then king of Scots, but
+ also the homage of all the barons of Scotland.
+
+ Edgar the sonne of Edmund, brother of Athelstane, being now of full
+ age, was next king of England: he reigned onelie ouer the whole
+ monarchie of Britaine, and receiued homage of Keneth king of Scots for
+ the kingdome of Scotland, and made Malcolme prince thereof.
+
+ This Edgar gaue vnto the same Keneth the countrie of Louthian in
+ Scotland, which was before seized into the hands of Osbright king of
+ England for their rebellion, as is before declared. He inioined Keneth
+ their said king also once in euerie yéere at certeine principall
+ feasts (whereat the king did vse to weare his crowne) to repaire vnto
+ him into England for the making of lawes: which in those daies was
+ doone by the noble men or péeres according to the order of France at
+ this daie. He allowed also sundrie lodgings in England, to him and his
+ successours, whereat to lie, and refresh themselues in their
+ iourneies, whensoeuer they should come vp to doo their homages: and
+ finallie a péece of ground lieng beside the new palace of Westminster,
+ vpon which this Keneth builded a house, that by him and his posteritie
+ was inioied vntill the reigne of king Henrie the second. In whose
+ time, vpon the rebellion of William king of Scots, it was resumed into
+ the king of Englands hand. The house is decaied, but the ground where
+ it stood is called Scotland to this daie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lawfull age and wardship of heires.]
+ Moreouer, Edgar made this law, that no man should succéed to his
+ patrimonie or inheritance holden by knights seruice, vntill he
+ accomplished the age of one and twentie yéeres: because by intendment
+ vnder that age, he should not be able in person to serue his king and
+ countrie according to the tenor of his deed, and the condition of his
+ purchase. This law was receiued by the same Keneth in Scotland; and as
+ well there as in England is obserued to this daie: which prooueth also
+ that Scotland was then vnder his obeisance.
+
+ In the yeere of our Lord 974, Kinald king of Scots, and Malcolme king
+ of Cumberland, Macon king of Man and the Iles, Duuenall king of
+ Southwales, Siferth and Howell kings of the rest of Wales, Jacob or
+ James of Gallowaie, & Jukill of Westmerland did homage to king Edgar
+ at Chester. And on the morrow going by water to the monasterie of
+ saint Iohns to seruice, and returning home againe: the said Edgar
+ sitting in a barge, and stirring the same vpon the water of Dée, made
+ the said kings to row the barge, saieng that his successors might well
+ be ioifull to haue the prerogatiue of so great honour, and the
+ superioritie of so manie mightie princes to be subiect vnto their
+ monarchie.
+
+ Edward, the sonne of this Edgar, was next king of England, in whose
+ time this Keneth king of Scots caused Malcolme king of Scotland to be
+ poisoned. Wherevpon king Edward made warre against him, which ceased
+ not vntill this Keneth submitted himselfe, and offered to receiue him
+ for prince of Scotland, whome king Edward would appoint. Herevpon king
+ Edward proclamed one Malcolme to be prince of Scotland, who
+ immediatlie came into England, and there did homage vnto the same king
+ Edward.
+
+ Etheldred, brother of this Edward succeeded next ouer England, against
+ whome Swaine king of Denmarke conspired with this last Malcolme then
+ king of Scots. But shortlie after, this Malcolme sorrowfullie
+ submitted himselfe into the defense of Etheldred: who considering how
+ that which could not be amended, must onelie be repented, benignlie
+ receiued him. By helpe of whose seruice at last Etheldred recouered
+ his realme againe out of the hands of Swaine, and reigned ouer the
+ whole monarchie eight and thirtie yéeres.
+
+ Edmund surnamed Ironside, sonne of this Etheldred, was next king of
+ England, in whose time Canutus a Dane inuaded the realme with much
+ crueltie. But at the last he married with Emme sometime wife vnto
+ Etheldred and mother of this Edmund. Which Emme, as arbitratrix
+ betweene hir naturall loue to the one, and matrimoniall dutie to the
+ other, procured such amitie betwéene them in the end, that Edmund was
+ contented to diuide the realme with Canutus: and keeping to himselfe
+ all England on this side Humber, gaue all the rest beyond Humber, with
+ the seigniorie of Scotland to this Canutus. Wherevpon Malcolme then
+ king of Scots (after a little accustomable resistance) did homage to
+ the same Canutus for the kingdome of Scotland. Thus the said Canutus
+ held the same ouer of this Edmund king of England by the like
+ seruices, so long as they liued togither. This Canutus in memorie of
+ this victorie, and glorie of his seigniorie ouer the Scots, commanded
+ Malcolme their king to build a church in Buchquhan in Scotland, (where
+ a field betweene him and them was fought) to be dedicated to Olauus
+ patrone of Norwaie and Denmarke, which church was by the same Malcolme
+ accordinglie performed.
+
+ Edward called the Confessour, sonne of Etheldred, and brother to
+ Edmund Ironside, was afterward king of England: he tooke from Malcolme
+ king of Scots his life and his kingdome, and made Malcolme sonne to
+ the king of Cumberland and Northumberland king of Scots, who did him
+ homage and fealtie.
+
+ This Edward perused the old lawes of the realme, and somewhat added to
+ some of them: as to the law of Edgar for the wardship of the lands
+ vntill the heire should accomplish the age of one and twentie yeeres.
+ He added, that the marriage of such heire should also belong to the
+ [Sidenote: To whome the marriage of the ward perteineth.]
+ lord of whom the same land was holden. Also, that euerie woman
+ marrieng a freeman, should (notwithstanding she had no children by
+ that husband) enioie the third part of his inheritance during hir
+ life: with manie other lawes which the same Malcolme king of Scots
+ obeied, and which as well by them in Scotland, as by vs in England be
+ obserued to this day, and directlie prooueth the whole to be then
+ vnder his obeisance.
+
+ By reason of this law, Malcolme the sonne of Duncane next inheritor to
+ the crowne of Scotland, being within age, was by the nobles of
+ Scotland deliuered as ward to the custodie also of king Edward. During
+ whose minoritie, one Makebeth a Scot traitorouslie vsurped the crowne
+ of Scotland. Against whome the said Edward made warre, in which the
+ said Mackbeth was ouercome and slaine. Wherevpon the said Malcolme was
+ crowned king of Scots at Scone, in the eight yeere of the reigne of
+ king Edward aforesaid. This Malcolme also by tenor of the said new law
+ of wardship, was married vnto Margaret the daughter of Edward sonne of
+ Edmund Ironside and Agatha, by the disposition of the same king
+ Edward, and at his full age did homage to this king Edward the
+ Confessour for the kingdome of Scotland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Edward the Confessour.]
+ Moreouer, Edward of England, hauing no issue of his bodie, and
+ mistrusting that Harald the son of Goodwine, descended of the daughter
+ of Harald Harefoot the Dane, would vsurpe the crowne, if he should
+ leaue it to his cousine Edgar Eatling (being then within age) and
+ partlie by the petition of his subiects, who before had sworne neuer
+ to receiue anie kings ouer them of the Danish nation, did by his
+ substantiall will in writing (as all our clergie writers affirme)
+ demise the crowne of great Britaine vnto William Bastard, then duke of
+ Normandie, and to his heires, constituting him his heire
+ testamentarie. Also there was proximitie in bloud betwéene them: for
+ Emme daughter of Richard duke of Normandie was wife vnto Etheldred, on
+ whom he begat Alured and this Edward: and this William was son of
+ Robert sonne of Richard, brother of the whole bloud to the same Emme.
+ Whereby appeareth that this William was heire by title, and not by
+ conquest, albeit that partlie to extinguish the mistrust of other
+ titles, and partlie for the glorie of his victorie, he chalenged in
+ the end, the name of a conquerour, and hath béene so written euer
+ since the time of his arriuall.
+
+ [Sidenote: William Bastard.]
+ Furthermore, this William, called the Bastard and the Conquerour,
+ supposed not his conquest perfect till he had likewise subdued the
+ Scots. Wherfore to bring the Scots to iust obeisance after his
+ coronation, as heire testamentarie to Edward the Confessour; he entred
+ Scotland, where after a little resistance made by the inhabitants, the
+ said Malcolme then their king did homage to him at Abirnethie in
+ Scotland for the kingdome of Scotland, as to his superiour also by
+ meane of his late conquest.
+
+ [Sidenote: William Rufus.]
+ William surnamed Rufus, sonne to this William called the Conquerour,
+ succéeded next in the throne of England, to whome the said Malcolme
+ king of Scots did like homage for the whole kingdome of Scotland. But
+ afterward he rebelled, and was by this William Rufus slaine in plaine
+ field. Wherevpon the Scotishmen did choose one Donald or Dunwall to be
+ their king. But this William Rufus deposed him, and created Dunkane
+ sonne of Malcolme to be their king, who did like homage to him.
+ Finallie, this Dunkane was slaine by the Scots, and Dunwall restored,
+ who once againe by this William Rufus was deposed; and Edgar son of
+ Malcolme, and brother to the last Malcolme, was by him made their
+ king, who did like homage for Scotland to this William Rufus.
+
+ [Sidenote: Henrie I.]
+ Henrie called Beauclerke the sonne of William called the Conquerour,
+ after the death of his brother William Rufus, succéeded to the crowne
+ of England, to whome the same Edgar king of Scots did homage for
+ Scotland: this Henrie Beauclerke maried Mawd the daughter of Malcolme
+ K. of Scots, and by hir had issue Mawd afterward empresse.
+
+ Alexander the sonne of Malcolme brother to this Mawd was next king of
+ Scots, he did like homage for the kingdome of Scotland to this Henrie
+ the first, as Edgar had doone before him.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mawd.]
+ Mawd called the empresse, daughter and heire to Henrie Beauclerke and
+ Mawd his wife, receiued homage of Dauid, brother to hir and to this
+ Alexander next king of Scots, before all the temporall men of England
+ for the kingdome of Scotland. This Mawd the empresse gaue vnto Dauid
+ in the marriage, Mawd the daughter and heire of Voldosius earle of
+ Huntingdon & Northumberland. And herein their euasion appeareth, by
+ which they allege that their kings homages were made for the earledome
+ of Huntingdon. For this Dauid was the first that of their kings was
+ earle of Huntingdon, which was since all the homages of their kings
+ before recited, and at the time of this mariage, & long after the said
+ Alexander his brother was king of Scots, doing the homage aforesaid to
+ Henrie Beauclerke son to the aforesaid ladie, of whome I find this
+ epitaph worthie to be remembred:
+
+   Ortu magna, viro maior, sed maxima partu,
+     Hîc iacet Henrici filia, sponsa, parens.
+
+ In the yéere of our Lord 1136, and first yéere of the reigne of king
+ Stephan, the said Dauid king of Scots being required to doo his
+ homage, refused it: for so much as he had doone homage to Mawd the
+ empresse before time; notwithstanding the sonne of the said Dauid did
+ homage to king Stephan.
+
+ [Sidenote: Henrie 2.]
+ Henrie called Fitz empresse, the sonne of Mawd the empresse daughter
+ of Mawd, daughter of Malcolme king of Scots, was next king of England.
+ He receiued homage for Scotland of Malcolme sonne of Henrie, sonne of
+ the said Dauid their last king. Which Malcolme after this homage
+ attended vpon the same king Henrie in his warres against Lewis then
+ king of France. Whereby appeareth that their French league was neuer
+ renewed after the last diuision of their countrie by Osbright king of
+ England. But after these warres finished with the French king, this
+ Malcolme being againe in Scotland rebelled: wherevpon king Henrie
+ immediatlie seized Huntingdon and Northumberland into his owne hands
+ by confiscation, and made warres vpon him in Scotland: during which
+ the same Malcolme died without issue of his bodie.
+
+ William brother of this Malcolme was next king of Scots, he with all
+ [Sidenote: Because they were taken from him before.]
+ the nobles of Scotland (which could not be now for anie earledome) did
+ homage to the sonne of Henrie the second, his father. Also the
+ earledome of Huntingdon was (as ye haue heard) before this forfeited
+ by Malcolme his brother, and neuer after restored to the crowne of
+ Scotland.
+
+ This William did afterward attend vpon the same Henrie the second, in
+ his warres in Normandie against the French king (notwithstanding their
+ French league) and then being licenced to depart home in the tenth of
+ this prince, and vpon the fifteenth of Februarie he returned, and vpon
+ the sixtéenth of October did homage to him for the realme of Scotland.
+ In token also of his perpetuall subjection to the crowne of England,
+ he offered vp his cloake, his saddle, and his speare at the high altar
+ in Yorke: wherevpon he was permitted to depart home into Scotland,
+ where immediatlie he mooued cruell warre in Northumberland against the
+ same king Henrie, being as yet in Normandie. But God tooke the defense
+ of king Henries part, and deliuered the same William king of Scots
+ into the hands of a few Englishmen, who brought him prisoner to king
+ Henrie into Normandie in the twentith yeere of his reigne. But at the
+ last, at the sute of Dauid his brother, Richard bishop of saint
+ Andrews, and other bishops and lords, he was put to this fine for the
+ amendment of his trespasse; to wit, to paie ten thousand pounds
+ sterling, and to surrender all his title to the earldome of
+ Huntingdon, Cumberland, & Northumberland into the hands of king
+ Henrie, which he did in all things accordinglie, sealing his charters
+ thereof with the great scale of Scotland, and signets of his nobilitie
+ yet to be seene: wherein it was also comprised, that he and his
+ successours should hold the realme of Scotland of the king of England
+ and his successours for euer. And herevpon he once againe did homage
+ to the same king Henrie, which now could not be for the earledome of
+ Huntingdon, the right whereof was alreadie by him surrendered. And for
+ the better assurance of this faith also, the strengths of Berwike,
+ Edenborough, Roxborough, and Striueling were deliuered into the hands
+ of our king Henrie of England, which their owne writers confesse. But
+ Hector Boetius saith, that this trespasse was amended by fine of
+ twentie thousand pounds sterling, and that the erledome of Huntingdon,
+ Cumberland, and Northumberland were deliuered as morgage into the
+ hands of king Henrie, vntill other ten thousand pounds sterling should
+ be to him paid, which is so farre from truth, as Hector was (while he
+ liued) from well meaning to our countrie. But if we grant that it is
+ true, yet prooueth he not that the monie was paid, nor the land
+ otherwise redéemed, or euer after came to anie Scotish kings hands.
+ And thus it appeareth that the earledome of Huntingdon was neuer
+ occasion of the homages of the Scotish kings to the kings of England,
+ either before this time or after.
+
+ This was doone 1175. Moreouer I read this note hereof gathered out of
+ Robertus Montanus or Montensis that liued in those daies, and was (as
+ I take it) "confessor to king Henrie. The king of Scots dooth homage
+ to king Henrie for the kingdome of Scotland, and is sent home againe,
+ his bishops also did promise to doo the like to the archbishop of
+ Yorke, and to acknowledge themselues to be of his prouince and
+ iurisdiction. By vertue also of this composition the said Robert
+ saith, that Rex Angliæ dabat honores, episcopatus, abbatias, & alias
+ dignitates in Scotia, vel saltem eius consilio dabantur, that is, The
+ king of England gaue honors, bishopriks, abbatships, and other
+ dignities in Scotland, or at the leastwise they were not giuen without
+ his aduise and counsell."
+
+ At this time Alexander bishop of Rome (supposed to haue generall
+ iurisdiction ecclesiasticall through christendome) established the
+ whole cleargie of Scotland (according to the old lawes) vnder the
+ iurisdiction of the archbishop of Yorke.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1185, in the moneth of August, at Cairleill,
+ Rouland Talmant lord of Galwaie, did homage and fealtie to the said
+ king Henrie with all that held of him.
+
+ In the two and twentith yeare of the reigne of king Henrie the second,
+ Gilbert sonne of Ferguse prince of Galwaie, did homage and fealtie to
+ the said king Henrie, and left Dunecan his sonne in hostage for
+ conseruation of his peace.
+
+ Richard surnamed C[oe]ur de Lion, because of his stoutnesse, and sonne
+ of this Henrie was next king of England, to whome the same William
+ king of Scots did homage at Canturburie for the whole kingdome of
+ Scotland.
+
+ This king Richard was taken prisoner by the duke of Ostrich, for whose
+ redemption the whole realme was taxed at great summes of monie vnto
+ the which this William king of Scots (as a subject) was contributorie,
+ and paied two thousand markes sterling.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1199, Iohn king of England sent to William
+ king of Scots, to come and doo his homage, which William came to
+ Lincolne in the moneth of December the same yeare, and did his homage
+ vpon an hill in the presence of Hubert archbishop of Canturburie, and
+ of all the people there assembled, and therevnto tooke his oth and was
+ sworne vpon the crosse of the said Hubert: also he granted by his
+ charter confirmed, that he should haue the mariage of Alexander his
+ sonne, as his liegeman, alwaies to hold of the king of England:
+ promising moreouer that he the said king William and his sonne
+ Alexander, should keepe and hold faith and allegiance to Henrie sonne
+ of the said king Iohn, as to their chiefe lord against all maner of
+ men that might liue and die.
+
+ Also whereas William king of Scots had put Iohn bishop of saint Andrew
+ out of his bishoprike, pope Clement wrote to Henrie king of England,
+ that he should mooue and induce the same William; and if néed required
+ by his roiall power and prerogatiue ouer that nation, to compell him
+ to leaue his rancor against the said bishop, and suffer him to haue
+ and occupie his said bishoprike againe.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1216, and fiue & twentith of the reigne of
+ Henrie, sonne to king Iohn, the same Henrie and the quéene were at
+ Yorke at the feast of Christmasse, for the solemnization of a marriage
+ made in the feast of saint Stephan the martyr the same yeare, betwéene
+ Alexander king of Scots, and Margaret the kings daughter, and there
+ the said Alexander did homage to Henrie king of England for all the
+ realme of Scotland.
+
+ In buls of diuerse popes were admonitions giuen to the kings of Scots,
+ as appeareth by that of Gregorie the fift and Clement his successor,
+ that they should obserue and trulie kéepe all such appointments, as
+ had béene made betwéene the kings of England and Scotland. And that
+ the kings of Scotland should still hold the realme of Scotland of the
+ kings of England, vpon paine of cursse and interdiction.
+
+ After the death of Alexander king of Scots, Alexander his sonne, being
+ nine yeares of age, was by the lawes of Edgar, in ward to king Henrie
+ the third, & by the nobles of Scotland brought to Yorke, and there
+ deliuered vnto him. During whose minoritie king Henrie gouerned
+ Scotland, and to subdue a commotion in this realme, vsed the aid of
+ fiue thousand Scotishmen. But king Henrie died during the nonage of
+ this Alexander, whereby he receiued not his homage, which by reason
+ and law was respited vntill his full age of one and twentie yeares.
+
+ Edward the first after the conquest, sonne of this Henrie was next
+ king of England; immediatlie after whose coronation, Alexander king of
+ Scots, being then of full age, did homage to him for Scotland at
+ Westminster, swearing (as all the rest did) after this maner.
+
+ "I. D. N. king of Scots shall be true and faithfull vnto you lord E.
+ by the grace of God king of England, the noble and superior lord of
+ the kingdome of Scotland, and vnto you I make my fidelitie for the
+ same kingdome, the which I hold and claime to hold of you. And I shall
+ beare you my faith and fidelitie of life and lim, and worldlie honour
+ against all men, faithfullie I shall knowlege and shall doo you
+ seruice due vnto you of the kingdome of Scotland aforesaid, as God me
+ so helpe and these holie euangelies."
+
+ This Alexander king of Scots died, leauing one onelie daughter called
+ Margaret for his heire, who before had maried Hanigo, sonne to Magnus
+ king of Norwaie, which daughter also shortlie after died, leauing one
+ onelie daughter hir heire, of the age of two yeares, whose custodie
+ and mariage by the lawes of king Edgar, and Edward the confessor,
+ belonged to Edward the first: whervpon the nobles of Scotland were
+ commanded by our king Edward to send into Norwaie, to conueie this
+ yoong queene into England to him, whome he intended to haue maried to
+ his sonne Edward: and so to haue made a perfect vnion long wished for
+ betwéene both realmes. Herevpon their nobles at that time considering
+ the same tranquillitie that manie of them haue since refused, stood
+ not vpon shifts and delaies of minoritie nor contempt, but most
+ gladlie consented, and therevpon sent two noble men of Scotland into
+ Norwaie, for hir to be brought to this king Edward, but she died
+ before their comming thither, and therefore they required nothing but
+ to inioie the lawfull liberties that they had quietlie possessed in
+ the last king Alexanders time.
+
+ After the death of this Margaret, the Scots were destitute of anie
+ heire to the crowne from this Alexander their last king, at which time
+ this Edward descended from the bodie of Mawd daughter of Malcolme
+ sometime king of Scots, being then in the greatest broile of his
+ warres with France, minded not to take the possession of that kingdome
+ in his owne right, but was contented to establish Balioll to be king
+ thereof, the weake title betwéene him, Bruse, & Hastings, being by the
+ humble petition of all the realme of Scotland c[=o]mitted to the
+ determination of king Edward, wherein by autentike writing they
+ confessed the superioritie of the realme to remaine in king Edward,
+ sealed with the seales of foure bishops, seuen earles, and twelue
+ barons of Scotland, and which shortlie after was by the whole assent
+ of the three estates of Scotland, in their solemne parlement confessed
+ and enacted accordinglie, as most euidentlie dooth appeare.
+
+ The Balioll in this wise made king of Scotland, did immediatlie make
+ his homage and fealtie at Newcastell vpon saint Stéeuens daie (as did
+ likewise all the lords of Scotland, each one setting his hand to the
+ composition in writing) to king Edward of England for the kingdome of
+ Scotland: but shortlie after defrauding the benigne goodnesse of his
+ superiour, he rebelled, and did verie much hurt in England. Herevpon
+ king Edward inuaded Scotland, seized into his hands the greater part
+ of the countrie, and tooke all the strengths thereof. Whervpon Balioll
+ king of Scots came vnto him to Mauntrosse in Scotland with a white
+ wand in his hand, and there resigned the crowne of Scotland, with all
+ his right, title, and interest to the same, into the hands of king
+ Edward, and thereof made his charter in writing, dated and sealed the
+ fourth yeare of his reigne. All the nobles and gentlemen of Scotland
+ also repaired to Berwike, and did homage and fealtie to king Edward,
+ there becomming his subiects. For the better assurance of whose oths
+ also, king Edward kept all the strengths and holdes of Scotland in his
+ owne hands; and herevpon all their lawes, processes, all iudgements,
+ gifts of assises and others, passed vnder the name and authoritie of
+ king Edward. Leland touching the same rehearsall, writeth thereof in
+ this maner.
+
+ "In the yeare of our Lord 1295, the same Iohn king of Scots, contrarie
+ to his faith and allegiance rebelled against king Edward, and came
+ into England, and burnt and slue without all modestie and mercie.
+ Wherevpon king Edward with a great host went to Newcastell vpon Tine,
+ passed the water of Twéed, besieged Berwike, and got it. Also he wan
+ the castell of Dunbar, and there were slaine at this brunt 15700
+ Scots. Then he proceeded further, and gat the castell of Rokesborow,
+ and the castell of Edenborow, Striuelin and Gedworth, and his people
+ harried all the land. In the meane season, the said king Iohn of
+ Scots, considering that he was not of power to withstand king Edward,
+ sent his letters and besought him of treatie and peace, which our
+ prince benignlie granted, and sent to him againe that he should come
+ to the towre of Brechin, and bring thither the great lords of Scotland
+ with him. The king of England sent thither Antonie Becke bishop of
+ Durham, with his roiall power, to conclude the said treatise. And
+ there it was agreed that the said Iohn and all the Scots should
+ vtterlie submit themselues to the kings will. And to the end the
+ submission should be performed accordinglie, the king of Scots laid
+ his sonne in hostage and pledge vnto him. There also he made his
+ letters sealed with the common seale of Scotland, by the which he
+ knowledging his simplenes and great offense doone to his lord king
+ Edward of England, by his full power and frée will yeelded vp all the
+ land of Scotland, with all the people and homage of the same. Then our
+ king went foorth to sée the mounteins, and vnderstanding that all was
+ in quiet and peace, he turned to the abbeie of Scone, which was of
+ [Sidenote: The Scots dreame that this was the stone whereon Jacob
+ slept when he fled into Mesopotamia.]
+ chanons regular, where he tooke the stone called the Regall of
+ Scotland, vpon which the kings of that nation were woont to sit, at
+ the time of their coronations for a throne, & sent it to the abbeie of
+ Westminster, commanding to make a chaire therof for the priests that
+ should sing masse at the high altar: which chaire was made, and
+ standeth yet there at this daie to be séene."
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1296, the king held his parlement at Berwike:
+ and there he tooke homage singularlie of diuerse of the lords & nobles
+ of Scotland. And for a perpetuall memorie of the same, they made their
+ letters patents sealed with their seales, and then the king of England
+ made William Warreine earle of Surrie and Southsax lord Warden of
+ Scotland, Hugh of Cressingham treasurer, and William Ormesbie iustice
+ of Scotland, and foorthwith sent king Iohn to the Tower of London, and
+ Iohn Comin, and the earle Badenauth, the earle of Bohan and other
+ lords into England to diuerse places on this side of the Trent.
+
+ And after that, in the yeare of our Lord 1297, at the feast of
+ Christmas, the king called before him the said Iohn king of Scots,
+ although he had committed him to ward: and said that he would burne or
+ destroie their castels, townes, and lands, if he were not recompensed
+ for his costs and damages susteined in the warres; but king Iohn and
+ the other that were in ward, answered that they had nothing, sith
+ their liues, their deaths, and goods were in his hands. The king vpon
+ that answer mooued with pitie, granted them their liues; so that they
+ would doo their homage, and make their oth solenmelie at the high
+ altar (in the church of the abbeie of Westminster) vpon the eucharist,
+ that they and euerie of them should hold and keepe true faith,
+ obedience, and allegiance to the said king Edward and his heires kings
+ of England for euer. And where the said king of Scots saw the kings
+ banner of England displaied, he and all his power should draw
+ therevnto. And that neither he or anie of his from thencefoorth should
+ beare armes against the king of England or anie of his bloud.
+ Finallie, the king rewarding with great gifts the said king Iohn and
+ his lords, suffered them to depart. But they went into Scotland alwaie
+ imagining (notwithstanding this their submission) how they might
+ oppresse king Edward, and disturbe his realme. The Scots sent also to
+ the king of France for succour and helpe, who sent them ships to
+ Berwike furnished with men of armes, the king of England then being in
+ Flanders.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1298, the king went into Scotland with a
+ great host, and the Scots also assembled in great number, but the king
+ fought with them at Fawkirke on S. Marie Magdalens daie, where were
+ slaine thréescore thousand Scots, & William Walleis that was their
+ capteine fled, who being taken afterward, was hanged, drawen, &
+ quartered at London, for his trespasses.
+
+ After this the Scots rebelled againe, and all the lords of Scotland
+ [Sidenote: This was doone upon the nine & twentith of Ianuarie, 1306.]
+ chose Robert Bruse to be king, except onelie Iohn Commin earle of
+ Carrike, who would not consent thereto bicause of his oth made to the
+ king of England. Wherefore Robert Bruse slue him at Dumfrise, and then
+ was crowned at Schone abbeie. Herevpon the king of England assembled a
+ great hoast, and rode through all Scotland, discomfited Robert Bruse,
+ slue eight thousand Scots, & tooke the most part of all the lords of
+ Scotland, putting the temporall lords to deth bicause they were
+ forsworne.
+
+ Edward borne at Carnaruan sonne of this Edward, was next king of
+ England, who from the beginning of his reigne enioied Scotland
+ peaceablie, dooing in all things as is aboue said of king Edward his
+ father, vntill toward the later end of his reigne, about which time
+ this Robert Bruse conspired against him, and with the helpe of a few
+ forsworne Scots, forswore himselfe king of Scots. Herevpon this Edward
+ with Thomas earle of Lancaster and manie other lords made warre vpon
+ him, about the feast of Marie Magdalene, the said Bruse and his
+ partakers being alreadie accurssed by the pope for breaking the truce
+ that he had established betwixt them. But being infortunate in his
+ first warres against him, he suffered Edward the sonne of Balioll to
+ proclame himselfe king of Scots; and neuerthelesse held foorth his
+ warres against Bruse, before the ending of which he died, as I read.
+
+ Edward borne at Windsore sonne of Edward the second was next king of
+ England, at the age of fifteene yeares, in whose minoritie the Scots
+ practised with Isabell mother to this Edward, and with Roger Mortimer
+ earle of the March to haue their homages released: whose good will
+ therein they obteined, so that for the same release they should paie
+ to this king Edward thirtie thousand pounds starling, in three yeares
+ next following, that is to saie, ten thousand pounds starling
+ yeerelie. But bicause the nobilitie and commons of this realme would
+ not by parlement consent vnto it, their king being within age, the
+ same release procéeded not, albeit the Scots ceased not their
+ practises with this quéene and earle. But before those thrée yeares,
+ in which their monie (if the bargaine had taken place) should haue
+ béene paied, were expired, our king Edward inuaded Scotland, and
+ ceassed not the warre, vntill Dauid the sonne of Robert le Bruse (then
+ by their election king of Scotland) absolutelie submitted himselfe
+ vnto him. But for that the said Dauid Bruse had before by practise of
+ the quéene and the earle of March, married Iane the sister of this
+ king Edward: he mooued by naturall zeale to his sister, was contented
+ to giue the realme of Scotland to this Dauid Bruse, and to the heires
+ that should be begotten of the bodie of the said Iane (sauing the
+ reuersion and meane homages to this king Edward and to his owne
+ children) wherewith the same Dauid Bruse was right well contented, and
+ therevpon immediatlie made his homage for all the realme of Scotland
+ to him.
+
+ Howbeit, shortlie after causelesse conceiuing cause of displeasure,
+ this Dauid procured to dissolue this same estate tailée, and therevpon
+ not onelie rebelled in Scotland, but also inuaded England, whilest
+ king Edward was occupied about his wars in France. But this Dauid was
+ not onelie expelled England in the end, but also thinking no place a
+ sufficient defense to his vntruth, of his owne accord fled out of
+ Scotland: whereby the countries of Annandale, Gallowaie, Mars,
+ Teuidale, Twedale, and Ethrike were seized into the king of Englands
+ hands, and new marches set betwéene England and Scotland at Cockburnes
+ path & Sowtrie hedge. Which when this Dauid went about to recouer
+ againe, his power was discomfited, and himselfe by a few Englishmen
+ taken & brought into England, where he remained prisoner eleuen yeares
+ after his said apprehension.
+
+ During this time, king Edward enioied Scotland peaceablie, and then at
+ the contemplation and wearie suit of his sorowfull sister, wife of
+ this Dauid, he was contented once againe to restore him to the
+ kingdome of Scotland. Wherevpon it was concluded, that for this
+ rebellion Dauid should paie to king Edward, the summe of one hundred
+ thousand markes starling, and thereto destroie all his holdes and
+ fortresses standing against the English borders, and further assure
+ the crowne of Scotland to the children of this king Edward for lacke
+ of heire of his owne bodie, all which things he did accordinglie. And
+ for the better assurance of his obeisance also, he afterward deliuered
+ into the hands of king Edward sundrie noble men of Scotland in this
+ behalfe as his pledges. This is the effect of the historie of Dauid,
+ touching his delings. Now let vs sée what was doone by Edward Balioll,
+ wherof our chronicles doo report, that in the yéere of our Lord 1326,
+ Edward the third, king of England, was crowned at Westminster, and in
+ the fift yeare of his reigne Edward Balioll right heire to the
+ kingdome of Scotland came in, and claimed it as due to him. Sundrie
+ lords and gentlemen also, which had title to diuerse lands there,
+ either by themselues, or by their wiues, did the like. Wherevpon the
+ said Balioll and they went into Scotland by sea, and landing at
+ Kinghorne with 3000 Englishmen, discomfited 10000 Scots, and slue
+ 1200, and then went foorth to Dunfermeline, where the Scots assembled
+ against them with 40000 men, and in the feast of saint Laurence, at a
+ place called Gastmore (or otherwise Gladmore) were slaine fiue earls,
+ thirtéene barons, a hundred and thrée score knights, two thousand men
+ of armes, and manie other; in all fortie thousand: and there were
+ slaine on the English part but thirtéene persons onelie, if the number
+ be not corrupted.
+
+ In the eight yeare of the reigne of king Edward, he assembled a great
+ hoast, and came to Berwike vpon Twéed, and laid siege therto. To him
+ also came Edward Balioll king of Scots, with a great power to
+ strengthen & aid him against the Scots, who came out of Scotland in
+ foure batels well armed & araied.
+
+ Edward king of England, and Edward king of Scots, apparrelled their
+ people either of them in foure battels: and vpon Halidon hill, beside
+ Berwike, met these two hoasts, and there were discomfited of the Scots
+ fiue and twentie thousand and seauen hundred, whereof were slaine
+ eight earles, a thousand and thrée hundred knights and gentlemen. This
+ victorie doone, the king returned to Berwike, & then the towne with
+ the castell were yéelded vp vnto him. In the eight yeare of the reigne
+ of king Edward of England, Edward Balioll king of Scots came to
+ Newcastell vpon Tine, and did homage for all the realme of Scotland.
+
+ In the yeare of our Lord 1346, Dauid Bruse by the prouocation of the
+ king of France rebelled, and came into England with a great hoast vnto
+ Neuils crosse: but the archbishop of Yorke, with diuerse temporall
+ men, fought with him; and the said king of Scots was taken, and
+ William earle of Duglas with Morrise earle of Strathorne were brought
+ to London, and manie other lords slaine, which with Dauid did homage
+ to Edward king of England.
+
+ And in the thirtith yeare of the kings reigne, and the yeare of our
+ Lord 1355, the Scots woone the towne of Berwicke, but not the castell.
+ Herevpon the king came thither with a great hoast, and anon the towne
+ was yéelded vp without anie resistance.
+
+ Edward Balioll, considering that God did so manie maruellous and
+ gratious things for king Edward, at his owne will gaue vp the crowne
+ and the realme of Scotland to king Edward of England at Rokesborough,
+ by his letters patents. And anon after the king of England, in
+ presence of all his lords spirituall and temporall, let crowne
+ himselfe king there of the realme of Scotland, & ordeined all things
+ to his intent, and so came ouer into England.
+
+ Richard the sonne of Edward, called the Blacke prince, sonne of this
+ king Edward, was next king of England, who for that the said Iane, the
+ wife of the said king Dauid of Scotland was deceassed without issue,
+ and being informed how the Scots deuised to their vttermost power to
+ breake the limitation of this inheritance touching the crowne of
+ Scotland, made foorthwith war against them, wherein he burnt
+ Edenbrough, spoiled all their countrie, tooke all their holds, & held
+ continuallie war against them vntill his death, which was Anno Dom.
+ 1389.
+
+ Henrie the fourth of that name was next king of England, he continued
+ these warres begun against them by king Richard, and ceassed not
+ vntill Robert king of Scots (the third of that name) resigned his
+ crowne by appointment of this king Henrie, and deliuered his sonne
+ Iames, being then of the age of nine yeares, into his hands to remaine
+ at his custodie, wardship and disposition, as of his superiour lord,
+ according to the old lawes of king Edward the confessor. All this was
+ doone Anno Dom. 1404, which was within fiue yeares after the death of
+ king Richard. This Henrie the fourth reigned in this estate ouer them
+ fouretéene yeares.
+
+ Henrie the fift of that name, sonne to this king Henrie the fourth,
+ was next king of England. He made warres against the French king, in
+ all which this Iames then king of Scots attended vpon him, as vpon his
+ superiour lord, with a conuenient number of Scots, notwithstanding
+ their league with France. But this Henrie reigned but nine yeares,
+ whereby the homage of this Iames their king (hauing not fullie
+ accomplished the age of one & twentie yeares) was by reason and law
+ respited. Finallie the said Iames with diuerse other lords attended
+ vpon the corps of the said Henrie vnto Westminster, as to his dutie
+ apperteined.
+
+ Henrie the sixt, the sonne of this Henrie the fift, was next king of
+ England, to whome the seigniorie of Scotland & custodie of this Iames
+ by right, law, and reason descended, married the same Iames king of
+ Scots to Iane daughter of Iohn earle of Summerset, at saint Marie ouer
+ Ise in Southwarke, and tooke for the value of this mariage, the summe
+ of one hundred thousand markes starling.
+
+ This Iames king of Scots at his full age, did homage to the same king
+ Henrie the sixt, for the kingdome of Scotland at Windsore, in the
+ moneth of Ianuarie.
+
+ Since which time, vntill the daies of king Henrie the seuenth,
+ grandfather to our souereigne ladie that now is, albeit this realme
+ hath béene molested with diuersitie of titles, in which vnmeet time
+ neither law nor reason admit prescription to the prejudice of anie
+ right: yet did king Edward the fourth next king of England, by
+ preparation of war against the Scots in the latter end of his reigne,
+ sufficientlie by all lawes induce to the continuance of his claime to
+ the same superioritie ouer them.
+
+ After whose death, vnto the beginning of the reigne of our souereigne
+ lord king Henrie the eight, excéeded not the number of seauen and
+ twentie yeares, about which time the impediment of our claime of the
+ Scots part, chanced by the nonage of Iames their last king which so
+ continued the space of one and twentie yeares. And like as his
+ minoritie was by all law and reason an impediment to himselfe to make
+ homage; so was the same by like reason an impediment to the king of
+ this realme to demand anie, so that the whole time of intermission of
+ our claime in the time of the said king Henrie the eight, is deduced
+ vnto the number of thirteene yeares. And thus much for this matter.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE WALL SOMETIME BUILDED FOR A PARTITION BETWEENE ENGLAND AND THE
+ PICTS AND SCOTS.
+
+ CHAP. XXIII.
+
+
+ Hauing hitherto discoursed vpon the title of the kings of England,
+ vnto the Scotish kingdome: I haue now thought good to adde herevnto
+ the description of two walles that were (in times past) limits vnto
+ both the said regions, and therefore to be touched in this first
+ booke, as generallie appertinent vnto the estate of the whole Iland;
+ and no lesse famous than that which Anastasius Dicorus made afterward
+ from the Euxine vnto the Thracian sea, conteining 420 furlongs in
+ length, and twelue foot in bredth, & distant from Constantinople 280
+ furlongs, albeit that of Hadrian was made of turffe and timber. The
+ [Sidenote: The first beginner of the Picts wall.]
+ author therefore of the first wall was Hadrian the emperour, who (as
+ Ælius Spartianus saith) erected the same of foure score miles in
+ length, twelue foot in heigth, and eight in bredth, to diuide the
+ barbarous Britons from the more ciuill sort, which then were
+ generallie called by the name of Romans ouer all.
+
+ [Sidenote: The finisher of the wall.]
+ After his time Seuerus the emperour comming againe into this Ile
+ (where he had serued before in repression of the tumults here begun,
+ after the death of Lucius) amongst other things he made another wall
+ (but of stone) betwéene eightie and a hundred miles from the first, &
+ of thirtie two miles in length, reaching on both sides also to the
+ sea, of whome the Britons called it S. Murseueri, or Gwall Seueri,
+ that is, The wall of Seuerus, or Seuerus dale, which later indureth
+ vntill these daies in fresh memorie, by reason of the ruines & square
+ stones there oft found, whose inscriptions declare the authors of that
+ worke. It is worthie the noting also, how that in this voiage he lost
+ 50000 men in the Scotish side, by one occasion and other, which
+ hinderance so incensed him, that he determined vtterlie to extinguish
+ their memorie from vnder heauen, and had so doone in déed, if his life
+ [Sidenote: The wall goeth not streict by a line,
+ but in and out in manie places.]
+ had indured but vntill another yeare. Sextus Aurelius writing of
+ Seuerus, addeth, how that the wall made by this prince conteined two
+ and thirtie miles, whereby the bredth of this Iland there, and length
+ of the wall conteineth onelie so manie miles, as may be gathered by
+ his words. But chéeflie for the length of the wall, Spartianus who
+ touching it among other things saith of Seuerus as followeth:
+ "Britanniam (quod maximum eius imperij decus est) muro per transuersam
+ insulam ducto, vtrinq; ad finem oceani muniuit," that is, He fortified
+ Britaine (which is one of the chéefe acts recorded of his time) with a
+ wall made ouerthwart the Ile, that reached on both sides euen to the
+ verie Ocean.
+
+ [Sidenote: The stuffe of the wall.]
+ That this wall was of stone also, the ruines therof (which haue
+ ministred much matter to such as dwell néere therevnto in their
+ buildings) is triall sufficient. Heereby in like sort it commeth to
+ passe, that where the soile about it is least inhabited, there is most
+ mention of the said wall, which was wrought of squared stone, as
+ vntill this daie maie euidentlie be confirmed. Howbeit, these two
+ walles were not the onelie partitions betwéene these two kingdoms,
+ [Sidenote: Two other wals.]
+ sith Iulius Capitolinus in vita Antonini Pij dooth write of another
+ that Lollius Vrbicus made beyond the same, of turffe, in the time of
+ the said prince, who (for his victories in Britaine) was also called
+ Britannicus, which neuerthelesse was often throwne downe by the Scots,
+ and eftsoones repared againe, vntill it was giuen ouer and
+ relinquished altogither. It runneth (as I take it) also within the
+ wall about an arrow shot from that of stone: but how farre it went, as
+ yet I cannot find. This onlie remaineth certeine, that the walles made
+ [Sidenote: A rampire.]
+ by Hadrian & Seuerus, were ditched with notable ditches and rampires
+ made in such wise, that the Scotish aduersarie had much a doo to enter
+ and scale the same in his assaults. And yet for all this, I read that
+ the Scots oftentimes pulled downe great parcels of the same, to make
+ their accesse more easie into the south parts: but as it was eftsoons
+ repared againe, so the last time of all it was amended by the Romane
+ soldiors, which came ouer verie little before the time of Vortiger, at
+ which season the land was in maner left void of soldiors and munition.
+ Betwixt Thirlewall and the north Tine, are also in the waste grounds,
+ manie parcels of that wall of Seuerus yet standing, whereof the common
+ people doo babble manie things.
+
+ [Sidenote: The course of the wall from west to east.]
+ Beginning therefore with the course thereof, from the west sea, I find
+ that it runneth from Bolnesse to Burgh, about foure miles, and
+ likewise from thence within halfe a mile of Carleill, and lesse on the
+ north side, and beneath the confluence of the Peder and the Eden. From
+ hence it goeth to Terrebie, a village about a mile from Caerleill,
+ then through the baronie of Linstocke, and Gillesland, on the north
+ side of the riuer Irding or Arding, and a quarter of a mile from the
+ abbeie of Leuercost. Thence thrée miles aboue Leuercost, and aboue the
+ confluence of Arding, and the Pultrose becke (which diuideth
+ Gillesland in Cumberland, from south Tindale in Northumberland) it
+ goeth to Thirlwall castell, then to the wall towne, next of all ouer
+ the riuer to Swensheld, Carraw (peraduenture Cairuoren tower) to
+ Walwijc, and so ouer south Tine, to Cockelie tower, Portgate, Halton
+ sheles, Winchester, Rutchester, Heddon, Walhottle, Denton, and to
+ Newcastell, where it is thought that saint Nicholas church standeth on
+ the same. Howbeit Leland saith, that it goeth within a mile of
+ Newcastell, and then crooketh vp toward Tinmouth vnto Wallesend, three
+ miles from the mouth of the said riuer, so called bicause the
+ aforesaid wall did end at the same place. And thus much I read of the
+ Pictish wall. As for the Romane coine that is often found in the
+ course thereof, the curious bricks about the same néere vnto
+ Caerleill, beside the excellent cornellines and other costlie stones
+ alreadie intailed for seales oftentimes taken vp in those quarters, I
+ passe them ouer as not incident to my purpose.
+
+ In like maner I would gladlie also haue set downe the course of Offaes
+ ditch, which was march betwéene the Mercian dominions, and the
+ Welshmen in his time: but for so much as the tractation thereof is not
+ to be reférred to this place, bicause it is not a thing generall to
+ the whole Iland, I omit to speake of that also. Yet thus much will I
+ note here, as well by the report of one (who saith how he did tread it
+ out) that he followed it from the Dee to Kirnaburgh hill through
+ Treuelach forrest, by est of Crekith Cauchhill, Montgomerie castell,
+ the New castell and Discoid, and hauing brought it hitherto, either
+ lost it, or sought after it no further: as by the testimonie of
+ another, who writing thereof, saith, that it stretched from the south
+ side by Bristow, along vnder the mounteins of Wales northwards, ouer
+ the riuer of Sauerne, and to the verie mouth also of the Dée, where it
+ falleth into the sea. And so much of such things as concerne the
+ generall estate of the whole Iland, which labour herein I could verie
+ well haue spared, and would, if Quintus had performed the request of
+ Cicero his brother, who promised to send him ouer a sound
+ aduertisement of the condition of Britaine in those daies: as
+ appeareth in the second booke of his familiar epistles, where he
+ saith; "Modò mihi date Britanniam, quam pingam coloribus tuis
+ penicillo meo, &c." But sithence that was not performed, and the
+ treatise of Demetrius and other of the same argument are perished,
+ which were of some value, let this trifle (I beseech you) not be
+ reiected, till some other man of better skill shall haue drawne a more
+ absolute péece of workemanship, wherevnto my vnskilfulnesse (I hope)
+ shall prooue no hinderance.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE MARUELS OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XXIV.
+
+
+ Such as haue written of the woonders of our countrie in old time, haue
+ spoken (no doubt) of manie things, which deserue no credit at all: and
+ therefore in séeking thankes of their posteritie by their trauell in
+ this behalfe; they haue reaped the reward of iust reproch, and in
+ stéed of fame purchased vnto themselues nought else but méere
+ discredit in their better and more learned treatises. The like
+ commonlie happeneth also to such, as in respect of lucre doo publish
+ vnprofitable and pernicious volumes, wherby they doo consume their
+ times in vaine, and in manifold wise become preiudiciall vnto their
+ common wealths. For my part I will not touch anie man herein
+ particularlie, no not our Demetrius, of whom Plutarch speaketh in his
+ oracles (if those bookes were written by him, for some thinke that
+ Plutarch neuer wrote them, although Eusebius lib. 4. cap. 8. dooth
+ acknowledge them to be his) which Demetrius left sundrie treatises
+ behind him, conteining woonderfull things collected of our Iland. But
+ sith that in my time they are found to be false, it should be far
+ vnmeet to remember them anie more: for who is he which will beléeue,
+ that infernall spirits can die and giue vp their ghosts like mortall
+ men? though Saxo séeme to consent vnto him in this behalfe. In
+ speaking also of the out Iles, he saith thus: Beyond Britaine are
+ manie desolate Ilands, whereof some are dedicated to the Gods, some to
+ the noble Heroes. I sailed (saith he) by the helpe of the king vnto
+ one that laie néere hand, onelie to see and view the same, in which I
+ found few inhabitants, and yet such as were there, were reputed and
+ taken for men of great pietie and holinesse. During the time also that
+ I remained in the same, it was vexed with great storme and tempest,
+ which caused me not a little to doubt of my safe returne. In the end,
+ demanding of the inhabitants what the cause should be of this so great
+ and sudden mutation of the aire? they answered, that either some of
+ the Gods, or at the least of the Heroes were latelie deceased: for as
+ a candle (said they) hurteth none whilest it burneth, but being
+ slenderlie put out annoieth manie with the filthie sauour: so these
+ Gods, whilest they liued, were either not hurtfull, or verie
+ beneficiall to mankind; but being once deceassed, they so mooue the
+ heauens and aire, that much mischéefe dooth insue eftsoones vpon the
+ same.
+
+ Being also inquisitiue of the state of other Iles not farre off, they
+ told him further, how there was one hard by, wherein Saturne being
+ ouertaken with a dead sléepe, was watched by Briareus as he laie,
+ which Saturne also had manie spirits attending vpon him in sundrie
+ functions and offices. By which reports it is easie to conceiue, with
+ what vaine stuffe that volume of Demetrius is interlaced. But of such
+ writers as we haue too too manie, so among the said rable Geruase of
+ Tilberie is not the least famous, a man as it were euen sold to vtter
+ matters of more admiration than credit to the world. For what a tale
+ telleth he in his De otio imperiali, of Wandleburie hilles, that lie
+ within sight & by south of Cambridge (where the Vandals incamped
+ sometime, when they entered into this Iland) and of a spirit that
+ would of custome in a moone shine night (if he were chalenged and
+ called therevnto) run at tilt and turneie in complet armor with anie
+ knight or gentleman whomsoeuer, in that place: and how one Osbert of
+ Barnewell, hearing the report thereof, armed himselfe, and being well
+ mounted, rode thither alone with one esquier, and called for him, who
+ foorthwith appeared in rich armour, and answered his chalenge, so that
+ running togither verie fiercelie, they met with such rigor, that the
+ answerer was ouerthrowne and borne downe to the ground. After this
+ they bickered on foot so long, till Osbert ouercame and draue him to
+ flight, who departed, leauing his horsse behind him, which was of huge
+ stature, blacke (as he saith) of colour, with his furniture of the
+ same hue, and wherevpon he seized, giuing him vnto his page, who
+ caried him home, and there kept him till it was néere daie, during
+ which space he was séene of manie. But when the daie light began to
+ shew it selfe somewhat cléere, the beast stamped and snorted, and
+ foorthwith breaking his raine, he ran awaie, and was no more heard of
+ to his knowledge in that countrie. In the meane season Osbert being
+ verie faint, and waxing wearie (for he was sore wounded in the thigh,
+ which either he knew not of, or at the leastwise dissembled to know
+ it) caused his leg-harnesse or stéele bootes to be pulled off, which
+ his fréends saw to be full of bloud spilled in the voiage. But let who
+ so list beléeue it, sith it is either a fable deuised, or some
+ diuelish illusion, if anie such thing were doone. And on mine owne
+ behalfe, hauing (I hope) the feare of God before my eies, I purpose
+ here to set downe no more than either I know my selfe to be true, or
+ am crediblie informed to be so, by such godly men, as to whom nothing
+ is more deare than to speake the truth, and not anie thing more odious
+ than to discredit themselues by lieng. In writing therefore of the
+ [Sidenote: Foure woonders of England.]
+ woonders of England, I find that there are foure notable things, which
+ for their rarenesse amongst the common sort, are taken for the foure
+ miracles and woonders of the land.
+
+ The first of these is a vehement and strong wind, which issueth out of
+ the hilles called the Peke, so violent and strong, that at certeine
+ times if a man doo cast his cote or cloake into the caue from whence
+ it issueth, it driueth the same backe againe, hoising it aloft into
+ the open aire with great force and vehemencie. Of this also Giraldus
+ speaketh.
+
+ The second is the miraculous standing or rather hanging of certeine
+ stones vpon the plaine of Salisburie, whereof the place is called
+ Stonehenge. And to saie the truth, they may well be woondered at, not
+ onelie for the manner of position, whereby they become verie difficult
+ to be numbred, but also for their greatnesse & strange maner of lieng
+ of some of them one vpon another, which séemeth to be with so tickle
+ hold, that few men go vnder them without feare of their present ruine.
+ How and when these stones were brought thither, as yet I can not read;
+ howbeit it is most likelie, that they were raised there by the
+ Britons, after the slaughter of their nobilitie at the deadlie banket,
+ which Hengist and his Saxons prouided for them, where they were also
+ buried, and Vortigerne their king apprehended and led awaie as
+ captiue. I haue heard that the like are to be séene in Ireland; but
+ how true it is as yet I can not learne. The report goeth also, that
+ these were broght from thence, but by what ship on the sea, and
+ cariage by land, I thinke few men can safelie imagine.
+
+ The third is an ample and large hole vnder the ground, which some call
+ Carcer Acoli, but in English Chedderhole, whereinto manie men haue
+ entred & walked verie farre. Howbeit, as the passage is large and
+ nothing noisome: so diuerse that haue aduentured to go into the same,
+ could neuer as yet find the end of that waie, neither sée anie other
+ thing than pretie riuerets and streames, which they often crossed as
+ they went from place to place. This Chedderhole or Chedder rocke is in
+ Summersetshire, and thence the said waters run till they méet with the
+ second Ax that riseth in Owkie hole.
+
+ The fourth is no lesse notable than anie of the other. For westward
+ vpon certeine hilles a man shall sée the clouds gather togither in
+ faire weather vnto a certeine thicknesse, and by and by to spread
+ themselues abroad and water their fields about them, as it were vpon
+ the sudden. The causes of which dispersion, as they are utterlie
+ vnknowne: so manie men coniecture great store of water to be in those
+ hilles, & verie néere at hand, if it were néedfull to be sought for.
+
+ Besides these foure maruelles, there is a little rockie Ile in Aber
+ Barrie (a riueret that falleth into the Sauerne sea) called Barrie,
+ which hath a rift or clift next the first shore; wherevnto if a man
+ doo laie his eare, he shall heare such noises as are commonlie made in
+ smiths forges, to wit, clinking of iron barres, beating with hammers,
+ blowing of bellowses, and such like: whereof the superstitious sort
+ doo gather manie toies, as the gentiles did in old time of their lame
+ god Vulcans pot. The riuer that runneth by Chester changeth hir
+ chanell euerie moneth: the cause whereof as yet I can not learne;
+ neither dooth it swell by force of anie land-floud, but by some
+ vehement wind it oft ouer-runneth hir banks. In Snowdonie are two
+ lakes, whereof one beareth a moouable Iland, which is carried to and
+ fro as the wind bloweth. The other hath thrée kinds of fishes in it,
+ as éeles, trowts, and perches: but herein resteth the woonder, that
+ all those haue but one eie a péece onelie, and the same situate in the
+ right side of their heads. And this I find to be confirmed also by
+ authors: There is a well in the forrest of Gnaresborow, whereof the
+ said forrest dooth take the name; which water, beside that it is cold
+ as Stix, in a certeine period of time knowne, conuerteth wood, flesh,
+ leaues of trées, and mosse into hard stone, without alteration or
+ changing of shape. The like also is séene there in frogs, wormes, and
+ such like liuing creatures as fall into the same, and find no readie
+ issue. Of this spring also Leland writeth thus; A little aboue March
+ (but at the further banke of Nide riuer as I came) I saw a well of
+ wonderfull nature called Dropping well, because the water thereof
+ distilleth out of great rockes hard by into it continuallie, which is
+ so cold, and thereto of such nature, that what thing soeuer falleth
+ out of those rocks into this pit, or groweth néere thereto, or be cast
+ into it by mans hand, it turneth into stone. It may be (saith he) that
+ some sand or other fine ground issueth out with this water from these
+ hard rocks, which cleauing vnto those things, giueth them in time the
+ forme of stones &c. Néere vnto the place where Winburne monasterie
+ sometimes stood, also not farre from Bath there is a faire wood,
+ whereof if you take anie péece, and pitch it into the ground
+ thereabouts, or throw it into the water, within twelue moneths it will
+ turne into hard stone. In part of the hilles east southeast of
+ Alderleie, a mile from Kingswood, are stones dailie found, perfectlie
+ fashioned like cockles and mightie oisters, which some dreame haue
+ lien there euer since the floud. In the clifts betwéene the Blacke
+ head and Trewardeth baie in Cornwall, is a certeine caue, where things
+ appeare like images guilded, on the sides of the same, which I take to
+ be nothing but the shining of the bright ore of coppar and other
+ mettals readie at hand to be found there, if anie diligence were vsed.
+ Howbeit, because it is much maruelled at as a rare thing, I doo not
+ thinke it to be vnméet to be placed amongst our woonders. Maister
+ Guise had of late, and still hath (for aught that I know) a manor in
+ Glocestershire, where certeine okes doo grow, whose rootes are verie
+ hard stone. And beside this, the ground is so fertile there (as they
+ saie) that if a man hew a stake of anie wood, and pitch it into the
+ earth, it will grow and take rooting beyond all expectation.
+ Siluecester towne also is said to conteine fourescore acres of land
+ within the walles, whereof some is corne-ground (as Leland saith) and
+ the graine which is growing therein dooth come to verie good
+ perfection till it be readie to be cut downe: but euen then, or about
+ that time it vanisheth away & becommeth altogither vnprofitable. Is it
+ any woonder (thinke you) to tell of sundrie caues néere to Browham, on
+ the west side of the riuer Aimote, wherein are halles, chambers, and
+ all offices of houshold cut out of the hard rocke? If it be, then may
+ we increase the number of maruels verie much by a rehearsall of other
+ also. For we haue manie of the like, as one néere saint Assaphs vpon
+ the banke of Elwie, and about the head of Vendrath Vehan in Wales,
+ whereinto men haue often entred and walked, and yet found nothing but
+ large roomes, and sandie ground vnder their féet, and other
+ else-where. But sith these things are not strange, I let them alone,
+ and go forward with the rest.
+
+ In the parish of Landsarnam in Wales, and in the side of a stonie
+ hill, is a place wherein are foure and twentie seats hewen out of the
+ hard rockes; but who did cut them, and to what end, as yet it is not
+ learned. As for the huge stone that lieth at Pember in Guitherie
+ parish, and of the notable carcasse that is affirmed to lie vnder the
+ same, there is no cause to touch it here: yet were it well doone to
+ haue it remoued, though it were but onlie to sée what it is, which the
+ people haue in so great estimation & reuerence. There is also a poole
+ in Logh Taw, among the blacke mounteins in Brecknockshire, where (as
+ is said) is the head of Taw that commeth to Swanseie, which hath such
+ a propertie, that it will bréed no fish at all, & if anie be cast into
+ it, they die without recouerie: but this peraduenture may grow throgh
+ the accidentall corruption of the water, rather than the naturall
+ force of the element it selfe. There is also a lin in Wales, which in
+ the one side beareth trowts so red as samons, and in the other, which
+ is the westerlie side, verie white and delicate. I heare also of two
+ welles not far from Landien, which stand verie néere togither, and yet
+ are of such diuersitie of nature, that the one beareth sope, and is a
+ maruellous fine water; the other altogither of contrarie qualities.
+ Which is not a litle to be mused at, considering (I saie) that they
+ participate of one soile, and rise so nigh one to another. I haue
+ notice giuen me moreouer of a stone not farre from saint Dauids, which
+ is verie great, as a bed, or such like thing: and being raised vp, a
+ man may stirre it with his thumbe; but not with his shoulder or force
+ of his whole bodie.
+
+ There is a well not farre from stonie Stratford, which conuerteth
+ manie things into stone; and an other in Wales, which is said to
+ double or triple the force of anie edge toole that is quenched in the
+ same. In Tegenia, a parcell of Wales, there is a noble well (I meane
+ in the parish of Kilken) which is of maruellous nature, and much like
+ to another well at Seuill in Spaine: for although it be six miles from
+ the sea, it ebbeth and floweth twise in one daie; alwaies ebbing when
+ the sea dooth vse to flow, and in flowing likewise when the sea dooth
+ vse to ebbe; wherof some doo fable, that this well is ladie and
+ mistresse of the ocean. Not farre from thence also is a medicinable
+ spring called Schinant of old time, but now Wenefrides well, in the
+ edges whereof dooth breed a verie odoriferous and delectable mosse,
+ wherewith the head of the smeller is maruellouslie refreshed. Other
+ welles and water-courses we haue likewise, which at some times burst
+ out into huge streames, though at other seasons they run but verie
+ softlie, whereby the people gather some alteration of estate to be at
+ hand. And such a one there is at Henleie, & an other at Croidon; &
+ such a one also in the golden dale beside Anderne in Picardie, whereof
+ the common sort imagine manie things. Some of the greater sort also
+ giue ouer to run at all in such times, wherof they conceiue the like
+ opinion. And of the same nature, though of no great quantitie, is a
+ pit or well at Langleie parke in Kent, whereof (by good hap) it was my
+ lucke to read a notable historie in an ancient chronicle that I saw of
+ late. What the foolish people dreame of the hell Kettles, it is not
+ worthie the rehearsall; yet to the end the lewd opinion conceiued of
+ them may grow into contempt, I will saie thus much also of those pits.
+ There are certeine pits, or rather three little pooles, a mile from
+ Darlington, and a quarter of a mile distant from the These banks which
+ the people call the Kettles of hell, or the diuels Kettles, as if he
+ should séeth soules of sinfull men and women in them. They adde also,
+ that the spirits haue oft beene heard to crie and yell about them,
+ with other like talke sauoring altogether of pagan infidelitie. The
+ truth is, and of this opinion also was Cutbert Tunstall late bishop of
+ Durham, a man (notwithstanding the basenesse of his birth, being
+ begotten by one Tunstall vpon a daughter of the house of the Commers,
+ as Leland saith) of great learning and iudgement, that the cole-mines
+ in those places are kindled, or if there be no coles, there may a mine
+ of some other vnctuous matter be set on fire, which being here and
+ there consumed, the earth falleth in, and so dooth leaue a pit. Indéed
+ the water is now and then warme (as they saie) and beside that it is
+ not cléere: the people suppose them to be an hundred fadam déepe. The
+ biggest of them also hath an issue into the These, as experience hath
+ confirmed. For doctor Bellowes aliàs Belzis made report, how a ducke
+ marked after the fashion of the duckes of the bishoprike of Durham,
+ was put into the same betwixt Darlington and These banke, and
+ afterward séene at a bridge not farre from master Clereuax house. If
+ it were woorth the noting, I would also make relation of manie wooden
+ crosses found verie often about Halidon, whereof the old inhabitants
+ conceiued an opinion that they were fallen from heauen; whereas in
+ truth, they were made and borne by king Oswald; and his men in the
+ battell wherein they preuailed sometimes against the British infidels,
+ vpon a superstitious imagination, that those crosses should be their
+ defense and shield against their aduersaries. Beda calleth the place
+ where the said field was fought, Heauen field; it lieth not far from
+ the Pictish wall, and the famous monasterie of Hagulstad. But more of
+ this elsewhere. Neither will I speak of the little hillets séene in
+ manie places of our Ile, whereof though the vnskilfull people babble
+ manie things: yet are they nothing else but Tumuli or graues of former
+ times, as appeareth by such tooms & carcasses as be daily found in the
+ same, when they be digged downe. The like fond imagination haue they
+ of a kind of lunarie, which is to be found in manie places, although
+ not so well knowen by the forme vnto them, as by the effect thereof,
+ because it now and then openeth the lockes hanging on the horses féet
+ as hit vpon it where it groweth in their féeding. Roger Bacon our
+ countrieman noteth it to grow plentiouslie in Tuthill fields about
+ London. I haue heard of it to be within compasse of the parish where I
+ dwell, and doo take it for none other than the Sfera Cauallo, whereof
+ Mathiolus and the herbarists doo write, albeit that it hath not béene
+ my lucke at anie time to behold it. Plinie calleth it Aethiopis: and
+ Aelianus, Oppianus, Kyramis, and Trebius haue written manie
+ superstitious things thereof, but especiallie our Chymists, who make
+ it of farre more vertue than our smiths doo their ferne séed, whereof
+ they babble manie woonders, and prate of such effects as may well be
+ performed indéed when the ferne beareth séed, which is commonly Ad
+ calendas Græcas, for before it will not be found.
+
+ But to procéed. There is a well in Darbieshire called Tideswell (so
+ named of the word tide, or to ebbe and flow) whose water often séemeth
+ to rise and fall, as the sea which is fortie miles from it dooth
+ vsuallie accustome to ebbe and flow. And hereof an opinion is growen
+ that it kéepeth an ordinarie course as the sea dooth. Howbeit, sith
+ diuerse are knowne to haue watched the same, it may be that at
+ sometimes it riseth, but not continuallie; and that it so dooth I am
+ fullie persuaded to beléeue. But euen inough of the woonders of our
+ countrie, least I doo seeme by talking longer of them, woonderouslie
+ to ouershoot my selfe, and forget how much dooth rest behind of the
+ description of my countrie. As for those that are to be touched of
+ Scotland, the description of that part shall in some part remember
+ them.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+
+ CONTENTS OF THE SECOND BOOKE.
+
+
+    1 _Of the ancient and present estate of the church of England._
+    2 _Of the number of bishoprikes and their seuerall circuits._
+    3 _Of vniuersities._
+    4 _Of the partition of England into shires and counties._
+    5 _Of degrees of people in the commonwealth of England._
+    6 _Of the food and diet of the English._
+    7 _Of their apparell and attire._
+    8 _Of the high court of parlement & authoritie of the same._
+    9 _Of the lawes of England since hir first inhabitation._
+   10 _Of prouision made for the poore._
+   11 _Of sundrie kinds of punishment appointed for malefactors._
+   12 _Of the maner of building and furniture of our houses._
+   13 _Of cities and townes in England._
+   14 _Of castels and holds._
+   15 _Of palaces belonging to the prince._
+   16 _Of armour and munition._
+   17 _Of the nauie of England._
+   18 _Of faires and markets._
+   19 _Of parkes and warrens._
+   20 _Of gardens and orchards._
+   21 _Of waters generallie._
+   22 _Of woods and marishes._
+   23 _Of baths and hot welles._
+   24 _Of antiquities found._
+   25 _Of the coines of England._
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE ANCIENT AND PRESENT ESTATE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. I.
+
+
+ There are now two prouinces onelie in England, of which the first and
+ greatest is subiect to the sée of Canturburie, comprehending a parte
+ of Lhoegres, whole Cambria, & also Ireland, which in time past were
+ seuerall, & brought into one by the archbishop of the said sée &
+ assistance of the pope; who in respect of méed, did yéeld vnto the
+ ambitious desires of sundrie archbishops of Canturburie, as I haue
+ elsewhere declared. The second prouince is vnder the sée of Yorke, and
+ of these; either hath hir archbishop resident commonlie within hir
+ owne limits, who hath not onelie the cheefe dealing in matters
+ apperteining to the hierarchie and iurisdiction of the church; but
+ also great authoritie in ciuill affaires touching the gouernement of
+ the common wealth: so far foorth as their commissions and seuerall
+ circuits doo extend.
+
+ In old time there were thrée archbishops, and so manie prouinces in
+ this Ile; of which one kept at London, another at Yorke, and the third
+ at Caerlheon vpon Uske. But as that of London was translated to
+ Canturburie by Augustine, and that of Yorke remaineth (notwithstanding
+ that the greatest part of his iurisdiction is now bereft him and giuen
+ to the Scotish archbishop) so that of Caerlheon is vtterlie
+ extinguished, and the gouernement of the countrie vnited to that of
+ Canturburie in spirituall cases: after it was once before remoued to
+ S. Dauids in Wales by Dauid successor to Dubritius, and vncle to king
+ Arthur, in the 519 of Grace, to the end that he and his clearkes might
+ be further off from the crueltie of the Saxons, where it remained till
+ the time of the Bastard, and for a season after, before it was annexed
+ vnto the sée of Canturburie.
+
+ The archbishop of Canturburie is commonlie called primat of all
+ England; and in the coronations of the kings of this land, and all
+ other times, wherein it shall please the prince to weare and put on
+ his crowne, his office is to set it vpon their heads. They beare also
+ the name of their high chapleins continuallie, although not a few of
+ them haue presumed (in time past) to be their equals, and void of
+ subiection vnto them. That this is true, it may easilie appéere by
+ their owne acts yet kept in record; beside their epistles & answers
+ written or in print; wherein they haue sought not onelie to match but
+ also to mate them with great rigor and more than open tyrannie. Our
+ aduersaries will peraduenture denie this absolutelie, as they doo
+ manie other things apparant, though not without shamelesse impudencie,
+ or at the leastwise defend it as iust and not swaruing from common
+ equitie; bicause they imagine euerie archbishop to be the kings equall
+ in his owne prouince. But how well their dooing herein agreeth with
+ the saieng of Peter, & examples of the primitiue church, it may
+ easilie appéere. Some examples also of their demeanor (I meane in the
+ time of poperie) I will not let to remember, least they should saie I
+ speake of malice, and without all ground of likelihood.
+
+ Of their practises with meane persons I speake not, neither will I
+ begin at Dunstane the author of all their pride and presumption here
+ in England. But for somuch as the dealing of Robert the Norman against
+ earle Goodwine is a rare historie, and deserueth to be remembred, I
+ will touch it in this place; protesting to deale withall in more
+ faithfull maner than it hath heretofore beene deliuered vnto vs by the
+ Norman writers, or French English, who (of set purpose) haue so
+ defaced earle Goodwine, that were it not for the testimonie of one or
+ two méere Englishmen liuing in those daies, it should be impossible
+ for me (or anie other) at this present to declare the truth of that
+ matter according to hir circumstances. Marke therefore what I saie.
+ For the truth is, that such Normans as came in with Emma in the time
+ of Ethelred, and Canutus, and the Confessor, did fall by sundrie means
+ into such fauor with those princes, that the gentlemen did grow to
+ beare great rule in the court, and their clearkes to be possessors of
+ the best benefices in the land. Hervpon therefore one Robert, a iolie
+ ambitious préest, gat first to be bishop of London, and after the
+ death of Eadsius, to be archbishop of Canturburie by the gift of king
+ Edward; leauing his former sée to William his countrieman. Ulfo also a
+ Norman was preferred to Lincolne, and other to other places, as the
+ king did thinke conuenient.
+
+ These Norman clerkes, and their freends, being thus exalted, it was
+ not long yer they began to mocke, abuse, and despise the English: and
+ so much the more, as they dailie saw themselues to increase in fauour
+ with king Edward, who also called diuerse of them to be of his secret
+ councell, which did not a litle incense the harts of the English
+ against them. A fraie also was made at Douer, betwéene the seruants of
+ earle Goodwine and the French, whose maisters came ouer to see and
+ salute the king: whereof I haue spoken in my Chronologie, which so
+ inflamed the minds of the French cleargie and courtiers against the
+ English nobilitie, that each part sought for opportunitie of reuenge,
+ which yer long tooke hold betwéene them. For the said Robert, being
+ called to be archbishop of Canturburie, was no sooner in possession of
+ his sée, than he began to quarrell with earle Goodwine (the kings
+ father in law by the mariage of his daughter) who also was readie to
+ acquit his demeanor with like malice; and so the mischiefe begun.
+ Herevpon therefore the archbishop charged the earle with the murther
+ of Alfred the kings brother, whom not he but Harald the sonne of
+ Canutus and the Danes had cruellie made awaie. For Alfred and his
+ brother comming into the land with fiue and twentie saile, vpon the
+ death of Canutus, and being landed; the Normans that arriued with them
+ giuing out how they came to recouer their right, to wit, the crowne of
+ England; & therevnto the vnskilfull yoong gentlemen, shewing
+ themselues to like of the rumour that was spred in this behalfe, the
+ report of their demeanor was quicklie brought to Harald, who caused a
+ companie foorthwith of Danes priuilie to laie wait for them, as they
+ roade toward Gilford, where Alfred was slaine, and whence Edward with
+ much difficultie escaped to his ships, and so returned into Normandie.
+
+ But to proceed. This affirmation of the archbishop being greatlie
+ soothed out with his craftie vtterance (for he was lerned) confirmed
+ by his French fréends, (for they had all conspired against the erle)
+ and therevnto the king being desirous to reuenge the death of his
+ brother, bred such a grudge in his mind against Goodwine, that he
+ banished him and his sons cleane out of the land. He sent also his
+ wife the erles daughter prisoner to Wilton, with one onelie maiden
+ attending vpon hir, where she laie almost a yeare before she was
+ released. In the meane season, the rest of the peeres, as Siward earle
+ of Northumberland surnamed Digara or Fortis, Leofrijc earle of
+ Chester, and other went to the king, before the departure of Goodwine,
+ indeuouring to persuade him vnto the reuocation of his sentence; and
+ desiring that his cause might be heard and discussed by order of law.
+ But the king incensed by the archbishop and his Normans would not
+ heare on that side, saieng plainelie, and swearing by saint Iohn the
+ euangelist (for that was his common oth) that earle Goodwine should
+ not haue his peace till he restored his brother Alfred aliue againe
+ vnto his presence. With which answer the peeres departed in choler
+ from the court, and Goodwine toward the coast.
+
+ Comming also vnto the shore and readie to take shipping, he knéeled
+ downe in presence of his conduct (to wit at Bosenham in the moneth of
+ September, from whence he intended to saile into Flanders vnto
+ Baldwine the earle) and there praied openlie before them all, that if
+ euer he attempted anie thing against the kings person of England, or
+ his roiall estate, that he might neuer come safe vnto his cousine, nor
+ sée his countrie any more, but perish in this voiage. And herewith he
+ went aboord the ship that was prouided for him, and so from the coast
+ into the open sea. But sée what followed. He was not yet gone a mile
+ waie from the land, before he saw the shore full of armed souldiers,
+ sent after by the archbishop and his freends to kill him yer he should
+ depart and go out of the countrie: which yet more incensed the harts
+ of the English against them.
+
+ Being come also to Flanders, he caused the earle, the French king, and
+ other of his fréends, among whome also the emperour was one, to write
+ vnto the king in his behalfe; but all in vaine: for nothing could be
+ obteined from him, of which the Normans had no liking, wherevpon the
+ earle and his sonnes changed their minds, obteined aid, and inuaded
+ the land in sundry places. Finallie ioining their powers they came by
+ the Thames into Southwarke néere London where they lodged, and looked
+ for the king to incounter with them in the field. The king séeing what
+ was doone, commanded the Londoners not to aid nor vittell them. But
+ the citizens made answer, how the quarrell of Goodwine was the cause
+ of the whole realme, which he had in maner giuen ouer vnto the spoile
+ of the French: and therevpon they not onelie vittelled them
+ aboundantlie, but also receiued the earle and his chiefe fréends into
+ the citie, where they lodged them at their ease, till the kings power
+ was readie to ioine with them in battell.
+
+ Great resort also was made vnto them from all places of the realme, so
+ that the earles armie was woonderfullie increased, and the daie and
+ place chosen wherein the battell should be fought. But when the armies
+ met, the kings side began some to flée to the earle, other to laie
+ downe their weapons, and not a few to run awaie out right; the rest
+ telling him plainelie that they would neuer fight against their owne
+ countriemen, to mainteine Frenchmens quarrels. The Normans also seeing
+ the sequele, fled awaie so fast as they might gallop, leauing the king
+ in the field to shift for himselfe (as he best might) whilest they did
+ saue themselues elsewhere.
+
+ In the meane season the earles power would haue set vpon the king,
+ either to his slaughter, or apprehension; but he staied them, saieng
+ after this maner: The king is my sonne (as you all know) and it is not
+ for a father to deale so hardlie with his child, neither a subiect
+ with his souereigne; it is not he that hath hurt or doone me this
+ iniurie, but the proud Normans that are about him: wherfore to gaine a
+ kingdome, I will doo him no violence. And therewithall casting aside
+ his battell ax he ran to the king, that stood altogither amazed, and
+ falling at his féet he craued his peace, accused the archbishop,
+ required that his cause might be heard in open assemblie of his
+ péeres; and finallie determined as truth and equitie should deserue.
+
+ The king (after he had paused a pretie while) seeing his old father in
+ law to lie groueling at his féet, and conceiuing with himselfe that
+ his sute was not vnreasonable; seeing also his children, and the rest
+ of the greatest barons of the land to knéele before him, and make the
+ like request: he lifted vp the earle by the hand, bad him be of good
+ comfort, pardoned all that was past, and freendlie hauing kissed him
+ and his sonnes vpon the chéekes, he lead them to his palace, called
+ home the quéene, and summoned all his lords vnto a councell.
+
+ Wherein it is much to read, how manie billes were presented against
+ the bishop & his Normans; some conteining matter of rape, other of
+ robberie, extortion, murder, manslaughter, high treason, adulterie;
+ and not a few of batterie. Wherwith the king (as a man now awaked out
+ of sléepe) was so offended, that vpon consultation had of these
+ things, he banished all the Normans out of the land, onelie thrée or
+ foure excepted, whome he reteined for sundrie necessarie causes,
+ albeit they came neuer more so néere him afterward as to be of his
+ priuie councell.
+
+ After this also the earle liued almost two yeares, and then falling
+ into an apoplexie, as he sat with the king at the table, he was taken
+ vp and carried into the kings bedchamber, where (after a few daies) he
+ made an end of his life. And thus much of our first broile raised by
+ the cleargie, and practise of the archbishop. I would intreat of all
+ the like examples of tyrannie, practised by the prelats of this sée,
+ against their lords and souereignes: but then I should rather write an
+ historie than a description of this Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: Anselme.]
+ Wherefore I refer you to those reports of Anselme and Becket,
+ sufficientlie penned by other, the which Anselme also making a shew,
+ as if he had bin verie vnwilling to be placed in the sée of
+ Canturburie, gaue this answer to the letters of such his fréends, as
+ did make request vnto him to take the charge vpon him. "Secularia
+ negotia nescio, quia scire nolo, eorum námque occupationes horreo,
+ liberum affectans animum. Voluntati sacrarum intendo scripturarum, vos
+ dissonantiam facitis, verendúmque est nè aratrum sanctæ ecclesiæ, quod
+ in Anglia duo boues validi & pari fortitudine, ad bonum certantes, id
+ est rex & archiepiscopus, debeant trahere, nunc oue vetula cum tauro
+ indomito iugata, distorqueatur à recto. Ego ouis vetula, qui si
+ quietus essem, verbi Dei lacte, & operimento lanæ, aliquibus possem
+ fortassis non ingratus esse, sed si me cum hoc tauro coniungitis,
+ videbitis pro disparilitate trahentium, aratrum non rectè procedere,
+ &c." Which is in English thus: Of secular affaires I haue no skill,
+ bicause I will not know them, for I euen abhor the troubles that rise
+ about them, as one that desireth to haue his mind at libertie. I
+ applie my whole indeuor to the rule of the scriptures, you lead me to
+ the contrarie. And it is to be feared least the plough of holie
+ church, which two strong oxen of equall force, and both like earnest
+ to contend vnto that which is good (that is the king and the
+ archbishop) ought to draw, should thereby now swarue from the right
+ forrow, by matching of an old shéepe with a wild vntamed bull. I am
+ that old shéepe, who if I might be quiet, could peraduenture shew my
+ selfe not altogither vngratfull to some, by féeding them with the
+ milke of the word of God, and couering them with wooll: but if you
+ match me with this bull, you shall sée that thorough want of equalitie
+ in draught the plough will not go to right, &c: as foloweth in the
+ [Sidenote: Thomas Becket.]
+ processe of his letters. The said Thomas Becket was so proud, that he
+ wrote to king Henrie the second, as to his lord, to his king, and to
+ his sonne, offering him his counsell, his reuerence, and due
+ correction, &c. Others in like sort haue protested, that they owght
+ nothing to the kings of this land, but their counsell onelie,
+ reseruing all obedience vnto the sée of Rome.
+
+ And as the old cocke of Canturburie did crow in this behalfe, so the
+ yoong cockerels of other sées did imitate his demeanor, as may be
+ séene by this one example also in king Stephans time, worthie to be
+ remembred; vnto whome the bishop of London would not so much as sweare
+ to be true subiect: wherein also he was mainteined by the pope, as
+ appeareth by these letters.
+
+ "Eugenius episcopus seruus seruorum Dei, dilecto in Christo filio
+ Stephano illustri regi Anglor[=u] salut[=e], & apostolic[=a]
+ benediction[=e]. Ad hæc superna prouid[=e]tia in ecclesia pontifices
+ ordinauit, vt Christianus populus ab eis pascua vitæ reciperet, & tam
+ principes seculares, quàm inferioris conditionis homines, ipsis
+ pontificibus tanquam Christi vicarijs reuerentiam exhiberent.
+ Venerabilis siquidem frater noster Robertus London episcopus, tanquam
+ vir sapiens & honestus, & relligionis amator, à nobilitate tua benignè
+ tractandus est, & pro collata à Deo prudentia propensiùs honorandus.
+ Quia ergò, sicut in veritate comperimus cum animæ suæ salute, ac suæ
+ ordinis periculo, fidelitate quæ ab eo requiritur astringi non potest:
+ volumus, & ex paterno tibi affectu consulimus, quatenus prædictum
+ fratrem nostrum super hoc nullatenus inquietes, immò pro beati Petri &
+ nostra reuerentia, eum in amorem & gratiam tuam recipias. Cùm autem
+ illud iuramentum præstare non possit, sufficiat discretioni tuæ, vt
+ simplici & veraci verbo promittat, quòd læsionem tibi vel terræ tuæ
+ non inferat: Vale. Dat. Meldis 6. cal. Iulij."
+
+ Thus we sée, that kings were to rule no further than it pleased the
+ pope to like of; neither to chalenge more obedience of their subiects
+ than stood also with their good will and pleasure. He wrote in like
+ sort vnto quéene Mawd about the same matter, making hir Samsons calfe
+ (the better to bring his purpose to passe) as appeareth by the same
+ letter here insuing.
+
+ "Solomone attestante, didicimus quòd mulier sapiens ædificat domum;
+ insipiens autem constructam destruet manibus. Gaudemus pro te, &
+ deuotionis studium in Domino collaudamus; quoniam sicut relligiosorum
+ relatione accepimus, timorem Dei præ oculis habens, operibus pietatis
+ int[=e]dis, & personas ecclesiasticas & diligis & honoras. Vt ergo de
+ bono in melius (inspirante Domino) proficere valeas, nobilitat[=e]
+ tuam in Domino rogamus, & rogando monemus, & exhortamur in Domino,
+ quatenus bonis initijs exitus meliores iniungas, & venerabilem fratrem
+ nostrum Robertum London episcop[=u], pro illius reuerentia, qui cùm
+ olim diues esset, pro nobis pauper fieri voluit, attentiùs diligas, &
+ honores. Apud virum tuum & dilectum filium nostrum Stephanum, insignem
+ regem Anglorum efficere studeas, vt monitis, hortatu, & c[=o]silio
+ tuo, ipsum in benignitatem & dilectionem suam suscipiat, & pro beati
+ Petri, & nostra reuerentia propensiùs habeat commendatum. Et quia
+ sicut (veritate teste) attendimus eum sine salute, & sui ordinis
+ periculo, præfato filio nostro astringi non posse; volumus, & paterno
+ sibi & tibi affectu consulimus, vt vobis sufficiat, veraci & simplici
+ verbo promission[=e] ab eo suscipere, quòd læsionem vel detrimentum
+ ei, vel terræ suæ n[=o] inferat. Dat. vt supra."
+
+ Is it not strange, that a peeuish order of religion (deuised by man)
+ should breake the expresse law of God, who commandeth all men to
+ honour and obeie their kings and princes, in whome some part of the
+ power of God is manifest and laid open vnto vs? And euen vnto this end
+ the cardinall of Hostia also wrote to the canons of Paules, after this
+ maner; couertlie incoraging them to stand to their election of the
+ said Robert, who was no more willing to giue ouer his new bishoprike,
+ than they carefull to offend the king; but rather imagined which waie
+ to kéepe it still maugre his displeasure: & yet not to sweare
+ obedience vnto him, for all that he should be able to do or performe
+ vnto the contrarie.
+
+ "Humilis Dei gratia Hostiensis episcopus, Londinensis ecclesiæ
+ canonicis spirit[=u] consilij in Domino. Sicut rationi contraria
+ prorsus est abjicienda petitio, ita in hijs, quæ iustè desyderantur,
+ effectum negare omninò non conuenit. Sanè nuper accepimus, quòd
+ [Sidenote: Forsitan naturalem.]
+ Londinensis ecclesia, diu proprio destituta pastore, communi voto, &
+ pari assensu cleri & populi, venerabilem filium nostrum Robertum,
+ eiusdem ecclesiæ archidiaconum, in pastorem & episcopum animarum
+ suarum susceperit & elegerit. Nouimus quidem eum esse personam, quam
+ sapientia desuper ei attributa, & honestas conuersationis, & morum
+ reuerentia plurimùm commedabilem reddidit. Inde est quòd fraternitati
+ vestræ mandando consulimus, vt proposito vestro bono (quod vt credimus
+ ex Deo est) & vt ex literis domini papæ cognoscetis, non tepidè, non
+ lentè debitum finem imponatis: ne tam nobilis ecclesia, sub occasione
+ huiusmodi, spiritualium, quod absit, & temporalium detrimentum
+ patiatur. Ipsius námque industria credimus, quòd antiqua relligio, &
+ forma disciplinæ, & grauitas habitus, in ecclesia vestra reparari: &
+ si quæ fuerint ipsius contentiones, ex pastoris absentia, Dei gratia
+ cooperante, & eodem præsente, poterint reformari. Dat. &c."
+
+ Hereby you sée how king Stephan was dealt withall. And albeit the
+ archbishop of Canturburie is not openlie to be touched herewith, yet
+ it is not to be doubted, but he was a dooer in it, so far as might
+ tend to the maintenance of the right and prerogatiue of holie church.
+ And euen no lesse vnquietnesse had another of our princes with Iohn of
+ Arundell, who fled to Rome for feare of his head, and caused the pope
+ to write an ambitious and contumelious letter vnto his souereigne
+ about his restitution. But when (by the kings letters yet extant) &
+ beginning thus; "Thomas proditionis non expers nostræ regiæ maiestati
+ insidias fabricauit," the pope vnderstood the botom of the matter, he
+ was contented that Thomas should be depriued, and another archbishop
+ chosen in his sted.
+
+ Neither did this pride staie at archbishops and bishops, but descended
+ lower, euen to the rake-helles of the clergie and puddels of all
+ vngodlinesse. For beside the iniurie receiued of their superiors, how
+ was K. Iohn dealt withall by the vile Cistertians at Lincolne in the
+ second of his reigne? Certes, when he had (vpon iust occasion)
+ conceiued some grudge against them for their ambitious demeanor; and
+ vpon deniall to paie such summes of moneie as were allotted vnto them,
+ he had caused seizure to be made of such horsses, swine, neate, and
+ other things of theirs, as were mainteined in his forrests. They
+ denounced him as fast amongst themselues with bell, booke and candle,
+ to be accurssed and excommunicated. Therevnto they so handled the
+ matter with the pope and their friends, that the king was faine to
+ yéeld to their good graces: insomuch that a meeting for pacification
+ was appointed betwéene them at Lincolne, by meanes of the present
+ archbishop of Canturburie, who went oft betweene him and the
+ Cistertian commissioners before the matter could be finished. In the
+ end, the king himselfe came also vnto the said commissioners as they
+ sat in their chapiter house, and there with teares fell downe at their
+ feet, crauing pardon for his trespasses against them, and heartilie
+ requiring that they would (from thencefoorth) commend him and his
+ realme in their praiers vnto the protection of the almightie, and
+ receiue him into their fraternitie: promising moreouer full
+ satisfaction of their damages susteined; and to build an house of
+ their order in whatsoeuer place of England it should please them to
+ assigne. And this he confirmed by charter, bearing date the seauen and
+ twentith of Nouember, after the Scotish king was returned into
+ Scotland, & departed from the king. Whereby (and by other the like, as
+ betweene Iohn Stratford and Edward the third, &c:) a man may easilie
+ conceiue how proud the cleargie-men haue beene in former times, as
+ wholie presuming vpon the primassie of their pope. More matter could I
+ alledge of these and the like broiles, not to be found among our
+ common historiographers: howbeit reseruing the same vnto places more
+ conuenient, I will ceasse to speake of them at this time, and go
+ forward with such other things as my purpose is to speake of. At the
+ first therefore there was like and equall authoritie in both our
+ archbishops: but as he of Canturburie hath long since obteined the
+ prerogatiue aboue Yorke (although I saie not without great trouble,
+ sute, some bloudshed & contention) so the archbishop of Yorke is
+ neuerthelesse written primate of England, as one contenting himselfe
+ with a péece of a title at the least, when (all) could not be gotten.
+ And as he of Canturburie crowneth the king, so this of Yorke dooth the
+ like to the quéene, whose perpetuall chapleine he is, & hath beene
+ from time to time, since the determination of this controuersie, as
+ writers doo report. The first also hath vnder his iurisdiction to the
+ [Sidenote: Twentie one bishoprikes vnder the sée of Canturburie.
+ Onelie foure sées vnder the archbishop of Yorke.]
+ number of one and twentie inferiour bishops, the other hath onlie
+ foure, by reason that the churches of Scotland are now remooued from
+ his obedience vnto an archbishop of their owne, whereby the greatnesse
+ and circuit of the iurisdiction of Yorke is not a little diminished.
+ In like sort each of these seauen and twentie sées haue their
+ [Sidenote: Deanes.]
+ cathedrall churches, wherein the deanes (a calling not knowne in
+ England before the conquest) doo beare the chéefe rule, being men
+ especiallie chosen to that vocation, both for their learning and
+ godlinesse so néere as can be possible. These cathedrall churches haue
+ [Sidenote: Canonries.]
+ in like maner other dignities and canonries still remaining vnto them,
+ as héeretofore vnder the popish regiment. Howbeit those that are
+ chosen to the same are no idle and vnprofitable persons (as in times
+ past they haue béene when most of these liuings were either furnished
+ with strangers, especiallie out of Italie, boies, or such idiots as
+ had least skill of all in discharging of those functions, wherevnto
+ they were called by vertue of these stipends) but such as by preaching
+ and teaching can and doo learnedlie set foorth the glorie of God, and
+ further the ouerthrow of antichrist to the vttermost of their powers.
+
+ These churches are called cathedrall, bicause the bishops dwell or lie
+ néere vnto the same, as bound to keepe continuall residence within
+ their iurisdictions, for the better ouersight and gouernance of the
+ same: the word being deriued à cathedra, that is to saie a chaire or
+ seat where he resteth, and for the most part abideth. At the first
+ there was but one church in euerie iurisdiction, wherinto no man
+ entred to praie, but with some oblation or other toward the
+ maintenance of the pastor. For as it was reputed an infamie to passe
+ by anie of them without visitation: so it was a no lesse reproch to
+ appeare emptie before the Lord. And for this occasion also they were
+ builded verie huge and great, for otherwise they were not capable of
+ such multitudes as came dailie vnto them, to heare the word and
+ receive the sacraments.
+
+ But as the number of christians increased, so first monasteries, then
+ finallie parish churches were builded in euerie iurisdiction: from
+ whence I take our deanerie churches to haue their originall, now
+ called mother churches, and their incumbents archpréests; the rest
+ being added since the conquest, either by the lords of euerie towne,
+ or zealous men, loth to trauell farre, and willing to haue some ease
+ by building them neere hand. Vnto these deanerie churches also the
+ cleargie in old time of the same deanrie were appointed to repaire at
+ sundrie seasons, there to receiue wholesome ordinances, and to consult
+ vpon the necessarie affaires of the whole iurisdiction; if necessitie
+ so required: and some image hereof is yet to be seene in the north
+ parts. But as the number of churches increased, so the repaire of the
+ faithfull vnto the cathedrals did diminish: whereby they now become
+ especiallie in their nether parts rather markets and shops for
+ merchandize, than solemn places of praier, wherevnto they were first
+ erected. Moreouer in the said cathedrall churches vpon sundaies and
+ [Sidenote: Ordinarie sermons.]
+ festiuall daies, the canons doo make certeine ordinarie sermons by
+ course, wherevnto great numbers of all estates doo orderlie resort:
+ and vpon the working daies thrise in the wéeke, one of the said
+ canons, or some other in his stéed, dooth read and expound some péece
+ [Sidenote: Ordinarie expositions of the scriptures.]
+ of holie scripture, wherevnto the people doo verie reuerentlie
+ repaire. The bishops themselues in like sort are not idle in their
+ callings, for being now exempt from court and councell, which is one
+ (and a no small) péece of their felicitie (although Richard archbishop
+ of Canturburie thought otherwise, as yet appeareth by his letters to
+ pope Alexander, Epistola 44. Petri Blesensis, where he saith; Bicause
+ the cleargie of his time were somewhat narrowlie looked vnto, "Supra
+ [Sidenote: The bishops preach diligentlie, whose predecessors
+ heretofore haue béene occupied in temporall affairs.]
+ dorsum ecclesiæ fabricant peccatores, &c:") they so applie their minds
+ to the setting foorth of the word, that there are verie few of them,
+ which doo not euerie sundaie or oftener resort to some place or other,
+ within their iurisdictions, where they expound the scriptures with
+ much grauitie and skill; and yet not without the great misliking and
+ contempt of such as hate the word. Of their manifold translations from
+ one sée to another I will saie nothing, which is not now doone for the
+ benefit of the flocke, as the preferment of the partie fauoured, and
+ aduantage vnto the prince, a matter in time past much doubted of, to
+ wit, whether a bishop or pastor might be translated from one sée to
+ another; & left vndecided, till prescription by roiall authoritie made
+ it good. For among princes a thing once doone, is well doone, and to
+ be doone oftentimes, though no warrant be to be found therefore.
+
+ [Sidenote: Archdecons.]
+ They haue vnder them also their archdeacons, some one, diuerse two,
+ and manie foure or mo, as their circuits are in quantitie, which
+ archdeacons are termed in law the bishops eies: and these (beside
+ their ordinarie courts, which are holden within so manie or more of
+ their seuerall deanries by themselues or their officials once in a
+ moneth at the least) doo kéepe yearelie two visitations or synods (as
+ the bishop dooth in euerie third yeare, wherein he confirmeth some
+ children, though most care but a little for that ceremonie) in which
+ they make diligent inquisition and search, as well for the doctrine
+ and behauiour of the ministers, as the orderlie dealing of the
+ parishioners in resorting to their parish churches and conformitie
+ vnto religion. They punish also with great seueritie all such
+ trespassers, either in person or by the pursse (where permutation of
+ penance is thought more gréeuous to the offender) as are presented
+ vnto them: or if the cause be of the more weight, as in cases of
+ heresie, pertinacie, contempt, and such like, they referre them either
+ to the bishop of the diocesse, or his chancellor, or else to sundrie
+ [Sidenote: High commissioners.]
+ graue persons set in authoritie, by vertue of an high commission
+ directed vnto them from the prince to that end, who in verie courteous
+ maner doo sée the offendors gently reformed, or else seuerlie
+ punished, if necessitie so inforce.
+
+ [Sidenote: A prophesie or conference.]
+ Beside this, in manie of our archdeaconries we haue an exercise
+ latelie begun, which for the most part is called a prophesie or
+ conference, and erected onelie for the examination or triall of the
+ diligence of the cleargie in their studie of holie scriptures.
+ Howbeit, such is the thirstie desire of the people in these daies to
+ heare the word of God, that they also haue as it were with zealous
+ violence intruded themselues among them (but as hearers onelie) to
+ come by more knowledge through their presence at the same. Herein also
+ (for the most part) two of the yoonger sort of ministers doo expound
+ ech after other some péece of the scriptures ordinarilie appointed
+ vnto them in their courses (wherein they orderlie go through with some
+ one of the euangelists, or of the epistles, as it pleaseth the whole
+ assemblie to choose at the first in euerie of these conferences) and
+ when they haue spent an houre or a little more betwéene them, then
+ commeth one of the better learned sort, who being a graduat for the
+ most part, or knowne to be a preacher sufficientlie authorised, & of a
+ sound iudgement, supplieth the roome of a moderator, making first a
+ breefe rehearsall of their discourses, and then adding what him
+ thinketh good of his owne knowledge, wherby two houres are thus
+ commonlie spent at this most profitable méeting. When all is doone, if
+ the first speakers haue shewed anie peece of diligence, they are
+ commended for their trauell, and incouraged to go forward. If they
+ haue béene found to be slacke, or not sound in deliuerie of their
+ doctrine, their negligence and error is openlie reprooued before all
+ their brethren, who go aside of purpose from the laitie, after the
+ exercise ended, to iudge of these matters, and consult of the next
+ speakers and quantitie of the text to be handled in that place. The
+ laitie neuer speake of course (except some vaine and busie head will
+ now and then intrude themselues with offense) but are onelie hearers;
+ and as it is vsed in some places wéekelie, in other once in foureteene
+ daies, in diuerse monethlie, and elsewhere twise in a yeare, so is it
+ a notable spurre vnto all the ministers, thereby to applie their
+ bookes, which otherwise (as in times past) would giue themselues to
+ hawking, hunting, tables, cards, dice, tipling at the alehouse,
+ shooting of matches, and other like vanities, nothing commendable in
+ such as should be godlie and zealous stewards of the good gifts of
+ God, faithfull distributors of his word vnto the people, and diligent
+ pastors according to their calling.
+
+ But alas! as sathan the author of all mischéefe hath in sundrie
+ manners heretofore hindered the erection and maintenance of manie good
+ things: so in this he hath stirred vp aduersaries of late vnto this
+ most profitable exercise, who not regarding the commoditie that riseth
+ thereby so well to the hearers as spekers; but either stumbling (I
+ cannot tell how) at words and termes, or at the least wise not liking
+ to here of the reprehension of vice, or peraduenture taking a
+ misliking at the slender demeanours of such negligent ministers, as
+ now and then in their courses doo occupie the roomes, haue either by
+ their owne practise, their sinister information, or suggestions made
+ vpon surmises vnto other procured the suppression of these
+ conferences, condemning them as hurtfull, pernicious, and dailie
+ bréeders of no small hurt & inconuenience. But hereof let God be
+ iudge, vnto whome the cause belongeth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ministers & deacons.]
+ Our elders or ministers and deacons (for subdeacons and the other
+ inferiour orders, sometime vsed in popish church we haue not) are made
+ according to a certeine forme of consecration concluded vpon in the
+ time of king Edward the sixt, by the cleargie of England, and soone
+ after confirmed by the thrée estates of the realme, in the high court
+ of parlement. And out of the first sort, that is to saie, of such as
+ are called to the ministerie (without respect whether they be married
+ or not) are bishops, deanes, archdeacons, & such as haue the higher
+ places in the hierarchie of the church elected; and these also as all
+ the rest, at the first comming vnto anie spirituall promotion, doo
+ yéeld vnto the prince the entire taxe of that their liuing for one
+ whole yeare, if it amount in value vnto ten pounds and vpwards, and
+ this vnder the name and title of first fruits.
+
+ With vs also it is permitted, that a sufficient man may (by
+ dispensation from the prince) hold two liuings, not distant either
+ from other aboue thirtie miles; whereby it commeth to passe, that as
+ hir maiestie dooth reape some commoditie by the facultie, so the
+ vnition of two in one man dooth bring oftentimes more benefit to one
+ of them in a moneth (I meane for doctrine) than they haue had before
+ peraduenture in manie yeares.
+
+ Manie exclame against such faculties, as if there were mo good
+ preachers that want maintenance, than liuings to mainteine them. In
+ déed when a liuing is void, there are so manie sutors for it, that a
+ man would thinke the report to be true and most certeine: but when it
+ commeth to the triall, who are sufficient, and who not, who are staied
+ men in conuersation, iudgement, and learning; of that great number you
+ shall hardlie find one or two, such as they ought to be: and yet none
+ more earnest to make sure, to promise largelie, beare a better shew,
+ or find fault with the state of things than they. Neuerthelesse, I doo
+ not thinke that their exclamations if they were wiselie handled, are
+ altogither grounded vpon rumours or ambitious minds, if you respect
+ the state of the thing it selfe, and not the necessitie growing
+ through want of able men, to furnish out all the cures in England,
+ which both our vniuersities are neuer able to performe. For if you
+ obserue what numbers of preachers Cambridge and Oxford doo yearelie
+ send foorth; and how manie new compositions are made in the court of
+ first fruits, by the deaths of the last incumbents: you shall soone
+ sée a difference. Wherefore, if in countrie townes & cities, yea euen
+ in London it selfe, foure or fiue of the litle churches were brought
+ into one, the inconuenience would in great part be redressed.
+
+ And to saie truth, one most commonlie of these small liuings is of so
+ little value, that it is not able to mainteine a meane scholar; much
+ lesse a learned man, as not being aboue ten, twelue, sixteene,
+ seuentéene, twentie, or thirtie pounds at the most, toward their
+ charges, which now (more than before time) doo go out of the same. I
+ saie more than before, bicause euerie small trifle, noble mans
+ request, or courtesie craued by the bishop, dooth impose and command a
+ twentith part, a three score part, or two pence in the pound, &c: out
+ of our liuings, which hitherto hath not béene vsuallie granted, but by
+ consent of a synod, wherein things were decided according to equitie,
+ and the poorer sort considered of, which now are equallie burdened.
+
+ We paie also the tenths of our liuings to the prince yearelie,
+ according to such valuation of ech of them, as hath beene latelie
+ made: which neuerthelesse in time past were not annuall but
+ voluntarie, & paid at request of king or pope. Herevpon also hangeth a
+ pleasant storie though doone of late yeares, to wit 1452, at which
+ time the cleargie séeing the continuall losses that the king of
+ England susteined in France, vpon some motion of reléefe made, granted
+ in an open conuocation to giue him two tenths toward the recouerie of
+ Burdeaux, which his grace verie thankefullie receiued. It fortuned
+ also at the same time that Vincentius Clemens the popes factor was
+ here in England, who hearing what the clergie had doone, came into the
+ conuocation house also in great hast and lesse spéed, where, in a
+ solemne oration he earnestlie required them to be no lesse fauourable
+ to their spirituall father the pope, and mother the sée of Rome, than
+ they had shewed themselues vnto his vassall and inferiour, meaning
+ their souereigne lord in temporall iurisdiction, &c. In deliuering
+ also the cause of his sute, he shewed how gréeuouslie the pope was
+ disturbed by cutthrotes, varlots, and harlots, which doo now so abound
+ in Rome, that his holinesse is in dailie danger to be made awaie
+ amongst them. To be short when this fine tale was told, one of the
+ companie stood vp and said vnto him; My lord we haue heard your
+ request, and as we thinke, it deserueth litle consideration and lesse
+ eare, for how would you haue vs to contribute to his aid in
+ suppression of such, as he and such as you are doo continuall vphold,
+ it is not vnknowen in this house what rule is kept in Rome.
+
+ I grant (quoth Vincent) that there wanteth iust reformation of manie
+ things in that citie, which would haue béene made sooner, but now it
+ is too late: neuerthelesse I beséech you to write vnto his holinesse,
+ with request that he would leaue and abandon that Babylon, which is
+ but a sinke of mischiefe, and kéepe his court elsewhere in place of
+ better fame. And this he shall be the better able also to performe, if
+ by your liberalitie extended towards him, vnto whome you are most
+ bound, he be incouraged thereto. Manie other words passed to and fro
+ amongst them, howbeit in the end Vincent ouercame not, but was
+ dismissed without anie penie obteined. But to returne to our tenths, a
+ paiement first as deuised by the pope, and afterward taken vp as by
+ the prescription of the king, wherevnto we may ioine also our first
+ fruits, which is one whole yeares commoditie of our liuing, due at our
+ entrance into the same, the tenths abated vnto the princes cofers, and
+ paid commonlie in two yeares. For the receipt also of these two
+ paiments, an especiall office or court is erected, which beareth name
+ of first fruits and tenths, wherevnto if the partie to be preferred,
+ doo not make his dutifull repaire by an appointed time after
+ possession taken, there to compound for the paiment of his said
+ fruits, he incurreth the danger of a great penaltie, limited by a
+ certeine statute prouided in that behalfe, against such as doo intrude
+ into the ecclesiasticall function, and refuse to paie the accustomed
+ duties belonging to the same.
+
+ They paie likewise subsidies with the temporaltie, but in such sort,
+ that if these paie after foure shillings for land, the cleargie
+ contribute commonlie after six shillings of the pound, so that of a
+ benefice of twentie pounds by the yeare, the incumbent thinketh
+ himself well acquited, if all ordinarie paiments being discharged he
+ may reserue thirtéene pounds six shillings eight pence towards his
+ owne sustentation, and maintenance of his familie. Seldome also are
+ they without the compasse of a subsidie, for if they be one yeare
+ cleare from this paiement, a thing not often seene of late yeares,
+ they are like in the next to heare of another grant: so that I saie
+ againe they are seldome without the limit of a subsidie. Herein also
+ they somewhat find themselues grieued, that the laitie may at euerie
+ taxation helpe themselues, and so they doo through consideration had
+ of their decaie and hinderance, and yet their impouerishment cannot
+ but touch also the parson or vicar, vnto whom such libertie is denied,
+ as is dailie to be séene in their accompts and tithings.
+
+ Some of them also, after the mariages of their children, will haue
+ their proportions qualified, or by fréendship get themselues quite out
+ of the booke. But what stand I vpon these things, who haue rather to
+ complaine of the iniurie offered by some of our neighbors of the
+ laitie, which dailie endeuor to bring vs also within the compasse of
+ their fifteens or taxes for their owne ease, whereas the taxe of the
+ whole realme, which is commonlie greater in the champeigne than
+ woodland soile, amounteth onelie to 37930 pounds nine pence
+ halfepenie, is a burden easie inough to be borne vpon so manie
+ shoulders, without the helpe of the cleargie, whose tenths and
+ subsidies make vp commonlie a double, if not troublesome vnto their
+ aforesaid paiments. Sometimes also we are threatned with a Meliùs
+ inquirendum, as if our liuings were not racked high inough alreadie.
+ But if a man should seeke out where all those church lands were, which
+ in time past did contribute vnto the old summe required or to be made
+ vp, no doubt no small number of the laitie of all states should be
+ contributors also with vs, the prince not defrauded of his expectation
+ and right. We are also charged with armor & munitions from thirtie
+ pounds vpwards, a thing more néedfull than diuerse other charges
+ imposed vpon vs are conuenient, by which & other burdens our case
+ groweth to be more heauie by a great deale (notwithstanding our
+ immunitie from temporall seruices) than that of the laitie, and for
+ ought that I sée not likelie to be diminished, as if the church were
+ now become the asse whereon euerie market man is to ride and cast his
+ wallet.
+
+ The other paiments due vnto the archbishop and bishop at their
+ seuerall visitations (of which the first is double to the latter) and
+ such also as the archdeacon receiueth at his synods, &c: remaine still
+ as they did without anie alteration, onelie this I thinke be added
+ within memorie of man, that at the comming of euerie prince, his
+ appointed officers doo commonlie visit the whole realme vnder the
+ forme of an ecclesiasticall inquisition, in which the clergie doo
+ vsuallie paie double fées, as vnto the archbishop. Hereby then, and by
+ those alreadie remembred, it is found that the church of England, is
+ no lesse commodious to the princes coffers than the state of the
+ laitie, if it doo not farre excéed the same, since their paiments are
+ certeine, continuall, and seldome abated, howsoeuer they gather vp
+ their owne duties with grudging, murmuring, sute, and slanderous
+ speeches of the paiers, or haue their liuings otherwise hardlie valued
+ vnto the vttermost farding, or shrewdlie cancelled by the
+ couetousnesse of the patrones, of whome some doo bestow aduousons of
+ benefices vpon their bakers, butlers, cookes, good archers, falconers,
+ and horssekéepers, in sted of other recompense, for their long and
+ faithfull seruice, which they imploie afterward vnto their most
+ aduantage.
+
+ Certes here they resemble the pope verie much, for as he sendeth out
+ his idols, so doo they their parasites, pages, chamberleins, stewards,
+ groomes, & lackies; and yet these be the men that first exclame of the
+ insufficiencie of the ministers, as hoping thereby in due time to get
+ also their glebes and grounds into their hands. In times past
+ bishopriks went almost after the same maner vnder the laie princes,
+ and then vnder the pope, so that he which helped a clerke vnto a see,
+ was sure to haue a present or purse fine, if not an annuall pension,
+ besides that which went to the popes coffers, and was thought to be
+ verie good merchandize. Hereof one example may be touched, as of a
+ thing doone in my yoonger daies, whilest quéene Marie bare the swaie
+ and gouerned in this land. After the death of Stephan Gardiner, the
+ sée of Winchester was void for a season, during which time cardinall
+ Poole made seizure vpon the reuenues and commodities of the same,
+ pretending authoritie therevnto Sede vacante, by vertue of his place.
+ With this act of his the bishop of Lincolne called White tooke such
+ displeasure, that he stepped in like a mate, with full purpose (as he
+ said) to kéepe that sée from ruine. He wrote also to Paulus the fourth
+ pope, requiring that he might be preferred therevnto, promising so as
+ he might be Compos voti, to paie to the popes coffers 1600 pounds
+ yearlie during his naturall life, and for one yeere after. But the
+ pope nothing liking of his motion, and yet desirous to reape a further
+ benefit, first shewed himselfe to stomach his simonicall practise
+ verie grieuouslie, considering the dangerousnesse of the time and
+ present estate of the church of England, which hoong as yet in balance
+ readie to yéeld anie waie, sauing foorth right, as he alledged in his
+ letters. By which replie he so terrified the poore bishop, that he was
+ driuen vnto another issue, I meane to recouer the popes good will,
+ with a further summe than stood with his ease to part withall. In the
+ end when the pope had gotten this fleece, a new deuise was found, and
+ meanes made to and by the prince, that White might be bishop of
+ Winchester, which at the last he obteined, but in such wise as that
+ the pope and his néerest friends did lose but a little by it. I could
+ if néed were set downe a report of diuerse other the like practises,
+ but this shall suffice in stéed of all the rest, least in reprehending
+ of vice I might shew my selfe to be a teacher of vngodlinesse, or to
+ scatter more vngratious séed in lewd ground alreadie choked with
+ wickednesse.
+
+ To proceed therefore with the rest, I thinke it good also to remember,
+ that the names vsuallie giuen vnto such as féed the flocke remaine in
+ like sort as in times past, so that these words, parson, vicar, curat,
+ and such are not yet abolished more than the canon law it selfe, which
+ is dailie pleaded, as I haue said elsewhere; although the statutes of
+ the realme haue greatlie infringed the large scope, and brought the
+ exercise of the same into some narrower limits. There is nothing read
+ in our churches but the canonicall scriptures, whereby it commeth to
+ passe that the psalter is said ouer once in thirtie daies, the new
+ testament foure times, and the old testament once in the yeare. And
+ herevnto if the curat be adiudged by the bishop or his deputies,
+ sufficientlie instructed in the holie scriptures, and therewithall
+ able to teach, he permitteth him to make some exposition or
+ exhortation in his parish, vnto amendment of life. And for so much as
+ our churches and vniuersities haue béene so spoiled in time of errour,
+ as there cannot yet be had such number of able pastours as may suffice
+ for euerie parish to haue one: there are (beside foure sermons
+ appointed by publike order in the yeare) certeine sermons or homilies
+ (deuised by sundrie learned men, confirmed for sound doctrine by
+ consent of the diuines, and publike authoritie of the prince) and
+ those appointed to be read by the curats of meane vnderstanding (which
+ homilies doo comprehend the principall parts of christian doctrine, as
+ of originall sinne, of iustification by faith, of charitie, and such
+ like) vpon the sabbaoth daies, vnto the congregation. And after a
+ certeine number of psalmes read, which are limited according to the
+ daies of the month, for morning and euening praier, we haue two
+ lessons, wherof the first is taken out of the old testament, the
+ second out of the new, and of these latter that in the morning is out
+ of the gospels, the other in the after noone out of some one of the
+ epistles. After morning praier also we haue the letanie and suffrages,
+ an inuocation in mine opinion not deuised without the great assistance
+ of the spirit of God, although manie curious mindsicke persons
+ vtterlie condemne it as superstitious and sauoring of coniuration and
+ sorcerie.
+
+ This being doone, we procéed vnto the communion, if anie communicants
+ be to receiue the eucharist, if not we read the decalog, epistle and
+ gospell with the Nicene créed (of some in derision called the drie
+ communion) and then procéed vnto an homilie or sermon, which hath a
+ psalme before and after it, and finallie vnto the baptisme of such
+ infants as on euerie sabaoth daie (if occasion so require) are brought
+ vnto the churches: and thus is the forenoone bestowed. In the after
+ noone likewise we méet againe, and after the psalmes and lessons ended
+ we haue commonlie a sermon, or at the leastwise our youth catechised
+ by the space of an houre. And thus doo we spend the sabaoth daie in
+ good and godlie exercises, all doone in our vulgar toong, that each
+ one present may heare and vnderstand the same, which also in
+ cathedrall and collegiat churches is so ordered, that the psalmes
+ onelie are soong by note, the rest being read (as in common parish
+ churches) by the minister with a lowd voice, sauing that in the
+ administration of the communion the quier singeth the answers, the
+ créed, and sundrie other things appointed, but in so plaine, I saie,
+ and distinct maner, that each one present may vnderstand what they
+ sing, euerie word hauing but one note, though the whole harmonie
+ consist of manie parts, and those verie cunninglie set by the skilfull
+ in that science.
+
+ Certes this translation of the seruice of the church into the vulgar
+ toong, hath not a litle offended the pope almost in euerie age, as a
+ thing verie often attempted by diuers princes, but neuer generallie
+ obteined, for feare least the consenting thervnto might bréed the
+ ouerthrow (as it would in déed) of all his religion and hierarchie:
+ neuerthelesse in some places where the kings and princes dwelled not
+ vnder his nose, it was performed maugre his resistance. Vratislaus
+ duke of Bohemia, would long since haue doone the like also in his
+ kingdome, but not daring to venter so farre without the consent of the
+ pope, he wrote vnto him thereof, and receiued his answer inhibitorie
+ vnto all his proceeding in the same.
+
+
+ "Gregorius septimus Vratislao Bohemorum duci, &c. Quia nobilitas tua
+ postulat, quòd secund[=u] Sclauonic[=a] lingu[=a] apud vos diuinum
+ celebrari annueremus officium, scias nos huic petitioni tuæ nequaquàm
+ posse fauere, ex hoc nempe se voluentibus liquet, non immeritò sacram
+ scripturam optimo Deo placuisse quibusdam locis esse occultam; ne si
+ ad liquidum cunctis pateret, fortè vilesceret, & subiaceret despectui,
+ aut prauè intellecta à mediocribus in errorem induceret. Neque enim ad
+ excusationem iuuat, quòd quidam viri hoc, quod simplex populus quærit
+ patienter tulerunt, seu incorrectum dimiserunt: cum primitiua ecclesia
+ multa dissimulauerit, quæ à sanctis patribus postmodum, firmata
+ christianitate & religione crescente, subtili examinatione correcta
+ sunt: vnde id nè fiat, quod à vestris imprudenter exposcitur,
+ authoritate beatri Petri inhibemus; téque ad honorem optimi Dei huic
+ vanæ temeritati viribus totis resistere præcipimus, &c. Datum Romæ,
+ &c."
+
+ I would set downe two or thrée more of the like instruments passed
+ from that see vnto the like end, but this shall suffice, being lesse
+ common than the other, which are to be had more plentifullie.
+
+ As for our churches themselues, belles, and times of morning and
+ euening praier, remaine as in times past, sauing that all images,
+ shrines, tabernacles, roodlofts, and monuments of idolatrie are
+ remooued, taken downe, and defaced; onelie the stories in glasse
+ windowes excepted, which for want of sufficient store of new stuffe,
+ and by reason of extreame charge that should grow by the alteration of
+ the same into white panes throughout the realme, are not altogither
+ abolished in most places at once, but by little and little suffered to
+ decaie, that white glasse may be prouided and set vp in their roomes.
+ Finallie, whereas there was woont to be a great partition betwéene the
+ quire and the bodie of the church; now it is either verie small or
+ none at all: and to saie the truth altogither needlesse, sith the
+ minister saith his seruice commonlie in the bodie of the church, with
+ his face toward the people, in a little tabernacle of wainscot
+ prouided for the purpose: by which means the ignorant doo not onelie
+ learne diuerse of the psalmes and vsuall praiers by heart, but also
+ such as can read, doo praie togither with him: so that the whole
+ congregation at one instant powre out their petitions vnto the liuing
+ God, for the whole estate of his church in most earnest and feruent
+ manner. Our holie and festiuall daies are verie well reduced also vnto
+ a lesse number; for whereas (not long since) we had vnder the pope
+ foure score and fiftéene, called festiuall, and thirtie Profesti,
+ beside the sundaies, they are all brought vnto seauen and twentie: and
+ with them the superfluous numbers of idle waks, guilds, fraternities,
+ church-ales, helpe-ales, and soule-ales, called also dirge-ales, with
+ the heathnish rioting at bride-ales, are well diminished and laid
+ aside. And no great matter were it if the feasts of all our apostles,
+ euangelists, and martyrs, with that of all saincts, were brought to
+ the holie daies that follow vpon Christmasse, Easter, and Whitsuntide;
+ and those of the virgine Marie, with the rest vtterlie remooued from
+ the calendars, as neither necessarie nor commendable in a reformed
+ church.
+
+ [Sidenote: Apparell.]
+ The apparell in like sort of our clergie men is comlie, & in truth,
+ more decent than euer it was in the popish church: before the
+ vniuersities bound their graduats vnto a stable attire, afterward
+ vsurped also euen by the blind sir Johns. For if you peruse well my
+ chronologie insuing, you shall find, that they went either in diuerse
+ colors like plaiers, or in garments of light hew, as yellow, red,
+ greene, &c: with their shooes piked, their haire crisped, their
+ girdles armed with siluer; their shooes, spurres, bridles, &c: buckled
+ with like mettall: their apparell (for the most part) of silke, and
+ richlie furred; their cappes laced and butned with gold: so that to
+ méet a priest in those daies, was to behold a peacocke that spreadeth
+ his taile when he danseth before the henne: which now (I saie) is well
+ [Sidenote: Hospitalitie.]
+ reformed. Touching hospitalitie, there was neuer anie greater vsed in
+ England, sith by reason that mariage is permitted to him that will
+ choose that kind of life, their meat and drinke is more orderlie and
+ frugallie dressed; their furniture of houshold more conuenient, and
+ better looked vnto; and the poore oftener fed generallie than
+ heretofore they haue béene, when onlie a few bishops, and double or
+ treble beneficed men did make good cheere at Christmasse onelie, or
+ otherwise kept great houses for the interteinment of the rich, which
+ did often see and visit them. It is thought much peraduenture, that
+ some bishops, &c: in our time doo come short of the ancient gluttonie
+ and prodigalitie of their predecessors: but to such as doo consider of
+ the curtailing of their liuings, or excessiue prices whervnto things
+ are growen, and how their course is limited by law, and estate looked
+ into on euery side, the cause of their so dooing is well inough
+ perceiued. This also offendeth manie, that they should after their
+ deaths leaue their substances to their wiues and children: wheras they
+ consider not, that in old time such as had no lemans nor bastards
+ (verie few were there God wot of this sort) did leaue their goods and
+ possessions to their brethren and kinsfolks, whereby (as I can shew by
+ good record) manie houses of gentilitie haue growen and béene erected.
+ If in anie age some one of them did found a college, almeshouse, or
+ schoole, if you looke vnto these our times, you shall see no fewer
+ déeds of charitie doone, nor better grounded vpon the right stub of
+ [Sidenote: Mariage.]
+ pietie than before. If you saie that their wiues be fond, after the
+ deceasse of their husbands, and bestow themselues not so aduisedlie as
+ their calling requireth, which God knoweth these curious surueiors
+ make small accompt of in truth, further than thereby to gather matter
+ of reprehension: I beséech you then to looke into all states of the
+ laitie, & tell me whether some duchesses, countesses, barons, or
+ knights wiues, doo not fullie so often offend in the like as they: for
+ Eue will be Eue though Adam would saie naie. Not a few also find fault
+ [Sidenote: Thred-bare gownes from whence they come.]
+ with our thred-bare gowns, as if not our patrones but our wiues were
+ causes of our wo. But if it were knowne to all, that I know to haue
+ beene performed of late in Essex, where a minister taking a benefice
+ (of lesse than twentie pounds in the Quéenes bookes so farre as I
+ remember) was inforced to paie to his patrone, twentie quarters of
+ otes, ten quarters of wheat, and sixtéene yéerelie of barleie, which
+ he called hawkes meat; and another left the like in farme to his
+ patrone for ten pounds by the yéere, which is well woorth fortie at
+ the least, the cause of our thred-bare gownes would easilie appeere,
+ for such patrons doo scrape the wooll from our clokes. Wherfore I may
+ well saie, that such a thred-bare minister is either an ill man, or
+ hath an ill patrone, or both: and when such cookes & cobling shifters
+ shall be remooued and weeded out of the ministerie, I doubt not but
+ our patrons will prooue better men, and be reformed whether they will
+ or not, or else the single minded bishops shall sée the liuing
+ bestowed vpon such as doo deserue it. When the Pragmatike sanction
+ tooke place first in France, it was supposed that these enormities
+ should vtterlie haue ceased: but when the elections of bishops came
+ once into the hands of the canons and spirituall men, it grew to be
+ farre worse. For they also within a while waxing couetous, by their
+ owne experience learned aforehand, raised the markets, and sought
+ after new gaines by the gifts of the greatest liuings in that
+ [Sidenote: Number of churches in France.]
+ countrie, wherein (as Machiauell writeth) are eightéene
+ archbishoprikes, one hundred fortie and sixe bishoprikes, 740 abbies,
+ eleuen vniuersities, 1000700 stéeples (if his report be sound.) Some
+ are of the opinion, that if sufficient men in euerie towne might be
+ sent for from the vniuersities, this mischiefe would soone be
+ remedied; but I am cleane of another mind. For when I consider
+ wherevnto the gifts of felowships in some places are growen: the
+ profit that ariseth at sundrie elections of scholars out of grammar
+ [Sidenote: Pretie packing.]
+ schooles, to the posers, schoolemasters, and preferrers of them to our
+ vniuersities, the gifts of a great number of almeshouses builded for
+ the maimed and impotent souldiors, by princes and good men heretofore
+ mooued with a pittifull consideration of the poore distressed: how
+ rewards, pensions, and annuities also doo reigne in other cases,
+ wherby the giuer is brought somtimes into extreame miserie, & that not
+ so much as the roome of a common souldior is not obteined oftentimes,
+ without a What will you giue me? I am brought into such a mistrust of
+ the sequele of this deuise, that I dare pronounce (almost for
+ certeine) that if Homer were now aliue, it should be said to him:
+
+   "Túque licèt venias musis comitatus Homere,
+     Si nihil attuleris ibis Homere foras."
+
+ More I could saie, and more I would saie of these and other things,
+ were it not that in mine owne iudgement I haue said inough alreadie
+ for the aduertisement of such as be wise. Neuerthelesse, before I
+ finish this chapter, I will adde a word or two (so brieflie as I can)
+ of the old estate of cathedrall churches, which I haue collected
+ togither here and there among the writers, and whereby it shall
+ easilie be seene what they were, and how neere the gouernment of ours
+ doo in these daies approch vnto them, for that there is an
+ irreconciliable ods betwéene them and those of the papists, I hope
+ there is no learned man indéed, but will acknowlege and yéeld vnto it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Old estate of cathedrall churches.]
+ We find therefore in the time of the primitiue church, that there was
+ in euerie see or iurisdiction one schoole at the least, whereinto such
+ as were catechistes in christian religion did resort. And hereof as we
+ may find great testimonie for Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, and
+ Hierusalem; so no small notice is left of the like in the inferior
+ sort, if the names of such as taught in them be called to mind, & the
+ histories well read which make report of the same. These schooles were
+ vnder the iurisdiction of the bishops, and from thence did they & the
+ rest of the elders choose out such as were the ripest scholars, and
+ willing to serue in the ministerie, whome they placed also in their
+ cathedrall churches, there not onelie to be further instructed in the
+ knowledge of the word, but also to invre them to the deliuerie of the
+ same vnto the people in sound maner, to minister the sacraments, to
+ visit the sicke and brethren imprisoned, and to performe such other
+ duties as then belonged to their charges. The bishop himselfe and
+ elders of the church were also hearers and examiners of their
+ doctrine, and being in processe of time found meet workmen for the
+ lords haruest, they were forthwith sent abrode (after imposition of
+ hands, and praier generallie made for their good proceeding) to some
+ place or other then destitute of hir pastor, and other taken from the
+ schoole also placed in their roomes. What number of such clerks
+ belonged now and then to some one sée, the chronologie following shall
+ easilie declare: and in like sort what officers, widowes, and other
+ persons were dailie mainteined in those seasons by the offerings and
+ oblations of the faithfull, it is incredible to be reported, if we
+ compare the same with the decaies and ablations séene and practised at
+ this present. But what is that in all the world which auarice and
+ negligence will not corrupt and impaire? And as this is a paterne of
+ the estate of the cathedrall churches in those times, so I wish that
+ the like order of gouernment might once againe be restored vnto the
+ same, which may be doone with ease, sith the schooles are alreadie
+ builded in euerie diocesse, the vniuersities, places of their
+ preferment vnto further knowledge, and the cathedrall churches great
+ inough to receiue so manie as shall come from thence to be instructed
+ vnto doctrine. But one hinderance of this is alreadie and more & more
+ to be looked for (beside the plucking and snatching commonlie séene
+ from such houses and the church) and that is, the generall contempt of
+ the ministerie, and small consideration of their former paines taken,
+ whereby lesse and lesse hope of competent maintenance by preaching the
+ word is likelie to insue. Wherefore the greatest part of the more
+ excellent wits choose rather to imploy their studies vnto physike and
+ the lawes, vtterlie giuing ouer the studie of the scriptures, for
+ feare least they should in time not get their bread by the same. By
+ this meanes also the stalles in their quéeres would be better filled,
+ which now (for the most part) are emptie, and prebends should be
+ prebends indéed, there to liue till they were preferred to some
+ ecclesiasticall function, and then other men chosen to succéed them in
+ their roomes, whereas now prebends are but superfluous additaments
+ vnto former excesses, & perpetuall commodities vnto the owners, which
+ before time were but temporall (as I haue said before.) But as I haue
+ good leisure to wish for these things: so it shall be a longer time
+ before it will be brought to passe. Neuerthelesse, as I will praie for
+ a reformation in this behalfe, so will I here conclude this my
+ discourse of the estate of our churches, and go in hand with the
+ limits and bounds of our seuerall sées, in such order as they shall
+ come vnto my present remembrance.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE NUMBER OF BISHOPRIKES AND THEIR SEUERALL CIRCUITS.
+
+ CHAP. II.
+
+
+ Hauing alreadie spoken generally of the state of our church, now will
+ I touch the sées seuerallie, saieng so much of ech of them as shall be
+ conuenient for the time, and not onelie out of the ancient, but also
+ the later writers, and somewhat of mine owne experience, beginning
+ first with the sée of Canturburie, as the most notable, whose
+ archbishop is the primat of all this land for ecclesiasticall
+ iurisdiction, and most accompted of commonlie, bicause he is néerer to
+ the prince, and readie at euerie call.
+
+ [Sidenote: Canturburie.]
+ The iurisdiction of Canturburie therefore, erected first by Augustine
+ the moonke, in the time of Ethelbert king of Kent, if you haue respect
+ to hir prouinciall regiment, extendeth it selfe ouer all the south and
+ west parts of this Iland, and Ireland, as I haue noted in the chapter
+ precedent, and few shires there are wherein the archbishop hath not
+ some peculiars. But if you regard the same onelie that was and is
+ proper vnto his see, from the beginning, it reacheth but ouer one
+ parcell of Kent, which Rudburne calleth Cantwarland, the iurisdiction
+ of Rochester including the rest: so that in this one countie the
+ greatest archbishoprike and the least bishoprike of all are linked in
+ togither. That of Canturburie hath vnder it one archdeaconrie, who
+ hath iurisdiction ouer eleauen deanries or a hundred sixtie one parish
+ churches; & in the popish time in sted of the 3093 pounds, eighteene
+ shillings, halfepenie, farthing, which it now paieth vnto hir
+ maiestie, vnder the name of first frutes, there went out of this see
+ to Rome, at euerie alienation 10000 ducates or florens, beside 5000
+ that the new elect did vsuallie paie for his pall, each ducat being
+ then worth an English crowne or thereabout, as I haue béene informed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Rochester.]
+ The sée of Rochester is also included within the limits of Kent, being
+ erected by Augustine in the 604 of Grace, and reigne of Ceolrijc ouer
+ the west-Saxons. The bishop of this sée hath one archdeacon, vnder
+ whose gouernment in causes ecclesiasticall are thrée deanries, or 132
+ parish churches: so that hereby it is to be gathered, that there are
+ 393 parish churches in Kent, ouer which the said two archdeacons haue
+ especiall cure & charge. He was woont to paie also vnto the court of
+ Rome at his admission to that see 1300 ducats or florens, as I read,
+ which was an hard valuation, considering the smalnesse of circuit
+ belonging to his sée. Howbeit, in my time it is so farre from ease by
+ diminution, that it is raised to 1432 crownes, &c: or as we resolue
+ them into our pounds, 358 pounds, thrée shillings, six pence,
+ halfepennie, farthing, a reckoning a great deale more preciselie made
+ than anie bishop of that sée dooth take any great delight in. He was
+ crosse-bearer in times past vnto the archbishop of Canturburie. And
+ there are and haue béene few sées in England, which at one time or
+ other haue not fetched their bishops for the most part from this see:
+ for as it is of it selfe but a small thing in déed, so it is commonlie
+ a preparatiue to an higher place. But of all that euer possessed it,
+ Thomas Kempe had the best lucke, who being but a poore mans sonne of
+ Wie (vnto which towne he was a great benefactor) grew first to be
+ doctor of both lawes, then of diuinitie; and afterward being promoted
+ to this sée, he was translated from thence to Chichester, thirdlie to
+ London, next of all to Yorke, and finallie after seauen and twentie
+ yeares to Canturburie, where he became also cardinall, deacon, and
+ then preest in the court of Rome, according to this verse, "Bis
+ primas, ter præses, bis cardine functus." Certes I note this man,
+ bicause he bare some fauour to the furtherance of the gospell, and to
+ that end he either builded or repared the pulpit in Paules churchyard,
+ and tooke order for the continuall maintenance of a sermon there vpon
+ the sabaoth, which dooth continue vnto my time, as a place from whence
+ the soundest doctrine is alwaies to be looked for, and for such
+ strangers to resort vnto as haue no habitation in anie parish within
+ the citie where it standeth.
+
+ [Sidenote: London.]
+ The sée of London was erected at the first by Lucius, who made it of
+ an archeflamine and temple of Iupiter an archbishops sée, and temple
+ vnto the liuing God, and so it continued, vntill Augustine translated
+ the title thereof to Canturburie. The names of the archbishops of
+ London are these; Theon, Eluan, Cadoc, Owen, Conan, Palladius,
+ Stephan, Iltutus restitutus, anno 350, Theodromus, Theodredus,
+ Hilarius, Fastidius, anno 420, Guittelinus, Vodinus slaine by the
+ Saxons, and Theonus Iunior. But for their iust order of succession as
+ yet I am not resolued, neuerthelesse the first bishop there was
+ ordeined by Augustine the moonke, in the yeare of Christ 604, in the
+ time of Ceolrijc, after he had remooued his see further off into Kent:
+ I wote not vpon what secret occasion, if not the spéedie hearing of
+ newes from Rome, and readinesse to flee out of the land, if any
+ trouble should betide him. For iurisdiction it included Essex,
+ Middlesex, and part of Herefordshire, which is neither more nor lesse
+ in quantitie than the ancient kingdome of the east Angles, before it
+ was vnited to the west Saxons. The cathedrall church belonging to this
+ sée, was first begun by Ethelbert of Kent, Indic. 1. 598 of Inuber as
+ I find, whilest he held that part of the said kingdome vnder his
+ gouernement. Afterward when the Danes had sundrie times defaced it, it
+ was repared and made vp with hard stone, but in the end it was taken
+ downe, and wholie reedified by Mawrice bishop of that sée, and
+ sometimes chapleine to the bastard Henrie the first, allowing him
+ stone and stuffe from Bainards castell néere vnto Ludgate, then
+ ruinous for the furtherance of his works. Howbeit the moold of the
+ quire was not statelie inough in the eies of some of his successors;
+ wherefore in the yeare of Grace 1256, it was taken downe and brought
+ into another forme, and called the new worke, at which time also the
+ bodies of diuerse kings and bishops were taken vp and bestowed in the
+ walles, to the end their memories should be of longer continuance. The
+ iurisdiction of this sée also vnder the bishop, is committed to foure
+ archdeacons, to wit, of London, Essex, Middlesex, and Colchester, who
+ haue amongst them to the number of 363 parish churches, or
+ thereabouts, beside the peculiars belonging to the archbishop and
+ chapiter of that house, and at euerie alienation the bishop paieth for
+ his owne part 1119 pounds, eight shillings and foure pence (but in old
+ time 3000 florens) which diuerse suppose to be more, than (as it now
+ standeth) the bishop is able to make of it. Of the archdeconrie, of S.
+ Albons added therevnto by king Henrie the eight (whereby the bishop
+ hath fiue eies) I speake not, for although it be vnder the bishop of
+ London for visitations and synods, yet is it otherwise reputed as
+ member of the sée of Lincolne, and therefore worthilie called an
+ exempt, it hath also fiue and twentie parishes, of which foure are in
+ Buckingham, the rest in Herefordshire.
+
+ [Sidenote: Chichester.]
+ The first beginning of the sée of Chichester was in the Ile of Seales
+ or Seolseie, and from thence translated to Chichester, in the time of
+ William the bastard, and generall remoouing of sées from small
+ villages vnto the greater townes. It conteineth Sussex onelie vnder
+ hir iurisdiction, wherein are sixtéene deanries, and 551 parish
+ churches, it paid at euerie alienation to the sée of Rome 333 ducats:
+ and after Edbert the first bishop, one Cella succeeded, after whome
+ the pontificall chaire (not then worth 677 pounds by the yéere as now
+ it is) was void by many yeares. It was erected in Seoleseie also 711,
+ by the decrée of a synod holden in Sussex, which borowed it from the
+ iurisdiction of Winchester, whereof before it was reputed a parcell.
+ Of all the bishops that haue béene in this sée, Thomas Kempe alwaies
+ excepted, I read not of anie one that hath béene of more estimation
+ than William Read, sometime fellow of Merteine college in Oxford,
+ doctor of diuinitie, and the most profound astronomer that liued in
+ his time, as appeareth by his collection which sometime I did
+ possesse; his image is yet in the librarie there, and manie
+ instruments of astronomie reserued in that house (a college erected
+ sometime by Walter Merton bishop of Rochester, and lord chancellor of
+ England) he builded also the castell of Amberleie from the verie
+ foundation, as Edward Scorie or Storie his successor did the new
+ crosse in the market place of Chichester.
+
+ [Sidenote: Winchester.]
+ The bishop of Winchester was sometime called bishop of the west
+ Saxons, and of Dorchester, which towne was giuen to Birinus and his
+ successors, by Kinigils and Oswald of the Northumbers, in whose time
+ it was erected by Birinus and his fellowes. In my time it hath
+ iurisdiction onelie ouer Hamshire, Surrie, Iardeseie, Gardeseie, and
+ the Wight, conteining eight deaneries, two hundred seuentie and six
+ parish churches, and beside all this he is perpetuall prelate to the
+ honorable order of the Garter, deuised by Edward the third: he paid in
+ old time to Rome 12000 ducates or florens, but now his first fruits
+ are 2491 pounds nine shillings eight pence halfe penie. Canturburie
+ was said to be the higher racke, but Winchester hath borne the name to
+ be the better mangier. There are also which make Lucius to be the
+ first founder of an house of praier in Winchester, as Kinigils did
+ build the second, and Kinwaldus his sonne the third; but you shall sée
+ the truth herof in the chronologie insuing. And herevnto if the old
+ catalog of the bishops of this sée be well considered of, and the acts
+ of the greatest part of them indifferentlie weighed, as they are to be
+ read in our histories, you shall find the most egregious hypocrites,
+ the stoutest warriours, the cruellest tyrants, the richest
+ monimoongers, and politike counsellors in temporall affaires to haue,
+ I wote not by what secret working of the diuine prouidence, beene
+ placed here in Winchester, since the foundation of that sée, which was
+ erected by Birinus 639 (whome pope Honorius sent hither out of Italie)
+ and first planted at Dorchester, in the time of Kinigils, then
+ translated to Winchester, where it dooth yet continue.
+
+ [Sidenote: Salisburie.]
+ Salisburie was made the chéefe sée of Shirburne by bishop Harman
+ (predecessor to Osmond) who brought it from Shirburne to that citie;
+ it hath now Barkeshire, Wilshire, and Dorsetshire vnder hir
+ iurisdiction. For after the death of Hedda, which was 704, Winchester
+ was diuided in two, so that onelie Hamshire and Surrie were left vnto
+ it, and Wilton, Dorset, Barkeshire, Summerset, Deuon & Cornewill
+ assigned vnto Shirburne till other order was taken. Bishop Adeline did
+ first sit in that bishoprike (704 as I said) and placed his chaire at
+ Shirburne vpon the said diuision. And as manie lerned bishops did
+ succéed him in that roome, before and after it was remooued to Sarum;
+ so there was neuer a more noble ornament to that sée than bishop
+ Iuell, of whose great learning and iudgement the world it selfe
+ beareth witnesse, notwithstanding that the papists prefer S. Osmond
+ (as they call him) because he builded the minster there, and made the
+ portesse called Ordinale ecclesiastici officij, which old préests were
+ woont to vse. The bishops also of this sée were sometimes called
+ bishops of Sunning, of their old mansion house neere vnto Reading (as
+ it should seeme) and among those that liued before the said Iuell, one
+ Roger builded the castell of the Vies in the time of Henrie the first,
+ taken in those daies for the strongest hold in England, as vnto whose
+ gate there were regals and gripes for six or seuen port cullises.
+ Finallie this sée paid vnto Rome 4000 florens, but vnto hir maiestie
+ in my time 1367 pounds twelue shillings eight pence, as I did find of
+ late.
+
+ [Sidenote: Excester.]
+ Excester hath, Deuonshire and Cornewall, sometime two seuerall
+ bishopriks, but in the end brought into one of Cornewall, and from
+ thence to Excester in the time of the Bastard or soone after. It began
+ vpon this occasion, Anno Gratiæ 905, in a prouinciall councell holden
+ by the elder Edward & Plegimond archbishop of Canturburie, among the
+ Gewises, wherein it was found, that the see of Winchester had not
+ onelie béene without hir pastor by the space of seuen yéeres, but also
+ that hir iurisdiction was farre greater than two men were able well to
+ gouerne; therefore from the former two, to wit, Winchester and
+ Shirburne, three other were taken, whereby that see was now diuided
+ into fiue parts; the latter thrée being Welles, Kirton, and Cornwall:
+ this of Cornwall hauing hir sée then at saint Patroks, not farre from
+ north-Wales vpon the riuer Helmouth: he of Deuon holding his
+ iurisdiction in Deuonshire, Kirton, or Cridioc. And the bishop of
+ Welles being allowed Dorset and Barkshires for his part, to gouerne
+ and looke vnto according to his charge. Finallie, these two of Deuon
+ and Cornwall being vnited, the valuation thereof was taxed by the sée
+ of Rome at six thousand ducats or florens, which were trulie paid at
+ euerie alienation; but verie hardlie (as I gesse) sith that in my
+ time, wherein all things are racked to the verie vttermost, I find
+ that it is litle worth aboue fiue hundred pounds by the yéere, bicause
+ hir tenths are but fiftie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bath.]
+ Bath, whose see was sometime at Welles, before Iohn the bishop there
+ annexed the church of Bath vnto it, which was 1094, hath
+ Summersetshire onlie, and the valuation thereof in the court of Rome
+ was foure hundred & thirtie florens: but in hir maiesties books I find
+ it fiue hundred thirtie and three pounds, and about one od shilling:
+ which declareth a precise examination of the estate of that sée. Of
+ the erection of this bishoprike, mentioned in the discourse of
+ Excester, I find the former assertion confirmed by another author, and
+ in somewhat more large maner, which I will also remember, onelie
+ because it pleaseth me somewhat better than the words before alleged
+ out of the former writer. This bishoprike (saith he) was erected 905,
+ in a councell holden among the Gewises, whereat king Edward of the
+ west-Saxons, and Plegimond archbishop of Canturburie were present. For
+ that part of the countrie had béene seuen yéeres without anie
+ pastorall cure. And therfore in this councell it was agréed, that for
+ [Sidenote: The bishoprike of Shirburne diuided into thrée.]
+ the two bishoprikes (whereof one was at Winchester, another at
+ Shireburne) there should be fiue ordeined, whereby the people there
+ might be the better instructed. By this meanes Frithstan was placed at
+ Winchester, and Ethelme at Shireburne, both of them being then void.
+ Shireburne also susteined the subdiuision; so that Werstane was made
+ bishop of Cridioc or Deuonshire (whose sée was at Kirton), Herstan of
+ Cornwall, and Eadulfe of Welles, vnto whome Barkshire and Dorsetshire
+ were appointed. But now you sée what alteration is made, by
+ consideration of the limits of their present iurisdictions.
+
+ [Sidenote: Worcester.]
+ Worcester sometime called Episcopatus Wicciorum (that is, the
+ bishoprike of the Wiccies or Huiccies) hath Worcester, & part of
+ Warwikeshires. And before the bishoprike of Glocester was taken out of
+ the same, it paid to the pope two thousand ducats of gold at euerie
+ change of prelat: but now the valuation thereof is one thousand fortie
+ nine pounds, seauen pence halfe penie farthing (except my remembrance
+ doo deceiue me.) This sée was begunne either in, or not long before
+ the time of Offa king of the east-Angles, and Boselus was the first
+ bishop there; after whome succéeded Ostfort, then Egwine who went in
+ pilgrimage to Rome, with Kinredus of Mercia and the said Offa, and
+ there gat a monasterie (which he builded in Worcester) confirmed by
+ Constantine the pope. In this sée was one of your lordships ancestors
+ sometime bishop, whose name was Cobham, and doctor both of diuinitie
+ and of the canon law, who, during the time of his pontificalitie
+ there, builded the vault of the north side of the bodie of the church,
+ and there lieth buried in the same (as I haue béene informed.) Certes
+ this man was once elected, and should haue béene archbishop of
+ Canturburie in the roome of Reginald that died 1313 vnder Edward the
+ second: but the pope frustrated his election, fearing least he would
+ haue shewed himselfe more affectionate towards his prince than to his
+ court of Rome; wherefore he gaue Canturburie to the bishop of
+ Worcester then being. And furthermore, least he should seeme
+ altogither to reiect the said Thomas and displease the king, he gaue
+ him in the end the bishoprike of Worcester, whereinto he entred 1317,
+ Martij 31, being thursdaie (as appeereth by the register of that
+ house) after long plée holden for the aforesaid sée of Canturburie in
+ the court of Rome, wherein most monie did oftenest preuaile. This is
+ also notable of that sée, that fiue Italians succéeded ech other in
+ the same, by the popes prouision; as Egidius, Syluester, Egidius his
+ nephue (for nephues might say in those daies; Father shall I call you
+ vncle? And vncles also; Son I must call thée nephue) Iulius de
+ Medices, afterward pope Clement, and Hieronymus de Nugutijs, men verie
+ likelie, no doubt, to benefit the common people by their doctrine.
+ Some of these being at the first but poore men in Rome, and yet able
+ by selling all they had to make a round summe against a rainie daie,
+ came first into fauor with the pope, then into familiaritie, finallie
+ into orders; and from thence into the best liuings of the church,
+ farre off where their parentage could not easilie be heard of, nor
+ made knowne vnto their neighbours.
+
+ [Sidenote: Glocester.]
+ Glocester hath Glocestershire onelie, wherein are nine deanries, and
+ to the number of 294 parish churches, as I find by good record. But it
+ neuer paid anie thing to Rome, bicause it was erected by king Henrie
+ the eight, after he had abolished the vsurped authoritie of the pope,
+ except in quéene Maries, if anie such thing were demanded, as I doubt
+ not but it was: yet is it woorth yeerelie 315 pounds, seauen shillings
+ thrée pence, as the booke of first fruits declareth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hereford.]
+ Hereford hath Herefordshire and part of Shropshire, and it paid to
+ Rome at euerie alienation 1800 ducats at the least, but in my time it
+ paieth vnto hir maiesties cofers 768 pounds, ten shillings, ten pence,
+ halfe penie, farthing. In this sée there was a bishop sometime called
+ Iohn Bruton, vpon whome the king then reigning, by likelihood for want
+ of competent maintenance, bestowed the keeping of his wardrobe, which
+ he held long time with great honour, as his register saith. A
+ woonderfull preferment that bishops should be preferred from the
+ pulpit, to the custodie of wardrobes: but such was the time.
+ Neuerthelesse his honorable custodie of that charge is more solemnlie
+ remembred, than anie good sermon that euer he made, which function
+ peraduenture he committed to his suffragane, sith bishops in those
+ daies had so much businesse in the court, that they could not attend
+ to doctrine and exhortation.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lichfield.]
+ Lichefield, wherevnto Couentrie was added, in the time of Henrie the
+ first, at the earnest sute of Robert bishop of that see, hath
+ Staffordshire, Darbishire, part of Shropshire, and the rest of
+ Warwikeshire, that is void of subiection to the sée of Worcestershire.
+ It was erected in the time of Peada king of the south Mercians, which
+ laie on this side the Trent, and therein one Dinas was installed,
+ about the yeare of Grace 656, after whom Kellac first, then Tunher an
+ Englishman succéeded, this later being well learned, and consecrated
+ by the Scots. In the time of the bastard, I wot not vpon what
+ occasion, one Peter bishop of this sée translated his chaire to
+ Chester, and there held it for a season, whereby it came to passe that
+ the bishops of Lichfield were for a while called bishops of Chester.
+ But Robert his successor not likeing of this president, remooued his
+ chaire from Chester to Couentrie, and there held it whilest he liued,
+ whereby the originall diuision of the bishoprike of Lichfield into
+ Lichefield, Chester, and Couentrie, dooth easilie appeare, although in
+ my time Lichfield and Couentrie be vnited, and Chester remaineth a
+ bishoprike by it selfe. It paid the pope at euerie alienation 1733
+ florens, or (as some old bookes haue) 3000, a good round summe, but
+ not without a iust punishment, as one saith, sith that anno 765,
+ Edulfe bishop there vnder Offa king of Mercia, would by his helpe haue
+ bereaued the archbishop of Canturburie of his pall, & so did in déed
+ vnder pope Hadrian, holding the same vntill things were reduced vnto
+ their ancient forme. Before the time also of bishop Langton, the
+ prebends of this see laie here and there abroad in the citie, where
+ the vicars also had an house, of which this honest bishop misliked not
+ a little for sundrie causes; wherefore he began their close, and
+ bestowed so much in building the same, and pauing the stréets, that
+ his hungrie kinsmen did not a little grudge at his expenses, thinking
+ that his emptie cofers would neuer make them gentlemen, for which
+ preferment the freends of most bishops gaped earnestlie in those
+ daies. King Iohn was the greatest benefactor vnto this sée, next vnto
+ Offa; and it is called Lichfield, Quasi mortuorum campus, bicause of
+ the great slaughter of christians made there (as some write) vnder
+ Dioclesian. Howbeit in my time the valuation thereof is 703 pounds,
+ fiue shillings two pence, halfepenie, farthing, a summe verie
+ narrowlie cast by that auditor which tooke it first in hand.
+
+ Oxford hath Oxfordshire onelie, a verie yoong iurisdiction, erected by
+ king Henrie the eight, & where in the time of quéene Marie, one
+ Goldwell was bishop, who (as I remember) was a Iesuit, dwelling in
+ Rome, and more conuersant (as the constant fame went) in the blacke
+ art, than skilfull in the scriptures, and yet he was of great
+ countenance amongst the Romane monarchs. It is said that obseruing the
+ canons of his order, he regarded not the temporalities of that sée:
+ but I haue heard since that he wist well inough what became of those
+ commodities, for by one meane and other he found the swéetnesse of 354
+ pounds sixteene shillings thrée pence halfe penie, yearelie growing to
+ him, which was euen inough (if not too much) for the maintenance of a
+ frier toward the drawing out of circles, characters, & lineaments of
+ imagerie, wherein he was passing skilfull, as the fame then went in
+ Rome, and not vnheard of in Oxford.
+
+ [Sidenote: Elie.]
+ Elie hath Cambridgshire, and the Ile of Elie. It was erected 1109 by
+ Henrie the first, being before a rich and wealthie abbeie. One Heruie
+ also was made bishop there, as I haue found in a register, belonging
+ sometime to that house being translated from Bangor. Finallie it paid
+ to the pope at euerie alienation 7000 ducats, as the registers there
+ do testifie at large. Albeit that in my time I find a note of 2134
+ pounds sixtéene shillings thrée pence halfe penie farthing, whose
+ disme ioined to those of all the bishopriks in England, doo yéeld
+ yearelie to hir maiesties coffers 23370 pounds sixtéene shillings
+ thrée pence halfe penie farthing: whereby also the huge sums of monie
+ going out of this land to the court of Rome dooth in some measure
+ appéere. Ethelwold afterward bishop of Winchester builded the first
+ monasterie of Elie vpon the ruines of a nunrie then in the kings
+ hands, howbeit the same house, whereof he himselfe was abbat, was yer
+ long destroied by enimies, and he in lieu of his old preferment
+ rewarded by king Edgar, with the aforesaid bishoprike, from whence
+ with more than lionlike boldnesse he expelled the secular préests, and
+ stored with moonkes prouided from Abandune néere Oxford, by the helpe
+ of Edgar and Dunstane then metropolitane of England. There was
+ sometime a greeuous contention betwéene Thomas Lild bishop of this
+ see, and the king of England, about the yeare of Grace 1355, which I
+ will here deliuer out of an old record, because the matter is so
+ parciallie penned by some of the brethren of that house, in fauour of
+ the bishop; & for that I was also abused with the same in the entrance
+ thereof at the first into my chronologie. The blacke prince fauoring
+ one Robert Stretton his chapleine, a man vnlearned and not worthie the
+ name of a clearke, the matter went on so farre, that what for loue,
+ and somewhat else, of a canon of Lichfield he was chosen bishop of
+ that see. Herevpon the pope vnderstanding what he was by his Nuncio
+ here in England, staied his consecration by his letters for a time,
+ and in the meane season committed his examination to the archbishop of
+ Canturburie, and the bishop of Rochester, who felt and dealt so
+ fauourablie with him in golden reasoning, that his worthinesse was
+ commended to the popes holinesse, & to Rome he goeth. Being come to
+ Rome the pope himselfe apposed him, and after secret conference
+ vtterlie disableth his election, till he had prooued by substantiall
+ argument and of great weight before him also, that he was not so
+ lightlie to be reiected. Which kind of reasoning so well pleased his
+ holinesse, that Ex mera plenitudine potestatis, he was made capable of
+ the benefice and so returneth into England; when he came home, this
+ bishop being in the kings presence told him how he had doone he wist
+ not what in preferring so vnméet a man vnto so high a calling. With
+ which speach the king was so offended, that he commanded him out of
+ hand to auoid out of his presence. In like sort the ladie Wake then
+ duchesse of Lancaster, standing by, and hearing the king hir cousine
+ to gather vp the bishop so roundlie, and thereto an old grudge against
+ him for some other matter, dooth presentlie picke a quarrell against
+ him about certeine lands then in his possession, which he defended &
+ in the end obteined against hir by plée and course of law: yer long
+ [Sidenote: * sic. qu. _a fire_]
+ also [*]afore hapned in a part of hir house, for which she accused the
+ bishop, and in the end by verdict of twelue men found that he was
+ priuie vnto the fact of his men in the said fact, wherfore he was
+ condemned in nine hundred pounds damages, which he paid euerie penie.
+
+ Neuerthelesse, being sore grieued, that she had (as he said) wrested
+ out such a verdict against him, and therein packed vp a quest at hir
+ owne choise: he taketh his horsse, goeth to the court, and there
+ complaineth to the king of his great iniurie receiued at hir hands.
+ But in the deliuerie of his tale, his speech was so blockish, & termes
+ so euill fauoredlie (though maliciouslie) placed, that the king tooke
+ yet more offense with him than before; insomuch that he led him with
+ him into the parlement house, for then was that court holden, and
+ there before the lords accused him of no small misdemeanor toward his
+ person by his rude and threatening speeches. But the bishop egerlie
+ denieth the kings obiections, which he still auoucheth vpon his honor;
+ and in the end confirmeth his allegations by witnesse: wherevpon he is
+ banished from the kings presence during his naturall life by verdict
+ of that house. In the meane time the duchesse hearing what was doone,
+ she beginneth a new to be dealing with him: and in a brabling fraie
+ betweene their seruants one of hir men was slaine, for which he was
+ called before the magistrat, as chiefe accessarie vnto the fact. But
+ he fearing the sequele of his third cause by his successe had in the
+ two first, hideth himselfe after he had sold all his moouables, and
+ committed the monie vnto his trustie friends. And being found giltie
+ by the inquest, the king seizeth vpon his possessions, and calleth vp
+ the bishop to answer vnto the trespasse. To be short, vpon
+ safe-conduct the bishop commeth to the kings presence, where he
+ denieth that he was accessarie to the fact, either before, at, or
+ after the deed committed, and therevpon craueth to be tried by his
+ péeres. But this petition was in vaine: for sentence passeth against
+ him also by the kings owne mouth. Wherevpon he craueth helpe of the
+ archbishop of Canturburie and priuileges of the church, hoping by such
+ meanes to be solemnlie rescued. But they fearing the kings
+ displeasure, who bare small fauour to the clergie of his time, gaue
+ ouer to vse anie such meanes; but rather willed him to submit himselfe
+ vnto the kings mercie which he refused, standing vpon his innocencie
+ from the first vnto the last. Finallie, growing into choler, that the
+ malice of a woman should so preuaile against him, he writeth to Rome,
+ requiring that his case might be heard there, as a place wherein
+ greater iustice (saith he) is to be looked for than to be found in
+ England. Vpon the perusall of these his letters also, his accusers
+ were called thither. But for so much as they appéered not at their
+ peremptorie times, they were excommunicated. Such of them also as died
+ before their reconciliations were taken out of the churchyards, and
+ buried in the fields and doong-hilles, "Vnde timor & turba (saith my
+ note) in Anglia." For the king inhibited the bringing in and receipt
+ of all processes, billes, and whatsoeuer instruments should come from
+ Rome: such also as aduentured contrarie to this prohibition to bring
+ them in, were either dismembred of some ioint, or hanged by the necks.
+ Which rage so incensed the pope, that he wrote in verie vehement maner
+ to the king of England, threatening far greater cursses, except he did
+ the sooner staie the furie of the lady, reconcile himself vnto the
+ bishop, and finallie, making him amends for all his losses susteined
+ in these broiles. Long it was yer the king would be brought to peace.
+ Neuerthelesse, in the end he wrote to Rome about a reconciliation to
+ be had betwéene them: but yer all things were concluded, God himselfe
+ did end the quarrell, by taking awaie the bishop. And thus much out of
+ an old pamphlet in effect word for word: but I haue somewhat framed
+ the forme of the report after the order that Stephan Birchington dooth
+ deliuer it, who also hath the same in manner as I deliuer it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Norwich.]
+ The see of Norwich called in old time Episcopatus Donnicensis,
+ Dononiæ, or Eastanglorum, was erected at Felstow or Felixstow, where
+ Felix of Burgundie (sometime schoolemaster to Sigebert of the
+ east-Angles, by whose persuasion also the said Sigebert erected the
+ vniuersitie at Cambridge) being made bishop of the east-Angles first
+ placed his sée, afterward it was remooued from thence to Donwich, &
+ thence to Helmham, Anno 870, about the death of Celnothus of
+ Canturburie; thirdlie, to Theodford, or Thetford; & finallie, after
+ the time of the Bastard, to Norwich. For iurisdiction it conteineth in
+ our daies Norffolke and Suffolke onelie, whereas at the first it
+ included Cambridgeshire also, and so much as laie within the kingdome
+ of the east-Angles. It began about the yéere 632, vnder Cerpenwald
+ king of the east-Saxons, who bestowed it vpon Felix, whome pope
+ Honorius also confirmed, and after which he held it by the space of
+ seauenteene yéeres. It paid sometimes at euerie alienation 5000 ducats
+ to Rome. But in my time hir maiestie hath 899 pounds, 8 shillings 7
+ pence farthing, as I haue been informed. In the same iurisdiction also
+ there were once 1563 parish churches, and 88 religious houses: but in
+ our daies I can not heare of more churches than 1200: and yet of these
+ I know one conuerted into a barne, whilest the people heare seruice
+ further off vpon a greene: their bell also when I heard a sermon there
+ preached in the gréene, hanged in an oke for want of a stéeple. But
+ now I vnderstand that the oke likewise is gone. There is neuerthelesse
+ a litle chappellet hard by on that common, but nothing capable of the
+ multitude of Ashlie towne that should come to the same in such wise,
+ if they did repaire thither as they ought.
+
+ [Sidenote: Peterborow.]
+ Peterborow, sometimes a notable monasterie, hath Northampton and
+ Rutland shires vnder hir iurisdiction, a diocesse erected also by king
+ Henrie the eight. It neuer paid first fruits to the pope before queene
+ Maries daies (if it were then deliuered) wherof I doubt, because it
+ was not recorded in his ancient register of tenths and fruits,
+ although peraduenture the collectors left it not vngathered, I wot not
+ for what purpose; it yéeldeth now foure hundred and fiftie pounds, one
+ penie abated. I haue seene and had an ancient iarror of the lands of
+ this monasterie, which agréeth verie well with the historie of Hugo le
+ Blanc monke of that house. In the charter also of donation annexed to
+ the same, I saw one of Wulfhere king of Mercia, signed with his owne,
+ & the marks of Sigher king of Sussex, Sebbie of Essex, with the
+ additions of their names: the rest of the witnesses also insued in
+ this order:
+
+   Ethelred brother to Wulfehere,
+   Kindburg and Kindswith sisters to Wulfhere,
+   Deusdedit archbishop,
+   Ithamar bishop of Rochester,
+   Wina bishop of London,
+   Iarnman bishop of Mearc,
+   Wilfride and Eoppa préests,
+   Saxulfe the abbat.
+
+ Then all the earles and eldermen of England in order; and after all
+ these, the name of pope Agatho, who confirmed the instrument at the
+ sute of Wilfride archbishop of Yorke, in a councell holden at Rome
+ 680, of a hundred & fiue and twentie bishops, wherein also these
+ churches were appropriated to the said monasterie, to wit, Breding,
+ Reping, Cedenac, Swinesheued, Lusgerd, Edelminglond, and Barchaing:
+ whereby we haue in part an euident testimonie how long the practise of
+ appropriation of benefices hath béene vsed to the hinderance of the
+ gospell, and maintenance of idle moonks, an humane inuention grounded
+ vpon hypocrisie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bristow.]
+ Bristow hath Dorsetshire sometime belonging to Salisburie, a sée also
+ latelie erected by king Henrie the eight, who tooke no small care for
+ the church of Christ, and therefore eased a number of ancient sées of
+ some part of their huge and ouer-large circuits, and bestowed those
+ portions deducted, vpon such other erections as he had appointed for
+ the better regiment and féeding of the flocke: the value thereof is
+ thrée hundred foure score and thrée pounds, eight shillings, and foure
+ pence (as I haue béene informed.)
+
+ [Sidenote: Lincolne.]
+ Lincolne of all other of late times was the greatest; and albeit that
+ out of it were taken the sees of Oxford and Peterborow, yet it still
+ reteineth Lincolne, Leicester, Huntingdon, Bedford, Buckingham shires,
+ and the rest of Hertford; so that it extendeth from the Thames vnto
+ the Humber, and paid vnto the pope fiue thousand ducats (as appeereth
+ by his note) at euerie alienation. In my time, and by reason of hir
+ diminution it yéeldeth a tribute to whom tribute belongeth, of the
+ valuation of eight hundred ninetie and nine pounds, eight shillings,
+ seauen pence farthing. It began since the conquest, about the
+ beginning of William Rufus, by one Remigius, who remooued his sée from
+ Dorchester to Lincolne (not without licence well paid for vnto the
+ king.) And thus much of the bishopriks which lie within Lhoegres or
+ England, as it was left vnto Locrinus. Now it followeth that I procéed
+ with Wales.
+
+ [Sidenote: Landaffe.]
+ Landaffe, or the church of Taw hath ecclesiasticall iurisdiction in
+ Glamorgan, Monmouth, Brechnoch, and Radnor shires. And although it
+ paid seuen hundred ducats at euerie exchange of prelat; yet is it
+ scarselie worth one hundred fiftie and fiue pounds by the yeare (as I
+ haue heard reported.) Certes it is a poore bishoprike, & (as I haue
+ heard) the late incumbent thereof being called for not long since by
+ the lord president in open court made answer. The daffe is here, but
+ the land is gone. What he meant by it I can not well tell; but I hope,
+ that in the séed time and the frée planting of the gospell, the meate
+ of the labourer shall not be diminished and withdrawen.
+
+ [Sidenote: S. Dauids.]
+ S. Dauids hath Penbroke and Caermardine shires, whose liuerie or first
+ fruits to the sée of Rome was one thousand and fiue hundred ducats, at
+ the hardest (as I thinke.) For if record be of anie sufficient credit,
+ it is little aboue the value of foure hundred fiftie and seauen
+ pounds, one shilling, and ten pence farthing, in our time, and so it
+ paieth vnto hir maiesties coffers; but in time past I thinke it was
+ farre better. The present bishop misliketh verie much of the cold
+ situation of his cathedrall church; and therfore he would gladlie pull
+ it downe, and set it in a warmer place: but it would first be learned
+ what suertie he would put in to sée it well performed: of the rest I
+ speake not.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bangor.]
+ Bangor is in north-Wales, and hath Caernaruon, Angleseie, and
+ Merioneth shires vnder hir iurisdiction. It paid to Rome 126 ducats,
+ which is verie much. For of all the bishoprikes in England it is now
+ the least for reuenues, and not woorth aboue one hundred and one and
+ thirtie pounds, and sixteene pence to hir maiesties coffers at euerie
+ alienation (as appéereth by the tenths, which amount to much lesse
+ than those of some good benefice) for it yeeldeth not yéerelie aboue
+ thirtéene pounds, thrée shillings, and seauen pence halfe penie, as by
+ that court is manifest.
+
+ [Sidenote: S. Asaphes.]
+ S. Asaphes hath Prestholme and part of Denbigh and Flintshires vnder
+ hir iurisdiction in causes ecclesiasticall, which being laid togither
+ doo amount to little more than one good countie, and therefore in
+ respect of circuit the least that is to be found in Wales,
+ neuerthelesse it paid to Rome 470 ducates at euerie alienation. In my
+ time the first fruits of this bishoprike came vnto 187 pounds eleuen
+ shillings six pence; wherby it séemeth to be somewhat better than
+ Landaffe or Bangor last remembred. There is one Howell a gentleman of
+ Flintshire in the compasse of this iurisdiction, who is bound to giue
+ an harpe of siluer yearelie to the best harper in Wales, but did anie
+ bishop thinke you deserue that in the popish time? Howell or Aphowell
+ in English is all one (as I haue heard) and signifie so much as Hugo
+ or Hugh. Hitherto of the prouince of Canturburie, for so much therof
+ as now lieth within the compasse of this Iland. Now it resteth that I
+ procéed with the curtailed archbishoprike of Yorke, I saie curtailed
+ because all Scotland is cut from his iurisdiction and obedience.
+
+ [Sidenote: Yorke.]
+ The see of Yorke was restored about the yeare of Grace 625, which
+ after the comming of the Saxons laie desolate and neglected, howbeit
+ at the said time Iustus archbishop of Canturburie ordeined Paulinus to
+ be first bishop there, in the time of Gadwijn king of Northumberland.
+ This Paulinus sate six yeares yer he was driuen from thence, & after
+ whose expulsion that seat was void long time, wherby Lindesfarne grew
+ into credit, and so remained vntill the daies of Oswie of
+ Northumberland, who sent Wilfred the priest ouer into France, there to
+ be consecrated archbishop of Yorke: but whilest he taried ouer long in
+ those parts, Oswie impatient of delaie preferred Ceadda or Chad to
+ that roome, who held it three yeares, which being expired Wilfred
+ recouered his roome, and held it as he might, vntill it was seuered in
+ two, to wit, Yorke, Hagulstade, or Lindesfarne, where Eata was placed,
+ at which time also Egfride was made bishop of Lincolne or Lindsie in
+ that part of Mercia which he had goten from Woolfhere. Of it selfe it
+ hath now iurisdiction ouer Yorkeshire, Notinghamshire (whose shire
+ towne I meane the new part thereof with the bridge was builded by king
+ Edward the first surnamed the elder before the conquest) and the rest
+ of Lancastershire onelie not subiect to the sée of Chester; and when
+ the pope bare authoritie in this realme, it paid vnto his see 1000
+ ducates, beside 5000 for the pall of the new elect, which was more
+ than he could well spare of late, considering the curtailing &
+ diminution of his sée, thorough the erection of a new metropolitane in
+ Scotland, but in my time it yéeldeth 1609 pounds ninetéene shillings
+ two pence to hir maiestie, whom God long preserue vnto vs to his
+ glorie, hir comfort, and our welfares.
+
+ [Sidenote: Chester.]
+ Chester vpon Dee, otherwise called Westchester, hath vnder hir
+ iurisdiction in causes ecclesiasticall, Chestershire, Darbishire, the
+ most part of Lancastershire (to wit vnto the Ribell) Richmond and a
+ part of Flint and Denbigh shires in Wales, was made a bishoprike by
+ king H. 8. anno regni 33. Iulij 16, and so hath continued since that
+ time, being valued 420 pounds by the yeare beside od twentie pence (a
+ streict reckoning) as the record declareth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Durham.]
+ Durham hath the countie of Durham and Northumberland with the Dales
+ onelie vnder hir iurisdiction, and hereof the bishops haue sometimes
+ béene earles palantines & ruled the rost vnder the name of the
+ bishoprike and succession of S. Cuthbert. It was a sée (in mine
+ opinion) more profitable of late vnto hir maiesties coffers by 221
+ pounds eighteene shillings ten pence farthing, and yet of lesse
+ countenance than hir prouinciall, neuertheles the sunneshine thereof
+ (as I heare) is now somewhat eclipsed and not likelie to recouer the
+ light, for this is not a time wherein the church may looke to increase
+ in hir estate. I heare also that some other flitches haue forgone the
+ like collops, but let such matters be scanned by men of more
+ discretion. Capgraue saith how that the first bishop of this sée was
+ called bishop of Lindseie (or Lincolne) & that Ceadda laie in
+ Liechfield of the Mercians in a mansion house néere the church. But
+ this is more worthie to be remembred, that Cuthred of the Northumbers,
+ and Alfred of the West-saxons bestowed all the land betwéene the These
+ & the Tine now called the bishoprike vpon S. Cuthbert, beside
+ whatsoeuer belonged to the see of Hagulstade. Edgar of Scotland also
+ in the time of the Bastard gaue Coldingham and Berwike withall their
+ appurtenances to that house; but whether these donations be extant or
+ no as yet I cannot tell. Yet I thinke not but that Leland had a sight
+ of them, from whome I had this ground. But whatsoeuer this bishoprike
+ be now, in externall & outward apparance, sure it is that it paid in
+ old time 9000 ducates at euerie alienation to Rome, as the record
+ expresseth. Aidan a Scot or Irishman was the first bishop of this sée,
+ who held himselfe (as did manie of his successors) at Colchester and
+ in Lindesfarne Ile, till one came that remooued it to Durham. And now
+ iudge you whether the allegation of Capgraue be of anie accompt or
+ not.
+
+ [Sidenote: Caerleill.]
+ Caerleill was erected 1132 by Henrie the first, and hereof one
+ Ethelwoolfe confessor to Osmond bishop of Sarum was made the first
+ bishop, hauing Cumberland & Westmerland assigned to his share; of the
+ deaneries and number of parish churches conteined in the same as yet I
+ haue no knowledge, more than of manie other. Howbeit hereof I am sure,
+ that notwithstanding the present valuation be risen to 531 pounds
+ foureteene shillings eleuen pence halfe penie, the pope receiued out
+ of it but 1000 florens, and might haue spared much more, as an
+ aduersarie thereto confessed sometime euen before the pope himselfe,
+ supposing no lesse than to haue gained by his tale, and so
+ peraduenture should haue doone, if his platforme had taken place. But
+ as wise men oft espie the practises of flatteries, so the pope saw to
+ what end this profitable speach was vttered. As touching Caerleill it
+ selfe it was sometime sacked by the Danes, and eftsoones repared by
+ William Rufus, & planted with a colonie of southerne men. I suppose
+ that in old time it was called Cairdoill. For in an ancient booke
+ which I haue séene, and yet haue, intituled, Liber formularum
+ literarum curiæ Romanæ, octo capitulorum, episcopatus Cardocensis. And
+ thus much generallie of the names and numbers of our bishoprikes of
+ England, whose tenths in old time yearelie amounting vnto 21111
+ pounds, twelue shillings one penie halfe penie farthing, of currant
+ monie in those daies, doo euidentlie declare, what store of coine was
+ transported out of the land vnto the papall vses, in that behalfe
+ onelie.
+
+ Certes I take this not to be one quarter of his gaines gotten by
+ England in those daies, for such commodities were raised by his courts
+ holden here, so plentifullie gat he by his perquisits, as elections,
+ procurations, appeales, preuentions, pluralities, tot quots,
+ trialities, tollerations, legitimations, bulles, seales, préests,
+ concubines, eating of flesh and white meats, dispensations for
+ mariages, & times of celebration, Peter pence, and such like
+ faculties, that not so little as 1200000 pounds went yearelie from
+ hence to Rome. And therefore no maruell though he séeke much in these
+ daies to reduce vs to his obedience. But what are the tenths of
+ England (you will saie) in comparison of all those of Europe. For
+ notwithstanding that manie good bishoprikes latelie erected be left
+ out of his old bookes of record, which I also haue séene, yet I find
+ neuertheles that the whole sum of them amounted to not aboue 61521
+ pounds as monie went 200 yeares before my time, of which portion poore
+ saint Peter did neuer heare, of so much as one graie grote. Marke
+ therfore I praie you whether England were not fullie answerable to a
+ third part of the rest of his tenths ouer all Europe, and therevpon
+ tell me whether our Iland was one of the best paire of bellowes or
+ not, that blue the fire in his kitchen, wherewith to make his pot
+ seeth, beside all other commodities.
+
+ [Sidenote: Man.]
+ Beside all these, we haue another bishoprike yet in England almost
+ slipped out of my remembrance, because it is verie obscure, for that
+ the bishop thereof hath not wherewith to mainteine his countenance
+ sufficientlie, and that is the see of Mona or Man, somtime named
+ Episcopatus Sodorensis, whereof one Wimundus was ordeined the first
+ bishop, and Iohn the second, in the troublesome time of king Stephan.
+ The gift of this prelacie resteth in the earles of Darbie, who
+ nominate such a one from time to time therto as to them dooth séeme
+ conuenient. Howbeit if that sée did know and might reape hir owne
+ commodities, and discerne them from other mens possessions (for it is
+ supposed that the mother hath deuoured the daughter) I doubt not but
+ the state of hir bishop would quicklie be amended. Hauing therefore
+ called this later sée after this maner vnto mind, I suppose that I
+ haue sufficientlie discharged my dutie concerning the state of our
+ bishoprike, and maner how the ecclesiasticall iurisdiction of the
+ church of England is diuided among the shires and counties of this
+ realme. Whose bishops as they haue béene heretofore of lesse learning,
+ and yet of greater port & dooings in the common-wealth, than at this
+ present, so are they now for the most part the best learned that are
+ to be found in anie countrie of Europe, sith neither high parentage,
+ nor great riches (as in other countries) but onelie learning and
+ vertue, commended somewhat by fréendship, doo bring them to this
+ honour.
+
+ I might here haue spoken more at large of diuerse other bishopriks,
+ sometime in this part of the Iland, as of that of Caerlheon tofore
+ ouerthrowen by Edelfred in the behalfe of Augustine the moonke (as
+ Malmesburie saith) where Dubritius gouerned, which was afterward
+ translated to S. Dauids, and taken for an archbishoprike: secondlie of
+ the bishoprike of Leircester called Legerensis, whose fourth bishop
+ (Vnwon) went to Rome with Offa king of Mercia: thirdlie of Ramsbirie
+ [Sidenote: Gloucester's verie ancient bishoprike.]
+ or Wiltun, and of Glocester (of which you shall read in Matth. Westm.
+ 489) where the bishop was called Eldad: also of Hagulstade, one of the
+ members whereinto the see of Yorke was diuided after the expulsion of
+ Wilfrid. For (as I read) when Egfrid the king had driuen him awaie, he
+ diuided his see into two parts, making Bosa ouer the Deiranes that
+ held his sée at Hagulstade, or Lindfarne: and Eatta ouer the
+ Bernicians, who sate at Yorke: and thereto placing Edhedus ouer
+ Lindseie (as is afore noted) whose successors were Ethelwine, Edgar,
+ and Kinibert, notwithstanding that one Sexulfus was ouer Lindseie
+ before Edhedus, who was bishop of the Mercians and middle England,
+ till he was banished from Lindseie, and came into those quarters to
+ séeke his refuge and succour.
+
+ I could likewise intreat of the bishops of Whiteherne, or Ad Candidam
+ Casam, an house with the countrie wherein it stood belonging to the
+ prouince of Northumberland, but now a parcell of Scotland; also of the
+ erection of the late sée at Westminster by Henrie the eight. But as
+ the one so the other is ceased, and the lands of this later either so
+ diuided or exchanged for worse tenures, that except a man should sée
+ it with his eies, & point out with his finger where euerie parcell of
+ them is bestowed, but a few men would beléeue what is become of the
+ same. I might likewise and with like ease also haue added the
+ successors of the bishops of euerie sée to this discourse of their
+ cathedrall churches and places of abode, but it would haue extended
+ this treatise to an vnprofitable length. Neuerthelesse I will remember
+ the fame of London my natiue citie, after I haue added one word more
+ of the house called Ad Candidam Casam, in English Whiteherne, which
+ taketh denomination of the white stone wherwith it was builded, and
+ was séene far off as standing vpon an hill to such as did behold it.
+
+
+
+
+ THE NAMES AND SUCCESSIONS OF SO MANIE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS OF
+ LONDON, AS ARE EXTANT, AND TO BE HAD, FROM THE FAITH FIRST RECEIUED.
+
+
+ _Archbishops._
+
+   Theon.
+   Eluanus.
+   Cadocus.
+   Ouinus.
+   Conanus.
+   Palladius.
+   Stephanus.
+   Iltutus.
+   Restitutus, who liued 350 of grace.
+   Tadwinus aliàs Theodwinus, some doo write
+   him Tacwinus & Tatwinus.
+   Tidredus aliàs Theodred.
+   Hilarius.
+   Fastidius liued Anno Dom. 430.
+   Vodinus, slaine by the Saxons.
+   Theonus.
+
+ _The see void manie yeares._
+
+   Augustine the moonke, sent ouer by Gregorie the great, till
+     he remooued his sée to Canturburie, to the intent he might
+     the sooner flée, if persecution should be raised by the
+     infidels, or heare from, or send more spéedilie vnto Rome,
+     without anie great feare of the interception of his letters.
+
+
+ _Bishops._
+
+ Melitus.
+
+ _The see void for a season._
+
+   Wina.
+   Erkenwaldus.
+   Waldherus.
+   Ingaldus.
+   Egulphus.
+   Wigotus.
+   Eadbricus.
+   Edgarus.
+   Kiniwalchus.
+   Eadbaldus.
+   Eadbertus.
+   Oswinus.
+   Ethelnothus.
+   Cedbertus.
+   Cernulphus.
+   Suiduiphus
+   Eadstanus.
+   Wulffinus.
+   Ethelwaldus.
+   Elstanus.
+   Brithelmus.
+   Dunstanus.
+   Tidricus.
+   Alwijnus.
+   Elswoldus.
+   Robertus a Norman.
+   Wilhelmus a Norman.
+   Hugo a Norman.
+
+ I read also of a bishop of London called Elsward, or Ailward, who was
+ abbat of Eouesham, and bishop of London at one time, and buried at
+ length in Ramseie, howbeit in what order of succession he liued I can
+ not tell, more than of diuerse other aboue remembred, but in this
+ order doo I find them.
+
+ _The see void twelue yeares._
+
+   1 Mauricius.
+   2 Richardus Beaumis.
+   3 Gilbertus vniuersalis a notable man for thrée things,
+       auarice, riches, and learning.
+   4 Robertus de Sigillo.
+   5 Richardus Beaumis.
+   6 Gilbertus Folioth.
+   7 Richardus.
+   8 Wilhelmus de sancta Maria.
+   9 Eustathius Falconberg.
+   10 Rogerus Niger.
+   11 Fulco Bascet.
+   12 Henricus Wingham.
+   Richardus Talbot electus.
+   15 Richard. Grauesend.
+   16 Radulfus Gandacensis.
+   17 Gilbertus Segraue.
+   18 Richardus de Newport.
+   19 Stephanus Grauesend.
+   20 Richard. Bintworth.
+   21 Radulfus Baldoc who made the tables
+       hanging in the vesterie of Paules.
+   22 Michael.
+   23 Simon.
+   24 Robertus.
+   25 Thomas.
+   26 Richardus.
+   27 Thomas Sauagius.
+   28 Wilhelmus.
+   29 Wilhelm. Warham.
+   30 Wihelmus Barnes.
+   31 Cuthbertus Tunstall.
+   32 Iohannes Stokesleie.
+   33 Richardus fitz Iames.
+   34 Edmundus Boner, remooued, imprisoned.
+   35 Nicholas Ridleie remooued and burned.
+   Edm. Boner, restored, remooued, & imprisoned.
+   36 Edmundus Grindall.
+   37 Edwinus Sandes.
+   38 Iohannes Elmer.
+
+   Hauing gotten and set downe thus much of the bishops, I will
+     deliuer in like sort the names of the deanes, vntill I come
+     to the time of mine old master now liuing in this present
+     yeare 1586, who is none of the least ornaments that haue
+     béene in that seat.
+
+ _Deanes._
+
+   1 Wulmannus, who made a distribution of the psalmes
+       conteined in the whole psalter, and appointed the
+       same dailie to be read amongst the prebendaries.
+   2 Radulfus de Diceto, whose noble historie
+       is yet extant in their librarie.
+   3 Alardus Bucham.
+   4 Robertus Watford.
+   5 Martinus Patteshull.
+   6 Hugo de Marinis.
+   7 Radulfus Langfort.
+   8 Galfridus de Berie.
+   9 Wilhelmus St[=a]man.
+   10 Henricus Cornell.
+   11 Walterus de Salerne.
+   12 Robertus Barton.
+   13 Petrus de Newport.
+   14 Richardus Talbot.
+   15 Galfredus de Fering.
+   16 Iohannes Chishull.
+   17 Herueus de Boreham.
+   18 Thomas Eglesthorpe.
+   19 Rogerus de Lalleie.
+   20 Wilhelmus de Montfort.
+   21 Radulfus de Baldoc postea episcopus.
+   22 Alanus de Cantilup postea cardinalis.
+   Iohan. Sandulfe electus.
+   Richardus de Newport electus.
+   23 Magister Vitalis.
+   24 Iohannes Euerisdon.
+   25 Wilhelmus Brewer.
+   26 Richardus Kilmingdon.
+   27 Thomas Trullocke.
+   28 Iohannes Appulbie.
+   29 Thomas Euer.
+   30 Thomas Stow.
+   31 Thomas More.
+   32 Reginaldus Kenton.
+   33 Thomas Lisieux aliàs Leseux.
+   34 Leonardus de Bath.
+   35 Wilhelmus Saie.
+   36 Rogerus Ratcliffe.
+   37 Thom. Winterburne.
+   38 Wilhelmus Wolseie.
+   39 Robert Sherebroke.
+   40 Ioh[=a]nes Collet, founder of Paules schoole.
+   Richardus Paceus.
+   Richardus Sampson.
+   Iohannes Incent.
+   Wilhelmus Maius resignauit.
+   Iohannes Fakenham aliàs Howman resignauit.
+   Henricus Colus, remooued, imprisoned.
+   Wilhelmus Maius, restored.
+   Alexander Nouellus.
+
+ And thus much of the archbishops, bishops, and deanes of that
+ honorable sée. I call it honorable, because it hath had a succession
+ for the most part of learned and wise men, albeit that otherwise it be
+ the most troublesome seat in England, not onelie for that it is néere
+ vnto checke, but also the prelats thereof are much troubled with
+ sutors, and no lesse subiect to the reproches of the common sort,
+ whose mouthes are alwaies wide open vnto reprehension, and eies readie
+ to espie anie thing that they may reprooue and carpe at. I would haue
+ doone so much for euerie see in England, if I had not had
+ consideration of the greatnesse of the volume, and small benefit
+ rising by the same, vnto the commoditie of the readers: neuerthelesse
+ I haue reserued them vnto the publication of my great chronologie, if
+ (while I liue) it happen to come abrode.
+
+
+
+
+ OF VNIUERSITIES.
+
+ CHAP. III.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Manie vniuersities somtime in England.]
+ There haue béene heretofore, and at sundrie times, diuerse famous
+ vniuersities in this Iland, and those euen in my daies not altogither
+ forgotten, as one at Bangor, erected by Lucius, and afterward
+ conuerted into a monasterie, not by Congellus (as some write) but by
+ Pelagius the monke. The second at Carlheon vpon Vske, neere to the
+ place where the riuer dooth fall into the Seuerne, founded by king
+ Arthur. The third at Theodford, wherein were 600 students, in the time
+ of one Rond sometime king of that region. The fourth at Stanford,
+ suppressed by Augustine the monke, and likewise other in other places,
+ as Salisburie, Eridon or Criclade, Lachlade, Reading, and Northampton;
+ albeit that the two last rehearsed were not authorised, but onelie
+ arose to that name by the departure of the students from Oxford in
+ time of ciuill dissention vnto the said townes, where also they
+ continued but for a little season. When that of Salisburie began, I
+ can not tell; but that it flourished most vnder Henrie the third, and
+ Edward the first, I find good testimonie by the writers, as also by
+ the discord which fell 1278, betwéene the chancellor for the scholers
+ there on the one part, and William the archdeacon on the other,
+ whereof you shall sée more in the chronologie here following. In my
+ [Sidenote: Thrée vniuersities in England.]
+ time there are thrée noble vniuersities in England, to wit, one at
+ Oxford, the second at Cambridge, and the third in London; of which,
+ the first two are the most famous, I meane Cambridge and Oxford, for
+ that in them the vse of the toongs, philosophie, and the liberall
+ sciences, besides the profound studies of the ciuill law, physicke,
+ and theologie, are dailie taught and had: whereas in the later, the
+ laws of the realme are onelie read and learned, by such as giue their
+ minds vnto the knowledge of the same. In the first there are not
+ onelie diuerse goodlie houses builded foure square for the most part
+ of hard fréestone or bricke, with great numbers of lodgings and
+ chambers in the same for students, after a sumptuous sort, through the
+ excéeding liberalitie of kings, quéenes, bishops, noblemen and ladies
+ of the land: but also large liuings and great reuenues bestowed vpon
+ them (the like whereof is not to be séene in anie other region, as
+ Peter Martyr did oft affirme) to the maintenance onelie of such
+ conuenient numbers of poore mens sonnes as the seuerall stipends
+ bestowed vpon the said houses are able to support.
+
+ [Sidenote: When the vniuersities were builded vncerteine.]
+ When these two schooles should be first builded, & who were their
+ originall founders, as yet it is vncerteine: neuerthelesse, as there
+ is great likelihood that Cambridge was begun by one Cantaber a
+ Spaniard (as I haue noted in my chronologie) so Alfred is said to be
+ the first beginner of the vniuersitie at Oxford, albeit that I cannot
+ warrant the same to be so yong, sith I find by good authoritie, that
+ Iohn of Beuerleie studied in the vniuersitie hall at Oxford, which was
+ long before Alfred was either borne or gotten. Some are of the opinion
+ that Cantabrigia was not so called of Cantaber, but Cair Grant of the
+ finisher of the worke, or at the leastwise of the riuer that runneth
+ by the same, and afterward by the Saxons Grantcester. An other sort
+ affirme that the riuer is better written Canta than Granta, &c: but
+ whie then is not the towne called Canta, Cantium, or Cantodunum,
+ according to the same? All this is said onlie (as I thinke) to deface
+ the memorie of Cantaber, who comming from the Brigants, or out of
+ Biscaie, called the said towne after his owne and the name of the
+ region from whence he came. Neither hath it béene a rare thing for the
+ Spaniards heretofore to come first into Ireland, and from thense ouer
+ into England, sith the chronologie shall declare that it hath béene
+ often seene, and that out of Britaine, they haue gotten ouer also into
+ Scithia, and contrariwise: coasting still through Yorkeshire, which of
+ them also was called Brigantium, as by good testimonie appeareth.
+
+ [Sidenote: Oxford fiftie miles from London.]
+ Of these two, that of Oxford (which lieth west and by north from
+ London) standeth most pleasantlie, being inuironed in maner round
+ about with woods on the hilles aloft, and goodlie riuers in the
+ bottoms and vallies beneath, whose courses would bréed no small
+ commoditie to that citie and countrie about, if such impediments were
+ remooued as greatlie annoie the same, and hinder the cariage which
+ might be made thither also from London.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cambridge six and fortie miles from London.]
+ That of Cambridge is distant from London about fortie and six miles
+ north and by east, and standeth verie well, sauing that it is somewhat
+ néere vnto the fens, whereby the wholesomenesse of the aire there is
+ not a little corrupted. It is excellentlie well serued with all kinds
+ of prouision, but especiallie of freshwater fish and wildfoule, by
+ reason of the riuer that passeth thereby; and thereto the Ile of Elie,
+ which is so néere at hand. Onlie wood is the chéefe want to such as
+ studie there, wherefore this kind of prouision is brought them either
+ from Essex, and other places thereabouts, as is also their cole; or
+ otherwise the necessitie thereof is supplied with gall (a bastard kind
+ of Mirtus as I take it) and seacole, whereof they haue great plentie
+ led thither by the Grant. Moreouer it hath not such store of medow
+ ground as may suffice for the ordinarie expenses of the towne and
+ vniuersitie, wherefore the inhabitants are inforced in like sort to
+ prouide their haie from other villages about, which minister the same
+ vnto them in verie great aboundance.
+
+ [Sidenote: Longitude & latitude of both.]
+ Oxford is supposed to conteine in longitude eightéene degrees and
+ eight and twentie minuts, and in latitude one and fiftie degrées and
+ fiftie minuts; whereas that of Cambridge standing more northerlie,
+ hath twentie degrees and twentie minuts in longitude, and therevnto
+ fiftie and two degrées and fifteene minuts in latitude, as by exact
+ supputation is easie to be found.
+
+ The colleges of Oxford, for curious workemanship and priuat
+ commodities, are much more statelie, magnificent, & commodious than
+ those of Cambridge: and therevnto the stréets of the towne for the
+ most part more large and comelie. But for vniformitie of building,
+ [Sidenote: Cambridge burned not long since.]
+ orderlie compaction, and politike regiment, the towne of Cambridge, as
+ the newer workmanship, excéedeth that of Oxford (which otherwise is
+ and hath béene the greater of the two) by manie a fold (as I gesse)
+ although I know diuerse that are of the contrarie opinion. This also
+ is certeine, that whatsoeuer the difference be in building of the
+ towne stréets, the townesmen of both are glad when they may match and
+ annoie the students, by incroching vpon their liberties, and kéepe
+ them bare by extreame sale of their wares, whereby manie of them
+ become rich for a time, but afterward fall againe into pouertie,
+ bicause that goods euill gotten doo seldome long indure.
+
+ Castels also they haue both, and in my iudgement is hard to be said,
+ whether of them would be the stronger, if ech were accordinglie
+ repared: howbeit that of Cambridge is the higher, both for maner of
+ building and situation of ground, sith Oxford castell standeth low and
+ is not so apparant to our sight. That of Cambridge was builded (as
+ they saie) by Gurguintus, sometime king of Britaine, but the other by
+ the lord Robert de Oilie, a noble man which came in with the
+ conqueror, whose wife Editha, a woman giuen to no lesse superstition
+ than credulitie, began also the abbeie of Oseneie neere vnto the same,
+ vpon a fond (but yet a rare) occasion, which we will héere remember,
+ though it be beside my purpose, to the end that the reader may see how
+ readie the simple people of that time were to be abused by the
+ practise of the cleargie. It happened on a time as this ladie walked
+ about the fields, néere vnto the aforesaid castell, to recreate hir
+ selfe with certeine of hir maidens, that a number of pies sat
+ chattering vpon the elmes, which had beene planted in the hedgerowes,
+ and in fine so troubled hir with their noise, that she wished them all
+ further off, or else hir selfe at home againe, and this happened
+ diuerse times. In the end being wearie of hir walke, she demanded of
+ hir chapleine the cause wherefore these pies did so molest & vexe hir.
+ Oh madam (saith he) the wiliest pie of all, these are no pies but
+ soules in purgatorie that craue reléefe. And is it so in déed quoth
+ she? Now De pardieux, if old Robert will giue me leaue, I will doo
+ what I can to bring these soules to rest. Herevpon she consulted,
+ craued, wept, and became so importunate with hir husband, that he
+ ioined with hir, and they both began that synagog 1120, which
+ afterward prooued to be a notable den. In that church also lieth this
+ ladie buried with hir image, hauing an heart in hir hand couched vpon
+ the same, in the habit of a vowesse, and yet to be séene, except the
+ weather haue worne out the memoriall. But to procéed with my purpose.
+
+ In each of these vniuersities also is likewise a church dedicated to
+ the virgin Marie, wherein once in the yeare, to wit, in Iulie, the
+ scholers are holden, and in which such as haue béene called to anie
+ degrée in the yeare precedent, doo there receiue the accomplishment of
+ the same, in solemne and sumptuous maner. In Oxford this solemnitie is
+ called an Act, but in Cambridge they vse the French word Commensement;
+ and such resort is made yearelie vnto the same from all parts of the
+ land, by the fréends of those which doo procéed, that all the towne is
+ hardlie able to receiue and lodge those gests. When and by whome the
+ churches aforesaid were builded, I haue elsewhere made relation. That
+ of Oxford also was repared in the time of Edward the fourth, and
+ Henrie the seuenth, when doctor Fitz Iames a great helper in that
+ worke was warden of Merton college, but yer long after it was
+ finished, one tempest in a night so defaced the same, that it left few
+ pinacles standing about the church and stéeple, which since that time
+ haue neuer béene repared. There were sometime foure and twentie parish
+ churches in the towne and suburbes, but now there are scarselie
+ sixtéene. There haue béene also 1200 burgesses, of which 400 dwelled
+ in the suburbes, and so manie students were there in the time of
+ Henrie the third, that he allowed them twentie miles compasse about
+ the towne, for their prouision of vittels.
+
+ The common schooles of Cambridge also are farre more beautifull than
+ those of Oxford, onelie the diuinitie schoole at Oxford excepted,
+ which for fine and excellent workemanship, commeth next the moold of
+ the kings chappell in Cambridge, than the which two with the chappell
+ that king Henrie the seauenth did build at Westminster, there are not
+ (in mine opinion) made of lime & stone thrée more notable piles within
+ the compasse of Europe.
+
+ In all other things there is so great equalitie betwéene these two
+ vniuersities, as no man can imagin how to set downe any greater; so
+ that they séeme to be the bodie of one well ordered common wealth,
+ onlie diuided by distance of place, and not in fréendlie consent and
+ orders. In speaking therefore of the one, I can not but describe the
+ other; and in commendation of the first, I can not but extoll the
+ latter; and so much the rather, for that they are both so déere vnto
+ me, as that I can not readilie tell vnto whether of them I owe the
+ most good will. Would to God my knowledge were such, as that neither
+ of them might haue cause to be ashamed of their pupill; or my power so
+ great, that I might woorthilie requite them both for those manifold
+ kindnesses that I haue receiued of them. But to leaue these things,
+ and procéed with other more conuenient for my purpose. The manner to
+ liue in these vniuersities, is not as in some other of forren
+ countries we sée dailie to happen, where the students are inforced for
+ want of such houses, to dwell in common innes, and tauerns, without
+ all order or discipline. But in these our colleges we liue in such
+ exact order, and vnder so precise rules of gouernement, as that the
+ famous learned man Erasmus of Roterodame being here among vs 50 yeres
+ passed, did not let to compare the trades in liuing of students in
+ these two places, euen with the verie rules and orders of the ancient
+ moonks: affirming moreouer in flat words, our orders to be such as not
+ onlie came néere vnto, but rather far exceeded all the monastical
+ instituti[=o]s that euer were deuised.
+
+ In most of our colleges there are also great numbers of students, of
+ which manie are found by the reuenues of the houses, and other by the
+ purueiances and helpe of their rich fréends; whereby in some one
+ college you shall haue two hundred scholers, in others an hundred and
+ fiftie, in diuerse a hundred and fortie, and in the rest lesse
+ numbers; as the capacitie of the said houses is able to receiue: so
+ that at this present, of one sort and other, there are about thrée
+ thousand students nourished in them both (as by a late surueie it
+ manifestlie appeared.) They were erected by their founders at the
+ first, onelie for poore mens sons, whose parents were not able to
+ bring them vp vnto learning: but now they haue the least benefit of
+ them, by reason the rich doo so incroch vpon them. And so farre hath
+ this inconuenience spread it selfe, that it is in my time an hard
+ matter for a poore mans child to come by a felowship (though he be
+ neuer so good a scholar & woorthie of that roome.) Such packing also
+ is vsed at elections, that not he which best deserueth, but he that
+ hath most friends, though he be the woorst scholer, is alwaies surest
+ to spéed; which will turne in the end to the ouerthrow of learning.
+ That some gentlemen also, whose friends haue beene in times past
+ benefactors to certeine of those houses, doo intrude into the
+ disposition of their estates, without all respect of order or
+ estatutes deuised by the founders, onelie thereby to place whome they
+ thinke good (and not without some hope of gaine) the case is too too
+ euident: and their attempt would soone take place, if their superiors
+ did not prouide to bridle their indeuors. In some grammar schooles
+ likewise, which send scholers to these vniuersities, it is lamentable
+ to see what briberie is vsed; for yer the scholer can be preferred,
+ such bribage is made, that poore mens children are commonlie shut out,
+ and the richer sort receiued (who in time past thought it dishonor to
+ liue as it were vpon almes) and yet being placed, most of them studie
+ little other than histories, tables, dice, and trifles, as men that
+ make not the liuing by their studie the end of their purposes, which
+ is a lamentable hearing. Beside this, being for the most part either
+ gentlemen, or rich mens sonnes, they oft bring the vniuersities into
+ much slander. For standing vpon their reputation and libertie, they
+ ruffle and roist it out, excéeding in apparell, and hanting riotous
+ companie (which draweth them from their bookes vnto an other trade.)
+ And for excuse when they are charged with breach of all good order,
+ thinke it sufficient to saie, that they be gentlemen, which gréeueth
+ manie not a litle. But to proceed with the rest.
+
+ [Sidenote: Readers in priuat houses.]
+ Euerie one of these colleges haue in like maner their professors or
+ readers of the toongs and seuerall sciences, as they call them, which
+ dailie trade vp the youth there abiding priuatlie in their halles, to
+ the end they may be able afterward (when their turne commeth about,
+ which is after twelue termes) to shew themselues abroad, by going from
+ thence into the common schooles and publike disputations (as it were
+ "In aream") there to trie their skilles, and declare how they haue
+ profited since their comming thither.
+
+ [Sidenote: Publike readers mainteined by the prince.]
+ Moreouer, in the publike schooles of both the vniuersities, there are
+ found at the princes charge (and that verie largelie) fiue professors
+ and readers, that is to saie, of diuinitie, of the ciuill law,
+ physicke, the Hebrue, and the Gréeke toongs. And for the other
+ [Sidenote: Studie of the quadriuials and perspectiues neglected.]
+ lectures, as of philosophie, logike, rhetorike, and the quadriuials,
+ although the latter (I meane arythmetike, musike, geometrie, and
+ astronomie, and with them all skill in the perspectiues are now
+ smallie regarded in either of them) the vniuersities themselues doo
+ allow competent stipends to such as reade the same, whereby they are
+ sufficientlie prouided for, touching the maintenance of their estates,
+ and no lesse incoraged to be diligent in their functions.
+
+ These professors in like sort haue all the rule of disputations and
+ other schoole exercises, which are dailie vsed in common schooles
+ seuerallie assigned to ech of them, and such of their hearers, as by
+ their skill shewed in the said disputations, are thought to haue
+ atteined to anie conuenient ripenesse of knowledge, according to the
+ custome of other vniuersities, although not in like order, are
+ permitted solemnlie to take their deserued degrees of schoole in the
+ same science and facultie wherein they haue spent their trauell. From
+ that time forward also, they vse such difference in apparell as
+ becommeth their callings, tendeth vnto grauitie, and maketh them
+ knowne to be called to some countenance.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sophisters.]
+ The first degree, is that of the generall sophisters, from whence when
+ they haue learned more sufficientlie the rules of logike, rhetorike,
+ and obteined thereto competent skill in philosophie, and in the
+ [Sidenote: Batchelers of Art.]
+ mathematicals, they ascend higher vnto the estate of batchelers of
+ art, after foure yeares of their entrance into their sophistrie. From
+ thence also giuing their minds to more perfect knowledge in some or
+ all the other liberall sciences, & the toongs, they rise at the last
+ [Sidenote: Masters of art.]
+ (to wit, after other thrée or foure yéeres) to be called masters of
+ art, ech of them being at that time reputed for a doctor in his
+ facultie, if he professe but one of the said sciences (beside
+ philosophie) or for his generall skill, if he be exercised in them
+ all. After this they are permitted to choose what other of the higher
+ studies them liketh to follow, whether it be diuinitie, law, or,
+ physike; so that being once masters of art, the next degrée if they
+ follow physike, is the doctorship belonging to that profession; and
+ likewise in the studie of the law, if they bend their minds to the
+ knowledge of the same. But if they meane to go forward with diuinitie,
+ this is the order vsed in that profession. First, after they haue
+ necessarilie proceeded masters of art, they preach one sermon to the
+ people in English, and another to the vniuersitie in Latine. They
+ answer all commers also in their owne persons vnto two seuerall
+ questions of diuinitie in the open schooles, at one time, for the
+ space of two hours; and afterward replie twise against some other man
+ vpon a like number, and on two seuerall daies in the same place: which
+ being doone with commendation, he receiueth the fourth degree, that
+ [Sidenote: Batcheler of diuinitie.]
+ is, batcheler of diuinitie, but not before he hath beene master of art
+ by the space of seauen yéeres, according to their statutes.
+
+ [Sidenote: Doctor.]
+ The next and last degrée of all is the doctorship after other three
+ yeares, for the which he must once againe performe all such exercises
+ and acts as are afore remembred, and then is he reputed able to
+ gouerne and teach others, & likewise taken for a doctor. I haue read
+ that Iohn of Beuerleie was the first doctor that euer was in Oxford,
+ as Beda was in Cambridge. But I suppose herein that the word doctor is
+ not so strictlie to be taken in this report as it is now vsed, sith
+ euerie teacher is in Latine called by that name, as also such in the
+ primitiue church as kept schooles of catechists, wherein they were
+ trained vp in the rudiments and principles of religion, either before
+ they were admitted vnto baptisme, or anie office in the church.
+
+ Thus we sée, that from our entrance into the vniuersitie vnto the last
+ degrée receiued, is commonlie eighteene or peraduenture twentie
+ yéeres, in which time if a student hath not obteined sufficient
+ learning, thereby to serue his owne turne, and benefit his common
+ wealth, let him neuer looke by tarieng longer to come by anie more.
+ For after this time & 40 yéeres of age, the most part of students doo
+ commonlie giue ouer their woonted diligence, & liue like drone bées on
+ the fat of colleges, withholding better wits from the possession of
+ their places, & yet dooing litle good in their own vocation & calling.
+ I could rehearse a number (if I listed) of this sort, aswell in the
+ one vniuersitie as the other. But this shall suffice in sted of a
+ larger report, that long continuance in those places is either a signe
+ of lacke of friends, or of learning, or of good and vpright life, as
+ [Sidenote: This Fox builded Corpus Christi college in Oxford.]
+ bishop Fox sometime noted, who thought it sacrilege for a man to
+ tarrie anie longer at Oxford than he had a desire to profit.
+
+ A man may (if he will) begin his studie with the lawe, or physike (of
+ which this giueth wealth, the other honor) so soone as he commeth to
+ the vniuersitie, if his knowledge in the toongs and ripenesse of
+ iudgement serue therefore: which if he doo, then his first degrée is
+ bacheler of law, or physicke, and for the same he must performe such
+ acts in his owne science, as the bachelers or doctors of diuinitie,
+ doo for their parts, the onelie sermons except, which belong not to
+ his calling. Finallie, this will I saie, that the professors of either
+ of those faculties come to such perfection in both vniuersities, as
+ the best students beyond the sea doo in their owne or else where. One
+ thing onlie I mislike in them, and that is their vsuall going into
+ Italie, from whense verie few without speciall grace doo returne good
+ [Sidenote: So much also may be inferred of lawiers.]
+ men, whatsoeuer they pretend of conference or practise, chiefelie the
+ physicians who vnder pretense of séeking of forreine simples doo
+ oftentimes learne the framing of such compositions as were better
+ vnknowen than practised, as I haue heard oft alledged, and therefore
+ it is most true that doctor Turner said; Italie is not to be séene
+ without a guide, that is, without speciall grace giuen from God,
+ bicause of the licentious and corrupt behauiour of the people.
+
+ There is moreouer in euerie house a maister or prouost, who hath vnder
+ him a president, & certeine censors or deanes, appointed to looke to
+ the behauior and maners of the students there, whom they punish verie
+ seuerelie if they make anie default, according to the quantitie and
+ qualitie of their trespasses. And these are the vsual names of
+ gouernours in Cambridge. Howbeit in Oxford the heads of houses are now
+ and then called presidents in respect of such bishops as are their
+ visitors & founders. In ech of these also they haue one or moe
+ thresurers whom they call Bursarios or Bursers beside other officers,
+ whose charge is to sée vnto the welfare and maintenance of these
+ houses. Ouer each vniuersitie also there is a seuerall chancelor,
+ whose offices are perpetuall, howbeit their substitutes, whom we call
+ vicechancelors, are changed euerie yeare, as are also the proctors,
+ taskers, maisters of the streates and other officers, for the better
+ maintenance of their policie and estate.
+
+ And thus much at this time of our two vniuersities in each of which I
+ haue receiued such degree as they haue vouchsafed rather of their
+ fauour than my desert to yéeld and bestow vpon me, and vnto whose
+ students I wish one thing, the execution whereof cannot be
+ preiudiciall to anie that meaneth well, as I am resolutelie persuaded,
+ and the case now standeth in these our daies. When anie benefice
+ therefore becommeth void, it were good that the patrone did signifie
+ the vacation therof to the bishop, and the bishop the act of the
+ patrone to one of the vniuersities, with request that the
+ vicechancellor with his assistents might prouide some such able man to
+ succeed in the place, as should by their iudgement be méet to take the
+ charge vpon him. Certes if this order were taken then should the
+ church be prouided of good pastors, by whome God should be glorified,
+ the vniuersities better stored, the simoniacall practises of a number
+ of patrons vtterlie abolished and the people better trained to liue in
+ obedience toward God and their prince, which were an happie estate.
+
+ [Sidenote: London.]
+ To these two also we may in like sort ad the third, which is at London
+ (seruing onelie for such as studie the lawes of the realme) where
+ there are sundrie famous houses, of which three are called by the name
+ of Ins of the court, the rest of the chancerie, and all builded before
+ time for the furtherance and commoditie of such as applie their minds
+ to our common lawes. Out of these also come manie scholers of great
+ fame, whereof the most part haue heretofore béene brought vp in one of
+ the aforesaid vniuersities, and prooue such commonlie as in processe
+ of time, rise vp (onelie through their profound skill) to great honor
+ in the common-wealth of England. They haue also degrées of learning
+ among themselues, and rules of discipline, vnder which they liue most
+ ciuilie in their houses, albeit that the yoonger sort of them abroad
+ in the streats are scarse able to be bridled by anie good order at
+ all. Certes this errour was woont also greatlie to reigne in Cambridge
+ and Oxford, betweene the students and the burgesses: but as it is well
+ left in these two places, so in forreine counteies it cannot yet be
+ suppressed. Besides these vniuersities, also there are great number of
+ [Sidenote: Grammar schooles.]
+ Grammer schooles through out the realme, and those verie liberallie
+ indued, for the better reliefe of poore scholers, so that there are
+ not manie corporat townes now vnder the quéenes dominion, that haue
+ not one Gramar schoole at the least, with a sufficient liuing for a
+ maister and vsher appointed to the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: Windsor, Winchester, Eaton, Westminster.]
+ There are in like maner diuerse collegiat churches as Windsor,
+ Wincester, Eaton, Westminster (in which I was sometime an vnprofitable
+ Grammarian vnder the reuerend father master Nowell now deane of
+ Paules) and in those a great number of poore scholers dailie
+ mainteened by the liberalitie of the founders, with meat, bookes, and
+ apparell, from whence after they haue béene well entered in the
+ knowledge of the Latine and Gréeke toongs, and rules of versifieng
+ (the triall whereof is made by certeine apposers yearelie appointed to
+ examine them) they are sent to certeine especiall houses in each
+ [Sidenote: * [_and_?]]
+ vniuersitie, where they are receiued [*] the trained vp, in the points
+ of higher knowledge in their priuat hals, till they be adiudged meet
+ to shew their faces in the schooles, as I haue said alreadie. And thus
+ much haue I thought good to note of our vniuersities, and likewise of
+ colleges in the same, whose names I will also set downe here, with
+ those of their founders, to the end the zeale which they bare vnto
+ learning may appeare, and their remembrance neuer perish from among
+ the wise and learned.
+
+
+ OF THE COLLEGES IN CAMBRIDGE WITH THEIR FOUNDERS.
+
+   _Yeares of the_    _Colleges._          _Founders._
+   _foundations._
+
+   1546  |  1 Trinitie college.    }    {King Henrie 8.
+   1441  |  2 The kings college.   }    {K. Henrie 6. Edward 4.
+         |                         }    {Henrie 7. and Henrie 8.
+   1511  |  3 S. Iohns.            }    {L. Margaret grandmother to
+         |                         }    {Henrie 8.
+   1505  |  4 Christes college.    }    {K. Henrie 6. and the ladie
+         |                         }    {Margaret aforesaid.
+   1446  |  5 The queenes college. }    {Ladie Margaret wife to king
+         |                         }    {Henrie 6.
+   1496  |  6 Iesus college.       }    {Iohn Alcocke bishop of Elie.
+   1342  |  7 Bennet college.      }    {The brethren of a popish guild
+         |                         }    {called _Corporis Christi_.
+   1343  |  8 Pembroke hall.       } by {Maria de Valentia, countesse
+         |                         }    {of Pembroke.
+   1256  |  9 Peter college.       }    {Hugh Balsham bishop of Elie.
+   1348  | 10 Gundeuill and        }    {Edmund Gundeuill parson of
+   1557  |    Caius college.       }    {Terrington, and Iohn Caius
+         |                         }    {doctor of physicke.
+   1354  | 11 Trinitie hall.       }    {William Bateman bishop of
+         |                         }    {Norwich.
+   1326  | 12 Clare hall.          }    {Richard Badow chancellor of
+         |                         }    {Cambridge.
+   1459  | 13 Catharine hall.      }    {Robert Woodlarke doctor of
+         |                         }    {diuinitie.
+   1519  | 14 Magdalen college.    }    {Edw. duke of Buckingham, &
+         |                         }    {Thom. lord Awdlie.
+   1585  | 15 Emanuell college.    }    {Sir Water Mildmaie, &c.
+
+
+ OF COLLEGES IN OXFORD.
+
+ [Sidenote: * He founded also a good part of Eaton college,
+ and a frée schole at Wainflet where he was borne.]
+
+   _Yeares._       _Colleges._               _Founders._
+
+   1539  |  1 Christes church.        }    {King Henrie 8.
+   1459  |  2 Magdalen college.       }    {William Wainflet[*] first
+         |                            }    {fellow of Merton college,
+         |                            }    {then scholer at Winchester,
+         |                            }    {and afterward bishop there.
+   1375  |  3 New college.            }    {William Wickham bishop
+         |                            }    {of Winchester.
+   1276  |  4 Merton college.         }    {Walter Merton bishop of
+         |                            }    {Rochester.
+   1437  |  5 All soules college.     }    {Henrie Chicheleie
+         |                            }    {archbishop of Canturburie.
+   1516  |  6 Corpus Christi college. }    {Richard Fox bishop of
+         |                            }    {Winchester.
+   1430  |  7 Lincolne college.       }    {Richard Fleming bishop
+         |                            }    {of Lincolne.
+   1323  |  8 Auriell college.        } by {Adam Browne almoner to
+         |                            }    {Edward 2.
+   1340  |  9 The queenes college.    }    {R. Eglesfeld chapleine
+         |                            }    {to Philip queene of
+         |                            }    {England, wife to Edward 3.
+   1263  | 10 Balioll college.        }    {Iohn Balioll king of
+         |                            }    {Scotland.
+   1557  | 11 S. Iohns.               }    {Sir Thomas White knight.
+   1556  | 12 Trinitie college.       }    {Sir Thomas Pope knight.
+   1316  | 13 Excester college.       }    {Walter Stapleton bishop
+         |                            }    {of Excester.
+   1513  | 14 Brasen nose.            }    {William Smith bishop of
+         |                            }    {Lincolne.
+    873  | 15 Vniuersitie college.    }    {William archdeacon of
+         |                            }    {Duresme.
+         | 16 Glocester college.      }    {Iohn Gifford who made it a
+         |                            }    {cell for thirteene moonks.
+         | 17 S. Marie college.       }    {
+         | 18 Iesus college now       }    {Hugh ap Rice doctor of the
+         |              in hand.      }    {ciuill law.
+
+ There are also in Oxford certeine hostels or hals, which may rightwell
+ be called by the names of colleges, if it were not that there is more
+ libertie in them, than is to be séen in the other. In mine opinion the
+ liuers in these are verie like to those that are of Ins in the
+ chancerie, their names also are these so farre as I now remember.
+
+   Brodegates.
+   Hart hall.
+   Magdalen hall.
+   Alburne hall.
+   Postminster hall.
+   S. Marie hall.
+   White hall.
+   New In.
+   Edmond hall.
+
+ The students also that remaine in them, are called hostelers or
+ halliers. Hereof it came of late to passe, that the right reuerend
+ father in God Thomas late archbishop of Canturburie being brought vp
+ in such an house at Cambridge, was of the ignorant sort of Londoners
+ called an hosteler, supposing that he had serued with some inholder in
+ the stable, and therfore in despite diuerse hanged vp bottles of haie
+ at his gate, when he began to preach the gospell, whereas in déed he
+ was a gentleman borne of an ancient house & in the end a faithfull
+ witnesse of Iesus Christ, in whose quarrell he refused not to shed his
+ bloud and yéeld vp his life vnto the furie of his aduersaries.
+
+ Besides these there is mention and record of diuerse other hals or
+ hostels, that haue béene there in times past, as Beefe hall, Mutton
+ hall, &c: whose ruines yet appéere: so that if antiquitie be to be
+ iudged by the shew of ancient buildings, which is verie plentifull in
+ Oxford to be séene, it should be an easie matter to conclude that
+ Oxford is the elder vniuersitie. Therin are also manie dwelling houses
+ [Sidenote: Erection of colleges in Oxford the overthrow of hals.]
+ of stone yet standing, that haue béene hals for students of verie
+ antike workemanship, beside the old wals of sundrie other, whose plots
+ haue béene conuerted into gardens, since colleges were erected.
+
+ _In London also the houses of students at the Common law are these_.
+
+   Sergeants In.
+   Graies In.
+   The Temple.
+   Lincolnes In.
+   Dauids In.
+   Staple In.
+   Furniuals In.
+   Cliffords In.
+   Clements In.
+   Lions In.
+   Barnards In.
+   New In.
+
+ And thus much in generall of our noble vniuersities, whose lands some
+ gréedie gripers doo gape wide for, and of late haue (as I heare)
+ propounded sundrie reasons, whereby they supposed to haue preuailed in
+ their purposes. But who are those that haue attempted this sute, other
+ than such as either hate learning, pietie, and wisedome; or else haue
+ spent all their owne, and know not otherwise than by incroching vpon
+ other men how to mainteine themselues? When such a motion was made by
+ some vnto king Henrie the eight, he could answer them in this maner;
+ Ah sirha, I perceiue the abbeie lands haue fleshed you and set your
+ téeth on edge, to aske also those colleges. And whereas we had a
+ regard onelie to pull downe sinne by defacing the monasteries, you
+ haue a desire also to ouerthrow all goodnesse by subuersion of
+ colleges. I tell you sirs that I iudge no land in England better
+ bestowed than that which is giuen to our vniuersities, for by their
+ maintenance our realme shall be well gouerned when we be dead and
+ rotten. As you loue your welfares therfore, follow no more this veine,
+ but content your selues with that you haue alreadie, or else seeke
+ [Sidenote: Now abbeies be gone, our dingthrifts prie
+ after church and college possessions.]
+ honest meanes whereby to increase your liuelods, for I loue not
+ learning so ill, that I will impaire the reuenues of anie one house by
+ a pennie, whereby it may be vpholden. In king Edwards daies likewise
+ the same was once againe attempted [as I haue heard] but in vaine, for
+ saith the duke of Summerset among other spéeches tending to that end,
+ who also made answer therevnto in the kings presence by his
+ assignation; If lerning decaie, which of wild men maketh ciuill, of
+ blockish and rash persons wise and godlie counsellors, of obstinat
+ rebels obedient subiects, and of euill men good and godlie christians;
+ what shall we looke for else but barbarisme and tumult? For when the
+ lands of colleges be gone, it shall be hard to saie, whose staffe
+ shall stand next the doore, for then I doubt not but the state of
+ bishops, rich farmers, merchants, and the nobilitie shall be assailed,
+ by such as liue to spend all, and thinke that what so euer another man
+ hath is more meet for them, and to be at their commandement, than for
+ the proper owner that hath sweat and laboured for it. In quéene Maries
+ daies the weather was too warme for anie such course to be taken in
+ hand, but in the time of our gratious quéene Elizabeth, I heare that
+ it was after a sort in talke the third time, but without successe as
+ mooued also out of season, and so I hope it shall continue for euer.
+ For what comfort should it be for anie good man to sée his countrie
+ brought into the estate of the old Gothes & Vandals, who made lawes
+ against learning, and would not suffer anie skilfull man to come into
+ their councell house, by meanes whereof those people became sauage,
+ tyrants, and mercilesse helhounds, till they restored learning againe,
+ and thereby fell to ciuilitie.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE PARTITION OF ENGLAND INTO SHIRES AND COUNTIES.
+
+ CHAP. IV.
+
+
+ In reding of ancient writers, as Cæsar, Tacitus, and others, we find
+ mention of sundrie regions to haue béene sometime in this Iland, as
+ the Nouantæ, Selgouæ, Dannonij, Gadeni, Oradeni, Epdij, Cerones,
+ Carnonacæ, Careni, Cornabij, Caledonij, Decantæ, Logi, Mertæ,
+ Vacomagi, Venicontes, Texali or Polij, Denani, Elgoui, Brigantes
+ Parisi, Ordouici aliàs Ordoluci, Cornauij, Coritani, Catieuchlani,
+ Simeni, Trinouantes, Demetæ, Cangi, Silures, Dobuni, Atterbatij,
+ Cantij, Regni, Belgæ, Durotriges, Dumnonij, Giruij, Murotriges,
+ Seueriani, Iceni, Tegenes, Casij, Cænimagni, Segontiaci, Ancalites,
+ Bibroci, and Kentishmen, and such like. But sith the seuerall places
+ where most of them laie, are not yet verie perfectlie knowne vnto the
+ learned of these daies, I doo not meane to pronounce my iudgement vpon
+ such doubtfull cases, least that in so dooing I should but increase
+ coniectures, and leading peraduenture the reader from the more
+ probable, intangle his mind in the end with such as are of lesse
+ value, and things nothing so likelie to be true, as those which other
+ men haue remembred and set downe before me. Neither will I speake
+ oughts of the Romane partitions, & limits of their legions, whose
+ number and place of abode, except of the Victorian and Augustane, is
+ to me vtterlie vnknowne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alfred brought England into shires, which the Britons
+ diuided by cantreds, and the first Saxons by families.]
+ It shall suffice therfore to begin with such a ground as from whence
+ some better certeintie of things may be deriued, and that is with
+ the estate of our Iland in the time of Alfred, who first diuided
+ England into shires, which before his daies, and since the comming
+ of the Saxons, was limited out by families and hidelands, as the
+ Britons did the same in their time, by hundreds of townes, which
+ then were called cantreds; as old records doo witness.
+
+ Into how manie shires the said Alfred did first make this partition of
+ the Iland, it is not yet found out; howbeit if my coniecture be anie
+ thing at all, I suppose that he left not vnder eight and thirtie, sith
+ we find by no good author, that aboue fifteene haue beene added by
+ anie of his successours, since the time of his decease. This prince
+ [Sidenote: Shire and share all one.]
+ therefore hauing made the generall partition of his kingdome into
+ shires, or shares, he diuided againe the same into lathes, as lathes
+ into hundreds, and hundreds into tithings, or denaries, as diuers haue
+ written; and maister Lambert following their authorities, hath also
+ giuen out, saieng almost after this maner in his description of Kent;
+ "The Danes (saith he) both before, & in the time of king Alfred, had
+ flocked by the sea coasts of this Iland in great numbers, sometimes
+ wasting and spoiling with sword and fire, wheresoeuer they might
+ arriue, and somtime taking great booties with them to their ships,
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen noisome to their owne countrie.]
+ without dooing anie further hurt or damage to the countrie. This
+ inconuenience continuing for manie yéeres togither, caused our
+ husbandmen to abandon their tillage, and gaue occasion and hardinesse
+ to euill disposed persons, to fall to the like pillage, as practising
+ to follow the Danes in these their thefts and robberies. And the
+ better to cloake their mischeefe withall, they feigned themselues to
+ be Danish pirats, and would sometime come a land in one port, and
+ sometime in another, driuing dailie great spoiles (as the Danes had
+ doone) vnto their ships before them. The good king Alfred therefore
+ (who had maruellouslie trauelled in repelling the barbarous Danes)
+ espieng this outrage, and thinking it no lesse the part of a politike
+ prince, to root out the noisome subiect, than to hold out the forren
+ aduersarie: by the aduise of his nobilitie, and the example of Moses
+ (who followed the counsell of Iethro his father in law to the like
+ effect) diuided the whole realme into certeine parts or sections,
+ which (of the Saxon word Schyran, signifieng to cut) he termed shires,
+ or as we yet speake, shares, or portions, of which some one hath
+ fortie miles in length (as Essex) and almost so manie broad, Hereford
+ foure & twentie in length, and twentie in breadth, and Warwike six and
+ thirtie in length, &c: and some of them also conteine ten, twelue,
+ thirteene, sixtéene, twentie, or thirtie hundreds, more or lesse, as
+ some hundreds doo sixteene, twentie, thirtie, fortie, fiftie or sixtie
+ townes, out of which the king was alwaies to receiue an hundred able
+ men to serue him in the warres, or a hundred men able to be pledges,
+ [Sidenote: Earle and alderman.]
+ and ouer each of the portions he appointed either an earle or
+ alderman, or both, to whome he committed the gouernement of the same.
+ These shires also he brake into lesser parts, whereof some were called
+ lathes, of the word Gelathian, which is to assemble togither; other
+ hundreds, for that they enioied iurisdiction ouer an hundred pledges;
+ and other tithings, bicause there were in each of them to the number
+ of ten persons, whereof euerie one from time to time was suertie for
+ others good abearing. He prouided also that euerie man should procure
+ himselfe to be receiued into some tithing, to the end, that if anie
+ were found of so small and base a credit, that no man would become
+ pledge or suertie for him, he should forthwith be committed to prison,
+ least otherwise he might happen to doo more harme abroad. Hitherto
+ master Lambert." By whose words we may gather verie much of the state
+ of this Iland in the time of Alfred, whose institution continued after
+ a sort vntill the comming of the Normans, who changed the gouernement
+ of the realme in such wise (by bringing in of new officers and
+ offices, after the maner of their countries) that verie little of the
+ old regiment remained more than the bare names of some officers
+ (except peraduenture in Kent) so that in these daies it is hard to set
+ downe anie great certeintie of things as they stood in Alfreds time,
+ more than is remembred and touched at this present.
+
+ [Sidenote: What a lath is.]
+ Some as it were roming or rouing at the name Lath, doo saie that it is
+ deriued of a barne, which is called in old English a lath, as they
+ coniecture. From which spéech in like sort some deriue the word
+ Laistow, as if it should be trulie written Lath stow, a place wherein
+ to laie vp or laie on things, of whatsoeuer condition. But hereof as
+ yet I cannot absolutelie be satisfied, although peraduenture some
+ likelihood in their iudgements may séeme to be therein. Other vpon
+ some further consideration affirme that they were certeine circuits in
+ euerie countie or shire conteining an appointed number of townes,
+ whose inhabitants alwaies assembled to know and vnderstand of matters
+ touching their portions, in to some one appointed place or other
+ within their limits, especiallie whilest the causes were such as
+ required not the aid or assistance of the whole countie. Of these
+ [Sidenote: Léetes.]
+ lathes also (as they saie) some shires had more, some lesse, as they
+ were of greatnesse. (And M. Lambert séemeth to be of the opinion, that
+ the leets of our time wherein these pledges be yet called Franci
+ plegij of the word Free burgh) doo yeeld some shadow of that politike
+ institution of Alfred. But sith my skill is so small in these cases
+ that I dare not iudge anie thing at all as of mine owne knowledge, I
+ will not set downe anie thing more than I read, least I should roue at
+ randon in our obscure antiquities, and reading no more of lathes my
+ next talke shall be of hundreds.
+
+ [Sidenote: Hundred or wapentake.]
+ The hundred and the wapentake is all one, as I read in some, and by
+ this diuision not a name appertinent to a set number of townes (for
+ then all hundreds should be of equall quantitie) but a limited
+ iurisdiction, within the compasse whereof were an hundred persons
+ [Sidenote: Denarie or tithing.]
+ called pledges (as I said) or ten denaries, or tithings of men, of
+ which ech one was bound for others good abering, and laudable
+ behauiour in the common-wealth of the realme. The chiefe man likewise
+ of euerie denarie or tithing was in those daies called a tithing man,
+ [Sidenote: Tithing man in Latine Decurio Borsholder.]
+ in Latine Decurio, but now in most places a borsholder or burgholder,
+ [Sidenote: Burrow.]
+ as in Kent; where euerie tithing is moreouer named a burgh or burrow,
+ although that in the West countrie he be still called a tithing man,
+ and his circuit a tithing, as I haue heard at large. I read
+ furthermore (and it is partlie afore noted) that the said Alfred
+ caused ech man of frée condition (for the better maintenance of his
+ peace) to be ascribed into some hundred by placing himselfe in one
+ denarie or other, where he might alwais haue such as should sweare or
+ saie vpon their certeine knowledge for his honest behauiour and ciuill
+ conuersation if it should happen at anie time, that his credit should
+ come in question. In like sort I gather out of Leland and other, that
+ if anie small matter did fall out worthie to be discussed, the tithing
+ man or borsholder (now officers, at the commandement of the high
+ constable of which euerie hundred hath one at the least) should decide
+ the same in their léetes, whereas the great causes were referred to
+ the hundreds, the greater to the lathes, and the greatest of all to
+ the shire daies, where the earles or aldermen did set themselues, &
+ make finall ends of the same, according vnto iustice. For this purpose
+ [Sidenote: Twelue men.]
+ likewise in euerie hundred were twelue men chosen of good age and
+ wisedome, and those sworne to giue their sentences without respect of
+ person, and in this maner (as they gather) were things handeled in
+ those daies. Which waie the word wapentake came in vse, as yet I
+ cannot tell; howbeit the signification of the same declareth (as I
+ conceiue) that at the chiefe towne the soldiers which were to serue in
+ that hundred did méet, fetch their weapons, & go togither from thence
+ to the field, or place of seruice by an ordinarie custome, then
+ generallie knowen amongst them. It is supposed also that the word Rape
+ commeth a Rapiendo, as it were of catching and snatching, bicause the
+ tenants of the hundred or wapentakes met vpon one or sundrie daies &
+ made quicke dispatch of their lords haruest at once and in great hast.
+ But whether it be a true imagination or not as yet I am vncerteine,
+ and therefore it lieth not in me to determine anie thing thereof:
+ wherefore it shall suffice to haue touched them in this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fortie shires in England, thirtéene in Wales.]
+ In my time there are found to be in England fourtie shires, and
+ likewise thirtéene in Wales, and these latter erected of late yeares
+ by king Henrie the eight, who made the Britons or Welshmen equall in
+ all respects vnto the English, and brought to passe that both nations
+ should indifferentlie be gouerned by one law, which in times past were
+ ordred by diuerse, and those far discrepant and disagreing one from
+ another: as by the seuerall view of the same is yet easie to be
+ discerned. The names of the shires in England are these, whereof the
+ first ten lie betwéene the British sea and the Thames, as Polydor also
+ dooth set them downe.
+
+   Kent.
+   Sussex.
+   Surreie.
+   Hampshire.
+   Barkeshire.
+   Wilshire.
+   Dorsetshire.
+   Summerset.
+   Deuon.
+   Cornewall.
+
+ There are moreouer on the northside of the Thames, and betwéene the
+ same and the riuer Trent, which passeth through the middest of England
+ (as Polydor saith) sixtéene other shires, whereof six lie toward the
+ east, the rest toward the west, more into the middest of the countrie.
+
+   Essex, somtime all forrest saue one hundred.
+   Middlesex.
+   Hartfordshire.
+   Suffolke.
+   Norffolke.
+   Cambrigeshire in which are 12 hundreds.
+   Bedford.
+   Huntingdon wherin are foure hundreds.
+   Buckingham.
+   Oxford.
+   Northampton.
+   Rutland.
+   Leircestershire.
+   Notinghamshire.
+   Warwike.
+   Lincolne.
+
+ We haue six also that haue their place westward towards Wales, whose
+ names insue.
+
+   Glocester.
+   Hereford.
+   Worcester.
+   Shropshire.
+   Stafford.
+   Chestershire.
+
+ And these are the thirtie two shires which lie by south of the Trent.
+ Beyond the same riuer we haue in like sort other eight, as
+
+   Darbie.
+   Yorke.
+   Lancaster.
+   Cumberland.
+   Westmerland.
+   Richemond, wherein are fiue wapentaxes, & when it is accompted as
+     parcell of Yorkeshire (out of which it is taken) then is it
+     reputed for the whole Riding.
+   Durham.
+   Northumberland.
+
+ So that in the portion sometime called Lhoegres, there are now fortie
+ shires. In Wales furthermore are thirtéene, whereof seuen are in
+ Southwales:
+
+   Cardigan, or Cereticon.
+   Penmoroke, or Penbrooke.
+   Caermardine, wherein are 9 hundreds or commots.
+   Glamorgan.
+   Monmouth.
+   Breckenocke.
+   Radnor.
+
+ In Northwales likewise are six, that is to saie
+
+   Angleseie.
+   Carnaruon.
+   Merioneth.
+   Denbigh.
+   Flint.
+   Montgomerie.
+
+ Which being added to those of England yéeld fiftie and thrée shires or
+ counties, so that vnder the quéenes Maiestie are so manie counties,
+ whereby it is easilie discerned, that hir power farre excéedeth that
+ of Offa, who of old time was highlie honored for that he had so much
+ of Britaine vnder his subiection as afterward conteined thirtie nine
+ shires, when the diuision was made, whereof I spake before.
+
+ [Sidenote: Od parcels of shires.]
+ This is moreouer to be noted in our diuision of shires, that they be
+ not alwaies counted or laid togither in one parcell, whereof I haue
+ great maruell. But sith the occasi[=o] hath growen (as I take it)
+ either by priuilege or some like occasion, it is better briefelie to
+ set downe how some of these parts lie than to spend the time in
+ séeking a iust cause of this their od diuision. First therefore I note
+ that in the part of Buckinghamshire betweene Amondesham, and
+ Beconsfield, there is a peece of Hartfordshire to be found, inuironed
+ round about with the countie of Buckingham, and yet this patch is not
+ aboue three miles in length and two in breadth at the verie most. In
+ Barkeshire also betwéene Ruscombe and Okingham is a péece of Wilshire,
+ one mile in breadth and foure miles in length, whereof one side lieth
+ on the Loden riuer. In the borders of Northamptonshire directlie ouer
+ against Luffeld a towne in Buckinghamshire, I find a parcell of
+ Oxfordshire not passing two miles in compasse.
+
+ With Oxfordshire diuerse doo participate, in so much that a péece of
+ Glocestershire, lieth halfe in Warwikeshire & halfe in Oxfordshire,
+ not verie far from Horneton. Such another patch is there, of
+ Glocestershire not far from long Compton, but lieng in Oxford countie:
+ & a péece of Worcestershire, directlie betwéene it & Glocestershire.
+ Glocester hath the third péece vpon the north side of the Winrush
+ neere Falbrocke, as Barkeshire hath one parcell also vpon the selfe
+ side of the same water, in the verie edge of Glocestershire: likewise
+ an other in Oxfordshire, not verie farre from Burford: and the third
+ ouer against Lach lade, which is parted from the main countie of
+ Barkeshire, by a little strake of Oxfordshire. Who would thinke that
+ two fragments of Wilshire were to be seene in Barkeshire vpon the
+ Loden, and the riuer that falleth into it: whereof and the like sith
+ there are verie manie, I thinke good to giue this briefe admonition.
+ For although I haue not presentlie gone thorough with them all, yet
+ these may suffice to giue notice of this thing, wherof most readers
+ (as I persuade my selfe) are ignorant.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lieutenants.]
+ But to procéed with our purpose. Ouer ech of these shires in time of
+ necessitie is a seuerall lieutenant chosen vnder the prince, who being
+ a noble man of calling, hath almost regall authoritie ouer the same
+ for the time being in manie cases which doo concerne his office:
+ [Sidenote: Shiriffes.]
+ otherwise it is gouerned by a shiriffe (a word deriued of Schire and
+ Greue, and pronounced as Shire and Reue) whose office is to gather vp
+ and bring his accounts into the excheker, of the profits of his
+ countie receiued, whereof he is or may be called Quæstor comitatus or
+ Prouinciæ. This officer is resident and dwelling somewhere within the
+ same countie, and called also a viscount, Quasi vicarius comitis or
+ Procomes, in respect of the earle (or as they called him in time past
+ the alderman) that beareth his name of the countie, although it be
+ seldome séene in England, that the earle hath anie great store of
+ possessions, or oughts to doo in the shire whereof he taketh his name,
+ more than is allowed to him, through his personall resiance, if he
+ happen to dwell and be resident in the same.
+
+ In the election also of these magistrates, diuerse able persons aswell
+ for wealth as wisedome are named by the commons, at a time and place
+ appointed for their choise, whose names being deliuered to the prince,
+ he foorthwith pricketh some such one of them, as he pleaseth to
+ assigne vnto that office, to whome he committeth the charge of the
+ countie, and who herevpon is shiriffe of that shire for one whole
+ [Sidenote: Vndershiriffes.]
+ yeare, or vntill a new be chosen. The shiriffe also hath his vnder
+ shiriffe that ruleth & holdeth the shire courts and law daies vnder
+ him, vpon sufficient caution vnto the high shiriffe for his true
+ execution of iustice, preseruation from impeachment, and yéelding of
+ accompt when he shall be therevnto called. There are likewise vnder
+ [Sidenote: Bailiffes.]
+ him certeine bailiffes, whose office is to serue and returne such
+ writs and processes as are directed vnto them from the high shiriffe:
+ to make seisure of the goods and cattels, and arrest the bodies of
+ such as doo offend, presenting either their persons vnto him, or at
+ the leastwise taking sufficient bond, or other assurance of them for
+ their dutifull appearance at an appointed time, when the shiriffe by
+ order of law ought to present them to the iudges according to his
+ [Sidenote: High constables.]
+ charge. In euerie hundred also are one or more high constables
+ according to the quantitie thereof, who receiuing the writs and
+ injunctions from the high shiriffe vnder his seale, or from anie other
+ officers of the prince, either for the prouision of vittels or for
+ other causes, or priuat purueiance of cates for the maintenance of the
+ [Sidenote: Petie constables.]
+ roiall familie, doo forthwith charge the petie constables of euerie
+ towne within their limits, with the execution of the same.
+
+ In each countie likewise are sundrie law daies holden at their
+ appointed seasons, of which some retaine the old Saxon name, and are
+ [Sidenote: Motelagh.]
+ called Motelagh, of the word motes and law. They haue also an other
+ [Sidenote: Shiriffes turne.]
+ called the shiriffes turne, which they hold twise in their times, in
+ euerie hundred, according to the old order appointed by king Edgar (as
+ king Edward reduced the folkmote ordeined by king Arthur to be held
+ yearelie on the first of Maie, vntill the first of euerie moneth) and
+ in these two latter such small matters as oft arise amongst the
+ inferior sort of people, are heard and well determined. They haue
+ finallie their quarter sessions, wherein they are assisted by the
+ [Sidenote: Gaile deliuerie or great assises.]
+ iustices and gentlemen of the countrie, & twise in the yeare gaile
+ deliuerie, at which time the iudges ride about in their circuits, into
+ euerie seuerall countie (where the nobilitie and gentlemen with the
+ iustices there resiant associat them) & minister the lawes of the
+ realme, with great solemnitie & iustice. Howbeit in dooing of these
+ things, they reteine still the old order of the land in vse before the
+ conquest. For they commit the full examination of all causes there to
+ be heard, to the consideration of twelue sober, graue, and wise men,
+ chosen out of the same countie; and foure of them of necessitie out of
+ the hundred where the action lieth, or the defendant inhabiteth (which
+ [Sidenote: Inquests.]
+ number they call an inquest) & of these inquests there are more or
+ lesse impanneled at euerie assise, as the number of cases there to be
+ handled dooth craue and require, albeit that some one inquest hath
+ often diuerse matters to consider of. And when they haue (to their
+ vttermost power) consulted and debated of such things as they are
+ charged withall, they returne againe to the place of iustice, with
+ their verdict in writing, according wherevnto the iudge dooth
+ pronounce his sentence, be it for life or death, or anie other matter
+ what soeuer is brought before him. It is also verie often séene, that
+ such as are nominated to be of these inquests, doo after their charge
+ receiued seldome or neuer eat or drinke, vntill they haue agréed upon
+ their verdict, and yeelded it vp vnto the iudge of whome they receiued
+ the charge; by meanes whereof sometimes it commeth to passe that
+ diuerse of the inquest haue béene welneere famished, or at least taken
+ such a sickenesse thereby, as they haue hardlie auoided. And this
+ commeth by practise, when the one side feareth the sequele, and
+ therefore conueieth some one or more into the iurie, that will in his
+ behalfe neuer yéeld vnto the rest, but of set purpose put them to this
+ trouble.
+
+ Certes it is a common practise (if the vnder shiriffe be not the
+ better man) for the craftier or stronger side to procure and packe
+ such a quest, as he himselfe shall like of, whereby he is sure of the
+ issue before the charge be giuen: and beside this if the matter doo
+ iustlie procéed against him, it is a world to sée now and then how the
+ honest yeomen that haue Bona fide discharged their consciences shall
+ [Sidenote: Atteinct.]
+ be sued of an atteinct, & bound to appéere at the Starre chamber, with
+ what rigor they shall be caried from place to place, countie to
+ countie, yea and sometime in carts, which hath and dooth cause a great
+ number of them to absteine from the assises, & yeeld to paie their
+ issues, rather than they would for their good meaning be thus
+ disturbed & dealt withall. Sometimes also they bribe the bailiffes to
+ be kept at home, whervpon poore men, not hauing in their pursses
+ wherewith to beare their costes, are impanelled vpon iuries, who verie
+ often haue neither reason nor iudgement to performe the charge they
+ come for. Neither was this kind of seruice at anie time halfe so
+ painefull as at this present: for vntill of late yeares (that the
+ number of lawiers and atturneies hath so exceedinglie increased, that
+ some shifts must néeds be found and matters sought out, whereby they
+ may be set on worke) a man should not haue heard at one assise of more
+ than two or thrée Nisi priùs, but verie seldome of an atteinct, wheras
+ now an hundred & more of the first and one or two of the later are
+ verie often perceiued, and some of them for a cause arising of
+ sixpence or tweluepence. Which declareth that men are growen to be
+ farre more contentious than they haue béene in time past, and readier
+ to reuenge their quarels of small importance, whereof the lawiers
+ complaine not. But to my purpose, from whence I haue now digressed.
+
+ Beside these officers afore mentioned, there are sundrie other in
+ euerie countie, as crowners, whose dutie is to inquire of such as come
+ to their death by violence, to attach & present the plées of the
+ crowne, to make inquirie of treasure found, &c. There are diuerse also
+ [Sidenote: Iustices of peax & quorum.]
+ of the best learned of the law, beside sundrie gentlemen, where the
+ number of lawiers will not suffice (and whose reuenues doo amount to
+ aboue twentie pounds by the yeare) appointed by especiall commission
+ from the prince, to looke vnto the good gouernement of hir subiects,
+ in the counties where they dwell. And of these the least skilfull in
+ the law are of the peace, the other both of the peace and quorum,
+ otherwise called of Oier and Determiner, so that the first haue
+ authoritie onelie to heare, the other to heare and determine such
+ matters as are brought vnto their presence. These also doo direct
+ their warrants to the kéepers of the gailes within their limitations,
+ for the safe kéeping of such offendors as they shall iudge worthie to
+ commit vnto their custodie there to be kept vnder ward, vntill the
+ great assises, to the end their causes may be further examined before
+ the residue of the countie, & these officers were first deuised about
+ the eightéene yeare of Edward the third, as I haue béene informed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Quarter sessions.]
+ They méeting also & togither with the shiriffes, doo hold their
+ aforesaid sessions at foure times in the yeare, whereof they are
+ called quarter sessions, and herein they inquire of sundrie
+ trespasses, and the common annoiances of the kings liege people, and
+ diuerse other things, determining vpon them as iustice dooth require.
+ [Sidenote: Petie sessions.]
+ There are also a third kind of sessions holden by the high constables
+ and bailiffes afore mentioned, called petie sessions, wherein the
+ weights and measures are perused by the clarke of the market for the
+ countie, who sitteth with them. At these méetings also vittellers, and
+ in like sort seruants, labourers, roges and runnagates, are often
+ reformed for their excesses, although the burning of vagabounds
+ through their eare be referred to the quarter sessions or higher
+ courts of assise, where they are iudged either to death, if they be
+ taken the third time, & haue not since their second apprehension
+ applied themselues to labour, or else to be set perpetuallie to worke
+ in an house erected in euerie shire for that purpose, of which
+ punishment they stand in greatest feare.
+
+ I might here deliuer a discourse of sundrie rare customes and courts,
+ surnamed barons, yet mainteined and holden in England: but forsomuch
+ as some of the first are beastlie, and therefore by the lords of the
+ soiles now liuing conuerted into monie, being for the most part
+ deuised in the beginning either by malicious or licentious women, in
+ méere contempt and slauish abuse of their tenants, vnder pretense of
+ some punishment due for their excesses, I passe ouer to bring them
+ vnto light, as also the remembrance of sundrie courts baron likewise
+ holden in strange maner; yet none more absurd and far from law than
+ are kept yearlie at Kings hill in Rochford, and therfore may well be
+ called a lawlesse court, as most are that were deuised vpon such
+ occasions. This court is kept vpon wednesdaie insuing after
+ Michaelmasse daie after midnight, so that it is begun and ended before
+ the rising of the sunne. When the tenants also are altogither in an
+ alehouse, the steward secretlie stealeth from them with a lanterne
+ vnder his cloke, and goeth to the Kings hill, where sitting on a
+ mole-hill he calleth them with a verie soft voice, writing their
+ appéerance vpon a péece of paper with a cole, hauing none other light
+ than that which is inclosed in the lanterne: so soone as the tenants
+ also doo misse the steward, they runne to the hill with all their
+ might, and there answer all at once, Here here, wherby they escape
+ their amercements: which they should not doo if he could haue called
+ ouer his bill of names before they had missed him in the alehouse. And
+ this is the verie forme of the court deuised at the first (as the
+ voice goeth) vpon a rebellion made by the tenants of the honour of
+ Raibie against their lord, in perpetuall memorie of their disobedience
+ shewed. I could beside this speake also of some other, but sith one
+ hath taken vpon him to collect a number of them into a particular
+ treatise, I thinke it sufficient for me to haue said so much of both.
+
+ And thus much haue I thought good to set downe generallie of the said
+ counties and their maner of gouernance, although not in so perfect
+ order as the cause requireth, bicause that of all the rest there is
+ nothing wherewith I am lesse acquainted than with our temporall
+ regiment, which (to saie truth) smallie concerneth my calling. What
+ else is to be added after the seuerall shires of England with their
+ ancient limits (as they agreed with the diuision of the land in the
+ time of Ptolomie and the Romans) and commodities yet extant, I reserue
+ vnto that excellent treatise of my fréend W. Cambden, who hath
+ trauelled therein verie farre, & whose worke written in Latine shall
+ in short time (I hope) be published, to the no small benefit of such
+ as will read and peruse the same.
+
+
+
+
+ OF DEGREES OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. V.
+
+
+ We in England diuide our people commonlie into foure sorts, as
+ gentlemen, citizens or burgesses, yeomen, which are artificers, or
+ laborers. Of gentlemen the first and chéefe (next the king) be the
+ prince, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons: and these are
+ called gentlemen of the greater sort, or (as our common vsage of
+ spéech is) lords and noblemen: and next vnto them be knights,
+ esquiers, and last of all they that are simplie called gentlemen; so
+ that in effect our gentlemen are diuided into their conditions, wherof
+ in this chapiter I will make particular rehearsall.
+
+ [Sidenote: Prince.]
+ The title of prince dooth peculiarlie belong with vs to the kings
+ eldest sonne, who is called prince of Wales, and is the heire apparant
+ to the crowne; as in France the kings eldest sonne hath the title of
+ Dolphine, and is named peculiarlie Monsieur. So that the prince is so
+ termed of the Latine word Princeps, sith he is (as I may call him) the
+ cheefe or principall next the king. The kings yoonger sonnes be but
+ gentlemen by birth (till they haue receiued creation or donation from
+ their father of higher estate, as to be either visconts, earles, or
+ dukes) and called after their names, as lord Henrie, or lord Edward,
+ with the addition of the word Grace, properlie assigned to the king
+ and prince, and now also by custome conueied to dukes, archbishops,
+ and (as some saie) to marquesses and their wiues.
+
+ [Sidenote: Duke.]
+ The title of duke commeth also of the Latine word Dux, à ducendo,
+ bicause of his valor and power ouer the armie: in times past a name of
+ office due to the emperour, consull, or chéefe gouernour of the whole
+ armie in the Romane warres: but now a name of honor, although perished
+ in England, whose ground will not long beare one duke at once; but if
+ there were manie as in time past, or as there be now earles, I doo not
+ thinke but that they would florish and prosper well inough.
+
+ [Sidenote: Marquesse.]
+ In old time he onelie was called marquesse, Qui habuit terram
+ limitaneam, a marching prouince vpon the enimies countries, and
+ thereby bound to kéepe and defend the frontiers. But that also is
+ changed in common vse, and reputed for a name of great honor next vnto
+ the duke, euen ouer counties, and sometimes small cities, as the
+ prince is pleased to bestow it.
+
+ [Sidenote: Earle.]
+ The name of earle likewise was among the Romans a name of office, who
+ had Comites sacri palatij, comites ærarij, comites stabuli, comites
+ patrimonij, largitionum, scholarum, commerciorum, and such like. But
+ at the first they were called Comites, which were ioined in commission
+ with the proconsull, legate, or iudges for counsell and aids sake in
+ each of those seuerall charges. As Cicero epistola ad Quintum fratrem
+ remembreth, where he saith; "Atque inter hos quos tibi comites, &
+ adiutores, negotiorum publicorum dedit ipsa respublica duntaxat
+ finibus his præstabis, quos ante præscripsi, &c." After this I read
+ also that euerie president in his charge was called Comes, but our
+ English Saxons vsed the word Hertoch and earle for Comes, and
+ indifferentlie as I gesse, sith the name of duke was not in vse before
+ the conquest. Coropius saith, that Comes and Graue is all one, to wit
+ [Sidenote: Viscont.]
+ the viscont, called either Procomes, or Vicecomes: and in time past
+ gouerned in the countie vnder the earle, but now without anie such
+ seruice or office, it is also become a name of dignitie next after the
+ earle, and in degrée before the baron. His reléefe also by the great
+ charter is one hundred pounds, as that of a baronie a hundred marks,
+ and of a knight fiue at the most for euerie fée.
+
+ [Sidenote: Baron.]
+ The baron, whose degrée answered to the dignitie of a senator in Rome,
+ is such a frée lord as hath a lordship or baronie, whereof he beareth
+ his name, & hath diuerse knights or fréeholders holding of him, who
+ with him did serue the king in his wars, and held their tenures in
+ Baronia, that is, for performance of such seruice. These Bracton (a
+ learned writer of the lawes of England in king Henrie the thirds time)
+ tearmeth Barones, quasi robur belli. The word Baro indéed is older
+ than that it may easilie be found from whence it came: for euen in the
+ oldest histories both of the Germans and Frenchmen, written since the
+ conquest, we read of barons, and those are at this daie called among
+ the Germans Liberi vel Ingenui, or Freihers in the Germane toong as
+ some men doo coniecture, or (as one saith) the citizens and burgesses
+ of good townes and cities were called Barones. Neuerthelesse by
+ diligent inquisition it is imagined, if not absolutelie found, that
+ the word Baro and Filius in the old Scithian or Germane language are
+ all one; so that the kings children are properlie called Barones, from
+ whome also it was first translated to their kindred, and then to the
+ nobilitie and officers of greatest honour indifferentlie. That Baro
+ and Filius signifieth one thing, it yet remaineth to be séene,
+ although with some corruption: for to this daie, euen the common sort
+ doo call their male children barnes here in England, especiallie in
+ the north countrie, where that word is yet accustomablie in vse. And
+ it is also growne into a prouerbe in the south, when anie man
+ susteineth a great hinderance, to saie, I am beggered and all my
+ barnes. In the Hebrue toong (as some affirme) it signifieth Filij
+ solis, and what are the nobilitie in euerie kingdome but Filij or
+ serui regum? But this is farre fetched, wherefore I conclude, that
+ from hensefoorth the originall of the word Baro shall not be anie more
+ to seeke: and the first time that euer I red thereof in anie English
+ historie, is in the reigne of Canutus, who called his nobilitie and
+ head officers to a councell holden at Cirnecester, by that name, 1030,
+ as I haue else-where remembred. Howbeit the word Baro dooth not
+ alwaies signifie or is attributed to a noble man by birth or creation,
+ for now and then it is a title giuen vnto one or other with his
+ office, as the chéefe or high tribune of the excheker is of custome
+ called lord chéefe baron, who is as it were the great or principall
+ receiuer of accounts next vnto the lord treasuror, as they are vnder
+ him are called Tribuni ærarij, & rationales. Hervnto I may ad so much
+ of the word lord, which is an addition going not seldome and in like
+ sort with sundrie offices, and to continue so long as he or they doo
+ execute the same, and no longer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bishops.]
+ Vnto this place I also referre our bishops, who are accounted
+ honourable, called lords, and hold the same roome in the parlement
+ house with the barons, albeit for honour sake the right hand of the
+ prince is giuen vnto them, and whose countenances in time past were
+ much more glorious than at this present it is, bicause those lustie
+ prelats sought after earthlie estimation and authoritie with farre
+ more diligence than after the lost shéepe of Christ, of which they had
+ small regard, as men being otherwise occupied and void of leisure to
+ attend vpon the same. Howbeit in these daies their estate remaineth no
+ lesse reuerend than before, and the more vertuous they are that be of
+ this calling, the better are they estéemed with high and low. They
+ reteine also the ancient name (lord) still, although it be not a
+ little impugned by such as loue either to heare of change of all
+ things, or can abide no superiours. For notwithstanding it be true,
+ [Sidenote: 1. Sam ^b 15. 1. Reg. ^a 7.]
+ that in respect of function, the office of the eldership is equallie
+ distributed betwéene the bishop and the minister, yet for ciuill
+ gouernements sake, the first haue more authoritie giuen vnto them by
+ kings and princes, to the end that the rest maie thereby be with more
+ ease reteined within a limited compasse of vniformitie, than otherwise
+ they would be, if ech one were suffered to walke in his owne course.
+ This also is more to be maruelled at, that verie manie call for an
+ alteration of their estate, crieng to haue the word lord abolished,
+ their ciuill authoritie taken from them, and the present condition of
+ the church in other things reformed; whereas to saie trulie, few of
+ them doo agrée vpon forme of discipline and gouernement of the church
+ succedent: wherein they resemble the Capuans, of whome Liuie dooth
+ speake in the slaughter of their senat. Neither is it possible to
+ frame a whole monarchie after the patterne of one towne or citie, or
+ to stirre vp such an exquisite face of the church as we imagine or
+ desire, sith our corruption is such that it will neuer yéeld to so
+ great perfection: for that which is not able to be performed in a
+ priuat house, will much lesse be brought to passe in a common-wealth
+ and kingdome, before such a prince be found as Xenophon describeth, or
+ such an orator as Tullie hath deuised. But whither am I digressed from
+ my discourse of bishops, whose estates doo daily decaie, & suffer some
+ diminution? Herein neuerthelesse their case is growne to be much
+ better than before, for whereas in times past the cleargie men were
+ feared bicause of their authoritie and seuere gouernment vnder the
+ prince, now are they beloued generallie for their painefull diligence
+ dailie shewed in their functions and callings, except peraduenture of
+ some hungrie wombes, that couet to plucke & snatch at the loose ends
+ of their best commodities; with whom it is (as the report goeth) a
+ common guise, when a man is to be preferred to an ecclesiasticall
+ liuing, what part thereof he will first forgo and part with to their
+ vse. Finallie, how it standeth with the rest of the clergie for their
+ places of estate, I neither can tell nor greatlie care to know.
+ Neuerthelesse with what degrées of honour and worship they haue béene
+ [Sidenote: De Asia, cap. 12.]
+ matched in times past Iohannes Bohemus in his De omnium gentium
+ moribus, and others doo expresse; and this also found beside their
+ reports, that in time past euerie bishop, abbat, and pelting prior
+ were placed before the earles and barons in most statutes, charters,
+ and records made by the prince, as maie also appeare in the great
+ charter, and sundrie yeares of Henrie the third, wherein no duke was
+ heard of. But as a number of their odious comparisons and ambitious
+ titles are now decaied and worthilie shroonke in the wetting, so
+ giuing ouer in these daies to mainteine such pompous vanitie, they doo
+ thinke it sufficient for them to preach the word, & hold their liuings
+ to their sées (so long as they shall be able) from the hands of such
+ as indeuour for their owne preferrement to fléece and diminish the
+ same. This furthermore will I adde generallie in commendation of the
+ cleargie of England, that they are for their knowlege reputed in
+ France, Portingale, Spaine, Germanie and Polonia, to be the most
+ learned diuines, although they like not anie thing at all of their
+ religion: and thereto they are in deed so skilfull in the two
+ principall toongs, that it is accounted a maime in anie one of them,
+ [Sidenote: No Gréeke, no grace.]
+ not to be exactlie seene in the Greeke and Hebrue, much more then to
+ be vtterlie ignorant or nothing conuersant in them. As for the Latine
+ toong it is not wanting in anie of the ministerie, especiallie in such
+ as haue beene made within this twelue or fourtéene yeares, whereas
+ before there was small choise, and manie cures were left vnserued,
+ bicause they had none at all. And to saie truth, our aduersaries were
+ [Sidenote: Bene con, bene can, bene le.]
+ the onelie causers hereof. For whilest they made no further accompt of
+ their priesthood, than to construe, sing, read their seruice and their
+ portesse, it came to passe that vpon examination had, few made in
+ quéene Maries daies, and the later end of king Henrie, were able to
+ doo anie more, and verie hardlie so much, so void were they of further
+ skill, and so vnapt to serue at all.
+
+ [Sidenote: Duke, marquesse, earle, viscont.]
+ Dukes, marquesses, earles, visconts, and barons, either be created of
+ the prince, or come to that honor by being the eldest sonnes or
+ highest in succession to their parents. For the eldest sonne of a duke
+ during his fathers life is an erle, the eldest sonne of an erle is a
+ baron, or sometimes a viscont, according as the creation is. The
+ creation I call the originall donation and condition of the honour
+ giuen by the prince for good seruice doone by the first ancestor, with
+ some aduancement, which with the title of that honour is alwaies giuen
+ to him and his heires males onelie. The rest of the sonnes of the
+ nobilitie by the rigor of the law be but esquiers: yet in common
+ spéech all dukes and marquesses sonnes, and earles eldest sonnes be
+ called lords, the which name commonlie dooth agrée to none of lower
+ degrée than barons, yet by law and vse these be not esteemed barons.
+
+ [Sidenote: Barons.]
+ The baronie or degrée of lords dooth answer to the degree of senators
+ of Rome (as I said) and the title of nobilitie (as we vse to call it
+ in England) to the Romane Patricij. Also in England no man is
+ commonlie created baron, except he maie dispend of yearelie reuenues a
+ thousand pounds, or so much as maie fullie mainteine & beare out his
+ countenance and port. But visconts, erles, marquesses, and dukes
+ excéed them according to the proportion of their degrée & honour. But
+ though by chance he or his sonne haue lesse, yet he kéepeth this
+ degree: but if the decaie be excessiue and not able to mainteine the
+ honour, as Senatores Romani were amoti à senatu: so sometimes they are
+ not admitted to the vpper house in the parlement although they keepe
+ the name of lord still, which can not be taken from them vpon anie
+ such occasion. The most of these names haue descended from the French
+ inuention, in whose histories we shall read of them eight hundred
+ yeares passed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Of the second degrée of gentlemen.]
+ This also is worthie the remembrance, that Otto the first emperour of
+ that name, indeuouring to restore the decaied estate of Italie vnto
+ some part of hir pristinate magnificence, did after the French example
+ giue Dignitates & prædia to such knights and souldiers as had serued
+ him in the warres, whom he also adorned with the names of dukes,
+ marquesses, earles, valuasors or capteins, and valuasines.
+
+ [Sidenote: Prædia.]
+ His Prædia in like maner were tributes, tolles, portage, bankage,
+ stackage, coinage, profits by saltpits, milles, water-courses (and
+ whatsoeuer emoluments grew by them) & such like. But at that present I
+ read not that the word Baro was brought into those parts. And as for
+ the valuasors, it was a denomination applied vnto all degrées of honor
+ vnder the first three (which are properlie named the kings capteins)
+ so that they are called Maiores, minores, & minimi valuasores. This
+ also is to be noted, that the word capteine hath two relations, either
+ as the possessor therof hath it from the prince, or from some duke,
+ marquesse, or earle, for each had capteins vnder them. If from the
+ [Sidenote: Valuasores.]
+ prince, then are they called Maiores valuasores, if from anie of his
+ thrée péeres, then were they Minores valuasores: but if anie of these
+ Valuasors doo substitute a deputie, those are called Minimi
+ valuasores, and their deputies also Valuasini, without regard vnto
+ which degrée the valuasor dooth apperteine: but the word Valuasor is
+ now growne out of vse, wherefore it sufficeth to haue said thus much
+ of that function.
+
+ [Sidenote: Knights.]
+ Knights be not borne, neither is anie man a knight by succession, no
+ not the king or prince: but they are made either before the battell,
+ to incourage them the more to aduenture & trie their manhood: or after
+ the battell ended, as an aduancement for their courage and prowesse
+ [Sidenote: Milites.]
+ alreadie shewed (& then are they called Milites;) or out of the warres
+ for some great seruice doone, or for the singular vertues which doo
+ appeare in them, and then are they named Equites aurati, as common
+ custome intendeth. They are made either by the king himselfe, or by
+ his commission and roiall authoritie giuen for the same purpose: or by
+ his lieutenant in the warres. This order seemeth to answer in part to
+ [Sidenote: Equites aurati.]
+ that which the Romans called Equitum Romanorum. For as Equites Romani
+ were chosen Ex censu, that is, according to their substance and
+ riches; so be knights in England most commonlie according to their
+ yearelie reuenues or aboundance of riches, wherewith to mainteine
+ their estates. Yet all that had Equestrem censum, were not chosen to
+ be knights, and no more be all made Knights in England that may spend
+ a knights lands, but they onelie whome the prince will honour.
+ Sometime diuerse ancient gentlemen, burgesses, and lawiers, are called
+ vnto knighthood by the prince, and neuerthelesse refuse to take that
+ state vpon them, for which they are of custome punished by a fine,
+ that redoundeth vnto his cofers, and to saie truth, is oftentimes more
+ profitable vnto him than otherwise their seruice should be, if they
+ did yeeld vnto knighthood. And this also is a cause, wherefore there
+ be manie in England able to dispend a knights liuing, which neuer come
+ vnto that countenance, and by their owne consents. The number of the
+ knights in Rome was also vncerteine: and so is it of knights likewise
+ with vs, as at the pleasure of the prince. And whereas the Equites
+ Romani had Equum publicum of custome bestowed vpon them, the knights
+ of England haue not so, but beare their owne charges in that also, as
+ in other kind of furniture, as armorie méet for their defense and
+ seruice. This neuerthelesse is certeine, that who so may dispend 40
+ pounds by the yeare of frée land, either at the coronation of the
+ king, or mariage of his daughter, or time of his dubbing, may be
+ inforced vnto the taking of that degrée, or otherwise paie the
+ reuenues of his land for one yeare, which is onelie fortie pounds by
+ an old proportion, and so for a time be acquited of that title. We
+ name him knight in English that the French calleth Cheualier, and the
+ Latins Equitem, or Equestris ordinis virum. And when any man is made a
+ knight, he knéeling downe is striken of the king or his substitute
+ with his sword naked vpon the backe or shoulder, the prince, &c:
+ saieng, "Soyes cheualier au nom de Dieu." And when he riseth vp the
+ king saith "Aduances bon cheualier." This is the maner of dubbing
+ knights at this present, and the tearme (dubbing) is the old tearme
+ for that purpose and not creation, howbeit in our time the word
+ (making) is most in vse among the common sort.
+
+ [Sidenote: Knights of the bath.]
+ At the coronation of a king or queene, there be other knights made
+ with longer and more curious ceremonies, called knights of the bath.
+ But how soeuer one be dubbed or made knight, his wife is by and by
+ called madame or ladie, so well as the barons wife; he himselfe hauing
+ added to his name in common appellation this syllable Sir, which is
+ the title whereby we call our knights in England. His wife also of
+ courtesie so long as she liueth is called my ladie, although she
+ happen to marie with a gentleman or man of meane calling, albeit that
+ by the c[=o]omon law she hath no such prerogatiue. If hir first
+ husband also be of better birth than hir second, though this later
+ likewise be a knight, yet in that she pretendeth a priuilege to loose
+ no honor through courtesie yéelded to hir sex, she will be named after
+ the most honorable or worshipfull of both, which is not séene
+ elsewhere.
+
+ [Sidenote: Knights of the garter.]
+ The other order of knighthood in England, and the most honorable is
+ that of the garter, instituted by king Edward the third, who after he
+ had gained manie notable victories, taken king Iohn of France, and
+ king Iames of Scotland (and kept them both prisoners in the Tower of
+ London at one time) expelled king Henrie of Castile the bastard out of
+ his realme, and restored Don Petro vnto it (by the helpe of the prince
+ of Wales and duke of Aquitaine his eldest sonne called the Blacke
+ prince) he then inuented this societie of honour, and made a choise
+ out of his owne realme and dominions, and throughout all christendome
+ of the best, most excellent and renowmed persons in all vertues and
+ honour, and adorned them with that title to be knights of his order,
+ giuing them a garter garnished with gold and pretious stones, to weare
+ dailie on the left leg onlie: also a kirtle, gowne, cloke, chaperon,
+ collar, and other solemne and magnificent apparell, both of stuffe and
+ fashion exquisite & heroicall to weare at high feasts, & as to so high
+ and princelie an order apperteineth. Of this companie also he and his
+ successors kings and queenes of England, be the souereignes, and the
+ rest by certeine statutes and lawes amongst themselues be taken as
+ brethren and fellowes in that order, to the number of six and twentie,
+ as I find in a certeine treatise written of the same, an example
+ whereof I haue here inserted word for word, as it was deliuered vnto
+ me, beginning after this maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Round table.]
+ I might at this present make a long tractation of the round table and
+ estate of the knights thereof, erected sometimes by Arthur the great
+ monarch, of this Iland; and therevnto intreat of the number of his
+ knights, and ceremonies belonging to the order, but I thinke in so
+ dooing that I should rather set downe the latter inuentions of other
+ men, than a true description of such ancient actions as were performed
+ in deed. I could furthermore with more facilitie describe the roialtie
+ of Charles the great & his twelue péeres, with their solemne rites and
+ vsages: but vnto this also I haue no great deuotion, considering the
+ truth hereof is now so stained with errours and fables inserted into
+ the same by the lewd religious sort, that except a man should professe
+ to lie with them for companie, there is little sound knowledge to be
+ gathered hereof worthie the remembrance. In like maner diuerse aswell
+ subiects as princes haue attempted to restore againe a round table in
+ [Sidenote: Roger Mortimer.]
+ this land (as for example Roger lord Mortimer at Killingworth) but
+ such were the excessiue charges apperteining therevnto (as they did
+ make allowance) and so great molestation dailie insued therevpon,
+ beside the bréeding of sundrie quarrels among the knights, and such as
+ resorted hitherto from forreine countries (as it was first vsed) that
+ in fine they gaue it ouer, and suffered their whole inuentions to
+ perish and decaie, till Edward the third deuised an other order not so
+ much pestered with multitude of knights as the round table, but much
+ more honorable for princelie port and countenance, as shall appeare
+ hereafter.
+
+ [Sidenote: The occasion of the deuise.]
+ The order of the garter therefore was deuised in the time of king
+ Edward the third, and (as some write) vpon this occasion. The quéenes
+ maiestie then liuing, being departed from his presence the next waie
+ toward hir lodging, he following soone after happened to find hir
+ garter, which slacked by chance and so fell from hir leg, vnespied in
+ the throng by such as attended vpon hir. His groomes & gentlemen also
+ passed by it, disdaining to stoope and take vp such a trifle: but he
+ knowing the owner, commanded one of them to staie and reach it vp to
+ him. Why and like your grace (saieth a gentleman) it is but some
+ womans garter that hath fallen from hir as she followed the quéenes
+ [Sidenote: Peradventure but a blue ribbon.]
+ maiestie. What soeuer it be (quoth the king) take it vp and giue it
+ me. So when he had receiued the garter, he said to such as stood about
+ him: You my maisters doo make small account of this blue garter here
+ (and therewith held it out) but if God lend me life for a few moneths,
+ I will make the proudest of you all to reuerence the like. And euen
+ vpon this slender occasion he gaue himselfe to the deuising of this
+ order. Certes I haue not read of anie thing, that hauing had so simple
+ a begining hath growne in the end to so great honour and estimation.
+ But to proceed. After he had studied awhile about the performance of
+ his deuise, and had set downe such orders as he himselfe inuented
+ concerning the same, he proclamed a roiall feast to be holden at
+ Windsore, whither all his nobilitie resorted with their ladies, where
+ he published his institution, and foorthwith inuested an appointed
+ number into the afore said fellowship, whose names insue, himselfe
+ being the souereigne and principall of that companie. Next vnto
+ himselfe also he placed
+
+   Edward Prince of Wales.
+   Henrie duke of Lancaster.
+   N. earle of Warw.
+   N. capt. de Bouche.
+   N. earle of Stafford.
+   N. earle of Sarum.
+   N. lord Mortimer.
+   Sir John Lisle.
+   Sir Bartholomew Burwash.
+   N. sonne of sir Iohn Beauchamp.
+   Sir N. de Mahun.
+   S. Hugh Courtneie.
+   S. Thomas Holland.
+   Sir Iohn Graie.
+   Sir Rich. Fitzsimon.
+   Sir Miles Stapleton.
+   Sir Thomas Wale.
+   Sir Hugh Wrotesley.
+   Sir Neale Lording.
+   Sir Iohn Chandos.
+   S. Iames Dawdleie.
+   Sir Otho Holland.
+   Sir Henrie Eme.
+   Sir Sanchet Dambricourt.
+   Sir Walter Pannell aliàs Paganell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Election.]
+ What order of election, and what estatutes were prescribed vnto the
+ elected at this first institution, as yet I can not exactlie
+ vnderstand; neither can I learne what euerie prince afterward added
+ therevnto before the six and thirtith yeare of king Henrie the eight,
+ and third of king Edward the sixt: wherefore of necessitie I must
+ resort vnto the estate of the said order as it is at this present,
+ which I will set downe so brieflie as I may. When anie man therefore
+ is to be elected (vpon a roome found void for his admission) into this
+ fellowship, the king directeth his letters vnto him, notwithstanding
+ that he before hand be nominated to the same, to this effect. Right
+ trustie and welbeloued we gréete you well, asserteining you, that in
+ consideration aswell of your approoued truth and fidelitie, as also of
+ your couragious and valiant acts of knighthood, with other your
+ probable merits knowne by experience in sundrie parties and behalfes:
+ we with the companions of the noble order of the Garter, assembled at
+ the election holden this daie within our manour of N. haue elected and
+ chosen you amongst other to be one of the companions of the said
+ Order, as your deserts doo condignelie require. Wherefore we will that
+ with conuenient diligence vpon the sight herof, you repaire vnto our
+ presence, there to receiue such things as to the said order
+ apperteineth. Dated vnder our signet at our maner of N. &c. These
+ letters are the exemplification of certeine, which (as it should
+ séeme) were written An. 3. Edwardi sexti at Gréenewich Aprilis 24,
+ vnto the earle of Huntingdon, & the lord George Cobham your lordships
+ honorable father, at such time as they were called vnto the aforesaid
+ companie. I find also these names subscribed vnto the same.
+
+   Edward duke of Summerset vncle to the king.
+   The marq. of Northhampton.
+   Earle of Arundell L. Chamberleine.
+   Earle of Shrewesburie.
+   L. Russell lord priuie seale.
+   L. S. Iohn lord great master.
+   Sir Iohn Gage.
+   S. Anthonie Wingfield.
+   Sir William Paget.
+
+ [Sidenote: Admission.]
+ Being elected, preparation is made for his installing at Windsore (the
+ place appointed alwaies for this purpose) whereat it is required that
+ his banner be set vp, of two yardes and a quarter in length, and thrée
+ quarters in bredth, besides the fringe. Secondlie his sword of
+ whatsoeuer length him séemeth good. Thirdlie his helme, which from the
+ charnell vpwards ought to be of thrée inches at the least. Fourthlie
+ the crest, with mantels to the helme belonging, of such conuenient
+ stuffe and bignesse, as it shall please him to appoint.
+
+ Item a plate of armes at the backe of his stall, and crest with
+ mantels and beasts supportant, to be grauen in the mettall.
+
+ Item lodging scutcheons of his armes, inuironed with a garter, and
+ painted in paper or cloth of buckram, which when he trauelleth by the
+ waie are to be fixed in the common Ins where he dooth lodge, as a
+ testimonie of his presence and staies from time to time as he did
+ trauell.
+
+ Item two mantels, one to remaine in the college at Windsore, the other
+ to vse at his pleasure, with the scutcheon of the armes of S. George
+ in the garter with laces, tasselets, and knops of blue silke and gold
+ belonging to the same.
+
+ Item a surcote or gowne of red or crimosine veluet, with a whood of
+ the same, lined with white sarcenet or damaske.
+
+ Item a collar of the garter of thirtie ounces of gold Troie weight.
+
+ Item a tablet of S. George, richlie garnished with precious stones or
+ otherwise.
+
+ Item a garter for his (left) leg, hauing the buckle and pendant
+ garnished with gold.
+
+ Item a booke of the statutes of the said order.
+
+ Item a scutcheon of the armes of S. George in the garter to set vpon
+ the mantell. And this furniture is to be prouided against his
+ installation.
+
+ [Sidenote: Installation.]
+ When anie knight is to be installed, he hath with his former letters,
+ a garter sent vnto him, and when he commeth to be installed, he is
+ brought into the chapter house, where incontinentlie his commission is
+ read before the souereigne, or his deputie, and the assemblie present:
+ from hence he is lead by two knights of the said order, accompanied
+ with the other of the nobilitie, and officers toward the chappell,
+ hauing his mantell borne before him, either by a knight of the order,
+ or else the king at armes, to whome it secondarilie apperteineth to
+ [Sidenote: Mantell.]
+ beare it. This mantell shall be deliuered vnto him for his habit,
+ after his oth taken before his stall, and not before: which doone, he
+ shall returne vnto the chapter house, where the souereigne, or his
+ deputie, shall deliuer him his collar, and so he shall haue the full
+ [Sidenote: Stall.]
+ possession of his habit. As for his stall, it is not giuen according
+ vnto the calling and countenance of the receiuer, but as the place is
+ that happeneth to be void, so that each one called vnto this
+ knighthood (the souereigne, and emperours, and kings, and princes
+ alwaies excepted) shall haue the same seat, which became void by the
+ death of his predecessor, howsoeuer it fall out: wherby a knight onlie
+ oftentimes dooth sit before a duke, without anie murmuring or grudging
+ at his roome, except it please the souereigne, once in his life onelie
+ to make a generall alteration of those seats, and to set each one
+ according to his degrée.
+
+ Now as touching the apparell of these knights, it remaineth such as
+ king Edward, the first deuiser of this order left it, that is to saie,
+ euerie yeare one of the colours, that is to say, scarlet, sanguine in
+ grain, blue and white. In like sort the kings grace hath at his
+ pleasure the content of cloth for his gowne and whood, lined with
+ white satine or damaske, and multitude of garters with letters of
+ gold.
+
+ The prince hath fiue yardes of cloth for his gowne and whood, and
+ [Sidenote: A timber conteineth fortie skins, peltes, or felles.]
+ garters with letters of gold at his pleasure, beside fiue timber of
+ the finest mineuer.
+
+ A duke hath fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, 120
+ garters with title of gold.
+
+ A marques hath fiue yards of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer,
+ 110 garters of silke.
+
+ An earle fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, and 100
+ garters of silke.
+
+ A viscount fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, 90
+ garters of silke.
+
+ A baron fiue yardes of woollen cloth, three timber of mineuer gresse,
+ 80 garters of silke.
+
+ A banneret fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber of mineuer, 70
+ garters of silke.
+
+ A knight fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber of mineuer, 60
+ garters of silke.
+
+ The bishop of Winchester chapleine of the garter, hath eight and
+ twentie timber of mineuer pure, ninetéene timber gresse, thrée timber
+ and a halfe of the best, and foure & twentie yards of woollen cloth.
+
+ The chancellor of the order fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber
+ of mineuer pure.
+
+ The register of the order fiue yardes of woollen cloth, three timber
+ of mineuer pure.
+
+ And this order to be holden generallie among the knights of this
+ companie, which are six and twentie in number, and whose patrone in
+ time of superstition was supposed to be S. George, of whome they were
+ also called S. Georges knights as I haue heard reported. Would to God
+ they might be called knights of honor, or by some other name, for the
+ title of saint George argueth a wrong patrone.
+
+ [Sidenote: Installation.]
+ Furthermore at his installation he is solemnelie sworne, the maner
+ whereof I haue thought good also to annex, in this maner. You being
+ chosen to be one of the honorable companie of the order of the Garter,
+ shall promise and sweare vpon the holie euangelies by you bodilie
+ touched, to be faithfull and true to the kings maiestie, and to
+ obserue and kéepe all the points of the statutes of the said order,
+ and euerie article in them conteined, the same being agréeable and not
+ repugnant to the kings highnesse other godlie procéedings, so far as
+ to you belongeth & apperteineth, as God you helpe, &c. And thus much
+ haue I thought good to note touching the premisses.
+
+ [Sidenote: Estatutes.]
+ As touching the estatutes belonging to this order they are manie, and
+ therefore not to be touched here. Howbeit if anie doubt doo arise
+ aboue the interpretation of them, the king who is the perpetuall
+ souereigne of that order hath to determine and resolue the same.
+ Neither are anie chosen therevnto vnder the degree of a knight, and
+ that is not a gentelman of bloud and of sound estimation.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gentleman of bloud.]
+ And for the better vnderstanding what is meant by a gentleman of
+ bloud, he is defined to descend of thrée descents of noblenesse, that
+ is to saie, of name and of armes both by father and mother.
+
+ [Sidenote: Degrées of reproch.]
+ There are also foure degrées of reproch, which may inhibit from the
+ entrance into this order: of which the first is heresie lawfullie
+ prooued, the second high treason, the third is flight from the
+ battell, the fourth riot and prodigall excesse of expenses, whereby he
+ is not likelie to hold out, and mainteine the port of knight of this
+ order, according to the dignitie thereof. Moreouer touching the
+ [Sidenote: Apparell.]
+ wearing of their aforesaid apparell, it is their custome to weare the
+ same, when they enter into the chappell of S. George or be in the
+ chapter house of their order, or finallie doo go about anie thing
+ apperteining to that companie. In like sort they weare also their
+ mantels vpon the euen of S. George, and go with the souereigne, or his
+ deputie in the same in maner of procession from the kings great
+ chamber vnto the chappell, or vnto the college, and likewise backe
+ againe vnto the aforsaid place, not putting it from them, vntill
+ supper be ended, and the auoid doone. The next daie they resort vnto
+ the chappell also in the like order, & from thence vnto diner, wearing
+ afterward their said apparell vnto euening praier, and likewise all
+ the supper time, vntill the auoid be finished. In the solemnitie
+ likewise of these feasts, the thirtéene chanons there, and six and
+ twentie poore knights haue mantels of the order, whereof those for the
+ chanons are of Murreie with a roundell of the armes of S. George, the
+ other of red, with a scutcheon onelie of the said armes.
+
+ [Sidenote: Sicke or absent.]
+ If anie knight of this order be absent from this solemnitie vpon the
+ euen and daie of S. George, and be inforced not to be present either
+ through bodilie sicknesse, or his absence out of the land: he dooth in
+ the church, chappell, or chamber where he is remaining, prouide an
+ honorable stall for the kings maiestie in the right hand of the place
+ with a cloth of estat, and cushions, and scutchion of the garter, and
+ therein the armes of the order. Also his owne stall of which side
+ soeuer it be distant from the kings or the emperours in his owne
+ place, appointed so nigh as he can, after the maner and situation of
+ his stall at Windsore, there to remaine, the first euening praier on
+ the euen of S. George, or thrée of the clocke, and likewise the next
+ daie during the time of the diuine seruice, vntill the morning praier,
+ and the rest of the seruice be ended: and to weare in the meane time
+ his mantell onelie, with the George and the lace, without either
+ whood, collar or surcote. Or if he be so sicke that he doo kéepe his
+ bed, he dooth vse to haue that habit laid vpon him during the times of
+ diuine seruice aforesaid.
+
+ [Sidenote: Offering.]
+ At the seruice time also vpon the morrow after S. George, two of the
+ chiefe knights (sauing the deputie of the souereigne if he himselfe be
+ absent) shall offer the kings banner of armes, then other two the
+ sword with the hilts forwards, which being doone the first two shall
+ returne againe, and offer the helme and crest, hauing at each time two
+ heralds of armes going before, according to the statutes. The lord
+ deputie or lieutenant vnto the kings grace, for the time being, alone
+ and assisted with one of the chiefe lords, dooth deliuer at his
+ offering a péece of gold, and hauing all the king of armes and heralds
+ going before him, he so procéedeth to the offering. When he hath thus
+ offered for the prince, he returneth with like solemnitie vnto his
+ stall, and next of all goeth againe with one herald to offer for
+ himselfe, whose oblation being made, euerie knight according to their
+ stals, with an herald before him procéedeth to the offering.
+
+ [Sidenote: Buriall.]
+ What solemnitie is vsed at the buriall of anie knight of the Garter,
+ it is but in vaine to declare: wherefore I will shew generallie what
+ is doone at the disgrading of one of these knights, if through anie
+ grieuous offense he be separated from this companie. Whereas otherwise
+ the signe of the order is neuer taken from him vntill death doo end &
+ finish vp his daies. Therfore when anie such thing is doone,
+ promulgation is made therof after this maner insuing.
+
+ [Sidenote: Disgrading.]
+ Be it knowne vnto all men that N.N. knight of the most noble order of
+ the Garter, is found giltie of the abhominable and destestable crime
+ of high treason, for he hath most traitorouslie conspired against our
+ most high and mightie prince souereigne of the said order, contrarie
+ to all right, his dutie, and the faithfull oth, which he hath sworne
+ and taken. For which causes therefore he hath deserued to be deposed
+ from this noble order, and fellowship of this Garter. For it may not
+ be suffered that such a traitor and disloiall member remaine among the
+ faithfull knights of renowmed stomach & bountifull prowes, or that his
+ armes should be mingled with those of noble chiualrie. Wherefore our
+ most excellent prince and supreme of this most honorable order, by the
+ aduise and counsell of his collegues, willeth and commandeth that his
+ armes which he before time hath deserued shall be from hencefoorth be
+ taken awaie and throwne downe: and he himselfe cleane cut off from the
+ societie of this renowmed order, and neuer from this daie reputed anie
+ more for a member of the same, that all other by his example may
+ hereafter beware how they commit the like trespasse, or fall into such
+ notorious infamie and rebuke. This notice being giuen, there resorteth
+ vnto the partie to be disgraded certeine officers with diuerse of his
+ late fellowes appointed, which take from him his George, and other
+ inuestiture, after a solemne maner.
+
+ And hitherto of this most honorable order, hoping that no man will be
+ offended with me, in vttering thus much. For sith the noble order of
+ the Toison Dor or golden fléese, with the ceremonies apperteining vnto
+ the creation and inuestiture of the six and thirtie knights thereof:
+ and likewise that of saint Michaell and his one and thirtie knights,
+ are discoursed vpon at large by the historiographers of their owne
+ countries, without reprehension or checke, especiallie by Vincentius
+ Lupan. lib. 1. de Mag. Franc. cap. de equitibus ordinis, where he
+ calleth them Cheualliers sans reproche, and thereto addeth that their
+ chaine is commonlie of two hundred crownes at the least, and honour
+ thereof so great, that it is not lawfull for them to sell, giue or
+ laie the same to morgage (would to God they might once brooke their
+ name, Sans reproche, but their generall deling in our time with all
+ men, will not suffer some of the best of their owne countries to haue
+ that opinion of them) I trust I haue not giuen anie cause of
+ displeasure, briefelie to set foorth those things that apperteine vnto
+ our renowmed order of the Garter, in whose compasse is written
+ [Sidenote: * Some think that this was the answer of the quéene,
+ when the king asked what men would think of her,
+ in loosing the garter after such a maner.]
+ commonlie, [*]"Honi soit qui mal y pense," which is so much to saie,
+ as, "Euill come to him that euill thinketh:" a verie sharpe
+ imprecation, and yet such as is not contrarie to the word, which
+ promiseth like measure to the meter, as he dooth mete to others.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bannerets.]
+ There is yet an other order of knights in England called knights
+ Bannerets, who are made in the field with the ceremonie of cutting
+ awaie the point of his penant of armes, and making it as it were a
+ banner, so that being before but a bacheler knight, he is now of an
+ higher degree, and allowed to displaie his armes in a banner, as
+ barrons doo. Howbeit these knights are neuer made but in the warres,
+ the kings standard being vnfolded.
+
+ [Sidenote: Esquire.]
+ Esquire (which we call commonlie squire) is a French word, and so much
+ in Latine as Scutiger vel armiger, and such are all those which beare
+ armes, or armoires, testimonies of their race from whence they be
+ descended. They were at the first costerels or bearers of the armes of
+ barons, or knights, & thereby being instructed in martiall knowledge,
+ had that name for a dignitie giuen to distinguish them from common
+ souldiers called Gregarij milites when they were togither in the
+ field.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gentlemen.]
+ Gentlemen be those whome their race and bloud, or at the least their
+ vertues doo make noble and knowne. The Latines call them Nobiles &
+ generosos, as the French do Nobles or Gentlehommes. The etymologie of
+ the name expoundeth the efficacie of the word: for as Gens in Latine
+ betokeneth the race and surname: so the Romans had Cornelios, Sergios,
+ Appios, Curios, Papyrios, Scipiones, Fabios, Æmilios, Iulios, Brutos,
+ &c: of which, who were Agnati, and therefore kept the name, were also
+ called Gentiles, gentlemen of that or that house and race.
+
+ Moreouer as the king dooth dubbe knights, and createth the barons and
+ higher degrees, so gentlemen whose ancestors are not knowen to come in
+ with William duke of Normandie (for of the Saxon races yet remaining
+ we now make none accompt, much lesse of the British issue) doo take
+ their beginning in England, after this maner in our times. Who soeuer
+ [Sidenote: Lawiers students in vniuersities.]
+ [Sidenote: Physicians.]
+ [Sidenote: Capteins.]
+ studieth the lawes of the realme, who so abideth in the vniuersitie
+ giuing his mind to his booke, or professeth physicke and the liberall
+ sciences, or beside his seruice in the roome of a capteine in the
+ warres, or good counsell giuen at home, whereby his common-wealth is
+ benefited, can liue without manuell labour, and thereto is able and
+ will beare the port, charge, and countenance of a gentleman, he shall
+ for monie haue a cote and armes bestowed vpon him by heralds (who in
+ the charter of the same doo of custome pretend antiquitie and seruice,
+ and manie gaie things) and therevnto being made so good cheape be
+ called master, which is the title that men giue to esquiers and
+ gentlemen, and reputed for a gentleman euer after. Which is so much
+ the lesse to be disalowed of, for that the prince dooth loose nothing
+ by it, the gentleman being so much subiect to taxes and publike
+ paiments as is the yeoman or husbandman, which he likewise dooth beare
+ the gladlier for the sauing of his reputation. Being called also to
+ the warres (for with the gouernment of the common-wealth he medleth
+ litle) what soeuer it cost him, he will both arraie & arme himselfe
+ accordinglie, and shew the more manly courage, and all the tokens of
+ the person which he representeth. No man hath hurt by it but himselfe,
+ who peraduenture will go in wider buskens than his legs will beare, or
+ as our prouerbe saith, now and then beare a bigger saile than his boat
+ is able to susteine.
+
+ Certes the making of new gentlemen bred great strife sometimes amongst
+ the Romans, I meane when those which were Noui homines, were more
+ allowed of for their vertues newlie séene and shewed, than the old
+ smell of ancient race, latelie defaced by the cowardise & euill life
+ [Sidenote: * Sic.--qu. de_p_endants?]
+ of their nephues & defendants[*] could make the other to be. But as
+ enuie hath no affinitie with iustice and equitie, so it forceth not
+ what language the malicious doo giue out, against such as are exalted
+ for their wisdomes. This neuerthelesse is generallie to be reprehended
+ in all estates of gentilitie, and which in short time will turne to
+ the great ruine of our countrie, and that is the vsuall sending of
+ noblemens & meane gentlemens sonnes into Italie, from whence they
+ bring home nothing but meere atheisme, infidelitie, vicious
+ conuersation, & ambitious and proud behauiour, wherby it commeth to
+ passe that they returne far worsse men than they went out. A gentleman
+ at this present is newlie come out of Italie, who went thither an
+ earnest protestant, but comming home he could saie after this maner:
+ Faith & truth is to be kept, where no losse or hinderance of a further
+ purpose is susteined by holding of the same; and forgiuenesse onelie
+ to be shewed when full reuenge is made. Another no lesse forward than
+ he, at his returne from thence could ad thus much; He is a foole that
+ maketh accompt of any religion, but more foole that will loose anie
+ part of his wealth, or will come in trouble for constant leaning to
+ anie: but if he yéeld to loose his life for his possession, he is
+ stark mad, and worthie to be taken for most foole of all the rest.
+ This gaie bootie gate these gentlemen by going into Italie, and hereby
+ a man may see what fruit is afterward to be looked for where such
+ blossoms doo appéere. I care not (saith a third) what you talke to me
+ of God, so as I may haue the prince & the lawes of the realme on my
+ side. Such men as this last, are easilie knowen; for they haue learned
+ in Italie, to go vp and downe also in England, with pages at their
+ héeles finelie apparelled, whose face and countenance shall be such as
+ sheweth the master not to be blind in his choise. But least I should
+ offend too much, I passe ouer to saie anie more of these Italionates
+ and their demeanor, which alas is too open and manifest to the world,
+ and yet not called into question.
+
+ [Sidenote: Citizens and burgesses.]
+ Citizens and burgesses haue next place to gentlemen, who be those that
+ are free within the cities, and are of some likelie substance to beare
+ office in the same. But these citizens or burgesses are to serue the
+ commonwealth in their cities and boroughs, or in corporat townes where
+ they dwell. And in the common assemblie of the realme wherein our
+ lawes are made, for in the counties they beare but little swaie (which
+ assemblie is called the high court of parlement) the ancient cities
+ appoint foure, and the boroughs two burgesses to haue voices in it,
+ and giue their consent or dissent vnto such things as passe or staie
+ there in the name of the citie or borow, for which they are appointed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Merchants.]
+ In this place also are our merchants to be installed, as amongst the
+ citizens (although they often change estate with gentlemen, as
+ gentlemen doo with them, by a mutuall conuersion of the one into the
+ other) whose number is so increased in these our daies, that their
+ onelie maintenance is the cause of the exceeding prices of forreine
+ wares, which otherwise when euerie nation was permitted to bring in
+ hir owne commodities, were farre better cheape and more plentifullie
+ to be had. Of the want of our commodities here at home, by their great
+ transportation of them into other countries, I speake not, sith the
+ matter will easilie bewraie it selfe. Certes among the Lacedemonians
+ it was found out, that great numbers of merchants were nothing to the
+ furtherance of the state of the commonwealth: wherefore it is to be
+ wished that the huge heape of them were somewhat restreined, as also
+ of our lawiers, so should the rest liue more easilie vpon their owne,
+ and few honest chapmen be brought to decaie, by breaking of the
+ bankerupt. I doo not denie but that the nauie of the land is in part
+ mainteined by their traffike, and so are the high prices of wares kept
+ vp now they haue gotten the onelie sale of things, vpon pretense of
+ better furtherance of the common-wealth into their owne hands: whereas
+ in times past when the strange bottoms were suffered to come in, we
+ had sugar for foure pence the pound, that now at the writing of this
+ treatise is well worth halfe a crowne, raisons or corints for a penie
+ that now are holden at six pence, and sometime at eight pence and ten
+ pence the pound: nutmegs at two pence halfe penie the ounce: ginger at
+ a penie an ounce, prunes at halfe penie farding: great raisons three
+ pound for a penie, cinamon at foure pence the ounce, cloues at two
+ pence, and pepper at twelue, and sixteene pence the pound. Whereby we
+ may sée the sequele of things not alwaies but verie seldome to be such
+ as is pretended in the beginning. The wares that they carrie out of
+ the realme, are for the most part brode clothes and carsies of all
+ colours, likewise cottons, fréeses, rugs, tin, wooll, our best béere,
+ baies, bustian, mockadoes tufted and plaine, rash, lead, fells, &c:
+ which being shipped at sundrie ports of our coasts, are borne from
+ thence into all quarters of the world, and there either exchanged for
+ other wares or readie monie: to the great gaine and commoditie of our
+ merchants. And whereas in times past their cheefe trade was into
+ Spaine, Portingall, France, Flanders, Danske, Norwaie, Scotland, and
+ Iseland onelie: now in these daies, as men not contented with these
+ iournies, they haue sought out the east and west Indies, and made now
+ and then suspicious voiages not onelie vnto the Canaries, and new
+ Spaine, but likewise into Cathaia, Moscouia, Tartaria, and the regions
+ thereabout, from whence (as they saie) they bring home great
+ commodities. But alas I sée not by all their trauell that the prices
+ of things are anie whit abated. Certes this enormitie (for so I doo
+ accompt of it) was sufficientlie prouided for, An. 9 Edward 3. by a
+ noble estatute made in that behalfe, but vpon what occasion the
+ generall execution thereof is staied or not called on, in good sooth I
+ cannot tell. This onelie I know, that euerie function and seuerall
+ vocation striueth with other, which of them should haue all the water
+ of commoditie run into hir owne cesterne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Yeomen.]
+ Yeomen are those, which by our law are called Legales homines, free
+ men borne English, and may dispend of their owne free land in yearelie
+ reuenue, to the summe of fortie shillings sterling, or six pounds as
+ monie goeth in our times. Some are of the opinion by Cap. 2. Rich. 2.
+ an. 20. that they are the same which the French men call varlets, but
+ as that phrase is vsed in my time it is farre vnlikelie to be so. The
+ truth is that the word is deriued from the Saxon terme Zeoman or
+ Geoman, which signifieth (as I haue read) a settled or staid man, such
+ I meane as being maried and of some yeares, betaketh himselfe to staie
+ in the place of his abode for the better maintenance of himselfe and
+ his familie, whereof the single sort haue no regard, but are likelie
+ to be still fleeting now hither now thither, which argueth want of
+ stabilitie in determination and resolution of iudgement, for the
+ execution of things of anie importance. This sort of people haue a
+ certeine preheminence, and more estimation than labourers & the common
+ sort of artificers, & these commonlie liue wealthilie, kéepe good
+ houses, and trauell to get riches. They are also for the most part
+ farmers to gentlemen (in old time called Pagani, & opponuntur
+ militibus, and therfore Persius calleth himselfe Semipaganus) or at
+ the leastwise artificers, & with grasing, frequenting of markets, and
+ kéeping of seruants (not idle seruants as the gentlemen doo, but such
+ as get both their owne and part of their masters liuing) do come to
+ great welth, in somuch that manie of them are able and doo buie the
+ lands of vnthriftie gentlemen, and often setting their sonnes to the
+ schooles, to the vniuersities, and to the Ins of the court; or
+ otherwise leauing them sufficient lands wherevpon they may liue
+ without labour, doo make them by those meanes to become gentlemen:
+ these were they that in times past made all France afraid. And albeit
+ they be not called master as gentlemen are, or sir as to knights
+ apperteineth, but onelie Iohn and Thomas, &c: yet haue they beene
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen on foot and Frenchmen on horssebacke best.]
+ found to haue doone verie good seruice: and the kings of England in
+ foughten battels, were woont to remaine among them (who were their
+ footmen) as the French kings did amongst their horssemen: the prince
+ thereby shewing where his chiefe strength did consist.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Capite censi or Proletarij._]
+ The fourth and last sort of people in England are daie labourers,
+ poore husbandmen, and some retailers (which haue no frée land) copie
+ holders, and all artificers, as tailers, shomakers, carpenters,
+ [Sidenote: No slaues nor bondmen in England.]
+ brickmakers, masons, &c. As for slaues and bondmen we haue none, naie
+ such is the priuilege of our countrie by the especiall grace of God,
+ and bountie of our princes, that if anie come hither from other
+ realms, so soone as they set foot on land they become so frée of
+ condition as their masters, whereby all note of seruile bondage is
+ vtterlie remooued from them, wherein we resemble (not the Germans who
+ had slaues also, though such as in respect of the slaues of other
+ countries might well be reputed frée, but) the old Indians and the
+ Taprobanes, who supposed it a great iniurie to nature to make or
+ suffer them to be bond, whome she in hir woonted course dooth product
+ and bring foorth frée. This fourth and last sort of people therefore
+ haue neither voice nor authoritie in the common wealth, but are to be
+ ruled, and not to rule other: yet they are not altogither neglected,
+ for in cities and corporat townes, for default of yeomen they are
+ faine to make up their inquests of such maner of people. And in
+ villages they are commonlie made churchwardens, sidemen, aleconners,
+ now and then constables, and manie times inioie the name of
+ hedboroughes. Vnto this sort also may our great swarmes of idle
+ seruing men be referred, of whome there runneth a prouerbe; Yoong
+ seruing men old beggers, bicause seruice is none heritage. These men
+ are profitable to none, for if their condition be well perused, they
+ are enimies to their masters, to their freends, and to themselues: for
+ by them oftentimes their masters are incouraged vnto vnlawfull
+ exactions of their tenants, their fréends brought vnto pouertie by
+ their rents inhanced, and they themselues brought to confusion by
+ their owne prodigalitie and errors, as men that hauing not wherewith
+ of their owne to mainteine their excesses, doo search in high waies,
+ budgets, cofers, males, and stables, which way to supplie their wants.
+ How diuerse of them also coueting to beare an high saile doo insinuate
+ themselues with yoong gentlemen and noble men newlie come to their
+ lands, the case is too much apparant, whereby the good natures of the
+ parties are not onelie a little impaired, but also their liuelihoods
+ and reuenues so wasted and consumed, that if at all yet not in manie
+ yeares they shall be able to recouer themselues. It were verie good
+ therefore that the superfluous heapes of them were in part diminished.
+ And sith necessitie inforceth to haue some, yet let wisdome moderate
+ their numbers, so shall their masters be rid of vnnecessarie charge,
+ and the common wealth of manie théeues. No nation cherisheth such
+ store of them as we doo here in England, in hope of which maintenance
+ manie giue themselues to idlenesse, that otherwise would be brought to
+ labour, and liue in order like subiects. Of their whoredomes I will
+ not speake anie thing at all, more than of their swearing, yet is it
+ found that some of them doo make the first a cheefe piller of their
+ building, consuming not onelie the goods but also the health & welfare
+ of manie honest gentlemen, citizens, wealthie yeomen, &c: by such
+ vnlawfull dealings. But how farre haue I waded in this point, or how
+ farre may I saile in such a large sea? I will therefore now staie to
+ speake anie more of those kind of men. In returning therefore to my
+ matter, this furthermore among other things I haue to saie of our
+ husbandmen and artificers, that they were neuer so excellent in their
+ trades as at this present. But as the workemanship of the later sort
+ was neuer more fine and curious to the eie, so was it neuer lesse
+ strong and substantiall for continuance and benefit of the buiers.
+ Neither is there anie thing that hurteth the common sort of our
+ artificers more than hast, and a barbarous or slauish desire to turne
+ the penie, and by ridding their worke to make spéedie vtterance of
+ their wares: which inforceth them to bungle vp and dispatch manie
+ things they care not how so they be out of their hands, whereby the
+ buier is often sore defrauded, and findeth to his cost, that hast
+ maketh wast, according to the prouerbe.
+
+ Oh how manie trades and handicrafts are now in England, whereof the
+ common wealth hath no néed? How manie néedfull commodities haue we
+ which are perfected with great cost, &c: and yet may with farre more
+ ease and lesse cost be prouided from other countries if we could vse
+ the meanes. I will not speake of iron, glasse, and such like, which
+ spoile much wood, and yet are brought from other countries better
+ chéepe than we can make them here at home, I could exemplifie also in
+ manie other. But to leaue these things and procéed with our purpose,
+ and herein (as occasion serueth) generallie by waie of conclusion to
+ speake of the common-wealth of England, I find that it is gouerned and
+ mainteined by three sorts of persons.
+
+ 1 The prince, monarch, and head gouernour, which is called the king,
+ or (if the crowne fall to the woman) the quéene: in whose name and by
+ whose authoritie all things are administred.
+
+ 2 The gentlemen, which be diuided into two sorts, as the baronie or
+ estate of lords (which conteineth barons and all aboue that degree)
+ and also those that be no lords, as knights, esquiers, & simple
+ gentlemen, as I haue noted alreadie. Out of these also are the great
+ deputies and high presidents chosen, of which one serueth in Ireland,
+ as another did sometime in Calis, and the capteine now at Berwike; as
+ one lord president dooth gouerne in Wales, and the other the north
+ parts of this Iland, which later with certeine councellors and iudges
+ were erected by king Henrie the eight. But forsomuch as I haue touched
+ their conditions elsewhere, it shall be inough to haue remembred them
+ at this time.
+
+ 3 The third and last sort is named the yeomanrie, of whom & their
+ sequele, the labourers and artificers, I haue said somewhat euen now.
+ Whereto I ad that they be not called masters and gentlemen, but
+ goodmen, as goodman Smith, goodman Coot, goodman Cornell, goodman
+ Mascall, goodman Cockswet, &c: & in matters of law these and the like
+ are called thus, Giles lewd-yeoman, Edward Mountford yeoman, Iames
+ Cocke yeoman, Herrie Butcher yeoman, &c: by which addition they are
+ exempt from the vulgar and common sorts. Cato calleth them Aratores &
+ optimos ciues rei publicæ, of whom also you may read more in the booke
+ of common wealth which sir Thomas Smith sometime penned of this land.
+
+ Of gentlemen also some are by the prince chosen, and called to great
+ offices in the common wealth, of which said offices diuerse concerne
+ the whole realme; some be more priuat and peculiar to the kings house.
+ And they haue their places and degrées, prescribed by an act of
+ parlement made An. 31 Henr. octaui, after this maner insuing.
+
+ These foure the lord Chancellor, the lord Treasuror (who is Supremus
+ ærarij Anglici quæstor _or_ Tribunus ærarius maximus) the lord
+ President of the councell, and the lord Priuie seale, being persons of
+ the degrée of a baron or aboue, are in the same act appointed to sit
+ in the parlement and in all assemblies or councell aboue all dukes,
+ not being of the bloud roiall, Videlicet the kings brother, vncle, or
+ nephue.
+
+ And these six, the lord great Chamberleine of England: the lord high
+ Constable of England: the lord Marshall of England: the lord Admirall
+ of England: the lord great master or Steward of the kings house: and
+ the lord Chamberleine: by that act are to be placed in all assemblies
+ of councell, after the lord priuie seale, according to their degrées
+ and estats: so that if he be a baron, then he is to sit aboue all
+ barons: or an earle, aboue all earles.
+
+ And so likewise the kings secretarie, being a baron of the parlement,
+ hath place aboue all barons, and if he be a man of higher degrée, he
+ shall sit and be placed according therevnto.
+
+ _The rehearsall of the temporall nobilitie of England, according to
+ the anciencie of their creations, or first calling to their degrees,
+ as they are to be found at this present._
+
+ [Sidenote: No duke in England.]
+ [Sidenote: Earles.]
+
+   The Marquise of Winchester.
+   The earle of Arundell.
+   The earle of Oxford.
+   The earle of Northumberland.
+   The earle of Shrewesburie.
+   The earle of Kent.
+   The earle of Derbie.
+   The earle of Worcester.
+   The earle of Rutland.
+   The earle of Cumberland.
+   The earle of Sussex.
+   The earle of Huntingdon.
+   The earle of Bath.
+   The earle of Warwike.
+   The earle of Southampton.
+   The earle of Bedford.
+   The earle of Penbrooke.
+   The earle of Hertford.
+   The earle of Leicester.
+   The earle of Essex.
+   The earle of Lincolne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Visconts.]
+
+   The viscont Montague.
+   The viscont Bindon.
+
+ [Sidenote: Barons.]
+
+   The lord of Abergeuennie.
+   The lord Awdeleie.
+   The lord Zouch.
+   The lord Barkeleie.
+   The lord Morleie.
+   The lord Dacres of the south.
+   The lord Cobham.
+   The lord Stafford.
+   The lord Greie of Wilton.
+   The lord Scroope.
+   The lord Dudleie.
+   The lord Latimer.
+   The lord Stourton.
+   The lord Lumleie.
+   The lord Mountioie.
+   The lord Ogle.
+   The lord Darcie of the north.
+   The lord Mountegle.
+   The lord Sands.
+   The lord Vaulx.
+   The lord Windsore.
+   The lord Wentworth.
+   The lord Borough.
+   The lord Mordaunt.
+   The lord Cromwell.
+   The lord Euers.
+   The lord Wharton.
+   The lord Rich.
+   The lord Willowbie.
+   The lord Sheffeld.
+   The lord Paget.
+   The lord Darcie of Chichester.
+   The lord Howard of Effingham.
+   The lord North.
+   The lord Chaundos.
+   The lord of Hunsdon.
+   The lord saint Iohn of Bletso.
+   The lord of Buckhirst.
+   The lord Delaware.
+   The lord Burghleie.
+   The lord Compton.
+   The lord Cheineie.
+   The lord Norreis.
+
+ _Bishops in their anciencie, as they sat in parlement, in the fift of
+ the Queenes maiesties reigne that now is._
+
+ [Sidenote: Cleargie.]
+
+   The archbishop of Canturburie.
+   The archbishop of Yorke.
+   London.
+   Durham.
+   Winchester.
+
+ The rest had their places in senioritie of consecration.
+
+   Chichester.
+   Landaffe.
+   Hereford.
+   Elie.
+   Worcester.
+   Bangor.
+   Lincolne.
+   Salisburie.
+   S. Dauids.
+   Rochester.
+   Bath and Welles.
+   Couentrie and Lichfield.
+   Excester.
+   Norwich.
+   Peterborough.
+   Carleill.
+   Chester.
+   S. Assaph.
+   Glocester.
+
+ And this for their placing in the parlement house. Howbeit, when the
+ archbishop of Canturburie siteth in his prouinciall assemblie, he hath
+ on his right hand the archbishop of Yorke, and next vnto him the
+ bishop of Winchester, on the left hand the bishop of London: but if it
+ fall out that the archbishop of Canturburie be not there by the
+ vacation of his sée, then the archbishop of Yorke is to take his
+ place, who admitteth the bishop of London to his right hand, and the
+ prelat of Winchester to his left, the rest sitting alwaies as afore,
+ that is to saie, as they are elders by consecration, which I thought
+ good also to note out of an ancient president.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE FOOD AND DIET OF THE ENGLISH.
+
+ CHAP. VI.
+
+
+ The situation of our region, lieng néere vnto the north, dooth cause
+ the heate of our stomaches to be of somewhat greater force: therefore
+ our bodies doo craue a little more ample nourishment, than the
+ inhabitants of the hotter regions are accustomed withall, whose
+ digestiue force is not altogither so vehement, bicause their internall
+ heat is not so strong as ours, which is kept in by the coldnesse of
+ the aire, that from time to time (speciallie in winter) dooth enuiron
+ our bodies.
+
+ It is no maruell therefore that our tables are oftentimes more
+ plentifullie garnished than those of other nations, and this trade
+ hath continued with vs euen since the verie beginning. For before the
+ Romans found out and knew the waie vnto our countrie, our predecessors
+ fed largelie vpon flesh and milke, whereof there was great aboundance
+ in this Ile, bicause they applied their chéefe studies vnto pasturage
+ and féeding. After this maner also did our Welsh Britons order
+ themselues in their diet so long as they liued of themselues, but
+ after they became to be vnited and made equall with the English they
+ framed their appetites to liue after our maner, so that at this daie
+ there is verie little difference betwéene vs in our diets.
+
+ In Scotland likewise they haue giuen themselues (of late yeares to
+ speake of) vnto verie ample and large diet, wherein as for some
+ respect nature dooth make them equall with vs: so otherwise they far
+ excéed vs in ouer much and distemperate gormandize, and so ingrosse
+ their bodies that diuerse of them doo oft become vnapt to anie other
+ purpose than to spend their times in large tabling and bellie chéere.
+ Against this pampering of their carcasses dooth Hector Boetius in his
+ description of the countrie verie sharpelie inueigh in the first
+ chapter of that treatise. Henrie Wardlaw also bishop of S. Andrewes,
+ noting their vehement alteration from competent frugalitie into
+ excessiue gluttonie, to be brought out of England with Iames the first
+ (who had béene long time prisoner there vnder the fourth & fift
+ Henries, and at his returne caried diuerse English gentlemen into his
+ countrie with him, whome he verie honorablie preferred there) dooth
+ vehementlie exclame against the same in open parlement holden at Perth
+ 1433, before the three estats, and so bringeth his purpose to passe in
+ the end by force of his learned persuasions, that a law was presentlie
+ made there for the restreint of superfluous diet, amongest other
+ things baked meats (dishes neuer before this mans daies seene in
+ Scotland) were generallie so prouided for by vertue of this act, that
+ it was not lawfull for anie to eat of the same vnder the degrée of a
+ gentleman, and those onelie but on high and festiuall daies, but alas
+ it was soone forgotten.
+
+ In old time these north Britons did giue themselues vniuersallie to
+ great abstinence, and in time of warres their souldiers would often
+ féed but once or twise at the most in two or thrée daies (especiallie
+ if they held themselues in secret, or could haue no issue out of their
+ bogges and marises, through the presence of the enimie) and in this
+ distresse they vsed to eat a certeine kind of confection, whereof so
+ much as a beane would qualifie their hunger aboue common expectation.
+ In woods moreouer they liued with hearbes and rootes, or if these
+ shifts serued not thorough want of such prouision at hand, then vsed
+ they to créepe into the water or said moorish plots vp vnto the chins,
+ and there remaine a long time, onelie to qualifie the heats of their
+ stomachs by violence, which otherwise would haue wrought and béene
+ readie to oppresse them for hunger and want of sustinance. In those
+ daies likewise it was taken for a great offense ouer all, to eat
+ either goose, hare, or henne, bicause of a certeine superstitious
+ opinion which they had conceiued of those three creatures, howbeit
+ after that the Romans (I saie) had once found an entrance into this
+ Iland, it was not long yer open shipwracke was made of this religious
+ obseruation, so that in processe of time, so well the north and south
+ Britons as the Romans, gaue ouer to make such difference in meats, as
+ they had doone before.
+
+ From thencefoorth also vnto our daies, and euen in this season wherein
+ we liue, there is no restreint of anie meat, either for religions sake
+ or publike order in England, but it is lawfull for euerie man to féed
+ vpon what soeuer he is able to purchase, except it be vpon those daies
+ whereon eating of flesh is especiallie forbidden by the lawes of the
+ realme, which order is taken onelie to the end our numbers of cattell
+ may be the better increased, & that aboundance of fish which the sea
+ yéeldeth, more generallie receiued. Beside this there is great
+ consideration had in making of this law for the preseruation of the
+ nauie, and maintenance of conuenient numbers of sea faring men, both
+ which would otherwise greatlie decaie, if some meanes were not found
+ whereby they might be increased. But how soeuer this case standeth,
+ white meats, milke, butter & cheese, which were neuer so deere as in
+ my time, and woont to be accounted of as one of the chiefe staies
+ throughout the Iland, are now reputed as food appertinent onelie to
+ the inferiour sort, whilest such as are more wealthie, doo féed vpon
+ the flesh of all kinds of cattell accustomed to be eaten, all sorts of
+ fish taken vpon our coasts and in our fresh riuers, and such
+ diuersitie of wild and tame foules as are either bred in our Iland or
+ brought ouer vnto vs from other countries of the maine.
+
+ In number of dishes and change of meat, the nobilitie of England
+ (whose cookes are for the most part musicall headed Frenchmen and
+ strangers) doo most exceed, sith there is no daie in maner that
+ passeth ouer their heads, wherein they haue not onelie béefe, mutton,
+ veale, lambe, kid, porke, conie, capon, pig, or so manie of these as
+ the season yeeldeth: but also some portion of the red or fallow déere,
+ beside great varietie of fish and wild foule, and thereto sundrie
+ other delicates wherein the swéet hand of the seafaring Portingale is
+ not wanting: so that for a man to dine with one of them, and to tast
+ of euerie dish that standeth before him (which few vse to doo, but ech
+ one feedeth vpon that meat him best liketh for the time, the beginning
+ of euerie dish notwithstanding being reserued vnto the greatest
+ personage that sitteth at the table, to whome it is drawen vp still by
+ the waiters as order requireth, and from whome it descendeth againe
+ euen to the lower end, whereby each one may tast thereof) is rather to
+ yéeld vnto a conspiracie with a great deale of meat for the spéedie
+ suppression of naturall health, then the vse of a necessarie meane to
+ satisfie himselfe with a competent repast, to susteine his bodie
+ withall. But as this large feeding is not séene in their gests, no
+ more is it in their owne persons, for sith they haue dailie much
+ resort vnto their tables (and manie times vnlooked for) and thereto
+ reteine great numbers of seruants, it is verie requisit & expedient
+ for them to be somewhat plentifull in this behalfe.
+
+ The chiefe part likewise of their dailie prouision is brought in
+ before them (commonlie in siluer vessell if they be of the degrée of
+ barons, bishops and vpwards) and placed on their tables, wherof when
+ they haue taken what it pleaseth them, the rest is reserued, and
+ afterward sent downe to their seruing men and waiters, who féed
+ thereon in like sort with conuenient moderation, their reuersion also
+ being bestowed vpon the poore, which lie readie at their gates in
+ great numbers to receiue the same. This is spoken of the principall
+ tables whereat the nobleman, his ladie and guestes are accustomed to
+ sit, beside which they haue a certeine ordinarie allowance dailie
+ appointed for their hals, where the chiefe officers and household
+ seruants (for all are not permitted by custome to waite vpon their
+ master) and with them such inferiour guestes doo féed as are not of
+ calling to associat the noble man himselfe (so that besides those
+ afore mentioned, which are called to the principall table, there are
+ commonlie fortie or thrée score persons fed in those hals, to the
+ great reliefe of such poore sutors and strangers also as oft be
+ partakers thereof and otherwise like to dine hardlie. As for drinke it
+ is vsuallie filled in pots, gobblets, iugs, bols of siluer in noble
+ mens houses, also in fine Venice glasses of all formes, and for want
+ of these elsewhere in pots of earth of sundrie colours and moulds
+ whereof manie are garnished with siluer) or at the leastwise in
+ pewter, all which notwithstanding are seldome set on the table, but
+ each one as necessitie vrgeth, calleth for a cup of such drinke as him
+ listeth to haue: so that when he hath tasted of it he deliuered the
+ cup againe to some one of the standers by, who making it cleane by
+ pouring out the drinke that remaineth, restoreth it to the cupbord
+ from whence he fetched the same. By this deuise (a thing brought vp at
+ the first by Mnesteus of Athens, in conseruation of the honour of
+ Orestes, who had not yet made expiation for the death of his
+ adulterous parents Egistus and Clitemnestra) much idle tippling is
+ furthermore cut off, for if the full pots should continuallie stand at
+ the elbow or néere the trencher, diuerse would alwaies be dealing with
+ them, whereas now they drinke seldome and onelie when necessitie
+ vrgeth, and so auoid the note of great drinking, or often troubling of
+ the seruitours with filling of their bols. Neuerthelesse in the noble
+ mens hals, this order is not vsed, neither in anie mans house
+ commonlie vnder the degrée of a knight or esquire of great reuenues.
+ It is a world to sée in these our daies, wherin gold and siluer most
+ aboundeth, how that our gentilitie as lothing those mettals (bicause
+ of the plentie) do now generallie choose rather the Venice glasses
+ both for our wine and béere, than anie of those mettals or stone
+ wherein before time we haue béene accustomed to drinke, but such is
+ the nature of man generallie that it most coueteth things difficult to
+ be atteined; & such is the estimation of this stuffe, that manie
+ become rich onelie with their new trade vnto Murana (a towne néere to
+ Venice situat on the Adriatike sea) from whence the verie best are
+ dailie to be had, and such as for beautie doo well néere match the
+ christall or the ancient Murrhina vasa, whereof now no man hath
+ knowledge. And as this is séene in the gentilitie, so in the wealthie
+ communaltie the like desire of glasse is not neglected, whereby the
+ gaine gotten by their purchase is yet much more increased to the
+ benefit of the merchant. The poorest also will haue glasse if they
+ may, but sith the Venecian is somewhat too déere for them, they
+ content themselues with such as are made at home of ferne and burned
+ stone, but in fine all go one waie, that is, to shards at the last, so
+ that our great expenses in glasses (beside that they bréed much strife
+ toward such as haue the charge of them) are worst of all bestowed in
+ mine opinion, bicause their péeces doo turne vnto no profit. If the
+ [Sidenote: Ro. Bacon.]
+ philosophers stone were once found, and one part hereof mixed with
+ fortie of molten glasse, it would induce such a mettallicall
+ toughnesse therevnto, that a fall should nothing hurt it in such
+ maner, yet it might peraduenture bunch or batter it, neuerthelesse
+ that inconuenience were quickelie to be redressed by the hammer. But
+ whither am I slipped?
+
+ The gentlemen and merchants keepe much about one rate, and each of
+ them contenteth himselfe with foure, fiue, or six dishes, when they
+ haue but small resort, or peraduenture with one, or two, or thrée at
+ the most, when they haue no strangers to accompanie them at their
+ tables. And yet their seruants haue their ordinarie diet assigned,
+ beside such as is left at their masters boordes, & not appointed to be
+ brought thither the second time, which neuerthelesse is often séene
+ generallie in venison, lambe, or some especiall dish, whereon the
+ merchant man himselfe liketh to feed when it is cold, or peraduenture
+ for sundrie causes incident to the féeder is better so, than if it
+ were warme or hot. To be short, at such time as the merchants doo make
+ their ordinarie or voluntarie feasts, it is a world to see what great
+ prouision is made of all maner of delicat meats, from euerie quarter
+ of the countrie, wherein beside that they are often comparable herein
+ to the nobilitie of the land, they will seldome regard anie thing that
+ the butcher vsuallie killeth, but reiect the same as not worthie to
+ come in place. In such cases also geliffes of all colours mixed with a
+ varietie in the representation of sundrie floures, herbs, trees,
+ formes of beasts, fish, foules and fruits, and therevnto marchpaine
+ wrought with no small curiositie, tarts of diuerse hewes and sundrie
+ denominations, conserues of old fruits forren and home-bred, suckets,
+ codinacs, marmilats, marchpaine, sugerbread, gingerbread, florentines,
+ wild foule, venison of all sorts, and sundrie outlandish confections,
+ altogether seasoned with suger (which Plinie calleth Mel ex
+ arundinibus, a deuise not common nor greatlie vsed in old time at the
+ table, but onelie in medicine, although it grew in Arabia, India &
+ Sicilia) doo generallie beare the swaie, besides infinit deuises of
+ our owne not possible for me to remember. Of the potato and such
+ venerous roots as are brought out of Spaine, Portingale, and the
+ Indies to furnish vp our bankets, I speake not, wherin our Mures of no
+ lesse force, and to be had about Crosbie Rauenswath, doo now begin to
+ haue place.
+
+ But among all these, the kind of meat which is obteined with most
+ difficultie and cost, is commonlie taken for the most delicat, and
+ therevpon each guest will soonest desire to feed. And as all estats
+ doo excéed herin, I meane for strangenesse and number of costlie
+ dishes, so these forget not to vse the like excesse in wine, in somuch
+ as there is no kind to be had (neither anie where more store of all
+ sorts than in England, although we haue none growing with vs but
+ yearelie to the proportion of 20000 or 30000 tun and vpwards,
+ notwithstanding the dailie restreincts of the same brought ouer vnto
+ vs) wherof at great méetings there is not some store to be had.
+ Neither doo I meane this of small wines onlie, as Claret, White, Red,
+ French, &c: which amount to about fiftie six sorts, according to the
+ number of regions from whence they come: but also of the thirtie kinds
+ of Italian, Grecian, Spanish, Canarian, &c: whereof Veruage, Cate
+ pument, Raspis, Muscadell, Romnie, Bastard Tire, Oseie, Caprike,
+ Clareie & Malmeseie are not least of all accompted of, bicause of
+ their strength and valure. For as I haue said in meat, so the stronger
+ the wine is, the more it is desired, by means wherof in old time, the
+ best was called Theologicum, bicause it was had from the cleargie and
+ religious men, vnto whose houses manie of the laitie would often send
+ for bottels filled with the same, being sure that they would neither
+ drinke nor be serued of the worst, or such as was anie waies mingled
+ or brued by the vintener: naie the merchant would haue thought that
+ his soule should haue gone streightwaie to the diuell, if he should
+ haue serued them with other than the best. Furthermore when these haue
+ had their course which nature yéeldeth, sundrie sorts of artificiall
+ stuffe, as ypocras & wormewood wine must in like maner succéed in
+ their turnes, beside stale ale and strong béere, which neuerthelesse
+ beare the greatest brunt in drinking, and are of so manie sorts and
+ ages as it pleaseth the bruer to make them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Béere.]
+ The béere that is vsed at noble mens tables in their fixed and
+ standing houses, is commonlie of a yeare old, or peraduenture of two
+ yeares tunning or more, but this is not generall. It is also brued in
+ March and therefore called March béere, but for the household it is
+ vsuallie not vnder a moneths age, ech one coueting to haue the same
+ stale as he may, so that it be not sowre, and his bread new as is
+ possible so that it be not hot.
+
+ [Sidenote: Artificer.]
+ The artificer and husbandman make greatest accompt of such meat as
+ they may soonest come by, and haue it quickliest readie, except it be
+ in London when the companies of euery trade doo meet on their quarter
+ daies, at which time they be nothing inferiour to the nobilitie. Their
+ food also consisteth principallie in béefe and such meat as the
+ butcher selleth, that is to saie, mutton, veale, lambe, porke, &c:
+ whereof he findeth great store in the markets adioining, beside souse,
+ brawne, bacon, fruit, pies of fruit, foules of sundrie sorts, cheese,
+ butter, egs, &c: as the other wanteth it not at home, by his owne
+ prouision, which is at the best hand, and commonlie least charge. In
+ feasting also this latter sort, I meane the husbandmen doo excéed
+ after their maner: especiallie at bridales, purifications of women,
+ and such od méetings, where it is incredible to tell what meat is
+ consumed & spent, ech one bringing such a dish, or so manie with him
+ as his wife & he doo consult vpon, but alwaies with this
+ consideration, that the léefer fréend shall haue the better prouision.
+ This also is commonlie séene at these bankets, that the good man of
+ the house is not charged with any thing sauing bread, drink, sauce,
+ houseroome, and fire. But the artificers in cities and good townes doo
+ deale far otherwise, for albeit that some of them doo suffer their
+ iawes to go oft before their clawes, and diuerse of them by making
+ good cheere doo hinder themselues and other men: yet the wiser sort
+ can handle the matter well inough in these iunkettings, and therfore
+ their frugalitie deserueth commendation. To conclude, both the
+ artificer and the husbandman are sufficientlie liberall, & verie
+ fréendlie at their tables, and when they méet, they are so merie
+ without malice, and plaine without inward Italian or French craft and
+ subtiltie, that it would doo a man good to be in companie among them.
+ Herein onelie are the inferiour sort somewhat to be blamed, that being
+ thus assembled, their talke is now and then such as sauoureth of
+ scurrilitie and ribaldrie, a thing naturallie incident to carters and
+ clownes, who thinke themselues not to be merie & welcome, if their
+ foolish veines in this behalfe be neuer so little restreined. This is
+ moreouer to be added in these méetings, that if they happen to stumble
+ vpon a péece of venison, and a cup of wine or verie strong beere or
+ ale (which latter they commonlie prouide against their appointed
+ daies) they thinke their chéere so great, and themselues to haue fared
+ [Sidenote: I haue dined so well as my lord maior.]
+ so well, as the lord Maior of London, with whome when their bellies be
+ full they will not often sticke to make comparison, because that of a
+ subiect there is no publike officer of anie citie in Europe, that may
+ compare in port and countenance with him during the time of his
+ office.
+
+ I might here talke somewhat of the great silence that is vsed at the
+ tables of the honorable and wiser sort, generallie ouer all the realme
+ (albeit that too much deserueth no c[=o]mendation, for it belongeth to
+ gests neither to be muti nor loquaces) likewise of the moderate eating
+ and drinking that is dailie séene, and finallie of the regard that
+ each one hath to keepe himselfe from the note of surffetting and
+ dronkennesse (for which cause salt meat, except béefe, bacon, and
+ porke are not anie whit esteemed, and yet these thrée may not be much
+ powdered) but as in rehearsall thereof I should commend the noble man,
+ merchant, and frugall artificer, so I could not cleare the meaner sort
+ of husbandmen, and countrie inhabitants of verie much babbling (except
+ it be here and there some od yeoman) with whome he is thought to be
+ the meriest that talketh of most ribaldrie, or the wisest man that
+ speaketh fastest among them, & now and then surffetting and
+ dronkennesse, which they rather fall into for want of héed taking,
+ than wilfullie following or delighting in those errours of set mind
+ and purpose. It may be that diuers of them liuing at home with hard
+ and pinching diet, small drinke, and some of them hauing scarse inough
+ of that, are soonest ouertaken when they come vnto such bankets,
+ howbeit they take it generallie as no small disgrace if they happen to
+ be cupshotten, so that it is a greefe vnto them though now sans
+ remedie sith the thing is doone and past. If the freends also of the
+ wealthier sort come to their houses from farre, they are commonlie so
+ welcome till they depart as vpon the first daie of their comming,
+ wheras in good townes and cities, as London, &c: men oftentimes
+ complaine of little roome, and in reward of a fat capon or plentie of
+ béefe and mutton, largelie bestowed vpon them in the countrie, a cup
+ of wine or béere with a napkin to wipe their lips, and an "You are
+ heartelie welcome" is thought to be great interteinement, and
+ therefore the old countrie clearkes haue framed this saieng in that
+ behalfe, I meane vpon the interteinment of townesmens and Londoners
+ after the daies of their aboad in this maner:
+
+   Primus iucundus, tollerabilis estq; secundus,
+   Tertius est vanus, sed fetet quatriduanus.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bread.]
+ The bread through out the land is made of such graine as the soile
+ yéeldeth, neuerthelesse the gentilitie commonlie prouide themselues
+ sufficientlie of wheat for their owne tables, whilest their household
+ and poore neighbours in some shires are inforced to content themselues
+ with rie, or barleie, yea and in time of dearth manie with bread made
+ either of beans, peason, or otes, or of altogither and some acornes
+ among, of which scourge the poorest doo soonest tast, sith they are
+ least able to prouide themselues of better. I will not saie that this
+ extremitie is oft so well to be seene in time of plentie as of dearth,
+ but if I should I could easilie bring my triall. For albeit that there
+ be much more ground eared now almost in euerie place, than hath beene
+ of late yeares, yet such a price of corne continueth in each towne and
+ market without any iust cause (except it be that landlords doo get
+ licences to carie corne out of the land onelie to kéepe vp the peeces
+ for their owne priuate gaines and ruine of the common-wealth) that the
+ artificer and poore laboring man, is not able to reach vnto it, but
+ [Sidenote: A famine at hand is first séene in the horsse manger
+ when the poore doo fall to horssecorne.]
+ is driuen to content himselfe with horsse-corne, I meane, beanes,
+ peason, otes, tares, and lintels: and therefore it is a true prouerbe,
+ and neuer so well verified as now, that hunger setteth his first foot
+ into the horsse manger. If the world last a while after this rate,
+ wheate and rie will be no graine for poore men to feed on, and some
+ caterpillers there are that can saie so much alreadie.
+
+ Of bread made of wheat we haue sundrie sorts, dailie brought to the
+ table, whereof the first and most excellent is the mainchet, which we
+ [Sidenote: Primarius panis.]
+ commonlie call white bread, in Latine Primarius panis, wherof Budeus
+ also speaketh, in his first booke De asse, and our good workemen
+ deliuer commonlie such proportion, that of the flower of one bushell
+ with another they make fortie cast of manchet, of which euerie lofe
+ weigheth eight ounces into the ouen and six ounces out, as I haue
+ [Sidenote: Cheat bread.]
+ béene informed. The second is the cheat or wheaton bread, so named
+ bicause the colour therof resembleth the graie or yellowish wheat,
+ being cleane and well dressed, and out of this is the coursest of the
+ [Sidenote: Rauelled bread.]
+ bran (vsuallie called gurgeons or pollard) taken. The raueled is a
+ kind of cheat bread also, but it reteineth more of the grosse, and
+ lesse of the pure substance of the wheat: and this being more
+ sleightlie wrought vp, is vsed in the halles of the nobilitie, and
+ gentrie onelie, whereas the other either is or should be baked in
+ [Sidenote: The size of bread is verie ill kept or not at all
+ looked vnto in the countrie townes and markets.]
+ cities & good townes of an appointed size (according to such price as
+ the corne dooth beare) and by a statute prouided by king Iohn in that
+ behalfe. The raueled cheat therfore is generallie so made that out of
+ one bushell of meale, after two and twentie pounds of bran be sifted
+ and taken from it (wherevnto they ad the gurgeons that rise from the
+ manchet) they make thirtie cast, euerie lofe weighing eightéene ounces
+ into the ouen and sixteene ounces out: and beside this they so handle
+ the matter that to euerie bushell of meale they ad onelie two and
+ twentie or thrée and twentie pound of water, washing also in some
+ houses there corne before it go to the mill, whereby their manchet
+ bread is more excellent in colour and pleasing to the eie, than
+ [Sidenote: Browne bread.]
+ otherwise it would be. The next sort is named browne bread of the
+ colour, of which we haue two sorts, one baked vp as it c[=o]meth from
+ the mill, so that neither the bran nor the floure are anie whit
+ diminished, this Celsus called Autopirus panis, lib. 2. and putteth it
+ in the second place of nourishment. The other hath little or no floure
+ [Sidenote: Panis Cibarius.]
+ left therein at all, howbeit he calleth it Panem Cibarium, and it is
+ not onlie the woorst and weakest of all the other sorts, but also
+ appointed in old time for seruants, slaues, and the inferiour kind of
+ people to féed vpon. Herevnto likewise, bicause it is drie and brickie
+ in the working (for it will hardlie be made vp handsomelie into
+ loaues) some adde a portion of rie meale in our time, whereby the
+ rough drinesse or drie roughnes therof is somwhat qualified, & then it
+ is named miscelin, that is, bread made of mingled corne, albeit that
+ diuerse doo sow or mingle wheat & rie of set purpose at the mill, or
+ before it come there, and sell the same at the markets vnder the
+ aforesaid name.
+
+ [Sidenote: Summer wheat and winter barleie verie rare in England.]
+ In champeigne countries much rie and barleie bread is eaten, but
+ especiallie where wheat is scant and geson. As for the difference that
+ is betwéene the summer and winter wheat, most husbandmen know it not,
+ sith they are neither acquainted with summer wheat, nor winter
+ barleie: yet here and there I find of both sorts, speciallie in the
+ north and about Kendall, where they call it March wheat, and also of
+ summer rie, but in so small quantities as that I dare not pronounce
+ them to be greatlie common among vs.
+
+ [Sidenote: Drinke.]
+ Our drinke, whose force and continuance is partlie touched alreadie,
+ is made of barleie, water, and hops, sodden and mingled togither, by
+ the industrie of our bruers, in a certeine exact proportion. But
+ before our barleie doo come vnto their hands, it susteineth great
+ [Sidenote: Malt.]
+ alteration, and is conuerted into malt, the making whereof, I will
+ here set downe in such order, as my skill therein may extend vnto (for
+ I am scarse a good malster) chiefelie for that forreine writers haue
+ attempted to describe the same, and the making of our beere, wherein
+ they haue shot so farre wide, as the quantitie of ground was betwéene
+ themselues & their marke. In the meane time beare with me, gentle
+ reader (I beséech thée) that lead thee from the description of the
+ plentifull diet of our countrie, vnto the fond report of a seruile
+ trade, or rather from a table delicatelie furnished, into a mustie
+ malthouse: but such is now thy hap, wherfore I praie thée be
+ contented.
+
+ [Sidenote: Making of malt.]
+ Our malt is made all the yeare long in some great townes, but in
+ gentlemens and yeomens houses, who commonlie make sufficient for their
+ owne expenses onelie, the winter halfe is thought most méet for that
+ commoditie: howbeit the malt that is made when the willow dooth bud,
+ is commonlie worst of all, neuerthelesse each one indeuoureth to make
+ it of the best barleie, which is steeped in a cesterne, in greater or
+ less quantitie, by the space of thrée daies and three nights, vntill
+ it be throughlie soked. This being doone, the water is drained from it
+ by little and little, till it be quite gone. Afterward they take it
+ out, and laieng it vpon the cleane floore on a round heape, it resteth
+ so vntill it be readie to shoote at the root end, which maltsters call
+ Comming. When it beginneth therefore to shoot in this maner, they saie
+ it is come, and then foorthwith they spread it abroad, first thicke,
+ and afterward thinner and thinner vpon the said floore (as it commeth)
+ and there it lieth (with turning euerie daie foure or fiue times) by
+ the space of one and twentie daies at the least, the workeman not
+ suffering it in anie wise to take anie heat, whereby the bud end
+ should spire, that bringeth foorth the blade, and by which ouersight
+ or hurt of the stuffe it selfe the malt would be spoiled, and turne
+ small commoditie to the bruer. When it hath gone or béene turned so
+ long vpon the floore, they carie it to a kill couered with haire
+ cloth, where they giue it gentle heats (after they haue spread it
+ there verie thin abroad) till it be drie, & in the meane while they
+ turne it often, that it may be vniformelie dried. For the more it be
+ dried (yet must it be doone with soft fire) the swéeter and better the
+ malt is, and the longer it will continue, whereas if it be not dried
+ downe (as they call it) but slackelie handled, it will bréed a kind of
+ worme, called a wiuell, which groweth in the floure of the corne, and
+ in processe of time will so eat out it selfe, that nothing shall
+ remaine of the graine but euen the verie rind or huske.
+
+ The best malt is tried by the hardnesse & colour, for if it looke
+ fresh with a yellow hew, & thereto will write like a péece of chalke,
+ after you haue bitten a kirnell in sunder in the middest, then you may
+ assure your selfe that it is dried downe. In some places it is dried
+ at leisure with wood alone, or strawe alone, in other with wood and
+ strawe togither, but of all the strawe dried, is the most excellent.
+ For the wood dried malt when it is brued, beside that the drinke is
+ higher of colour, it dooth hurt and annoie the head of him that is not
+ vsed thereto, bicause of the smoake. Such also as vse both
+ indifferentlie doo barke, cleaue, and drie their wood in an ouen,
+ thereby to remooue all moisture that shuld procure the fume, and this
+ malt is in the second place, & with the same likewise, that which is
+ made with dried firze, broome, &c: whereas if they also be occupied
+ gréene, they are in maner so preiudiciall to the corne, as is the
+ moist wood. And thus much of our malts, in bruing whereof some grinde
+ the same somewhat groselie, and in séething well the liquor that shall
+ be put vnto it, they adde to euerie nine quarters of mault one of
+ headcorne, which consisteth of sundrie graine, as wheate, and otes
+ groond. But what haue I to doo with this matter, or rather so great a
+ quantitie, wherewith I am not acquainted. Neuerthelesse, sith I haue
+ taken occasion to speake of bruing, I will exemplifie in such a
+ proportion as I am best skilled in, bicause it is the vsuall rate for
+ mine owne familie, and once in a moneth practised by my wife & hir
+ maid seruants, who procéed withall after this maner, as she hath oft
+ informed me.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bruing of beere.]
+ Hauing therefore groond eight bushels of good malt vpon our querne,
+ where the toll is saued, she addeth vnto it halfe a bushell of wheat
+ meale, and so much of otes small groond, and so tempereth or mixeth
+ them with the malt, that you cannot easilie discerne the one from the
+ other, otherwise these later would clunter, fall into lumps, and
+ thereby become vnprofitable. The first liquor which is full eightie
+ gallons, according to the proportion of our furnace, she maketh
+ boiling hot, and then powreth it softlie into the malt, where it
+ resteth (but without stirring) vntill hir second liquor be almost
+ readie to boile. This doone she letteth hir mash run till the malt be
+ left without liquor, or at the leastwise the greatest part of the
+ moisture, which she perceiueth by the staie and soft issue thereof,
+ and by this time hir second liquor in the furnace is ready to séeth,
+ which is put also to the malt as the first woort also againe into the
+ furnace wherevnto she addeth two pounds of the best English hops, and
+ so letteth them seeth togither by the space of two houres in summer,
+ or an houre and an halfe in winter, whereby it getteth an excellent
+ colour, and continuance without impeachment, or anie superfluous
+ [Sidenote: Charwoort.]
+ tartnesse. But before she putteth hir first woort into the furnace, or
+ mingleth it with the hops, she taketh out a vessel full, of eight or
+ nine gallons, which she shutteth vp close, and suffereth no aire to
+ come into it till it become yellow, and this she reserueth by it selfe
+ vnto further vse, as shall appeare herafter, calling it Brackwoort or
+ Charwoort, and as she saith it addeth also to the colour of the
+ drinke, whereby it yeeldeth not vnto amber or fine gold in hew vnto
+ the eie. By this time also hir second woort is let runne, and the
+ first being taken out of the furnace and placed to coole, she
+ returneth the middle woort vnto the furnace, where it is striken ouer,
+ or from whence it is taken againe, when it beginneth to boile and
+ mashed the second time, whilest the third liquor is heat (for there
+ are thrée liquors) and this last put into the furnace, when the second
+ is mashed againe. When she hath mashed also the last liquor (and set
+ the second to coole by the first) she letteth it runne, and then
+ séetheth it againe with a pound and an halfe of new hops, or
+ peraduenture two pounds as she séeth cause by the goodnesse or
+ basenesse of the hops, & when it hath sodden in summer two houres & in
+ winter an houre & an halfe, she striketh it also and reserueth it vnto
+ mixture with the rest when time dooth serue therefore. Finallie when
+ she setteth hir drinke togither, she addeth to hir brackwoort or
+ charwoort halfe an ounce of arras, and halfe a quarterne of an ounce
+ of baiberries finelie powdered, and then putting the same into hir
+ woort with an handfull of wheat flowre, she procéedeth in such vsuall
+ order as common bruing requireth. Some in stéed of arras & baies adde
+ so much long pepper onelie, but in hir opinion and my liking it is not
+ so good as the first, and hereof we make thrée hoggesheads of good
+ beere, such (I meane) as is méet for poore men as I am to liue
+ withall, whose small maintenance (for what great thing is fortie
+ pounds a yeare Computatis computandis able to performe) may indure no
+ déeper cut, the charges whereof groweth in this manner. I value my
+ malt at ten shillings, my wood at foure shillings which I buie, my
+ hops at twentie pence, the spice at two pence, seruants wages two
+ shillings six pence with meat and drinke, and the wearing of my
+ vessell at twentie pence, so that for my twentie shillings I haue ten
+ score gallons of béere or more, notwithstanding the losse in seething,
+ which some being loth to forgo doo not obserue the time, and therefore
+ spéed thereafter in their successe, and worthilie. The continuance of
+ the drinke is alwaie determined after the quantitie of the hops, so
+ that being well hopped it lasteth longer. For it féedeth vpon the hop,
+ and holdeth out so long as the force of the same continueth, which
+ being extinguished the drinke must be spent or else it dieth, and
+ becommeth of no value.
+
+ In this trade also our bruers obserue verie diligentlie the nature of
+ the water, which they dailie occupie; and soile through which it
+ passeth, for all waters are not of like goodnesse, sith the fattest
+ standing water is alwaies the best: for although the waters that run
+ by chalke or cledgie soiles be good, and next vnto the Thames water
+ which is the most excellent, yet the water that standeth in either of
+ these is the best for vs that dwell in the countrie, as whereon the
+ sunne lieth longest, and fattest fish is bred. But of all other the
+ fennie and morish is the worst, and the cléerest spring water next
+ vnto it. In this busines therfore the skilfull workeman dooth redeeme
+ the iniquitie of that element, by changing of his proportions, which
+ trouble in ale (sometime our onelie, but now taken with manie for old
+ and sickmens drinke) is neuer séene nor heard of. Howbeit as the beere
+ well sodden in the bruing, and stale, is cleere and well coloured as
+ muscadell or malueseie, or rather yellow as the gold noble as our
+ potknights call it: so our ale which is not at all or verie little
+ sodden, and without hops, is more thicke, fulsome, and of no such
+ continuance, which are thrée notable things to be considered in that
+ liquor. But what for that? Certes I know some aleknights so much
+ addicted therevnto, that they will not ceasse from morow vntill euen
+ to visit the same, clensing house after house, till they defile
+ themselues, and either fall quite vnder the boord, or else not daring
+ to stirre from their stooles, sit still pinking with their narrow eies
+ as halfe sleeping, till the fume of their aduersarie be digested that
+ he may go to it afresh. Such flights also haue the alewiues for the
+ vtterance of this drinke, that they will mixe it with rosen and salt:
+ but if you heat a knife red hot, and quench it in the ale so neere the
+ bottome of the pot as you can put it, you shall sée the rosen come
+ foorth hanging on the knife. As for the force of salt, it is well
+ knowne by the effect, for the more the drinker tipleth, the more he
+ may, and so dooth he carrie off a drie dronken noll to bed with him,
+ except his lucke be the better. But to my purpose.
+
+ In some places of England, there is a kind of drinke made of apples,
+ [Sidenote: Cider.]
+ [Sidenote: Perrie.]
+ which they call cider or pomage, but that of peares is named pirrie,
+ and both are groond and pressed in presses made for the nonce. Certes
+ these two are verie common in Sussex, Kent, Worcester, and other
+ stéeds, where these sorts of fruits doo abound, howbeit they are not
+ their onelie drinke at all times, but referred vnto the delicate sorts
+ [Sidenote: Metheglin.]
+ of drinke, as metheglin is in Wales, whereof the Welshmen make no
+ lesse accompt (and not without cause if it be well handled) than the
+ Gréekes did of their Ambrosia or Nectar, which for the pleasantnesse
+ thereof, was supposed to be such as the gods themselues did delite in.
+ There is a kind of swish swash made also in Essex, and diuerse other
+ places, with honicombs and water, which the homelie countrie wiues,
+ [Sidenote: Mead.]
+ putting some pepper and a little other spice among, call mead, verie
+ good in mine opinion for such as loue to be loose bodied at large, or
+ a little eased of the cough, otherwise it differeth so much fr[=o] the
+ true metheglin, as chalke from cheese. Truelie it is nothing else but
+ the washing of the combes, when the honie is wroong out, and one of
+ the best things that I know belonging thereto is, that they spend but
+ [Sidenote: Hydromel.]
+ little labour and lesse cost in making of the same, and therefore no
+ great losse if it were neuer occupied. Hitherto of the diet of my
+ countrimen, & somewhat more at large peraduenture than manie men will
+ like of, wherefore I thinke good now to finish this tractation, and so
+ will I, when I haue added a few other things incident vnto that which
+ goeth before, whereby the whole processe of the same shall fullie be
+ deliuered, & my promise to my fréend in this behalfe performed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lesse time spent in eating than heretofore.]
+ Heretofore there hath béene much more time spent in eating and
+ drinking than commonlie is in these daies, for whereas of old we had
+ breakefasts in the forenoone, beuerages, or nuntions after dinner, and
+ thereto reare suppers generallie when it was time to go to rest (a
+ toie brought into England by hardie Canutus and a custome whereof
+ Athenæus also speaketh lib. 1, albeit Hippocrates speake but of twise
+ at the most lib. 2. De rat. vict. in feb. ac.) Now these od repasts
+ thanked be God are verie well left, and ech one in maner (except here
+ and there some yoong hungrie stomach that cannot fast till dinner
+ time) contenteth himselfe with dinner & supper onelie. The Normans
+ misliking the gormandise of Canutus, ordeined after their arriuall,
+ that no table should be couered aboue once in the daie, which
+ Huntingdon imputeth to their auarice: but in the end either waxing
+ wearie of their owne frugalitie, or suffering the cockle of old
+ custome to ouergrow the good corne of their new constitution, they
+ [Sidenote: Canutus a glutton, but the Normans at the last
+ excéeded him in that vice.]
+ fell to such libertie, that in often féeding they surmounted Canutus
+ surnamed the hardie. For whereas he couered his table but thrée or
+ foure times in the daie, these spred their clothes fiue or six times,
+ and in such wise as I before rehearsed. They brought in also the
+ custome of long and statelie sitting at meat, whereby their feasts
+ resembled those ancient pontificall bankets whereof Macrobius speaketh
+ lib. 3. cap. 13. and Plin. lib. 10. cap. 10. and which for
+ sumptuousnesse of fare, long sitting and curiositie shewed in the
+ same, excéeded all other mens feasting, which fondnesse is not yet
+ left with vs, notwithstanding that it proueth verie beneficiall for
+ the physicians, who most abound, where most excesse and misgouernement
+ of our bodies doo appéere, although it be a great expense of time, and
+ worthie of reprehension. For the nobilitie, gentlemen, and
+ [Sidenote: Long sitting reprehended.]
+ merchantmen, especiallie at great méetings doo sit commonlie till two
+ or three of the clocke at afternoone, so that with manie is an hard
+ matter, to rise from the table to go to euening praier, and returne
+ from thence to come time inough to supper. For my part I am persuaded
+ that the purpose of the Normans at the first was to reduce the ancient
+ Roman order or Danish custome in féeding once in the daie, and toward
+ the euening, as I haue red and noted. And indéed the Romans had such a
+ custome, and likewise the Grecians, as may appeere by the words of
+ Socrates, who said vnto the Atheniens, "Oriente sole consilium,
+ occidente conuiuium est cogitandum," although a little something was
+ allowed in the morning to yoong children which we now call a
+ breakefast. Plato called the Siciliens monsters, for that they vsed to
+ eat twise in the daie. Among the Persians onelie the king dined when
+ the sunne was at the highest, and shadow of the stile at the shortest:
+ the rest (as it is reported) went alwaies but once to meat when their
+ stomachs craued it, as the Canariens and Indians doo in my time (who
+ if appetite serue refuse not to go to meat at anie houre of the night)
+ and likewise the ancient Caspians. Yet Arhianus noteth it as a rare
+ thing li. 4. cap. 16. that the Tyrhenians had taken vp an ill custome
+ to féed twise in a daie. Howbeit at the last they fell generallie to
+ allow of suppers toward the setting of the sunne in all places,
+ bicause they would haue their whole familie to go to meat togither,
+ and wherevnto they would appoint their guests to come at a certeine
+ length of the shadow, to be perceiued in their dials. And this is more
+ to be noted of antiquitie, that if anie man (as Plutarch saith) did
+ féed before that time, he incurred a note of reprehension as if he had
+ beene gluttonous and giuen vnto the bellie, 8. Sympos. 6. Their slaues
+ in like sort were glad, when it grew to the tenth foot, for then were
+ they sure soone after to go to meat. In the scripture we read of manie
+ suppers & few dinners, onelie for that dining was not greatlie vsed in
+ Christs time, but taken as a thing latelie sproong vp, when pampering
+ of the bellie began to take hold, occasioned by idlenes and great
+ abundance of riches. It is pretie to note in Iuuenal, how he taunteth
+ [Sidenote: * That is at thrée of the clocke at afternoone.]
+ Marius for that he gaue himselfe to drinke before the [*]ninth houre
+ of the daie: for thinking three houres to be too little for the
+ filling of his bellie, he began commonlie at eight, which was an houre
+ too soone. Afterwards when gurmandise increased yet more amongst the
+ Romans, and from them was dispersed vnto all nations vnder their
+ subiection, it came to passe that six houres onlie were appointed to
+ worke and consult in, and the other six of the daie to feed and drinke
+ in, as the verse saith:
+
+   Sex horæ tantùm rebus tribuantur agendis,
+     Viuere post illas, littera Zetha monet.
+
+ Wherevnto Maximus Planudes (except my memorie faile me) addeth this
+ scholie after his maner, saieng that from morning vnto noone (which is
+ six of the clocke after the vnequall accompt) each one dooth trauell
+ about his necessarie affaires, that being doone, he betaketh himselfe
+ to the refreshing of his bodie, which is noted and set downe by the
+ Gréeke letters of the diall (wherewith the Romane horologies were
+ marked, as ours be with their numerall letters) whereby the time is
+ described; for those which point 7, 8, 9 and 10 are written with
+ [Greek: x ê th i] and being ioined yéeld [Greek: xêthi], which in
+ English signified so much as liue, as if they should meane, eat that
+ thou maist liue. But how Martial diuided his daie, and with him the
+ whole troope of the learned & wiser sort, these verses following doo
+ more euidentlie declare:
+
+ [Sidenote: Li. 4. epig. 8.]
+
+   Prima salutantes, atque altera continet horas,
+     Exercet raucos tertia causidicos.
+   In quintam varios extendit Roma labores,
+     Sexta quies lassis, septima finis erit.
+   Sufficit in nonam nitidis octaua palestris,
+     Imperat extructos frangere nona thoros.
+   Hora libellorum decima est Eupheme meorum,
+     Temperat Ambrosias cum tua cura dapes.
+   Et bonus æthereo laxatur Nectare Cæsar,
+     Ingentíque tenet pocula parca manu.
+   Tunc admitte iocos: gressu timet ire licenti,
+     Ad matutinum nostra Thaleia Iouem.
+
+ Thus we sée how the ancient maner of the Gentils was to féed but once
+ in the daie, and that toward night, till gluttonie grew on and altered
+ this good custome. I might here remember also their maner in pulling
+ off their shooes when they sat downe to meat, whereof Martial saith:
+
+   Deposui soleas, affertur protinus ingens
+     Inter lactucas oxygarmúq; liber, &c.
+
+ And Tullie also remembreth where he saith Seruum à pedibus ad te misi,
+ which office grew of the said custome, as Seruus ad limina did of
+ kéeping the doore, though in most houses both these were commonlie one
+ mans office, also Ad pocula of attending on the cup. But bicause the
+ good writers of our time haue obserued these phrases and such like
+ with their causes and descriptions, in their infinite and seuerall
+ treatises, I shall not need to discourse anie farther vpon them. With
+ vs the nobilitie, gentrie, and students, doo ordinarilie go to dinner
+ at eleuen before noone, and to supper at fiue, or betweene fiue and
+ six at afternoone. The merchants dine and sup seldome before twelue at
+ noone, and six at night especiallie in London. The husbandmen dine
+ also at high noone as they call it, and sup at seuen or eight: but out
+ of the tearme in our vniuersities the scholers dine at ten. As for the
+ poorest sort they generallie dine and sup when they may, so that to
+ talke of their order of repast, it were but a néedlesse matter. I
+ might here take occasion also to set downe the varietie vsed by
+ antiquitie in their beginnings of their diets, wherin almost euerie
+ nation had a seuerall fashion, some beginning of custome (as we doo in
+ summer time) with salets at supper, and some ending with lettice, some
+ making their entrie with egs, and shutting vp their tables with
+ mulberies, as we doo with fruit and conceits of all sorts. Diuerse (as
+ the old Romans) began with a few crops of rue, as the Venetians did
+ with the fish called Gobius, the Belgies with butter (or as we doo yet
+ also) with butter and egs vpon fish daies. But whereas we commonlie
+ begin with the most grosse food, and end with the most delicate, the
+ Scot thinking much to leaue the best for his meniall seruants maketh
+ his entrance at the best, so that he is sure therby to leaue the
+ worst. We vse also our wines by degrees, so that the hotest commeth
+ last to the table, but to stand vpon such toies would spend much time,
+ and turne to small profit, wherfore I will deale with other things
+ more necessarie for this turne.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THEIR APPARELL AND ATTIRE.
+
+ CHAP. VII.
+
+
+ An Englishman, indeuoring sometime to write of our attire, made
+ sundrie platformes for his purpose, supposing by some of them to find
+ out one stedfast ground whereon to build the summe of his discourse.
+ But in the end (like an oratour long without exercise) when he saw
+ what a difficult péece of worke he had taken in hand, he gaue ouer his
+ trauell, and onelie drue the picture of a naked man, vnto whome he
+ gaue a paire of sheares in the one hand, and a peece of cloth in the
+ other, to the end he should shape his apparell after such fashion as
+ himselfe liked, sith he could find no kind of garment that could
+ please him anie while togither, and this he called an Englishman.
+ [Sidenote: Andrew Beerd.]
+ Certes this writer (otherwise being a lewd popish hypocrite and
+ vngratious priest) shewed himselfe herein not to be altogether void of
+ iudgement, sith the phantasticall follie of our nation, euen from the
+ courtier to the carter is such, that no forme of apparell liketh vs
+ longer than the first garment is in the wearing, if it continue so
+ long and be not laid aside, to receiue some other trinket newlie
+ deuised by the fickle headed tailors, who couet to haue seuerall
+ trickes in cutting, thereby to draw fond customers to more expense of
+ monie. For my part I can tell better how to inueigh against this
+ [Sidenote: Strange cuts.]
+ enormitie, than describe anie certeintie of our attire: sithence such
+ is our mutabilitie, that to daie there is none to the Spanish guise,
+ to morrow the French toies are most fine and delectable, yer long no
+ such apparell as that which is after the high Alman fashion, by and by
+ the Turkish maner is generallie best liked of, otherwise the Morisco
+ gowns, the Barbarian sléeues, the mandilion worne to Collie weston
+ ward, and the short French breches make such a comelie vesture, that
+ except it were a dog in a doublet, you shall not sée anie so
+ disguised, as are my countrie men of England. And as these fashions
+ are diuerse, so likewise it is a world to see the costlinesse and the
+ curiositie: the excesse and the vanitie: the pompe and the brauerie:
+ the change and the varietie: and finallie the ficklenesse and the
+ follie that is in all degrees: in somuch that nothing is more constant
+ [Sidenote: Much cost vpon the bodie, and little vpon the soule.]
+ in England than inconstancie of attire. Oh how much cost is bestowed
+ now adaies vpon our bodies and how little vpon our soules! how manie
+ sutes of apparell hath the one and how little furniture hath the
+ other? how long time is asked in decking vp of the first, and how
+ little space left wherin to féed the later? how curious, how nice also
+ are a number of men and women, and how hardlie can the tailor please
+ them in making it fit for their bodies? how manie times must it be
+ sent backe againe to him that made it? what chafing, what fretting,
+ what reprochfull language doth the poore workeman beare awaie? and
+ manie times when he dooth nothing to it at all, yet when it is brought
+ home againe it is verie fit and handsome; then must we put it on, then
+ must the long seames of our hose be set by a plumb-line, then we
+ puffe, then we blow, and finallie sweat till we drop, that our clothes
+ may stand well vpon vs. I will saie nothing of our heads, which
+ sometimes are polled, sometimes curled, or suffered to grow at length
+ like womans lockes, manie times cut off aboue or vnder the eares round
+ as by a woodden dish. Neither will I meddle with our varietie of
+ [Sidenote: Beards.]
+ beards, of which some are shauen from the chin like those of Turks,
+ not a few cut short like to the beard of marques Otto, some made round
+ like a rubbing brush, other with a pique de vant (O fine fashion!) or
+ now and then suffered to grow long, the barbers being growen to be so
+ cunning in this behalfe as the tailors. And therefore if a man haue a
+ leane and streight face, a marquesse Ottons cut will make it broad and
+ large; if it be platter like, a long slender beard will make it séeme
+ the narrower; if he be wesell becked, then much heare left on the
+ chéekes will make the owner looke big like a bowdled hen, and so grim
+ as a goose, if Cornelis of Chelmeresford saie true: manie old men doo
+ weare no beards at all. Some lustie courtiers also and gentlemen of
+ courage, doo weare either rings of gold, stones, or pearle in their
+ eares, whereby they imagine the workemanship of God not to be a little
+ amended. But herein they rather disgrace than adorne their persons, as
+ by their nicenesse in apparell, for which I saie most nations doo not
+ vniustlie deride vs, as also for that we doo séeme to imitate all
+ nations round about vs, wherein we be like to the Polypus or
+ Chameleon; and therevnto bestow most cost vpon our arses, & much more
+ than vpon all the rest of our bodies, as women doo likewise vpon their
+ [Sidenote: Excesse in women.]
+ heads and shoulders. In women also it is most to be lamented, that
+ they doo now farre excéed the lightnesse of our men (who neuerthelesse
+ are transformed from the cap euen to the verie shoo) and such staring
+ attire as in time past was supposed méet for none but light housewiues
+ onelie, is now become an habit for chast and sober matrones. What
+ should I saie of their doublets with pendant codpéeses on the brest
+ full of iags & cuts, and sléeues of sundrie colours? their
+ galligascons to beare out their bums & make their attire to sit plum
+ round (as they terme it) about them? their fardingals, and diuerslie
+ coloured nether stocks of silke, ierdseie, and such like, whereby
+ their bodies are rather deformed than commended? I haue met with some
+ of these trulles in London so disguised, that it hath passed my skill
+ to discerne whether they were men or women.
+
+ Thus it is now come to passe, that women are become men, and men
+ transformed into monsters: and those good gifts which almightie God
+ hath giuen vnto vs to reléeue our necessities withall (as a nation
+ turning altogither the grace of God into wantonnesse, for
+
+   Luxuriant animi rebus plerunque secundis)
+
+ not otherwise bestowed than in all excesse, as if we wist not
+ otherwise how to consume and wast them. I praie God that in this
+ behalfe our sinne be not like vnto that of Sodoma and Gomorha, whose
+ [Sidenote: Ezech. 16.]
+ errors were pride, excesse of diet, and abuse of Gods benefits
+ aboundantlie bestowed vpon them, beside want of charitie toward the
+ poore, and certeine other points which the prophet shutteth vp in
+ silence. Certes the common-wealth cannot be said to florish where
+ these abuses reigne, but is rather oppressed by vnreasonable exactions
+ made vpon rich farmers, and of poore tenants, wherewith to mainteine
+ the same. Neither was it euer merier with England, than when an
+ Englishman was knowne abroad by his owne cloth, and contented himselfe
+ at home with his fine carsie hosen, and a meane slop: his coat, gowne,
+ and cloake of browne blue or puke, with some pretie furniture of
+ veluet or furre, and a doublet of sad tawnie, or blacke veluet, or
+ other comelie silke, without such cuts and gawrish colours as are
+ worne in these daies, and neuer brought in but by the consent of the
+ French, who thinke themselues the gaiest men, when they haue most
+ diuersities of iagges and change of colours about them. Certes of all
+ [Sidenote: Attire of merchants.]
+ estates our merchants doo least alter their attire, and therefore are
+ most to be commended: for albeit that which they weare be verie fine
+ and costlie, yet in forme and colour it representeth a great péece of
+ the ancient grauitie apperteining to citizens and burgesses, albeit
+ the yoonger sort of their wiues both in attire and costlie
+ housekeeping can not tell when and how to make an end, as being women
+ in déed in whome all kind of curiositie is to be found and seene, and
+ in farre greater measure than in women of higher calling. I might here
+ name a sort of hewes deuised for the nonce, wherewith to please
+ phantasticall heads, as gooseturd gréene, pease porridge tawnie,
+ popingaie blue, lustie gallant, the diuell in the head (I should saie
+ the hedge) and such like: but I passe them ouer thinking it sufficient
+ to haue said thus much of apparell generallie, when nothing can
+ particularlie be spoken of anie constancie thereof.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE HIGH COURT OF PARLEMENT, AND AUTHORITIE OF THE SAME.
+
+ CHAP. VIII.
+
+
+ In speaking of parlement lawe, I haue in the chapiter precedent said
+ somewhat of this high and most honorable court. Wherefore it shall not
+ néed to remember ought héere that is there touched: I will onelie
+ speake of other things therefore concerning the estate of assemblie,
+ whereby the magnificence thereof shall be in some part better knowne
+ vnto such as shall come after vs. This house hath the most high and
+ absolute power of the realme, for thereby kings and mightie princes
+ haue from time to time béene deposed from their thrones, lawes either
+ enacted or abrogated, offendors of all sorts punished, and corrupted
+ religion either dissanulled or reformed, which commonlie is diuided
+ [Sidenote: The parlement house diuideth the estate of the
+ realme into nobilitie and the commons.]
+ into two houses or parts, the higher or vpper house consisting of the
+ nobilitie, including all euen vnto the baron and bishop: the lower
+ called the nether house of knights, squires, gentlemen, and burgesses
+ of the commons, with whome also the inferior members of the cleargie
+ are ioined, albeit they sit in diuerse places, and these haue to deale
+ onelie in matters of religion, till it come that they ioine with the
+ rest in confirmation of all such acts as are to passe in the same. For
+ without the consent of the thrée estates, that is, of the nobilitie,
+ cleargie, and laietie, sildome anie thing is said to be concluded
+ vpon, and brought vnto the prince for his consent and allowance. To be
+ short, whatsoeuer the people of Rome did in their Centuriatis or
+ Tribunitijs comitijs, the same is and may be doone by authoritie of
+ our parlement house, which is the head and bodie of all the realme,
+ and the place wherein euerie particular person is intended to be
+ present, if not by himselfe, yet by his aduocate or atturneie. For
+ this cause also any thing ther enacted is not to be misliked, but
+ [Sidenote: Time of summons.]
+ obeied of all men without contradiction or grudge. By the space of
+ fortie dais, before this assemblie be begun, the prince sendeth his
+ writs vnto all his nobilitie particularlie, summoning them to appeare
+ at the said court. The like he doth to the shiriffe of euerie countie;
+ with commandement to choose two knights within ech of their counties,
+ to giue their aduise in the name of the shire, likewise to euerie
+ citie and towne, that they may choose their burgesses, which commonlie
+ are men best skilled in the state of their citie or towne, either for
+ the declaration of such benefits as they want, or to shew which waie
+ to reforme such enormities as thorough the practises of ill members
+ are practised and crept in among them: the first being chosen by the
+ gentlemen of the shire, the other by the citizens and burgesses of
+ euerie citie and towne, whereby that court is furnished. The first
+ [Sidenote: Of the vpper house.]
+ daie of the parlement being come, the lords of the vpper house, as
+ well ecclesiasticall as temporall, doo attend vpon the prince, who
+ rideth thither in person, as it were to open the doore of their
+ authoritie; and being come into the place, after praiers made, and
+ causes shewed, wherefore some not present are inforced to be absent,
+ each man taketh his place according to his degrée. The house it selfe
+ is curiouslie furnished with tapisterie, and the king being set in his
+ throne, the spirituall lords take vp the side of the house which is on
+ [Sidenote: Places of the peeres.]
+ the right hand of the prince, and the temporall lords the left, I
+ meane, so well dukes and earles, as viscounts and barons, as I before
+ remembred. In the middest and a pretie distance from the prince, lie
+ certeine sackes stuffed with wooll or haire, wheron the iudges of the
+ realme, the master of the rols, and secretaries of estate doo sit.
+ Howbeit these iudges haue no voice in the house, but onelie shew what
+ their opinion is of such & such matters as come in question among the
+ lords, if they be commanded so to doo: as the secretaries are to
+ answer such letters or things passed in the councell, whereof they
+ haue the custodie & knowledge. Finallie, the consent of this house is
+ giuen by each man seuerallie, first for himselfe being present, then
+ seuerallie for so manie as he hath letters & proxies directed vnto
+ him, saieng onelie; Content or Not content, without any further
+ debating. Of the number assembled in the lower house, I haue alreadie
+ made a generall report in the chapter precedent, and their particulars
+ shall follow here at hand. These therefore being called ouer by name
+ [Sidenote: Of the lower house.]
+ [Sidenote: Speaker.]
+ do choose a speaker, who is as it were their mouth, and him they
+ present vnto the prince, in whom it is either to refuse or admit him
+ by the lord chancellor, who in the princes name dooth answer vnto his
+ oration, made at his first entrance & presentation into the house,
+ wherein he declareth the good liking that the king hath conceiued of
+ [Sidenote: Petitions of the speaker.]
+ his choise vnto that office & function. Being admitted, he maketh fiue
+ requests vnto that honorable assemblie, first that the house may (as
+ in times past) inioy hir former liberties and priuileges: secondlie,
+ that the congregates may frankelie shew their minds vpon such matters
+ as are to come in question: thirdlie, that if anie of the lower house
+ doo giue anie cause of offense during the continuance of this
+ assemblie, that the same may inflict such punishment vpon the partie
+ culpable, as to the said assemblie shall be thought conuenient:
+ fourthlie, if anie doubt should arise among them of the lower house,
+ that he in their name might haue frée accesse and recourse vnto his
+ maiestie & lords of the higher house, to be further instructed and
+ resolued in the same: fiftlie and last, he craueth pardon for
+ himselfe, if in his going to and fro betweene the houses, he forget or
+ mistake anie thing, requiring that he may returne and be better
+ informed in such things as he did faile in without offense: vnto which
+ petitions the lord chancellor dooth answer as apperteineth, and this
+ is doone on the first daie, or peraduenture the second, if it could
+ not be conuenientlie performed in the first.
+
+ [Sidenote: Clerke of the parlement.]
+ Beside the lord chancellor there is another in the vpper house called
+ the clerke of the parlement, whose office is to read the billes. For
+ euerie thing that commeth in consultation in either house, is first
+ put in writing in paper, which being read, he that listeth riseth vp
+ and speaketh either with it or against it, and so one after another so
+ long as they shall thinke good; that doone they go to another, and so
+ to the third, &c: the instrument still wholie or in part raced or
+ reformed, as cause moueth for the amendment of the same if the
+ substance be reputed necessarie. In the vpper house the lord
+ chancellor demandeth if they will haue it ingrossed, that is to saie,
+ put in parchment, which doone, it is read the third time, & after
+ debating of the matter to and fro if the more part doo conclude
+ withall, vpon the vtterance of these words, "Are ye contented that it
+ be enacted or no?" the clerke writeth vnderneath "Soit baille aux
+ commons," and so when they sée time they send such billes approued to
+ the commons by some of them that sit on the wooll sackes, who comming
+ into the house, & demanding licence to speake, doo vse this kind of
+ words or the like to the speaker, as sir Thomas Smith dooth deliuer
+ and set them downe, whose onelie direction I vse, and almost word for
+ word in this chapter, requiting him with the like borowage as he hath
+ vsed toward me in his discourse of the sundrie degrées of estates in
+ the common-wealth of England, which (as I hope) shall be no discredit
+ to his trauell. "Master speaker, my lords of the vpper house haue
+ passed amongst them, and thinke good that there should be enacted by
+ parlement such an act, and such an act (reading their titles in such
+ sort as he receiued them) they praie you therefore to consider & shew
+ your aduise vpon them." Which doone they go their waie, and the doore
+ being shut after them, the speaker declareth what message was sent
+ vnto them, and if they be then void of consultation vpon anie other
+ bill, he presentlie demandeth what their pleasures are, first of one,
+ then of another, &c: which are solemnelie read, or their contents
+ bréeflie shewed and then debated vpon among them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Of the nether house.]
+ The speaker sitteth in a chaire erected somewhat higher than the rest,
+ that he may sée and be séene of all men, and before him on a lower
+ seat sitteth his clerke, who readeth such bils as be first propounded
+ in the lower house, or sent downe from the lords: for in that point
+ each house hath equall authoritie to propound what they thinke méet,
+ either for the abrogation of old or making of new lawes. All bils be
+ thrise and on diuerse daies read and disputed vpon before they come to
+ the question, which is, whether they shall be enacted or not; and in
+ discourse vpon them, verie good order is vsed in the lower house,
+ wherein he that will speake giueth notice thereof by standing vp bare
+ headed. If manie stand vp at once (as now & then it happeneth) he
+ speaketh first that was first seene to moue out of his place, and
+ telleth his tale vnto the speaker, without rehersall of his name whose
+ speches he meaneth to confute, so that with a perpetuall oration & not
+ with altercation these discourses are continued. But as the partie
+ confuted may not replie on that daie, so one man can not speake twise
+ to one bill in one daie though he would change his opinion, but on the
+ next he may speake againe, & yet but once as afore. No vile,
+ seditious, vnreuerent or biting words are vsed in this assemblie, yet
+ if anie happen to escape and be vttered, the partie is punished
+ according to the censure of the assemblie and custome in that behalfe.
+ In the afternoone they sit not except vpon some vrgent occasion,
+ neither hath the speaker anie voice in that house, wherewith to moue
+ or dissuade the furtherance or staie of anie bill, but his office is
+ vpon the reading thereof breeflie to declare the contents. If anie
+ bill passe, which commeth vnto them from the lords, it is thus
+ subscribed, "Les commons ont assentus:" so if the lords agree vpon
+ anie bill sent vnto them from the commons, it is subscribed after this
+ maner, "Les seigniours ont assentus." If it be not agreed on after
+ thrise reading, there is conference required and had betwéene the
+ vpper and nether houses, by certeine appointed for that purpose vpon
+ the points in question, wherevpon if no finall agréement by the more
+ part can be obteined, the bill is dashed and reiected, or (as the
+ saieng is) cleane cast out of the doores. None of the nether house can
+ giue his voice by proxie but in his owne person, and after the bill
+ twise read, then ingrossed and the third time read againe & discoursed
+ vpon, the speaker asketh if they will go to the question, whervnto if
+ they agree he holdeth vp the bill & saith; "So manie as will haue this
+ bill go forward saie Yea:" hervpon so manie as allow of the thing crie
+ Yea, the other No, & as the crie is more or lesse on either side, so
+ is the bill to staie or else go forward. If the number of negatiue and
+ affirmatiue voices seeme to be equall, so manie as allow of the bill
+ go downe withall, the rest sit still, and being told by the poll the
+ greater part doo carrie away the matter. If something be allowed and
+ in some part reiected, the bill is put to certeine committées to be
+ amended, & then being brought in againe, it is read and passeth or
+ staieth as the voices yéeld therto. This is the order of the passage
+ of our lawes, which are not ratified till both houses haue agréed vnto
+ them, and yet not holden for law till the prince haue giuen his
+ assent. Vpon the last daie therfore of the parlement or session, the
+ prince commeth in person againe into the house, in his robes as at the
+ first. Where after thanks giuen to the prince, first in the name of
+ the lords by the lord chancellor, then in the name of the commons by
+ the speaker for his great care of the welfare of his realme, &c: the
+ lord chancellor in the princes name giueth thanks to the lords &
+ commons likewise for their paines, with promise of recompense as
+ opportunitie & occasion shall serue therefore. This doone one readeth
+ the title of euerie act passed in that session, and then it is noted
+ vpon them what the prince doth allow of with these words, "Le roy
+ veult." If the prince like not of them, it is written vpon them "Le
+ roy aduisera." And so those acts are dashed, as the other from
+ thencefoorth are taken and holden for law, and all imprinted except
+ such as concerne some priuat persons, which are onelie exemplified
+ vnder the seale of the parlement, as priuileges to his vse. And this
+ is the summe of the maner after which our parlements in England are
+ holden, without which no forfaiture of life, member or lands of anie
+ Englishman, where no law is ordeined for the same before hand, is
+ auailable or can take place amongst vs. And so much in maner out of
+ the third chapiter of the second booke of the common-wealth of England
+ written by sir Thomas Smith: whervnto I will annex a table of the
+ counties, cities, boroughs and ports, which send knights, burgesses,
+ and barons to the parlement house, and dooth insue as followeth.
+
+
+ THE NAMES OF COUNTIES, CITIES, BOROUGHS, AND PORTS, SENDING KNIGHTS,
+ CITIZENS, BURGESSES, AND BARONS TO THE PARLEMENT OF ENGLAND.
+
+
+ _Bedford._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Bedford.                               2
+
+ _Buckingham._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Buckingham.                            2
+   The borough of Wickombe.                              2
+   The borough of Ailesburie.                            2
+
+ _Barckeshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of New Windsore.                          2
+   The borough of Reading.                               2
+   The borough of Wallingford.                           2
+   The borough of Abington.                              2
+
+ _Cornewall._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Launceston aliàs Newport.              2
+   The borough of Leskerd.                               2
+   The borough of Lostwithiell.                          2
+   The borough of Dunheuet.                              2
+   The borough of Truro.                                 2
+   The borough of Bodmin.                                2
+   The borough of Helston.                               2
+   The borough of Saltash.                               2
+   The borough of Camelford.                             2
+   The borough of Portighsam aliàs Portlow.              2
+   The borough of Graunpount.
+   The borough of Eastlow.                               2
+   The borough of Prurie.                                2
+   The borough of Tregonie.                              2
+   The borough of Trebenna aliàs Bossinnie.              2
+   The borough of S. Ies.                                2
+   The borough of Fowaie.                                2
+   The borough of Germine.                               2
+   The borough of Michell.                               2
+   The borough of saint Maries.                          2
+
+ _Cumberland._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Caerleill.                               2
+
+ _Cambridge._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Cambridge.                             2
+
+ _Chester._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Chester.                                 2
+
+ _Darbie._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Darbie.                                2
+
+ _Deuon._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Excester.                                2
+   The borough of Totnes.                                2
+   The borough of Plimmouth.                             2
+   The borough of Bardnestable.                          2
+   The borough of Plimton.                               2
+   The borough of Tauestocke.                            2
+   The borough of Dartmouth, Clifton, and Herdines.      2
+
+ _Dorsetshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Poole.                                 2
+   The borough of Dorchester.                            2
+   The borough of Linne.                                 2
+   The borough of Melcombe.                              2
+   The borough of Waiemouth.                             2
+   The borough of Bureport.                              2
+   The borough of Shaftesburie.                          2
+   The borough of Warham.                                2
+
+ _Essex._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Colchester.                            2
+   The borough of Malden.                                2
+
+ _Yorkeshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Yorke.                                   2
+   The borough of Kingston vpon Hull.                    2
+   The borough of Knaresborough.                         2
+   The borough of Skardborough.                          2
+   The borough of Rippon.                                2
+   The borough of Hudon.                                 2
+   The borough of Boroughbridge.                         2
+   The borough of Thuske.                                2
+   The borough of Aldebrough.                            2
+   The borough of Beuerleie.                             2
+
+ _Glocestershire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Glocester.                               2
+   The borough of Cirencester.                           2
+
+ _Huntingtonshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Huntingdon.                            2
+
+ _Hertfordshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of saint Albons.                          2
+
+ _Herefordshire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Hereford.                                2
+   The borough of Lempster.                              2
+
+ _Kent._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Canturburie.                             2
+   The citie of Rochester.                               2
+   The borough of Maidstone.                             2
+   The borough of Quinborough.                           2
+
+ _Lincolne._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Lincolne.                                2
+   The borough of Bostone.                               2
+   The borough of great Grinesbie.                       2
+   The borough of Stamford.                              2
+   The borough of Grantham.                              2
+
+ _Leicestershire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Leicester.                             2
+
+ _Lancastershire._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Lancaster.                             2
+   The borough of Preston in Andernes.                   2
+   The borough of Liuerpoole.                            2
+   The borough of Newton.                                2
+   The borough of Wigan.                                 2
+   The borough of Clithero.                              2
+
+ _Middlesex._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of London.                                  4
+   The citie of Westminster.                             2
+
+ _Monmouth._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Monmouth.                              1
+
+ _Northhampton._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Peterborough.                            2
+   The borough of Northhampton.                          2
+   The borough of Barkleie.                              2
+   The borough of Higham Ferres.                         1
+
+ _Notingham._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Notingham.                             2
+   The borough of Estreatford.                           2
+
+ _Norffolke._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Norwich.                                 2
+   The borough of Linne.                                 2
+   The borough of great Iernemouth.                      2
+   The borough of Thetford.                              2
+   The borough of castell Rising.                        2
+
+ _Northumberland._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of New castell vpon Tine.                 2
+   The borough of Morpeth.                               2
+   The borough of Barwike.                               2
+
+ _Oxford._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Oxford.                                  2
+   The borough of Bamburie.                              2
+   The borough of Woodstocke.                            2
+
+ _Rutland._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+
+ _Surreie._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Southwarke.                            2
+   The borough of Blechingleigh.                         2
+   The borough of Rigate.                                2
+   The borough of Guildford.                             2
+   The borough of Gatton.                                2
+
+ _Stafford._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Lichfield.                               2
+   The borough of Stratford.                             2
+   The borough of New castell vnder Linne.               2
+   The borough of Tamworth.                              2
+
+ _Salop._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Salop.                                 2
+   The borough of Bruges aliàs Bridgenorth.              2
+   The borough of Ludlow.                                2
+   The borough of Wenlocke.                              2
+
+ _Southhampton._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Winton.                                  2
+   The borough of Southampton.                           2
+   The borough of Portesmouth.                           2
+   The borough of Peterfield.                            2
+   The borough of Stockebridge.                          2
+   The borough of Christ church.                         2
+
+ _Suffolke._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Ippeswich.                             2
+   The borough of Dunwich.                               2
+   The borough of Ortford.                               2
+   The borough of Aldeborough.                           2
+   The borough of Sudburie.                              2
+   The borough of Eya.                                   2
+
+ _Summerset._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Bristow.                                 2
+   The citie of Bath.                                    2
+   The citie of Welles.                                  2
+   The borough of Taunton.                               2
+   The borough of Bridgewater.                           2
+   The borough of Minehed.                               2
+
+ _Sussex._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Chichester.                              2
+   The borough of Horsham.                               2
+   The borough of Midhurst.                              2
+   The borough of Lewes.                                 2
+   The borough of Shorham.                               2
+   The borough of Brember.                               2
+   The borough of Stening.                               2
+   The borough of Eastgrenesteed.                        2
+   The borough of Arundell.                              2
+
+ _Westmerland._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The borough of Appulbie.                              2
+
+ _Wilton._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of New Sarum.                               2
+   The borough of Wilton.                                2
+   The borough of Dounton.                               2
+   The borough of Hindon.                                2
+   The borough of Heitesburie.                           2
+   The borough of Westburie.                             2
+   The borough of Calne.                                 2
+   The borough of Deuises.                               2
+   The borough of Chipenham.                             2
+   The borough of Malmesburie.                           2
+   The borough of Cricklade.                             2
+   The borough of Budwin.                                2
+   The borough of Ludgesale.                             2
+   The borough of Old Sarum.                             2
+   The borough of Wotton Basset.                         2
+   The borough of Marleborough.                          2
+
+ _Worcester._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Worcester.                               2
+   The borough of Withée.                                2
+
+ _Warwike._
+
+   Knights.                                              2
+   The citie of Couentrie.                               2
+   The borough of Warwike.                               2
+
+ _Barons of the ports._
+
+   Hastings.                                             2
+   Winchelseie.                                          2
+   Rie.                                                  2
+   Rumneie.                                              2
+   Hithe.                                                2
+   Douer.                                                2
+   Sandwich.                                             2
+
+ _Mountgomerie._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Mountgomerie.                          1
+
+ _Flint._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Flint.                                 1
+
+ _Denbigh._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Denbigh.                               1
+
+ _Merionneth._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Hauerfordwest.                         1
+
+ _Carneruan._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Carneruan.                             1
+
+ _Angleseie._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Beaumares.                             1
+
+ _Carmarden._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of new Carmarden.                         1
+
+ _Pembroke._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Pembroke.                              1
+
+ _Cairdigan._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Cairdigan.                             1
+
+ _Brecknoch._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Brecknoch.                             1
+
+ _Radnor._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Radnor.                                1
+
+ _Glamorgan._
+
+   Knights.                                              1
+   The borough of Cardiffe.                              1
+
+ ¶ _The summe of the foresaid number of the common house_ videlicet,
+ _of_
+
+   Knights.         90.
+   Citizens.        46.
+   Burgesses.      289.
+   Barons.          14.
+                   ----
+                   439.
+                   ----
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE LAWES OF ENGLAND SINCE HIR FIRST INHABITATION.
+
+ CHAP. IX.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Samothes.]
+ That Samothes or Dis gaue the first lawes to the Celtes (whose
+ kingdome he erected about the fiftéenth of Nimbrote) the testimonie of
+ Berosus is proofe sufficient. For he not onelie affirmeth him to
+ publish the same in the fourth of Ninus, but also addeth thereto, how
+ there liued none in his daies of more excellent wisdome, nor politike
+ inuention than he, whereof he was named Samothes, as some other do
+ affirme. What his lawes were, it is now altogither vnknowne, as most
+ things of this age; but that they were altered againe at the comming
+ [Sidenote: Albion.]
+ of Albion, no man can absolutelie denie, sith new lords vse commonlie
+ to giue new lawes, and conquerors abolish such as were in vse before
+ them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brute.]
+ The like also may be affirmed of our Brute, notwithstanding that the
+ certeine knowledge so well of the one as of the other is perished, and
+ nothing worthie memorie left of all their dooings. Somewhat yet we
+ [Sidenote: Mulmutius.]
+ haue of Mulmutius, who not onelie subdued such princes as reigned in
+ this land, but also brought the realme to good order, that long before
+ had béene torne with ciuill discord. But where his lawes are to be
+ found, and which they be from other mens, no man liuing in these daies
+ is able to determine.
+
+ Certes, there was neuer prince in Britaine, of whome his subiects
+ conceiued better hope in the beginning, than of Bladudus, and yet I
+ read of none that made so ridiculous an end: in like sort there hath
+ not reigned anie monarch in this Ile, whose waies were more feared at
+ [Sidenote: The praise of Dunwallon.]
+ the first, than those of Dunwallon (king Henrie the fift excepted) and
+ yet in the end he prooued such a prince, as after his death there was
+ in maner no subiect, that did not lament his funerals. And this onelie
+ for his policie in gouernance, seuere administration of iustice, and
+ prouident framing of his lawes and constitutions, for the gouernment
+ of his subiects. His people also, coueting to continue his name vnto
+ posteritie, intituled those his ordinances according to their maker,
+ calling them by the name of the lawes of Mulmutius, which indured in
+ execution among the Britons, so long as our homelings had the dominion
+ of this Ile. Afterward when the comeling Saxons had once obteined the
+ superioritie of the kingdom, the maiestie of those lawes fell for a
+ time into such decaie, that although "Non penitùs cecidit, tamen
+ potuit cecidisse videri," as Leland saith, and the decrées themselues
+ had vtterlie perished in déed at the verie first brunt, had they not
+ beene preserued in Wales, where they remained amongst the relikes of
+ the Britons, & not onlie vntill the comming of the Normans, but euen
+ vntill the time of Edward the first, who obteining the souereigntie of
+ that portion, indeuoured verie earnestlie to extinguish those of
+ Mulmutius, and to establish his owne.
+
+ But as the Saxons at their first arriuall did what they could to
+ abolish the British lawes, so in processe of time they yéelded a
+ little to relent, & not so much to abhorre and mislike of the lawes of
+ Mulmutius, as to receiue and imbrace the same, especiallie at such
+ time as the said Saxon princes entered into amitie with the British
+ nobilitie, and after that began to ioine in matrimonie with the
+ British ladies, as the British barons did with the Saxon frowes, both
+ by an especiall statute and decrée, wherof in another treatise I haue
+ made mention at large. Héerof also it came to passe in the end, that
+ they were contented to make a choise, and insert no small numbers of
+ them into their owne volumes, as may be gathered by those of Athelbert
+ the great, surnamed king of Kent, Inas and Alfred kings of the west
+ Saxons, and diuerse other yet extant to be séene. Such also was the
+ lateward estimation of them, that when anie of the Saxon princes went
+ about to make new ordinances, they caused those of Mulmutius (which
+ Gildas sometime translated into Latine) to be first expounded vnto
+ them, and in this perusall if they found anie there alreadie framed,
+ that might serue their turnes, they foorthwith reuiued the same, and
+ annexed them to their owne.
+
+ But in this dealing, the diligence of Alfred is most of all to be
+ commended, who not onelie chose out the best, but gathered togither
+ all such whatsoeuer the said Mulmutius had made: and then to the end
+ they should lie no more in corners as forlorne bookes, and vnknowne to
+ the learned of his kingdome, he caused them to be turned into the
+ Saxon toong, wherein they continued long after his decease.
+
+ As for the Normans, who for a season neither regarded the British, nor
+ cared for the Saxon statutes, they also at the first vtterlie misliked
+ of them, till at the last, when they had well weied that one kind of
+ regiment is not conuenient for all peoples, and that no stranger,
+ being in a forren countrie newlie brought vnder obedience, could make
+ such equall ordinances, as he might thereby gouerne his new
+ common-wealth without some care & trouble: they fell in with such a
+ desire to sée by what rule the state of the land was gouerned in time
+ of the Saxons, that hauing perused the same, they not onelie commended
+ their maner of regiment, but also admitted a great part of their lawes
+ (now currant vnder the name of S. Edwards lawes, and vsed as
+ principles and grounds) whereby they not onelie qualified the rigor of
+ their owne, and mitigated their almost intollerable burden of
+ seruitude which they had latelie laid vpon the shoulders of the
+ English, but also left vs a great number of the old Mulmutian lawes,
+ whereof the most part are in vse to this daie as I said, albeit that
+ we know not certeinlie how to distinguish them from others, that are
+ in strength amongst vs.
+
+ [Sidenote: Martia.]
+ After Dunwallon, the next lawgiuer was Martia, whome Leland surnameth
+ Proba; and after him Iohn Bale also, who in his Centuries dooth
+ iustlie confesse himselfe to haue béene holpen by the said Leland, as
+ I my selfe doo likewise for manie things conteined in this treatise.
+ Shée was wife vnto Gutteline king of the Britons: and being made
+ protectrix of the realme, after hir husbands deceasse in the nonage of
+ hir sonne, and séeing manie things dailie to grow vp among hir people
+ worthie reformation, she deuised sundrie and those verie politike
+ lawes, for the gouernance of hir kingdome, which hir subiects when she
+ was dead and gone, did name the Martian statutes. Who turned them into
+ Latine, as yet I doo not read, howbeit (as I said before of the lawes
+ of Mulmutius) so the same Alfred caused those of this excellentlie
+ well learned ladie (whome diuerse commend also for hir great knowledge
+ in the Gréeke toong) to be turned into his owne language, wherevpon it
+ came to passe that they were dailie executed among his subiects,
+ afterward allowed of (among the rest) by the Normans, and finallie
+ remaine in vse in these our daies, notwithstanding that we can not
+ disseuer them also verie readilie from the other.
+
+ The seuenth alteration of lawes was practised by the Saxons, for I
+ ouerpasse the vse of the ciuill ordinances vsed in Rome, finallie
+ brought hither by the Romans, & yet in perfect notice among the
+ Ciuilians of our countrie, though neuer generallie nor fullie receiued
+ by all the seuerall regions of this Iland. Certes there are great
+ numbers of these later, which yet remaine in sound knowlege, and are
+ to be read, being comprehended for the most part vnder the names of
+ [Sidenote: Martian Law.]
+ [Sidenote: Saxon Law.]
+ [Sidenote: Dane Law.]
+ the Martian and the Saxon law. Beside these also I read of the Dane
+ law, so that the people of middle England were ruled by the first, the
+ west Saxons by the second; as Essex, Norffolke, Suffolke,
+ Cambridgeshire, and part of Herfordshire were by the third, of all the
+ rest the most inequall and intollerable. And as in these daies what
+ soeuer the prince in publike assemblie commanded vpon the necessitie
+ of his subiects, or his owne voluntarie authoritie, was counted for
+ law: so none of them had appointed anie certeine place, wherevnto his
+ people might repaire at fixed times for iustice, but caused them to
+ resort commonlie to their palaces, where in proper person they would
+ often determine their causes, and so make shortest worke, or else
+ commit the same to the hearing of other, and so dispatch them awaie.
+ Neither had they any house appointed to assemble in for the making of
+ their ordinances, as we haue now at Westminster. Wherefore Edmund gaue
+ lawes at London & Lincolne, Ethelred at Habam, Alfred at Woodstock and
+ Wannetting, Athelstane in Excester, Grecklade, Feuersham, &
+ Thundersleie, Canutus at Winchester, &c: other in other places,
+ whereof this may suffice.
+
+ Among other things also vsed in the time of the Saxons, it shall not
+ be amisse to set downe the forme of their Ordalian law, which they
+ brought hither with them from beyond the seas out of Scithia, and vsed
+ onelie in the triall of guiltie and vnguiltinesse. Certes it conteined
+ not an ordinarie procéeding by daies and termes, as in the ciuill and
+ common law we sée practised in these daies; but a short dispatch &
+ triall of the matter by fire or water, whereof at this present I will
+ deliuer the circumstance, as I haue faithfullie translated it out of
+ an ancient volume, and conferred with an imprinted copie, latelie
+ published by M. Lambert, and now extant to be read. Neuerthelesse, as
+ the Scithians were the first that vsed this practise, so I read that
+ it was taken vp and occupied also in France in processe of time, yea
+ and likewise in Grecia, as G. Pachymerus remembreth in the first booke
+ of his historie (which beginneth with the empire of M. Paleologus)
+ where he noteth his owne sight and vew in that behalfe. But what stand
+ I herevpon?
+
+ [Sidenote: Ordalian law.]
+ The Ordalian (saith the aforesaid author) was a certeine maner of
+ [Sidenote: Fire.]
+ purgation vsed two waies, wherof the one was by fire, the other by
+ water. In the execution of that which was doone by fire, the partie
+ accused should go a certeine number of pases, with an hot iron in his
+ hand, or else bare footed vpon certeine plough shares red hot,
+ according to the maner. This iron was sometime of one pound weight,
+ and then was it called single Ordalium, sometimes of thrée, and then
+ named treble Ordalium, and whosoeuer did beare or tread on the same
+ without hurt of his bodie he was adiudged guiltlesse, otherwise if his
+ skin were scorched, he was foorthwith condemned as guiltie of the
+ trespasse whereof he was accused, according to the proportion and
+ quantitie of the burning.
+
+ [Sidenote: Water.]
+ There were in like sort two kinds of triall by the water, that is to
+ say, either by hot or cold: and in this triall the partie thought
+ culpable, was either tumbled into some pond or huge vessell of cold
+ water, wherein if he continued for a season, without wrestling or
+ strugling for life, he was foorthwith acquited as guiltlesse of the
+ fact wherof he was accused: but if he began to plunge, and labour once
+ for breath immediatlie vpon his falling into that liquor, he was by
+ and by condemned as guiltie of the crime. Or else he did thrust his
+ arme vp to the shoulder into a lead, copper, or caldron of seething
+ water, from whence if he withdrew the same without anie maner of
+ damage, he was discharged of further molestation: otherwise he was
+ taken for a trespasser, and punished accordinglie. The fierie maner of
+ purgation belonged onelie to noble men and women, and such as were
+ frée borne: but the husbandmen and villaines were tried by water.
+ Wherof to shew the vnlearned dealing and blind ignorance of those
+ times, it shall not be impertinent to set foorth the whole maner,
+ which continued here in England vntill the time of King Iohn, who
+ séeing the manifold subtilties in the same (by sundrie sorcerous and
+ artificiall practises whereby the working of the said elements were
+ restreined) did extinguish it altogither as flat lewdnesse and
+ bouerie. The Rubrike of the treatise entereth thus: "_Here beginneth
+ the execution of iustice, whereby the giltie or vngiltie are tried by
+ hot iron._ Then it followeth: _After accusation lawfullie made, and
+ three daies spent in fasting and praier, the priest being clad in all
+ his holie vestures, sauing his vestiment, shall take the iron laid
+ before the altar with a paire of tongs, and singing the hymne of the
+ three children_, that is to saie, O all ye workes of God the Lord, and
+ in Latine Benedicite omnia opera, &c: _he shall carie it solemnelie to
+ the fire (alreadie made for that purpose) and first saie these words
+ ouer the place where the fire is kindled, whereby this purgation shall
+ be made in Latine as insueth:_ Benedic Domine Deus locum istum, vt sit
+ nobis in eo sanitas, sanctitas, castitas, virtus, & victoria, &
+ sanctimonia, humilitas, bonitas, lenitas, & plenitudo legis, &
+ obedientia Deo patri, & filio, & spiritui sancto. Hæc benedictio sit
+ super hunc locum, & super omnes habitantes in eo. _In English:_ Blesse
+ thou O Lord this place, that it may be to vs health, holinesse,
+ chastitie, vertue, and victorie, purenesse, humilitie, goodnesse,
+ gentlenesse, and fulnesse of the law, and obedience to God the father,
+ the sonne, and the holie ghost. This blessing be vpon this place, and
+ all that dwell in it. _Then followeth the blessing of the fire._
+ Domine Deus pater omnipotens, lumen indeficiens, exaudi nos, quia tu
+ es conditor omnium luminum. Benedic Domine hoc lumen, quod ante
+ sanctificatum est, qui illuminasti omnem hominem venientem in hunc
+ mundum (vel mundum) vt ab eo lumine accendamur igne claritatis tuæ. Et
+ sicut igne illuminasti Mosen, ita nunc illumina corda nostra, & sensus
+ nostros, vt ad vitam æternam mereamur peruenire, per Christum, &c.
+ Lord God father almightie, light euerlasting, heare vs, sith thou art
+ the maker of all lights. Blesse O Lord this light, that is alreadie
+ sanctified in thy sight, which hast lightned all men that come into
+ the world (or the whole world) to the end that by the same light we
+ may be lightned with the shining of thy brightnesse. As thou diddest
+ lighten Moses, so now illuminate our hearts, and our senses, that we
+ may deserue to come to euerlasting life, through Christ our, &c. _This
+ being ended let him say the_ Pater noster, &c: _then these words:_
+ Saluum fac seruum, &c. Mitte ei auxilium Deus, &c. De Sion tuere eum,
+ &c. Dominus vobiscum, &c. _That is_, O Lord saue thy seruant, &c. Send
+ him helpe O God from thy holie place, &c. Defend him out of Sion, &c.
+ Lord heare, &c. The Lord be with you, &c.
+
+ "_The praier._ Benedic Domine sancte pater, omnipotens Deus, per
+ inuocationem sanctissimi nominis tui, & per aduentum filij tui, atque
+ per donum spiritus paracleti, ad manifestandum verum iudicium tuum,
+ hoc genus metalli, vt sit sanctificatum, & omni dæmonum falsitate
+ procul remota, veritas veri iudicij tui fidelibus tuis manifesta fiat,
+ per eundem Dominum, &c. _In English:_ Blesse we beséech thee O Lord,
+ holie father, euerlasting God, through the inuocation of thy most
+ holie name, by the comming of thy sonne, and gift of the holie ghost,
+ and to the manifestation of thy true iudgement, this kind of mettall,
+ that being hallowed, and all fraudulent practises of the diuels
+ vtterlie remoued, the manifest truth of thy true iudgement may be
+ reuealed, by the same Lord Iesus, &c.
+
+ "_After this, let the iron be laid into the fire, and sprinkled with
+ holie water, and whilest it heateth, let the priest go to masse, and
+ doo as order requireth: and when he hath receiued the host, he shall
+ call the man that is to be purged (as it is written hereafter) first
+ adiuring him, and then permitting him to communicate according to the
+ maner._
+
+
+ _The office of the masse._
+
+ "Iustus es Domine, &c. O Lord thou art iust, &c.
+
+ _The Praier._
+
+ "Absolue quæsumus Domine delicta famuli tui, vt à peccatorum suorum
+ nexibus, quæ pro sua fragilitate contraxit, tua benignitate liberetur,
+ & in hoc iudicio quoad meruit, iustitia tua præueniente, ad veritatis
+ censuram peruenire mereatur, per Christum Dominum, &c. _That is:_
+ Pardon we beséech thée O Lord, the sinnes of thy seruant, that being
+ deliuered from the burden of his offenses, wherewith he is intangled,
+ he may be cleared by thy benignitie, and in this his triall (so far as
+ he hath deserued thy mercie preuenting him) he may come to the
+ knowledge of the truth, by Christ our Lord, &c.
+
+
+ _The Gospell._ Mar. 10.
+
+ "In illo tempore, cùm egressus esset Iesus in via, procurrens quidam
+ genu flexo ante eum, rogabat eum dicens, Magister bone, quid faciam vt
+ vitam æternam percipiam? Iesus autem dixit ei, Quid me dicis bonum?
+ &c. In those daies when Iesus went foorth toward his iourneie, and one
+ méeting him in the waie running, and knéeling vnto him, asked him
+ saieng: Good master what shall I doo that I may possesse eternall
+ life? Iesus said vnto him, Whie callest thou me good? &c. _Then
+ followeth the secret, and so foorth all of the rest of the masse. But
+ before the partie dooth communicate, the priest shall vse these words
+ vnto him:_ Adiuro te per patrem, & filium, & spiritum sanctum, & per
+ veram christianitatem quam suscepisti, & per sanctas relliquias quæ in
+ ista ecclesia sunt, & per baptismum quo te sacerdos regenerauit, vt
+ non præsumas vllo modo communicare, neq; accedere ad altare, si hoc
+ fecisti aut consensisti, &c. I adiure thée by the father, the sonne,
+ and the holie Ghost, by the true christendome which thou hast
+ receiued, by the holie relikes which are in this church, and by the
+ baptisme wherewith the priest hath regenerated thée, that thou presume
+ not by any maner of means to communicate, nor come about the altar, if
+ thou hast doone or consented vnto this, whereof thou art accused, &c.
+ [Sidenote: The cup yet in vse.]
+ _Here let the priest suffer him to communicate, saieng;_ Corpus hoc, &
+ sanguis Domini nostri Iesu Christi, sit tibi ad probationem hodie.
+ This bodie & this bloud of our Lord Iesus Christ, be vnto thee a
+ triall this daie. _The praier:_ Perceptis Domine Deus noster sacris
+ muneribus, supplices deprecamur, vt huius participatio sacramenti à
+ proprijs nos reatibus expediat, & in famulo tuo veritatis sententiam
+ declaret, &c. Hauing receiued O Lord God these holie mysteries, we
+ humblie beséech thée that the participation of this sacrament may rid
+ vs of our guiltinesse, and in this thy seruant set foorth the truth.
+ _Then shall follow_ Kyrieleson, _the Letanie, and certeine Psalmes,
+ and after all them_ Oremus: Let vs praie. Deus qui per ignem signa
+ magna ostendens, Abraham puerum tuum de incendio Chaldæorum quibusdam
+ pereuntibus eruisti, Deus qui rubum ardere ante conspectum Mosis &
+ minimè comburi permisisti, Deus qui de incendio fornacis Chaldaicis
+ plerisque succensis, tres pueros tuos illæsos eduxisti, Deus qui
+ incendio ignis populum Sodomæ inuoluens, Loth famulum tuum cum suis
+ salute donasti, Deus qui in aduentu sancti spiritus tui, illustratione
+ ignis fideles tuos ab infidelibus decreuisti: ostende nobis in hoc
+ prauitatis nostræ examine virtutem eiusdem spiritus, &c: & per ignis
+ huius feruorem discernere infideles, vt à tactu eius cuius inquisitio
+ agitur, conscius exhorrescat, & manus eius comburatur, innocens verò
+ p[oe]nitus illæsus permaneat, &c. Deus cuius noticiam nulla vnquam
+ secreta effugiunt, fidei nostræ tua bonitate responde, & præsta vt
+ quisquis purgandi se gratia, hoc ignitum tulerit ferrum, vel
+ absoluatur vt innocens, vel noxius detegatur, &c. _In English thus:_ O
+ God, which in shewing great tokens by fire diddest deliuer Abraham thy
+ seruant from the burning of the Chaldeis, whilest other perished; O
+ God which sufferedst the bush to burne in the sight of Moses, and yet
+ not to consume; O God which deliueredst the thrée children from
+ bodilie harme in the fornace of the Chaldeis, whilest diuerse were
+ consumed; O God which by fire didst wrap the people of Sodome in their
+ destruction, and yet sauedst Lot and his daughters from perill; O God
+ which by the shining of thy brightnesse at the comming of the holie
+ ghost in likenesse of fire, diddest separate the faithfull from such
+ as beléeued not: shew vnto vs in the triall of this our wickednesse,
+ the power of the same spirit, &c: and by the heat of this fire
+ discerne the faithfull from the vnfaithfull, that the guiltie whose
+ cause is now in triall, by touching thereof, may tremble and feare,
+ and his hand be burned, or being innocent, that he may remaine in
+ safetie, &c. O God from whome no secrets are hidden, let thy goodnesse
+ answer to our faith, and grant that whosoeuer in this purgation, shall
+ touch and beare this iron, may either be tried an innocent, or
+ reuealed as an offender, &c. _After this the priest shall sprinkle the
+ iron with holie water saieng:_ The blessing of the father, the sonne,
+ and the holie ghost, be vpon this iron, to the reuelation of the iust
+ iudgement of God. _And foorthwith let him that is accused beare it, by
+ the length of nine foot, and then let his hand be wrapped and sealed
+ vp for the space of three daies: after this if any corruption or raw
+ flesh appeare where the iron touched it, let him be condemned as
+ guiltie: if it be whole and sound, let him giue thanks to God._" And
+ [Sidenote: Water.]
+ thus much of the firie Ordalia, wherevnto that of the water hath so
+ precise relation, that in setting foorth of the one, I haue also
+ described the other, wherefore it shall be but in vaine to deale anie
+ further withall.
+
+ Hitherto also (as I thinke) sufficientlie of such lawes as were in vse
+ before the conquest. Now it resteth that I should declare the order of
+ those, that haue beene made and receiued since the comming of the
+ Normans, referred to the eight alteration or change of our maner of
+ gouernance, and therevnto doo produce thrée score and foure seuerall
+ courts. But for asmuch as I am no lawier, and therefore haue but
+ little skill to procéed in the same accordinglie, it shall suffice to
+ set downe some generall discourse of such as are vsed in our daies,
+ and so much as I haue gathered by report and common heare-saie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ciuill law.]
+ We haue therefore in England sundrie lawes, and first of all the
+ ciuill, vsed in the chancerie, admeraltie, and diuerse other courts,
+ in some of which, the seuere rigor of iustice is often so mitigated by
+ conscience, that diuerse things are thereby made easie and tollerable,
+ which otherwise would appeare to be méere iniurie and extremitie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Canon law.]
+ We haue also a great part of the Canon law dailie practised among vs,
+ especiallie in cases of tithes, contracts of matrimonie, and such
+ like, as are vsuallie to be séene in the consistories of our bishops
+ and higher courts of the two archbishops, where the exercise of the
+ same is verie hotlie followed. The third sort of lawes that we haue
+ are our owne, & those alwaies so variable, & subiect to alteration and
+ change, that oft in one age, diuerse iudgements doo passe vpon one
+ maner of case, whereby the saieng of the poet,
+
+   "Tempora mutantur, & nos mutamur in illis,"
+
+ [Sidenote: Lawiers of England not alwaies constant in iudgment.]
+ may verie well be applied vnto such, as being vrged with these words;
+ In such a yeare of the prince, this opinion was taken for sound law;
+ doo answer nothing else, but that the iudgement of our lawiers is now
+ altered, so that they saie farre otherwise. The regiment that we haue
+ therefore after our owne ordinances, dependeth vpon thrée lawes, to
+ wit, Statute law, Common law, Customarie law, and Prescription,
+ according to the triple maner of our trials and iudgments, which is by
+ parlement, verdict of twelue men at an assise, or wager of battell, of
+ which the last is little vsed in our daies, as no appeale dooth hold
+ in the first and last rehearsed. But to returne to my purpose.
+
+ [Sidenote: Parlement law.]
+ The first is deliuered vnto vs by parlement, which court, being for
+ the most part holden at Westminster néere London, is the highest of
+ all other, & consisteth of three seuerall sorts of people, that is to
+ saie, the nobilitie, cleargie, and commons of this realme. And thereto
+ is not summoned, but vpon vrgent occasion when the prince dooth see
+ his time, and that by seuerall writs, dated commonlie full six wéekes
+ before it begin to be holden. Such lawes as are agreed vpon in the
+ higher house by the lords spirituall and temporall, and in the lower
+ house by the commons and bodie of the realme (whereof the conuocation
+ of the cleargie holden in Powles, or if occasion so require in
+ Westminster church, is a member) there speaking by the mouth of the
+ knights of the shire and burgesses, remaine in the end to be confirmed
+ by the prince, who commonlie resorteth thither of custome, vpon the
+ first and last daies of this court, there to vnderstand what is doone,
+ and giue his roiall consent to such statutes as him liketh of. Comming
+ therefore thither into the higher house, and hauing taken his throne,
+ the speaker of the parlement (for one is alwaies appointed to go
+ betwéene the houses, as an indifferent mouth for both) readeth openlie
+ the matters there determined by the said thrée estates, and then
+ craueth the princes consent and finall confirmation to the same. The
+ king hauing heard the summe and principall points of each estatute
+ brieflie recited vnto him, answereth in French with great deliberation
+ vnto such as he liketh ("Il nous plaist") but to the rest "Il ne
+ plaist," whereby the latter are made void and frustrate. That also
+ which his maiestie liketh of, is hereby authorised, confirmed, & euer
+ after holden for law, except it be repealed in anie the like
+ assemblie. The number of the commons assembled in the lower house,
+ [Sidenote: Number of congregates in the parlement.]
+ beside the cleargie, consisteth of ninetie knights. For each shire of
+ England hath two gentlemen or knights of greatest wisedome and
+ reputation, chosen out of the bodie of the same for that onelie
+ purpose, sauing that for Wales one onlie is supposed sufficient in
+ euerie countie, whereby the number afore mentioned is made vp. There
+ are likewise fourtie and six citizens, 289 burgesses, and fouretéene
+ barons, so that the whole assemblie of the laitie of the lower house,
+ consisteth of foure hundred thirtie and nine persons, if the iust
+ number be supplied. Of the lawes here made likewise some are penall
+ and restraine the common law, and some againe are found to inlarge the
+ same. The one sort of these also are for the most part taken strictlie
+ according to the letter, the other more largelie and beneficiallie
+ after their intendment and meaning.
+
+ [Sidenote: Common law.]
+ The Common law standeth vpon sundrie maximes or principles, and yeares
+ or termes, which doo conteine such cases as by great studie and
+ solemne argument of the iudges sound practise confirmed by long
+ experience, fetched euen from the course of most ancient lawes made
+ farre before the conquest, and thereto the déepest reach and
+ foundations of reason, are ruled and adiudged for law. Certes these
+ cases are otherwise called plees or action, wherof there are two
+ sorts, the one criminall and the other ciuill. The meanes and
+ messengers also to determine those causes are our writs or bréefes,
+ whereof there are some originall and some iudiciall. The parties
+ plaintiffe & defendant when they appeare procéed (if the case doo so
+ require) by plaint or declaration, barre or answer, replication,
+ reioinder, and so by rebut, surrebut to issue and triall if occasion
+ so fall out, the one side affirmatiuelie, the other negatiuelie as
+ common experience teacheth. Our trials and recoueries are either by
+ verdict and demourre, confession or default, wherein if anie
+ negligence or trespasse hath béene committed, either in processe and
+ forme, or in matter and iudgement, the partie grieued may haue a writ
+ of errour to vndoo the same, but not in the same court where the
+ former iudgement was giuen.
+
+ [Sidenote: Customarie law.]
+ Customarie law consisteth of certeine laudable customes vsed in some
+ priuat countrie, intended first to begin vpon good and reasonable
+ considerations, as gauell kind, which is all the male children
+ equallie to inherit, and continued to this daie in Kent: where it is
+ onelie to my knowledge reteined, and no where else in England. It was
+ at the first deuised by the Romans, as appeareth by Cæsar in his
+ c[=o]mentaries, wherein I find, that to breake and daunt the force of
+ the rebellious Germans, they made a law that all the male children (or
+ females for want of males which holdeth still in England) should haue
+ their fathers inheritance equallie diuided amongst them. By this
+ meanes also it came to passe, that whereas before time for the space
+ of sixtie yeares, they had put the Romans to great and manifold
+ troubles, within the space of thirtie yeares after this law made,
+ their power did wax so feeble, and such discord fell out amongst
+ themselues, that they were not able to mainteine warres with the
+ Romans, nor raise anie iust armie against them. For as a riuer runing
+ with one streame is swift and more plentifull of water than when it is
+ drained or drawne into manie branches: so the lands and goods of the
+ ancestors being dispersed amongst their issue males, of one strong
+ there were raised sundrie weake, whereby the originall or generall
+ strength to resist the aduersarie, became infeebled and brought almost
+ to nothing. "Vis vnita (saith the philosopher) fortior est eadem
+ dispersa," and one good pursse is better than manie euill, and when
+ euerie man is benefited alike, each one will séeke to mainteine his
+ priuate estate, and few take care to prouide for publike welfare.
+
+ Burrow kind, is where the yoongest is preferred before the eldest,
+ which is the custome of manie countries of this region; also the woman
+ to haue the third of hir husbands possessions, the husband that
+ marieth an heire to haue such lands as moue by hir during his naturall
+ life, if he suruiue hir, and hath a child by hir which hath béene
+ heard crie thorough foure wals, &c: of such like to be learned
+ elsewhere, and sometimes frequented generallie ouer all.
+
+ [Sidenote: Prescription.]
+ Prescription is a certeine custome, which hath continued time out of
+ minde, but it is more particular than customarie law, as where onelie
+ a parish or some priuat person dooth prescribe to haue common, or a
+ waie in another mans soile, or tithes to be paid after this or that
+ maner, I meane otherwise than the common course and order of the law
+ requireth, whereof let this suffice at this time, in stéed of a larger
+ discourse of our owne lawes, least I should seeme to enter farre into
+ that whereof I haue no skill. For what hath the meditation of the law
+ of God to doo with anie precise knowledge of the law of man, sith they
+ are seuerall trades, and incident to diuerse persons?
+
+ There are also sundrie vsuall courts holden once in euerie quarter of
+ [Sidenote: Terme.]
+ the yeare, which we commonlie call termes, of the Latine word
+ Terminus, wherein all controuersies are determined, that happen within
+ the Quéenes dominions. These are commonlie holden at London, except
+ vpon some great occasion they be transferred to other places. At what
+ times also they are kept both for spirituall and temporall dealing,
+ the table insuing shall easilie declare. Finallie how well they are
+ followed by sutors, the great wealth of lawiers without anie trauell
+ of mine can readilie expresse. For as after the comming of the Normans
+ the nobilitie had the start, and after them the cleargie: so now all
+ the wealth of the land dooth flow vnto our common lawiers, of whome
+ some one hauing practised little aboue thirteene or fourtéene yeares
+ is able to buie a purchase of so manie 1000 pounds: which argueth that
+ they wax rich apace, and will be richer if their clients become not
+ the more wiser & warie hereafter. It is not long, since a sergeant at
+ the law (whome I could name) was arrested vpon an extent, for thrée or
+ foure hundred pounds, and another standing by did greatlie maruell
+ that he could not spare the gaines of one terme for the satisfaction
+ of that dutie. The time hath béene that our lawiers did sit in Powles
+ vpon stooles against the pillers and walles to get clients, but now
+ some of them will not come from their chambers to the Guildhall in
+ London vnder ten pounds or twentie nobles at the lest. And one being
+ demanded why he made so much of his trauell, answered, that it was but
+ follie for him to go so farre, when he was assured to get more monie
+ by sitting still at home. A friend of mine also had a sute of late of
+ some valure, and to be sure of counsell at his time, he gaue vnto two
+ lawiers (whose names I forbeare to deliuer) twentie shillings a peece,
+ telling them of the daie and houre wherein his matter should be called
+ [Sidenote: Deceipt.]
+ vpon. To be short, they came not vnto the barre at all, whervpon he
+ staied for that daie. On the morrow after he met them againe,
+ increased his former gifts by so much more, and told them of the time,
+ but they once againe serued him as before. In the end he met them both
+ in the verie hall doore, and after some timorous reprehension, of
+ their vncourteous demeanour toward him, he bestowed either thrée
+ angels or foure more vpon each of them, wherevpon they promised
+ peremptorilie to speake earnestlie in his cause. And yet for all this,
+ one of them hauing not yet sucked enough, vtterlie deceiued him: the
+ other in déed came in, and wagging a scroll which he had in his hand
+ before the iudge, he spake not aboue thrée or foure words, almost so
+ soone vttered as a good morrow, and so went from the bar, and this was
+ all the poore man gat for his monie, and the care which his
+ counsellours did séeme to take of his cause, then standing vpon the
+ [Sidenote: Manie of our lawiers stoope not at small fées.]
+ hazard. But inough of these matters, for if I should set downe how
+ little law poore men can haue for their small fées in these daies, and
+ the great murmurings that are on all sides vttered against their
+ excessiue taking of monie (for they can abide no small gaine) I should
+ extend this treatise into a farre greater volume than is conuenient
+ for my purpose. Wherfore it shall suffice to haue set downe so much of
+ their demeanour, and so much as is euen enough to cause them to looke
+ with somewhat more conscience into their dealings, except they be dull
+ and senselesse.
+
+ This furthermore is to be noted, that albeit the princes heretofore
+ reigning in this land haue erected sundrie courts, especiallie of the
+ chancerie at Yorke and Ludlow, for the ease of poore men dwelling in
+ [Sidenote: Poore men contentious.]
+ those parts, yet will the poorest (of all men commonlie most
+ contentious) refuse to haue his cause heard so néere home, but
+ indeuoureth rather to his vtter vndooing to trauell vp to London,
+ thinking there soonest to preuaile against his aduersarie, though his
+ case be neuer so doubtfull. But in this toie  our Welshmen doo excéed
+ of all that euer I heard, for you shall here and there haue some one
+ od poore Dauid of them giuen so much to contention and strife, that
+ without all respect of charges he will vp to London, though he go
+ bare legged by the waie, and carie his hosen on his necke (to saue
+ their feet from wearing) bicause he hath no change. When he commeth
+ there also, he will make such importunate begging of his countrimen,
+ and hard shift otherwise, that he will sometimes carie downe six or
+ seuen writs with him in his pursse, wherewith to molest his neighbor,
+ though the greatest quarrel be scarselie worth the fee that he hath
+ paid for anie one of them. But inough of this, least in reuealing the
+ superfluous follie of a few brablers in this behalfe, I bring no good
+ will to my selfe amongst the wisest of that nation. Certes it is a
+ [Sidenote: Promoters séeke matters to set lawiers on worke withall.]
+ lamentable case to sée furthermore, how a number of poore men are
+ dailie abused and vtterlie vndoone, by sundrie varlets that go about
+ the countrie, as promoters or brokers betwéene the pettie foggers of
+ the lawe, and the common people, onelie to kindle and espie coales of
+ contention, whereby the one side may reape commoditie, and the other
+ spend and be put to trauell. But of all that euer I knew in Essex,
+ Denis and Mainford excelled, till Iohn of Ludlow, aliàs Mason came in
+ place, vnto whome in comparison they two were but children: for this
+ last in lesse than thrée or foure yeares, did bring one man (among
+ manie else-where in other places) almost to extreame miserie (if
+ beggerie be the vttermost) that before he had the shauing of his
+ beard, was valued at two hundred pounds (I speake with the least) and
+ finallie feeling that he had not sufficient wherwith to susteine
+ himselfe and his familie, and also to satisfie that greedie rauenour,
+ which still called vpon him for new fées, he went to bed, and within
+ foure daies made an end of his wofull life, euen with care and
+ pensiuenesse. After his death also he so handled his sonne, that
+ there was neuer shéepe shorne in Maie, so néere clipped of his fléece
+ present, as he was of manie to come: so that he was compelled to let
+ awaie his land, bicause his cattell & stocke were consumed, and he no
+ longer able to occupie the ground. But hereof let this suffice, & in
+ stéed of these enormities, a table shall follow of the termes
+ conteining their beginnings and endings, as I haue borrowed them from
+ my fréend Iohn Stow, whose studie is the onelie store house of
+ antiquities in my time, and he worthie therefore to be had in
+ reputation and honour.
+
+ [Sidenote: The times of our termes no hinderance to iustice.]
+ A man would imagine that the time of the execution of our lawes, being
+ little aboue one quarter, or not fullie a third part of the yeare, and
+ the appointment of the same to be holden in one place onelie, to wit,
+ neere London in Westminster, and finallie the great expenses emploied
+ vpon the same, should be no small cause of the staie and hinderance of
+ the administration of iustice in this land: but as it falleth out they
+ prooue great occasions and the staie of much contention. The reasons
+ of these are soone to be conceiued, for as the broken sleeue dooth
+ hold the elbow backe, and paine of trauell cause manie to sit at home
+ in quiet; so the shortnesse of time and feare of delaie dooth driue
+ those oftentimes to like of peace, who otherwise would liue at strife,
+ and quickelie be at ods. Some men desirous of gaines would haue the
+ termes yet made shorter, that more delaie might ingender longer sute;
+ other would haue the houses made larger, and more offices erected,
+ wherein to minister the lawes. But as the times of the tearmes are
+ rather too short than too long by one returne a péece: so if there
+ were smaller roomes and fowler waies vnto them, they would inforce
+ manie to make pawses before they did rashlie enter into plée. But sith
+ my purpose is not to make an ample discourse of these things, it shall
+ suffice to deliuer the times of the holding of our termes, which
+ insueth after this manner.
+
+
+ _A perfect rule to know the beginning and ending of euerie terme, with
+ their returnes._
+
+ Hilarie terme beginneth the three and twentith daie of Ianuarie (if it
+ be not sundaie) otherwise the next daie after, and is finished the
+ twelfe of Februarie, it hath foure returnes.
+
+   Octabis Hilarij.
+   Quind. Hilarij.
+   Crastino Purific.
+   Octabis Purific.
+
+ ¶ Easter terme beginneth seuentéene daies after Easter, endeth foure
+ daies after the Ascension daie, and hath fiue returnes.
+
+   Quind. Pasch.
+   Tres Paschæ.
+   Mense. Paschæ.
+   Quinque Paschæ.
+   Crast. Ascention.
+
+ ¶ Trinitie terme beginneth the fridaie after Trinitie sundaie, and
+ endeth the wednesdaie fortnight after, in which time it hath foure
+ returnes.
+
+   Crast. Trinitatis.
+   Octabis Trinitatis.
+   Quind. Trinitatis.
+   Tres Trinitatis.
+
+ ¶ Michaelmasse terme beginneth the ninth of October (if it be not
+ sundaie) and ending the eight and twentith of Nouember, it hath eight
+ returnes.
+
+   Octabis Michael.
+   Quind. Michael.
+   Tres Michael.
+   Mense Michael.
+   Crast. anima.
+   Crast. Martini.
+   Octa Martini.
+   Quind. Martini.
+
+ Note also that the escheker, which is Fiscus ærarium publicum
+ principis, openeth eight daies before anie terme begin, except
+ Trinitie terme, which openeth but foure daies before.
+
+ And thus much for our vsuall termes as they are kept for the
+ administration of our common lawes, wherevnto I thinke good to adde
+ the lawdaies accustomablie holden in the arches and audience of
+ Canturburie, with other ecclesiasticall and ciuill courts thorough the
+ whole yeare, or for somuch time as their execution indureth (which in
+ comparison is scarselie one halfe of the time if it be diligentlie
+ examined) to the end each one at home being called vp to answer may
+ trulie know the time of his appearance; being sorie in the meane
+ season, that the vse of the popish calendar is so much reteined in the
+ same, and not rather the vsuall daies of the moneth placed in their
+ roomes, sith most of them are fixed and palter not their place of
+ standing. Howbeit some of our infected lawiers will not let them go
+ awaie so easilie, pretending facilitie and custome of vsage, but
+ meaning peraduenture inwardlie to kéepe a commemoration of those dead
+ men whose names are there remembred.
+
+ Michaelmas terme.
+
+   S. Faith.
+   S. Edward.
+   S. Luke.
+   Simon & Iu.
+   All Soules.
+   S. Martin.
+   Edmund.
+   Katharine.
+   S. Andrew.
+   Conception of the virgin Marie.
+
+ ¶ It is to be remembred that the first daie following euerie of these
+ feasts noted in each terme, the court of the arches is kept in Bow
+ church in the forenoone. And the same first daie in the afternoone is
+ the admeraltie court for ciuill and seafaring causes kept in
+ Southwarke, where iustice is ministred & execution doone continuallie
+ according to the same.
+
+ The second daie following euerie one of the said feasts, the court of
+ audience of Canturburie is kept in the consistorie in Paules in the
+ forenoone. And the selfe daie in the afternoone, in the same place is
+ the prerogatiue court of Canturburie holden.
+
+ The third day after anie such feast in the forenoone, the consistorie
+ court of the bishop of London is kept in Paules church in the said
+ consistorie, and the same third daie in the afternoone is the court of
+ the delegates, and the court of the Quéenes highnesse commissioners
+ vpon appeales is likewise kept in the same place on the fourth daie.
+
+ Hilarie terme.
+
+   S. Hilarie.
+   S. Wolstan.
+   Conuersion of S. Paule.
+   S. Blase.
+   S. Scolastic.
+   S. Valentine.
+   Ashwednes.
+   S. Matthie.
+   S. Chad.
+   Perpet. & Fel.
+   S. Gregorie.
+   Ann[=u]ciation of our Ladie.
+
+ Note that the foure first daies of this terme be certeine and
+ vnchanged. The other are altered after the course of the yeare, and
+ sometime kept and sometime omitted. For if it so happen that one of
+ those feasts fall on wednesdaie, commonlie called Ashwednesdaie after
+ the daie of S. Blase (so that the same lawdaie after Ashwednesdaie
+ cannot be kept bicause the lawdaie of the other feast dooth light on
+ the same) then the second lawdaie after Ashwednesdaie shall be kept,
+ and the other omitted. And if the lawdaie after Ashwednesdaie be the
+ next daie after the feast of S. Blase, then shall all and euerie court
+ daies be obserued in order, as they may be kept conuenientlie. And
+ marke that although Ashwednesdaie be put the seuenth in order, yet it
+ hath no certeine place, but is changed as the course of Easter causeth
+ it.
+
+ Easter terme.
+
+ The fiftéenth daie after Easter.
+
+   S. Alphege.
+   S. Marke.
+   Inuention of the crosse.
+   Gordian.
+   S. Dunstan.
+   Ascension daie.
+
+ ¶ In this terme the first sitting is alwaie kept the mondaie being the
+ fiftéenth daie after Easter, and so foorth after the feasts here
+ noted, which next follow by course of the yeare after Easter, and the
+ like space being kept betwéene other feasts.
+
+ The rest of the lawdaies are kept to the third of the Ascension, which
+ is the last day of this terme. And if it happen that the feast of the
+ Ascension of our Lord, doo come before anie of the feasts aforesaid,
+ then they are omitted for that yeare. And likewise if anie of those
+ daies come before the fifteenth of Easter, those daies are omitted
+ also.
+
+ Trinitie terme.
+
+   Trinitie sundaie.
+   Corpus Christi.
+   Boniface bish.
+   S. Barnabie.
+   S. Butolph.
+   S. Iohn.
+   S. Paule.
+   Translat. Thomas.
+   S. Swithune.
+   S. Margaret.
+   S. Anne.
+
+ Here note also that the lawdaies of this terme are altered by meane of
+ Whitsuntide, and the first sitting is kept alwaies on the first
+ lawdaie after the feast of the holie Trinitie, and the second session
+ is kept the first lawdaie after the idolatrous and papisticall feast
+ daie called Corpus Christi, except Corpus Christi daie fall on some
+ day aforenamed: which chanceth sometime, and then the fitter daie is
+ kept. And after the second session account foure daies or thereabout,
+ and then looke which is the next feast day, and the first lawdaie
+ after the said feast shall be the third session. The other law daies
+ follow in order, but so manie of them are kept, as for the time of the
+ yeare shall be thought méet.
+
+ It is also generallie to be obserued, that euerie daie is called a
+ lawdaie that is not sundaie or holie daie: and that if the feast daie
+ being knowne of anie court daie in anie terme, the first or second
+ daie following be sundaie, then the court daie is kept the daie after
+ the said holie daie or feast.
+
+
+
+
+ OF PROUISION MADE FOR THE POORE.
+
+ CHAP. X.
+
+
+ There is no common-wealth at this daie in Europe, wherin there is not
+ great store of poore people, and those necessarilie to be relieued by
+ the welthier sort, which otherwise would starue and come to vtter
+ [Sidenote: Thrée sorts of poore.]
+ confusion. With vs the poore is commonlie diuided into thrée sorts, so
+ that some are poore by impotencie, as the fatherlesse child, the aged,
+ blind and lame, and the diseased person that is iudged to be
+ incurable: the second are poore by casualtie, as the wounded souldier,
+ the decaied householder, and the sicke person visited with grieuous
+ and painefull diseases: the third consisteth of thriftlesse poore, as
+ the riotour that hath consumed all, the vagabund that will abide no
+ where, but runneth vp and downe from place to place (as it were
+ séeking worke and finding none) and finallie the roge and strumpet
+ which are not possible to be diuided in sunder, but runne too and fro
+ ouer all the realme, chéefelie kéeping the champaine soiles in summer
+ to auoid the scorching heat, and the woodland grounds in winter to
+ eschew the blustering winds.
+
+ For the first two sorts, that is to saie, the poore by impotencie, and
+ the poore by casualtie, which are the true poore in deed, and for
+ whome the word dooth bind vs to make some dailie prouision: there is
+ order taken through out euerie parish in the realme, that weekelie
+ collection shall be made for their helpe and sustentation, to the end
+ they should not scatter abroad, and by begging here and there annoie
+ both towne and countrie. Authoritie also is giuen vnto the iustices in
+ euerie countie, and great penalties appointed for such as make
+ default, to sée that the intent of the statute in this behalfe be
+ trulie executed, according to the purpose and meaning of the same, so
+ that these two sorts are sufficientlie prouided for: and such as can
+ liue within the limits of their allowance (as each one will doo that
+ is godlie and well disposed) may well forbeare to rome and range
+ about. But if they refuse to be supported by this benefit of the law,
+ and will rather indeuour by going to and fro to mainteine their idle
+ trades, then are they adiudged to be parcell of the third sort, and so
+ in stéed of courteous refreshing at home, are often corrected with
+ sharpe execution, and whip of iustice abroad. Manie there are, which
+ notwithstanding the rigor of the lawes prouided in that behalfe, yéeld
+ rather with this libertie (as they call it) to be dailie vnder the
+ feare and terrour of the whip, than by abiding where they were borne
+ or bred, to be prouided for by the deuotion of the parishes. I found
+ not long since a note of these latter sort, the effect whereof
+ insueth. Idle beggers are such either through other mens occasion, or
+ [Sidenote: A thing often séene.]
+ through their owne default. By other mens occasion (as one waie for
+ example) when some couetous man such I meane as haue the cast or right
+ veine, dailie to make beggers inough wherby to pester the land,
+ espieng a further commoditie in their commons, holds, and tenures,
+ dooth find such meanes as thereby to wipe manie out of their
+ occupiengs, and turne the same vnto his priuate gaines. Herevpon
+ [Sidenote: At whose hands shall the bloud of these men be required?]
+ it followeth, that although the wise and better minded, doo either
+ forsake the realme for altogether, and seeke to liue in other
+ countries, as France, Germanie, Barbarie, India, Moscouia, and verie
+ Calecute, complaining of no roome to be left for them at home, doo so
+ behaue themselues that they are worthilie to be accompted among the
+ second sort: yet the greater part commonlie hauing nothing to staie
+ vpon are wilfull, and therevpon doo either prooue idle beggers, or
+ else continue starke théeues till the gallowes doo eat them vp, which
+ is a lamentable case. Certes in some mans iudgements these things are
+ but trifles, and not worthie the regarding. Some also doo grudge at
+ the great increase of people in these daies, thinking a necessarie
+ brood of cattell farre better than a superfluous augmentation of
+ mankind. But I can liken such men best of all vnto the pope and the
+ diuell, who practise the hinderance of the furniture of the number of
+ the elect to their vttermost, to the end the authoritie of the one
+ vpon earth, the deferring of the locking vp of the other in
+ euerlasting chaines, and the great gaines of the first may continue
+ and indure the longer. But if it should come to passe that any forren
+ inuasion should be made, which the Lord God forbid for his mercies
+ sake! then should these men find that a wall of men is farre better
+ than stackes of corne and bags of monie, and complaine of the want
+ when it is too late to séeke remedie. The like occasion caused the
+ Romans to deuise their law Agraria: but the rich not liking of it, and
+ the couetous vtterlie condemning it as rigorous and vnprofitable,
+ neuer ceased to practise disturbance till it was quite abolished. But
+ to proceed with my purpose.
+
+ Such as are idle beggers through their owne default are of two sorts,
+ and continue their estates either by casuall or méere voluntarie
+ meanes: those that are such by casuall means, are in the beginning
+ iustlie to be referred either to the first or second sort of poore
+ afore mentioned: but degenerating into the thriftlesse sort, they doo
+ what they can to continue their miserie, and with such impediments as
+ they haue to straie and wander about, as creatures abhorring all
+ labour and euerie honest exercise. Certes I call these casuall meanes,
+ not in respect of the originall of their pouertie, but of the
+ continuance of the same, from whence they will not be deliuered, such
+ is their owne vngratious lewdnesse, and froward disposition. The
+ voluntarie meanes proceed from outward causes, as by making of
+ corosiues, and applieng the same to the more fleshie parts of their
+ bodies: and also laieng of ratsbane, sperewort, crowfoot, and such
+ like vnto their whole members, thereby to raise pitifull and odious
+ sores, and mooue the harts of the goers by such places where they lie,
+ to yerne at their miserie, and therevpon bestow large almesse vpon
+ them. How artificiallie they beg, what forcible spéech, and how they
+ select and choose out words of vehemencie, whereby they doo in maner
+ coniure or adiure the goer by to pitie their cases, I passe ouer to
+ remember, as iudging the name of God and Christ to be more conuersant
+ in the mouths of none: and yet the presence of the heuenlie maiestie
+ further off from no men than from this vngratious companie. Which
+ maketh me to thinke that punishment is farre meeter for them than
+ liberalitie or almesse, and sith Christ willeth vs cheeflie to haue a
+ regard to himselfe and his poore members.
+
+ Vnto this nest is another sort to be referred, more sturdie than the
+ rest, which hauing sound and perfect lims, doo yet notwithstanding
+ sometime counterfeit the possession of all sorts of diseases. Diuerse
+ times in their apparell also they will be like seruing men or
+ laborers: oftentimes they can plaie the mariners, and séeke for ships
+ which they neuer lost. But in fine, they are all théeues and
+ caterpillers in the common-wealth, and by the word of God not
+ permitted to eat, sith they doo but licke the sweat from the true
+ labourers browes, & beereue the godlie poore of that which is due vnto
+ them, to mainteine their excesse, consuming the charitie of well
+ disposed people bestowed vpon them, after a most wicked & detestable
+ maner.
+
+ It is not yet full thréescore yeares since this trade began: but how
+ it hath prospered since that time, it is easie to iudge, for they are
+ now supposed of one sex and another, to amount vnto aboue 10000
+ persons; as I haue heard reported. Moreouer, in counterfeiting the
+ Egyptian roges, they haue deuised a language among themselues, which
+ they name Canting, but other pedlers French, a speach compact thirtie
+ yeares since of English, and a great number of od words of their owne
+ deuising, without all order or reason: and yet such is it as none but
+ themselues are able to vnderstand. The first deuiser thereof was
+ hanged by the necke, a iust reward no doubt for his deserts, and a
+ [Sidenote: Thomas Harman.]
+ common end to all of that profession. A gentleman also of late hath
+ taken great paines to search out the secret practises of this
+ vngratious rable. And among other things he setteth downe and
+ describeth thrée & twentie sorts of them, whose names it shall not be
+ amisse to remember, wherby ech one may take occasion to read and know
+ as also by his industrie what wicked people they are, and what
+ villanie remaineth in them.
+
+ _The seuerall disorders and degrees amongst our idle vagabonds._
+
+    1 Rufflers.
+    2 Vprightmen.
+    3 Hookers or Anglers.
+    4 Roges.
+    5 Wild roges.
+    6 Priggers or pransers.
+    7 Palliards.
+    8 Fraters.
+    9 Abrams.
+   10 Freshwater mariners, or whipiacks.
+   11 Dummerers.
+   12 Drunken tinkers.
+   13 Swadders or pedlers.
+   14 Iarkemen or patricoes.
+
+ ¶ _Of women kind_
+
+    1 Demanders for glimmar or fire.
+    2 Baudie baskets.
+    3 Mortes.
+    4 Autem mortes.
+    5 Walking mortes.
+    6 Doxes.
+    7 Delles.
+    8 Kinching mortes.
+    9 Kinching cooes.
+
+ The punishment that is ordeined for this kind of people is verie
+ sharpe, and yet it can not restreine them from their gadding:
+ wherefore the end must néeds be martiall law, to be exercised vpon
+ them, as vpon théeues, robbers, despisers of all lawes, and enimies to
+ the common-wealth & welfare of the land. What notable roberies,
+ pilferies, murders, rapes, and stealings of yoong children, burning,
+ breaking and disfiguring their lims to make them pitifull in the sight
+ of the people, I need not to rehearse: but for their idle roging about
+ the countrie, the law ordeineth this maner of correction. The roge
+ being apprehended, committed to prison, and tried in the next assises
+ (whether they be of gaole deliuerie or sessions of the peace) if he
+ happen to be conuicted for a vagabond either by inquest of office, or
+ the testimonie of two honest and credible witnesses vpon their oths,
+ he is then immediatlie adiudged to be gréeuouslie whipped and burned
+ through the gristle of the right eare, with an hot iron of the
+ compasse of an inch about, as a manifestation of his wicked life, and
+ due punishment receiued for the same. And this iudgement is to be
+ executed vpon him, except some honest person woorth fiue pounds in the
+ quéenes books in goods, or twentie shillings in lands, or some rich
+ housholder to be allowed by the iustices, will be bound in
+ recognisance to reteine him in his seruice for one whole yeare. If he
+ be taken the second time, and proued to haue forsaken his said
+ seruice, he shall then be whipped againe, bored likewise through the
+ other eare and set to seruice: from whence if he depart before a yeare
+ be expired, and happen afterward to be attached againe, he is
+ condemned to suffer paines of death as a fellon (except before
+ excepted) without benefit of clergie or sanctuarie, as by the statute
+ dooth appeare. Among roges and idle persons finallie, we find to be
+ comprised all proctors that go vp and downe with counterfeit licences,
+ coosiners, and such as gad about the countrie, vsing vnlawfull games,
+ practisers of physiognomie and palmestrie, tellers of fortunes,
+ fensers, plaiers, minstrels, iugglers, pedlers, tinkers, pretensed
+ schollers, shipmen, prisoners gathering for fees, and others so oft as
+ they be taken without sufficient licence. From among which companie
+ our bearewards are not excepted, and iust cause: for I haue read that
+ they haue either voluntarilie, or for want of power to master their
+ sauage beasts, béene occasion of the death and deuoration of manie
+ children in sundrie countries by which they haue passed, whose parents
+ neuer knew what was become of them. And for that cause there is & haue
+ béene manie sharpe lawes made for bearwards in Germanie, wherof you
+ may read in other. But to our roges. Each one also that harboreth or
+ aideth them with meat or monie, is taxed and compelled to fine with
+ the quéenes maiestie for euerie time that he dooth so succour them, as
+ it shall please the iustices of peace to assigne, so that the taxation
+ excéed not twentie shillings, as I haue béene informed. And thus much
+ of the poore, & such prouision as is appointed for them within the
+ realme of England.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SUNDRIE KINDS OF PUNISHMENTS APPOINTED FOR MALEFACTORS.
+
+ CHAP. XI.
+
+
+ In cases of felonie, manslaghter, roberie, murther, rape, piracie, &
+ such capitall crimes as are not reputed for treason or hurt of the
+ estate, our sentence pronounced vpon the offendor is to hang till he
+ be dead. For of other punishments vsed in other countries we haue no
+ knowledge or vse, and yet so few gréeuous crimes committed with vs as
+ else where in the world. To vse torment also or question by paine and
+ torture in these common cases with vs is greatlie abhorred, sith we
+ are found alwaie to be such as despise death, and yet abhorre to be
+ tormented, choosing rather frankelie to open our minds than to yeeld
+ our bodies vnto such seruile halings and tearings as are vsed in other
+ countries. And this is one cause wherefore our condemned persons doo
+ go so chéerefullie to their deths, for our nation is frée, stout,
+ hautie, prodigall of life and bloud, as sir Thomas Smith saith lib. 2.
+ cap. 25. de republica, and therefore cannot in anie wise digest to be
+ vsed as villanes and slaues, in suffering continuallie beating,
+ seruitude, and seruile torments. No, our gailers are guiltie of
+ fellonie by an old law of the land, if they torment anie prisoner
+ committed to their custodie for the reuealing of his complices.
+
+ The greatest and most gréeuous punishment vsed in England, for such as
+ offend against the state, is drawing from the prison to the place of
+ execution vpon an hardle or sled, where they are hanged till they be
+ halfe dead, and then taken downe and quartered aliue, after that their
+ members and bowels are cut from their bodies, and throwne into a fire
+ prouided neere hand and within their owne sight, euen for the same
+ purpose. Sometimes, if the trespasse be not the more hainous, they are
+ suffered to hang till they be quite dead. And when soeuer anie of the
+ nobilitie are conuicted of high treason by their peeres, that is to
+ saie, equals (for an inquest of yeomen passeth not vpon them, but
+ onelie of the lords of the parlement) this maner of their death is
+ conuerted into the losse of their heads onelie, notwithstanding that
+ the sentence doo run after the former order. In triall of cases
+ concerning treason, fellonie, or anie other greeuous crime not
+ confessed, the partie accused dooth yéeld, if he be a noble man, to be
+ tried by an inquest (as I haue said) and his péeres: if a gentleman,
+ by gentlemen: and an inferiour, by God and by the countrie, to wit,
+ the yeomanrie (for combat or battell is not greatlie in vse) and being
+ condemned of fellonie, manslaughter, &c: he is eftsoons hanged by the
+ necke till he be dead, and then cut downe and buried. But if he be
+ conuicted of wilfull murther, doone either vpon pretended malice, or
+ in anie notable robberie, he is either hanged aliue in chaines néere
+ the place where the fact was committed (or else vpon compassion taken
+ first strangled with a rope) and so continueth till his bones consume
+ to nothing. We haue vse neither of the whéele nor of the barre, as in
+ other countries; but when wilfull manslaughter is perpetrated, beside
+ hanging, the offendor hath his right hand commonlie striken off before
+ or néere vnto the place where the act was doone, after which he is led
+ foorth to the place of execution, and there put to death according to
+ the law.
+
+ The word fellon is deriued of the Saxon words Fell and One, that is to
+ say, an euill and wicked one, a one of vntamable nature, and lewdnesse
+ not to be suffered for feare of euill example and the corruption of
+ others. In like sort in the word fellonie are manie gréeuous crimes
+ conteined, as breach of prison An. 1 of Edward the second. Disfigurers
+ of the princes liege people An. 5. of Henrie the fourth. Hunting by
+ night with painted faces and visors An. 1. of Henrie the seuenth. Rape
+ or stealing of women & maidens An. 3 of Henrie the eight. Conspiracie
+ against the person of the prince An. 3. of Henrie the seuenth.
+ Embesilling of goods committed by the master to the seruant, aboue the
+ value of fourtie shillings An. 17. of Henrie the eight. Carieng of
+ horsses or mares into Scotland An. 23. of Henrie the eight. Sodomie
+ and buggerie An. 25. of Henrie the eight. Stealing of hawkes egs An.
+ 31. of Henrie the eight. Coniuring, sorcerie, witchcraft, and digging
+ vp of crosses An. 33. of Hen. 8. Prophesieng vpon armes, cognisances,
+ names & badges An. 33. of Hen. 8. Casting of slanderous bils An. 37.
+ Hen. 8. Wilfull killing by poison An. 1. of Edw. the sixt. Departure
+ of a soldier from the field An. 2. of Edward the sixt. Diminution of
+ coine, all offenses within case of premunire, embeselling of records,
+ goods taken from dead men by their seruants, stealing of what soeuer
+ cattell, robbing by the high waie, vpon the sea, or of dwelling
+ houses, letting out of ponds, cutting of pursses, stealing of déere by
+ night, counterfeiters of coine, euidences, charters, and writings, &
+ diuerse other needlesse to be remembred. If a woman poison hir husband
+ she is burned aliue, if the seruant kill his master he is to be
+ executed for petie treason, he that poisoneth a man is to be boiled to
+ death in water or lead, although the partie die not of the practise:
+ in cases of murther all the accessaries are to suffer paines of death
+ accordinglie. Periurie is punished by the pillorie, burning in the
+ forehead with the letter P, the rewalting of the trées growing vpon
+ the grounds of the offenders and losse of all his mooueables. Manie
+ trespasses also are punished by the cutting of one or both eares from
+ the head of the offendor, as the vtterance of seditious words against
+ the magistrates, fraimakers, petie robbers, &c. Roges are burned
+ through the eares, cariers of sheepe out of the land by the losse of
+ their hands, such as kill by poison are either boiled or skalded to
+ death in lead or séething water. Heretikes are burned quicke, harlots
+ and their mates by carting, ducking, and dooing of open penance in
+ shéets, in churches and market stéeds are often put to rebuke. Howbeit
+ as this is counted with some either as no punishment at all to speake
+ of, or but smallie regarded of the offendors, so I would wish
+ adulterie and fornication to haue some sharper law. For what great
+ smart is it to be turned out of an hot sheet into a cold, or after a
+ little washing in the water to be let lose againe vnto their former
+ trades? Howbeit the dragging of some of them ouer the Thames betwéene
+ Lambeth and Westminster at the taile of a boat, is a punishment that
+ most terrifieth them which are condemned therto; but this is inflicted
+ vpon them by none other than the knight marshall, and that within the
+ compasse of his iurisdiction & limits onelie. Canutus was the first
+ that gaue authoritie to the cleargie to punish whoredome, who at that
+ time found fault with the former lawes as being too seuere in this
+ behalfe. For before the time of the said Canutus, the adulterer
+ forfeited all his goods to the king, and his bodie to be at his
+ pleasure; and the adulteresse was to lose hir eies or nose, or both,
+ if the case were more than common: whereby it appéereth of what
+ estimation mariage was amongst them, sith the breakers of that holie
+ estate were so gréeuouslie rewarded. But afterward the cleargie dealt
+ more fauourablie with them, shooting rather at the punishments of such
+ priests and clearkes as were maried, than the reformation of adulterie
+ and fornication, wherein you shall find no example that anie seueritie
+ was shewed, except vpon such laie men as had defiled their nuns. As in
+ theft therefore so in adulterie and whoredome I would wish the parties
+ trespassant, to be made bond or slaues vnto those that receiued the
+ iniurie, to sell and giue where they listed, or to be condemned to the
+ gallies: for that punishment would proue more bitter to them than
+ halfe an houres hanging, or than standing in a shéet, though the
+ weather be neuer so cold.
+
+ Manslaughter in time past was punished by the pursse, wherin the
+ quantitie or qualitie of the punishment was rated after the state and
+ calling of the partie killed: so that one was valued sometime at 1200,
+ another at 600, or 200 shillings. And by an estatute made vnder Henrie
+ the first, a citizen of London at 100, whereof else-where I haue
+ spoken more at large. Such as kill themselues are buried in the field
+ with a stake driuen through their bodies.
+
+ Witches are hanged or sometimes burned, but théeues are hanged (as I
+ [Sidenote: Halifax law.]
+ said before) generallie on the gibbet or gallowes, sauing in Halifax
+ where they are beheaded after a strange maner, and whereof I find this
+ report. There is and hath beene of ancient time a law or rather a
+ custome at Halifax, that who soeuer dooth commit anie fellonie, and is
+ taken with the same, or confesse the fact vpon examination: if it be
+ valued by foure constables to amount to the sum of thirtéene pence
+ halfe penie, he is foorthwith beheaded vpon one of the next market
+ daies (which fall vsuallie vpon the tuesdaies, thursdaies, &
+ saturdaies) or else vpon the same daie that he is so conuicted, if
+ market be then holden. The engine wherewith the execution is doone, is
+ a square blocke of wood of the length of foure foot and an halfe,
+ which dooth ride vp and downe in a slot, rabet, or regall betwéene two
+ péeces of timber, that are framed and set vpright of fiue yardes in
+ height. In the neather end of the sliding blocke is an ax keied or
+ fastened with an iron into the wood, which being drawne vp to the top
+ of the frame is there fastened by a woodden pin (with a notch made
+ into the same after the maner of a Samsons post) vnto the middest of
+ which pin also there is a long rope fastened that commeth downe among
+ the people, so that when the offendor hath made his confession, and
+ hath laid his necke ouer the neathermost blocke, euerie man there
+ present dooth either take hold of the rope (or putteth foorth his arme
+ so neere to the same as he can get, in token that he is willing to sée
+ true iustice executed) and pulling out the pin in this maner, the head
+ blocke wherein the ax is fastened dooth fall downe with such a
+ violence, that if the necke of the transgressor were so big as that of
+ a bull, it should be cut in sunder at a stroke, and roll from the
+ bodie by an huge distance. If it be so that the offendor be
+ apprehended for an ox, oxen, shéepe, kine, horsse, or anie such
+ cattell: the selfe beast or other of the same kind shall haue the end
+ of the rope tied somewhere vnto them, so that they being driuen doo
+ draw out the pin wherby the offendor is executed. Thus much of Halifax
+ law, which I set downe onelie to shew the custome of that countrie in
+ this behalfe.
+
+ Roges and vagabonds are often stocked and whipped, scolds are ducked
+ [Sidenote: Mute.]
+ vpon cucking-stooles in the water. Such fellons as stand mute and
+ speake not at their arraignement are pressed to death by huge weights
+ laid vpon a boord, that lieth ouer their brest, and a sharpe stone
+ vnder their backs, and these commonlie hold their peace, thereby to
+ saue their goods vnto their wiues and children, which if they were
+ condemned should be confiscated to the prince. Théeues that are saued
+ [Sidenote: Cleargie.]
+ by their bookes and cleargie, for the first offense, if they haue
+ stollen nothing else but oxen, shéepe, monie, or such like, which be
+ no open robberies, as by the high waie side, or assailing of anie mans
+ house in the night, without putting him in feare of his life, or
+ breaking vp of his wals or doores, are burned in the left hand, vpon
+ the brawne of the thombe with an hot iron, so that if they be
+ apprehended againe, that marke bewraieth them to haue beene arraigned
+ of fellonie before, whereby they are sure at that time to haue no
+ mercie. I doo not read that this custome of sauing by the booke is
+ vsed anie where else than in England, neither doo I find (after much
+ diligent inquirie) what Saxon prince ordeined that law. Howbeit, this
+ I generallie gather thereof, that it was deuised to traine the
+ inhabiters of this land to the loue of learning, which before
+ contemned letters and all good knowledge, as men onelie giuing
+ themselues to husbandrie and the warres, the like whereof I read to
+ haue beene amongst the Gothes and Vandals, who for a time would not
+ suffer euen their princes to be lerned for weakening of their
+ courages, nor anie learned men to remaine in the counsell house, but
+ by open proclamation would command them to auoid, whensoeuer anie
+ [Sidenote: Pirats.]
+ thing touching the state of the land was to be consulted vpon. Pirats
+ and robbers by sea are condemned in the court of the admeraltie, and
+ hanged on the shore at lowe water marke, where they are left till
+ three tides haue ouerwashed them. Finallie, such as hauing wals and
+ banks néere vnto the sea, and doo suffer the same to decaie (after
+ conuenient admonition) whereby the water entereth and drowneth vp the
+ countrie, are by a certeine ancient custome apprehended, condemned,
+ and staked in the breach, where they remaine for euer as parcell of
+ the foundation of the new wall that is to be made vpon them, as I haue
+ heard reported.
+
+ And thus much in part of the administration of iustice vsed in our
+ countrie, wherein notwithstanding that we doo not often heare of
+ horrible, merciles, and wilfull murthers (such I meane as are not
+ sildome séene in the countries of the maine) yet now and then some
+ manslaughter and bloudie robberies are perpetrated and committed,
+ contrarie to the lawes, which be seuerelie punished, and in such wise
+ as I before reported. Certes there is no greater mischéefe doone in
+ England than by robberies, the first by yoong shifting gentlemen,
+ which oftentimes doo beare more port than they are able to mainteine.
+ Secondlie by seruingmen, whose wages cannot suffice so much as to find
+ them bréeches, wherefore they are now and then constreined either to
+ kéepe high waies, and breake into the wealthie mens houses with the
+ first sort, or else to walke vp and downe in gentlemens and rich
+ farmers pastures, there to sée and view which horsses féed best,
+ whereby they manie times get something, although with hard aduenture
+ it hath béene knowne by their confession at the gallowes, that some
+ one such chapman hath had fortie, fiftie, or sixtie stolne horsses at
+ pasture here and there abroad in the countrie at a time, which they
+ haue sold at faires and markets farre off, they themselues in the
+ meane season being taken about home for honest yeomen, and verie
+ wealthie drouers, till their dealings haue been bewraied. It is not
+ long since one of this companie was apprehended, who was before time
+ reputed for a verie honest and wealthie townesman, he vttered also
+ more horsses than anie of his trade, because he sold a reasonable
+ peniworth, and was a faire spoken man. It was his custome likewise to
+ saie, if anie man hucked hard with him about the price of a gelding;
+ So God helpe me gentleman or sir, either he did cost me so much, or
+ else by Iesus I stole him. Which talke was plaine inough, and yet such
+ was his estimation, that each beleeued the first part of his tale, and
+ made no account of the later, which was the truer indéed.
+
+ Our third annoiers of the common-wealth are roges, which doo verie
+ great mischeefe in all places where they become. For wheras the rich
+ onelie suffer iniurie by the first two, these spare neither rich nor
+ poore: but whether it be great gaine or small, all is fish that
+ commeth to net with them, and yet I saie both they and the rest are
+ trussed vp apace. For there is not one yeare commonlie, wherein thrée
+ hundred or four hundred of them are not deuoured and eaten vp by the
+ gallowes in one place and other. It appeareth by Cardane (who writeth
+ it vpon the report of the bishop of Lexouia) in the geniture of king
+ Edward the sixt, how Henrie the eight, executing his laws verie
+ seuerelie against such idle persons, I meane great théeues, pettie
+ théeues and roges, did hang vp thréescore and twelue thousand of them
+ in his time. He seemed for a while greatlie to haue terrified the
+ rest: but since his death the number of them is so increased, yea
+ although we haue had no warres, which are a great occasion of their
+ breed (for it is the custome of the more idle sort, hauing once serued
+ or but séene the other side of the sea vnder colour of seruice to
+ shake hand with labour, for euer, thinking it a disgrace for himselfe
+ to returne vnto his former trade) that except some better order be
+ taken, or the lawes alreadie made be better executed, such as dwell in
+ vplandish townes and little villages shall liue but in small safetie
+ and rest. For the better apprehension also of theeues and mankillers,
+ there is an old law in England verie well prouided, whereby it is
+ ordered, that if he that is robbed, or any man complaine and giue
+ warning of slaughter or murther committed, the constable of the
+ village wherevnto he commeth and crieth for succour, is to raise the
+ parish about him, and to search woods, groues, and all suspected
+ houses and places, where the trespasser may be, or is supposed to
+ lurke; and not finding him there, he is to giue warning vnto the next
+ constable, and so one constable after serch made to aduertise another
+ from parish to parish, till they come to the same where the offender
+ is harbored and found. It is also prouided, that if anie parish in
+ this businesse doo not hir dutie, but suffereth the théefe (for the
+ auoiding of trouble sake) in carrieng him to the gaile, if he should
+ be apprehended, or other letting of their worke, to escape the same
+ parish, is not onlie to make fine to the king, but also the same with
+ the whole hundred wherein it standeth, to repaie the partie robbed his
+ damages, and leaue his estate harmlesse. Certes this is a good law,
+ howbeit I haue knowne by mine owne experience, fellons being taken to
+ haue escaped out of the stocks, being rescued by other for want of
+ watch & gard, that théeues haue beene let passe, bicause the couetous
+ and greedie parishoners would neither take the paines, nor be at the
+ charge to carrie them to prison, if it were far off, that when hue and
+ crie haue béene made euen to the faces of some constables, they haue
+ said; "God restore your losse, I haue other businesse at this time."
+ And by such meanes the meaning of manie a good law is left vnexecuted,
+ malefactors imboldened, and manie a poore man turned out of that which
+ he hath swet and taken great paines for, toward the maintenance of
+ himselfe and his poore children and familie.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE MANER OF BUILDING AND FURNITURE OF OUR HOUSES.
+
+ CHAP. XII.
+
+
+ The greatest part of our building in the cities and good townes of
+ England consisteth onelie of timber, for as yet few of the houses of
+ the communaltie (except here & there in the West countrie townes) are
+ made of stone, although they may (in my opinion) in diuerse other
+ places be builded so good cheape of the one as of the other. In old
+ time the houses of the Britons were slightlie set vp with a few posts
+ & many radels, with stable and all offices vnder one roofe, the like
+ whereof almost is to be séene in the fennie countries and northerne
+ parts vnto this daie, where for lacke of wood they are inforced to
+ continue this ancient maner of building. It is not in vaine therefore
+ in speaking of building to make a distinction betwéene the plaine and
+ wooddie soiles: for as in these, our houses are commonlie strong and
+ well timbered, so that in manie places, there are not aboue foure,
+ six, or nine inches betwéene stud and stud; so in the open and
+ champaine countries they are inforced for want of stuffe to vse no
+ studs at all, but onlie franke posts, raisins, beames, prickeposts,
+ groundsels, summers (or dormants) transoms, and such principals, with
+ here and there a griding, whervnto they fasten their splints or
+ radels, and then cast it all ouer with thicke claie to keepe out the
+ wind, which otherwise would annoie them. Certes this rude kind of
+ building made the Spaniards in quéene Maries daies to woonder, but
+ chéeflie when they saw what large diet was vsed in manie of these so
+ homelie cottages, in so much that one of no small reputation amongst
+ them said after this maner: "These English (quoth he) haue their
+ houses made of sticks and durt, but they fare commonlie so well as the
+ king." Whereby it appeareth that he liked better of our good fare in
+ such course cabins, than of their owne thin diet in their princelike
+ habitations and palaces. In like sort as euerie countrie house is thus
+ apparelled on the out side, so is it inwardlie diuided into sundrie
+ roomes aboue and beneath; and where plentie of wood is, they couer
+ them with tiles, otherwise with straw, sedge, or reed, except some
+ quarrie of slate be néere hand, from whence they haue for their monie
+ so much as may suffice them.
+
+ The claie wherewith our houses are impanelled is either white, red, or
+ blue, and of these the first dooth participat verie much with the
+ nature of our chalke, the second is called lome, but the third
+ eftsoones changeth colour so soone as it is wrought, notwithstanding
+ that it looke blue when it is throwne out of the pit. Of chalke also
+ we haue our excellent Asbestos or white lime, made in most places,
+ wherewith being quenched we strike ouer our claie workes and stone
+ wals, in cities, good townes, rich farmers and gentlemens houses:
+ otherwise in steed of chalke (where it wanteth for it is so scant that
+ in some places it is sold by the pound) they are compelled to burne a
+ certeine kind of red stone, as in Wales, and else where other stones
+ and shels of oisters and like fish found vpon the sea coast, which
+ being conuerted into lime doth naturallie (as the other) abhorre and
+ eschew water whereby it is dissolued, and neuerthelesse desire oile
+ wherewith it is easilie mixed, as I haue seene by experience. Within
+ their doores also such as are of abilitie doo oft make their floores
+ and parget of fine alabaster burned, which they call plaster of Paris,
+ whereof in some places we haue great plentie, and that verie
+ profitable against the rage of fire.
+
+ In plastering likewise of our fairest houses ouer our heads, we vse to
+ laie first a laine or two of white morter tempered with haire vpon
+ laths, which are nailed one by another (or sometimes vpon reed or
+ wickers more dangerous for fire, and made fast here and there with
+ saplaths for falling downe) and finallie couer all with the aforesaid
+ plaster, which beside the delectable whitenesse of the stuffe it
+ selfe, is laied on so euen and smoothlie, as nothing in my iudgment
+ can be doone with more exactnesse. The wals of our houses on the inner
+ sides in like sort be either hanged with tapisterie, arras worke, or
+ painted cloths, wherin either diuerse histories, or hearbes, beasts,
+ knots, and such like are stained, or else they are seeled with oke of
+ our owne, or wainescot brought hither out of the east countries,
+ whereby the roomes are not a little commended, made warme, and much
+ more close than otherwise they would be. As for stooues we haue not
+ hitherto vsed them greatlie, yet doo they now begin to be made in
+ diuerse houses of the gentrie and wealthie citizens, who build them
+ not to worke and feed in as in Germanie and else where, but now and
+ then to sweat in, as occasion and néed shall require. This also hath
+ béene common in England, contrarie to the customes of all other
+ nations, and yet to be séene (for example in most stréets of London)
+ that many of our greatest houses haue outwardlie béene verie simple
+ and plaine to sight, which inwardlie haue beene able to receiue a duke
+ with his whole traine, and lodge them at their ease. Hereby moreouer
+ it is come to passe, that the fronts of our stréets haue not béene so
+ vniforme and orderlie builded as those of forreine cities, where (to
+ saie truth) the vtterside of their mansions and dwellings haue oft
+ more cost bestowed vpon them, than all the rest of the house, which
+ are often verie simple and vneasie within, as experience dooth
+ confirme. Of old time our countrie houses in steed of glasse did vse
+ much lattise and that made either of wicker or fine rifts of oke in
+ chekerwise. I read also that some of the better sort, in and before
+ the times of the Saxons (who notwithstanding vsed some glasse also
+ since the time of Benedict Biscop the moonke that brought the feat of
+ glasing first into this land) did make panels of horne in stéed of
+ glasse, & fix them in woodden calmes. But as horne in windows is now
+ quite laid downe in euerie place, so our lattises are also growne into
+ lesse vse, bicause glasse is come to be so plentifull, and within a
+ verie little so good cheape if not better then the other.
+
+ I find obscure mention of the specular stone also to haue béene found
+ and applied to this vse in England, but in such doubtfull sort as I
+ dare not affirme it for certeine. Neuerthelesse certeine it is that
+ antiquitie vsed it before glasse was knowen, vnder the name of
+ Selenites. And how glasse was first found I care not greatlie to
+ remember euen at this present, although it be directlie beside my
+ purposed matter. In Syria phenices which bordereth vpon Iurie, & néere
+ to the foot of mount Carmell there is a moore or marris, wherout
+ riseth a brooke called somtime Belus, and falleth into the sea néere
+ to Ptolemais. This riuer was fondlie ascribed vnto Baall, and also
+ honored vnder that name by the infidels, long time before there was
+ anie king in Israell. It came to passe also as a certeine merchant
+ sailed that way loden with Nitrum, the passengers went to land for to
+ repose themselues, and to take in some store of fresh water into their
+ vessell. Being also on the shore they kindled a fire, and made
+ prouision for their dinner, but bicause they wanted treuets or stones
+ whereon to set their kettels on, ran by chance into the ship, and
+ brought great péeces of Nitrum with him, which serued their turne for
+ that present. To be short, the said substance being hot, and beginning
+ to melt, it mixed by chance with the grauel that laie vnder it; and so
+ brought forth that shining substance which now is called glasse, and
+ about the time of Semiramis. When the companie saw this, they made no
+ small accompt of their successe, and foorthwith began to practise the
+ like in other mixtures, whereby great varietie of the said stuffe did
+ also insue. Certes for the time this historie may well be true: for I
+ read of glasse in Iob, but for the rest I refer me to the common
+ opinion conceiued by writers. Now to turne againe to our windowes.
+ Heretofore also the houses of our princes and noble men were often
+ glased with Berill (an example whereof is yet to be séene in Sudleie
+ castell) and in diuerse other places with fine christall, but this
+ especiallie in the time of the Romans, wherof also some fragments haue
+ béene taken vp in old ruines. But now these are not in vse, so that
+ onelie the clearest glasse is most estéemed: for we haue diuerse
+ sorts, some brought out of Burgundie, some out of Normandie, much out
+ of Flanders, beside that which is made in England, which would be so
+ good as the best, if we were diligent and carefull to bestow more cost
+ vpon it, and yet as it is, each one that may, will haue it for his
+ building. Moreouer the mansion houses of our countrie townes and
+ villages (which in champaine ground stand altogither by stréets, &
+ ioining one to an other, but in woodland soiles dispersed here and
+ there, each one vpon the seuerall grounds of their owners) are builded
+ in such sort generallie, as that they haue neither dairie, stable, nor
+ bruehouse annexed vnto them vnder the same roofe (as in manie places
+ beyond the sea & some of the north parts of our countrie) but all
+ separate from the first, and one of them from an other. And yet for
+ all this, they are not so farre distant in sunder, but that the
+ goodman lieng in his bed may lightlie heare what is doone in each of
+ them with ease, and call quicklie vnto his meinie if anie danger
+ should attach him.
+
+ The ancient manours and houses of our gentlemen are yet and for the
+ most part of strong timber, in framing whereof our carpenters haue
+ beene and are worthilie preferred before those of like science among
+ all other nations. Howbeit such as be latelie builded, are c[=o]monlie
+ either of bricke or hard stone, or both; their roomes large and
+ comelie, and houses of office further distant from their lodgings.
+ Those of the nobilitie are likewise wrought with bricke and hard
+ stone, as prouision may best be made: but so magnificent and statelie,
+ as the basest house of a baron dooth often match in our daies with
+ some honours of princes in old time. So that if euer curious building
+ did florish in England, it is in these our yeares, wherin our workemen
+ excell, and are in maner comparable in skill with old Vitruuius, Leo
+ Baptista, and Serlo. Neuerthelesse, their estimation more than their
+ gréedie and seruile couetousnesse, ioined with a lingering humour
+ causeth them often to be rejected, & strangers preferred to greater
+ bargaines, who are more reasonable in their takings, and lesse wasters
+ of time by a great deale than our owne.
+
+ The furniture of our houses also exceedeth, and is growne in maner
+ euen to passing delicacie: and herein I doo not speake of the
+ nobilitie and gentrie onelie, but likewise of the lowest sort in most
+ places of our south countrie, that haue anie thing at all to take to.
+ Certes in noble mens houses it is not rare to sée abundance of Arras,
+ rich hangings of tapistrie, siluer vessell, and so much other plate,
+ as may furnish sundrie cupbords, to the summe oftentimes of a thousand
+ or two thousand pounds at the least: whereby the value of this and the
+ rest of their stuffe dooth grow to be almost inestimable. Likewise in
+ the houses of knights, gentlemen, merchantmen, and some other wealthie
+ citizens, it is not geson to behold generallie their great prouision
+ of tapistrie, Turkie worke, pewter, brasse, fine linen, and thereto
+ costlie cupbords of plate, worth fiue or six hundred or a thousand
+ pounds, to be deemed by estimation. But as herein all these sorts doo
+ far excéed their elders and predecessors, and in neatnesse and
+ curiositie, the merchant all other; so in time past, the costlie
+ furniture staied there, whereas now it is descended yet lower, euen
+ vnto the inferiour artificers and manie farmers, who by vertue of
+ their old and not of their new leases haue for the most part learned
+ also to garnish their cupbords with plate, their ioined beds with
+ tapistrie and silke hangings, and their tables with carpets & fine
+ naperie, whereby the wealth of our countrie (God be praised therefore,
+ and giue vs grace to imploie it well) dooth infinitelie appeare.
+ Neither doo I speake this in reproch of anie man, God is my iudge, but
+ to shew that I do reioise rather, to sée how God hath blessed vs with
+ his good gifts; and whilest I behold how that in a time wherein all
+ things are growen to most excessiue prices, & what commoditie so euer
+ is to be had, is dailie plucked from the communaltie by such as looke
+ into euerie trade, we doo yet find the means to obtein & atchiue such
+ furniture as heretofore hath beene vnpossible. There are old men yet
+ [Sidenote: Thrée things greatlie amended in England.]
+ dwelling in the village where I remaine, which haue noted three things
+ to be maruellouslie altered in England within their sound remembrance;
+ & other three things too too much increased. One is, the multitude of
+ [Sidenote: Chimnies.]
+ chimnies latelie erected, wheras in their yoong daies there were not
+ aboue two or thrée, if so manie in most vplandish townes of the realme
+ (the religious houses, & manour places of their lords alwaies
+ excepted, and peraduenture some great personages) but ech one made his
+ fire against a reredosse in the hall, where he dined and dressed his
+ meat.
+
+ The second is the great (although not generall) amendment of lodging,
+ for (said they) our fathers (yea and we our selues also) haue lien
+ [Sidenote: Hard lodging.]
+ full oft vpon straw pallets, on rough mats couered onelie with a shéet
+ vnder couerlets made of dagswain or hopharlots (I vse their owne
+ termes) and a good round log vnder their heads in steed of a bolster
+ or pillow. If it were so that our fathers or the good man of the
+ house, had within seuen yeares after his mariage purchased a matteres
+ or flockebed, and thereto a sacke of chaffe to rest his head vpon, he
+ thought himselfe to be as well lodged as the lord of the towne, that
+ peraduenture laie seldome in a bed of downe or whole fethers; so well
+ were they contented, and with such base kind of furniture: which also
+ is not verie much amended as yet in some parts of Bedfordshire, and
+ elsewhere further off from our southerne parts. Pillowes (said they)
+ were thought méet onelie for women in childbed. As for seruants, if
+ they had anie shéet aboue them it was well, for seldome had they anie
+ vnder their bodies, to kéepe them from the pricking straws that ran
+ oft through the canuas of the pallet, and rased their hardened hides.
+
+ [Sidenote: Furniture of household.]
+ The third thing they tell of, is the exchange of vessell, as of treene
+ platters into pewter, and wodden spoones into siluer or tin. For so
+ common were all sorts of tréene stuffe in old time, that a man should
+ hardlie find foure péeces of pewter (of which one was peraduenture a
+ [Sidenote: This was in the time of generall idlenesse.]
+ salt) in a good farmers house, and yet for all this frugalitie (if it
+ may so be iustly called) they were scarse able to liue and paie their
+ rents at their daies without selling of a cow, or an horsse, or more,
+ although they paid but foure pounds at the vttermost by the yeare.
+ Such also was their pouertie, that if some one od farmer or husbandman
+ had béene at the alehouse, a thing greatlie vsed in those daies,
+ amongst six or seuen of his neighbours, and there in a brauerie to
+ shew what store he had, did cast downe his pursse, and therein a noble
+ or six shillings in siluer vnto them (for few such men then cared for
+ gold bicause it was not so readie paiment, and they were oft inforced
+ to giue a penie for the exchange of an angell) it was verie likelie
+ that all the rest could not laie downe so much against it: whereas in
+ my time, although peraduenture foure pounds of old rent be improued to
+ fortie, fiftie, or an hundred pounds, yet will the farmer as another
+ palme or date trée thinke his gaines verie small toward the end of his
+ terme, if he haue not six or seuen yeares rent lieng by him, therewith
+ to purchase a new lease, beside a faire garnish of pewter on his
+ cupbord, with so much more in od vessell going about the house, thrée
+ or foure featherbeds, so manie couerlids and carpets of tapistrie, a
+ siluer salt, a bowle for wine (if not an whole neast) and a dozzen of
+ spoones to furnish vp the sute. This also he taketh to be his owne
+ cléere, for what stocke of monie soeuer he gathereth & laieth vp in
+ all his yeares, it is often séene, that the landlord will take such
+ order with him for the same, when he renueth his lease, which is
+ commonlie eight or six yeares before the old be expired (sith it is
+ now growen almost to a custome, that if he come not to his lord so
+ long before, another shall step in for a reuersion, and so defeat him
+ out right) that it shall neuer trouble him more than the haire of his
+ beard, when the barber hath washed and shauen it from his chin. And as
+ they commend these, so (beside the decaie of housekéeping whereby the
+ poore haue beene relieued) they speake also of thrée things that are
+ growen to be verie grieuous vnto them, to wit, the inhansing of rents,
+ latelie mentioned; the dailie oppression of copiholders, whose lords
+ séeke to bring their poore tenants almost into plaine seruitude and
+ miserie, dailie deuising new meanes, and séeking vp all the old how to
+ cut them shorter and shorter, doubling, trebling, and now & then seuen
+ times increasing their fines, driuing them also for euerie trifle to
+ loose and forfeit their tenures (by whome the greatest part of the
+ realme dooth stand and is mainteined) to the end they may fléece them
+ yet more, which is a lamentable hering. The third thing they talke of
+ is vsurie, a trade brought in by the Iewes, now perfectlie practised
+ almost by euerie christian, and so commonlie that he is accompted but
+ for a foole that dooth lend his monie for nothing. In time past it was
+ "Sors pro sorte," that is, the principall onelie for the principall;
+ but now beside that which is aboue the principall properlie called
+ "Vsura," we chalenge "F[oe]nus," that is commoditie of soile, & fruits
+ of the earth, if not the ground it selfe. In time past also one of the
+ hundred was much, from thence it rose vnto two, called in Latine
+ "Vsura, Ex sextante;" thrée, to wit "Ex quadrante;" then to foure, to
+ wit "Ex triente;" then to fiue, which is "Ex quincunce;" then to six,
+ called "Ex semisse," &c: as the accompt of the "Assis" ariseth, and
+ comming at the last vnto "Vsura ex asse," it amounteth to twelue in
+ the hundred, and therefore the Latines call it "Centesima," for that
+ in the hundred moneth it doubleth the principall; but more of this
+ elsewhere. See Cicero against Verres, Demosthenes against Aphobus, and
+ Athenæus lib. 13. in fine: and when thou hast read them well, helpe I
+ praie thée in lawfull maner to hang vp such as take "Centu[=u] pro
+ cento," for they are no better worthie as I doo iudge in conscience.
+ [Sidenote: By the yeare.]
+ Forget not also such landlords as vse to value their leases at a
+ secret estimation giuen of the wealth and credit of the taker, whereby
+ they séeme (as it were) to eat them vp and deale with bondmen, so that
+ if the leassée be thought to be worth an hundred pounds, he shall paie
+ no lesse for his new terme, or else another to enter with hard and
+ doubtfull couenants. I am sorie to report it, much more gréeued to
+ vnderstand of the practise; but most sorowfull of all to vnderstand
+ that men of great port and countenance are so farre from suffering
+ their farmers to haue anie gaine at all, that they themselues become
+ grasiers, butchers, tanners, shéepmasters, woodmen, and "denique quid
+ non," thereby to inrich themselues, and bring all the wealth of the
+ countrie into their owne hands, leauing the communaltie weake, or as
+ an idoll with broken or féeble armes, which may in a time of peace
+ haue a plausible shew, but when necessitie shall inforce, haue an
+ heauie and bitter sequele.
+
+
+
+
+ OF CITIES AND TOWNES IN ENGLAND.
+
+ CAP. XIII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Six and twentie cities in England.]
+ As in old time we read that there were eight and twentie flamines and
+ archflamines in the south part of this Ile, and so manie great cities
+ vnder their iurisdiction: so in these our daies there is but one or
+ two fewer, and each of them also vnder the ecclesiasticall regiment of
+ some one bishop or archbishop, who in spirituall cases haue the charge
+ and ouersight of the same. So manie cities therefore are there in
+ England and Wales, as there be bishopriks & archbishopriks. For
+ notwithstanding that Lichfield and Couentrie, and Bath and Welles, doo
+ séeme to extend the aforesaid number vnto nine and twentie: yet
+ neither of these couples are to be accounted, but as one entier citie
+ and sée of the bishop, sith one bishoprike can haue relation but vnto
+ one sée, and the said see be situate but in one place, after which the
+ bishop dooth take his name. It appeareth by our old and ancient
+ histories, that the cities of this southerlie portion haue beene of
+ excéeding greatnesse and beautie, whereof some were builded in the
+ time of the Samotheans, and of which not a few in these our times are
+ quite decaied, and the places where they stood worne out of all
+ remembrance. Such also for the most part as yet remaine are
+ maruellouslie altered, insomuch that whereas at the first they were
+ large and ample, now are they come either vnto a verie few houses, or
+ appeare not to be much greater in comparison than poore & simple
+ villages. Antoninus the most diligent writer of the thorough fares of
+ Britaine, noteth among other these ancient townes following, as
+ [Sidenote: Sitomagus.]
+ Sitomagus, which he placeth in the waie from Norwich, as Leland
+ [Sidenote: Nouiomagus.]
+ supposeth (wherin they went by Colchester) to London, Nouiomagus that
+ lieth betwéene Carleill and Canturburie, within ten miles east of
+ [Sidenote: Neomagus.]
+ [Sidenote: Niomagus.]
+ London, and likewise Neomagus and Niomagus which take their names of
+ their first founder Magus, the sonne of Samothes, & second king of the
+ Celtes that reigned in this Iland; and not "A profunditate," onelie,
+ as Bodinus affirmeth out of Plinie, as if all the townes that ended in
+ Magus should stand in holes and low grounds: which is to be disprooued
+ in diuerse cities in the maine, as also here with vs. Of these
+ moreouer sir Thomas Eliot supposeth Neomagus to haue stood somewhere
+ about Chester; & George Lillie in his booke of the names of ancient
+ places, iudgeth Niomagus to be the verie same that we doo now call
+ Buckingham, and lieth farre from the shore. And as these and sundrie
+ other now perished tooke their denomination of this prince, so there
+ [Sidenote: Salisburie of Sarron.]
+ are diuerse causes, which mooue me to coniecture, that Salisburie
+ dooth rather take the first name of Sarron the sonne of the said
+ Magus, than of Cæsar, Caradoc or Seuerus (as some of our writers doo
+ imagine) or else at the least wise of Salisburge of the maine, from
+ whence some Saxons came to inhabit in this land. And for this later
+ not vnlikelie, sith before the comming of the Saxons, the king of the
+ Suessionenses had a great part of this Iland in subiection, as Cæsar
+ saith; and in another place that such of Belgie as stale ouer hither
+ from the maine, builded and called diuerse cities after the names of
+ [Sidenote: Sarronium.]
+ [Sidenote: Sarronsburg.]
+ the same from whence they came, I meane such as stood vpon the coast,
+ as he himselfe dooth witnesse. But sith coniectures are no verities,
+ and mine opinion is but one mans iudgement, I will not stand now vpon
+ the proofe of this matter, least I should séeme to take great paines
+ in adding new coniectures vnto old, in such wise to deteine the heads
+ of my readers about these trifles, that otherwise peraduenture would
+ be farre better occupied in matters of more importance. To procéed
+ therefore. As soone after the first inhabitation of this Iland, our
+ cities began no doubt to be builded and increased, so they ceased not
+ to multiplie from time to time, till the land was throughlie furnished
+ with hir conuenient numbers, whereof some at this present with their
+ ancient names, doo still remaine in knowledge, though diuerse be
+ doubted of, and manie more perished by continuance of time, and
+ violence of the enimie. I doubt not also but the least of these were
+ [Sidenote: Greater cities in times past when husbandmen
+ also were citizens.]
+ comparable to the greatest of those which stand in our time, for sith
+ that in those daies the most part of the Iland was reserued vnto
+ pasture, the townes and villages either were not at all (but all sorts
+ of people dwelled in the cities indifferentlie, an image of which
+ estate may yet be seene in Spaine) or at the lestwise stood not so
+ thicke, as they did afterward in the time of the Romans, but chéefelie
+ [Sidenote: The cause of the increase of villages.]
+ after the comming of the Saxons, and after them the Normans, when
+ euerie lord builded a church neare vnto his owne mansion house, and
+ thereto imparted the greatest portion of his lands vnto sundrie
+ tenants, to hold the same of him by coppie of court roll, which rolles
+ were then kept in some especiall place indifferentlie appointed by
+ them and their lord, so that the one could haue no resort vnto them
+ without the other, by which means the number of townes and villages
+ was not a little increased. If anie man be desirous to know the names
+ of those ancient cities, that stood in the time of the Romans, he
+ shall haue them here at hand, in such wise as I haue gathered them out
+ of our writers, obseruing euen their manner of writing of them so
+ neare as to me is possible, without alteration of anie corruption
+ crept vp into the same.
+
+                     { Trenouanton.
+                     { Cair Lud.
+   1 London          { Londinum or Longidinium.
+     otherwise       { Augusta of the legion Augusta
+     called          {   that soiourned there,
+                     {   when the Romans ruled
+                     {   here.
+
+ [Sidenote: Leouitius placeth Yorke in Scotland de eclipsibus.]
+ [Sidenote: A legion conteined sixtie centuries, thirtie manipuli,
+ thrée cohortes.]
+
+                     { Cairbranke.
+                     { Vrouicum or Yurewijc.
+   2 Yorke           { Eorwijc or Eoforwijc.
+     otherwise       { Yeworwijc.
+     called          { Eboracum.
+                     { Victoria of the legion victrix
+                     {   that laie there sometime.
+
+                     { Duroruerno aliàs Duraruenno.
+   3 Canturburie.    { Dorobernia.
+                     { Cantwarbirie.
+
+                     { Cair Colon.
+                     { Cair Colden.
+                     { Cair Colkin of Coilus.
+                     { Cair Colun, of the riuer that
+                     {   runneth thereby.
+   4 Colchester.     { Colonia, of the colonie
+                     {   planted there by the Romans.
+                     {               { Plin. lib. 2.
+                     { Coloncester.  {   ca. 75.
+                     { Camulodunum.  { Tacitus.
+                     {               { Ptolome.
+
+                     { Cair Lud Coit, of the woods
+                     {   that stood about it.
+   5 Lincolne.       { Cair Loichoit, by corruption.
+                     { Lindum.
+                     { Lindocollinum.
+
+   6 Warwijc         { Cair Guttelin.
+     had sometime    { Cair Line or Cair Leon.
+     9 parish        { Cair Gwair.
+     churches.       { Cair Vmber.
+                     { Cair Gwaerton.
+
+   7 Chester vpon    { Cair legion.
+     Vske was a      { Carlheon.
+     famous          { Cairlium.
+     vniuersitie     { Legecester.
+     in the time     { Ciuitas legionum.
+     of Arthur.
+
+   8 Carleill.       { Cair Lueill.
+                     { Cair Leill.
+                     { Lugibalia.
+                     { Cair Doill.
+
+                     { Cair Maricipit.
+                     { Cair Municip.
+   9 S. Albanes.     { Verolamium.
+                     { Verlamcester.
+                     { Cair Wattelin, of the street
+                     {   wheron it stood.
+
+                     { Cair Gwent.
+   10 Winchester.    { Cair Gwin.
+                     { Cair Wine.
+                     { Venta Simenorum.
+
+                     { Cair Churne.
+                     { Cair Kyrne.
+   11 Cisceter.      { Cair Kery.
+                     { Cair Cery.
+                     { Cirnecester.
+                     { Churnecester.
+
+ [Sidenote: * Cair Segent stood vpon the Thames, not farre from
+ Reding.]
+
+   12 Silcester.     { [*]Cair Segent.
+                     { Selecester.
+
+                     { Cair Badon.
+   13 Bath.          { Thermæ.
+                     { Aquæ solis.
+
+   14 Shaftesbyry.   { Cair Paladour.
+                     { Septonia.
+
+                     { Wigornia.
+                     { Cair Gworangon.
+   15 Worcester.     { Brangonia.
+                     { Cair Frangon.
+                     { Woorkecester.
+
+   16 Chichester.    { Cair Key or Kair Kis.
+                     { Cair Chic.
+
+                     { Cair Odernant Badon.
+                     { Oder.
+   17 Bristow.       { Cair Bren.
+                     { Venta Belgarum.
+                     { Brightstow.
+
+                     { Durobreuis, corruptlie  { Durobrouis.
+   18 Rochester.     { Rofcester.              { Dubobrus.
+                     { Roffa.                  { Durobrius.
+
+   19 Portchester.   { Cair Peris.
+                     { Cair Porcis.
+
+                     { Cair Maridunum.
+                     { Cair Merdine.
+   20 Cairmarden.    { Maridunum.
+                     { Cair Marlin.
+                     { Cair Fridhin.
+
+                     { Cair Clowy.
+   21 Glocester.     { Cair Glow.
+                     { Claudiocestria.
+
+                     { Cair Beir.
+                     { Cair Leir.
+   22 Leircester.    { Cair Lirion.
+                     { Wirall, teste. Matth. West.
+                     {   895.
+
+   23 Cambridge.     { Grantabric.
+                     { Cair Graunt.
+
+                     { 24 Cair Vrnach, peraduenture
+                     {    Burgh castell.
+                     { 25 Cair Cucurat.
+                     { 26 Cair Draiton, now a
+                     {    slender village.
+                     { 27 Cair Celennon.
+                     { 28 Cair Megwaid.
+
+ As for Cair Dorme (another whereof I read likewise) it stood somewhere
+ vpon the Nene in Huntingdon shire, but now vnknowne, sith it was twise
+ raced to the ground, first by the Saxons, then by the Danes, so that
+ the ruines thereof are in these daies not extant to be séene. And in
+ like sort I am ignorant where most of them stood, that are noted with
+ the star. I find in like sort mention of a noble citie called Alcluid
+ ouer and beside these afore mentioned, sometime builded by Ebracus of
+ Britaine, as the fame goeth, and finallie destroied by the Danes,
+ about the yeare of Grace 870. It stood vpon the banks of the riuer
+ Cluda, to wit, betwéene it and the blanke on the north, and the Lound
+ lake on the west, and was sometime march betwéene the Britons and the
+ Picts, and likewise the Picts and the Scots; neuerthelesse, the
+ castell (as I heare) dooth yet remaine, and hath béene since well
+ repared by the Scots, and called Dombrittain or Dunbritton, so that it
+ is not an hard matter by these few words to find where Alcluid stood.
+ I could here, if leisure serued, and hast of the printer not require
+ dispatch, deliuer the ancient names of sundrie other townes, of which
+ Stafford in time past was called Stadtford, and therfore (as I gesse)
+ builded or the name altered by the Saxons, Kinebanton now Kimbalton.
+ But if anie man be desirous to sée more of them, let him resort to
+ Houeden in the life of Henrie the second, and there he shall be
+ further satisfied of his desire in this behalfe.
+
+ [Sidenote: When Albane was martyred Asclepiodotus was legat in
+ Britaine.]
+ It should séeme when these ancient cities flourished, that the same
+ towne, which we now call saint Albons, did most of all excell: but
+ chéefelie in the Romans time, and was not onelie nothing inferior to
+ London it selfe, but rather preferred before it, bicause it was newer,
+ and made a Municipium of the Romans, whereas the other was old and
+ ruinous, and inhabited onelie by the Britons, as the most part of the
+ Iland was also in those daies. Good notice hereof also is to be taken
+ by Matthew Paris, and others before him, out of whose writings I haue
+ thought good to note a few things, whereby the maiestie of this
+ ancient citie may appeare vnto posteritie, and the former estate of
+ Verlamcester not lie altogither (as it hath doone hitherto) raked vp
+ in forgetfulnes, through the negligence of such as might haue deserued
+ better of their successours, by leauing the description thereof in a
+ booke by it selfe, sith manie particulars thereof were written to
+ their hands, that now are lost and perished. Tacitus in the
+ fouretéenth booke of his historie maketh mention of it, shewing that
+ in the rebellion of the Britons, the Romans there were miserablie
+ distressed, "Eadem clades" (saith he) "municipio Verolamio fuit." And
+ here vpon Nennius in his catalog of cities calleth it Cair municip, as
+ [Sidenote: Sullomaca and Barnet all one, or not far in sunder.]
+ I before haue noted. Ptolome speaking of it, dooth place it among the
+ Catyeuchlanes, but Antoninus maketh it one and twentie Italian miles
+ from London, placing Sullomaca nine mile from thence, whereby it is
+ euident, that Sullomaca stood néere to Barnet, if it were not the
+ verie same. Of the old compasse of the walles of Verolamium there is
+ now small knowledge to be had by the ruines, but of the beautie of the
+ citie it selfe you shall partlie vnderstand by that which followeth at
+ hand, after I haue told you for your better intelligence what
+ "Municipium Romanorum" is: for there is great difference betwéene that
+ and "Colonia Romanorum," sith "Colonia aliò traducitur a ciuitate
+ Roma," but "Municipes aliundè in ciuitatem veniunt, suísq; iuribus &
+ legibus viuunt:" moreouer their soile is not changed into the nature
+ of the Romane, but they liue in the stedfast fréendship and protection
+ of the Romans, as did somtime the Ceretes who were the first people
+ which euer obteined that priuilege. The British Verolamians therefore,
+ hauing for their noble seruice in the warres deserued great
+ commendations at the hands of the Romans, they gaue vnto them the
+ whole fréedome of Romans, whereby they were made Municipes, and became
+ more frée in truth than their Colonies could be. To conclude
+ therefore, Municipium is a citie infranchised and indued with Romane
+ priuileges, without anie alteration of hir former inhabitants or
+ priuileges; whereas a Colonie is a companie sent from Rome into anie
+ other region or prouince, to possesse either a citie newlie builded,
+ or to replenish the same from whence hir former citizens haue beene
+ expelled and driuen out. Now to proceed.
+
+ In the time of king Edgar it fell out, that one Eldred was abbat
+ there; who being desirous to inlarge that house, it came into his mind
+ to search about in the ruines of Verolamium (which now was ouerthrowne
+ by the furie of the Saxons & Danes) to sée if he might there come by
+ anie curious peeces of worke, wherewith to garnish his building taken
+ in hand. To be short, he had no sooner begun to dig among the rubbis,
+ but he found an excéeding number of pillers, péeces of antike worke,
+ thresholds, doore frames, and sundrie other péeces of fine masonrie
+ for windowes and such like, verie conuenient for his purpose. Of these
+ also some were of porphyrite stone, some of diuerse kinds of marble,
+ touch, and alabaster, beside manie curious deuises of hard mettall, in
+ finding whereof he thought himselfe an happie man, and his successe to
+ be greatlie guided by S. Albane. Besides these also he found sundrie
+ pillers of brasse, and sockets of latton, alabaster and touch, all
+ which he laid aside by great heaps, determining in the end (I saie) to
+ laie the foundation of a new abbaie, but God so preuented his
+ determination, that death tooke him awaie, before his building was
+ begun. After him succéeded one Eadmerus, who followed the dooings of
+ Eldred to the vttermost: and therefore not onlie perused what he had
+ left with great diligence, but also caused his pioners to search yet
+ further, within the old walles of Verolamium, where they not onelie
+ found infinite other péeces of excellent workemanship, but came at the
+ last to certeine vaults vnder the ground, in which stood diuers idols,
+ and not a few altars, verie superstitiouslie and religiouslie adorned,
+ as the pagans left them belike in time of necessitie. These images
+ were of sundrie mettals, and some of pure gold, their altars likewise
+ were richlie couered, all which ornaments Edmerus tooke awaie, and not
+ onelie conuerted them to other vse in his building, but also destroied
+ an innumerable sort of other idols, whose estimation consisted in
+ their formes, and substances could doo no seruise. He tooke vp also
+ sundrie curious pots, iugs, and cruses of stone and wood most
+ artificiallie wrought and carued, and that in such quantitie, besides
+ infinite store of fine houshold stuffe, as if the whole furniture of
+ the citie had béene brought thither of purpose to be hidden in those
+ vaults. In procéeding further, he tooke vp diuerse pots of gold,
+ siluer, brasse, glasse and earth, whereof some were filled with the
+ ashes and bones of the gentils, the mouths being turned downewards
+ (the like of which, but of finer earth, were found in great numbers
+ also of late in a well at little Massingham in Norffolke, of six or
+ eight gallons a péece, about the yeare 1578, and also in the time of
+ Henrie the eight) and not a few with the coines of the old Britons and
+ Romane emperours. All which vessels the said abbat brake into péeces,
+ and melting the mettall, he reserued it in like sort for the
+ garnishing of his church.
+
+ He found likewise in a stone wall two old bookes, whereof one
+ contained the rites of the gentils, about the sacrifices of their
+ gods, the other (as they now saie) the martyrdome of saint Albane,
+ [Sidenote: This soundeth like a lie.]
+ both of them written in old Brittish letters, which either bicause no
+ man then liuing could read them, or for that they were not woorth the
+ keeping, were both consumed to ashes, sauing that a few notes were
+ first taken out of this later, concerning the death of their Albane.
+ Thus much haue I thought good to note of the former beautie of
+ Verolamium, whereof infinite other tokens haue beene found since that
+ time, and diuerse within the memorie of man, of passing workemanship,
+ the like whereof hath no whers else béene séene in anie ruines within
+ the compasse of this Ile, either for cost or quantitie of stuffe.
+
+ Furthermore, whereas manie are not afraid to saie that the Thames came
+ sometimes by this citie, indeed it is nothing so; but that the Verlume
+ (afterward called Vere and the Mure) did and dooth so still
+ (whatsoeuer Gildas talketh hereof, whose books may be corrupted in
+ that behalfe) there is yet euident proofe to be confirmed by
+ experience. For albeit that the riuer be now growne to be verie small
+ by reason of the ground about it, which is higher than it was in old
+ time; yet it kéepeth in maner the old course, and runneth betwéene the
+ old citie that was, and the new towne that is standing on Holmehirst
+ crag, as I beheld of late. Those places also which now are medow
+ beneath the abbaie, were sometimes a great lake, mere, or poole,
+ through which the said riuer ran, and (as I read) with a verie swift
+ and violent course, wheras at this present it is verie slow, and of no
+ such deapth as of ancient times it hath beene. But heare what mine
+ author saith further of the same. As those aforsaid workemen digged in
+ these ruines, they happened oftentimes vpon Lempet shels, péeces of
+ rustie anchors, and keeles of great vessels, wherevpon some by and by
+ gathered that either the Thames or some arme of the sea did beat vpon
+ that towne, not vnderstanding that these things might aswell happen in
+ great lakes and meres, wherof there was one adioining to the north
+ side of the citie, which laie then (as some men thinke) vnwalled, but
+ that also is false. For being there vpon occasion this summer passed,
+ I saw some remnant of the old wals standing in that place, which
+ appeared to haue béene verie substantiallie builded; the ruines
+ likewise of a greater part of them are to be séene running along by
+ the old chappell hard by in maner of a banke. Whereby it is euident
+ that the new towne standeth cleane without the limits of the old, and
+ that the bridge whereof the historie of S. Albane speaketh, was at the
+ nether end of Halliwell stréet or there about, for so the view of the
+ place doth inforce me to coniecture. This mere (which the Latine copie
+ of the description of Britaine, written of late by Humfrey Lhoid our
+ countrie man calleth corruptlie "Stagnum enaximum" for "Stagnum
+ maximum") at the first belonged to the king, and thereby Offa in his
+ time did reape no small commoditie. It continued also vntill the time
+ of Alfrijc the seuenth abbat of that house, who bought it outright of
+ the king then liuing, and by excessiue charges drained it so
+ narrowlie, that within a while he left it drie (sauing that he
+ reserued a chanell for the riuer to haue hir vsuall course, which he
+ held vp with high bankes) bicause there was alwaies contention
+ betwéene the moonks and the kings seruants, which fished on that water
+ vnto the kings behoofe.
+
+ In these daies therefore remaineth no maner mention of this poole, but
+ onelie in one stréet, which yet is called Fishpoole stréet, wherof
+ this may suffice for the resolution of such men, as séeke rather to
+ yéeld to an inconuenience, than that their Gildas should séeme to
+ mistake this riuer.
+
+ Hauing thus digressed to giue some remembrance of the old estate of
+ Verolamium, it is now time to returne againe vnto my former purpose.
+ Certes I would gladlie set downe with the names and number of the
+ cities, all the townes and villages in England and Wales, with their
+ true longitudes and latitudes, but as yet I cannot come by them in
+ such order as I would: howbeit the tale of our cities is soone found
+ by the bishoprikes, sith euerie sée hath such prerogatiue giuen vnto
+ it, as to beare the name of a citie, & to vse Regale ius within hir
+ owne limits. Which priuilege also is granted to sundrie ancient townes
+ in England, especiallie northward, where more plentie of them is to be
+ found by a great deale than in the south. The names therefore of our
+ cities are these:
+
+   London.
+   Yorke.
+   Canturburie.
+   Winchester.
+   Cairleill.
+   Durham.
+   Elie.
+   Norwich.
+   Lincolne.
+   Worcester.
+   Glocester.
+   Hereford.
+   Salisburie.
+   Excester.
+   Bath.
+   Lichfield.
+   Bristow.
+   Rochester.
+   Chester.
+   Chichester.
+   Oxford.
+   Peterborow.
+   Landaffe.
+   S. Dauids.
+   Bangor.
+   S. Asaph.
+
+ Whose particular plots and models with their descriptions shall insue,
+ if it may be brought to passe, that the cutters can make dispatch of
+ them before this chronologie be published. Of townes and villages
+ likewise thus much will I saie, that there were greater store in old
+ time (I meane within three or foure hundred yeare passed) than at this
+ present. And this I note out of diuerse records, charters, and
+ donations (made in times past vnto sundrie religious houses, as
+ Glassenburie, Abbandon, Ramseie, Elie, and such like) and whereof in
+ these daies I find not so much as the ruines. Leland in sundrie places
+ complaineth likewise of the decaie of parishes in great cities and
+ townes, missing in some six, or eight, or twelue churches and more, of
+ all which he giueth particular notice. For albeit that the Saxons
+ builded manie townes and villages, and the Normans well more at their
+ first comming, yet since the first two hundred yeares after the latter
+ conquest, they haue gone so fast againe to decaie, that the ancient
+ number of them is verie much abated. Ranulph the moonke of Chester
+ telleth of generall surueie made in the fourth, sixtéenth, &
+ nineteenth of the reigne of William Conquerour, surnamed the Bastard,
+ wherein it was found, that (notwithstanding the Danes had ouerthrowne
+ a great manie) there were to the number of 52000 townes, 45002 parish
+ churches, and 75000 knights fées, whereof the cleargie held 28015. He
+ addeth moreouer that there were diuerse other builded since that time,
+ within the space of an hundred yeares after the comming of the
+ Bastard, as it were in lieu or recompense of those that William Rufus
+ pulled downe for the erection of his new forrest. For by an old booke
+ which I haue, and sometime written as it séemeth by an vndershiriffe
+ of Nottingham, I find, euen in the time of Edw. 4. 45120 parish
+ churches, and but 60216 knights fées, whereof the cleargie held as
+ before 28015, or at the least 28000: for so small is the difference
+ which he dooth séeme to vse. Howbeit if the assertions of such as
+ write in our time concerning this matter, either are or ought to be of
+ anie credit in this behalfe, you shall not find aboue 17000 townes and
+ villages, and 9210 in the whole, which is little more than a fourth
+ part of the aforesaid number, if it be throughlie scanned.
+
+ Certes this misfortune hath not onelie happened vnto our Ile & nation,
+ but vnto most of the famous countries of the world heretofore, and all
+ by the gréedie desire of such as would liue alone and onelie to
+ themselues. And hereof we may take example in Candie of old time
+ called Creta, which (as Homer writeth) was called Hecatompolis,
+ bicause it conteined an hundred cities, but now it is so vnfurnished
+ that it may hardlie be called Tripolis. Diodorus Siculus saith, that
+ Aegypt had once 18000 cities, which so decaied in processe of time,
+ that when Ptolomeus Lagus reigned, there were not aboue 3000: but in
+ our daies both in all Asia & Aegypt this lesser number shall not verie
+ readilie be found. In time past in Lincolne (as the fame goeth) there
+ haue beene two and fiftie parish churches, and good record appeareth
+ for eight and thirtie: but now if there be foure and twentie it is
+ all. This inconuenience hath growen altogither to the church by
+ appropriations made vnto monasteries and religious houses, a terrible
+ canker and enimie to religion.
+
+ But to leaue this lamentable discourse of so notable and gréeuous an
+ inconuenience, growing (as I said) by incroching and ioining of house
+ to house, and laieng land to land, whereby the inhabitants of manie
+ places of our countrie are deuoured and eaten vp, and their houses
+ either altogither pulled downe or suffered to decaie by litle and
+ litle, although sometime a poore man peraduenture dooth dwell in one
+ of them, who not being able to repare it, suffereth it to fall downe,
+ & thereto thinketh himselfe verie friendlie dealt withall, if he may
+ haue an acre of ground assigned vnto him whereon to kéepe a cow, or
+ wherein to set cabbages, radishes, parsneps, carrets, melons, pompons,
+ or such like stuffe, by which he and his poore household liueth as by
+ their principall food, sith they can doo no better. And as for wheaten
+ bread, they eat it when they can reach vnto the price of it,
+ contenting themselues in the meane time with bread made of otes or
+ barleie: a poore estate God wot! Howbeit what care our great
+ incrochers? But in diuers places where rich men dwelled sometime in
+ good tenements, there be now no houses at all, but hopyards, and
+ sheads for poles, or peraduenture gardens, as we may sée in castell
+ Hedingham, and diuerse other places. But to procéed.
+
+ It is so, that our soile being diuided into champaine ground and
+ woodland, the houses of the first lie vniformelie builded in euerie
+ towne togither with stréets and lanes, wheras in the woodland
+ countries (except here and there in great market townes) they stand
+ scattered abroad, each one dwelling in the midst of his owne
+ occupieng. And as in manie and most great market townes, there are
+ commonlie thrée hundred or foure hundred families or mansions, & two
+ thousand communicants, or peraduenture more: so in the other, whether
+ they be woodland or champaine, we find not often aboue fortie, fiftie,
+ or thrée score households, and two or thrée hundred communicants,
+ whereof the greatest part neuerthelesse are verie poore folkes,
+ oftentimes without all maner of occupieng, sith the ground of the
+ parish is gotten vp into a few mens hands, yea sometimes into the
+ tenure of one, two or thrée, whereby the rest are compelled either to
+ be hired seruants vnto the other, or else to beg their bread in
+ miserie from doore to doore.
+
+ There are some (saith Leland) which are not so fauourable when they
+ haue gotten such lands, as to let the houses remaine vpon them to the
+ vse of the poore; but they will compound with the lord of the soile to
+ pull them downe for altogither, saieng that if they did let them
+ stand, they should but toll beggers to the towne, therby to surcharge
+ the rest of the parish, & laie more burden vpon them. But alas these
+ pitifull men sée not that they themselues hereby doo laie the greatest
+ log vpon their neighbors necks. For sith the prince dooth commonlie
+ loose nothing of his duties accustomable to be paid, the rest of the
+ parishioners that remaine must answer and beare them out: for they
+ plead more charge other waies, saieng; I am charged alreadie with a
+ light horsse, I am to answer in this sort and after that maner. And it
+ is not yet altogither out of knowledge, that where the king had seuen
+ pounds thirteene shillings at a taske gathered of fiftie wealthie
+ householders of a parish in England: now a gentleman hauing three
+ parts of the towne in his owne hands, foure housholds doo beare all
+ the aforesaid paiment, or else Leland is deceiued in his Commentaries
+ lib. 13. latelie come to my hands, which thing he especiallie noted in
+ his trauell ouer this Ile. A common plague & enormittie, both in the
+ hart of the land and likewise vpon the coasts. Certes a great number
+ compleine of the increase of pouertie, laieng the cause vpon God, as
+ though he were in fault for sending such increase of people, or want
+ of wars that should consume them, affirming that the land was neuer so
+ full, &c: but few men doo sée the verie root from whence it dooth
+ procéed. Yet the Romans found it out, when they florished, and
+ therefore prescribed limits to euerie mans tenure and occupieng. Homer
+ commendeth Achilles for ouerthrowing of fiue and twentie cities: but
+ in mine opinion Ganges is much better preferred by Suidas for building
+ of thrée score in Inde, where he did plant himselfe. I could (if néed
+ required) set downe in this place the number of religious houses and
+ monasteries, with the names of their founders that haue béene in this
+ Iland: but sith it is a thing of small importance, I passe it ouer as
+ impertinent to my purpose. Yet herein I will commend sundrie of the
+ monasticall votaries, especiallie moonkes, for that they were authors
+ of manie goodlie borowes and endwares, néere vnto their dwellings,
+ although otherwise they pretended to be men separated from the world.
+ But alas their couetous minds one waie in inlarging their reuenues,
+ and carnall intent an other, appéered herin too too much. For being
+ bold from time to time to visit their tenants, they wrought off great
+ wickednesse, and made those endwares little better than brodelhouses,
+ especiallie where nunries were farre off, or else no safe accesse vnto
+ them. But what doo I spend my time in the rehearsall of these
+ filthinesses? Would to God the memorie of them might perish with the
+ malefactors! My purpose was also at the end of this chapter to haue
+ set downe a table of the parish churches and market townes thorough
+ out all England and Wales: but sith I can not performe the same as I
+ would, I am forced to giue ouer my purpose: yet by these few that
+ insue you shall easilie see what order I would haue vsed according to
+ the shires, if I might haue brought it to passe.
+
+
+   _Shires._                             _Market townes._  _Parishes._
+
+   Middlesex.                                       3             73
+   London within the walles, and without.                        120
+   Surrie.                                          6            140
+   Sussex.                                         18            312
+   Kent.                                           17            398
+   Cambridge.                                       4            163
+   Bedford.                                         9             13
+   Huntingdon.                                      5             78
+   Rutland.                                         2             47
+   Barkeshire.                                     11            150
+   Northhampton.                                   10            326
+   Buckingham.                                     11            196
+   Oxford.                                         10            216
+   Southhampton.                                   18            248
+   Dorset.                                         19            279
+   Norffolke.                                      26            625
+   Suffolke.                                       25            575
+   Essex.                                          18            415
+
+
+
+
+ OF CASTELS AND HOLDS.
+
+ CHAP. XIV.
+
+ It hath béene of long time a question in controuersie, and not yet
+ determined, whether holds and castels néere cities or anie where in
+ the hart of common-wealths, are more profitable or hurtfull for the
+ benefit of the countrie? Neuertheles it séemeth by our owne experience
+ that we here in England suppose them altogither vnnéedfull. This also
+ is apparent by the testimonie of sundrie writers, that they haue béene
+ the ruine of manie a noble citie. Of Old Salisburie I speake not, of
+ Anwarpe I saie nothing more than of sundrie other, whereof some also
+ in my time neuer cease to incroch vpon the liberties of the cities
+ adioining, thereby to hinder them what and wherin they may. For my
+ part I neuer read of anie castell that did good vnto the citie
+ abutting theron, but onelie the capitoll of Rome: and yet but once
+ good vnto the same, in respect of the nine times whereby it brought it
+ into danger of vtter ruine and confusion. Aristotle vtterlie denieth
+ that anie castle at all can be profitable to a common wealth well
+ gouerned. Timotheus of Corinthum affirmeth, that a castle in a common
+ wealth is but a bréeder of tyrants. Pyrhus king of Epire being
+ receiued also on a time into Athens, among other courtesies shewed
+ vnto him, they led him also into their castell of Pallas, who at his
+ departure gaue them great thanks for the fréendlie intertainment; but
+ with this item, that they should let so few kings come into the same
+ as they might, least (saith he) they teach you to repent too late of
+ your great gentlenesse. Caietanus in his common-wealth hath finallie
+ no liking of them, as appéereth in his eight booke of that most
+ excellent treatise. But what haue I to deale whether they be
+ profitable or not, sith my purpose is rather to shew what plentie we
+ haue of them, which I will performe so far as shall be néedfull?
+
+ There haue béene in times past great store of castels and places of
+ defense within the realme of England, of which some were builded by
+ the Britons, manie by the Romans, Saxons, and Danes, but most of all
+ by the barons of the realme, in & about the time of king Stephan, who
+ licenced each of them to build so manie as them listed vpon their owne
+ demeasnes, hoping thereby that they would haue imploied their vse to
+ his aduantage and commoditie. But finallie when he saw that they were
+ rather fortified against himselfe in the end, than vsed in his
+ defense, he repented all too late of his inconsiderate dealing, sith
+ now there was no remedie but by force for to subdue them. After his
+ decease king Henrie the second came no sooner to the crowne, but he
+ called to mind the inconuenience which his predecessour had suffered,
+ and he himselfe might in time sustaine by those fortifications.
+ Therefore one of the first things he did was an attempt to race and
+ deface the most part of these holds. Certes he thought it better to
+ hazard the méeting of the enimie now and then in the plaine field,
+ than to liue in perpetuall feare of those houses, and the rebellion of
+ his lords vpon euerie light occasion conceiued, who then were full so
+ strong as he, if not more strong; and that made them the readier to
+ withstand and gainesaie manie of those procéedings, which he and his
+ successours from time to time intended. Herevpon therefore he caused
+ more than eleuen hundred of their said castels to be raced and
+ ouerthrowne, whereby the power of his nobilitie was not a little
+ restreined. Since that time also, not a few of those which remained
+ haue decaied, partlie by the commandement of Henrie the third, and
+ partlie of themselues, or by conuersion of them into the dwelling
+ houses of noble men, their martiall fronts being remooued: so that at
+ this present, there are verie few or no castels at all mainteined
+ within England, sauing onelie vpon the coasts and marches of the
+ countrie for the better kéeping backe of the forren enimie, when
+ soeuer he shall attempt to enter and annoie vs.
+
+ The most provident prince that euer reigned in this land, for the
+ fortification thereof against all outward enimies, was the late prince
+ of famous memorie king Henrie the eight, who beside that he repared
+ most of such as were alreadie standing, builded sundrie out of the
+ ground. For hauing shaken off the more than seruile yoke of popish
+ tyrannie, and espieng that the emperour was offended for his diuorce
+ from quéene Catharine his aunt, and thereto vnderstanding that the
+ French king had coupled the Dolphin his sonne with the popes neece,
+ and maried his daughter to the king of Scots (whereby he had cause
+ more iustlie to suspect than safelie to trust anie one of them all as
+ Lambert saith) he determined to stand vpon his owne defense, and
+ therefore with no small spéed, and like charge, he builded sundrie
+ blockehouses, castels, and platformes vpon diuerse frontiers of his
+ realme, but chieflie the east and southeast parts of England, whereby
+ (no doubt) he did verie much qualifie the conceiued grudges of his
+ aduersaries, and vtterlie put off their hastie purpose of inuasion.
+ But would to God he had cast his eie toward Harwich, and the coasts of
+ Norffolke and Suffolke, where nothing as yet is doone! albeit there be
+ none so fit and likelie places for the enimie to enter vpon, as in
+ those parts, where, at a full sea they may touch vpon the shore and
+ come to land without resistance. And thus much brieflie for my purpose
+ at this present. For I néed not to make anie long discourse of
+ castels, sith it is not the nature of a good Englishman to regard to
+ be caged vp as in a coope, and hedged in with stone wals, but rather
+ to meet with his enimie in the plaine field at handstrokes, where he
+ maie trauaise his ground, choose his plot, and vse the benefit of
+ sunne shine, wind and weather, to his best aduantage & commoditie.
+ Isocrates also saith that towres, walles, bulworkes, soldiers, and
+ [Sidenote: The best kéepers of kingdomes.]
+ plentie of armour, are not the best kéepers of kingdomes; but freends,
+ loue of subiects, & obedience vnto martiall discipline, which they
+ want that shew themselues either cruell or couetous toward their
+ people. As for those tales that go of Beston castell, how it shall
+ saue all England on a daie, and likewise the brag of a rebellious
+ baron in old time named Hugh Bigot, that said in contempt of king
+ Henrie the third, and about the fiftith yeare of his reigne:
+
+   If I were in my castell of Bungeie,
+   Vpon the water of Waueneie,
+   I wold not set a button by the king of Cockneie,
+
+ I repute them but as toies, the first méere vaine, the second fondlie
+ vttered if anie such thing were said, as manie other words are and
+ haue béene spoken of like holds (as Wallingford, &c:) but now growen
+ out of memorie, and with small losse not heard of among the common
+ sort. Certes the castell of Bungeie was ouerthrowen by the aforesaid
+ prince, the same yeare that he ouerthrew the walles and castell of
+ Leircester, also the castels of Treske and Malesar, apperteining to
+ Roger Mowbraie, and that of Fremlingham belonging likewise to Hugh
+ Bigot, wherof in the chronologie following you may read at large. I
+ might here in like sort take occasion to speake of sundrie strong
+ places where camps of men haue lien, and of which we haue great
+ plentie here in England in the plaine fields: but I passe ouer to
+ talke of any such néedlesse discourses. This neuerthelesse concerning
+ [Sidenote: The Wandles in time past were called Windles.]
+ two of them is not to be omitted, to wit, that the one néere vnto
+ Cambridge now Gogmagogs hill, was called Windleburie before time, as I
+ read of late in an old pamphlet. And to saie the truth I haue often
+ heard them named Winterburie hilles, which difference may easilie grow
+ by corruption of the former word: the place likewise is verie large
+ and strong. The second is to be séene in the edge of Shropshire about
+ two miles from Colme, betwéene two riuers, the Clun or Colunus, and
+ the Tewie otherwise named Themis, wherevnto there is no accesse but at
+ one place. The Welshmen call it Cair Carador, and they are of the
+ opinion, that Caractatus king of the Sillures was ouercome there by
+ Ostorius, at such time as he fled to Cartimanda quéene of the Brigants
+ for succour, who betraied him to the Romans, as you may sée in
+ Tacitus.
+
+
+
+
+ OF PALACES BELONGING TO THE PRINCE.
+
+ CHAP. XV.
+
+
+ It lieth not in me to set down exactlie the number & names of the
+ palaces belonging to the prince, nor to make anie description of hir
+ graces court, sith my calling is and hath béene such, as that I haue
+ scarselie presumed to peepe in at hir gates, much lesse then haue I
+ aduentured to search out and know the estate of those houses, and what
+ magnificent behauiour is to be séene within them. Yet thus much will I
+ saie generallie of all the houses and honours perteining to hir
+ maiestie, that they are builded either of square stone or bricke, or
+ else of both. And thervnto although their capacitie and hugenesse be
+ not so monstrous, as the like of diuerse forren princes are to be
+ seene in the maine, and new found nations of the world: yet are they
+ so curious, neat, and commodious as any of them, both for conuenience
+ of offices and lodgings, and excellencie of situation, which is not
+ the least thing to be considered of in building. Those that were
+ [Sidenote: King Hen. 8. not inferior to Adrian and Iustinian.]
+ builded before the time of king Henrie the eight, reteine to these
+ daies the shew and image of the ancient kind of workemanship vsed in
+ this land: but such as he erected after his owne deuise (for he was
+ nothing inferiour in this trade to Adrian the emperour and Iustinian
+ the lawgiuer) doo represent another maner of paterne, which as they
+ are supposed to excell all the rest that he found standing in this
+ realme, so they are and shall be a perpetuall president vnto those
+ that doo come after, to follow in their workes and buildings of
+ importance. Certes masonrie did neuer better flourish in England than
+ in his time. And albeit that in these daies there be manie goodlie
+ houses erected in the sundrie quarters of this Iland; yet they are
+ rather curious to the eie like paper worke, than substantiall for
+ continuance: whereas such as he did set vp excell in both, and
+ therefore may iustlie be preferred farre aboue all the rest. The names
+ of those which come now to my remembrance, and are as yet reserued to
+ hir maiesties onelie vse at pleasure are these: for of such as are
+ giuen awaie I speake not, neither of those that are vtterlie decaied,
+ as Bainards castell in London builded in the daies of the Conquerour
+ by a noble man called William Bainard, whose wife Inga builded the
+ priorie of litle Donemow in the daies of Henrie the first; neither of
+ the tower roiall there also, &c: sith I sée no cause wherefore I
+ should remember them and manie of the like, of whose verie ruines I
+ haue no certeine knowledge. Of such I saie therfore as I erst
+ [Sidenote: White hall.]
+ mentioned, we haue first of all White hall at the west end of London
+ (which is taken for the most large & principall of all the rest) was
+ first a lodging of the Archbishops of Yorke, then pulled downe, begun
+ by cardinall Woolseie, and finallie inlarged and finished by king
+ Henrie the eight. By east of this standeth Durham place, sometime
+ belonging to the bishops of Durham, but conuerted also by king Henrie
+ the eight into a palace roiall, & lodging for the prince. Of Summerset
+ place I speake not, yet if the first beginner thereof (I meane the
+ lord Edward, the learned and godlie duke of Summerset) had liued, I
+ doubt not but it should haue beene well finished and brought to a
+ sumptuous end: but as vntimelie death tooke him from that house & from
+ vs all, so it prooued the staie of such proceeding as was intended
+ about it. Wherby it commeth to passe that it standeth as he left it.
+ Neither will I remember the Tower of London, which is rather an
+ armorie and house of munition, and therevnto a place for the
+ safekéeping of offenders, than a palace roiall for a king or quéene to
+ soiourne in. Yet in times past I find that Belline held his aboad
+ there, and therevnto extended the site of his palace in such wise,
+ that it stretched ouer the Broken wharfe, and came further into the
+ citie, in so much that it approched néere to Bellines gate, & as it is
+ thought some of the ruines of his house are yet extant, howbeit
+ patched vp and made warehouses in that tract of ground in our times.
+ [Sidenote: S. James.]
+ S. Iames sometime a nonrie, was builded also by the same prince. Hir
+ [Sidenote: Oteland.]
+ [Sidenote: Ashridge.]
+ [Sidenote: Hatfield.]
+ [Sidenote: Enuéeld.]
+ [Sidenote: Richmond.]
+ [Sidenote: Hampton.]
+ [Sidenote: Woodstocke.]
+ grace hath also Oteland, Ashridge, Hatfield, Hauering, Enuéeld,
+ Eltham, Langleie, Richmond builded by Henrie the fift, Hampton court
+ (begun sometime by cardinall Woolseie, and finished by hir father) and
+ therevnto Woodstocke, erected by king Henrie the first, in which the
+ quéenes maiestie delighteth greatlie to soiourne, notwithstanding that
+ in time past it was the place of a parcell of hir captiuitie, when it
+ pleased God to trie hir by affliction and calamitie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Windsor.]
+ For strength Windlesor or Winsor is supposed to be the chéefe, a
+ castell builded in time past by king Arthur, or before him by
+ Aruiragus, as it is thought, and repared by Edward the third, who
+ erected also a notable college there. After him diuerse of his
+ successours haue bestowed excéeding charges vpon the same, which
+ notwithstanding are farre surmounted by the quéenes maiestie now
+ liuing, who hath appointed huge summes of monie to be emploied vpon
+ the ornature and alteration of the mould, according to the forme of
+ building vsed in our daies, which is more for pleasure than for either
+ profit or safegard. Such also hath béene the estimation of this place,
+ that diuerse kings haue not onelie béene interred there, but also made
+ it the chiefe house of assemblie, and creation of the knights of the
+ honorable order of the garter, than the which there is nothing in this
+ land more magnificent and statelie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gréenewich.]
+ Greenewich was first builded by Humfreie duke of Glocester, vpon the
+ Thames side foure miles east from London, in the time of Henrie the
+ sixt, and called Pleasance. Afterwards it was greatlie inlarged by
+ king Edw. 4. garnished by king Hen. 7. and finallie made perfect by
+ king Hen. 8. the onelie Phenix of his time for fine and curious
+ masonrie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dartford.]
+ Not farre from this is Dartford, and not much distant also from the
+ southside of the said streame, somtime a nonnerie builded by Edward
+ the third, but now a verie commodious palace, wherevnto it was also
+ [Sidenote: Eltham.]
+ conuerted by K. Henrie the eight. Eltham (as I take it) was builded by
+ king Henrie the third, if not before. There are beside these moreouer
+ diuerse other. But what shall I néed to take vpon me to repeat all,
+ and tell what houses the quéenes maiestie hath? sith all is hirs, and
+ when it pleaseth hir in the summer season to recreat hir selfe abroad,
+ and view the estate of the countrie, and heare the complaints of hir
+ poore commons iniuried by hir vniust officers or their substitutes,
+ euerie noble mans house is hir palace, where shee continueth during
+ pleasure, and till shée returne againe to some of hir owne, in which
+ she remaineth so long as pleaseth hir.
+
+ [Sidenote: Of the court.]
+ The court of England, which necessarilie is holden alwaies where the
+ prince lieth, is in these daies one of the most renowmed and
+ magnificent courts that are to be found in Europe. For whether you
+ regard the rich and infinit furniture of household, order of officers,
+ or the interteinement of such strangers as dailie resort vnto the
+ same, you shall not find manie equall therevnto, much lesse one
+ excelling it in anie maner of wise. I might here (if I would, or had
+ sufficient disposition of matter concerned of the same) make a large
+ discourse of such honorable ports, of such graue councellors, and
+ noble personages, as giue their dailie attendance vpon the quéenes
+ maiestie there. I could in like sort set foorth a singular
+ commendation of the vertuous beautie, or beautifull vertues of such
+ ladies and gentlewomen as wait vpon hir person, betweene whose amiable
+ countenances and costlinesse of attire, there séemeth to be such a
+ dailie conflict and contention, as that it is verie difficult for me
+ to gesse, whether of the twaine shall beare awaie the preheminence.
+ This further is not to be omitted, to the singular commendation of
+ [Sidenote: English courtiers the best learned & the worst liuers.]
+ both sorts and sexes of our courtiers here in England, that there are
+ verie few of them, which haue not the vse and skill of sundrie
+ speaches, beside an excellent veine of writing before time not
+ regarded. Would to God the rest of their liues and conuersations were
+ correspondent to these gifts! for as our common courtiers (for the
+ most part) are the best lerned and indued with excellent gifts, so are
+ manie of them the worst men when they come abroad, that anie man shall
+ either heare or read of. Trulie it is a rare thing with vs now, to
+ heare of a courtier which hath but his owne language. And to saie how
+ many gentlewomen and ladies there are, that beside sound knowledge of
+ the Gréeke and Latine toongs, are thereto no lesse skilfull in the
+ Spanish, Italian, and French, or in some one of them, it resteth not
+ in me: sith I am persuaded, that as the noble men and gentlemen doo
+ surmount in this behalfe, so these come verie little or nothing at all
+ behind them for their parts, which industrie God continue, and
+ accomplish that which otherwise is wanting!
+
+ Beside these things I could in like sort set downe the waies and
+ meanes, wherby our ancient ladies of the court doo shun and auoid
+ idlenesse, some of them exercising their fingers with the needle,
+ other in caulworke, diuerse in spinning of silke, some in continuall
+ reading either of the holie scriptures, or histories of our owne or
+ forren nations about vs, and diuerse in writing volumes of their owne,
+ or translating of other mens into our English and Latine toong,
+ whilest the yoongest sort in the meane time applie their lutes,
+ citharnes, prickesong, and all kind of musike, which they vse onelie
+ for recreation sake, when they haue leisure, and are free from
+ attendance vpon the quéenes maiestie, or such as they belong vnto. How
+ manie of the eldest sort also are skilfull in surgerie and
+ distillation of waters, beside sundrie other artificiall practises
+ perteining to the ornature and commendations of their bodies, I might
+ (if I listed to deale further in this behalfe) easilie declare, but I
+ passe ouer such maner of dealing, least I should séeme to glauer, and
+ currie fauour with some of them. Neuerthelesse this I will generallie
+ saie of them all, that as ech of them are cuning in somthing wherby
+ they kéepe themselues occupied in the court, so there is in maner none
+ of them, but when they be at home, can helpe to supplie the ordinarie
+ want of the kitchen with a number of delicat dishes of their owne
+ deuising, wherein the Portingall is their chéefe counsellor, as some
+ of them are most commonlie with the clearke of the kitchen, who vseth
+ (by a tricke taken vp of late) to giue in a bréefe rehearsall of such
+ and so manie dishes as are to come in at euerie course throughout the
+ whole seruice in the dinner or supper while: which bill some doo call
+ a memoriall, other a billet, but some a fillet, bicause such are
+ commonlie hanged on the file, and kept by the ladie or gentlewoman
+ vnto some other purpose. But whither am I digressed?
+
+ I might finallie describe the large allowances in offices, and
+ yearelie liueries, and therevnto the great plentie of gold and siluer
+ plate, the seuerall peeces whereof are commonlie so great and massie,
+ and the quantitie therof so abundantlie seruing all the houshold, that
+ (as I suppose) Cyniras, Cresus, and Crassus had not the like
+ furniture: naie if Midas were now liuing & once againe put to his
+ choise, I thinke he could aske no more, or rather not halfe so much as
+ is there to be seene and vsed. But I passe ouer to make such needlesse
+ discourses, resoluing my selfe, that euen in this also, as in all the
+ rest, the excéeding mercie and louing kindnesse of God dooth
+ wonderfullie appéere towards vs, in that he hath so largelie indued vs
+ with these his so ample benefits.
+
+ In some great princes courts beyond the seas, & which euen for that
+ cause are likened vnto hell by diuerse learned writers that haue spent
+ a great part of their time in them, as Henricus Cornelius Agrippa, one
+ (for example) who in his epistle "Ad aulicum quendam," saith thus: "An
+ non in inferno es amice, qui es in aula, vbi dæmonum habitatio est,
+ qui illic suis artibus humana licèt effigie regnant, atque vbi
+ scelerum schola est, & animarum iactura ingens, ac quicquid vspiam est
+ perfidiæ ac doli, quicquid crudelitatis & inclem[=e]tiæ, quicquid
+ effrænatæ superbiæ, & rapacis auariciæ, quicquid obscenæ libidinis,
+ fædissimæ impudicitiæ, quicquid nefandæ impietatis, & morum
+ pessimorum, totum illic aceruatur cumulatissimè, vbi stupra, raptus,
+ incestus, adulteria, principum & nobilium ludi sunt, vbi fastus &
+ tumor, ira, liuor, fædáque cupido cum socijs suis imperauit, vbi
+ criminum omnium procellæ virtutúmque omni[=u] ínenarrabile naufragium,
+ &c." In such great princes courts (I saie) it is a world to sée what
+ lewd behauiour is vsed among diuerse of those that resort vnto the
+ same, and what whoredome, swearing, ribaldrie, atheisme, dicing,
+ carding, carowsing, drunkennesse, gluttonie, quareling, and such like
+ inconueniences doo dailie take hold, and sometimes euen among those,
+ in whose estates the like behauiour is least conuenient (whereby their
+ talke is verified which say that the thing increaseth and groweth in
+ the courts of princes sauing vertue, which in such places dooth
+ languish and dailie vade away) all which enormities are either
+ vtterlie expelled out of the court of England, or else so qualified by
+ the diligent endeuour of the chiefe officers of hir graces household,
+ that seldome are anie of these things apparantlie séene there, without
+ due reprehension, and such seuere correction as belongeth to those
+ trespasses. Finallie to auoid idlenesse, and preuent sundrie
+ transgressions, otherwise likelie to be committed and doone, such
+ order is taken, that euerie office hath either a bible, or the bookes
+ of the acts and monuments of the church of England, or both, beside
+ some histories and chronicles lieng therein, for the exercise of such
+ as come into the same: whereby the stranger that entereth into the
+ court of England vpon the sudden, shall rather imagine himselfe to
+ come into some publike schoole of the vniuersities, where manie giue
+ eare to one that readeth, than into a princes palace, if you conferre
+ the same with those of other nations. Would to God all honorable
+ personages would take example of hir graces godlie dealing in this
+ behalfe, and shew their conformitie vnto these hir so good beginnings!
+ which if they would, then should manie grieuous offenses (wherewith
+ God is highlie displeased) be cut off and restreined, which now doo
+ reigne excéedinglie, in most noble and gentlemens houses, wherof they
+ sée no paterne within hir graces gates.
+
+ [Sidenote: Traines of attendants.]
+ I might speake here of the great traines and troopes of seruing men
+ also, which attend vpon the nobilitie of England in their seuerall
+ liueries, and with differences of cognisances on their sléeues,
+ whereby it is knowen to whome they apperteine. I could also set downe
+ what a goodlie sight it is to sée them muster in the court, which
+ being filled with them dooth yéeld the contemplation of a noble
+ varietie vnto the beholder, much like to the shew of the pecocks taile
+ in the full beautie, or of some medow garnished with infinit kinds and
+ diuersitie of pleasant floures. But I passe ouer the rehearsall hereof
+ to other men, who more delite in vaine amplification than I, and séeke
+ to be more curious in these points than I professe to be.
+
+ The discipline of firme peace also that is mainteined within a
+ certeine compasse of the princes palace, is such, as is nothing
+ inferiour to that we sée dailie practised in the best gouerned holds &
+ fortresses. And such is the seuere punishment of those that strike
+ within the limits prohibited, that without all hope of mercie, benefit
+ of clergie, or sanctuarie, they are sure to loose their right hands at
+ a stroke, and that in verie solemne maner, the forme whereof I will
+ set downe, and then make an end of this chapter, to deale with other
+ matters.
+
+ [Sidenote: Striking within the court and palace of the prince.]
+ At such time therefore as the partie transgressing is conuicted by a
+ sufficient inquest impanelled for the same purpose, and the time come
+ of the execution of the sentence, the sergeant of the kings wood-yard
+ prouideth a square blocke, which he bringeth to some appointed place,
+ and therewithall a great beetle, staple, and cords, wherewith to
+ fasten the hand of the offendor vnto the said blocke, vntill the whole
+ circumstance of his execution be performed. The yeoman of the
+ scullarie likewise for the time being, dooth prouide a great fire of
+ coales hard by the blocke, wherein the searing irons are to be made
+ readie against the chiefe surgeon to the prince or his deputie shall
+ occupie the same. Upon him also dooth the sergeant or chiefe farrour
+ attend with those irons, whose office is to deliuer them to the said
+ surgeon when he shall be redie by searing to vse the same. The groome
+ of the salarie for the time being or his deputie is furthermore
+ appointed to be readie with vineger and cold water, and not to depart
+ from the place vntill the arme of the offendor be bound vp and fullie
+ dressed. And as these things are thus prouided, so the sergeant
+ surgeon is bound from time to time to be readie to execute his charge,
+ and seare the stumpe, when the hand is taken from it. The sergeant of
+ the cellar is at hand also with a cup of red wine, and likewise the
+ chiefe officer of the pantrie with manchet bread to giue vnto the said
+ partie after the execution doone, and the stumpe seared, as the
+ sergeant of the ewerie is with clothes, wherein to wind and wrap vp
+ the arme, the yeoman of the poultrie with a cocke to laie vnto it, the
+ yeoman of the chandrie with seared cloths, and finallie the maister
+ cooke or his deputie with a sharpe dressing knife, which he deliuereth
+ at the place of execution to the sergeant of the larder, who dooth
+ hold it vpright in his hand, vntill the execution be performed by the
+ publike officer appointed therevnto. And this is the maner of
+ punishment ordeined for those that strike within the princes palace,
+ or limits of the same. Which should first haue beene executed on sir
+ Edmund Kneuet, in the yeare 1541. But when he had made great sute to
+ saue his right hand for the further seruice of the king in his warres,
+ and willinglie yeelded to forgo his left, in the end the king pardoned
+ him of both, to no small benefit of the offendor, and publication of
+ the bountifull nature that remained in the prince. The like priuilege
+ almost is giuen to churches and churchyards, although in maner of
+ punishment great difference doo appeere. For he that bralleth or
+ quarelleth in either of them, is by and by suspended "Ab ingressu
+ ecclesiæ," vntill he be absolued: as he is also that striketh with the
+ fist, or laieth violent hands vpon anie whome so euer. But if he
+ happen to smite with staffe, dagger, or anie maner of weapon, & the
+ same be sufficientlie found by the verdict of twelue men at his
+ arrainement, beside excommunication, he is sure to loose one of his
+ eares without all hope of release. But if he be such a one as hath
+ beene twise condemned and executed, whereby he hath now none eares,
+ then is he marked with an hot iron vpon the chéeke, and by the letter
+ F, which is seared déepe into his flesh, he is from thencefoorth noted
+ as a common barratour and fraie maker, and therevnto remaineth
+ excommunicate, till by repentance he deserue to be absolued. To strike
+ a clearke also (that is to saie) a minister, is plaine
+ excommunication, and the offendor not to be absolued but by the prince
+ or his especiall c[=o]mission. Such also is the generall estate of
+ the exc[=o]municate in euerie respect, that he can yéeld no
+ testimonie in anie matter so long as he so standeth. No bargaine or
+ sale that he maketh is auaileable in law, neither anie of his acts
+ whatsoeuer pleadable, wherby he liueth as an outlaw & a man altogither
+ out of the princes protection, although it be not lawfull to kill him,
+ nor anie man otherwise outlawed, without the danger of fellonie.
+
+
+
+
+ OF ARMOUR AND MUNITION.
+
+ CHAP. XVI.
+
+
+ How well or how stronglie our countrie hath béene furnished in times
+ past with armor and artillerie, it lieth not in me as of my selfe to
+ make rehersall. Yet that it lacked both in the late time of quéen
+ Marie, not onlie the experience of mine elders, but also the talke of
+ certeine Spaniards not yet forgotten, did leaue some manifest notice.
+ Vpon the first I néed not stand, for few will denie it. For the second
+ I haue heard, that when one of the greatest péeres of Spaine espied
+ our nakednesse in this behalfe, and did solemnelie vtter in no obscure
+ place, that it should be an easie matter in short time to conquer
+ England, bicause it wanted armor, his words were then not so rashlie
+ vttered, as they were politikelie noted. For albeit that for the
+ present time their efficacie was dissembled, and semblance made as
+ though he spake but merilie, yet at the verie enterance of this our
+ gratious quéene vnto the possession of the crowne, they were so
+ prouidentlie called to remembrance, and such spéedie reformation
+ sought of all hands for the redresse of this inconuenience, that our
+ countrie was sooner furnished with armour and munition, from diuerse
+ parts of the maine (beside great plentie that was forged here at home)
+ than our enimies could get vnderstanding of anie such prouision to be
+ made. By this policie also was the no small hope conceiued by
+ Spaniards vtterlie cut off, who of open fréends being now become our
+ secret enimies, and thereto watching a time wherein to atchieue some
+ heauie exploit against vs and our countrie, did therevpon change their
+ purposes, whereby England obteined rest, that otherwise might haue
+ béene sure of sharpe and cruell wars. Thus a Spanish word vttered by
+ one man at one time, ouerthrew or at the least wise hindered sundrie
+ priuie practises of manie at another. In times past the chéefe force
+ of England consisted in their long bowes. But now we haue in maner
+ generallie giuen ouer that kind of artillerie, and for long bowes in
+ déed doo practise to shoot compasse for our pastime: which kind of
+ shooting can neuer yéeld anie smart stroke, nor beat downe our
+ enimies, as our countrie men were woont to doo at euerie time of néed.
+ Certes the Frenchmen and Rutters deriding our new archerie in respect
+ of their corslets, will not let in open skirmish, if anie leisure
+ serue, to turne vp their tailes and crie; Shoote English, and all
+ bicause our strong shooting is decaied and laid in bed. But if some of
+ our Englishmen now liued that serued king Edward the third in his
+ warres with France, the bréech of such a varlet should haue beene
+ nailed to his bum with one arrow, and an other fethered in his bowels,
+ before he should haue turned about to sée who shot the first. But as
+ our shooting is thus in manner vtterlie decaied among vs one waie, so
+ our countrie men wex skilfull in sundrie other points, as in shooting
+ in small péeces, the caliuer, and handling of the pike, in the
+ seuerall vses whereof they are become verie expert.
+
+ Our armour differeth not from that of other nations, and therefore
+ consisteth of corslets, almaine riuets, shirts of maile, iackes
+ quilted and couered ouer with leather, fustian, or canuas, ouer thicke
+ plates of iron that are sowed in the same, & of which there is no
+ towne or village that hath not hir conuenient furniture. The said
+ armour and munition likewise is kept in one seuerall place of euerie
+ towne, appointed by the consent of the whole parish, where it is
+ alwaies readie to be had and worne within an houres warning. Sometime
+ also it is occupied, when it pleaseth the magistrate either to view
+ the able men, & take note of the well kéeping of the same, or finallie
+ to sée those that are inrolled to exercise each one his seuerall
+ weapon, at the charge of the townesmen of each parish according to his
+ appointment. Certes there is almost no village so poore in England (be
+ it neuer so small) that hath not sufficient furniture in a readinesse
+ to set foorth thrée or foure soldiers, as one archer, one gunner, one
+ pike, & a bilman at the least. No there is not so much wanting as
+ their verie liueries and caps, which are least to be accounted of, if
+ anie hast required: so that if this good order may continue, it shall
+ be vnpossible for the sudden enimie to find vs vnprouided. As for able
+ men for seruice, thanked be God, we are not without good store, for by
+ the musters taken 1574 and 1575, our number amounted to 1172674, and
+ yet were they not so narrowlie taken, but that a third part of this
+ like multitude was left vnbilled and vncalled. What store of munition
+ and armour the quéenes maiestie hath in hir storehouses, it lieth not
+ in me to yéeld account, sith I suppose the same to be infinit. And
+ whereas it was commonlie said after the losse of Calis, that England
+ should neuer recouer the store of ordinance there left and lost: that
+ same is at this time prooued false, sith euen some of the same persons
+ doo now confesse, that this land was neuer better furnished with these
+ things in anie kings daies that reigned since the conquest.
+
+
+ _The names of our greatest ordinance are commonlie these._
+
+ Robinet, whose weight is two hundred pounds, and it hath one inch and
+ a quarter within the mouth.
+
+ Falconet weigheth fiue hundred pounds, and his widenesse is two inches
+ within the mouth.
+
+ Falcon hath eight hundred pounds, and two inches and a halfe within
+ the mouth.
+
+ Minion poiseth eleauen hundred pounds, and hath thrée inches and a
+ quarter within the mouth.
+
+ Sacre hath fiftéene hundred poundes, and is three inches and a halfe
+ wide in the mouth.
+
+ Demie Culuerijn weigheth three thousand pounds, and hath foure inches
+ and a halfe within the mouth.
+
+ Culuerijn hath foure thousand pounds, and fiue inches and an halfe
+ within the mouth.
+
+ Demie Canon six thousand pounds, and six inches and an halfe within
+ the mouth.
+
+ Canon seauen thousand pounds, and eight inches within the mouth.
+
+ E. Canon eight thousand pounds, and seauen inches within the mouth.
+
+ Basiliske 9000 pounds, eight inches, and thrée quarters within the
+ mouth. By which proportions also it is easie to come by the weight of
+ euerie shot, how manie scores it doth flée at point blanke, how much
+ pouder is to be had the same, & finallie how manie inches in height
+ ech bullet ought to carrie.
+
+     _The names of_  }    {_Weight_ | _Scores_  | _Pounds_ | _Height_
+     _the greatest_  }    {_of the_ |   _of_    |  _of_    |  _of_
+      _ordinance._   }    { _shot._ | _cariage._| _pouder._| _bullet._
+   +--------------------------------+-----------+----------+----------+
+   |Robinet.         }    {  1 li.  |     0     |    1/2   |  1       |
+   |Falconet.        }    {  2 li.  |    14     |   2      |  1-1/4   |
+   |Falcon.          }    {  2-1/2  |    16     |   2-1/2  |  2-1/4   |
+   |Minion.          }    {  4-1/2  |    17     |   4-1/2  |  3       |
+   |Sacre.           }    {  5      |    18     |   5      |  3-1/4   |
+   |Demie Culuerijn. }hath{  9      |    20     |   9      |  4       |
+   |Culuerijn.       }    { 18      |    25     |  18      |  5-1/4   |
+   |Demie canon.     }    { 30      |    38     |  28      |  6-1/4   |
+   |Canon.           }    { 60      |    20     |  44      |  7-3/4   |
+   |E. Canon.        }    { 42      |    20     |  20      |  6-3/4   |
+   |Basiliske.       }    { 60      |    21     |  60      |  8-1/4   |
+   +--------------------------------+-----------+----------+----------+
+
+ I might here take iust occasion to speake of the princes armories. But
+ what shall it néed? sith the whole realme is hir armorie, and
+ therefore hir furniture infinit. The Turke had one gun made by one
+ Orban a Dane, the caster of his ordinance, which could not be drawen
+ to the siege of Constantinople, but by seauentie yokes of oxen, and
+ two thousand men; he had two other there also whose shot poised aboue
+ two talents in weight, made by the same Orban. But to procéed. As for
+ the armories of some of the nobilitie (whereof I also haue seene a
+ part) they are so well furnished, that within some one barons custodie
+ I haue séene thrée score or a hundred corslets at once, beside
+ caliuers, hand-guns, bowes, sheffes of arrowes, pikes, bils, polaxes,
+ flaskes, touchboxes, targets, &c: the verie sight wherof appalled my
+ courage. What would the wearing of some of them doo then (trow you) if
+ I should be inforced to vse one of them in the field? But thanked be
+ God, our peaceable daies are such, as no man hath anie great cause to
+ occupie them at all, but onelie taketh good leisure to haue them in a
+ readinesse, and therefore both high and lowe in England
+
+   Cymbala pro galeis pro scutis tympana pulsant.
+
+ I would write here also of our maner of going to the warres, but what
+ hath the long blacke gowne to doo with glistering armour? what sound
+ [Sidenote: Malè musis cum Marte.]
+ acquaintance can there be betwixt Mars and the Muses? or how should a
+ man write anie thing to the purpose of that wherewith he is nothing
+ acquainted? This neuerthelesse will I adde of things at home, that
+ seldome shall you sée anie of my countriemen aboue eightéene or
+ twentie yéeres old to go without a dagger at the least at his backe or
+ by his side, although they be aged burgesses or magistrates of anie
+ citie, who in appeerance are most exempt from brabling and contention.
+ Our nobilitie weare commonlie swords or rapiers with their daggers, as
+ dooth euerie common seruing man also that followeth his lord and
+ master. Some desperate cutters we haue in like sort, which carrie two
+ daggers or two rapiers in a sheath alwaies about them, wherewith in
+ euerie dronken fraie they are knowen to worke much mischiefe; their
+ swords & daggers also are of a great length, and longer than the like
+ vsed in anie other countrie, whereby ech one pretendeth to haue the
+ more aduantage of his enimie. But as manie orders haue béene taken for
+ the intollerable length of these weapons; so I sée as yet small
+ redresse: but where the cause thereof doth rest, in sooth for my part
+ I wote not. I might here speake of the excessiue staues which diuerse
+ that trauell by the waie doo carrie vpon their shoulders, whereof some
+ are twelue or thirtéene foote long, beside the pike of twelue inches:
+ but as they are commonlie suspected of honest men to be theeues and
+ robbers, or at the leastwise scarse true men which beare them; so by
+ reason of this and the like suspicious weapons, the honest traueller
+ is now inforced to ride with a case of dags at his sadle bow, or with
+ some pretie short snapper, whereby he may deale with them further off
+ in his owne defense before he come within the danger of these weapons.
+ Finallie, no man trauelleth by the waie without his sword, or some
+ such weapon, with vs; except the minister, who c[=o]monlie weareth
+ none at all, vnlesse it be a dagger or hanger at his side. Seldome
+ also are they or anie other waifaring men robbed without the consent
+ of the chamberleine, tapster, or ostler where they bait & lie, who
+ féeling at their alighting whether their capcases or budgets be of
+ anie weight or not, by taking them downe from their sadles, or
+ otherwise see their store in drawing of their purses, do by and by
+ giue intimation to some one or other attendant dailie in the yard or
+ house, or dwelling hard by vpon such matches, whether the preie be
+ worth the following or no. If it be for their turne, then the
+ gentleman peraduenture is asked which waie he trauelleth, and whether
+ it please him to haue another ghest to beare him companie at supper,
+ who rideth the same waie in the morning that he doth, or not. And thus
+ if he admit him or be glad of his acquaintance, the cheate is halfe
+ wrought. And often it is séene that the new ghest shall be robbed with
+ the old, onelie to colour out the matter and kéepe him from suspicion.
+ Sometimes when they knowe which waie the passenger trauelleth, they
+ will either go before and lie in wait for him, or else come galloping
+ apace after, wherby they will be sure, if he ride not the stronger, to
+ be fingering with his purse. And these are some of the policies of
+ such shrews or close booted gentlemen as lie in wait for fat booties
+ by the high waies, and which are most commonlie practised in the
+ winter season about the feast of Christmas, when seruing men and
+ vnthriftie gentlemen want monie to plaie at the dice and cards,
+ lewdlie spending in such wise whatsoeuer they haue wickedlie gotten,
+ till some of them sharplie set vpon their cheuisances, be trussed vp
+ in a Tiburne tippet, which happeneth vnto them commonlie before they
+ come to middle age. Wherby it appéereth that some sort of youth will
+ oft haue his swinge, although it be in a halter.
+
+ I might also intreat of our old maner of warfare vsed in and before
+ the time of Cesar, when as the cheefe brunt of our fight was in
+ Essedis or wagons; but this I also passe ouer, noting neuerthelesse
+ out of Propertius, that our said wagons were gorgeous and gailie
+ painted, which he setteth downe in these foure verses insuing,
+ Arethusæ ad Lycotam, lib. 4. eleg. 3.
+
+   Te modò viderunt iteratos Bactra per ortus,
+     Te modò munito Sericus hostis equo,
+   Hiberníque Getæ, pictóque Brittannia curru,
+     Vstus & Eoa discolor Indus aqua.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE NAUIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XVII.
+
+
+ There is nothing that hath brought me into more admiration of the
+ power and force of antiquitie, than their diligence and care had of
+ their nauies: wherein, whether I consider their spéedie building, or
+ great number of ships which some one kingdome or region possessed at
+ one instant; it giueth me still occasion, either to suspect the
+ historie, or to thinke that in our times we come verie farre behind
+ them. For what a thing is it to haue a ship growing on the stub, and
+ sailing on the sea within the space of fiue and fiftie daies? And yet
+ such a nauie was to be séene in the first war of Carthage, led thither
+ by Duellius the Romane. In the warres also against Hieron two hundred
+ and twentie tall ships bare leafe & saile within fiue and fortie
+ daies. In the second warre of Carthage the nauie that went with Scipio
+ was felled in the wood, and séene to saile on the sea fullie furnished
+ in sixe weekes: which vnto them that are ignorant of things doth séeme
+ to be false, and vnpossible. In like maner for multitude, we find in
+ Polybius, that at one skirmish on the sea the Romans lost seauen
+ hundred vessels, which bare ech of them fiue rowes of ores on a side,
+ and the Carthaginenses fiue hundred. And albeit the formes and
+ apparell of these vessels were not altogither correspondent to our
+ ships and gallies made in these daies: yet the capacitie of most of
+ them did not onelie match, but farre excéed them; so that if one of
+ their biremes onlie conteined so much in burden as a ship of ours of
+ six hundred tun: what shall we thinke of those which had seauen rowes
+ of ores walking on a side? But least I should séeme to speake more of
+ these forren things than the course of the historie doth permit
+ without licence to digresse: giue me leaue (I beséech thee gentle
+ reader) to wade yet a little further in the report of these ancient
+ formes & kinds of vessels. For albeit that the discourse hereof maketh
+ little to the description of our present nauie in England: yet shall
+ the report thereof not be vnprofitable and vnpleasant to such as shall
+ reade among the writings of their capacities and moulds. It shall not
+ be amisse therefore to begin at the nauie of Xerxes, of which ech
+ meane vessell (as appéereth by Herodot) was able to receiue two
+ hundred and thirtie souldiers, and some of them thrée hundred. These
+ were called triremes, and were indéede gallies that had thrée rowes of
+ ores on euerie side; for the word _Nauis_ is indifferentlie applied so
+ well to the gallie as ship, as to the conuersant in histories is easie
+ to be found. In old time also they had gallies of foure rowes, fiue
+ rowes, six, seauen, eight, nine, twelue, yea fifteene rowes of ores on
+ a side; iudge you then of what quantitie those vessels were. Plinie
+ lib. 7. noteth one Damasthenes to be the first maker of the gallies
+ with two rowes called biremes: Thucidides referreth the triremes to
+ Ammocles of Corinthum; the quadriremes were deuised by Aristotle of
+ Carthage; the quinquiremes by Nesichthon of Salamina; the gallie of
+ six rowes by Xenagoras of Syracusa: from this to the tenth Nesigiton
+ brought vp; Alexander the great caused one to be made of twelue;
+ Ptolomeus Soter of fiftéene; Demetrius the sonne of Antigonus of
+ thirtie; Ptolom. Philad. of fortie; Ptol. Triphon of fiftie: all which
+ aboue foure were none other (in mine opinion) than vnweldie carts, and
+ more seruing for pleasure and to gaze vpon, than anie vse in the wars
+ for which they should be deuised. But of all other I note one of
+ fortie rowes, which Ptolo Philopater builded, conteining 200 and
+ eightie cubits in length, and eight and fortie cubits in breadth: it
+ held also foure thousand ores, foure hundred mariners, and three
+ thousand souldiers, so that in the said vessell were seauen thousand
+ and foure hundred persons: a report incredible, if truth and good
+ testimonie did not confirme the same. I must needs confesse therefore,
+ that the ancient vessels far exceeded ours for capacitie:
+ neuerthelesse if you regard the forme, and the assurance from perill
+ of the sea, and therewithall the strength and nimblenesse of such as
+ are made in our time, you shall easilie find that ours are of more
+ value than theirs: for as the greatest vessell is not alwaies the
+ safest, so that of most huge capacitie is not alwaies the aptest to
+ shift and brooke the seas: as might be seene by the great Henrie, the
+ hugest vessell that euer England framed in our times. Neither were the
+ ships of old like vnto ours in mould and maner of building aboue the
+ water (for of low gallies in our seas we make small account) nor so
+ full of ease within, sith time hath ingendred more skill in the
+ wrights, and brought all things to more perfection than they had in
+ the beginning. And now to come vnto our purpose at the first intended.
+
+ The nauie of England may be diuided into three sortes, of which the
+ one serueth for the warres, the other for burden, and the third for
+ fishermen, which get their liuing by fishing on the sea. How manie of
+ the first order are mainteined within the realme, it passeth my
+ cunning to expresse: yet sith it may be parted into the nauie roiall
+ and common fleete, I thinke good to speake of those that belong vnto
+ the prince, and so much the rather, for that their number is certeine
+ & well knowne to verie manie. Certes there is no prince in Europe that
+ hath a more beautifull or gallant sort of ships than the quéenes
+ maiestie of England at this present, and those generallie are of such
+ exceeding force, that two of them being well appointed and furnished
+ as they ought, will not let to encounter with thrée or foure of those
+ of other countries, and either bowge them or put them to flight, if
+ they may not bring them home.
+
+ Neither are the moulds of anie forren barkes so conuenientlie made, to
+ brooke so well one sea as another lieng vpon the shore in anie part of
+ the continent as those of England. And therefore the common report
+ that strangers make of our ships amongst themselues is dailie
+ confirmed to be true, which is, that for strength, assurance,
+ nimblenesse and swiftnesse of sailing, there are no vessels in the
+ world to be compared with ours. And all these are committed to the
+ regiment and safe custodie of the admerall, who is so called (as some
+ imagine) of the Gréeke word _Almiras_ a capiteine on the sea, for so
+ saith Zonaras "in Basilio Macedone & Basilio Porphyriogenito," though
+ other fetch it from _Ad mare_ the Latine words, another sort from
+ _Amyras_ the Saracen magistrate, or from some French deriuation: but
+ these things are not for this place, and therefore I passe them ouer.
+ The quéenes highnesse hath at this present (which is the foure and
+ twentith of hir reigne) alreadie made and furnished, to the number of
+ foure or fiue and twentie great ships, which lie for the most part in
+ Gillingham rode, beside thrée gallies, of whose particular names and
+ furnitures (so far foorth as I can come by them) it shall not be
+ amisse to make report at this time.
+
+
+ _The names of so manie ships belonging to hir maiestie as I could come
+ by at this present._
+
+   The Bonaduenture.
+   Elizabeth Ionas.
+   White Beare.
+   Philip and Marie.
+   Triumph.
+   Bull.
+   Tiger.
+   Antlope.
+   Hope.
+   Lion.
+   Victorie.
+   Marie Rose.
+   Foresight.
+   Swift sute.
+   Aid.
+   Handmaid.
+   Dread nought.
+   Swallow.
+   Genet.
+   Barke of Bullen.
+   Achates.
+   Falcon.
+   George.
+   Reuenge.
+
+ It is said, that as kings and princes haue in the yoong daies of the
+ world, and long since framed themselues to erect euerie yeare a citie
+ in some one place or other of their kingdoms (and no small woonder
+ that Sardanapalus should begin & finish two, to wit, Anchialus and
+ Tharsus in one daie) so hir grace dooth yearelie build one ship or
+ other to the better defense of hir frontiers from the enimie. But as
+ of this report I haue no assured certeintie, so it shall suffice to
+ haue said so much of these things: yet this I thinke worthie further
+ to be added, that if they should all be driuen to seruice at one
+ instant (which God forbid) she should haue a power by sea of about
+ nine or ten thousand men, which were a notable companie, beside the
+ supplie of other vessels apperteining to hir subiects to furnish vp
+ hir voiage.
+
+ Beside these hir grace hath other in hand also, of whome hereafter as
+ their turnes doo come about, I will not let to leaue some further
+ remembrance. She hath likewise thrée notable gallies: the Spéed well,
+ the Trie right, and the Blacke gallie, with the sight whereof and rest
+ of the nauie roiall, it is incredible to saie how greatlie hir grace
+ is delighted: and not without great cause (I saie) sith by their
+ meanes hir coasts are kept in quiet, and sundrie forren enimies put
+ backe, which otherwise would inuade vs. The number of those that serue
+ for burden with the other, whereof I haue made mention alreadie, and
+ whose vse is dailie séene, as occasion serueth, in time of the warres,
+ is to mée vtterlie vnknowne. Yet if the report of one record be anie
+ thing at all to be credited, there are 135 ships that exceed 500 tun,
+ topmen vnder 100 and aboue fortie 656: hoies 100: but of hulkes,
+ catches, fisherboats, and craiers, it lieth not in me to deliuer the
+ iust account, sith they are hardlie to come by. Of these also there
+ are some of the quéenes maiesties subiects that haue two or three,
+ some foure or six, and (as I heard of late) one man whose name I
+ suppresse for modesties sake, hath bene knowne long since to haue had
+ sixtéene or seuentéene, and emploied them wholie to the wafting in and
+ out of our merchants, whereby he hath reaped no small commoditie and
+ gaine. I might take occasion to tell of the notable and difficult
+ voiages made into strange countries by Englishmen, and of their dailie
+ successe there: but as these things are nothing incident to my
+ purpose, so I surcease to speake of them. Onelie this will I ad, to
+ the end all men shall vnderstand somewhat of the great masses of
+ treasure dailie emploied vpon our nauie, how there are few of those
+ ships, of the first and second sort, that being apparelled and made
+ readie to sale, are not woorth one thousand pounds, or thrée thousand
+ ducats at the least, if they should presentlie be sold. What shall we
+ thinke then of the greater, but especiallie of the nauie roiall, of
+ which some one vessell is woorth two of the other, as the shipwrights
+ haue often told me? It is possible that some couetous person hearing
+ this report, will either not credit it at all, or suppose monie so
+ emploied to be nothing profitable to the queenes coffers: as a good
+ husband said once when he hard there should be prouision made for
+ armor, wishing the quéenes monie to be rather laid out to some
+ spéedier returne of gaine vnto hir grace, bicause the realme (saith
+ he) is in case good enough, and so peraduenture he thought. But if as
+ by store of armour for the defense of the countrie, he had likewise
+ vnderstanded that the good kéeping of the sea, is the safegard of our
+ land, he would haue altered his censure, and soone giuen ouer his
+ iudgement. For in times past, when our nation made small account of
+ nauigation, how soone did the Romans, then the Saxons, & last of all
+ the Danes inuade this Iland? whose crueltie in the end inforced our
+ countrimen, as it were euen against their wils, to prouide for ships
+ from other places, and build at home of their owne, whereby their
+ enimies were oftentimes distressed. But most of all were the Normans
+ therein to be commended. For in a short processe of time after the
+ conquest of this Iland, and good consideration had for the well
+ kéeping of the same, they supposed nothing more commodious for the
+ defense of the countrie, than the maintenance of a strong nauie, which
+ they spéedilie prouided, mainteined, and thereby reaped in the end
+ their wished securitie, wherewith before their times this Iland was
+ neuer acquainted. Before the comming of the Romans, I doo not read
+ that we had anie ships at all, except a few made of wicker and couered
+ with buffle hides, like vnto the which there are some to be seene at
+ this present in Scotland (as I heare) although there be a little (I
+ wote not well what) difference betwéene them. Of the same also Solinus
+ speaketh, so far as I remember: neuerthelesse it may be gathered by
+ his words, how the vpper parts of them aboue the water onelie were
+ [Sidenote: The Britons fasted all the while they were
+ at the sea in these ships.]
+ framed of the said wickers, and that the Britons did vse to fast all
+ the whiles they went to the sea in them: but whether it were doone for
+ policie or superstition, as yet I doo not read.
+
+ In the beginning of the Saxons regiment we had some ships also, but as
+ their number and mould was litle and nothing to the purpose, so Egbert
+ was the first prince that euer throughlie began to know this
+ necessitie of a nauie, and vse the seruice thereof in the defense of
+ his countrie. After him also other princes, as Alfred, Edgar,
+ Ethelred, &c: indeuoured more and more to store themselues at the full
+ with ships of all quantities, but chieflie Edgar, for he prouided a
+ nauie of 1600 aliàs 3600 saile, which he diuided into foure parts, and
+ sent them to abide vpon foure sundrie coasts of the land to keepe the
+ same from pirats. Next vnto him (and worthie to be remembred) is
+ Etheldred, who made a law, that euerie man holding 310 hidelands,
+ should find a ship furnished to serue him in the warres. Howbeit, and
+ as I said before, when all their nauie was at the greatest, it was not
+ comparable for force and sure building, to that which afterward the
+ Normans prouided; neither that of the Normans anie thing like to the
+ same that is to be séene now in these our daies. For the iourneies
+ also of our ships, you shall vnderstand, that a well builded vessell
+ will run or saile commonlie thrée hundred leagues or nine hundred
+ miles in a wéeke, or peraduenture some will go 2200 leagues in six
+ wéekes and an halfe. And suerlie, if their lading be readie against
+ they come thither, there will be of them that will be here, at the
+ west Indies, & home againe in twelue or thirteene wéekes from
+ Colchester; although the said Indies be eight hundred leagues from the
+ cape or point of Cornewall, as I haue beene informed. This also I
+ vnderstand by report of some trauellers, that if anie of our vessels
+ happen to make a voiage to Hispaniola or new Spaine, called in time
+ past Quinquezia and Haiti, and lieth betwéene the north tropike and
+ the equator, after they haue once touched at the Canaries, (which are
+ eight daies sailing or two hundred and fiftie leages from S. Lucas de
+ Barameda in Spaine) they will be there in thirtie or fourtie daies, &
+ home againe in Cornewall in other eight wéekes, which is a goodlie
+ matter, beside the safetie and quietnesse in the passage. But more of
+ this elsewhere.
+
+
+
+
+ OF FAIRES AND MARKETS.
+
+ CHAP. XVIII.
+
+
+ There are (as I take it) few great townes in England, that haue not
+ their wéekelie markets, one or more granted from the prince, in which
+ all maner of prouision for houshold is to be bought and sold, for ease
+ and benefit of the countrie round about. Wherby as it c[=o]meth to
+ passe that no buier shall make anie great iourneie in the purueiance
+ of his necessities: so no occupier shall haue occasion to trauell far
+ off with his commodities, except it be to séeke for the highest
+ prices, which commonlie are néere vnto great cities, where round and
+ spéediest vtterance is alwaies to be had. And as these haue béene in
+ times past erected for the benefit of the realme, so are they in many
+ places too too much abused: for the reliefe and ease of the buier is
+ not so much intended in them, as the benefit of the seller. Neither
+ are the magistrats for the most part (as men loth to displease their
+ neighbours for their one yeares dignitie) so carefull in their
+ offices, as of right and dutie they should bée. For in most of these
+ markets neither assises of bread nor orders for goodnesse and
+ swéetnesse of graine, and other commodities that are brought thither
+ to be sold, are anie whit looked vnto; but ech one suffered to sell or
+ set vp what and how himselfe listeth: & this is one euident cause of
+ dearth and scarsitie in time of great abundance.
+
+ I could (if I would) exemplifie in manie, but I will touch no one
+ particularlie, sith it is rare to sée in anie countrie towne (as I
+ said) the assise of bread well kept according to the statute. And yet
+ if anie countrie baker happen to come in among them on the market daie
+ with bread of better quantitie, they find fault by and by with one
+ thing or another in his stuffe; whereby the honest poore man, whome
+ the law of nations doo commend, for that he indeuoureth to liue by
+ anie lawfull meanes, is driuen awaie, and no more to come there vpon
+ some round penaltie, by vertue of their priuileges. Howbeit though
+ they are so nice in the proportion of their bread, yet in lieu of the
+ same, there is such headie ale & béere in most of them, as for the
+ mightinesse thereof among such as séeke it out, is commonlie called
+ huffecap, the mad dog, father whoresonne, angels food, dragons milke,
+ go by the wall, stride wide, and lift leg, &c. And this is more to be
+ noted, that when one of late fell by Gods prouidence into a troubled
+ c[=o]science, after he had considered well of his reachlesse life, and
+ dangerous estate: another thinking belike to change his colour and not
+ his mind, caried him straightwaie to the strongest ale, as to the next
+ physician. It is incredible to saie how our maltbugs lug at this
+ liquor, euen as pigs should lie in a row, lugging at their dames
+ teats, till they lie still againe, and be not able to wag. Neither did
+ Romulus and Remus sucke their shee woolfe or shéepheards wife Lupa,
+ with such eger and sharpe deuotion, as these men hale at hufcap, till
+ they be red as cockes, & litle wiser than their combs. But how am I
+ fallen from the market into the alehouse? In returning therefore vnto
+ my purpose, I find that in corne great abuse is dailie suffered, to
+ the great preiudice of the towne and countrie, especiallie the poore
+ artificer and householder, which tilleth no land, but laboring all the
+ wéeke to buie a bushell or two of graine on the market daie, can there
+ haue none for his monie: bicause bodgers, loders, and common carriers
+ of corne doo not onlie buie vp all, but giue aboue the price, to be
+ serued of great quantities. Shall I go anie further? Well I will saie
+ yet a little more, and somewhat by mine owne experience.
+
+ At Michaelmasse time poore men must make monie of their graine, that
+ they may paie their rents. So long then as the poore man hath to sell,
+ rich men will bring out none, but rather buie vp that which the poore
+ bring, vnder pretense of seed corne, or alteration of graine, although
+ they bring none of their owne, bicause one wheat often sowen without
+ change of séed, will soone decaie and be conuerted into darnell. For
+ this cause therefore they must needs buie in the markets, though they
+ be twentie miles off and where they be not knowne, promising there if
+ they happen to be espied (which God wot is verie seldome) to send so
+ much to their next market, to be performed I wot not when.
+
+ If this shift serue not (neither dooth the fox vse alwaies one tracke
+ for feare of a snare) they will compound with some one of the towne
+ where the market is holden, who for a pot of hufcap or merie go downe,
+ will not let to buie it for them, and that in his owne name. Or else
+ [Sidenote: Suborned bodgers.]
+ they wage one poore man or other, to become a bodger, and thereto get
+ him a licence vpon some forged surmise, which being doone, they will
+ féed him with monie, to buie for them till he hath filled their lofts,
+ and then if he can doo any good for himselfe so it is, if not, they
+ will giue him somewhat for his paines at this time, & reserue him for
+ an other yeare. How manie of the like prouiders stumble vpon blind
+ créekes at the sea coast, I wote not well; but that some haue so doone
+ and yet doo vnder other mens wings, the case is too too plaine. But
+ [Sidenote: Bodgers licenced.]
+ who dare find fault with them, when they haue once a licence? yea
+ though it be but to serue a meane gentlemans house with corne, who
+ hath cast vp all his tillage, bicause he boasteth how he can buie his
+ graine in the market better cheape, than he can sow his land, as the
+ rich grasier often dooth also vpon the like deuise, bicause grasing
+ requireth a smaller household and lesse attendance and charge. If anie
+ man come to buie a bushell or two for his expenses vnto the market
+ crosse, answer is made; Forsooth here was one euen now that bad me
+ monie for it, and I hope he will haue it. And to saie the truth, these
+ bodgers are faire chapmen, for there are no more words with them, but
+ Let me see it, what shall I giue you, knit it vp, I will haue it, go
+ carie it to such a chamber, and if you bring in twentie seme more in
+ the weeke daie to such an Inne or sollar where I laie my corne, I will
+ haue it and giue you pence or more in euerie bushell for six wéekes
+ day of paiment than an other will. Thus the bodgers beare awaie all,
+ so that the poore artificer and labourer cannot make his prouision in
+ the markets, sith they will hardlie now a daies sell by the bushell,
+ nor breake their measure; and so much the rather, for that the buier
+ will looke (as they saie) for so much ouer measure in a bushell as the
+ bodger will doo in a quarter. Naie the poore man cannot oft get anie
+ of the farmer at home, bicause he prouideth altogither to serue the
+ bodger, or hath an hope grounded vpon a greedie and insatiable desire
+ of gaine, that the sale will be better in the market: so that he must
+ giue two pence or a groate more in a bushell at his house than the
+ last market craued, or else go without it, and sléepe with an hungrie
+ bellie. Of the common carriage of corne ouer vnto the parts beyond the
+ seas I speake not; or at the leastwise if I should, I could not touch
+ it alone but néeds must ioine other prouision withall, whereby not
+ onelie our fréends abroad, but also manie of our aduersaries and
+ countriemen the papists are abundantlie relieued (as the report goeth)
+ but sith I sée it not, I will not so trust mine eares as to write it
+ for a truth. But to returne to our markets againe.
+
+ By this time the poore occupier hath all sold his crop for néed of
+ monie, being readie peraduenture to buie againe yer long. And now is
+ the whole sale of corne in the great occupiers hands, who hitherto
+ haue threshed little or none of their owne, but bought vp of other
+ men, so much as they could come by. Hencefoorth also they begin to
+ sell, not by the quarter or load at the first, for marring the market,
+ but by the bushell or two, or an horsseload at the most, therby to be
+ séene to keepe the crosse, either for a shew, or to make men eger to
+ buie, and so as they may haue it for monie, not to regard what they
+ paie. And thus corne waxeth deere, but it will be déerer the next
+ market daie. It is possible also that they mislike the price in the
+ beginning for the whole yeare insuing, as men supposing that corne
+ will be litle worth for this, & of better price in the next yeare. For
+ they haue certeine superstitious obseruations, whereby they will giue
+ a gesse at the sale of corne for the yeare following. And our
+ countriemen doo vse commonlie for barleie where I dwell, to iudge
+ after the price at Baldocke vpon S. Matthewes daie, and for wheat as
+ it is sold in séed time. They take in like sort experiment by sight of
+ the first flockes of cranes that flée southward in winter, the age of
+ the moone in the beginning of Ianuarie, & such other apish toies, as
+ by laieng twelue cornes vpon the hot hearth for the twelue moneths,
+ &c: whereby they shew themselues to be scant good christians, but what
+ care they so they may come by monie? Herevpon also will they thresh
+ out thrée parts of the old corne, toward the latter end of the summer,
+ when new commeth apace to hand, and cast the same in the fourth
+ vnthreshed, where it shall lie vntill the next spring, or peraduenture
+ till it must and putrifie. Certes it is not deintie to sée mustie
+ corne in manie of our great markets of England, which these great
+ occupiers bring foorth when they can kéepe it no longer. But as they
+ are inforced oftentimes vpon this one occasion somwhat to abate the
+ price, so a plague is not seldome ingendred thereby among the poorer
+ sort that of necessitie must buie the same, wherby manie thousands of
+ all degrees are consumed, of whose deaths (in mine opinion) these
+ farmers are not vnguiltie. But to proceed. If they laie not vp their
+ graine or wheat in this maner, they haue yet another policie, whereby
+ they will séeme to haue but small store left in their barnes: for else
+ they will gird their sheues by the band, and stacke it vp of new in
+ lesse roome, to the end it may not onlie séeme lesse in quantitie, but
+ also giue place to the corne that is yet to come into the barne, or
+ growing in the field. If there happen to be such plentie in the market
+ on anie market daie, that they cannot sell at their own price, then
+ will they set it vp in some fréends house, against an other or the
+ third daie, & not bring it foorth till they like of the sale. If they
+ sell anie at home, beside harder measure, it shall be déerer to the
+ poore man that bieth it by two pence or a groat in a bushell than they
+ may sell it in the market. But as these things are worthie redresse,
+ so I wish that God would once open their eies that deale thus, to sée
+ their owne errours: for as yet some of them little care how manie
+ poore men suffer extremitie, so that they may fill their purses, and
+ carie awaie the gaine.
+
+ It is a world also to sée how most places of the realme are pestered
+ with purueiours, who take vp egs, butter, chéese, pigs, capons, hens,
+ chickens, hogs, bakon, &c: in one market, vnder pretense of their
+ commissions, & suffer their wiues to sell the same in another, or to
+ pulters of London. If these chapmen be absent but two or thrée market
+ daies, then we may perfectlie sée these wares to be more reasonablie
+ sold, and therevnto the crosses sufficientlie furnished of all things.
+ In like sort, since the number of buttermen haue so much increased,
+ and since they trauell in such wise, that they come to mens houses for
+ their butter faster than they can make it; it is almost incredible to
+ see how the price of butter is augmented: whereas when the owners were
+ inforced to bring it to the market townes, & fewer of these butter
+ buiers were stirring, our butter was scarslie woorth eighteene pence
+ the gallon, that now is worth thrée shillings foure pence, & perhaps
+ fiue shillings. Wherby also I gather that the maintenance of a
+ superfluous number of dealers in most trades, tillage alwaies
+ excepted, is one of the greatest causes why the prices of things
+ become excessiue: for one of them doo c[=o]monlie vse to out bid
+ another. And whilest our countrie commodities are commonlie bought and
+ sold at our priuate houses, I neuer looke to sée this enormitie
+ redressed, or the markets well furnished.
+
+ I could saie more, but this is euen inough, & more peraduenture than I
+ shall be well thanked for: yet true it is though some thinke it no
+ trespasse. This moreouer is to be lamented, that one generall measure
+ is not in vse throughout all England, but euerie market towne hath in
+ maner a seuerall bushell, and the lesser it be, the more sellers it
+ draweth to resort vnto the same. Such also is the couetousnesse of
+ manie clearkes of the market, that in taking view of measures, they
+ will alwaie so prouide, that one and the same bushell shall be either
+ too big or too little at their next comming, and yet not depart
+ without a fee at the first: so that what by their mending at one time
+ and empairing the same at another, the countrie is greatlie charged,
+ and few iust measures to be had in anie stéed. It is oft found
+ likewise, that diuerse vnconscionable dealers haue one measure to sell
+ by, & another to buie withall, the like is also in weights and yet all
+ sealed and bronded. Wherefore it were verie good that these two were
+ reduced vnto one standard, that is, one bushell, one pound, one
+ quarter, one hundred, one tale, one number: so should things in time
+ fall into better order, and fewer causes of contention be mooued in
+ this land. Of the complaint of such poore tenants as paie rent corne
+ vnto their landlords, I speake not, who are often dealt withall very
+ hardlie. For beside that in the measuring of ten quarters, for the
+ most part they lose one through the iniquitie of the bushell (such is
+ the gréedinesse of the appointed receiuers thereof) fault is found
+ also with the goodnesse and cleannesse of the graine. Wherby some
+ péece of monie must néeds passe vnto their purses to stop their mouths
+ withall, or else my lord will not like of the corne; Thou art worthie
+ to loose thy lease, &c. Or if it be cheaper in the market, than the
+ rate allowed for it is in their rents, then must they paie monie and
+ no corne, which is no small extremitie. And thereby we may see how
+ each one of vs indeuoureth to fléece and eat vp another.
+
+ Another thing there is in our markets worthie to be looked vnto, and
+ that is the recariage of graine from the same into lofts and sollars,
+ of which before I gaue some intimation: wherefore if it were ordered,
+ that euerie seller should make his market by an houre, or else the
+ bailie, or clearke of the said market to make sale therof according to
+ his discretion, without libertie to the farmer to set vp their corne
+ in houses and chambers, I am persuaded that the prices of our graine
+ would soone be abated. Againe, if it were enacted that each one should
+ kéepe his next market with his graine, and not to run six, eight, ten,
+ fouretéene, or twentie miles from home to sell his corne, where he
+ dooth find the highest price, and therby leaueth his neighbours
+ vnfurnished, I doo not thinke but that our markets would be farre
+ better serued than at this present they are. Finallie if mens barns
+ might be indifferentlie viewed immediatlie after haruest, and a note
+ gathered by an estimat, and kept by some appointed & trustie person
+ for that purpose, we should haue much more plentie of corne in our
+ towne crosses than as yet is commonlie seene: bicause each one hideth
+ and hoordeth what he may vpon purpose either that it will be déerer,
+ or that he shall haue some priuie veine by bodgers, who doo
+ accustomablie so deale, that the sea dooth load awaie no small part
+ thereof into other countries & our enimies, to the great hinderance of
+ our common-wealth at home, and more likelie yet to be, except some
+ remedie be found. But what doo I talke of these things, or desire the
+ suppression of bodgers being a minister? Certes I may speake of them
+ right well, as féeling the harme in that I am a buier, neuerthelesse I
+ speake generallie in ech of them.
+
+ To conclude therefore, in our markets all things are to be sold
+ necessarie for mans vse, and there is our prouision made commonlie for
+ all the wéeke insuing. Therefore as there are no great townes without
+ one weekelie market at the least, so there are verie few of them that
+ haue not one or two faires or more within the compasse of the yeare
+ assigned vnto them by the prince. And albeit that some of them are not
+ much better than Lowse faire or the common kirkemesses beyond the sea,
+ yet there are diuerse not inferiour to the greatest marts in Europe,
+ as Sturbridge faire neere to Cambridge, Bristow faire, Bartholomew
+ faire at London, Lin mart, Cold faire at Newport pond for cattell, and
+ diuerse other, all which or at leastwise the greatest part of them (to
+ the end I may with the more ease to the reader and lesse trauell to my
+ selfe fulfill my taske in their recitall) I haue set downe, according
+ to the names of the moneths wherein they are holden, at the end of
+ this booke, where you shall find them at large, as I borowed the same
+ from I. Stow, and the reports of others.
+
+
+
+
+ OF PARKES AND WARRENS.
+
+ CHAP. XIX.
+
+
+ In euerie shire of England there is great plentie of parkes, whereof
+ some here and there, to wit, welnere to the number of two hundred for
+ hir daily prouision of that flesh apperteine to the prince, the rest
+ to such of the nobilitie and gentlemen as haue their lands and
+ patrimonies lieng in or néere vnto the same. I would gladlie haue set
+ downe the iust number of these inclosures to be found in euerie
+ countie: but sith I cannot so doo, it shall suffice to saie, that in
+ Kent and Essex onelie are to the number of an hundred, and twentie in
+ the bishoprike of Durham, wherein great plentie of fallow deere is
+ cherished and kept. As for warrens of conies, I iudge them almost
+ innumerable, and dailie like to increase, by reason that the blacke
+ skins of those beasts are thought to counteruaile the prices of their
+ naked carcases, and this is the onelie cause whie the graie are lesse
+ estéemed. Néere vnto London their quickest merchandize is of the yong
+ rabbets, wherfore the older conies are brought from further off, where
+ there is no such speedie vtterance of rabbets and sucklings in their
+ season, nor so great losse by their skins, sith they are suffered to
+ growe vp to their full greatnesse with their owners. Our parkes are
+ generallie inclosed with strong pale made of oke, of which kind of
+ wood there is great store cherished in the woodland countries from
+ time to time in ech of them, onelie for the maintenance of the said
+ defense, and safe-keeping of the fallow déere from ranging about the
+ countrie. Howbeit in times past diuerse haue been fensed in with stone
+ walles (especiallie in the times of the Romans, who first brought
+ fallow déere into this land, as some coniecture) albeit those
+ inclosures were ouerthrowne againe by the Saxons & Danes, as Cauisham,
+ Towner, and Woodstocke, beside other in the west countrie, and one
+ also at Bolton. Among other things also to be seene in that towne,
+ there is one of the fairest clockes in Europe. Where no wood is, they
+ are also inclosed with piles of slate; and therto it is doubted of
+ manie whether our bucke or doe are to be reckoned in wild or tame
+ beasts or not. Plinie deemeth them to be wild, Martial is also of the
+ same opinion, where he saith, "Imbelles damæ quid nisi præda sumus?"
+ And so in time past the like controuersie was about bées, which the
+ lawiers call "Feras," tit. de acquirendo rerum dominio, & lib. 2.
+ instit. But Plinie attempting to decide the quarell calleth them
+ "Medias inter feras & placidas aues." But whither am I so suddenlie
+ digressed? In returning therefore vnto our parks, I find also the
+ circuit of these inclosures in like manner conteine often times a
+ walke of foure or fiue miles, and sometimes more or lesse. Wherby it
+ is to be séene what store of ground is emploied vpon that vaine
+ commoditie, which bringeth no manner of gaine or profit to the owner,
+ sith they commonlie giue awaie their flesh, neuer taking penie for the
+ same, except the ordinarie fée and parts of the déere giuen vnto the
+ kéeper by a custome, who beside three shillings foure pence, or fiue
+ shillings in monie, hath the skin, head, vmbles, chine, and shoulders:
+ whereby he that hath the warrant for an whole bucke, hath in the end
+ little more than halfe, which in my iudgement is scarselie equall
+ dealing; for venison in England is neither bought nor sold, as in
+ other countries, but mainteined onelie for the pleasure of the owner
+ and his friends. Albeit I heard of late of one ancient ladie, which
+ maketh a great game by selling yeerelie hir husbands venison to the
+ cookes (as another of no lesse name will not sticke to ride to the
+ market to sée hir butter sold) but not performed without infinite
+ scoffes and mockes, euen of the poorest pezzants of the countrie, who
+ thinke them as odious matters in ladies and women of such countenance
+ to sell their venison and their butter, as for an earle to feele his
+ oxen, sheepe, and lambs, whether they be readie for the butcher or
+ not, or to sell his wooll vnto the clothier, or to kéepe a tan-house,
+ or deale with such like affaires as belong not to men of honor, but
+ rather to farmers, or grasiers; for which such, if there be anie may
+ well be noted (and not vniustlie) to degenerate from true nobilitie,
+ and betake themselues to husbandrie. And euen the same enormitie tooke
+ place sometime among the Romans, and entred so farre as into the verie
+ senate, of whome some one had two or thrée ships going vpon the sea,
+ pretending prouision for their houses; but in truth following the
+ trades of merchandize, till a law was made which did inhibit and
+ restraine them. Liuie also telleth of another law which passed
+ likewise against the senators by Claudius the tribune, and helpe
+ onelie of C. Flaminius, that no senator, or he that had beene father
+ to anie senator should possesse anie ship or vessell aboue the
+ capacitie of thrée hundred amphoras, which was supposed sufficient for
+ the cariage and recariage of such necessities as should apperteine
+ vnto his house: sith further trading with merchandizes and commodities
+ dooth declare but a base and couetous mind, not altogither void of
+ enuie, that anie man should liue but he; or that if anie gaine were to
+ be had, he onelie would haue it himselfe: which is a wonderfull
+ dealing, and must néeds proue in time the confusion of that countrie
+ [Sidenote: Tillage and mankind diminished by parkes.]
+ wherein such enormities are exercised. Where in times past, manie
+ large and wealthie occupiers were dwelling within the compasse of some
+ one parke, and thereby great plentie of corne and cattell séene, and
+ to be had among them, beside a more copious procreation of humane
+ issue, whereby the realme was alwaies better furnished with able men
+ to serue the prince in his affaires: now there is almost nothing kept
+ but a sort of wild and sauage beasts, cherished for pleasure and
+ delight; and yet some owners still desirous to inlarge those grounds,
+ as either for the bréed and feeding of cattell, doo not let dailie to
+ take in more, not sparing the verie commons whervpon manie towneships
+ now and then doo liue, affirming that we haue alreadie too great store
+ of people in England; and that youth by marrieng too soone doo nothing
+ profit the countrie, but fill it full of beggars, to the hurt and
+ vtter vndooing (they saie) of the common wealth.
+
+ [Sidenote: The decaie of the people is the destruction of a kingdome.]
+ Certes if it be not one curse of the Lord, to haue our countrie
+ conuerted in such sort from the furniture of mankind, into the walks
+ and shrowds of wild beasts, I know not what is anie. How manie
+ families also these great and small games (for so most kéepers call
+ them) haue eaten vp and are likelie hereafter to deuoure, some men may
+ coniecture, but manie more lament, sith there is no hope of restraint
+ to be looked for in this behalfe, because the corruption is so
+ generall. But if a man may presentlie giue a ghesse at the
+ vniuersalitie of this euill by contemplation of the circumstance, he
+ shall saie at the last, that the twentith part of the realme is
+ imploied vpon déere and conies alreadie, which séemeth verie much if
+ it be not dulie considered of.
+
+ King Henrie the eight, one of the noblest princes that euer reigned in
+ this land, lamented oft that he was constreined to hire forren aid,
+ for want of competent store of souldiors here at home, perceiuing (as
+ it is indeed) that such supplies are oftentimes more hurtfull than
+ profitable vnto those that interteine them, as may chéeflie be seene
+ in Valens the emperor, our Vortiger, and no small number of others. He
+ would oft maruell in priuate talke, how that when seauen or eight
+ princes ruled here at once, one of them could lead thirtie or fortie
+ thousand men to the field against another, or two of them 100000
+ against the third, and those taken out onelie of their owne dominions.
+ But as he found the want, so he saw not the cause of this decaie,
+ which grew beside this occasion now mentioned, also by laieng house to
+ house, and land to land, whereby manie mens occupiengs were conuerted
+ into one, and the bréed of people not a little thereby diminished. The
+ auarice of landlords by increasing of rents and fines also did so
+ wearie the people, that they were readie to rebell with him that would
+ arise, supposing a short end in the warres to be better than a long
+ and miserable life in peace.
+
+ Priuileges and faculties also are another great cause of the ruine of
+ a common wealth, and diminution of mankind: for whereas law and nature
+ dooth permit all men to liue in their best maner, and whatsoeuer trade
+ they be exercised in, there commeth some priuilege or other in the
+ waie, which cutteth them off from this or that trade, wherby they must
+ néeds shift soile, and séeke vnto other countries. By these also the
+ greatest commodities are brought into the hands of few, who imbase,
+ corrupt, and yet raise the prices of things at their owne pleasures.
+ Example of this last I can giue also in bookes, which (after the first
+ impression of anie one booke) are for the most part verie negligentlie
+ handled: whereas if another might print it so well as the first, then
+ would men striue which of them should doo it best; and so it falleth
+ out in all other trades. It is an easie matter to prooue that England
+ was neuer lesse furnished with people than at this present; for if the
+ old records of euerie manour be sought, and search made to find what
+ tenements are fallen, either downe, or into the lords hands, or
+ brought and vnited togither by other men: it will soone appéere, that
+ in some one manour seuentéen, eightéene, or twentie houses are
+ shrunke. I know what I saie by mine owne experience: notwithstanding
+ that some one cotage be here and there erected of late, which is to
+ little purpose. Of cities and townes either vtterlie decaied, or more
+ than a quarter or halfe diminished, though some one be a little
+ increased here and there; of townes pulled downe for sheepe-walks, and
+ no more but the lordships now standing in them, beside those that
+ William Rufus pulled downe in his time; I could saie somewhat: but
+ then I should swarue yet further from my purpose, wherevnto I now
+ returne.
+
+ Wée had no parkes left in England at the comming of the Normans, who
+ added this calamitie also to the seruitude of our nation, making men
+ of the best sort furthermore to become kéepers of their game, whilest
+ they liued in the meane time vpon the spoile of their reuenues, and
+ dailie ouerthrew townes, villages, and an infinit sort of families,
+ for the maintenance of their venerie. Neither was anie parke supposed
+ in these times to be statelie enough, that conteined not at the least
+ eight or ten hidelands, that is, so manie hundred acres or families
+ (or as they haue béene alwaies called in some places of the realme
+ carrucats or cartwares) of which one was sufficient in old time to
+ mainteine an honest yeoman.
+
+ King Iohn trauelling on a time northwards, to wit 1209 to warre vpon
+ the king of Scots, because he had married his daughter to the earle of
+ Bullen without his consent: in his returne ouerthrew a great number of
+ parkes and warrens, of which some belonged to his barons, but the
+ greatest part to the abbats and prelats of the cleargie. For hearing
+ (as he trauelled) by complaint of the countrie, how these inclosures
+ were the chéefe decaie of men, and of tillage in the land, he sware
+ with an oth that he would not suffer wild beasts to féed vpon the fat
+ of his soile, and sée the people perish for want of abilitie to
+ procure and buie them food that should defend the realme. Howbeit,
+ this act of his was so ill taken by the religious and their adherents,
+ that they inuerted his intent herein to another end; affirming most
+ slanderouslie how he did it rather of purpose to spoile the corne and
+ grasse of the commons and catholikes that held against him of both
+ estates, and by so doing to impouerish and bring the north part of the
+ realme to destruction, because they refused to go with him into
+ Scotland. If the said prince were aliue in these daies, wherein Andrew
+ Boord saith there are more parks in England than in all Europe (ouer
+ which he trauelled in his owne person) and saw how much ground they
+ consume, I thinke he would either double his othes, or laie the most
+ of them open that tillage might be better looked vnto. But this I hope
+ shall not néed in time, for the owners of a great sort of them begin
+ now to smell out, that such parcels might be emploied to their more
+ game, and therefore some of them doo grow to be disparked.
+
+ Next of all we haue the franke chase, which taketh something both of
+ parke and forrest, and is giuen either by the kings grant or
+ prescription. Certes it differeth not much from a parke; nay, it is in
+ maner the selfe same thing that a parke is, sauing that a parke is
+ inuironed with pale, wall, or such like: the chase alwaie open and
+ nothing at all inclosed, as we see in Enuéeld & Maluerne chases. And
+ as it is the cause of the seisure of the franchise of a parke not to
+ kéepe the same inclosed, so it is the like in a chase if at anie time
+ it be imparked. It is trespasse, and against the law also, for anie
+ man to haue or make a chase, parke, or frée warren without good
+ warrantie of the king by his charter or perfect title of prescription:
+ for it is not lawfull for anie subiect either to carnilate, that is,
+ build stone houses, imbattell, haue the querke of the sea, or kéepe
+ the assise of bread, ale, or wine, or set vp furels, tumbrell, thew,
+ or pillorie, or inclose anie ground to the aforesaid purposes within
+ his owne soile, without his warrant and grant. The beasts of the chase
+ were commonlie the bucke, the roe, the fox, and the marterne. But
+ those of venerie in old time were the hart, the hare, the bore and the
+ woolfe; but as this held not in the time of Canutus, so in stéed of
+ the woolfe the beare is now crept in, which is a beast comonlie hunted
+ in the east countries, and fed vpon as excellent venison, although
+ with vs I know not anie that féed thereon or care for it at all.
+ Certes it should seeme, that forrests and franke chases haue alwaies
+ béene had, and religiouslie preserued in this Iland for the solace of
+ the prince, and recreation of his nobilitie: howbeit I read not that
+ euer they were inclosed more than at this present, or otherwise fensed
+ than by vsuall notes of limitation, whereby their bounds were
+ remembred from time to time, for the better preseruation of such
+ venerie and vert of all sorts as were nourished in the same. Neither
+ are anie of the ancient laws prescribed for their maintenance, before
+ the daies of Canutus, now to be had; sith time hath so dealt with them
+ that they are perished and lost. Canutus therefore seeing the dailie
+ spoile that was made almost in all places of his game, did at the last
+ make sundrie sanctions and decrées, whereby from thenceforth the red
+ and fallow déere were better looked to throughout his whole dominions.
+ We haue in these daies diuerse forrests in England and Wales, of
+ which, some belong to the king, and some to his subiects, as Waltham
+ forrest, Windlesor, Pickering, Fecknam, Delamore, Gillingham,
+ Kingswood, Wencedale, Clun, Rath, Bredon, Weire, Charlie, Leircester,
+ Lée, Rokingham, Selwood, New forrest, Wichwood, Hatfeeld, Sauernake,
+ Westbirie, Blacamore Peke, Deane, Penrise, & manie other now cleane
+ out of my remembrance: and which although they are far greater in
+ circuit than manie parkes and warrens, yet are they in this our time
+ lesse deuourers of the people than these latter, sith beside much
+ tillage, & manie townes are found in each of them, wheras in parks and
+ warrens we haue nothing else than either the keepers & wareners lodge,
+ or at least the manor place of the chéef lord & owner of the soile. I
+ find also by good record, that all Essex hath in time past wholie
+ béene forrest ground, except one cantred or hundred; but how long it
+ is since it lost the said denomination in good sooth I doo not read.
+ This neuerthelesse remaineth yet in memorie, that the towne of Walden
+ in Essex standing in the limits of the aforesaid countie doth take hir
+ name thereof. For in the Celtike toong, wherewith the Saxon or
+ Scithian spéech dooth not a little participate, huge woods and
+ forrests were called Walds, and likewise their Druides were named
+ Walie or Waldie, bicause they frequented the woods, and there made
+ sacrifice among the okes and thickets. So that if my coniecture in
+ this behalfe be anie thing at all, the aforesaid towne taketh
+ denomination of Wald and end, as if I should say, The end of the
+ wooddie soile; for being once out of that parish, the champaine is at
+ hand. Or it may be that it is so called of Wald and dene: for I haue
+ read it written in old euidences Waldæne, with a diphthong. And to
+ saie truth, Dene is the old Saxon word for a vale or lowe bottome, as
+ Dune or Don is for an hill or hillie soile. Certes if it be so, then
+ Walden taketh hir name of the woodie vale, in which it sometime stood.
+ But the first deriuation liketh me better, and the highest part of the
+ [Sidenote: Gipping, of going vp to anie place.]
+ towne is called also Chipping Walden, of the Saxon word gipping, which
+ signifieth Leaning or hanging, and may verie well be applied
+ therevnto, sith the whole towne hangeth as it were vpon the sides of
+ two hils, wherof the lesser runneth quite through the middest of the
+ same. I might here for further confirmation of these things bring in
+ mention of the Wald of Kent: but this may suffice for the vse of the
+ word Wald, which now differeth much from Wold. For as that signifieth
+ a woodie soile, so this betokeneth a soile without wood, or plaine
+ champaine countrie, without anie store of trées, as may be seene in
+ Cotswold, Porkewold, &c. Beside this I could saie more of our
+ forrests, and the aforesaid inclosures also, & therein to prooue by
+ the booke of forrest law, that the whole countie of Lancaster hath
+ likewise beene forrest heretofore. Also how William the Bastard made a
+ law, that whosoeuer did take anie wild beast within the kings forrest
+ should lose an eare; as Henrie the first did punish them either by
+ life or lim: which ordinance was confirmed by Henrie the second and
+ his péeres at Woodstocke, wherevpon great trouble insued vnder king
+ Iohn and Henrie the third, as appeareth by the chronicles: but it
+ shall suffice to haue said so much as is set downe alreadie.
+
+ Howbeit, that I may restore one antiquitie to light, which hath
+ hitherto lien as it were raked vp in the embers of obliuion, I will
+ giue out those laws that Canutus made for his forrest: whereby manie
+ things shall be disclosed concerning the same (wherof peraduenture
+ some lawiers haue no knowledge) and diuerse other notes gathered
+ touching the ancient estate of the realme not to be found in other.
+ But before I deale with the great charter (which as you may perceiue,
+ is in manie places vnperfect by reason of corruption, and want also of
+ congruitie, crept in by length of time, not by me to be restored) I
+ will note another breefe law, which he made in the first yeare of his
+ reigne at Winchester, afterward inserted into these his later
+ constitutions, canon 32, & beginneth thus in his owne Saxon tong; "Ic
+ will that elc one," &c: I will and grant that ech one shall be worthie
+ of such venerie as he by hunting can take either in the plaines or in
+ the woods, within his owne fée or dominion; but ech man shall abstaine
+ from my venerie in euerie place, where I will that my beasts shall
+ haue firme peace and quietnesse, vpon paine to forfet so much as a man
+ may forfet. Hitherto the statute made by the aforesaid Canutus, which
+ was afterward confirmed by king Edward surnamed the Confessor; &
+ ratified by the Bastard in the fourth yeare of his reigne. Now
+ followeth the great charter it selfe in such rude order and Latine as
+ I find it word for word, and which I would gladlie haue turned into
+ English, if it might haue sounded to anie benefit of the vnskilfull
+ and vnlearned.
+
+
+ _Incipiunt constitutiones Canuti regis de foresta._
+
+ "Hæ sunt sanctiones de foresta, quas ego Canutus rex cum consilio
+ primariorum hominum meorum condo & facio, vt cunctis regni nostri
+ Angliæ ecclesijs & pax & iustitia fiat, & vt omnis delinquens secundum
+ modum delicti, & delinquentis fortunam patiatur.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pegened.]
+ 1. "Sint tam deinceps quatuor ex liberalioribus hominibus, qui habent
+ saluas suas debitas consuetudines (quos Angli Pegened appellant) in
+ qualibet regni mei prouincia constituti, ad iustitiam distribu[=e]dam,
+ vna cum p[oe]na merita & materijs forrestæ cuncto populo meo, tam
+ Anglis quàm Danis per totum regnum meum Angliæ, quos quatuor primarios
+ forestæ appellandos censemus.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lespegend.]
+ [Sidenote: Nunc forte Fringald.]
+ 2. "Sint sub quolibet horum, quatuor ex mediocribus hominibus (quos
+ Angli Lespegend nuncupant, Dani verò yoong men vocant) locati, qui
+ curam & onus tum viridis tum veneris suscipiant.
+
+ 3. "In administranda autem iustitia nullatenus volo vt tales se
+ intromittant: mediocrésq; tales post ferarum curam susceptam, pro
+ [Sidenote: Ealdermen.]
+ liberalibus semper habeantur, quos Dani Ealdermen appellant.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tineman.]
+ 4. "Sub horum iterum quolibet sint duo minutorum hominum, quos Tineman
+ Angli dicunt, hi nocturnam curam & veneris & viridis tum seruilia
+ opera subibunt.
+
+ 5. "Si talis minutus seruus fuerit, tam citò quàm in foresta nostra
+ locabitur, liber esto, omnésq; hos ex sumptibus nostris manutenebimus.
+
+ [Sidenote: Michni.]
+ 6. "Habeat etiam quilibet primariorum quolibet anno de nostra warda,
+ quam Michni Angli appellant, duos equos, vnum cum sella, alterum sine
+ sella, vnum gladium, quinque lanceas, vnum cuspidem, vnum scutum, &
+ ducentos solidos argenti.
+
+ 7. "Mediocrium quilibet vnum equum, vnam lanceam, vnum scutum, & 60
+ solidos argenti.
+
+ [Sidenote: * [Sic.]]
+ 8. "Minutorum quilibet, vnum[*] lanceam, vnam arcubalistam, & 15
+ solidos argenti.
+
+ 9. "Sint omnes tam primarij, quàm mediocres, & minuti, immunes,
+ liberi, & quieti ab omnibus prouincialibus summonitionibus, &
+ [Sidenote: Hundred law.]
+ popularibus placitis, quæ Hundred laghe Angli dicunt, & ab omnibus
+ [Sidenote: Warscot.]
+ armorum oneribus, quod Warscot Angli dicunt, & forincesis querelis.
+
+ 10. "Sint mediocrium & minutorum causæ, & earum correctiones, tam
+ criminalium quàm ciuilium per prouidam sapientiam & rationem
+ primariorum iudicatæ & decisæ: primariorum verò enormia si quæ fuerint
+ (ne scelus aliquod remaneat inultum) nosmet in ira nostra regali
+ puniemus.
+
+ 11. "Habeant hi quatuor vnam regalem potestatem (salua semper nobis
+ nostra præsentia) quatérq; in anno generales forestæ demonstrationes &
+ [Sidenote: Muchehunt.]
+ viridis & veneris forisfactiones, quas Muchehunt dicunt, vbi teneant
+ omnes calumniam de materia aliqua tangente forestam, eántque ad
+ [Sidenote: Ofgangfordell.]
+ [Sidenote: Purgatio ignis, triplex ordalia.]
+ triplex iudicium, quod Angli Ofgangfordell dicunt. Ita autem
+ acquiratur illud triplex iudicium. Accipiat secum quinque, & sit ipse
+ sextus, & sic iurando acquirat triplex iudicium, aut triplex
+ iuramentum. Sed purgatio ignis nullatenus admittatur, nisi vbi nuda
+ veritas nequit aliter inuestigari.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pegen.]
+ 12. "Liberalis autem homo. l. Pegen, modo crimen suum non sit inter
+ maiora, habeat fidelem hominem qui possit pro eo iurare iuramentum.
+ [Sidenote: Forathe.]
+ l. Forathe: si autem non habet, ipsemet iuret, nec pardonetur ei
+ aliquod iuramentum.
+
+ 13. "Si aduena vel peregrinus qui de longinquo venerit sit calumniatus
+ de foresta, & talis est sua inopia vt non possit habere plegium ad
+ primam calumniam, qualem * nullus Anglus iudicare potest: tunc subeat
+ captionem regis, & ibi expectet quousque vadat ad iudicium ferri &
+ aquæ: attamen si quis extraneo aut peregrino de longè venienti * *
+ sibi ipsi nocet, si aliquod iudicium iudicauerint.
+
+ 14. "Quicúnq; coram primarios homines meos forestæ in falso testimonio
+ steterit & victus fuerit, non sit dignus imposterum stare aut portare
+ testimonium, quia legalitatem suam perdidit, & pro culpa soluat regi
+ [Sidenote: Halfehang.]
+ decem solidos, quos Dani vocant Halfehang, alias Halsehang.
+
+ 15. "Si quis vim aliquam primarijs forestæ meæ intulerit, si liberalis
+ sit amittat libertatem & omnia sua, si villanus abscindatur dextra.
+
+ 16. "Si alteruter iterum peccauerit, reus sit mortis.
+
+ 17. "Si quis autem contra primarium pugnauerit, in plito emendet
+ [Sidenote: Pere & Pite.]
+ secundum pretium sui ipsus, quod Angli Pere & pite dicunt, & soluat
+ primario quadraginta solidos.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gethbrech.]
+ 18. "Si pacem quis fregerit, ante mediocres forestæ, quod dicunt
+ Gethbrech, emendet regi decem solidis.
+
+ 19. "Si quis mediocrium aliquem cum ira percusserit, emendetur prout
+ interfectio feræ regalis mihi emendari solet.
+
+ 20. "Si quis delinquens in foresta nostra capietur, p[oe]nas luet
+ secundum modum & genus delicti.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ealderman.]
+ 21. "P[oe]na & forisfactio non vna eadémq; erit liberalis (quem Dani
+ Ealderman vocant) & illiberalis: domini & serui: noti & ignoti: nec
+ vna eadémq; erit causarum tum ciuilium tum criminalium, ferarum
+ forestæ, & ferarum regalium: viridis & veneris tractatio: nam crimen
+ veneris ab antiquo inter maiora & non immeritò numerabatur: viridis
+ verò (fractione chaceæ nostræ regalis excepta) ita pusillum & exiguum
+ est, quòd vix ea respicit nostra constitutio: qui in hoc tamen
+ deliquerit, sit criminis forestæ reus.
+
+ 22. "Si liber aliquis feram forestæ ad cursum impulerit, siue casu,
+ siue præhabita voluntate, ita vt cursu celeri cogatur fera anhelare,
+ decem solidis regi emendet, si illiberalis dupliciter emendet, si
+ seruus careat corio.
+
+ 23. "Si verò harum aliquot interfecerit, soluat dupliciter &
+ persoluat, sitque pretij sui reus contra regem.
+
+ [Sidenote: Staggon or Stagge.]
+ 24. "Sed si regalem feram, quam Angli Staggon appellant, alteruter
+ coegerit anhelare, alter per vnum annum, alter per duos careat
+ libertate naturali: si verò seruus, pro vtlegato habeatur, quem Angli
+ [Sidenote: Frendlesman.]
+ Frendlesman vocant.
+
+ 25. "Si verò occiderit, amittat liber scutum libertatis, si sit
+ illiberalis careat libertate, si seruus vita.
+
+ 26. "Episcopi, abbates, & barones mei non calumniabuntur pro
+ venatione, si non regales feras occiderint: & si regales, restabunt
+ rei regi pro libito suo, sine certa emendatione.
+
+ 27. "Sunt aliæ (præter feras forestæ) bestiæ, quæ dum inter septa &
+ sepes forestæ continentur, emendationi subiacent: quales sunt
+ capreoli, lepores, & cuniculi. Sunt & alia quàm plurima animalia, quæ
+ qu[=a]quam infra septa forestæ viuunt, & oneri & curæ mediocrium
+ subiacent forestæ, tamen nequaqu[=a] censeri possunt, qualia sunt
+ [Sidenote: Bubali olim in Anglia.]
+ bubali, vaccæ, & similia. Vulpes & lupi, nec forestæ nec veneris
+ habentur, & proinde eorum interfectio nulli emendationi subiacet. Si
+ tamen infra limites occiduntur, fractio sit regalis chaceæ, & mitiùs
+ emendetur. Aper verò quanquam forestæ sit, nullatenus tamen animal
+ veneris haberi est assuetus.
+
+ 28. "Bosco nec subbosco nostro sine licentia primariorum forestæ nemo
+ manum apponat, quòd si quis fecerit reus sit fractionis regalis
+ chaceæ.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ilices aliquando in Brit[=a]nia nisi intelligatur de
+ quercu.]
+ 29. "Si quis verò ilicem aut arbor[=e] aliquam, quæ victum feris
+ suppeditat sciderit, præter fractionem regalis chaceæ, emendet regi
+ viginti solidis.
+
+ 30. "Volo vt omnis liber homo pro libito suo habeat venerem siue
+ viridem in planis suis super terras suas, sine chacea tamen; &
+ deuitent omnes meam, vbicúnq; eam habere voluero.
+
+ [Sidenote: Greihounds.]
+ 31. "Nullus mediocris habebit nec custodiet canes, quos Angli
+ Greihounds appellant. Liberali verò, dum genuiscissio eorum facta
+ fuerit coram primario forestæ licebit, aut sine genuiscissione dum
+ remoti sunt à limitibus forestæ per decem miliaria: quando verò
+ propiùs venerint, emendet quodlibet miliare vno solido. Si verò infra
+ septa forestæ reperiatur, dominus canis forisfaciet & decem solidos
+ regi.
+
+ [Sidenote: Velter.]
+ [Sidenote: Langeran.]
+ 32. "Velteres verò quos Langeran appellant, quia manifestè constat in
+ ijs nihil esse periculi, cuilibet licebit sine genuiscissione eos
+ [Sidenote: Ramhundt.]
+ custodire. Idem de canibus quos Ramhundt vocant.
+
+ 33. "Quòdsi casu inauspicato huiusmodi canes rabidi fiant & vbiq;
+ vag[=a]tur, negligentia dominorum, redduntur illiciti, & emendetur
+ regi pro illicitis, &c. Quòdsi intra septa forestæ reperiantur, talis
+ [Sidenote: Pretium hominis mediocris.]
+ exquiratur herus, & emendet secundum pretium hominis mediocris, quòd
+ secundum legem Werinorum. I. Churingorum, est ducentorum solidorum.
+
+ 34. "Si canis rabidus momorderit feram, tunc emendet secundum
+ [Sidenote: Pretium liberi hominis.]
+ preti[=u] hominis liberalis, quod est duodecies solidis centum. Si
+ verò fera regalis morsa fuerit, reus sit maximi criminis."
+
+
+ And these are the constitutions of Canutus concerning the forrest,
+ verie barbarouslie translated by those that tooke the same in hand.
+ Howbeit as I find it so I set it downe, without anie alteration of my
+ copie in anie iot or tittle.
+
+
+
+
+ OF GARDENS AND ORCHARDS.
+
+ CHAP. XX.
+
+
+ After such time as Calis was woone from the French, and that our
+ countriemen had learned to trade into diuerse countries (wherby they
+ grew rich) they began to wax idle also, and therevpon not onlie left
+ off their former painfulnesse and frugalitie, but in like sort gaue
+ themselues to liue in excesse and vanitie, whereby manie goodlie
+ commodities failed, and in short time were not to be had amongst vs.
+ Such strangers also as dwelled here with vs, perceiuing our
+ sluggishnesse, and espieng that this idlenesse of ours might redound
+ to their great profit, foorthwith imploied their endeuours to bring in
+ the supplie of such things as we lacked, continuallie from forren
+ countries; which yet more augmented our idlenes. For hauing all things
+ at reasonable prices as we supposed, by such means from them, we
+ thought it méere madnesse to spend either time or cost about the same
+ here at home. And thus we became enimies to our owne welfare, as men
+ that in those daies reposed our felicitie in following the wars,
+ wherewith we were often exercised both at home and other places.
+ Besides this, the naturall desire that mankind hath to estéeme of
+ things farre sought, bicause they be rare and costlie, and the
+ irkesome contempt of things néere hand, for that they are common and
+ plentifull, hath borne no small swaie also in this behalfe amongst vs.
+ For hereby we haue neglected our owne good gifts of God, growing here
+ at home as vile and of no valure, and had euerie trifle and toie in
+ admiration that is brought hither from far countries, ascribing I wot
+ not what great forces and solemne estimation vnto them, vntill they
+ also haue waxen old, after which they haue béene so little regarded,
+ if not more despised amongst vs than our owne. Examples hereof I could
+ set downe manie, & in manie things, but sith my purpose is to deale at
+ this time with gardens and orchards, it shall suffice that I touch
+ them onelie, and shew our inconstancie in the same, so farre as shall
+ séeme & be conuenient for my turne. I comprehend therefore vnder the
+ word garden, all such grounds as are wrought with the spade by mans
+ hand, for so the case requireth. Of wine I haue written alreadie
+ elsewhere sufficientlie, which commoditie (as I haue learned further
+ since the penning of that booke) hath beene verie plentifull in this
+ Iland, not onlie in the time of the Romans, but also since the
+ conquest, as I haue séene by record: yet at this present haue we none
+ at all or else verie little to speake of growing in this Iland: which
+ I impute not vnto the soile, but the negligence of my countrimen. Such
+ herbes, fruits, and roots also as grow yéerelie out of the ground, of
+ seed, haue béene verie plentifull in this land, in the time of the
+ first Edward, and after his daies: but in processe of time they grew
+ also to be neglected, so that from Henrie the fourth till the latter
+ end of Henrie the seuenth, & beginning of Henrie the eight, there was
+ litle or no vse of them in England, but they remained either vnknowne,
+ or supposed as food more méet for hogs & sauage beasts to feed vpon
+ than mankind. Whereas in my time their vse is not onelie resumed among
+ the poore commons, I meane of melons, pompions, gourds, cucumbers,
+ radishes, skirets, parsneps, carrets, cabbages, nauewes, turneps, and
+ all kinds of salad herbes, but also fed vpon as deintie dishes at the
+ tables of delicate merchants, gentlemen, and the nobilitie, who make
+ their prouision yearelie for new séeds out of strange countries, from
+ whence they haue them aboundantlie. Neither doo they now staie with
+ such of these fruits as are wholesome in their kinds, but aduenture
+ further vpon such as are verie dangerous and hurtfull, as the
+ verangenes, mushroms, &c: as if nature had ordeined all for the
+ bellie, or that all things were to be eaten, for whose mischiefous
+ operation the Lord in some measure hath giuen and prouided a remedie.
+
+ Hops in time past were plentifull in this land, afterwards also their
+ maintenance did cease, and now being reuiued, where are anie better to
+ be found? where anie greater commoditie to be raised by them? onelie
+ poles are accounted to be their greatest charge. But sith men haue
+ learned of late to sow ashen keies in ashyards by themselues, that
+ inconuenience in short time will be redressed. Madder hath growne
+ abundantlie in this Iland, but of long time neglected, and now a
+ little reuiued, and offereth it selfe to prooue no small benefit vnto
+ our countrie, as manie other things else, which are now fetched from
+ vs; as we before time when we gaue ourselues to idlenesse, were glad
+ to haue them other. If you looke into our gardens annexed to our
+ houses, how woonderfullie is their beautie increased, not onelie with
+ floures, which Colmella calleth _Terrena sydera_, saieng:
+
+   "Pingit & in varios terrestria sydera flores,"
+
+ and varietie of curious and costlie workmanship, but also with rare
+ and medicinable hearbes sought vp in the land within these fortie
+ yeares: so that in comparison of this present, the ancient gardens
+ were but dunghils and laistowes to such as did possesse them. How art
+ also helpeth nature in the dailie colouring, dubling and inlarging the
+ proportion of our floures, it is incredible to report: for so curious
+ and cunning are our gardeners now in these daies, that they presume to
+ doo in maner what they list with nature, and moderate hir course in
+ things as if they were hir superiours. It is a world also to sée, how
+ manie strange hearbs, plants, and annuall fruits, are dailie brought
+ vnto vs from the Indies, Americans, Taprobane, Canarie Iles, and all
+ parts of the world: the which albeit that in respect of the
+ constitutions of our bodies they doo not grow for vs, bicause that God
+ hath bestowed sufficient commodities vpon euerie countrie for hir owne
+ necessitie; yet for delectation sake vnto the eie, and their
+ odoriferous sauours vnto the nose, they are to be cherished, and God
+ to be glorified also in them, bicause they are his good gifts, and
+ created to doo man helpe and seruice. There is not almost one noble
+ man, gentleman, or merchant, that hath not great store of these
+ floures, which now also doo begin to wax so well acquainted with our
+ soiles, that we may almost accompt of them as parcell of our owne
+ commodities. They haue no lesse regard in like sort to cherish
+ medicinable hearbs fetched out of other regions néerer hand: insomuch
+ that I haue séene in some one garden to the number of three hundred or
+ foure hundred of them, if not more; of the halfe of whose names within
+ fortie yéeres passed we had no maner knowledge. But herein I find some
+ cause of iust complaint, for that we extoll their vses so farre that
+ we fall into contempt of our owne, which are in truth more beneficiall
+ and apt for vs than such as grow elsewhere, sith (as I said before)
+ euerie region hath abundantlie within hir owne limits whatsoeuer is
+ needfull and most conuenient for them that dwell therein. How doo men
+ extoll the vse of Tabacco in my time, whereas in truth (whether the
+ cause be in the repugnancie of our constitution vnto the operation
+ thereof, or that the ground dooth alter hir force, I cannot tell) it
+ is not found of so great efficacie as they write. And beside this, our
+ common germander or thistle benet is found & knowne to bée so
+ wholesome and of so great power in medicine, as anie other hearbe, if
+ they be vsed accordinglie. I could exemplifie after the like maner in
+ sundrie other, as the Salsa parilla, Mochoacan, &c: but I forbeare so
+ to doo, because I couet to be bréefe. And trulie the estimation and
+ credit that we yéeld and giue vnto compound medicines made with forren
+ drugs, is one great cause wherefore the full knowledge and vse of our
+ owne simples hath bene so long raked vp in the imbers. And as this may
+ be verified, so to be one sound conclusion, for the greater number of
+ simples that go vnto anie compound medicine, the greater confusion is
+ found therein, because the qualities and operations of verie few of
+ the particulars are throughlie knowne. And euen so our continuall
+ desire of strange drugs, whereby the physician and apothecarie onlie
+ hath the benefit, is no small cause that the vse of our simples here
+ at home dooth go to losse, and that we tread those herbes vnder our
+ féet, whose forces if we knew, & could applie them to our necessities,
+ we wold honor & haue in reuerence as to their case behooueth. Alas
+ what haue we to doo with such Arabian & Grecian stuffe as is dailie
+ brought from those parties, which lie in another clime? And therefore
+ the bodies of such as dwell there, are of another constitution, than
+ ours are here at home. Certes they grow not for vs, but for the
+ Arabians and Grecians. And albeit that they maie by skill be applied
+ vnto our benefit, yet to be more skilfull in them than in our owne, is
+ follie; and to vse forren wares when our owne maie serue the turne is
+ more follie; but to despise our owne and magnifie aboue measure the
+ vse of them that are sought and brought from farre, is most follie of
+ all: for it sauoureth of ignorance, or at the leastwise of negligence,
+ and therefore woorthie of reproch.
+
+ Among the Indians, who haue the most present cures for euerie disease,
+ of their owne nation, there is small regard of compound medicins, &
+ lesse of forren drugs, because they neither know them nor can vse
+ them, but worke woonders euen with their owne simples. With them also
+ the difference of the clime dooth shew hir full effect. For whereas
+ they will heale one another in short time with application of one
+ simple, &c: if a Spaniard or English man stand in need of their helpe,
+ they are driuen to haue a longer space in their cures, and now and
+ then also to vse some addition of two or thrée simples at the most,
+ whose forces vnto them are throughlie knowne, because their exercise
+ is onelie in their owne, as men that neuer sought or heard what vertue
+ was in those that came from other countries. And euen so did Marcus
+ Cato the learned Roman indeuor to deale in his cures of sundrie
+ diseases, wherein he not onelie vsed such simples as were to be had in
+ his owne countrie, but also examined and learned the forces of each of
+ them, wherewith he dealt so diligentlie, that in all his life time, he
+ could atteine to the exact knowledge but of a few, and thereto wrote
+ of those most learnedlie, as would easilie be séene, if those his
+ bookes were extant. For the space also of 600 yéeres, the colewort
+ onelie was a medicine in Rome for all diseases, so that his vertues
+ were thoroughlie knowne in those parts.
+
+ In Plinies time the like affection to forren drugs did rage among the
+ Romans, whereby their owne did grow in contempt. Crieng out therefore
+ of this extreame follie, lib. 22. cap. 24, he speaketh after this
+ maner: "Non placent remedia tam longè nascentia, non enim nobis
+ gignuntur, immò ne illis quidem, alioquin non venderent; si placet
+ etiam superstitionis gratiâ emantur, quoniam supplicamus, &c. Salutem
+ quidem sine his posse constare, vel ob id probabimus, vt tanto magis
+ sui tandem pudeat." For my part I doubt not, if the vse of outlandish
+ drugs had not blinded our physicians of England in times passed, but
+ that the vertues of our simples here at home would haue béene far
+ better knowne, and so well vnto vs, as those of India are to the
+ practisioners of those partes, and therevnto be found more profitable
+ for vs than the forren either are or maie be. This also will I ad,
+ that euen those which are most common by reason of their plentie, and
+ most vile bicause of their abundance, are not without some vniuersall
+ and especiall efficacie, if it were knowne, for our benefit: sith God
+ in nature hath so disposed his creatures, that the most néedfull are
+ the most plentifull, and seruing for such generall diseases as our
+ constitution most commonlie is affected withall. Great thanks
+ therefore be giuen vnto the physicians of our age and countrie, who
+ not onelie indeuour to search out the vse of such simples as our soile
+ dooth yéeld and bring foorth, but also to procure such as grow
+ elsewhere, vp[=o] purpose so to acquaint them with our clime, that
+ they in time through some alteration receiued from the nature of the
+ earth, maie likewise turne to our benefit and commoditie, and be vsed
+ as our owne.
+
+ The chiefe workeman, or as I maie call him the founder of this deuise,
+ is Carolus Clusius, the noble herbarist, whose industrie hath
+ woonderfullie stirred them vp vnto this good act. For albeit that
+ Matthiolus, Rembert, Lobell, and other haue trauelled verie farre in
+ this behalfe, yet none hath come néere to Clusius, much lesse gone
+ further in the finding and true descriptions of such herbes as of late
+ are brought to light. I doubt not but if this man were in England but
+ one seuen yéeres, he would reueale a number of herbes growing with vs,
+ whereof neither our physicians nor apothecaries as yet haue anie
+ knowledge. And euen like thankes be giuen vnto our nobilitie,
+ gentlemen, and others, for their continuall nutriture and cherishing
+ of such homeborne and forren simples in their gardens, for hereby they
+ shall not onlie be had at hand and preserued, but also their formes
+ made more familiar to be discerned, and their forces better knowne
+ than hitherto they haue béene.
+
+ And euen as it fareth with our gardens, so dooth it with our orchards,
+ which were neuer furnished with so good fruit, nor with such varietie
+ as at this present. For beside that we haue most delicate apples,
+ plummes, peares, walnuts, filberds, &c: and those of sundrie sorts,
+ planted within fortie yéeres passed, in comparison of which most of
+ the old trées are nothing woorth: so haue we no lesse store of strange
+ fruit, as abricotes, almonds, peaches, figges, corne-trees in noble
+ mens orchards. I haue seene capers, orenges, and lemmons, and heard of
+ wild oliues growing here, beside other strange trees, brought from
+ far, whose names I know not. So that England for these commodities was
+ neuer better furnished, neither anie nation vnder their clime more
+ plentifullie indued with these and other blessings from the most high
+ God, who grant vs grace withall to vse the same to his honour and
+ glorie! and not as instruments and prouocations vnto further excesse
+ and vanitie, wherewith his displeasure may be kindled, least these his
+ benefits doo turne vnto thornes and briers vnto vs for our annoiance
+ and punishment, which he hath bestowed vpon vs for our consolation and
+ comfort.
+
+ We haue in like sort such workemen as are not onelie excellent in
+ graffing the naturall fruits, but also in their artificiall mixtures,
+ whereby one trée bringeth foorth sundrie fruits, and one and the same
+ fruit of diuers colours and tasts, dallieng as it were with nature and
+ hir course, as if hir whole trade were perfectlie knowne vnto them: of
+ hard fruits they will make tender, of sowre sweet, of sweet yet more
+ delicate, béereuing also some of their kernels, other of their cores,
+ and finallie induing them with the sauour of muske, ambre, or swéet
+ spices at their pleasures. Diuerse also haue written at large of these
+ seuerall practises, and some of them how to conuert the kernels of
+ peaches into almonds, of small fruit to make farre greater, and to
+ remooue or ad superfluous or necessarie moisture to the trées, with
+ other things belonging to their preseruation, and with no lesse
+ diligence than our physicians doo commonlie shew vpon our owne
+ diseased bodies, which to me dooth seeme right strange. And euen so
+ doo our gardeners with their herbes, whereby they are strengthened
+ against noisome blasts, and preserued from putrifaction and
+ hinderance, whereby some such as were annuall, are now made
+ perpetuall, being yéerelie taken vp, and either reserued in the house,
+ or hauing the rosse pulled from their rootes, laid againe into the
+ earth, where they remaine in safetie. What choise they make also in
+ their waters, and wherewith some of them doo now and then keepe them
+ moist, it is a world to sée; insomuch that the apothecaries shops maie
+ séeme to be needfull also to our gardens and orchards, and that in
+ sundrie wise: naie the kitchin it selfe is so farre from being able to
+ be missed among them, that euen the verie dishwater is not without
+ some vse amongest our finest plants. Whereby and sundrie other
+ circumstances not here to bée remembred, I am persuaded, that albeit
+ the gardens of the Hesperides were in times past so greatlie accounted
+ of because of their delicacie: yet if it were possible to haue such an
+ equall iudge, as by certeine knowledge of both were able to pronounce
+ vpon them, I doubt not but he would giue the price vnto the gardens of
+ our daies, and generallie ouer all Europe, in comparison of those
+ times, wherein the old exceeded. Plinie and other speake of a rose
+ that had thrée score leaues growing vpon one button: but if I should
+ tell of one which bare a triple number vnto that proportion, I know I
+ shall not be beléeued, and no great matter though I were not, howbeit
+ such a one was to be séene in Antwarpe 1585, as I haue heard, and I
+ know who might haue had a slip or stallon thereof, if he would haue
+ ventured ten pounds vpon the growth of the same, which should haue
+ bene but a tickle hazard, and therefore better vndoone, as I did
+ alwaies imagine. For mine owne part, good reader, let me boast a litle
+ of my garden, which is but small, and the whole Area thereof little
+ aboue 300 foot of ground, and yet, such hath béene my good lucke in
+ purchase of the varietie of simples, that notwithstanding my small
+ abilitie, there are verie néere thrée hundred of one sort and other
+ conteined therein, no one of them being common or vsuallie to bee had.
+ If therefore my little plot, void of all cost in keeping be so well
+ furnished, what shall we thinke of those of Hampton court, Nonesuch,
+ Tibaults, Cobham garden, and sundrie other apperteining to diuerse
+ citizens of London, whom I could particularlie name, if I should not
+ séeme to offend them by such my demeanour and dealing?
+
+
+
+
+ OF WATERS GENERALLIE.
+
+ CHAP. XXI.
+
+
+ There is no one commoditie in England, whereof I can make lesse report
+ than of our waters. For albeit our soile abound with water in all
+ places, and that in the most ample maner: yet can I not find by some
+ experience that almost anie one of our riuers hath such od and rare
+ qualities as diuers of the maine are said to be indued withall.
+ Virtruuius writeth of a well in Paphlagonia, whose water séemeth as it
+ were mixed with wine, & addeth thereto that diuerse become drunke by
+ superfluous taking of the same. The like force is found _In amne
+ Licesio_, a riuer of Thracia, vpon whose bankes a man shall hardlie
+ misse to find some traueller or other sléeping for drunkennesse, by
+ drinking of that liquor. Néere also vnto Ephesus are certeine welles,
+ which taste like sharpe vineger, and therefore are much esteemed of by
+ such as are sicke and euill at ease in those parts. At Hieropolis is a
+ spring of such force (as Strabo saith) that the water thereof mixed
+ with certaine herbes of choise, dooth colour wooll with such a glosse,
+ that the die thereof contendeth with scarlet, murreie, and purple, and
+ oft ouercommeth the same. The Cydnus in Tarsus of Cilicia, is of such
+ vertue, that who so batheth himselfe therein, shall find great ease of
+ the gowt that runneth ouer all his ioints. In one of the fortunate
+ Iles (saith Pomponius the Cosmographer) are two springs, one of the
+ which bringeth immoderate laughter to him that drinketh thereof, the
+ other sadnesse and restraint of that effect, whereby the last is taken
+ to be a souereigne medicine against the other, to the great admiration
+ of such as haue beholden it. At Susis in Persia there is a spring,
+ which maketh him that drinketh downe anie of the water, to cast all
+ his téeth: but if he onlie wash his mouth withall, it maketh them
+ fast, & his mouth to be verie healthfull. So there is a riuer among
+ the Gadarens, wherof if a beast drinke, he foorthwith casteth hoofe,
+ haire, and hornes, if he haue anie. Also a lake in Assyria, neere vnto
+ the which there is a kind of glewie matter to be found, which holdeth
+ such birds as by hap doo light thereon so fast as birdlime, by means
+ wherof verie manie doo perish and are taken that light vpon the same:
+ howbeit if anie portion hereof happen to be set on fire by casualtie
+ or otherwise, it will neuer be quenched but by casting on of dust, as
+ Caietanus dooth report. Another at Halicarnassus called Salmacis,
+ which is noted to make such men effeminate as drinke of the water of
+ the same. Certes it maie be (saith Strabo) that the water and aire of
+ a region maie qualifie the courage of some men, but none can make them
+ effeminate, nor anie other thing because of such corruption in them,
+ sooner than superfluous wealth, and inconstancie of liuing and
+ behauiour, which is a bane vnto all nature, lib. 4. All which, with
+ manie other not now comming to memorie, as the Letheus, Styx,
+ Phlegeton, Cocitus, &c: haue strange & incredible reports made of them
+ by the new and ancient writers, the like wherof are not to be found in
+ England, which I impute wholie to the blessing of God, who hath
+ ordeined nothing amongst vs in this our temperate region, but that
+ which is good, wholesome, and most commodious for our nation. We haue
+ therefore no hurtfull waters amongst vs, but all wholesome and
+ profitable for the benefit of the people. Neuertheles as none of them
+ is to be found without hir fish: so we know by experience, that
+ diuerse turne ash, some other elme, and oken stakes or poles that lie
+ or are throwne into them into hard stone, in long continuance of time,
+ which is the strangest thing that I can learne at this present
+ wherevpon to rest for a certentie. Yet I read of diuerse welles,
+ wherevnto our old writers ascribe either wonderfull vertues, or rare
+ courses, as of one vpon the shore, beyond the which the sea floweth
+ euerie daie twise a large mile and more; and yet is the surge of that
+ water alwaies seuen foot from the salt sea: whereby it should séeme
+ that the head of the spring is mooueable. But alas I doo not easilie
+ beleeue it, more than that which is written of the Lilingwan lake in
+ Wales, which is néere to the Seuerne, and receiueth the flowing sea
+ into hir chanell as it were a gulfe, and yet is neuer full: but when
+ the sea goeth awaie by reason of the ebbe, it casteth vp the water
+ with such violence, that hir banks are ouerflowne and drowned, which
+ is an absurd report. They ad also, that if all the people of the
+ countrie stood neere to the same, with their faces toward the lake, in
+ such maner that the dashing of the water might touch and wet their
+ clothes, they should haue no power to go from thence, but mawgre their
+ resistance be drawne into that gulfe and perish; whereas if they
+ turned their backs vnto the same, they should suffer no such
+ inconuenience though they stood neuer so néere. Manie other such like
+ toies I could set downe of other welles and waters of our countrie.
+ But whie should I write that for other men to read, whereto I giue no
+ credit my selfe, more than to the report which Iohannes du Choul dooth
+ make in his description of Pilots lake, "In monte Pilati in Gallia,"
+ or Boccatius of the Scaphigiolo in the Appenine hils, or F[oe]lix
+ Malliolus of Pilats lake "In monte fracto" (where Iacobus de Voragino
+ bishop of Gene, & Ioachimus Vadianus in Pompon. Melam doo also make
+ mention) sith I take them but for fables, & far vnworthie that anie
+ good man should staine his paper with such friuolous matters as are
+ reported of them, being deuised at the first by Satanas the father of
+ lies, for the holding of the ignorant & credulous in their
+ superstitions and errors. Such also is the tale that goeth of
+ Wenefrids well, & nothing inferior to that of Mercurie néere to port
+ Caperia in Rome, wherein such as went by would dip branches of baie,
+ and sprinkle the same vpon themselues: and so manie as stood about
+ them, calling vpon Mercurie, and crauing pardon for their sinnes, as
+ if that ceremonie had bene of force vnto forgiuenesse and remission of
+ their trespasses. And so it appeareth partlie by Cicero, who (being a
+ man neither thinking well of their owne gods nor liking of the
+ augures) dooth write in his first De legibus (except my memorie faile
+ me) "aspersione aquæ labem tolli corpoream, & castimoniam corporis
+ præstari," which maketh me to thinke further, that they thought it
+ equall with our late holie-water, wherewith it maie be compared. I
+ might further also (if I would) make relation of diuerse welles, which
+ haue wrought manie miracles in time of superstition, as S. Butolphs
+ well in Hadstocke, S. Germans well at Falkeburne, Holie well at S.
+ Albones and London, and sundrie other in other places: but as their
+ vertues are now found out to be but baits to draw men and women vnto
+ them, either for gaine vnto the places where they were, or
+ satisfaction of the lewd disposition of such as hunted after other
+ gaine, so it shall suffice to haue touched them far off. Onlie this
+ will I ad, that we haue no hurtfull waters, no not vnto our shéepe,
+ though it please Cardan to auouch otherwise; for our waters are not
+ the causes, but the signes of their infections when they drinke, as I
+ elsewhere haue noted in the chapter of cattell, as also that we haue a
+ spring neere Saffron Walden, and not farre from the house of the lord
+ Audleie, which is of such force, that it looseth the bodie of him that
+ drinketh therof in verie gentle maner, and beside that is verie
+ delectable & pleasant to be taken, as I haue found by experience. I
+ heare also of two welles néere London, of which the one is verie
+ excellent water, the other will beare no sope, and yet so situat that
+ the one is hard by the other. And thus much of waters.
+
+
+
+
+ OF WOODS AND MARISHES.
+
+ CHAP. XXII.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Great abundance of wood sometime in England.]
+ It should séeme by ancient records, and the testimonie of sundrie
+ authors, that the whole countries of Lhoegres and Cambria, now England
+ and Wales, haue sometimes béene verie well replenished with great
+ woods & groues, although at this time the said commoditie be not a
+ little decaied in both, and in such wise that a man shall oft ride ten
+ or twentie miles in ech of them, and find verie little or rather none
+ at all, except it be néere vnto townes, gentlemens houses, & villages,
+ where the inhabitants haue planted a few elmes, okes, hazels, or ashes
+ about their dwellings for their defense from the rough winds, and
+ keeping of the stormie weather from annoiance of the same. This
+ scarsitie at the first grew (as it is thought) either by the industrie
+ of man, for maintenance of tillage (as we vnderstand the like to be
+ doone of late by the Spaniards in the west Indies, where they fired
+ whole woods of verie great compasse therby to come by ground whereon
+ to sow their graines) or else thorough the couetousnesse of such, as
+ in preferring of pasture for their shéepe and greater cattell, doo
+ make small account of firebote and timber: or finallie by the crueltie
+ of the enimies, whereof we haue sundrie examples declared in our
+ histories. Howbeit where the rocks and quarrie grounds are, I take the
+ swart of the earth to be so thin, that no tree of anie greatnesse,
+ other than shrubs and bushes, is able to grow or prosper long therein
+ for want of sufficient moisture wherewith to feed them with fresh
+ humour, or at the leastwise of mould, to shrowd, staie vpright, and
+ cherish the same in the blustering winters weather, till they may grow
+ vnto anie greatnesse, and spread or yéeld their rootes downe right
+ into the soile about them: and this either is or may be one other
+ cause, wherefore some places are naturallie void of wood. But to
+ procéed. Although I must needs confesse that there is good store of
+ great wood or timber here and there, euen now in some places of
+ England, yet in our daies it is far vnlike to that plentie, which our
+ ancestors haue séene heretofore, when statelie building was lesse in
+ vse. For albeit that there were then greater number of mesuages and
+ mansions almost in euerie place; yet were their frames so slight and
+ slender, that one meane dwelling house in our time is able to
+ counteruaile verie manie of them, if you consider the present charge
+ with the plentie of timber that we bestow vpon them. In times past men
+ were contented to dwell in houses, builded of sallow, willow,
+ plumtree, hardbeame, and elme, so that the vse of oke was in maner
+ dedicated wholie vnto churches, religious houses, princes palaces,
+ noblemens lodgings, & nauigation: but now all these are reiected, and
+ [Sidenote: Desire of much wealth and ease abateth manhood,
+ & ouerthroweth a manlie courage.]
+ nothing but oke anie whit regarded. And yet sée the change, for when
+ our houses were builded of willow, then had we oken men; but now that
+ our houses are come to be made of oke, our men are not onlie become
+ willow, but a great manie through Persian delicacie crept in among vs
+ altogither of straw, which is a sore alteration. In those the courage
+ of the owner was a sufficient defense to kéepe the house in safetie,
+ but now the assurance of the timber, double doores, lockes and bolts
+ must defend the man from robbing. Now haue we manie chimnies and yet
+ our tenderlings complaine of rheumes, catarhs and poses. Then had we
+ none but reredosses, and our heads did neuer ake. For as the smoke in
+ those daies was supposed to be a sufficient hardning for the timber of
+ the house; so it was reputed a far better medicine to kéepe the good
+ man and his familie from the quacke or pose, wherewith as then verie
+ few were oft acquainted.
+
+ Of the curiousnesse of these piles I speake not, sith our workemen are
+ growne generallie to such an excellencie of deuise in the frames now
+ made, that they farre passe the finest of the old. And such is their
+ husbandrie in dealing with their timber, that the same stuffe which in
+ time past was reiected as crooked, vnprofitable, and to no vse but the
+ fire, dooth now come in the fronts and best part of the worke. Wherby
+ the common saieng is likewise in these daies verified in our mansion
+ houses, which earst was said onelie of the timber for ships, that no
+ oke can grow so crooked but it falleth out to some vse, & that
+ necessarie in the nauie. It is a world to sée moreouer how diuerse men
+ being bent to building, and hauing a delectable veine in spending of
+ their goods by that trade, doo dailie imagine new deuises of their
+ owne to guide their workemen withall, and those more curious and
+ excellent alwaies than the former. In the procéeding also of their
+ workes, how they set vp, how they pull downe, how they inlarge, how
+ they restreine, how they ad to, how they take from, whereby their
+ heads are neuer idle, their purses neuer shut, nor their bookes of
+ account neuer made perfect.
+
+   "Destruunt, ædificant, mutant quadrata rotundis"
+
+ saith the poet. So that if a man should well consider of all the od
+ crotchets in such a builders braine, he would thinke his head to haue
+ euen inough of those affaires onelie, & therefore iudge that he should
+ not well be able to deale in anie other. But such commonlie are our
+ workemasters, that they haue beside this veine afore mentioned, either
+ great charge of merchandizes, little lesse businesse in the
+ commonwealth, or finallie no small dealings otherwise incident vnto
+ them, wherby gaine ariseth, and some trouble oft among withall. Which
+ causeth me to wonder not a little how they can plaie the parts so well
+ of so manie sundrie men, whereas diuerse other of greater forecast in
+ apparance can seldome shift well or thriue in anie one of them. But to
+ our purpose.
+
+ We haue manie woods, forrests, and parks, which cherish trées
+ abundantlie, although in the woodland countries there is almost no
+ hedge that hath not some store of the greatest sort, beside infinit
+ numbers of hedgerowes, groues, and springs, that are mainteined of
+ purpose for the building and prouision of such owners as doo possesse
+ the same. Howbeit as euerie soile dooth not beare all kinds of wood,
+ so there is not anie wood, parke, hedgerow, groue, or forrest, that is
+ not mixed with diuerse, as oke, ash, hasell, hawthorne, birch, béech,
+ hardbeame, hull, sorfe, quicken aspe, poplers, wild cherie, and such
+ like, wherof oke hath alwaies the preheminence, as most méet for
+ building and the nauie, whervnto it is reserued. This tree bringeth
+ foorth also a profitable kind of mast, whereby such as dwell néere
+ vnto the aforesaid places doo cherish and bring vp innumerable heards
+ of swine. In time of plentie of this mast, our red and fallow déere
+ will not let to participat thereof with our hogs, more than our nete:
+ yea our common pultrie also if they may come vnto them. But as this
+ [Sidenote: The like haue I séene where hens doo féed vpon the tender
+ blades of garlike.]
+ abundance dooth prooue verie pernicious vnto the first, so these egs
+ which these latter doo bring foorth (beside blackenesse in color and
+ bitternesse of tast) haue not seldome beene found to bréed diuerse
+ diseases vnto such persons as haue eaten of the same. I might ad in
+ like sort the profit insuing by the barke of this wood, whereof our
+ tanners haue great vse in dressing of leather, and which they buie
+ yearelie in Maie by the fadame, as I haue oft séene: but it shall not
+ néed at this time to enter into anie such discourse, onlie this I
+ wish, that our sole and vpper leathering may haue their due time, and
+ not be hasted on by extraordinarie slights, as with ash, barke, &c.
+ Whereby as I grant that it séemeth outwardlie to be verie thicke &
+ well doone: so if you respect the sadnes thereof, it dooth prooue in
+ the end to be verie hollow & not able to hold out water. Neuerthelesse
+ we haue good lawes for redresse of this enormitie, but it c[=o]meth to
+ passe in these as in the execution of most penall statutes. For the
+ gaines to be gotten by the same being giuen to one or two hungrie and
+ vnthriftie persons, they make a shew of great reformation at the
+ first, & for a litle while, till they find that following of sute in
+ law against the offendors is somwhat too chargeable and tedious. This
+ therefore perceiued, they giue ouer the law, and fall to the admission
+ of gifts and rewards to winke at things past, and when they haue once
+ gone ouer their ground with this kind of tillage, then doo they tender
+ licences, and offer large dispensations vnto him that shall aske the
+ same, thereby to doo what him listeth in his trade for an yearelie
+ pension, whereby the bribour now groweth to some certeine reuenues, &
+ the tanner to so great libertie that his lether is much worse than
+ before. But is not this a mockerie of our lawes, & manifest illusion
+ of the good subiect whom they thus pill & poll? Of all oke growing in
+ England the parke oke is the softest, and far more spalt and brickle
+ than the hedge oke. And of all in Essex, that growing in Bardfield
+ parke is the finest for ioiners craft: for oftentimes haue I seene of
+ their workes made of that oke so fine and faire, as most of the
+ wainescot that is brought hither out of Danske, for our wainescot is
+ not made in England. Yet diuerse haue assaied to deale without okes to
+ that end, but not with so good successe as they haue hoped, bicause
+ the ab or iuice will not so soone be remoued and cleane drawne out,
+ which some attribute to want of time in the salt water. Neuerthelesse
+ in building, so well the hedge as the parke oke go all one waie, and
+ neuer so much hath beene spent in a hundred years before, as is in ten
+ yeare of our time; for euerie man almost is a builder, and he that
+ hath bought any small parcell of ground, be it neuer so little, will
+ not be quiet till he haue pulled downe the old house (if anie were
+ there standing) and set vp a new after his owne deuise. But wherevnto
+ will this curiositie come?
+
+ Of elme we haue great store in euerie high waie and elsewhere, yet
+ haue I not séene thereof anie togither in woods or forrests, but where
+ they haue béene first planted and then suffered to spread at their
+ owne willes. Yet haue I knowen great woods of béech and hasell in
+ manie places, especiallie in Barkeshire, Oxfordshire, and
+ Buckinghamshire, where they are greatlie cherished, & conuerted to
+ sundrie vses by such as dwell about them. Of all the elms that euer I
+ saw, those in the south side of Douer court, in Essex néere Harwich
+ are the most notable, for they grow (I meane) in crooked maner, that
+ they are almost apt for nothing else but nauie timber, great
+ ordinance, and béetels: and such thereto is their naturall qualitie,
+ that being vsed in the said behalfe, they continue longer, and more
+ long than anie the like trées in whatsoeuer parcell else of this land,
+ without cuphar, shaking, or cleauing, as I find.
+
+ Ash commeth vp euerie where of it selfe, and with euerie kind of wood.
+ And as we haue verie great plentie and no lesse vse of these in our
+ husbandrie, so are we not without the plane, the vgh, the sorfe, the
+ chestnut, the line, the blacke cherrie, and such like. And although
+ that we inioy them not in so great plentie now in most places, as in
+ times past, or the other afore remembred: yet haue we sufficient of
+ them all for our necessarie turnes and vses, especiallie of vgh; as
+ may be séene betwixt Rotheram and Sheffield, and some stéeds of Kent
+ also, as I haue béene informed.
+
+ The firre, frankincense, and pine, we doo not altogither want,
+ especiallie the firre, whereof we haue some store in Chatleie moore in
+ Darbishire, Shropshire, Andernesse, and a mosse néere Manchester, not
+ far from Leircesters house: although that in time past not onelie all
+ Lancastershire, but a great part of the coast betwéene Chester and the
+ Solme were well stored. As for the frankincense and pine, they haue
+ béene planted onelie in colleges and cloisters, by the cleargie and
+ religious heretofore. Wherefore (in mine opinion) we may rather saie
+ that we want them altogither: for except they grew naturallie, and not
+ by force, I sée no cause whie they should be accounted for parcell of
+ our commodities. We haue also the aspe, whereof our fletchers make
+ their arrowes. The seuerall kinds of poplars of our turners haue great
+ vse for bolles, treies, troughs, dishes, &c. Also the alder, whose
+ barke is not vnprofitable to die blacke withall, and therfore much
+ vsed by our countrie wiues in colouring their knit hosen. I might here
+ take occasion to speake of the great sales yéerelie made of wood,
+ whereby an infinit quantitie hath bin destroied within these few
+ yéers: but I giue ouer to trauell in this behalfe. Howbeit thus much I
+ dare affirme, that if woods go so fast to decaie in the next hundred
+ yeere of Grace, as they haue doone and are like to doo in this,
+ sometimes for increase of sheepwalks, and some maintenance of
+ prodigalitie and pompe (for I haue knowne a well burnished gentleman
+ [Sidenote: * This gentleman caught such an heate with this sore
+ loade that he was faine to go to Rome for physicke, yet it
+ could not saue his life, but hée must néeds die homewards.]
+ [*] that hath borne threescore at once in one paire of galigascons to
+ shew his strength and brauerie) it is to be feared that the fennie
+ bote, broome, turffe, gall, heath, firze, brakes, whinnes, ling, dies,
+ hassacks, flags, straw, sedge, réed, rush, and also seacole will be
+ good merchandize euen in the citie of London, wherevnto some of them
+ euen now haue gotten readie passage, and taken vp their innes in the
+ greatest merchants parlours. A man would thinke that our laws were
+ able inough to make sufficient prouision for the redresse of this
+ error & enormitie likelie to insue. But such is the nature of our
+ countriemen, that as manie laws are made, so they will kéepe none; or
+ if they be vrged to make answer, they will rather séeke some crooked
+ construction of them to the increase of their priuat gaine, than yéeld
+ themselues to be guided by the same for a commonwealth and profit to
+ their countrie. So that in the end whatsoeuer the law saith we will
+ haue our willes, whereby the wholesome ordinances of the prince are
+ contemned, the trauell of the nobilitie & councellors as it were
+ derided, the common wealth impouerished, & a few onelie inriched by
+ this peruerse dealing. Thus manie thousand persons doo suffer
+ hinderance by this their lewd behauiour. Hereby the wholesome laws of
+ the prince are oft defrauded, and the good meaning magistrate in
+ consultation about the common wealth vtterlie neglected. I would wish
+ that I might liue no longer than to sée foure things in this land
+ reformed, that is: the want of discipline in the church: the couetous
+ dealing of most of our merchants in the preferment of the commodities
+ of other countries, and hinderance of their owne: the holding of
+ faires and markets vpon the sundaie to be abolished and referred to
+ the wednesdaies: and that euerie man, in whatsoeuer part of the
+ champaine soile enioieth fortie acres of land, and vpwards, after that
+ rate, either by frée deed, copie hold, or fee farme, might plant one
+ acre of wood, or sowe the same with oke mast, hasell, béech, and
+ sufficient prouision be made that it may be cherished and kept. But I
+ feare me that I should then liue too long, and so long, that I should
+ either be wearie of the world, or the world of me; and yet they are
+ not such things but they may easilie be brought to passe.
+
+ Certes euerie small occasion in my time is enough to cut downe a great
+ wood, and euerie trifle sufficeth to laie infinit acres of corne
+ ground vnto pasture. As for the taking downe of houses, a small fine
+ will beare out a great manie. Would to God we might once take example
+ of the Romans, who in restreint of superfluous grasing, made an exact
+ limitation, how manie head of cattell ech estate might kéepe, and what
+ numbers of acres should suffice for that and other purposes. Neither
+ was wood euer better cherished or mansion houses mainteined, than by
+ their lawes and statutes. Such also was their care in the maintenance
+ of nauigation, that it was a great part of the charge of their
+ consuls, yéerelie to view and looke vnto the hilles whereon great
+ timber did grow, least their vnnecessarie faults for the satisfaction
+ of the priuat owner, and his couetous mind might prooue a preiudice
+ vnto the common wealth, in the hinderance of sufficient stuffe for the
+ furniture of their nauie. Certes the like hereof is yet obserued in
+ Venice. Read also I praie you what Suetonius writeth of the consulship
+ of Bibulus and Cesar. As for the wood that Ancus Martius dedicated
+ toward the maintenance of the common nauie, I passe it ouer, as hauing
+ elsewhere remembred it vnto another end. But what doo I meane to
+ speake of these, sith my purpose is onlie to talke of our owne woods?
+ Well, take this then for a finall conclusion in woods, that beside
+ some countries are alreadie driuen to sell their wood by the pound,
+ which is an heauie report: within these fortie yéeres we shall haue
+ little great timber growing aboue fortie yéeres old; for it is
+ commonlie séene that those yoong staddles which we leaue standing at
+ one & twentie yéeres fall, are vsuallie at the next sale cut downe
+ without any danger of the statute, and serue for fire bote, if it
+ please the owner to burne them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Marises and fennes.]
+ Marises and fennie bogges we haue manie in England, though not now so
+ many as some of the old Roman writers doo specifie, but more in Wales,
+ if you haue respect vnto the seuerall quantities of the countries.
+ Howbeit as they are verie profitable in the summer halfe of the yeere,
+ so are a number of them which lie lowe and néere to great riuers, to
+ small commoditie in the winter part, as common experience dooth teach.
+ Yet this I find of manie moores, that in times past they haue béene
+ harder ground, and sundrie of them well replenished with great woods,
+ that now are void of bushes. And for example hereof, we may sée the
+ triall (beside the roots that are dailie found in the déeps of
+ Monmouth, where turfe is digged, also in Wales, Aburgauennie, and
+ Merioneth) in sundrie parts of Lancashire, where great store of firre
+ hath growen in times past, as I said, and the people go vnto this daie
+ into their fens and marises with long spits, which they dash here and
+ there vp to the verie cronge into the ground. In which practise, (a
+ thing commonlie doone in winter) if they happen to smite vpon anie
+ firre trées which lie there at their whole lengths, or other blocks,
+ they note the place, and about haruest time, when the ground is at the
+ driest, they come againe and get them vp, and afterward carieng them
+ home, applie them to their vses. The like doo they in Shropshire with
+ the like, which hath beene felled in old time, within 7 miles of
+ Salop. Some of them foolishlie suppose the same to haue lien there
+ since Noies floud: and other more fond than the rest, imagine them to
+ grow euen in the places where they find them, without all
+ consideration that in times past, the most part, if not all Lhoegres
+ and Cambria was generallie replenished with wood, which being felled
+ or ouerthrowne vpon sundrie occasions, was left lieng in some places
+ still on the ground, and in processe of time became to be quite
+ ouergrowne with earth and moulds, which moulds wanting their due
+ sadnesse, are now turned into moorie plots. Wherby it commeth to passe
+ also, that great plentie of water commeth betwéene the new loose swart
+ and the old hard earth, that being drawen awaie by ditching and
+ draines (a thing soone doone if our countrie-men were painfull in that
+ behalfe) might soone leaue a drie soile to the great lucre and
+ aduantage of the owner. We find in our histories, that Lincolne was
+ somtime builded by Lud brother to Cassibelan, who called it Cair
+ Ludcoit, of the great store of woods that inuironed the same: but now
+ the commoditie is vtterlie decaied there, so that if Lud were aliue
+ againe, he would not call it his citie in the wood, but rather his
+ towne in the plaines: for the wood (as I heare) is wasted altogither
+ about the same. The hilles called the Peke were in like sort named
+ Mennith and Orcoit, that is, the wooddie hilles and forrests. But how
+ much wood is now to be séene in those places, let him that hath béene
+ there testifie, if he list; for I heare of no such store there as hath
+ béene in time past by those that trauell that waie. And thus much of
+ woods and marises, and so far as I can deale with the same.
+
+
+
+
+ OF BATHS AND HOT WELLES.
+
+ CHAP. XXIII.
+
+
+ As almightie GOD hath in most plentifull maner bestowed infinit, and
+ those verie notable benefits vpon this Ile of Britaine, whereby it is
+ not a little inriched: so in hot and naturall baths (whereof we haue
+ diuerse in sundrie places) it manifestlie appéereth that he hath not
+ forgotten England. There are sundrie baths therefore to be found in
+ this realme, of which the first is called saint Vincents, the second
+ Halliewell; both being places (in my opinion) more obscure than the
+ other two, and yet not seldome sought vnto by such as stand in need.
+ For albeit the fame of their forces be not so generallie spread, yet
+ in some cases they are thought to be nothing inferior to the other, as
+ diuerse haue often affirmed by their owne experience and triall. The
+ third place wherein hot baths are to be found is néere vnto Buxston, a
+ towne in Darbishire, situat in the high Peke, not passing sixtéene
+ miles from Manchester, or Markechesterford, and twentie from Darbie,
+ where, about eight or nine seuerall welles are to be séene; of which
+ thrée are counted to be most excellent: but of all, the greatest is
+ the hotest, void of corruption, and compared (as Iones saith) with
+ those of Summersetshire, so cold indéed, as a quart of boiling water
+ would be made if fiue quartes of running water were added therevnto;
+ whereas on the other side, those of Bath likened vnto these, haue such
+ heat appropriated vnto them, as a gallon of hot water hath when a
+ quart of cold is mixed with the same. Herevpon the effect of this bath
+ worketh more temperatlie and pleasantlie (as he writeth) than the
+ other. And albeit that it maketh not so great spéed in cure of such as
+ resort vnto it for helpe: yet it dealeth more effectuallie and
+ commodiouslie than those in Summersetshire, and infer with all lesse
+ greeuous accidents in the restreining of naturall issues,
+ strengthening the affeebled members, assisting the liuelie forces,
+ dispersing annoious oppilations, and qualifieng of sundrie griefes, as
+ his experience hath oft confirmed. The like vertues haue the other
+ two, but not in such measure: and therefore their operation is not so
+ speedilie perceiued. The fourth place where baths are, is kings
+ Newnam, and within certeine miles of Couentrie, the water wherof (as
+ it is thought) procéedeth from some rocke of allume, and this I
+ vnderstand by diuerse glouers which haue béene there, and also by mine
+ owne experience, that it hath a tast much like to allume liquor, and
+ yet nothing vnplesant nor vnsauorie in the drinking. There are thrée
+ welles in all, but the chiefest and best of them riseth out of an
+ hill, and runneth toward the south, & from thence infinit plentie of
+ water without anie notable diminution of the spring is dailie caried
+ into sundrie parties of the realme, & droonke by such as haue néed to
+ occupie the same. Of the other two, one is reserued for such as be
+ comelie personages and void of lothsome diseases: the other is left
+ common for tag and rag; but clensed dailie as the other is, whereby it
+ becommeth the wholesomer. Manie diseases also are cured in the same,
+ as the palsie, dimnesse of sight, dulnesse of hearing, but especiallie
+ the collike and the stone, old sores and gréene wounds; so that I
+ suppose there was neuer anie compound medicine of greater and more
+ spéedie force in these behalfes, than the vse of this simple liquor is
+ to such as doo frequent it. The said water hath a naturall propertie
+ also following it which is rare, for if a leafe, or sticke of ash,
+ oke, &c: doo fall into the same, within a short space, such store of
+ fine sand (comming no doubt out of the earth with the water) will
+ congeale and gather about it, that the forme being reserued, and the
+ inner part not lightlie altered, it will seeme to become an hard
+ stone, and much like vnto that which is ingendred in the kidneis of a
+ man, as I haue séene by experience. At the first entrance it is verie
+ cold, but after a season it warmeth the goer in, casting him into an
+ indifferent heat. And this is furthermore remembred of it, that no man
+ hath yet susteined anie manner of impeachment through the coldnesse of
+ the same. The vertue thereof was found 1579 about Whitsuntide, by a
+ man who had wounded himselfe, & comming by the same water, thought
+ onelie to wash the blood from his hand therewith, and so to go home
+ and séeke for helpe by surgerie: finallie finding the paine well
+ asswaged, & the wound faire clensed, he departed, and misliking his
+ vsuall medicins, he eftsoones came againe, and so often indéed vnto
+ the said water till his hand was healed outright without anie other
+ practise. By this meanes also he became a counsellor to other being
+ hurt or in paine, that they should trie the vertue of this spring, who
+ finding ease also, gaue out such commendation of the said water, that
+ now at this present their fame is fullie equall, and the resort vnto
+ them nothing inferior to that of the old baths. Beside this, the cures
+ of such diseases as their forces do extend vnto, is much more speedie
+ than we may haue at the other; and this is one commoditie also not
+ smallie to be considered of. The fift place of baths or medicinable
+ welles is at an hamlet called Newton, a little from saint Neots, or
+ (as we pronounce it) saint Needs, which is ten or twelue miles from
+ Cambridge, where two springs are knowne to be, of which the one is
+ verie sweet and fresh, the other brackish & salt; this is good for
+ scabs and leaperie (as it is said) the other for dimnesse of sight.
+ Verie manie also doo make their repaire vnto them for sundrie
+ diseases, some returning whole, and some nothing at all amended,
+ bicause their cure is without the reach and working of those waters.
+ Neuer went people so fast from the church, either vnto a faire or
+ market, as they go to these wels, and those neere Rugbie, both places
+ being discouered in this 1579 of Grace. I heare of another well to be
+ found also about Ratcliffe néere London, euen at the same season. But
+ sith rumors are now spred almost of euerie spring, & vaine tales flie
+ about in maner of euerie water, I surcease to speake at all of anie
+ other, till further experience doo trie whether they be medicinable or
+ not: and yet I doubt not but most of these alredie mentioned haue
+ heretofore bin knowne & remembred also, though confusedlie by the
+ writers of old time; & yet in processe of time either neglected or
+ forgotten, by meanes of sundrie troubles and turmoiles made in this
+ realme by Danes, and other outward enimies, whereby their manifold
+ benefit hath woonderfullie béene missed.
+
+ The last place of our baths, is a citie in Summersetshire, which
+ taketh his name of the hot waters there to be séene and vsed. At the
+ first it was called Cair Bledud, and not Cair Bledune, as some would
+ haue it, for that is the old name of the ancient castell at
+ Malmesburie, which the Saxons named Yngleburne. Ptolomie afterward
+ called it Thermæ, other Aquæ solis, or Scamannia, or Acmancester, but
+ now it hight generallie Bath in English, and vnder that name it is
+ likelie to continue. The citie of it selfe is a verie ancient thing,
+ no doubt, as may yet appeare by diuerse notable antiquities ingraued
+ in stone, to be séene in the wals thereof; and first of all betweene
+ the south gate and the west, and betwixt the west gate and the north.
+
+ The first is the antike head of a man, made all flat, with great locks
+ of haire, much like to the coine that I haue seene of Antius the
+ Romane. The second betweene the south and the north gate is an image,
+ as I take it, of Hercules, for he held in each hand a serpent, and so
+ dooth this. Thirdlie there standeth a man on foot with a sword in his
+ one hand, and a buckler stretched out in the other. There is also a
+ branch that lieth folded and wreathed into circles, like to the wreath
+ of Alcimedon. There are moreouer two naked images, whereof the one
+ imbraceth the other, beside sundrie antike heads, with ruffled haire,
+ a greiehound running, and at his taile certeine Romane letters, but so
+ defaced that no man liuing can read them at this present. There is
+ moreouer the image of Lacaon, inuironed with two serpents, and an
+ other inscription, and all these betwéene the south and the west
+ gates, as I haue said before.
+
+ Now, betweene the west and north gate are two inscriptions, of which
+ some words are euident to be read, the residue are cleane defaced.
+ There is also the image of a naked man, and a stone in like sort,
+ which hath "Cupidines & labruscas intercurrentes," and a table hauing
+ at each hand an image vined and finelie florished both aboue and
+ beneath. Finallie (sauing that I saw afterward the image of a naked
+ man grasping a serpent in each hand) there was an inscription of a
+ toome or buriall, wherein these words did plainelie appeare, "Vixit
+ annos xxx" but so defusedlie written, that letters stood for whole
+ words, and two or thrée letters combined into one. Certes I will not
+ saie whether these were set into the places where they now stand by
+ the gentiles, or brought thither from other ruines of the towne it
+ selfe, and placed afterward in those wals, in their necessarie
+ reparations. But howsoeuer the matter standeth, this is to be gathered
+ by our histories, that Bladud first builded that citie there, and
+ peraduenture might also kindle the sulphurous veines, of purpose to
+ burne continuallie there in the honour of Minerua: by which occasion
+ the springs thereabout did in processe of time become hot & not
+ vnprofitable, for sundrie kinds of diseases. Indeed the later Pagans
+ dreamed, that Minerua was the chéefe goddesse and gouernesse of these
+ [Sidenote: Chap. 25.]
+ waters, bicause of the néerenesse of hir temple vnto the same. Solinus
+ addeth furthermore, how that in hir said temple, the fire which was
+ continuallie kept, did neuer consume into dead sparkles; but so soone
+ as the embers thereof were cold, they congealed into clots of hard
+ stone: all which I take to be nothing else than the effect of the
+ aforesaid fire, of the sulphurous veine kindled in the earth, from
+ whence the waters doo come. That these baths or waters are deriued
+ [Sidenote: The Pyritis is found almost in euerie veine of mettall
+ in great plentie, diuersities and colour, and somtimes mixed
+ with that mettall of whose excrements it consisteth.]
+ from such, the marchasites, which the Grecians call Pyritis, per
+ antonomasiam (for being smit with the iron, it yéeldeth more sparkes
+ than anie flint or calcedonie, and therefore seemeth to deserue the
+ name aboue the rest) and besides these other stones mixed with some
+ copper, and dailie found vpon the mounteins thereabouts will beare
+ sufficient witnesse, though I would write the contrarie. Doctor Turner
+ also the father of English physicke, and an excellent diuine,
+ supposeth that these springs doo draw their forces from sulphur: or if
+ there be anie other thing mingled withall, he gesseth that it should
+ be salt peter, bicause he found an obscure likelihood of the same,
+ euen in the crosse bath. But that they participate with anie allume at
+ all, he could neuer till his dieng daie be induced to beléeue. I might
+ here (if I thought it necessarie) intreat of the notable situation of
+ the citie, which standeth in a pleasant bottome, inuironed on euerie
+ side with great hils, out of the which come so manie springs of pure
+ water by sundrie waies vnto the citie, and in such abundance, as that
+ euerie house is serued with the same by pipes of lead, the said
+ mettall being the more plentious and lesse of value vnto them, bicause
+ it is not had far off from those quarters. It should not be amisse
+ also to speake of the foure gates, number of parish churches, bridges,
+ religious houses dissolued, and their founders, if place did serue
+ therefore: but for so much as my purpose is not to deale in this
+ behalfe, I will omit the mention of these things, and go in hand with
+ the baths themselues, wherof in the title of this chapiter I protested
+ to intreat.
+
+ There are two springs of water (as Leland saith) in the west south
+ [Sidenote: Crosse bath.]
+ west part of the towne, whereof the biggest is called the crosse bath,
+ of a certeine crosse that was erected sometime in the middest thereof.
+ This bath is much frequented by such as are diseased with leaprie,
+ pockes, scabs, and great aches: yet of it selfe it is verie temperate
+ and pleasant, hauing eleuen or twelue arches of stone in the sides
+ thereof, for men to stand vnder, when raine dooth ought annoie them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Common bath.]
+ The common bath, or as some call it, the hot bath, is two hundred
+ foot, or thereabout from the crosse bath, lesse in compasse within the
+ wall than the other, and with onelie seauen arches, wrought out of the
+ maine inclosure. It is worthilie called the hot bath, for at the first
+ comming into it, men thinke that it would scald their flesh, and lose
+ it from the bone: but after a season, and that the bodies of the
+ commers thereto be warmed throughlie in the same, it is more
+ tollerable and easie to be borne. Both these baths be in the middle of
+ a little stréet, and ioine to S. Thomas hospitall, so that it may be
+ thought that Reginald bishop of Bath made his house néere vnto these
+ common baths, onelie to succour such poore people as should resort
+ vnto them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kings bath.]
+ The kings bath is verie faire and large, standing almost in the middle
+ of the towne, at the west end of the cathedrall church. It is
+ compassed about with a verie high stone wall, and the brims thereof
+ are mured round about, where in be two and thirtie arches for men and
+ women to stand in separatlie, who being of the gentrie for the most
+ part, doo resort thither indifferentlie, but not in such lasciuious
+ [Sidenote: Hot houses in some countries little better than brodels.]
+ sort as vnto other baths and hot houses of the maine, whereof some
+ write more a great deale than modestie should reueale, and honestie
+ performe. There went a sluce out of this bath, which serued in times
+ past the priorie with water, which was deriued out of it vnto two
+ places, and commonlie vsed for baths, but now I doo not thinke that
+ they remaine in vsage.
+
+ [Sidenote: Colour of the water of the baths.]
+ As for the colour of the water of all the bathes, it is most like to a
+ déepe blew, and reeketh much after the maner of a seething pot,
+ [Sidenote: Taste of the water.]
+ commonlie yéelding somwhat a sulpherous taste, and verie vnpleasant
+ sauour. The water also that runneth from the two small baths, goeth by
+ a dyke into the Auon by west, and beneath the bridge: but the same
+ that goeth from the kings bath turneth a mill, and after goeth into
+ Auon aboue Bath bridge, where it loseth both force and tast, and is
+ like vnto the rest. In all the three baths a man maie euidentlie see
+ [Sidenote: Fall or issue of the water.]
+ how the water bubbleth vp from the springs. This is also to be noted,
+ that at certeine times all entrances into them is vtterlie prohibited,
+ that is to saie, at high noone, and midnight: for at those two
+ seasons, and a while before and after, they boile verie feruentlie,
+ and become so hot that no man is able to indure their heat, or anie
+ while susteine their force and vehement working. They purge themselues
+ furthermore from all such filth as the diseased doo leaue in each of
+ them, wherfore we doo forbeare the rash entrance into them at that
+ time: and so much the rather, for that we would not by contraction of
+ anie new diseases, depart more gréeuouslie affected than we came vnto
+ the citie, which is in déed a thing that each one should regard. For
+ [Sidenote: Not good to enter into baths at all seasons.]
+ these causes therefore they are commonlie shut vp from halfe an houre
+ after ten of the clocke in the forenoone, to halfe an houre after one
+ in the afternoone, and likewise at midnight: at which times the kéeper
+ of them resorteth to his charge, openeth the gates, and leaueth (or
+ should leaue) frée passage vnto such as come vnto them. Hitherto
+ Leland.
+
+ What cost of late hath béene bestowed vpon these baths by diuerse of
+ the nobilitie, gentrie, communaltie, and cleargie, it lieth not in me
+ to declare: yet as I heare, they are not onelie verie much repared and
+ garnished with sundrie curious péeces of workemanship, partlie
+ touching their commendation, and partlie for the ease and benefit of
+ such as resort vnto them; but also better ordered, clenlier kept, &
+ more friendlie prouision made for such pouertie as dailie repaireth
+ thither. But notwithstanding all this, such is the generall estate of
+ things in Bath, that the rich men maie spend while they will, and the
+ poore beg whilest they list for their maintenance and diet so long as
+ they remaine there: and yet I denie not but that there is verie good
+ order in that citie for all degrées. But where shall a man find anie
+ equall regard of poore and rich, though God dooth giue these his good
+ gifts fréelie, & vnto both alike? I would here intreat further of the
+ customs vsed in these baths, what number of physicians dailie attend
+ vpon those waters, for no man (especiallie such as be able to
+ interteine them) dooth enter into these baths before he consult with
+ the physician; also, what diet is to be obserued, what particular
+ diseases are healed there, and to what end the commers thither doo
+ drinke oftimes of that medicinable liquor: but then I should excéed
+ the limits of a description. Wherefore I passe it ouer to others,
+ hoping that some man yer long will vouchsafe to performe that at
+ large, which the famous clearke Doctor Turner hath brieflie yet
+ happilie begun, touching the effects & working of the same. For
+ hitherto I doo not know of manie that haue trauelled in the natures of
+ those baths of our countrie, with anie great commendation; much lesse
+ of anie that hath reuealed them at the full for the benefit of our
+ nation, or commoditie of strangers that resort vnto the same.
+
+
+
+
+ OF ANTIQUITIES FOUND.
+
+ CHAP. XXIV.
+
+
+ Hauing taken some occasion to speake here and there in this treatise
+ of antiquities, it shall not be amis to deale yet more in this
+ chapter, with some of them apart, & by themselues, whereby the secure
+ authoritie of the Romans ouer this Iland maie in some cases more
+ manifestlie appeare. For such was their possession of this Iland on
+ this side of the Tine, that they held not one or two, or a few places
+ onelie vnder their subiection, but all the whole countrie from east to
+ west, from the Tine to the British sea, so that there was no region
+ void of their gouernance: notwithstanding that vntill the death of
+ Lucius, and extinction of his issue, they did permit the successors of
+ Lud and Cimbaline to reigne and rule amongest them, though vnder a
+ certeine tribute, as else-where I haue declared. The chéefe cause that
+ vrgeth me to speake of antiquities, is the paines that I haue taken to
+ gather great numbers of them togither, intending (if euer my
+ Chronologie shall happen to come abroad) to set downe the liuelie
+ portraitures of euerie emperour ingrauen in the same: also the faces
+ of Pompeie, Crassus, the seuen kings of the Romans, Cicero, and
+ diuerse other, which I haue prouided readie for the purpose, beside
+ the monuments and liuelie images of sundrie philosophers, and kings of
+ this Iland, since the time of Edward the Confessor. Wherof although
+ presentlie I want a few, yet I doo not doubt but to obteine them all,
+ if friendship at the leastwise procured for monie shall be able to
+ preuaile. But as it hath doone hitherto, so the charges to be emploied
+ vpon these brasen or copper images, will hereafter put by the
+ impression of that treatise: whereby it maie come to passe, that long
+ trauell shall soone proue to be spent in vaine, and much cost come to
+ verie small successe. Whereof yet I force not greatlie, sith by this
+ means I haue reaped some commoditie vnto my selfe, by searching of the
+ histories, which often minister store of examples readie to be vsed in
+ my function, as occasion shall mooue me. But to procéed with my
+ purpose.
+
+ Before the comming of the Romans, there was a kind of copper monie
+ currant here in Britaine, as Cæsar confesseth in the fift booke of his
+ Commentaries, but I find not of what maner it was. Hereto he addeth a
+ report of certeine rings, of a proportionate weight, which they vsed
+ in his time, in stead likewise of monie. But as hitherto it hath not
+ bene my lucke (I saie) to haue the certeine view of anie of these, so
+ after the comming of the Romans, they inforced vs to abandon our owne,
+ and receiue such imperiall monies or coines, as for the paiment of
+ their legions was dailie brought ouer vnto them. What coines the
+ Romans had, it is easie to be knowne, and from time to time much of it
+ is found in manie places of this Iland, as well of gold and siluer, as
+ of copper, brasse, and other mettall, much like stéele, almost of
+ euerie emperour. So that I account it no rare thing to haue of the
+ Roman coine, albeit that it still represent an image of our
+ captiuitie, and maie be a good admonition for vs, to take heed how we
+ yéeld our selues to the regiment of strangers. Of the store of these
+ monies, found vpon the Kentish coast, I haue alreadie made mention in
+ the description of Richborow, and chapter of Iles adiacent vnto the
+ British Albion, and there shewed also how simple fishermen haue had
+ plentie of them, and that the conies in making profers and holes to
+ bréed in, haue scraped them out of the ground in verie great
+ abundance. In speaking also of S. Albans, in the chapter of townes and
+ villages, I haue not omitted to tell what plentie of these coines haue
+ bene gathered there: wherfore I shall not néed here to repeat the same
+ againe. Howbeit this is certeine, that the most part of all these
+ antiquities, to be found within the land, & distant from the shore,
+ are to be gotten either in the ruines of ancient cities and townes
+ decaied, or in inclosed burrowes, where their legions accustomed
+ sometime to winter, as by experience is dailie confirmed. What store
+ hath béene séene of them in the citie of London, which they called
+ Augusta, of the legion that soiourned there, & likewise in Yorke named
+ also Victrix, of the legion Victoria, or Altera Roma (because of the
+ beautie and fine building of the same) I my selfe can partlie
+ witnesse, that haue séene, & often had of them, if better testimonie
+ were wanting. The like I maie affirme of Colchester, where those of
+ Claudius, Adrian, Traian, Vespasian, and other, are oftentimes plowed
+ vp, or found by other means: also of Cantorburie, Andredeschester (now
+ decaied) Rochester, then called Durobreuum, Winchester, and diuerse
+ other beyond the Thames, which for breuitie sake I doo passe ouer in
+ silence. Onlie the chiefe of all and where most are found in deed, is
+ néere vnto Carleon and Cairgwent in Southwales, about Kenchester,
+ thrée miles aboue Hereford, Aldborow, Ancaster, Bramdon, Dodington,
+ where a spurre and péece of a chaine of gold were found in king Henrie
+ the eight his daies, besides much of the said Roman coine, Binchester,
+ Camalet, Lacocke vpon Auon, and Lincolne, Dorchester, Warwike, and
+ Chester, where they are often had in verie great abundance. It seemeth
+ that Ancaster hath beene a great thing, for manie square & colored
+ pauements, vaults, and arches are yet found, and often laid open by
+ such as dig and plow in the fields about the same. And amongst these,
+ one Vresbie or Rosebie, a plowman, did ere vp not long since a stone
+ like a trough, couered with another stone, wherein was great foison of
+ the aforesaid coines. The like also was séene not yet fortie yeares
+ agone about Grantham. But in king Henrie the eight his daies, an
+ husbandman had far better lucke at Harleston, two miles from the
+ aforesaid place, where he found not onelie great plentie of this
+ coine, but also an huge brasse pot, and therein a large helmet of pure
+ gold, richlie fretted with pearle, and set with all kind of costlie
+ stones: he tooke vp also chaines much like vnto beads of siluer, all
+ which, as being (if a man might ghesse anie certeintie by their
+ beautie) not likelie to be long hidden, he presented to quéene
+ Katharine then lieng at Peterborow, and therewithall a few ancient
+ rolles of parchment written long agone, though so defaced with
+ mouldinesse, and rotten for age, that no man could well hold them in
+ his hand without falling into péeces, much lesse read them by reason
+ of their blindnesse.
+
+ In the beginning of the same kings daies also at Killeie a man found
+ as he eared, an arming girdle, harnessed with pure gold, and a great
+ massie pomell with a crosse hilt for a sword of the same mettall,
+ beside studs and harnesse for spurs, and the huge long spurs of like
+ stuffe, whereof one doctor Ruthall got a part into his hands. The
+ boroughs or buries, wherof I spake before, were certeine plots of
+ ground, wherin the Romane souldiers did vse to lie when they kept in
+ the open fields as chosen places, from whence they might haue easie
+ accesse vnto their aduersaries, if anie outrage were wrought or
+ rebellion mooued against them. And as these were the vsuall aboads for
+ those able legions that serued dailie in the wars, so had they other
+ certeine habitations for the old and forworne souldiers, whereby
+ diuerse cities grew in time to be replenished with Romane colonies, as
+ Cairleon, Colchester, Chester, and such other, of which, Colchester
+ bare the name of Colonia long time, and wherein A. Plautius builded a
+ temple vnto the goddesse of Victorie (after the departure of Claudius)
+ which Tacitus calleth "Aram sempiternæ dominationis," a perpetuall
+ monument of that our British seruitude. But to returne vnto our
+ borowes, they were generallie walled about with stone wals, and so
+ large in compasse that some did conteine thirtie, fourtie, three
+ score, or eightie acres of ground within their limits: they had also
+ diuerse gates or ports vnto each of them, and of these not a few
+ remaine to be seene in our time, as one for example not far from great
+ Chesterford in Essex, néere to the limits of Cambridgshire, which I
+ haue often viewed, and wherein the compasse of the verie wall with the
+ places where the gates stood is easie to be discerned: the like also
+ is to be séene at a place within two miles south of Burton, called the
+ Borow hils. In these therefore and such like, and likewise at
+ Euolsburg, now S. Neots, or S. Needs, and sundrie other places,
+ especiallie vpon the shore and coasts of Kent, as Douer, Rie, Romneie,
+ Lid, &c: is much of their coine also to be found, and some péeces or
+ other are dailie taken vp, which they call Borow pence, Dwarfs monie,
+ Hegs pence, Feirie groats, Jewes monie, & by other foolish names not
+ woorthie to be remembred. At the comming of the Saxons, the Britons
+ vsed these holds as rescues for their cattell in the daie and night,
+ when their enimies were abroad; the like also did the Saxons against
+ the Danes, by which occasions (and now and then by carieng of their
+ stones to helpe forward other buildings néere at hand) manie of them
+ were throwne downe and defaced, which otherwise might haue continued
+ for a longer time, and so your honour would saie, if you should happen
+ to peruse the thickenesse and maner of building of those said wals and
+ borowes. It is not long since a siluer saucer of verie ancient making
+ was found néere to Saffron Walden, in the open field among the
+ [Sidenote: Sterbirie a place where an armie hath lien.]
+ Sterbirie hils, and eared vp by a plough, but of such massie
+ greatnesse, that it weighed better than twentie ounces, as I haue
+ heard reported. But if I should stand in these things vntill I had
+ said all that might be spoken of them, both by experience and
+ testimonie of Leland in his Commentaries of Britaine, and the report
+ of diuerse yet liuing, I might make a greater chapter than would be
+ either conuenient or profitable to the reader: wherefore so much
+ onelie shall serue the turne for this time as I haue said alreadie of
+ antiquities found within our Iland, especiallie of coine, whereof I
+ purposed chiefelie to intreat.
+
+
+
+
+ OF THE COINES OF ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XXV.
+
+
+ The Saxon coine before the conquest is in maner vtterlie vnknowne to
+ me: howbeit if my coniecture be anie thing, I suppose that one
+ shilling of siluer in those daies did counterpeise our common ounce,
+ though afterward it came to passe that it arose to twentie pence, and
+ so continued vntill the time of king Henrie the eight, who first
+ brought it to thrée shillings and foure pence, & afterward our siluer
+ [Sidenote: Copper monie.]
+ coine vnto brasse & copper monies, by reason of those inestimable
+ charges, which diuerse waies oppressed him. And as I gather such
+ obscure notice of the shilling which is called in Latine Solidus, so I
+ read more manifestlie of another which is the 48 part of a pound, and
+ this also currant among the Saxons of our Ile, so well in gold as in
+ siluer, at such time as 240 of their penies made vp a iust pound, fiue
+ pence went to the shilling, and foure shillings to the ounce. But to
+ procéed with my purpose. After the death of K. Henrie, Edward his
+ sonne began to restore the aforesaid coine againe vnto fine siluer: so
+ quéene Marie his successour did continue his good purpose,
+ notwithstanding that in hir time the Spanish monie was verie c[=o]mon
+ in England, by reason of hir mariage with Philip king of Spaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Siluer restored.]
+ After hir decease the ladie Elizabeth hir sister, and now our most
+ gratious quéene, souereigne and princesse, did finish the matter
+ wholie, vtterly abolishing the vse of copper and brasen coine, and
+ conuerting the same into guns and great ordinance, she restored
+ sundrie coines of fine siluer, as péeces of halfepenie farding, of a
+ penie, of three halfe pence, péeces of two pence, of thrée pence, of
+ foure pence (called the groat) of six pence vsuallie named the
+ testone, and shilling of twelue pence, whereon she hath imprinted hir
+ owne image, and emphaticall superscription. Our gold is either old or
+ [Sidenote: Old gold.]
+ new. The old is that which hath remained since the time of king Edward
+ the third, or béene coined by such other princes as haue reigned since
+ his deceasse, without anie abasing or diminution of the finesse of
+ that mettall. Therof also we haue yet remaining, the riall, the George
+ noble, the Henrie riall, the salut, the angell, and their smaller
+ peeces, as halfes or quarters, though these in my time are not so
+ common to be séene. I haue also beheld the souereigne of twentie
+ shillings, and the péece of thirtie shillings, I haue heard likewise
+ of péeces of fortie shillings, three pounds, fiue pounds, and ten
+ pounds. But sith there were few of them coined, and those onelie at
+ the commandement of kings, yearelie to bestow where their maiesties
+ thought good in lieu of new yeares gifts and rewards: it is not
+ requisit that I should remember them here amongst our currant monies.
+
+ [Sidenote: New gold.]
+ The new gold is taken for such as began to be coined in the latter
+ daies of king Henrie the eight, at which time the finesse of the
+ mettall began to be verie much alaied, & is not likelie to be restored
+ for ought that I can see: and yet is it such as hath béene coined
+ since by his successors princes of this realme, in value and goodnesse
+ equall and not inferiour to the coine and currant gold of other
+ nations, where each one dooth couet chiefelie to gather vp our old
+ finer gold: so that the angels, rials, and nobles, are more
+ plentifullie seene in France, Italie, and Flanders, than they be by a
+ great deale within the realme of England, if you regard the paiments
+ which they dailie make in those kinds of our coine. Our peeces now
+ currant are of ten shillings, fiue shillings, and two shillings and
+ six pence onelie: and those of sundrie stamps and names, as halfe
+ souereigns (equall in weight with our currant shilling, whereby that
+ gold is valued at ten times so much siluer) quarters of souereigns
+ (otherwise called crownes) and halfe crownes: likewise angels, halfe
+ angels, and quarters of angels, or if there be anie other, in good
+ sooth I know them not, as one scarselie acquainted with any siluer at
+ all, much lesse then (God it wot) with any store of gold.
+
+ The first currant shilling or siluer péeces of twelue pence stamped
+ within memorie, were coined by K. Henrie the eight in the twentith
+ yeare of his reigne, & those of fiue shillings, and of two shillings
+ and six pence, & the halfe shilling by king Edward the sixt: but the
+ od péeces aboue remembred vnder the groat by our high and mightie
+ princesse quéene Elizabeth, the name of the groat, penie, two pence,
+ halfe penie, and farding, in old time the greatest siluer monies if
+ you respect their denominations onelie, being more ancient than that I
+ can well discusse of the time of their beginnings. Yet thus much I
+ read, that king Edward the first in the eight yeare of his reigne, did
+ first coine the penie and smallest péeces of siluer roundwise, which
+ before were square, and woont to beare a double crosse with a crest,
+ in such sort that the penie might easilie be broken, either into
+ halfes or quarters: by which shift onelie the people came by small
+ monies, as halfe pence and fardings, that otherwise were not stamped
+ nor coined of set purpose.
+
+ Of forren coines we haue all the ducats, the single, double, and the
+ double double, the crusadoes, with the long crosse and the short: the
+ portigue, a péece verie solemnelie kept of diuerse, & yet oft times
+ abased with washing, or absolutelie counterfeited: and finallie the
+ French and Flemish crownes, onlie currant among vs, so long as they
+ hold weight. But of siluer coines, as the soules turnois, whereof ten
+ make a shilling, as the franke dooth two shillings, and thrée franks
+ the French crowne, &c: we haue none at all: yet are the dalders, and
+ such often times brought ouer, but neuerthelesse exchanged as bullion,
+ according to their finenesse and weight, and afterward conuerted into
+ coine, by such as haue authoritie.
+
+ In old time we had sundrie mints in England, and those commonlie kept
+ in abbaies and religious houses before the conquest, where true
+ dealing was commonlie supposed most of all to dwell: as at Ramseie, S.
+ Edmundsburie, Canturburie, Glassenburie, Peterborow, and such like,
+ sundrie exemplificats of the grants whereof are yet to be seene in
+ writing, especiallie that of Peterborow vnder the confirmation of pope
+ Eugenius: wherevnto it appeereth further by a charter of king Edgar
+ (which I haue) that they either held it or had another in Stanford.
+ But after the Normans had once gotten the kingdome into their fingers,
+ they trusted themselues best with the ouersight of their mints, and
+ therefore erected diuerse of their owne, although they afterward
+ permitted some for small péeces of siluer vnto sundrie of the houses
+ aforesaid. In my time diuerse mints are suppressed, as Southwarke,
+ Bristow, &c: and all coinage is brought into one place, that is to
+ saie, the Tower of London, where it is continuallie holden and
+ perused, but not without great gaine to such as deale withall. There
+ is also coinage of tin holden yearelie at two seuerall times, that is
+ to saie, Midsummer and Michaelmas in the west countrie; which at the
+ first hearing I supposed to haue béene of monie of the said mettall,
+ and granted by priuilege from some prince vnto the towns of
+ Hailestone, Trurie, and Lostwithiell. Howbeit, vpon further
+ examination of the matter, I find it to be nothing so, but an office
+ onlie erected for the prince, wherin he is allowed the ordinarie
+ customes of that mettall: and such blocks of tin as haue passed the
+ hands of his officers, are marked with an especiall stampe, whereby it
+ is knowne that the custome due for the same hath ordinarilie béene
+ answered. It should séeme (and in my opinion is verie likelie to be
+ true) that while the Romans reigned here, Kingstone vpon Thames
+ (sometime a right noble citie and place where the Saxon kings were
+ vsuallie crowned) was the chiefe place of their coinage for this
+ prouince. For in earing of the ground about that towne in times past,
+ and now of late (besides the curious foundation of manie goodlie
+ buildings that haue béene ripped vp by plowes, and diuerse coines of
+ brasse, siluer, and gold, with Romane letters in painted pots found
+ there) in the daies of cardinall Woolseie, one such huge pot was
+ discouered full as it were of new siluer latelie coined; another with
+ plates of siluer readie to be coined; and the third with chaines of
+ siluer and such broken stuffe redie (as it should appeere) to be
+ melted into coinage, whereof let this suffice to countenance out my
+ coniecture. Of coins currant before the comming of the Romans I haue
+ elsewhere declared, that there were none at all in Britaine: but as
+ the Ilanders of Scylira, the old Romans, Armenians, Scythians,
+ Seritans, Sarmatians, Indians, and Essences did barter ware for ware,
+ so the Britons vsed brasse or rings of iron, brought vnto a certeine
+ proportion, in steed of monie, as the Lacedemonians & Bisantines also
+ did, & the Achiui (as Homer writeth) who had (saith he) rough peeces
+ of brasse and iron in stéed of coine, wherewith they purchased their
+ wines.
+
+
+ [Illustration: Endpiece.]
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+
+ CONTENTS OF THE THIRD BOOKE.
+
+
+    1 _Of cattell kept for profit._
+    2 _Of wild and tame foules._
+    3 _Of fish vsuallie taken vpon our coasts._
+    4 _Of sauage beasts and vermines._
+    5 _Of hawkes and rauenous foules._
+    6 _Of venemous beasts._
+    7 _Of our English dogs and their qualities._
+    8 _Of our saffron, and the dressing thereof._
+    9 _Of quarries of stone for building._
+   10 _Of sundrie minerals._
+   11 _Of mettals to be had in our land._
+   12 _Of pretious stones._
+   13 _Of salt made in England._
+   14 _Of our accompt of time and hir parts._
+   15 _Of principall faires and markets._
+   16 _Of our innes and thorowfaires._
+
+
+
+
+ OF CATTELL KEPT FOR PROFIT.
+
+ CHAP. I.
+
+
+ There is no kind of tame cattell vsually to be séene in these parts of
+ the world, wherof we haue not some, and that great store in England;
+ as horsses, oxen, shéepe, goats, swine, and far surmounting the like
+ in other countries, as may be prooued with ease. For where are oxen
+ commonlie more large of bone, horsses more decent and pleasant in
+ pase, kine more commodious for the pale, shéepe more profitable for
+ wooll, swine more wholesome of flesh, and goates more gainefull to
+ their kéepers, than here with vs in England? But to speke of them
+ peculiarlie, I suppose that our kine are so abundant in yéeld of
+ milke, wherof we make our butter & chéese, as the like anie where
+ else, and so apt for the plough in diuerse places as either our
+ horsses or oxen. And albeit they now and then twin, yet herein they
+ séeme to come short of that commoditie which is looked for in other
+ countries, to wit, in that they bring foorth most commonlie but one
+ calfe at once. The gaines also gotten by a cow (all charges borne)
+ hath beene valued at twentie shillings yearelie: but now as land is
+ inhanced, this proportion of gaine is much abated, and likelie to
+ decaie more and more, if ground arise to be yet déerer, which God
+ forbid, if it be his will and pleasure. I heard of late of a cow in
+ Warwikshire, belonging to Thomas Bruer of Studleie, which in six
+ yéeres had sixtéene calfes, that is, foure at once in thrée caluings
+ and twise twins, which vnto manie may séeme a thing incredible. In
+ [Sidenote: Oxen.]
+ like maner our oxen are such as the like are not to be found in anie
+ countrie of Europe, both for greatnesse of bodie and swéetnesse of
+ flesh: or else would not the Romane writers haue preferred them before
+ those of Liguria. In most places our grasiers are now growen to be so
+ cunning, that if they doo but sée an ox or bullocke, and come to the
+ féeling of him, they will giue a ghesse at his weight, and how manie
+ score or stone of flesh and tallow he beareth, how the butcher may
+ liue by the sale, and what he may haue for the skin and tallow; which
+ is a point of skill not commonlie practised heretofore. Some such
+ grasiers also are reported to ride with veluet coats, and chaines of
+ gold about them: and in their absence their wiues will not let to
+ supplie those turnes with no lesse skill than their husbands: which is
+ an hard worke for the poore butcher, sith he through this means can
+ seldome be rich or wealthie by his trade. In like sort the flesh of
+ our oxen and kine is sold both by hand and by weight as the buier
+ will: but in yoong ware rather by weight, especiallie for the stéere
+ and heighfer, sith the finer béefe is the lightest, wheras the flesh
+ of buls and old kine, &c: is of sadder substance and therefore much
+ heauier as it lieth in the scale. Their hornes also are knowne to be
+ more faire and large in England than in anie other places, except
+ those which are to be séene among the Pæones, which quantitie albeit
+ that it be giuen to our bréed generallie by nature, yet it is now and
+ then helped also by art.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Athenæus bib._ 10. _cap._ 8.]
+ For when they be verie yoong, manie grasiers will oftentimes annoint
+ their budding hornes, or tender tips with honie, which mollifieth the
+ naturall hardnesse of that substance, and thereby maketh them to grow
+ vnto a notable greatnesse. Certes, it is not strange in England, to
+ sée oxen whose hornes haue the length of a yard or thrée foot betweene
+ the tips, and they themselues thereto so tall, as the heigth of a man
+ of meane and indifferent stature is scarse equall vnto them.
+ Neuerthelesse it is much to be lamented that our generall bréed of
+ cattell is not better looked vnto: for the greatest occupiers weane
+ least store, bicause they can buie them (as they saie) far better
+ cheape than to raise and bring them vp. In my time a cow hath risen
+ from foure nobles to foure marks by this means, which notwithstanding
+ were no great price if they did yearelie bring foorth more than one
+ calfe a péece, as I heare they doo in other countries.
+
+ [Sidenote: Horsses.]
+ Our horsses moreouer are high, and although not commonlie of such huge
+ greatnesse as in other places of the maine: yet if you respect the
+ easinesse of their pase, it is hard to saie where their like are to be
+ had. Our land dooth yéeld no asses, and therefore we want the
+ generation also of mules and somers; and therefore the most part of
+ our cariage is made by these, which remaining stoned, are either
+ reserued for the cart, or appointed to beare such burdens as are
+ conuenient for them. Our cart or plough horsses (for we vse them
+ indifferentlie) are commonlie so strong that fiue or six of them (at
+ the most) will draw thrée thousand weight of the greatest tale with
+ ease for a long iourneie, although it be not a load of common vsage,
+ which consisteth onelie of two thousand, or fiftie foot of timber,
+ fortie bushels of white salt, or six and thirtie of baie, or fiue
+ quarters of wheat, experience dailie teacheth, and I haue elsewhere
+ remembred. Such as are kept also for burden, will carie foure hundred
+ weight commonlie, without anie hurt or hinderance. This furthermore is
+ to be noted, that our princes and the nobilitie haue their cariage
+ commonlie made by carts, wherby it commeth to passe, that when the
+ quéenes maiestie dooth remooue from anie one place to another, there
+ are vsuallie 400 carewares, which amount to the summe of 2400 horsses,
+ appointed out of the countries adioining, whereby hir cariage is
+ conueied safelie vnto the appointed place. Hereby also the ancient vse
+ of somers and sumpter horsses is in maner vtterlie relinquished, which
+ causeth the traines of our princes in their progresses to shew far
+ lesse than those of the kings of other nations.
+
+ [Sidenote: Geldings.]
+ Such as serue for the saddle are commonlie gelded, and now growne to
+ be verie déere among vs, especiallie if they be well coloured, iustlie
+ limmed, and haue thereto an easie ambling pase. For our countriemen,
+ séeking their ease in euerie corner where it is to be had, delight
+ verie much in these qualities, but chieflie in their excellent pases,
+ which besides that it is in maner peculiar vnto horsses of our soile,
+ and not hurtfull to the rider or owner sitting on their backes: it is
+ moreouer verie pleasant and delectable in his eares, in that the noise
+ of their well proportioned pase dooth yéeld comfortable sound as he
+ trauelleth by the waie. Yet is there no greater deceipt vsed anie
+ where than among our horssekeepers, horssecorsers, and hostelers: for
+ such is the subtill knauerie of a great sort of them (without
+ exception of anie of them be it spoken which deale for priuat gaine)
+ that an honest meaning man shall haue verie good lucke among them, if
+ he be not deceiued by some false tricke or other. There are certeine
+ notable markets, wherein great plentie of horsses and colts is bought
+ and sold, and wherevnto such as haue néed resort yearelie to buie and
+ make their necessarie prouision of them, as Rippon, Newport pond,
+ Wolfpit, Harborow, and diuerse other. But as most drouers are verie
+ diligent to bring great store of these vnto those places; so manie of
+ them are too too lewd in abusing such as buie them. For they haue a
+ custome to make them looke faire to the eie, when they come within two
+ daies iourneie of the market, to driue them till they sweat, & for the
+ space of eight or twelue houres, which being doone they turne them all
+ ouer the backs into some water, where they stand for a season, and
+ then go forward with them to the place appointed, where they make sale
+ of their infected ware, and such as by this meanes doo fall into manie
+ diseases and maladies. Of such outlandish horsses as are dailie
+ brought ouer vnto vs I speake not, as the genet of Spaine, the courser
+ of Naples, the hobbie of Ireland, the Flemish roile, and Scotish nag,
+ bicause that further spéech of them commeth not within the compasse of
+ this treatise, and for whose breed and maintenance (especiallie of the
+ greatest sort) king Henrie the eight erected a noble studderie and for
+ a time had verie good successe with them, till the officers waxing
+ wearie, procured a mixed brood of bastard races, whereby his good
+ purpose came to little effect. Sir Nicholas Arnold of late hath bred
+ the best horsses in England, and written of the maner of their
+ production: would to God his compasse of ground were like to that of
+ Pella in Syria, wherin the king of that nation had vsuallie a
+ studderie of 30000 mares and 300 stallions, as Strabo dooth remember
+ Lib. 16. But to leaue this, let vs sée what may be said of sheepe.
+
+ [Sidenote: Shéepe.]
+ Our shéepe are verie excellent, sith for sweetnesse of flesh they
+ passe all other. And so much are our woolles to be preferred before
+ those of Milesia and other places, that if Iason had knowne the value
+ of them that are bred, and to be had in Britaine, he would neuer haue
+ gone to Colchis to looke for anie there. For as Dionysius Alexandrinus
+ saith in his De situ orbis, it may by spinning be made comparable to
+ the spiders web. What fooles then are our countrimen, in that they
+ séeke to bereue themselues of this commoditie, by practising dailie
+ how to transfer the same to other nations, in carieng ouer their rams
+ & ewes to bréed & increase among them? The first example hereof was
+ giuen vnder Edward the fourth, who not vnderstanding the botome of the
+ sute of sundrie traitorous merchants, that sought a present gaine with
+ the perpetuall hinderance of their countrie, licenced them to carie
+ ouer certeine numbers of them into Spaine, who hauing licence but for
+ a few shipped verie manie: a thing commonlie practised in other
+ commodities also, whereby the prince and hir land are not seldome
+ times defrauded. But such is our nature, and so blind are we in déed,
+ that we sée no inconuenience before we féele it: and for a present
+ gaine we regard not what damage may insue to our posteritie. Hereto
+ some other man would ad also the desire that we haue to benefit other
+ countries, and to impech our owne. And it is so sure as God liueth,
+ that euerie trifle which commeth from beyond the sea, though it be not
+ woorth thrée pence, is more estéemed than a continuall commoditie at
+ home with vs, which far excéedeth that value. In time past the vse of
+ this commoditie consisted (for the most part) in cloth and woolsteds:
+ but now by meanes of strangers succoured here from domesticall
+ persecution, the same hath béene imploied vnto sundrie other vses, as
+ mockados, baies, vellures, grograines, &c: whereby the makers haue
+ reaped no small commoditie. It is furthermore to be noted, for the low
+ countries of Belgie know it, and dailie experience (notwithstanding
+ the sharpenesse of our lawes to the contrarie) dooth yet confirme it:
+ that although our rams & weathers doo go thither from vs neuer so well
+ headed according to their kind: yet after they haue remained there a
+ while, they cast there their heads, and from thencefoorth they remaine
+ [Sidenote: Shéepe without hornes.]
+ polled without any hornes at all. Certes this kind of cattell is more
+ cherished in England, than standeth well with the commoditie of the
+ commons, or prosperitie of diuerse townes, whereof some are wholie
+ conuerted to their féeding: yet such a profitable sweetnesse is their
+ fléece, such necessitie in their flesh, and so great a benefit in the
+ manuring of barren soile with their doong and pisse, that their
+ superfluous numbers are the better borne withall. And there is neuer
+ an husbandman (for now I speake not of our great shéepemasters of whom
+ some one man hath 20000) but hath more or lesse of this cattell
+ féeding on his fallowes and short grounds, which yéeld the finer
+ fléece, as Virgil (following Varro) well espied Georg. 3. where he
+ saith:
+
+   "Si tibi lanicium curæ, primum aspera sylua,
+   Lappæque tribulíque absint, fuge pabula læta."
+
+ Neuerthelesse the shéepe of our countrie are often troubled with the
+ rot (as are our swine with the measels though neuer so generallie) and
+ manie men are now and then great losers by the same: but after the
+ calamitie is ouer, if they can recouer and kéepe their new stocks
+ sound for seauen yeares togither, the former losse will easilie be
+ recompensed with double commoditie. Cardan writeth that our waters are
+ hurtfull to our shéepe, howbeit this is but his coniecture: for we
+ know that our shéepe are infected by going to the water, and take the
+ same as a sure and certeine token that a rot hath gotten hold of them,
+ their liuers and lights being alredie distempered through excessiue
+ heat, which inforceth them the rather to séeke vnto the water. Certes
+ there is no parcell of the maine, wherin a man shall generallie find
+ more fine and wholesome water than in England; and therefore it is
+ impossible that our shéepe should decaie by tasting of the same.
+ Wherfore the hinderance by rot is rather to be ascribed to the
+ vnseasonablenes & moisture of the weather in summer, also their
+ licking in of mildewes, gossamire, rowtie fogs, & ranke grasse, full
+ of superfluous iuice: but speciallie (I saie) to ouer moist wether,
+ whereby the continuall raine pearsing into their hollow felles, soketh
+ foorthwith into their flesh, which bringeth them to their baines.
+ Being also infected their first shew of sickenesse is their desire to
+ drinke, so that our waters are not vnto them "Causa ægritudinis," but
+ "Signum morbi," what so euer Cardan doo mainteine to the contrarie.
+ There are (& peraduenture no small babes) which are growne to be so
+ good husbands, that they can make account of euerie ten kine to be
+ cléerelie woorth twentie pounds in c[=o]mon and indifferent yeares, if
+ the milke of fiue shéepe be dailie added to the same. But as I wote
+ not how true this surmise is, bicause it is no part of my trade, so I
+ am sure hereof, that some housewiues can and doo ad dailie a lesse
+ proportion of ewes milke vnto the chéese of so manie kine, whereby
+ their cheese dooth the longer abide moist, and eateth more brickle and
+ mellow than otherwise it would.
+
+ [Sidenote: Goats.]
+ Goats we haue plentie, and of sundrie colours in the west parts of
+ England; especiallie in and towards Wales, and amongst the rockie
+ hilles, by whome the owners doo reape no small aduantage: some also
+ are cherished elsewhere in diuerse stéeds for the benefit of such as
+ are diseased with sundrie maladies, vnto whom (as I heare) their
+ milke, chéese, and bodies of their yoong kids are iudged verie
+ profitable, and therefore inquired for of manie farre and néere.
+ Certes I find among the writers, that the milke of a goat is next in
+ estimation to that of the woman; for that it helpeth the stomach,
+ remooueth oppilations and stoppings of the liuer, and looseth the
+ bellie. Some place also next vnto it the milke of the ew: and thirdlie
+ that of the cow. But hereof I can shew no reason; onelie this I know,
+ that ewes milke is fulsome, sweet, and such in tast, as except such as
+ are vsed vnto it no man will gladlie yéeld to liue and féed withall.
+
+ [Sidenote: Swine.]
+ As for swine, there is no place that hath greater store, nor more
+ wholesome in eating, than are these here in England, which
+ neuerthelesse doo neuer anie good till they come to the table. Of
+ these some we eat greene for porke, and other dried vp into bakon to
+ haue it of more continuance. Lard we make some though verie little,
+ because it is chargeable: neither haue we such vse thereof as is to be
+ séene in France and other countries, sith we doo either bake our meat
+ with swéet suet of beefe or mutton, and bast all our meat with sweet
+ or salt butter, or suffer the fattest to bast it selfe by leisure. In
+ champaine countries they are kept by herds, and an hogherd appointed
+ to attend and wait vpon them, who commonlie gathereth them togither by
+ his noise and crie, and leadeth them foorth to féed abroad in the
+ fields. In some places also women doo scowre and wet their cloths with
+ their doong, as other doo with hemlocks and netles: but such is the
+ sauor of the cloths touched withall, that I cannot abide to weare them
+ on my bodie, more than such as are scowred with the reffuse sope, than
+ the which (in mine opinion) there is none more vnkindlie sauor.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bores.]
+ Of our tame bores we make brawne, which is a kind of meat not vsuallie
+ knowne to strangers (as I take it) otherwise would not the swart
+ Rutters and French cookes, at the losse of Calis (where they found
+ great store of this prouision almost in euerie house) haue attempted
+ with ridiculous successe to rost, bake, broile, & frie the same for
+ their masters, till they were better informed. I haue heard moreouer,
+ how a noble man of England, not long since, did send ouer an hogshead
+ of brawne readie sowsed to a catholike gentleman of France, who
+ supposing it to be fish, reserued it till Lent, at which time he did
+ eat thereof with verie great frugalitie. Thereto he so well liked of
+ the prouision it selfe, that he wrote ouer verie earnestlie & with
+ offer of great recompense for more of the same fish against the yeare
+ insuing: whereas if he had knowne it to haue beene flesh, he would not
+ haue touched it (I dare saie) for a thousand crownes without the popes
+ dispensation. A fréend of mine also dwelling sometime in Spaine,
+ hauing certeine Iewes at his table, did set brawne before them,
+ whereof they did eat verie earnestlie, supposing it to be a kind of
+ fish not common in those parties: but when the goodman of the house
+ brought in the head in pastime among them, to shew what they had
+ eaten, they rose from the table, hied them home in hast, ech of them
+ procuring himselfe to vomit, some by oile, and some by other meanes,
+ till (as they supposed) they had clensed their stomachs of that
+ prohibited food. With vs it is accounted a great péece of seruice at
+ the table, from Nouember vntill Februarie be ended; but chéeflie in
+ the Christmasse time. With the same also we begin our dinners ech daie
+ after other: and because it is somewhat hard of digestion, a draught
+ of malueseie, bastard, or muscadell, is vsuallie droonke after it,
+ where either of them are conuenientlie to be had: otherwise the meaner
+ sort content themselues with their owne drinke, which at that season
+ is generallie verie strong, and stronger indéed than in all the yeare
+ [Sidenote: Brawne of the bore.]
+ beside. It is made commonlie of the fore part of a tame bore, set vp
+ for the purpose by the space of a whole yere or two, especiallie in
+ gentlemens houses (for the husbandmen and farmers neuer franke them
+ for their owne vse aboue thrée or foure moneths, or halfe a yéere at
+ the most) in which time he is dieted with otes and peason, and lodged
+ on the bare planks of an vneasie coat, till his fat be hardened
+ sufficientlie for their purpose: afterward he is killed, scalded, and
+ cut out, and then of his former parts is our brawne made, the rest is
+ nothing so fat, and therefore it beareth the name of sowse onelie, and
+ is commonlie reserued for the seruing man and hind, except it please
+ [Sidenote: Baked hog.]
+ the owner to haue anie part therof baked, which are then handled of
+ custome after this manner. The hinder parts being cut off, they are
+ first drawne with lard, and then sodden; being sodden they are sowsed
+ in claret wine and vineger a certeine space, and afterward baked in
+ pasties, and eaten of manie in stéed of the wild bore, and trulie it
+ is verie good meat: the pestles may be hanged vp a while to drie
+ before they be drawne with lard if you will, and thereby prooue the
+ better. But hereof inough, and therefore to come againe vnto our
+ brawne. The necke peeces being cut off round, are called collars of
+ brawne, the shoulders are named shilds, onelie the ribs reteine the
+ former denomination, so that these aforesaid péeces deserue the name
+ of brawne: the bowels of the beast are commonlie cast awaie because of
+ their ranknesse, and so were likewise his stones; till a foolish
+ fantasie got hold of late amongst some delicate dames, who haue now
+ found the meanes to dresse them also with great cost for a deintie
+ dish, and bring them to the boord as a seruice among other of like
+ sort, though not without note of their desire to the prouocation of
+ fleshlie lust, which by this their fond curiositie is not a little
+ reuealed. When the bore is thus cut out, ech peece is wrapped vp,
+ either with bulrushes, ozier péeles, tape, inkle, or such like, and
+ then sodden in a lead or caldron togither, till they be so tender that
+ a man may thrust a brused rush or soft straw cleane through the fat:
+ which being doone, they take it vp, and laie it abroad to coole:
+ afterward putting it into close vessels, they powre either good small
+ ale or béere mingled with veriuice and salt thereto till it be
+ couered, and so let it lie (now and then altering and changing the
+ sowsing drinke least it should wax sowre) till occasion serue to spend
+ it out of the waie. Some vse to make brawne of great barrow hogs, and
+ séeth them, and sowse the whole, as they doo that of the bore; and in
+ my iudgement it is the better of both, and more easie of digestion.
+ But of brawne thus much; and so much may seeme sufficient.
+
+
+
+
+ OF WILD AND TAME FOULES.
+
+ CHAP. II.
+
+
+ Order requireth that I speake somewhat of the foules also of England,
+ which I may easilie diuide into the wild & tame: but alas such is my
+ small skill in foules, that to say the truth, I can neither recite
+ their numbers, nor well distinguish one kind of them from another. Yet
+ this I haue by generall knowledge, that there is no nation vnder the
+ sunne, which hath alreadie in the time of the yere more plentie of
+ wild foule than we, for so manie kinds as our Iland dooth bring
+ foorth, and much more would haue, if those of the higher soile might
+ be spared but one yeare or two, from the greedie engins of couetous
+ foulers, which set onlie for the pot & purse. Certes this enormitie
+ bred great trouble in K. Iohns daies, insomuch that going in progresse
+ about the tenth of his reigne, he found little or no game wherewith to
+ solace himself, or exercise his falcons. Wherfore being at Bristow in
+ the Christmas insuing, he restreined all maner of hawking or taking of
+ wild-foule throughout England for a season, whereby the land within
+ few yeares was throughlie replenished againe. But what stand I vpon
+ this impertinent discourse? Of such therefore as are bred in our land,
+ we haue the crane, the bitter, the wild & tame swan, the bustard, the
+ herron, curlew, snite, wildgoose, wind or doterell, brant, larke,
+ plouer of both sorts, lapwing, teele, wigeon, mallard, sheldrake,
+ shoueler, pewet, seamew, barnacle, quaile (who onelie with man are
+ subiect to the falling sickenesse) the notte, the oliet or olife, the
+ dunbird, woodcocke, partrich and feasant, besides diuerse other, whose
+ names to me are vtterlie vnknowne, and much more the taste of their
+ flesh, wherewith I was neuer acquainted. But as these serue not at all
+ seasons, so in their seuerall turnes there is no plentie of them
+ wanting, whereby the tables of the nobilitie and gentrie should séeme
+ at anie time furnisht. But of all these the production of none is more
+ maruellous in my mind, than that of the barnacle, whose place of
+ generation we haue sought oft times so farre as the Orchades, whereas
+ peraduenture we might haue found the same neerer home, and not onelie
+ vpon the coasts of Ireland, but euen in our owne riuers. If I should
+ say how either these or some such other foule not much vnlike vnto
+ them haue bred of late times (for their place of generation is not
+ perpetuall, but as opportunitie serueth, and the circumstances doo
+ minister occasion) in the Thames mouth, I doo not thinke that manie
+ will beleeue me: yet such a thing hath there béene scene, where a kind
+ of foule had his beginning vpon a short tender shrub standing néere
+ vnto the shore, from whence when their time came, they fell downe,
+ either into the salt water and liued, or vpon the drie land and
+ perished, as Pena the French herbarian hath also noted in the verie
+ end of his herball. What I for mine owne part haue séene here by
+ experience, I haue alreadie so touched in the chapter of Ilands, that
+ it should be but time spent in vaine to repeat it here againe. Looke
+ therefore in the description of Man or Manaw for more of these
+ barnacles, as also in the eleuenth chapter of the description of
+ Scotland, & I doo not doubt but you shall in some respect be satisfied
+ in the generation of these foules. As for egrets, pawpers, and such
+ like, they are dailie brought vnto vs from beyond the sea, as if all
+ the foule of our countrie could not suffice to satisfie our delicate
+ appetites.
+
+ Our tame foule are such (for the most part) as are common both to vs
+ and to other countries, as cocks, hens, géese, duckes, peacocks of
+ Inde, pigeons, now an hurtfull foule by reason of their multitudes,
+ and number of houses dailie erected for their increase (which the
+ bowres of the countrie call in scorne almes houses, and dens of
+ theeues, and such like) wherof there is great plentie in euerie
+ farmers yard. They are kept there also to be sold either for readie
+ monie in the open markets, or else to be spent at home in good
+ companie amongst their neighbors without reprehension or fines.
+ Neither are we so miserable in England (a thing onelie granted vnto vs
+ by the especiall grace of God, and libertie of our princes) as to dine
+ or sup with a quarter of a hen, or to make so great a repast with a
+ cocks combe, as they doo in some other countries: but if occasion
+ serue, the whole carcasses of manie capons, hens, pigeons, and such
+ like doo oft go to wracke, beside béefe, mutton, veale, and lambe: all
+ which at euerie feast are taken for necessarie dishes amongest the
+ communaltie of England.
+
+ The gelding of cocks, whereby capons are made, is an ancient practise
+ brought in of old time by the Romans when they dwelt here in this
+ land: but the gelding of turkies or Indish peacocks is a newer deuise:
+ and certeinlie not vsed amisse, sith the rankenesse of that bird is
+ verie much abated thereby, and the strong taste of the flesh in
+ sundrie wise amended. If I should say that ganders grow also to be
+ gelded, I suppose that some will laugh me to scorne, neither haue I
+ tasted at anie time of such a foule so serued, yet haue I heard it
+ more than once to be vsed in the countrie, where their géese are
+ driuen to the field like heards of cattell by a gooseheard, a toie
+ also no lesse to be maruelled at than the other. For as it is rare to
+ heare of a gelded gander, so is it strange to me to sée or heare of
+ géese to be led to the field like shéepe: yet so it is, & their
+ gooseheard carieth a rattle of paper or parchment with him, when he
+ goeth about in the morning to gather his goslings togither, the noise
+ whereof commeth no sooner to their eares, than they fall to gagling,
+ and hasten to go with him. If it happen that the gates be not yet
+ open, or that none of the house be stirring, it is ridiculous to sée
+ how they will peepe vnder the doores, and neuer leaue creaking and
+ gagling till they be let out vnto him to ouertake their fellowes. With
+ vs where I dwell they are not kept in this sort, nor in manie other
+ places, neither are they kept so much for their bodies as their
+ feathers. Some hold furthermore an opinion, that in ouer ranke soiles
+ their doong dooth so qualifie the batablenesse of the soile, that
+ their cattell is thereby kept from the garget, and sundrie other
+ diseases, although some of them come to their ends now and then, by
+ licking vp of their feathers. I might here make mention of other
+ foules producted by the industrie of man, as betwéene the fesant cocke
+ and doonghill hen, or betwéene the fesant and the ringdooue, the
+ peacocke and the turkie hen, the partrich and the pigeon: but sith I
+ haue no more knowledge of these, than what I haue gotten by mine eare,
+ I will not meddle with them. Yet Cardan speaking of the second sort,
+ dooth affirme it to be a foule of excellent beautie. I would likewise
+ intreat of other foules which we repute vncleane, as rauens, crowes,
+ pies, choughes, rookes, kites, iaies, ringtailes, starlings,
+ woodspikes, woodnawes, rauens, &c: but sith they abound in all
+ countries, though peraduenture most of all in England (by reason of
+ our negligence) I shall not néed to spend anie time in the rehearsall
+ of them. Neither are our crowes and choughs cherished of purpose to
+ catch vp the woormes that bréed in our soiles (as Polydor supposeth)
+ sith there are no vplandish townes but haue (or should haue) nets of
+ their owne in store to catch them withall. Sundrie acts of parlement
+ are likewise made for their vtter destruction, as also the spoile of
+ other rauenous fouls hurtfull to pultrie, conies, lambs, and kids,
+ whose valuation of reward to him that killeth them is after the head:
+ a deuise brought from the Goths, who had the like ordinance for the
+ destruction of their white crowes, and tale made by the becke, which
+ killed both lambs and pigs. The like order is taken with vs for our
+ vermines, as with them also for the rootage out of their wild beasts,
+ sauing that they spared their greatest beares, especiallie the white,
+ whose skins are by custome & priuilege reserued to couer those
+ planchers wherevpon their priests doo stand at Masse, least he should
+ take some vnkind cold in such a long péece of worke: and happie is the
+ man that may prouide them for him, for he shall haue pardon inough for
+ that so religious an act, to last if he will till doomes day doo
+ approch; and manie thousands after. Nothing therefore can be more
+ vnlikelie to be true, than that these noisome creatures are nourished
+ amongst vs to deuoure our wormes, which doo not abound much more in
+ England than elsewhere in other countries of the maine. It may be that
+ some looke for a discourse also of our other foules in this place at
+ my hand, as nightingales, thrushes, blackebirds, mauises, ruddocks,
+ redstarts or dunocks, larkes, tiuits, kingsfishers, buntings, turtles
+ white or graie, linets, bulfinshes, goldfinshes, washtailes,
+ cheriecrackers, yellowhamers, felfares, &c: but I should then spend
+ more time vpon them than is conuenient. Neither will I speake of our
+ costlie and curious auiaries dailie made for the better hearing of
+ their melodie, and obseruation of their natures: but I cease also to
+ go anie further in these things, hauing (as I thinke) said inough
+ alreadie of these that I haue named.
+
+
+
+
+ OF FISH VSUALLIE TAKEN VPON OUR COASTS.
+
+ CHAP. III.
+
+
+ I haue in my description of waters, as occasion hath serued, intreated
+ of the names of some of the seuerall fishes which are commonlie to bée
+ found in our riuers. Neuerthelesse as euerie water hath a sundrie
+ mixture, and therefore is not stored with euerie kind: so there is
+ almost no house, euen of the meanest bowres, which haue not one or mo
+ ponds or holes made for reseruation of water vnstored with some of
+ them, as with tench, carpe, breame, roch, dace, eeles, or such like as
+ will liue and bréed togither. Certes it is not possible for me to
+ deliuer the names of all such kinds of fishes as our riuers are found
+ to beare: yet least I should séeme iniurious to the reader, in not
+ deliuering so manie of them as haue béene brought to my knowledge, I
+ will not let to set them downe as they doo come to mind. Besides the
+ salmons therefore, which are not to be taken from the middest of
+ September to the middest of Nouember, and are verie plentifull in our
+ greatest riuers, as their yoong store are not to be touched from mid
+ Aprill vnto Midsummer, we haue the trout, barbell, graile, powt,
+ cheuin, pike, goodgeon, smelt, perch, menan, shrimpes, creuises,
+ lampreies, and such like, whose preseruation is prouided for by verie
+ sharpe lawes, not onelie in our riuers, but also in plashes or lakes
+ and ponds, which otherwise would bring small profit to the owners, and
+ doo much harme by continuall maintenance of idle persons, who would
+ spend their whole times vpon their bankes, not coueting to labour with
+ their hands, nor follow anie good trade. Of all these there are none
+ more preiudiciall to their neighbours that dwell in the same water,
+ than the pike and éele, which commonlie deuoure such fish or frie and
+ spawne as they may get and come by. Neuerthelesse the pike is fréend
+ vnto the tench, as to his leach & surgeon. For when the fishmonger
+ hath opened his side and laid out his riuet and fat vnto the buier,
+ for the better vtterance of his ware, and can not make him away at
+ that present, he laieth the same againe into the proper place, and
+ sowing vp the wound, he restoreth him to the pond where tenches are,
+ who neuer cease to sucke and licke his greeued place, till they haue
+ restored him to health, and made him readie to come againe to the
+ stall, when his turne shall come about. I might here make report how
+ the pike, carpe, and some other of our riuer fishes are sold by inches
+ of cleane fish, from the eies or gilles to the crotch of the tailes,
+ but it is needlesse: also how the pike as he ageth receiueth diuerse
+ names, as from a frie to a gilthed, from a gilthed to a pod, from a
+ pod to a iacke, from a iacke to a pickerell, from a pickerell to a
+ pike, and last of all to a luce; also that a salmon is the first yeare
+ a grauellin, and commonlie so big as an herring, the second a salmon
+ peale, the third a pug, and the fourth a salmon: but this is in like
+ sort vnnecessarie.
+
+ I might finallie tell you, how that in fennie riuers sides if you cut
+ a turffe, and laie it with the grasse downewards, vpon the earth, in
+ such sort as the water may touch it as it passeth by, you shall haue a
+ brood of éeles, it would seeme a wonder; and yet it is beleeued with
+ no lesse assurance of some, than that an horse haire laid in a pale
+ full of the like water will in short time stirre and become a liuing
+ creature. But sith the certeintie of these things is rather prooued by
+ few than the certeintie of them knowne vnto manie, I let it passe at
+ this time. Neuerthelesse this is generallie obserued in the
+ maintenance of frie so well in riuers as in ponds, that in the time of
+ spawne we vse to throw in faggots made of willow and sallow, and now
+ and then of bushes for want of the other, whereby such spawne as
+ falleth into the same is preserued and kept from the pike, perch, éele
+ and other fish, of which the carpe also will féed vpon his owne, and
+ thereby hinder the store and increase of proper kind. Some vse in
+ euerie fift or seauenth yeere to laie their great ponds drie for all
+ the summer time, to the end they may gather grasse, and a thin swart
+ for the fish to feed vpon; and afterwards store them with bréeders,
+ after the water be let of new againe into them: finallie, when they
+ haue spawned, they draw out the bréeders, leauing not aboue foure or
+ six behind, euen in the greatest ponds, by meanes whereof the rest doo
+ prosper the better: and this obseruation is most vsed in carpe and
+ breame; as for perch (a delicate fish) it prospereth euerie where, I
+ meane so well in ponds as riuers, and also in motes and pittes, as I
+ doo know by experience, though their bottoms be but claie. More would
+ I write of our fresh fish, if anie more were needfull; wherefore I
+ will now turne ouer vnto such of the salt water as are taken vpon our
+ coasts. As our foules therefore haue their seasons, so likewise haue
+ all our sorts of sea fish: whereby it commeth to passe that none, or
+ at the leastwise verie few of them are to be had at all times.
+ Neuerthelesse, the seas that inuiron our coasts, are of all other most
+ plentifull: for as by reason of their depth they are a great succour,
+ so our low shores minister great plentie of food vnto the fish that
+ come thereto, no place being void or barren, either through want of
+ food for them, or the falles of filthie riuers, which naturallie
+ annoie them. In December therefore and Ianuarie we commonlie abound in
+ herring and red fish, as rochet, and gurnard. In Februarie and March
+ we féed on plaice, trowts, turbut, muskles, &c. In April and Maie,
+ with makrell, and cockles. In Iune and Iulie, with conger. In August
+ and September, with haddocke and herring: and the two moneths insuing
+ with the same, as also thornbacke and reigh of all sorts; all which
+ are the most vsuall, and wherewith our common sort are best of all
+ refreshed.
+
+ For mine owne part I am greatlie acquainted neither with the seasons,
+ nor yet with the fish it selfe: and therefore if I should take vpon me
+ to describe or speake of either of them absolutelie, I should
+ enterprise more than I am able to performe, and go in hand with a
+ greater matter than I can well bring about. It shall suffice therefore
+ to declare what sorts of fishes I haue most often séene, to the end I
+ may not altogither passe ouer this chapter without the rehersall of
+ something, although the whole summe of that which I haue to saie be
+ nothing indeed, if the performance of a full discourse hereof be anie
+ thing hardlie required.
+
+ Of fishes therefore as I find fiue sorts, the flat, the round, the
+ [Sidenote: Flat fish.]
+ long, the legged and shelled: so the flat are diuided into the smooth,
+ scaled and tailed. Of the first are the plaice, the but, the turbut,
+ birt, floke or sea flounder, dorreie, dab, &c. Of the second the
+ soles, &c. Of the third, our chaits, maidens, kingsons, flath and
+ thornbacke, whereof the greater be for the most part either dried and
+ carried into other countries, or sodden, sowsed, & eaten here at home,
+ whilest the lesser be fried or buttered; soone after they be taken as
+ prouision not to be kept long for feare of putrifaction. Vnder the
+ [Sidenote: Round fish.]
+ round kinds are commonlie comprehended lumps, an vglie fish to sight,
+ and yet verie delicat in eating, if it be kindlie dressed: the whiting
+ (an old waiter or seruitor in the court) the rochet, sea breame,
+ pirle, hake, sea trowt, gurnard, haddocke, cod, herring, pilchard,
+ sprat, and such like. And these are they whereof I haue best
+ knowledge, and be commonlie to be had in their times vpon our coasts.
+ Vnder this kind also are all the great fish conteined, as the seale,
+ the dolphin, the porpoise, the thirlepole, whale, and whatsoeuer is
+ [Sidenote: Long fish.]
+ round of bodie be it neuer so great and huge. Of the long sort are
+ congers, eeles, garefish, and such other of that forme. Finallie, of
+ [Sidenote: Legged fish.]
+ the legged kind we haue not manie, neither haue I seene anie more of
+ this sort than the Polypus called in English the lobstar, crafish or
+ creuis, and the crab. As for the little crafishes they are not taken
+ in the sea, but plentifullie in our fresh riuers in banks, and vnder
+ stones, where they kéepe themselues in most secret maner, and oft by
+ likenesse of colour with the stones among which they lie, deceiue euen
+ the skilfull takers of them, except they vse great diligence. Carolus
+ Stephanus in his maison rustique, doubted whether these lobstars be
+ fish or not; and in the end concludeth them to grow of the purgation
+ of the water as dooth the frog, and these also not to be eaten, for
+ that they be strong and verie hard of digestion. But hereof let other
+ determine further.
+
+ I might here speake of sundrie other fishes now and then taken also
+ vpon our coasts: but sith my mind is onelie to touch either all such
+ as are vsuallie gotten, or so manie of them onelie as I can well
+ rehearse vpon certeine knowledge, I thinke it good at this time to
+ forbeare the further intreatie of them. As touching the shellie sort,
+ we haue plentie of oisters, whose valure in old time for their
+ swéetnesse was not vnknowne in Rome (although Mutianus as Plinie
+ noteth lib. 32, cap. 6. preferre the Cyzicene before them) and these
+ we haue in like maner of diuerse quantities, and no lesse varietie
+ also of our muskles and cockles. We haue in like sort no small store
+ of great whelkes, scalops and perewinkles, and each of them brought
+ farre into the land from the sea coast in their seuerall seasons. And
+ albeit our oisters are generallie forborne in the foure hot moneths of
+ the yeare, that is to saie, Maie, Iune, Iulie, and August, which are
+ void of the letter R: yet in some places they be continuallie eaten,
+ where they be kept in pits as I haue knowne by experience. And thus
+ much of our sea fish as a man in maner vtterlie vnacquainted with
+ their diuersitie of kinds: yet so much haue I yéelded to doo, hoping
+ hereafter to saie somewhat more, and more orderlie of them, if it
+ shall please God that I may liue and haue leasure once againe to
+ peruse this treatise, and so make vp a perfect péece of worke, of that
+ which as you now sée is verie slenderlie attempted and begun.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SAUAGE BEASTS AND VERMINES.
+
+ CHAP. IV.
+
+
+ It is none of the least blessings wherewith God hath indued this
+ Iland, that it is void of noisome beasts, as lions, beares, tigers,
+ pardes, wolfes, & such like, by means whereof our countrimen may
+ trauell in safetie, & our herds and flocks remaine for the most part
+ abroad in the field without anie herdman or kéeper.
+
+ This is cheefelie spoken of the south and southwest parts of the
+ Iland. For wheras we that dwell on this side of the Twed, may safelie
+ boast of our securitie in this behalfe: yet cannot the Scots doo the
+ like in euerie point within their kingdome, sith they haue greeuous
+ [Sidenote: Woolfes.]
+ woolfes and cruell foxes, beside some other of like disposition
+ continuallie conuersant among them, to the generall hinderance of
+ their husbandmen, and no small damage vnto the inhabiters of those
+ quarters. The happie and fortunate want of these beasts in England is
+ vniuersallie ascribed to the politike gouernement of king Edgar, who
+ to the intent the whole countrie might once be clensed and clearelie
+ rid of them, charged the conquered Welshmen (who were then pestered
+ with these rauenous creatures aboue measure) to paie him a yearelie
+ [Sidenote: Tribute of Woolfes skins.]
+ tribute of woolfes skinnes, to be gathered within the land. He
+ appointed them thereto a certeine number of three hundred, with free
+ libertie for their prince to hunt & pursue them ouer all quarters of
+ the realme; as our chronicles doo report. Some there be which write
+ how Ludwall prince of Wales paid yearelie to king Edgar this tribute
+ of thrée hundred woolfes, whose carcases being brought into Lhoegres,
+ were buried at Wolfpit in Cambridgeshire, and that by meanes thereof
+ within the compasse and terme of foure yeares, none of those noisome
+ creatures were left to be heard of within Wales and England. Since
+ this time also we read not that anie woolfe hath béene séene here that
+ hath beene bred within the bounds and limits of our countrie: howbeit
+ there haue béene diuerse brought ouer from beyond the seas for
+ gréedinesse of gaine, and to make monie onlie by the gasing and gaping
+ of our people vpon them, who couet oft to see them being strange
+ beasts in their eies, and sildome knowne (as I haue said) in England.
+
+ Lions we haue had verie manie in the north parts of Scotland, and
+ those with maines of no lesse force than they of Mauritania were
+ sometimes reported to be; but how and when they were destroied as yet
+ I doo not read. They had in like sort no lesse plentie of wild and
+ cruell buls, which the princes and their nobilitie in the frugall time
+ of the land did hunt, and follow for the triall of their manhood, and
+ by pursute either on horssebacke or foot in armor; notwithstanding
+ that manie times they were dangerouslie assailed by them. But both
+ these sauage cretures are now not heard of, or at the least wise the
+ later scarselie known in the south parts. Howbeit this I gather by
+ their being here, that our Iland was not cut from the maine by the
+ great deluge or flood of Noah: but long after, otherwise the
+ generation of those & other like creatures could not haue extended
+ into our Ilands. For, that anie man would of set purpose replenish the
+ countrie with them for his pleasure and pastime in hunting, I can in
+ no wise beléeue.
+
+ [Sidenote: Foxes.]
+ [Sidenote: Badgers.]
+ Of foxes we haue some but no great store, and also badgers in our
+ sandie & light grounds, where woods, firzes, broome, and plentie of
+ shrubs are to shrowd them in, when they be from their borrowes, and
+ thereto warrens of conies at hand to féed vpon at will. Otherwise in
+ claie, which we call the cledgie mould, we sildom heare of anie,
+ bicause the moisture and toughnesse of the soile is such, as will not
+ suffer them to draw and make their borrowes déepe. Certes if I may
+ fréelie saie what I thinke, I suppose that these two kinds (I meane
+ foxes and badgers) are rather preserued by gentlemen to hunt and haue
+ pastime withall at their owne pleasures, than otherwise suffered to
+ liue, as not able to be destroied bicause of their great numbers. For
+ such is the scantitie of them here in England, in comparison of the
+ plentie that is to be seene in other countries, and so earnestlie are
+ the inhabitants bent to root them out, that except it had béene to
+ beare thus with the recreations of their superiors in this behalfe, it
+ could not otherwise haue béene chosen, but that they should haue béene
+ vtterlie destroied by manie yeares agone.
+
+ I might here intreat largelie of other vermine, as the polcat, the
+ miniuer, the weasell, stote, fulmart, squirrill, fitchew, and such
+ like, which Cardan includeth vnder the word Mustela: also of the
+ [Sidenote: Beuers.]
+ otter, and likewise of the beuer, whose hinder féet and taile onlie
+ are supposed to be fish. Certes the taile of this beast is like vnto a
+ thin whetstone, as the bodie vnto a monsterous rat: the beast also it
+ selfe is of such force in the téeth, that it will gnaw an hole through
+ a thicke planke, or shere thorough a dubble billet in a night; it
+ loueth also the stillest riuers: & it is giuen to them by nature, to
+ go by flockes vnto the woods at hand, where they gather sticks
+ wherewith to build their nests, wherein their bodies lie drie aboue
+ the water, although they so prouide most commonlie, that their tailes
+ may hang within the same. It is also reported that their said tailes
+ are a delicate dish, and their stones of such medicinable force, that
+ (as Vertomannus saith) foure men smelling vnto them each after other
+ did bleed at the nose through their attractiue force, procéeding from
+ a vehement sauour wherewith they are indued: there is greatest plentie
+ of them in Persia, chéefelie about Balascham, from whence they and
+ their dried cods are brought into all quarters of the world, though
+ not without some forgerie by such as prouide them. And of all these
+ here remembred, as the first sorts are plentifull in euerie wood and
+ hedgerow: so these latter, especiallie the otter (for to saie the
+ truth we haue not manie beuers, but onelie in the Teifie in Wales) is
+ not wanting or to séeke in manie, but most streams and riuers of this
+ Ile: but it shall suffice in this sort to haue named them as I doo
+ [Sidenote: Marterns.]
+ finallie the marterne, a beast of the chase, although for number I
+ worthilie doubt whether that of our beuers or marterns may be thought
+ to be the lesse.
+
+ Other pernicious beasts we haue not, except you repute the great
+ plentie of red & fallow déere, whose colours are oft garled white and
+ blacke, all white or all blacke, and store of conies amongst the
+ hurtfull sort. Which although that of themselues they are not
+ offensiue at all, yet their great numbers are thought to be verie
+ preiudiciall, and therfore iustlie reprooued of many; as are in like
+ sort our huge flocks of shéepe, whereon the greatest part of our soile
+ is emploied almost in euerie place, and yet our mutton, wooll, and
+ felles neuer the better cheape. The yoong males which our fallow deere
+ doo bring foorth, are commonlie named according to their seuerall
+ ages: for the first yéere it is a fawne, the second a puckot, the
+ third a serell, the fourth a soare, the fift a bucke of the first
+ head; not bearing the name of a bucke till he be fiue yéers old: and
+ from hencefoorth his age is commonlie knowne by his head or horns.
+ Howbeit this notice of his yéers is not so certeine, but that the best
+ woodman may now and then be deceiued in that account: for in some
+ grounds a bucke of the first head will be so well headed as another in
+ a high rowtie soile will be in the fourth. It is also much to be
+ maruelled at, that whereas they doo yéerelie mew and cast their horns;
+ yet in fighting they neuer breake off where they doo grife or mew.
+ Furthermore, in examining the condition of our red déere, I find that
+ the yoong male is called in the first yéere a calfe, in the second a
+ broket, the third a spaie, the fourth a stagon or stag, the fift a
+ great stag, the sixt an hart, and so foorth vnto his death. And with
+ him in degrée of venerie are accounted the hare, bore, and woolfe. The
+ fallow déere as bucks and does, are nourished in parkes, and conies in
+ warrens and burrowes. As for hares, they run at their owne aduenture,
+ except some gentleman or other (for his pleasure) doo make an
+ [Sidenote: Stags.]
+ inclosure for them. Of these also the stag is accounted for the most
+ noble game, the fallow déere is the next, then the roe, whereof we
+ haue indifferent store; and last of all the hare, not the least in
+ estimation, because the hunting of that seelie beast is mother to all
+ the terms, blasts, and artificiall deuises that hunters doo vse. All
+ which (notwithstanding our custome) are pastimes more méet for ladies
+ and gentlewomen to exercise (whatsoeuer Franciscus Patritius saith to
+ the contrarie in his institution of a prince) than for men of courage
+ to follow, whose hunting should practise their armes in tasting of
+ their manhood, and dealing with such beasts as eftsoones will turne
+ againe, and offer them the hardest rather than their horsses féet,
+ which manie times may carrie them with dishonour from the field.
+ Surelie this noble kind of hunting onelie did great princes frequent
+ in times past, as it may yet appéere by the histories of their times,
+ especiallie of Alexander, who at vacant times hunted the tiger, the
+ pard, the bore, and the beare, but most willinglie lions, because of
+ the honorable estimation of that beast; insomuch that at one time he
+ caused an od or chosen lion (for force and beautie) to be let foorth
+ vnto him hand to hand, with whome he had much businesse, albeit that
+ in the end he ouerthrew and killed the beast. Herevnto beside that
+ which we read of the vsuall hunting of the princes and kings of
+ Scotland, of the wild bull, woolfe, &c: the example of king Henrie the
+ first of England, who disdaining (as he termed them) to follow or
+ pursue cowards, cherished of set purpose sundrie kinds of wild beasts,
+ as bears, libards, ounces, lions at Woodstocke, & one or two other
+ places in England, which he walled about with hard stone, An. 1120,
+ and where he would often fight with some one of them hand to hand,
+ when they did turne againe and make anie raise vpon him: but chéeflie
+ he loued to hunt the lion and the bore, which are both verie dangerous
+ exercises, especiallie that with the lion, except some policie be
+ found wherwith to trouble his eiesight in anie manner of wise. For
+ though the bore be fierce, and hath learned by nature to harden his
+ flesh and skin against the trées, to sharpen his teeth, and defile
+ himselfe with earth, thereby to prohibit the entrance of the weapons:
+ yet is the sport somewhat more easie, especiallie where two stand so
+ neere togither, that the one (if néed be) may helpe and be a succour
+ to the other. Neither would he cease for all this to follow his
+ pastime, either on horssebacke or on foot, as occasion serued, much
+ like the yoonger Cyrus. I haue read of wild bores and bulles to haue
+ béene about Blackleie néere Manchester, whither the said prince would
+ now and then resort also for his solace in that behalfe, as also to
+ come by those excellent falcons then bred thereabouts; but now they
+ are gone, especiallie the bulles, as I haue said alreadie.
+
+ King Henrie the fift in his beginning thought it a méere scofferie to
+ pursue anie fallow déere with hounds or greihounds, but supposed
+ himselfe alwaies to haue doone a sufficient act when he had tired them
+ by his owne trauell on foot, and so killed them with his hands in the
+ vpshot of that exercise and end of his recreation. Certes herein he
+ resembled Polymnestor Milesius, of whome it is written, how he ran so
+ swiftlie, that he would and did verie often ouertake hares for his
+ pleasure, which I can hardlie beleeue: and therefore much lesse that
+ one Lidas did run so lightlie and swiftlie after like game, that as he
+ passed ouer the sand, he left not so much as the prints of his feet
+ behind him. And thus did verie manie in like sort with the hart (as I
+ doo read) but this I thinke was verie long agone, when men were farre
+ higher and swifter than they are now: and yet I denie not, but rather
+ grant willinglie that the hunting of the red deere is a right
+ princelie pastime. In diuerse forren countries they cause their red
+ and fallow déere to draw the plough, as we doo our oxen and horsses.
+ [Sidenote: Hinds haue béene milked.]
+ In some places also they milke their hinds as we doo here our kine and
+ goats. And the experience of this latter is noted by Giraldus
+ Cambrensis to haue beene séene and vsed in Wales, where he did eat
+ cheese made of hinds milke, at such time as Baldwine archbishop of
+ Canturburie preached the croisad there, when they were both lodged in
+ a gentlemans house, whose wife of purpose kept a deirie of the same.
+ As for the plowing with vres (which I suppose to be vnlikelie) because
+ they are (in mine opinion) vntameable and alkes a thing commonlie vsed
+ in the east countries; here is no place to speake of it, since we want
+ these kind of beasts, neither is it my purpose to intreat at large of
+ other things than are to be seene in England. Wherfore I will omit to
+ saie anie more of wild and sauage beasts at this time, thinking my
+ selfe to haue spoken alreadie sufficientlie of this matter, if not too
+ much in the iudgement of the curious.
+
+
+
+
+ OF HAWKES AND RAUENOUS FOULES.
+
+ CHAP. V.
+
+
+ I can not make (as yet) anie iust report how manie sorts of hawkes are
+ bred within this realme. Howbeit which of those that are vsuallie had
+ among vs are disclosed with in this land, I thinke it more easie and
+ lesse difficult to set downe. First of all therefore that we haue the
+ egle, common experience dooth euidentlie confirme, and diuerse of our
+ rockes whereon they bréed, if speach did serue, could well declare the
+ same. But the most excellent aierie of all is not much from Chester,
+ at a castell called Dinas Bren, sometime builded by Brennus, as our
+ writers doo remember. Certes this castell is no great thing, but yet a
+ pile sometime verie strong and inaccessible for enimies, though now
+ all ruinous as manie other are. It standeth vpon an hard rocke, in the
+ side whereof an eagle bréedeth euerie yeare. This also is notable in
+ the ouerthrow of hir nest (a thing oft attempted) that he which goeth
+ thither must be sure of two large baskets, and so prouide to be let
+ downe thereto, that he may sit in the one and be couered with the
+ other: for otherwise the eagle would kill him, and teare the flesh
+ from his bones with hir sharpe talons though his apparell were neuer
+ so good. The common people call this foule an erne, but as I am
+ ignorant whither the word eagle and erne doo shew anie difference of
+ sexe, I meane betwéene the male and female, so we haue great store of
+ them. And néere to the places where they bréed, the commons complaine
+ of great harme to be doone by them in their fields: for they are able
+ to beare a yoong lambe or kid vnto their neasts, therwith to féed
+ their yoong and come againe for more. I was once of the opinion that
+ there was a diuersitie of kind betwéene the eagle and the erne, till I
+ perceiued that our nation vsed the word erne in most places for the
+ eagle. We haue also the lanner and the lanneret: the tersell and the
+ gosehawke: the musket and the sparhawke: the iacke and the hobbie: and
+ finallie some (though verie few) marlions. And these are all the
+ hawkes that I doo heare as yet to be bred within this Iland. Howbeit
+ as these are not wanting with vs, so are they not verie plentifull:
+ wherefore such as delite in hawking doo make their chiefe purueiance &
+ prouision for the same out of Danske, Germanie, and the Eastcountries,
+ from whence we haue them in great abundance, and at excessiue prices,
+ whereas at home and where they be bred they are sold for almost right
+ naught, and vsuallie brought to the markets as chickins, pullets and
+ pigeons are with vs, and there bought vp to be eaten (as we doo the
+ aforesaid foules) almost of euerie man. It is said that the sparhawke
+ preieth not vpon the foule in the morning that she taketh ouer euen,
+ but as loth to haue double benefit by one seelie foule, dooth let it
+ go to make some shift for it selfe. But hereof as I stand in some
+ doubt, so this I find among the writers worthie the noting, that the
+ sparhawke is enimie to yoong children, as is also the ape; but of the
+ pecocke she is maruellouslie afraid & so appalled, that all courage &
+ stomach for a time is taken from hir vpon the sight thereof. But to
+ proceed with the rest. Of other rauenous birds we haue also verie
+ great plentie, as the bussard, the kite, the ringtaile, dunkite, &
+ such as often annoie our countrie dames by spoiling of their yoong
+ bréeds of chickens, duckes and goslings, wherevnto our verie rauens
+ and crowes haue learned also the waie: and so much are our rauens
+ giuen to this kind of spoile, that some idle and curious heads of set
+ purpose haue manned, reclaimed, and vsed them in stéed of hawkes, when
+ other could not be had. Some doo imagine that the rauen should be the
+ vulture, and I was almost persuaded in times past to beleeue the same:
+ but finding of late a description of the vulture, which better agreeth
+ with the forme of a second kind of eagle, I fréelie surcease to be
+ longer of that opinion: for as it hath after a sort the shape, colour,
+ and quantitie of an eagle, so are the legs and feet more hairie and
+ rough, their sides vnder their wings better couered with thicke downe
+ (wherewith also their gorge or a part of their brest vnder their
+ throtes is armed, and not with fethers) than are the like parts of the
+ eagle, and vnto which portraiture there is no member of the rauen (who
+ is also verie blacke of colour) that can haue anie resemblance: we
+ haue none of them in England to my knowledge, if we haue, they go
+ generallie vnder the name of eagle or erne. Neither haue we the
+ pygargus or gripe, wherefore I haue no occasion to intreat further. I
+ haue séene the carren crowes so cunning also by their owne industrie
+ of late, that they haue vsed to soare ouer great riuers (as the Thames
+ for example) & suddenlie comming downe haue caught a small fish in
+ their féet & gone awaie withall without wetting of their wings. And
+ euen at this present the aforesaid riuer is not without some of them,
+ a thing (in my opinion) not a little to be wondered at. We haue also
+ ospraies which bréed with vs in parks and woods, wherby the kéepers of
+ the same doo reape in bréeding time no small commoditie: for so soone
+ almost as the yoong are hatched, they tie them to the but ends or
+ ground ends of sundrie trees, where the old ones finding them, doo
+ neuer cease to bring fish vnto them, which the keepers take & eat from
+ them, and commonlie is such as is well fed, or not of the worst sort.
+ It hath not béene my hap hitherto to see anie of these foules, &
+ partlie through mine owne negligence: but I heare that it hath one
+ foot like an hawke to catch hold withall, and another resembling a
+ goose wherewith to swim; but whether it be so or not so, I refer the
+ further search and triall thereof vnto some other. This neuertheles is
+ certeine that both aliue and dead, yea euen hir verie oile is a
+ deadlie terrour to such fish as come within the wind of it. There is
+ no cause wherefore I should describe the cormorant amongst hawkes, of
+ which some be blacke and manie pied chiefelie about the Ile of Elie,
+ where they are taken for the night rauen, except I should call him a
+ water hawke. But sith such dealing is not conuenient, let vs now sée
+ what may be said of our venemous wormes, and how manie kinds we haue
+ of them within our realme and countrie.
+
+
+
+
+ OF VENEMOUS BEASTS.
+
+ CHAP. VI.
+
+
+ If I should go about to make anie long discourse of venemous beasts or
+ wormes bred in England, I should attempt more than occasion it selfe
+ would readilie offer, sith we haue verie few worms, but no beasts at
+ all, that are thought by their naturall qualities to be either
+ venemous or hurtfull. First of all therefore we haue the adder (in our
+ old Saxon toong called an atter) which some men doo not rashlie take
+ to be the viper. Certes if it be so, then is it not the viper author
+ [Sidenote: * _Galenus de Theriaca ad Pisonem._
+ * _Plin. lib. 10. cap. 62._]
+ of the death of hir [*] parents, as some histories affirme; and
+ thereto Encelius a late writer in his "De re metallica," lib. 3. cap.
+ 38. where he maketh mention of a she adder which he saw in Sala, whose
+ wombe (as he saith) was eaten out after a like fashion, hir yoong ones
+ lieng by hir in the sunne shine, as if they had béene earth worms.
+ Neuerthelesse as he nameth them "Viperas," so he calleth the male
+ Echis, and the female Echidna, concluding in the end that Echis is the
+ same serpent which his countrimen to this daie call Ein atter, as I
+ haue also noted before out of a Saxon dictionarie. For my part I am
+ persuaded that the slaughter of their parents is either not true at
+ all, or not alwaies (although I doubt not but that nature hath right
+ well prouided to inhibit their superfluous increase by some meanes or
+ other) and so much the rather am I led herevnto, for that I gather by
+ Nicander, that of all venemous worms the viper onelie bringeth out hir
+ yoong aliue, and therefore is called in Latine "Vipera quasi
+ viuipara:" but of hir owne death he dooth not (to my remembrance) saie
+ any thing. It is testified also by other in other words, & to the like
+ sense, that "Echis id est vipera sola ex serpentibus non oua sed
+ animalia parit." And it may well be, for I remember that I haue read
+ in Philostratus "De vita Appollonij,"
+
+ [Sidenote: Adder or viper.]
+ how he saw a viper licking hir yoong. I did see an adder once my selfe
+ that laie (as I thought) sléeping on a moulehill, out of whose mouth
+ came eleuen yoong adders of twelue or thirtéene inches in length a
+ péece, which plaied to and fro in the grasse one with another, till
+ some of them espied me. So soone therefore as they saw my face, they
+ [Sidenote: See _Aristotle Animalium lib._ 5. _cap. vltimo_, &
+ _Theophrast. lib._ 7. _cap._ 13.]
+ ran againe into the mouth of their dam, whome I killed, and then found
+ each of them shrowded in a distinct cell or pannicle in hir bellie,
+ much like vnto a soft white iellie, which maketh me to be of the
+ opinion that our adder is the viper indéed. The colour of their skin
+ is for the most part like rustie iron or iron graie: but such as be
+ verie old resemble a ruddie blew, & as once in the yeare, to wit, in
+ Aprill or about the beginning of Maie they cast their old skins
+ (whereby as it is thought their age reneweth) so their stinging
+ bringeth death without present remedie be at hand, the wounded neuer
+ ceasing to swell, neither the venem to worke till the skin of the one
+ breake, and the other ascend vpward to the hart, where it finisheth
+ the naturall effect, except the iuice of dragons (in Latine called
+ "Dracunculus minor") be spéedilie ministred and dronke in strong ale,
+ or else some other medicine taken of like force, that may counteruaile
+ and ouercome the venem of the same. The length of them is most
+ commonlie two foot and somwhat more, but seldome dooth it extend vnto
+ two foot six inches, except it be in some rare and monsterous one:
+ [Sidenote: Snakes.]
+ whereas our snakes are much longer, and séene sometimes to surmount a
+ yard, or thrée foot, although their poison be nothing so grieuous and
+ deadlie as the others. Our adders lie in winter vnder stones, as
+ Aristotle also saith of the viper Lib. 8. cap. 15. and in holes of the
+ earth, rotten stubs of trees, and amongst the dead leaues: but in the
+ heat of the summer they come abroad, and lie either round on heapes,
+ or at length vpon some hillocke, or elsewhere in the grasse. They are
+ found onelie in our woodland countries and highest grounds, where
+ sometimes (though seldome) a speckled stone called Echites, in Dutch
+ "Ein atter stein," is gotten out of their dried carcases, which diuers
+ [Sidenote: _Sol. cap._ 40. _Plin. lib._ 37. _cap._ 11.]
+ report to be good against their poison. As for our snakes, which in
+ Latine are properlie named "Angues," they commonlie are seene in
+ moores, fens, lomie wals, and low bottoms.
+
+ [Sidenote: Todes.]
+ [Sidenote: Frogs.]
+ [Sidenote: Sloworme.]
+ And as we haue great store of todes where adders commonlie are found,
+ so doo frogs abound where snakes doo kéepe their residence. We haue
+ also the sloworme, which is blacke and graiesh of colour, and somewhat
+ shorter than an adder. I was at the killing once of one of them, and
+ thereby perceiued that she was not so called of anie want of nimble
+ motion, but rather of the contrarie. Neuerthelesse we haue a blind
+ worme to be found vnder logs in woods, and timber that hath lien long
+ in a place, which some also doo call (and vpon better ground) by the
+ name of slow worms, and they are knowen easilie by their more or lesse
+ varietie of striped colours, drawen long waies from their heads, their
+ whole bodies little excéeding a foot in length, & yet is there venem
+ deadlie. This also is not to be omitted, that now and then in our
+ fennie countries, other kinds of serpents are found of greater
+ quantitie than either our adder or our snake: but as these are not
+ ordinarie and oft to be séene, so I meane not to intreat of them among
+ our common annoiances. Neither haue we the scorpion, a plague of God
+ sent not long since into Italie, and whose poison (as Apollodorus
+ saith) is white, neither the tarantula or Neopolitane spider, whose
+ poison bringeth death, except musike be at hand. Wherfore I suppose
+ our countrie to be the more happie (I meane in part) for that it is
+ void of these two grieuous annoiances, wherewith other nations are
+ plagued.
+
+ [Sidenote: Efts.]
+ [Sidenote: Swifts.]
+ We haue also efts, both of the land and water, and likewise the
+ noisome swifts, whereof to saie anie more it should be but losse of
+ time, sith they are well knowne; and no region to my knowledge found
+ [Sidenote: Flies.]
+ to be void of manie of them. As for flies (sith it shall not be amisse
+ a little to touch them also) we haue none that can doo hurt or
+ [Sidenote: Cutwasted.]
+ [Sidenote: Whole bodied.]
+ [Sidenote: Hornets.]
+ [Sidenote: Waspes.]
+ hinderance naturallie vnto anie: for whether they be cut wasted, or
+ whole bodied, they are void of poison and all venemous inclination.
+ The cut or girt wasted (for so I English the word Insecta) are the
+ hornets, waspes, bées, and such like, whereof we haue great store, and
+ of which an opinion is conceived, that the first doo bréed of the
+ corruption of dead horsses, the second of peares and apples corrupted,
+ and the last of kine and oxen: which may be true, especiallie the
+ first and latter in some parts of the beast, and not their whole
+ substances, as also in the second, sith we haue neuer waspes, but when
+ our fruit beginneth to wax ripe. In déed Virgil and others speake of a
+ generation of bées, by killing or smoothering of a brused bullocke or
+ calfe, and laieng his bowels or his flesh wrapped vp in his hide in a
+ close house for a certeine season; but how true it is hitherto I haue
+ not tried. Yet sure I am of this, that no one liuing creature
+ corrupteth without the production of another; as we may see by our
+ selues, whose flesh dooth alter into lice; and also in shéepe for
+ excessiue numbers of flesh flies, if they be suffered to lie vnburied
+ or vneaten by the dogs and swine, who often and happilie preuent such
+ néedlesse generations.
+
+ As concerning bées, I thinke it good to remember, that wheras some
+ ancient writers affirme it to be a commoditie wanting in our Iland, it
+ is now found to be nothing so. In old time peraduenture we had none in
+ déed, but in my daies there is such plentie of them in maner euerie
+ where, that in some vplandish townes, there are one hundred, or two
+ hundred hiues of them, although the said hiues are not so huge as
+ those of the east countrie, but far lesse, as not able to conteine
+ aboue one bushell of corne, or fiue pecks at the most. Plinie (a man
+ that of set purpose deliteth to write of woonders) speaking of honie
+ noteth that in the north regions the hiues in his time were of such
+ quantitie, that some one combe conteined eight foot in length, & yet
+ (as it should séeme) he speketh not of the greatest. For in Podolia,
+ which is now subiect to the king of Poland, their hiues are so great,
+ and combes so abundant, that huge bores ouerturning and falling into
+ them, are drowned in the honie, before they can recouer & find the
+ meanes to come out.
+
+ [Sidenote: Honie.]
+ Our honie also is taken and reputed to be the best, bicause it is
+ harder, better wrought, and clenlier vesselled vp, than that which
+ commeth from beyond the sea, where they stampe and streine their
+ combs, bées, and yoong blowings altogither into the stuffe, as I haue
+ béene informed. In vse also of medicine our physicians and
+ apothecaries eschew the forren, especiallie that of Spaine and
+ Ponthus, by reason of a venemous qualitie naturallie planted in the
+ same, as some write, and choose the home made: not onelie by reason of
+ our soile, which hath no lesse plentie of wild thime growing therein
+ than in Sicilia, & about Athens, and makth the best stuffe; as also
+ for that it bréedeth (being gotten in haruest time) lesse choler, and
+ which is oftentimes (as I haue séene by experience) so white as sugar,
+ and corned as if it were salt. Our hiues are made commonlie of rie
+ straw, and wadled about with bramble quarters: but some make the same
+ of wicker, and cast them ouer with claie. Wée cherish none in trées,
+ but set our hiues somewhere on the warmest side of the house,
+ prouiding that they may stand drie and without danger both of the
+ mouse and moth. This furthermore is to be noted, that wheras in
+ vessels of oile, that which is néerest the top is counted the finest,
+ and of wine that in the middest; so of honie the best which is
+ heauiest and moistest is alwaies next the bottome, and euermore
+ casteth and driueth his dregs vpward toward the verie top, contrarie
+ to the nature of other liquid substances, whose groonds and léeze doo
+ generallie settle downewards. And thus much as by the waie of our bées
+ and English honie.
+
+ As for the whole bodied, as the cantharides, and such venemous
+ creatures of the same kind, to be abundantlie found in other
+ countries, we heare not of them: yet haue we béetles, horseflies,
+ turdbugs or borres (called in Latine _Scarabei_) the locust or the
+ grashopper (which to me doo séeme to be one thing, as I will anon
+ declare) and such like, whereof let other intreat that make an
+ exercise in catching of flies, but a far greater sport in offering
+ them to spiders. As did Domitian sometime, and an other prince yet
+ liuing, who delited so much to sée the iollie combats betwixt a stout
+ flie and an old spider, that diuerse men haue had great rewards giuen
+ them for their painfull prouision of flies made onelie for this
+ purpose. Some parasites also in the time of the aforesaid emperour,
+ (when they were disposed to laugh at his follie, and yet would seeme
+ in appearance to gratifie his fantasticall head with some shew of
+ dutifull demenour) could deuise to set their lord on worke, by letting
+ a flesh flie priuilie into his chamber, which he foorthwith would
+ egerlie haue hunted (all other businesse set apart) and neuer ceased
+ till he had caught hir into his fingers: wherevpon arose the prouerbe,
+ "Ne musca quidem," vttered first by Vibius Priscus, who being asked
+ whether anie bodie was with Domitian, answered, "Ne musca quidem,"
+ wherby he noted his follie. There are some cockescombs here and there
+ in England, learning it abroad as men transregionate, which make
+ account also of this pastime, as of a notable matter, telling what a
+ fight is séene betwene them, if either of them be lustie and
+ couragious in his kind. One also hath made a booke of the spider and
+ the flie, wherein he dealeth so profoundlie, and beyond all measure of
+ skill, that neither he himselfe that made it, neither anie one that
+ readeth it, can reach vnto the meaning therof. But if those iollie
+ fellows in stéed of the straw that they thrust into the flies tale (a
+ great iniurie no doubt to such a noble champion) would bestow the cost
+ to set a fooles cap vpon their owne heads: then might they with more
+ securitie and lesse reprehension behold these notable battels.
+
+ Now as concerning the locust, I am led by diuerse of my countrie, who
+ (as they say) were either in Germanie, Italie, or Pannonia, 1542, when
+ those nations were greatly annoied with that kind of flie, and affirme
+ verie constantlie, that they saw none other creature than the
+ grashopper, during the time of that annoiance, which was said to come
+ to them from the Meotides. In most of our translations also of the
+ bible, the word _Locusta_ is Englished a grashopper, and therevnto
+ Leuit. 11. it is reputed among the cleane food, otherwise Iohn the
+ Baptist would neuer haue liued with them in the wildernesse. In
+ [Sidenote: Sée _Diodorus Sicutus_.]
+ Barbarie, Numidia, and sundrie other places of Affrica, as they haue
+ beene, so are they eaten to this daie powdred in barels, and therefore
+ the people of those parts are called _Acedophagi:_ neuertheles they
+ shorten the life of the eaters by the production at the last of an
+ irkesome and filthie disease. In India they are thrée foot long, in
+ Ethiopia much shorter, but in England seldome aboue an inch. As for
+ the cricket called in Latin _Cicada_, he hath some likelihood, but not
+ verie great, with the grashopper, and therefore he is not to be
+ brought in as an vmpier in this case. Finallie Matthiolus, and so
+ manie as describe the locust, doo set downe none other forme than that
+ of our grashopper, which maketh me so much the more to rest vpon my
+ former imagination, which is, that the locust and grashopper are one.
+
+
+
+
+ OF OUR ENGLISH DOGS AND THEIR QUALITIES.
+
+ CHAP. VII.
+
+
+ There is no countrie that maie (as I take it) compare with ours, in
+ number, excellencie, and diuersite of dogs. And therefore if
+ Polycrates of Samia were now aliue, he would not send to Epyro for
+ such merchandize: but to his further cost prouide them out of
+ Britaine, as an ornament to his countrie, and péece of husbandrie for
+ his common wealth, which he furnished of set purpose with Molossian
+ and Lacaonian dogs, as he did the same also with shéepe out of Attica
+ and Miletum, gotes from Scyro and Naxus, swine out of Sicilia, and
+ artificers out of other places. Howbeit the learned doctor Caius in
+ his Latine treatise vnto Gesner "De canibus Anglicis," bringeth them
+ all into thrée sorts: that is, the gentle kind seruing for game: the
+ homelie kind apt for sundrie vses: and the currish kind méet for many
+ toies. For my part I can say no more of them than he hath doone
+ alredie. Wherefore I will here set downe onelie a summe of that which
+ he hath written of their names and natures, with the addition of an
+ example or two now latelie had in experience, whereby the courages of
+ our mastiffes shall yet more largelie appeare. As for those of other
+ countries I haue not to deale with them: neither care I to report out
+ of Plinie, that dogs were sometime killed in sacrifice, and sometime
+ their whelps eaten as a delicate dish, Lib. 29. cap. 4. Wherefore if
+ anie man be disposed to read of them, let him resort to Plinie lib. 8.
+ cap. 40. who (among other woonders) telleth of an armie of two hundred
+ dogs, which fetched a king of the Garamantes out of captiuitie, mawgre
+ the resistance of his aduersaries: also to Cardan, lib. 10. "De
+ animalibus," Aristotle, &c: who write maruels of them, but none
+ further from credit than Cardan, who is not afraid to compare some of
+ them for greatnesse with oxen, and some also for smalnesse vnto the
+ little field mouse. Neither doo I find anie far writer of great
+ antiquitie, that maketh mention of our dogs, Strabo excepted, who
+ saith that the Galles did somtime buy vp all our mastiffes, to serue
+ in the forewards of their battels, wherein they resembled the
+ Colophonians, Castabalenses of Calicute and Phenicia, of whom Plinie
+ also speaketh, but they had them not from vs.
+
+ The first sort therefore he diuideth either into such as rowse the
+ beast, and continue the chase, or springeth the bird, and bewraieth
+ hir flight by pursute. And as these are commonlie called spaniels, so
+ the other are named hounds, whereof he maketh eight sorts, of which
+ the formost excelleth in perfect smelling, the second in quicke
+ espieng, the third in swiftnesse and quickenesse, the fourth in
+ smelling and nimblenesse, &c: and the last in subtiltie and
+ deceitfulnesse. These (saith Strabo) are most apt for game, and called
+ _Sagaces_ by a generall name, not onelie bicause of their skill in
+ hunting, but also for that they know their owne and the names of their
+ fellowes most exactlie. For if the hunter see anie one to follow
+ skilfullie, and with likelihood of good successe, he biddeth the rest
+ to harke and follow such a dog, and they eftsoones obeie so soone as
+ they heare his name. The first kind of these are also commonlie called
+ hariers, whose game is the fox, the hare, the woolfe (if we had anie)
+ hart, bucke, badger, otter, polcat, lopstart, wesell, conie, &c: the
+ second hight a terrer, and it hunteth the badger and graie onelie: the
+ third a bloudhound, whose office is to follow the fierce, and now and
+ then to pursue a théefe or beast by his drie foot: the fourth hight a
+ gasehound, who hunteth by the eie: the fift a greihound, cherished for
+ his strength, swiftnes, and stature, commended by Bratius in his "De
+ venatione," and not vnremembred by Hercules Stroza in a like treatise,
+ but aboue all other those of Britaine, where he saith:
+
+   ---- & magna spectandi mole Britanni,
+
+ also by Nemesianus, libro Cynegeticôn, where he saith:
+
+   Diuisa Britannia mittit
+   Veloces nostríq; orbis venatibus aptos,
+
+ of which sort also some be smooth, of sundrie colours, and some shake
+ haired: the sixt a liemer, that excelleth in smelling and swift
+ running: the seuenth a tumbler: and the eight a théefe, whose offices
+ (I meane of the latter two) incline onelie to deceit, wherein they are
+ oft so skilfull, that few men would thinke so mischiefous a wit to
+ remaine in such sillie creatures. Hauing made this enumeration of
+ dogs, which are apt for the chase and hunting, he commeth next to such
+ as serue the falcons in their times, whereof he maketh also two sorts.
+ One that findeth his game on the land, an other that putteth vp such
+ foule as keepeth in the water: and of these this is commonlie most
+ vsuall for the net or traine, the other for the hawke, as he dooth
+ shew at large. Of the first he saith, that they haue no peculiar names
+ assigned to them seuerallie, but each of them is called after the bird
+ which by naturall appointment he is allotted to hunt or serue, for
+ which consideration some be named dogs for the feasant, some for the
+ falcon, and some for the partrich. Howbeit the common name for all is
+ spaniell (saith he) and therevpon alludeth, as if these kinds of dogs
+ had bin brought hither out of Spaine. In like sort we haue of water
+ spaniels in their kind. The third sort of dogs of the gentle kind, is
+ the spaniell gentle, or comforter, or (as the common terme is) the
+ fistinghound, and those are called _Melitei_, of the Iland Malta, from
+ whence they were brought hither. These are little and prettie, proper
+ and fine, and sought out far and néere to satisfie the nice delicacie
+ of daintie dames, and wanton womens willes; instruments of follie to
+ plaie and dallie withall, in trifling away the treasure of time, to
+ withdraw their minds from more commendable exercises, and to content
+ their corrupt concupiscences with vaine disport, a sillie poore shift
+ to shun their irkesome idlenes. These Sybariticall puppies, the
+ smaller they be (and thereto if they haue an hole in the foreparts of
+ their heads) the better they are accepted, the more pleasure also they
+ prouoke, as méet plaiefellowes for minsing mistresses to beare in
+ their bosoms, to keepe companie withall in their chambers, to succour
+ with sléepe in bed, and nourish with meat at boord, to lie in their
+ laps, and licke their lips as they lie (like yoong Dianaes) in their
+ wagons and coches. And good reason it should be so, for coursenesse
+ with finenesse hath no fellowship, but featnesse with neatnesse hath
+ neighbourhead inough. That plausible prouerbe therefore verefied
+ sometime vpon a tyrant, namelie that he loued his sow better than his
+ sonne, may well be applied to some of this kind of people, who delight
+ more in their dogs, that are depriued of all possibilitie of reason,
+ than they doo in children that are capable of wisedome & iudgement.
+ Yea, they oft féed them of the best, where the poore mans child at
+ their doores can hardlie come by the woorst. But the former abuse
+ peraduenture reigneth where there hath béene long want of issue, else
+ where barrennesse is the best blossome of beautie: or finallie, where
+ poore mens children for want of their owne issue are not readie to be
+ had. It is thought of some that it is verie wholesome for a weake
+ stomach to beare such a dog in the bosome, as it is for him that hath
+ the palsie to féele the dailie smell and sauour of a fox. But how
+ truelie this is affirmed let the learned iudge: onelie it shall
+ suffice for Doctor Caius to haue said thus much of spaniels and dogs
+ of the gentle kind.
+
+ [Sidenote: Homelie kind of dogs.]
+ Dogs of the homelie kind, are either shepheards curs, or mastiffes.
+ The first are so common, that it néedeth me not to speake of them.
+ Their vse also is so well knowne in keeping the heard togither (either
+ when they grase or go before the sheepheard) that it should be but in
+ vaine to spend anie time about them. Wherefore I will leaue this curre
+ [Sidenote: Tie dogs.]
+ vnto his owne kind, and go in hand with the mastiffe, tie dog, or
+ banddog, so called bicause manie of them are tied vp in chaines and
+ strong bonds, in the daie time, for dooing hurt abroad, which is an
+ huge dog, stubborne, ouglie, eager, burthenous of bodie (& therefore
+ but of little swiftnesse) terrible and fearfull to behold, and
+ oftentimes more fierce and fell than anie Archadian or Corsican cur.
+ Our Englishmen to the intent that these dogs may be more cruell and
+ fierce, assist nature with some art, vse and custome. For although
+ this kind of dog be capable of courage, violent, valiant, stout and
+ bold: yet will they increase these their stomachs by teaching them to
+ bait the beare, the bull, the lion, and other such like cruell and
+ bloudie beasts, (either brought ouer or kept vp at home, for the same
+ purpose) without anie collar to defend their throats, and oftentimes
+ thereto they traine them vp in fighting and wrestling with a man
+ (hauing for the safegard of his life either a pike staffe, club,
+ sword, priuie coate) wherby they become the more fierce and cruell
+ vnto strangers. The Caspians made so much account sometime of such
+ great dogs, that euerie able man would nourish sundrie of them in his
+ house of set purpose, to the end they should deuoure their carcases
+ after their deaths, thinking the dogs bellies to be the most
+ honourable sepulchers. The common people also followed the same rate,
+ and therfore there were tie dogs kept vp by publike ordinance, to
+ deuoure them after their deaths: by means whereof these beasts became
+ the more eger, and with great difficultie after a while restreined
+ from falling vpon the liuing. But whither am I digressed? In returning
+ [Sidenote: Some barke and bite not.]
+ [Sidenote: Some bite and barke not.]
+ therefore to our owne, I saie that of mastiffes, some barke onelie
+ with fierce and open mouth but will not bite, some doo both barke and
+ bite, but the cruellest doo either not barke at all, or bite before
+ they barke, and therefore are more to be feared than anie of the
+ other. They take also their name of the word mase and théefe (or
+ master théefe if you will) bicause they often stound and put such
+ persons to their shifts in townes and villages, and are the principall
+ causes of their apprehension and taking. The force which is in them
+ surmounteth all beleefe, and the fast hold which they take with their
+ téeth excéedeth all credit: for thrée of them against a beare, foure
+ against a lion, are sufficient to trie mastries with them. King Henrie
+ the seauenth, as the report goeth, commanded all such curres to be
+ hanged, bicause they durst presume to fight against the lion, who is
+ their king and souereigne. The like he did with an excellent falcon,
+ as some saie, bicause he feared not hand to hand to match with an
+ eagle, willing his falconers in his owne presence to pluck off his
+ head after he was taken downe, saieng that it was not méet for anie
+ subiect to offer such wrong vnto his lord and superiour, wherein he
+ had a further meaning. But if king Henrie the seauenth had liued in
+ our time, what would he haue doone to one English mastiffe, which
+ alone and without anie helpe at all pulled downe first an huge beare,
+ then a pard, and last of all a lion, each after other before the
+ French king in one daie, when the lord Buckhurst was ambassador vnto
+ him, and whereof if I should write the circumstances, that is, how he
+ tooke his aduantage being let lose vnto them, and finallie draue them
+ into such excéeding feare, that they were all glad to run awaie when
+ he was taken from them, I should take much paines, and yet reape but
+ small credit: wherefore it shall suffice to haue said thus much
+ thereof. Some of our mastiffes will rage onelie in the night, some are
+ to be tied vp both daie and night. Such also as are suffered to go
+ lose about the house and yard, are so gentle in the daie time, that
+ children may ride on their backs, & plaie with them, at their
+ pleasures. Diuerse of them likewise are of such gelousie ouer their
+ maister and whosoeuer of his houshold, that if a stranger doo imbrace
+ or touch anie of them, they will fall fiercelie vpon them, vnto their
+ extreame mischéefe if their furie be not preuented. Such an one was
+ the dog of Nichomedes king sometime of Bithinia, who séeing Consigne
+ the quéene to imbrace and kisse hir husband as they walked togither in
+ a garden, did teare hir all to peeces, mauger his resistance, and the
+ present aid of such as attended on them. Some of them moreouer will
+ suffer a stranger to come in and walke about the house or yard where
+ him listeth, without giuing ouer to follow him: but if he put foorth
+ his hand to touch anie thing, then will they flie vpon him and kill
+ him if they may. I had one my selfe once, which would not suffer anie
+ man to bring in his weapon further than my gate: neither those that
+ were of my house to be touched in his presence. Or if I had beaten
+ anie of my children, he would gentlie haue assaied to catch the rod in
+ his teeth and take it out of my hand, or else pluck downe their
+ clothes to saue them from the stripes: which in my opinion is not
+ vnworthie to be noted. And thus much of our mastiffes, creatures of no
+ lesse faith and loue towards their maisters than horsses; as may
+ appeare euen by the confidence that Masinissa reposed in them, in so
+ much that mistrusting his houshold seruants he made him a gard of
+ dogs, which manie a time deliuered him from their treasons and
+ conspiracies, euen by their barking and biting, nor of lesse force
+ than the Molossian race, brought from Epiro into some countries, which
+ the poets feigne to haue originall from the brasen dog that Vulcan
+ made, and gaue to Iupiter, who also deliuered the same to Europa, she
+ to Procris, and Procris to Cephalus, as Iulius Pollux noteth, lib. 5.
+ cap. 5: neither vnequall in carefulnesse to the mastiffe of Alexander
+ Phereus, who by his onelie courage and attendance kept his maister
+ long time from slaughter, till at the last he was remooued by policie,
+ and the tyrant killed sléeping: the storie goeth thus. Thebe the wife
+ of the said Phereus and hir three brethren conspired the death of hir
+ husband, who fearing the dog onelie, she found the means to allure him
+ from his chamber doore by faire means, vnto another house hard by,
+ whilest they should execute their purpose. Neuerthelesse, when they
+ came to the bed where he laie sléeping, they waxed faint harted, till
+ she did put them in choise, either that they should dispatch him at
+ once, or else that she hir selfe would wake hir husband, and giue him
+ warning of his enimies, or at the least wise bring in the dog vpon
+ them, which they feared most of all: and therefore quicklie dispatched
+ him.
+
+ The last sort of dogs consisteth of the currish kind méet for manie
+ toies: of which the whappet or prickeard curre is one. Some men call
+ them warners, bicause they are good for nothing else but to barke and
+ giue warning when anie bodie dooth stirre or lie in wait about the
+ house in the night season. Certes it is vnpossible to describe these
+ curs in anie order, bicause they haue no anie one kind proper vnto
+ themselues, but are a confused companie mixt of all the rest. The
+ second sort of them are called turne spits, whose office is not
+ vnknowne to anie. And as these are onelie reserued for this purpose,
+ so in manie places our mastiffes (beside the vse which tinkers haue of
+ them in carieng their heauie budgets) are made to draw water in great
+ whéeles out of déepe wels, going much like vnto those which are framed
+ for our turne spits, as is to be séene at Roiston, where this feat is
+ often practised. Besides these also we haue sholts or curs dailie
+ brought out of Iseland, and much made of among vs, bicause of their
+ sawcinesse and quarrelling. Moreouer they bite verie sore, and loue
+ candles excéedinglie, as doo the men and women of their countrie: but
+ I may saie no more of them, bicause they are not bred with vs. Yet
+ this will I make report of by the waie, for pastimes sake, that when a
+ great man of those parts came of late into one of our ships which went
+ thither for fish, to see the forme and fashion of the same, his wife
+ apparrelled in fine sables, abiding on the decke whilest hir husband
+ was vnder the hatches with the mariners, espied a pound or two of
+ candles hanging at the mast, and being loth to stand there idle alone,
+ she fell to and eat them vp euerie one, supposing hir selfe to haue
+ béene at a iollie banket, and shewing verie plesant gesture when hir
+ husband came vp againe vnto hir.
+
+ The last kind of toiesh curs are named dansers, and those being of a
+ mongrell sort also, are taught & exercised to danse in measure at the
+ musicall sound of an instrument, as at the iust stroke of a drum,
+ sweet accent of the citharne, and pleasant harmonie of the harpe,
+ shewing manie trickes by the gesture of their bodies: as to stand bolt
+ vpright, to lie flat vpon the ground, to turne round as a ring,
+ holding their tailes in their teeth, to saw and beg for meat, to take
+ a mans cap from his head, and sundrie such properties, which they
+ learne of their idle rogish masters whose instruments they are to
+ gather gaine, as old apes clothed in motleie, and coloured short
+ wasted iackets are for the like vagabunds, who séeke no better liuing,
+ than that which they may get by fond pastime and idlenesse. I might
+ here intreat of other dogs, as of those which are bred betwéene a
+ bitch and a woolfe, and called _Lycisca_: a thing verie often séene in
+ France saith Franciscus Patricius in his common wealth, as procured of
+ set purpose, and learned as I thinke of the Indians, who tie their
+ sault bitches often in woods, that they might be loined by tigers:
+ also betweene a bitch and a fox, or a beare and a mastiffe. But as we
+ vtterlie want the first sort, except they be brought vnto vs: so it
+ happeneth sometime, that the other two are ingendered and seene at
+ home amongst vs. But all the rest heretofore remembred in this
+ chapter, there is none more ouglie and odious in sight, cruell and
+ fierce in déed, nor vntractable in hand, than that which is begotten
+ betwéene the beare and the bandog. For whatsoeuer he catcheth hold of,
+ he taketh it so fast, that a man may sooner teare and rend his bodie
+ in sunder, than get open his mouth to separate his chaps. Certes he
+ regardeth neither woolfe, beare, nor lion, and therfore may well be
+ compared with those two dogs which were sent to Alexander out of India
+ (& procreated as it is thought betwéene a mastiffe and male tiger, as
+ be those also of Hircania) or to them that are bred in Archadia, where
+ copulation is oft seene betweene lions and bitches, as the like is in
+ France (as I said) betwéene shée woolfes and dogs, whereof let this
+ suffice; sith the further tractation of them dooth not concerne my
+ purpose, more than the confutation of Cardans talke, "De subt." lib.
+ 10. who saith, that after manie generations, dogs doo become woolfes,
+ and contrariwise; which if it were true, than could not England be
+ without manie woolfes: but nature hath set a difference betwéene them,
+ not onelie in outward forme, but also in inward disposition of their
+ bones, wherefore it is vnpossible that his assertion can be sound.
+
+
+
+
+ OF OUR SAFFRON, AND THE DRESSING THEREOF.
+
+ CHAP. VIII.
+
+
+ As the saffron of England, which Platina reckneth among spices, is the
+ most excellent of all other: for it giueth place neither to that of
+ Cilicia, whereof Solinus speaketh, neither to anie that commeth from
+ Cilicia, where it groweth vpon the mount Taurus, Tmolus, Italie,
+ Ætolia, Sicilia or Licia, in swéetnesse, tincture, and continuance; so
+ of that which is to be had amongst vs, the same that grows about
+ Saffron Walden, somtime called Waldenburg, in the edge of Essex, first
+ of all planted there in the time of Edward the third, and that of
+ Glocester shire and those westerlie parts, which some thinke to be
+ better than that of Walden, surmounteth all the rest, and therefore
+ beareth worthilie the higher price, by six pence or twelue pence most
+ commonlie in the pound. The root of the herbe that beareth this
+ commoditie is round, much like vnto an indifferent chestnut, & yet it
+ is not cloued as the lillie, nor flaked as the scallion, but hath a
+ sad substance "Inter bulbosa," as Orchis, hyacinthus orientalis, and
+ Statyrion. The colour of the rind is not much differing from the
+ innermost shell of a chestnut, although it be not altogither so
+ brickle as is the pill of an onion. So long as the leafe flourisheth
+ the root is litle & small; but when the grasse is withered, the head
+ increaseth and multiplieth, the fillets also or small roots die, so
+ that when the time dooth come to take them vp, they haue no roots at
+ all, but so continue vntill September that they doo grow againe: and
+ before the chiue be grounded the smallest heads are also most
+ esteemed; but whether they be great or small, if sheepe or neat may
+ come to them on the heape, as they lie in the field, they will deuoure
+ them as if they were haie or stuble, some also will wroot for them in
+ verie eager maner. The leafe or rather the blade thereof is long and
+ narrow as grasse, which come vp alwaies in October after the floures
+ be gathered and gone, pointed on a little tuft much like vnto our
+ siues. Sometimes our cattell will féed vpon the same; neuerthelesse,
+ if it be bitten whilest it is gréene, the head dieth, and therefore
+ our crokers are carefull to kéepe it from such annoiance vntill it
+ begin to wither, and then also will the cattell soonest tast thereof:
+ for vntill that time the iuice thereof is bitter. In euerie floure we
+ find commonlie thrée chiues, and three yellowes, and double the number
+ of leaues. Of twisted floures I speake not; yet is it found, that two
+ floures grow togither, which bring foorth fiue chiues, so that alwaies
+ there is an od chiue and od yellow, though thrée or foure floures
+ should come out of one root. The whole herbe is named in Gréeke
+ _Crocos_, but of some (as Dioscorides saith) _Castor_, _Cynomorphos_,
+ or Hercules blood: yet in the Arabian spéech, (from whence we borow
+ [Sidenote: Occasion of the name.]
+ the name which we giue thervnto) I find that it is called _Zahafaran_,
+ as Rembert dooth beare witnesse. The cause wherefore it was called
+ Crocus was this (as the poets feigne) speciallie those from whome
+ Galen hath borowed the historie, which he noteth in his ninth booke
+ "De medicamentis secundum loca," where he writeth after this maner
+ (although I take Crocus to be the first that vsed this comoditie.) A
+ certeine yong gentleman called Crocus went to plaie at coits in the
+ field with Mercurie, and being héedlesse of himselfe, Mercuries coit
+ happened by mishap to hit him on the head, whereby he receiued a wound
+ that yer long killed him altogither, to the great discomfort of his
+ freends. Finallie, in the place where he bled, saffron was after found
+ to grow, wherevpon the people seeing the colour of the chiue as it
+ stood (although I doubt not but it grew there long before) adiudged it
+ to come of the blood of Crocus, and therefore they gaue it his name.
+ And thus farre Rembert, who with Galen, &c: differ verie much from
+ Ouids Metamorphos. 4. who writeth also thereof. Indéed the chiue,
+ while it remaineth whole & vnbrused, resembleth a darke red, but being
+ broken and conuerted into vse, it yéeldeth a yellow tincture. But what
+ haue we to doo with fables?
+
+ The heads of saffron are raised in Iulie, either with plough, raising,
+ or tined hooke; and being scowred from their rosse or filth, and
+ seuered from such heads as are ingendred of them, since the last
+ setting, they are interred againe in Iulie and August by ranks or
+ rowes, and being couered with moulds, they rest in the earth, where
+ they cast forth litle fillets and small roots like vnto a scallion,
+ vntill September, in the beginning of which moneth the ground is
+ [Sidenote: Paring.]
+ pared, and all wéeds and grasse that groweth vpon the same remooued,
+ to the intent that nothing may annoie the floure when as his time
+ dooth come to rise.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gathering.]
+ These things being thus ordered in the latter end of the aforesaid
+ moneth of September, the floure beginneth to appeere of a whitish
+ blew, fesse or skie colour, and in the end shewing it selfe in the
+ [Sidenote: Sée _Rembert_.]
+ owne kind, it resembleth almost the Leucotion of Theophrast, sauing
+ that it is longer, and hath in the middest thereof thrée chiues verie
+ red and pleasant to behold. These floures are gathered in the morning
+ before the rising of the sunne, which otherwise would cause them to
+ welke or flitter. And the chiues being picked from the floures, these
+ are throwne into the doonghill; the other dried vpon little kelles
+ couered with streined canuasses vpon a soft fire: wherby, and by the
+ weight that is laied vpon them, they are dried and pressed into cakes,
+ and then bagged vp for the benefit of their owners. In good yeeres we
+ gather foure score or an hundred pounds of wet saffron of an acre,
+ which being dried dooth yeeld twentie pounds of drie and more.
+ Whereby, and sith the price of saffron is commonlie about twentie
+ shillings in monie, or not so little, it is easie to sée what benefit
+ is reaped by an acre of this commoditie, towards the charges of the
+ setter, which indeed are great, but yet not so much, as he shall be
+ thereby a looser, if he be anie thing diligent. For admit that the
+ triple tillage of an acre dooth cost 13 shillings foure pence before
+ the saffron be set, the clodding sixtéene pence, the taking of euerie
+ load of stones from the same foure pence, the raising of euerie
+ quarter of heads six pence, and so much for clensing of them, besides
+ the rent of ten shillings for euerie acre, thirtie load of doong which
+ is woorth six pence the load to be laid on the first yéere, for the
+ setting three and twentie shillings and foure pence, for the paring
+ fiue shillings, six pence for the picking of a pound wet, &c: yea
+ though he hire it readie set, and paie ten pounds for the same, yet
+ shall he susteine no damage, if warme weather and open season doo
+ happen at the gathering. This also is to be noted, that euerie acre
+ asketh twentie quarters of heads, placed in ranks two inches one from
+ an other in long beds, which conteine eight or ten foot in breadth.
+ And after thrée yeeres that ground will serue well, and without
+ compest for barleie by the space of eightéene or twentie yéeres
+ togither, as experience dooth confirme. The heads also of euerie acre
+ at the raising will store an acre and an halfe of new ground, which is
+ a great aduantage, and it will floure eight or ten daies togither. But
+ the best saffron is gathered at the first; at which time foure pounds
+ of wet saffron will go verie neere to make one of drie; but in the
+ middest fiue pounds of the one will make but one of the other, because
+ the chiue waxeth smaller, as six at the last will doo no more but
+ yéeld one of the dried, by reason of the chiue which is now verie
+ leane and hungrie. After twentie yeeres also the same ground may be
+ set with saffron againe. And in lieu of a conclusion, take this for a
+ perpetuall rule, that heads comming out of a good ground will prosper
+ best in a lighter soile; and contrariwise: which is one note that our
+ crokers doo carefullie obserue.
+
+ [Sidenote: Raising.]
+ The heads are raised euerie third yeare about vs, to wit, after
+ Midsummer, when the rosse commeth drie from the heads; and commonlie
+ in the first yéere after they be set they yéeld verie little increase:
+ yet that which then commeth is counted the finest and greatest chiue,
+ & best for medicine, and called saffron Du hort. The next crop is much
+ greater; but the third exceedeth, and then they raise againe about
+ Walden and in Cambridge shire. In this period of time also the heads
+ are said to child, that is, to yéeld out of some parts of them diuerse
+ other headlets, whereby it hath béene séene, that some one head hath
+ béene increased (though with his owne detriment) to three, or foure,
+ or fiue, or six, which augmentation is the onlie cause wherby they are
+ sold so good cheape. For to my remembrance I haue not knowne foure
+ bushels or a coome of them to be valued much aboue two shillings eight
+ pence, except in some od yéeres that they arise to eight or ten
+ shillings the quarter, and that is when ouer great store of winters
+ water hath rotted the most of them as they stood within the ground, or
+ heat in summer parched and burnt them vp.
+
+ In Norffolke and Suffolke they raise but once in seuen yéeres: but as
+ their saffron is not so fine as that of Cambridgeshire and about
+ Walden, so it will not cake, ting, nor hold colour withall, wherein
+ lieth a great part of the value of this stuffe. Some craftie iackes
+ vse to mix it with scraped brazell or with the floure of Sonchus,
+ which commeth somewhat neere indeed to the hue of our good saffron (if
+ it be late gathered) but it is soone bewraied both by the depth of the
+ colour and hardnesse. Such also was the plentie of saffron about
+ twentie yeeres passed, that some of the townesmen of Walden gaue the
+ one halfe of the floures for picking of the other, and sent them ten
+ or twelue miles abroad into the countrie, whilest the rest, not
+ thankfull for the abundance of Gods blessing bestowed vpon them (as
+ wishing rather more scarsitie thereof because of the kéeping vp of the
+ price) in most contemptuous maner murmured against him, saieng that he
+ did shite saffron therewith to choake the market. But as they shewed
+ themselues no lesse than ingrat infidels in this behalfe, so the Lord
+ considered their vnthankfulnesse, & gaue them euer since such
+ scarsitie, as the greatest murmurers haue now the least store; and
+ most of them are either worne out of occupieng, or remaine scarse able
+ to mainteine their grounds without the helpe of other men. Certes it
+ hath generallie decaied about Saffron Walden since the said time,
+ vntill now of late within these two yeares, that men began againe to
+ plant and renew the same, because of the great commoditie. But to
+ procéed. When the heads be raised and taken vp, they will remaine
+ sixteene or twentie daies out of the earth or more: yea peraduenture a
+ full moneth. Howbeit they are commonlie in the earth againe by saint
+ Iames tide, or verie shortlie after. For as if they be taken vp before
+ Midsummer, or beginning of Iulie, the heads will shrinke like a rosted
+ warden: so after August they will wax drie, become vnfruitfull, and
+ decaie. And I know it by experience, in that I haue carried some of
+ them to London with me; and notwithstanding that they haue remained
+ there vnset by the space of fortie dais and more: yet some of them
+ haue brought foorth two or thrée floures a peece, and some floures
+ thrée or fiue chiues, to the greeat admiration of such as haue
+ gathered the same, and not béene acquainted with their nature and
+ countrie where they grew. The crokers or saffron men doo vse an
+ obseruation a litle before the comming vp of the floure, and sometime
+ in the taking vp at Midsummer tide, by opening of the heads to iudge
+ of plentie and scarsitie of this commoditie to come. For if they sée
+ as it were manie small hairie veines of saffron to be in the middest
+ of the bulbe, they pronounce a fruitfull yeare. And to saie truth, at
+ the cleauing of ech head, a man shall discerne the saffron by the
+ colour, and sée where abouts the chiue will issue out of the root.
+ Warme darke nights, swéet dews, fat grounds (chéeflie the chalkie) and
+ mistie mornings are verie good for saffron; but frost and cold doo
+ kill and keepe backe the floure, or else shrinke vp the chiue. And
+ thus much haue I thought good to speake of English saffron, which is
+ hot in the second and drie in the first degrée, and most plentifull as
+ our crokers hold, in that yéere wherein ewes twin most. But as I can
+ make no warrantize hereof, so I am otherwise sure, that there is no
+ more deceit vsed in anie trade than in saffron. For in the making they
+ will grease the papers on the kell with a little candle grease, to
+ make the woorst saffron haue so good a colour as the best: afterwards
+ also they will sprinkle butter thereon to make the weight better. But
+ both these are bewraied, either by a quantitie thereof holden ouer the
+ fire in a siluer spoone, or by the softnesse thereof betwéene the fore
+ finger and the thumbe; or thirdlie, by the colour thereof in age: for
+ if you laie it by farre worse saffron of other countries, the colour
+ will bewraie the forgerie by the swartnesse of the chiue, which
+ otherwise would excell it, and therevnto being sound, remaine crispe,
+ brickle, and drie: and finallie, if it be holden néere the face, will
+ strike a certeine biting heat vpon the skin and eies, whereby it is
+ adiudged good and merchant ware indéed among the skilfull crokers.
+
+ Now if it please you to heare of anie of the vertues thereof, I will
+ note these insuing at the request of one, who required me to touch a
+ few of them with whatsoeuer breuitie I listed. Therefore our saffron
+ (beside the manifold vse that it hath in the kitchin and pastrie, also
+ in our cakes at bridals, and thanksgiuings of women) is verie
+ profitably mingled with those medicins which we take for the diseases
+ of the breast, of the lungs, of the liuer, and of the bladder: it is
+ good also for the stomach if you take it in meat, for it comforteth
+ the same and maketh good digestion: being sodden also in wine, it not
+ onelie kéepeth a man from droonkennesse, but incorageth also vnto
+ procreation of issue. If you drinke it in sweet wine, it inlargeth the
+ breath, and is good for those that are troubled with the tisike and
+ shortnesse of the wind: mingled with the milke of a woman, and laied
+ vpon the eies, it staieth such humors as descend into the same, and
+ taketh awaie the red wheales and pearles that oft grow about them: it
+ killeth moths if it be sowed in paper bags verie thin, and laid vp in
+ presses amongst tapistrie or apparell: also it is verie profitablie
+ laid vnto all inflammations, painefull aposthumes, and the shingles;
+ and dooth no small ease vnto deafnes, if it be mingled with such
+ medicins as are beneficiall vnto the eares: it is of great vse also in
+ ripening of botches and all swellings procéeding of raw humors. Or if
+ it shall please you to drinke the root thereof with maluesie, it will
+ maruellouslie prouoke vrine, dissolue and expell grauell, and yéeld no
+ small ease to them that make their water by dropmeales. Finallie,
+ thrée drams thereof taken at once, which is about the weight of one
+ shilling nine pence halfepenie, is deadlie poison; as Dioscorides
+ dooth affirme: and droonke in wine (saith Platina) lib. 3. cap. 13.
+ "De honesta voluptate," dooth hast on droonkennesse, which is verie
+ true. And I haue knowne some, that by eating onelie of bread more than
+ of custome streined with saffron, haue become like droonken men, & yet
+ otherwise well known to be but competent drinkers. For further
+ confirmation of this also, if a man doo but open and ransake a bag of
+ one hundred or two hundred weight, as merchants doo when they buie it
+ of the crokers, it will strike such an aire into their heads which
+ deale withall, that for a time they shall be giddie and sicke (I meane
+ for two or three houres space) their noses and eies in like sort will
+ yéeld such plentie of rheumatike water, that they shall be the better
+ for it long after, especiallie their eiesight, which is woonderfullie
+ clarified by this meanes: howbeit some merchants not liking of this
+ physike, muffle themselues as women doo when they ride, and put on
+ spectacles set in leather, which dooth in some measure (but not for
+ altogither) put by the force thereof. There groweth some saffron in
+ manie places of Almaine, and also about Vienna in Austria, which later
+ is taken for the best that springeth in those quarters. In steed of
+ this some doo vse the Carthamus, called amongst vs bastard saffron,
+ but neither is this of anie value, nor the other in any wise
+ comparable vnto ours. Whereof let this suffice as of a commoditie
+ brought into this Iland in the time of Edward 3. and not commonlie
+ planted till Richard 2. did reigne. It would grow verie well (as I
+ take it) about the Chiltern hils, & in all the vale of the White
+ horsse so well as in Walden and Cambridgeshire, if they were carefull
+ of it. I heare of some also to be cherished alreadie in
+ Glocestershire, and certeine other places westward. But of the
+ finenesse and tincture of the chiue, I heare not as yet of anie
+ triall. Would to God that my countriemen had beene heretofore (or were
+ now) more carefull of this commoditie! then would it no doubt haue
+ prooued more beneficiall to our Iland than our cloth or wooll. But
+ alas! so idle are we, and heretofore so much giuen to ease, by reason
+ of the smalnesse of our rents, that few men regard to search out which
+ are their best commodities. But if landlords hold on to raise the
+ rents of their farms as they begin, they will inforce their tenants to
+ looke better vnto their gains, and scratch out their rent from vnder
+ euerie clod that may be turned aside. The greatest mart for saffron is
+ at Aquila in Abruzo, where they haue an especiall weight for the same
+ of ten pounds lesse in the hundred than that of Florens and Luke: but
+ how it agréeth with ours it shall appéere hereafter.
+
+
+
+
+ OF QUARRIES OF STONE FOR BUILDING.
+
+ CHAP. IX.
+
+
+ Quarries with vs are pits or mines, out of which we dig our stone to
+ build withall, & of these as we haue great plentie in England, so are
+ they of diuerse sorts, and those verie profitable for sundrie
+ necessarie vses. In times past the vse of stone was in maner dedicated
+ to the building of churches, religious houses, princely palaces,
+ bishops manours, and holds onlie: but now that scrupulous obseruation
+ is altogither infringed, and building with stone so commonlie taken
+ vp, that amongst noble men & gentlemen, the timber frames are supposed
+ to be not much better than paper worke, of little continuance, and
+ least continuance of all. It farre passeth my cunning to set downe how
+ manie sorts of stone for building are to be found in England, but much
+ further to call each of them by their proper names. Howbeit, such is
+ the curiositie of our countrimen, that notwithstanding almightie God
+ hath so blessed our realme in most plentifull maner, with such and so
+ manie quarries apt and meet for piles of longest continuance, yet we
+ as lothsome of this abundance, or not liking of the plentie, doo
+ commonlie leaue these naturall gifts to mould and cinder in the
+ ground, and take vp an artificiall bricke, in burning whereof a great
+ part of the wood of this land is dailie consumed and spent, to the no
+ small decaie of that commoditie, and hinderance of the poore that
+ perish oft for cold.
+
+ Our elders haue from time to time, following our naturall vice in
+ misliking of our owne commodities at home, and desiring those of other
+ countries abroad, most estéemed the cane stone that is brought hither
+ out of Normandie: and manie euen in these our daies following the same
+ veine, doo couet in their works almost to vse none other. Howbeit
+ experience on the one side, and our skilfull masons on the other
+ (whose iudgement is nothing inferiour to those of other countries) doo
+ affirme, that in the north and south parts of England, and certeine
+ other places, there are some quarries, which for hardnesse and beautie
+ are equall to the outlandish greet. This maie also be confirmed by the
+ kings chappell at Cambridge, the greatest part of the square stone
+ wherof was brought thither out of the north. Some commend the veine of
+ white frée stone, slate, and méere stone, which is betwéene Pentowen,
+ and the blacke head in Cornewall, for verie fine stuffe. Other doo
+ speake much of the quarries at Hamden, nine miles from Milberie, and
+ pauing stone of Burbecke. For toph stone, not a few allow of the
+ quarrie that is at Dreslie, diuerse mislike not of the veines of hard
+ stone that are at Oxford, and Burford. One praiseth the free stone at
+ Manchester, & Prestburie in Glocestershire; another the quarries of
+ the like in Richmont. The third liketh well of the hard stone in Clee
+ hill in Shropshire; the fourth of that of Thorowbridge, Welden, and
+ Terrinton. Whereby it appeareth that we haue quarries inow, and good
+ inough in England, sufficient for vs to build withall, if the péeuish
+ contempt of our owne commodities, and delectations to inrich other
+ countries, did not catch such foolish hold vpon vs. It is also
+ verified (as anie other waie) that all nations haue rather néed of
+ England, than England of anie other. And this I thinke may suffice for
+ the substance of our works. Now if you haue regard to their ornature,
+ how manie mines of sundrie kinds of course & fine marble are there to
+ be had in England? But chieflie one in Staffordshire, an other neere
+ to the Peke, the third at Vauldrie, the fourth at Snothill (longing to
+ the lord Chaindois) the fift at Eglestone, which is of blacke marble,
+ spotted with graie or white spots, the sixt not farre from Durham. Of
+ white marble also we haue store, and so faire as the Marpesian of
+ Paris Ile. But what meane I to go about to recite all, or the most
+ excellent? sith these which I haue named alredie are not altogether of
+ the best, nor scarselie of anie value in comparison of those, whose
+ places of growth are vtterlie vnknowne vnto me, and whereof the blacke
+ marble spotted with greene is none of the vilest sort, as maie appeare
+ by parcell of the pauement of the lower part of the quire of Paules in
+ London, and also in Westminster, where some péeces thereof are yet to
+ be séene and marked, if anie will looke for them. If marble will not
+ serue, then haue we the finest alabaster that maie elsewhere bée had,
+ as about saint Dauids of Wales; also neere to Beau manour, which is
+ about foure or fiue miles from Leicester, & taken to be the best,
+ although there are diuerse other quarries hereof beyond the Trent, as
+ in Yorkeshire, &c: and fullie so good as that, whose names at this
+ time are out of my remembrance. What should I talke of the plaister of
+ Axholme (for of that which they dig out of the earth in sundrie places
+ of Lincolne and Darbishires, wherewith they blanch their houses in
+ stead of lime, I speake not) certes it is a fine kind of alabaster.
+ But sith it is sold commonlie but after twelue pence the load, we
+ iudge it to be but vile and course. For my part I cannot skill of
+ stone, yet in my opinion it is not without great vse for plaister of
+ paris, and such is the mine of it, that the stones thereof lie in
+ flakes one vpon an other like plankes or tables, and vnder the same is
+ an excéeding hard stone verie profitable for building, as hath often
+ times béene prooued. This is also to be marked further of our plaister
+ white and graie, that not contented with the same, as God by the
+ quarrie dooth send and yéeld it foorth, we haue now deuised to cast it
+ in moulds for windowes and pillers of what forme and fashion we list,
+ euen as alabaster it selfe: and with such stuffe sundrie houses in
+ Yorkshire are furnished of late. But of what continuance this deuise
+ is like to proue, the time to come shall easilie bewraie. In the meane
+ time sir Rafe Burcher knight hath put the deuise in practise, and
+ affirmeth that six men in six moneths shall trauell in that trade to
+ sée greater profit to the owner, than twelue men in six yeares could
+ before this tricke was inuented.
+
+ If neither alabaster nor marble doeth suffice, we haue the touchstone,
+ called in Latine _Lydius lapis_, shining as glasse, either to match in
+ sockets with our pillers of alabaster, or contrariwise: or if it
+ please the workeman to ioine pillers of alabaster or touch with
+ sockets of brasse, pewter, or copper, we want not also these mettals.
+ So that I think no nation can haue more excellent & greater diuersitie
+ of stuffe for building, than we maie haue in England, if our selues
+ could so like of it. But such alas is our nature, that not our own but
+ other mens do most of all delite vs; & for desire of noueltie, we oft
+ exchange our finest cloth, corne, tin, and woolles, for halfe penie
+ cockhorsses for children, dogs of wax or of chéese, two pennie tabers,
+ leaden swords, painted feathers, gewgaws for fooles, dogtricks for
+ disards, hawkeswhoods, and such like trumperie, whereby we reape iust
+ mockage and reproch in other countries. I might remember here our pits
+ for milstones, that are to be had in diuerse places of our countrie,
+ as in Angleseie, Kent, also at Queene hope of blew gréet, of no lesse
+ value than the Colaine, yea than the French stones: our grindstones
+ for hardware men. Our whetstones are no lesse laudable than those of
+ Creta & Lacedemonia, albeit we vse no oile with them, as they did in
+ those parties, but onelie water, as the Italians and Naxians doo with
+ theirs: whereas they that grow in Cilicia must haue both oile and
+ water laid vpon them, or else they make no edge. These also are
+ diuided either into the hard greet, as the common that shoemakers vse,
+ or the soft gréet called hones, to be had among the barbars, and those
+ either blacke or white, and the rub or brickle stone which husbandmen
+ doo occupie in the whetting of their sithes.
+
+ In like maner slate of sundrie colours is euerie where in maner to be
+ had, as is the flint and chalke, the shalder and the peble. Howbeit
+ for all this wée must fetch them still from farre, as did the Hull men
+ their stones out of Iseland, wherewith they paued their towne for want
+ of the like in England: or as sir Thomas Gresham did, when he bought
+ the stones in Flanders, wherwith he paued the Burse. But as he will
+ answer peraduenture, that he bargained for the whole mould and
+ substance of his workemanship in Flanders: so the Hullanders or Hull
+ men will saie, how that stockefish is light loding, and therfore they
+ did balasse their vessels with these Iseland stones, to keepe them
+ from turning ouer in their so tedious a voiage. And thus much brieflie
+ of our quarries of stone for building, wherein oftentimes the workemen
+ haue found strange things inclosed, I meane liuelie creatures shut vp
+ in the hard stones, and liuing there without respiration or breathing,
+ as frogs, todes, &c: whereof you shall read more in the chronologie
+ following: also in Caius Langius, William of Newburie, Agricola,
+ Cornelius of Amsterdam, Bellogius de aquatilibus, Albert the great,
+ lib. 19. cap. 9. "De rebus metallicis," and Goropius in Niloscopio,
+ pag. 237, &c. Sometime also they find pretious stones (though seldome)
+ and some of them perfectlie squared by nature, and much like vnto the
+ diamond, found of late in a quarrie of marble at Naples, which was so
+ perfectlie pointed, as if all the workemen in the world had
+ c[=o]sulted about the performance of that workemanship. I know that
+ these reports vnto some will séeme incredible, and therefore I stand
+ the longer vpon them; neuerthelesse omitting to speake particularlie
+ of such things as happen amongst vs, and rather séeking to confirme
+ the same by the like in other countries, I will deliuer a few more
+ examples, whereby the truth hereof shall so much the better appeare.
+ For in the middest of a stone not long since found at Chius, vpon the
+ breaking vp thereof, there was séene _Caput panisci_ inclosed therin,
+ very perfectlie formed as the beholders doo remember. How come the
+ grains of gold to be so fast inclosed in the stones that are & haue
+ béene found in the Spanish Bætis? But this is most maruellous, that a
+ most delectable and sweet oile, comparable to the finest balme, or
+ oile of spike in smell, was found naturallie included in a stone,
+ which could not otherwise be broken but with a smiths hammer. Goropius
+ dooth tell of a pearch perfectlie formed to be found in Britaine: but
+ [Sidenote: * [_Sic._]]
+ as then [*] committed into hard stone, vpon the top of a crag.
+ Aristotle and Theophrast speake of fishes digged out of the earth,
+ farre from the sea in Greece, which Seneca also confirmeth, but with
+ addition that they are perillous to be eaten. In pope Martins time, a
+ serpent was found fast inclosed in a rocke, as the kernell is within
+ the nut, so that no aire could come to it: and in my time another in a
+ coffin of stone at Auignion, wherein, a man had béene buried, which so
+ filled the roome, and laie so close from aire, that all men woondered
+ how it was possible for the same to liue and continue so long time
+ there. Finallie I my selfe haue séene stones opened, and within them
+ the substances of corrupted wormes like vnto adders (but far shorter)
+ whose crests and wrinkles of bodie appeared also therein, as if they
+ had bene ingraued in the stones by art and industrie of man. Wherefore
+ to affirme; that as well liuing creatures, as pretious stones, gold,
+ &c: are now and then found in our quarries, shall not hereafter be a
+ thing so incredible as manie talking philosophers, void, of all
+ experience, doo affirme, and wilfullie mainteine against such as hold
+ the contrarie.
+
+
+
+
+ ON SUNDRIE MINERALS.
+
+ CHAP. X.
+
+
+ With how great benefits this Iland of ours hath béene indued from the
+ beginning, I hope there is no godlie man but will readilie confesse,
+ and yéeld vnto the Lord God his due honour for the same. For we are
+ blessed euerie waie, & there is no temporall commoditie necessarie to
+ be had or craued by anie nation at Gods hand, that he hath not in most
+ aboundant maner bestowed vpon vs Englishmen, if we could sée to vse
+ it, & be thankefull for the same. But alas (as I said in the chapter
+ precedent) we loue to inrich them that care not for vs, but for our
+ great commodities: and one trifling toie not woorth the cariage,
+ c[=o]ming (as the prouerbe saith) in thrée ships from beyond the sea
+ is more woorth with vs, than a right good iewell, easie to be had at
+ home. They haue also the cast to teach vs to neglect our owne things,
+ for if they see that we begin to make anie account of our commodities
+ (if it be so that they haue also the like in their owne countries)
+ they will suddenlie abase the same to so low a price, that our gaine
+ not being woorthie our trauell, and the same commoditie with lesse
+ cost readie to be had at home from other countries (though but for a
+ while) it causeth vs to giue ouer our indeuours, and as it were by and
+ by to forget the matter wherabout we went before, to obteine them at
+ their hands. And this is the onelie cause wherefore our commodities
+ are oft so little estéemed of. Some of them can saie without anie
+ teacher, that they will buie the case of a fox of an Englishman for a
+ groat, and make him afterward giue twelue pence for the taile. Would
+ to God we might once wax wiser, and each one indeuor that the
+ common-wealth of England may flourish againe in hir old rate, and that
+ our commodities may be fullie wrought at home (as cloth if you will
+ for an example) and not caried out to be shorne and dressed abroad,
+ while our clothworkers here doo starue and beg their bread, and for
+ lacke of dailie practise vtterlie neglect to be skilfull in this
+ science! But to my purpose.
+
+ We haue in England great plentie of quicke siluer, antimonie, sulphur,
+ blacke lead, and orpiment red and yellow. We haue also the finest
+ [Sidenote: The lord Mountioy.]
+ alume (wherein the diligence of one of the greatest fauourers of the
+ common-wealth of England of a subiect hath béene of late egregiouslie
+ abused, and euen almost with barbarous inciuilitie) & of no lesse
+ force against fire, if it were vsed in our parietings than that of
+ Lipara, which onlie was in vse somtime amongst the Asians & Romans, &
+ wherof Sylla had such triall that when he meant to haue burned a tower
+ of wood erected by Archelaus the lieutenant of Mithridates, he could
+ by no meanes set it on fire in a long time, bicause it was washed ouer
+ with alume, as were also the gates of the temple of Jerusalem with
+ like effect, and perceiued when Titus commanded fire to be put vnto
+ the same. Beside this we haue also the naturall cinnabarum or
+ vermilion, the sulphurous glebe called bitumen in old time for morter,
+ and yet burned in lamps where oile is scant and geason: the
+ chrysocolla, coperis, and minerall stone, whereof petriolum is made,
+ and that which is most strange the minerall pearle, which as they are
+ for greatnesse and colour most excellent of all other, so are they
+ digged out of the maine land, and in sundrie places far distant from
+ the shore. Certes the westerne part of the land hath in times past
+ greatlie abounded with these and manie other rare and excellent
+ commodities, but now they are washed awaie by the violence of the sea,
+ which hath deuoured the greatest part of Cornewall and Deuonshire on
+ either side: and it dooth appéere yet by good record, that whereas now
+ there is a great distance betweene the Syllan Iles and point of the
+ lands end, there was of late yeares to speke of scarselie a brooke or
+ draine of one fadam water betwéene them, if so much, as by those
+ euidences appeereth, and are yet to be séene in the hands of the lord
+ and chiefe owner of those Iles. But to procéed.
+
+ Of colemines we haue such plentie in the north and westerne parts of
+ our Iland, as may suffice for all the realme of England: and so must
+ they doo hereafter in deed, if wood be not better cherrished than it
+ is at this present. And to saie the truth, notwithstanding that verie
+ manie of them are caried into other countries of the maine, yet their
+ greatest trade beginneth now to grow from the forge into the kitchin
+ and hall, as may appéere alreadie in most cities and townes that lie
+ about the coast, where they haue but little other fewell, except it be
+ turffe and hassocke. I maruell not a little that there is no trade of
+ these into Sussex and Southampton shire, for want whereof the smiths
+ doo worke their iron with charcoale. I thinke that far carriage be the
+ onelie cause, which is but a slender excuse to inforce vs to carrie
+ them vnto the maine from hence.
+
+ Beside our colemines we haue pits in like sort of white plaster, and
+ of fat and white and other coloured marle, wherewith in manie places
+ the inhabitors doo compest their soile, and which dooth benefit their
+ land in ample maner for manie yeares to come. We haue saltpeter for
+ our ordinance, and salt soda for our glasse, & thereto in one place a
+ kind of earth (in Southerie as I weene hard by Codington, and sometime
+ in the tenure of one Croxton of London) which is so fine to make
+ moulds for goldsmiths and casters of mettall, that a load of it was
+ woorth fiue shillings thirtie yeares agone: none such againe they saie
+ in England. But whether there be or not, let vs not be vnthankefull to
+ God for these and other his benefits bestowed vpon vs, whereby he
+ sheweth himselfe a louing and mercifull father vnto vs, which
+ contrariewise returne vnto him in lieu of humilitie and obedience,
+ nothing but wickednesse, auarice, meere contempt of his will, pride,
+ excesse, atheisme, and no lesse than Iewish ingratitude.
+
+
+
+
+ OF METTALS TO BE HAD IN OUR LAND.
+
+ CHAP. XI.
+
+
+ All mettals receiue their beginning of quicksiluer and sulphur, which
+ are as mother and father to them. And such is the purpose of nature in
+ their generations: that she tendeth alwaies to the procreation of
+ gold, neuerthelesse she sildome reacheth vnto that hir end, bicause of
+ the vnequall mixture and proportion of these two in the substance
+ ingendered, whereby impediment and corruption is induced, which as it
+ is more or lesse, dooth shew it selfe in the mettall that is
+ producted. First of all therefore the substance of sulphur and
+ quicksiluer being mixed in due proportion, after long and temperate
+ decoction in the bowels of the earth, orderlie ingrossed and fixed,
+ becommeth gold, which Encelius dooth call the sunne and right heire of
+ nature: but if it swarue but a little (saith he) in the commixtion and
+ other circumstances, then dooth it product siluer the daughter, not so
+ noble a child as gold hir brother, which among mettall is worthilie
+ called the cheefe. Contrariwise, the substances of the aforesaid
+ parents mixed without proportion, and lesse digested and fixed in the
+ entrailes of the earth, whereby the radicall moisture becommeth
+ combustible and not of force to indure heat and hammer, dooth either
+ turne into tin, lead, copper, or iron, which were the first mettals
+ knowne in time past vnto antiquitie, although that in these daies
+ there are diuerse other, whereof neither they nor our alchumists had
+ euer anie knowledge. Of these therfore which are reputed among the
+ third sort, we here in England haue our parts, and as I call them to
+ mind, so will I intreat of them, and with such breuitie as may serue
+ [Sidenote: Gold.]
+ [Sidenote: Siluer.]
+ the turne, and yet not altogither omit to saie somewhat of gold and
+ siluer also, bicause I find by good experience how it was not said of
+ old time without great reason, that all countries haue need of
+ Britaine, and Britaine it selfe of none. For truelie if a man regard
+ such necessities as nature onelie requireth, there is no nation vnder
+ the sunne, that can saie so much as ours: sith we doo want none that
+ are conuenient for vs. Wherefore if it be a benefit to haue anie gold
+ at all, we are not void of some, neither likewise of siluer:
+ whatsoeuer Cicero affirmeth to the contrarie, Lib. 4. ad Atticum epi.
+ 16. in whose time they were not found, "Britannici belli exitus (saith
+ he) expectatur, constat enim aditus insulæ esse munitos mirificis
+ molibus: etiam illud iam cognitum est, neque argenti scrupulum esse
+ vllum in illa insula, neque vllam spem prædæ nisi ex mancipijs, ex
+ quibus nullos puto te litteris aut musicis eruditos expectare." And
+ albeit that we haue no such abundance of these (as some other
+ countries doo yéeld) yet haue my rich countrimen store inough of both
+ in their pursses, where in time past they were woont to haue least,
+ bicause the garnishing of our churches, tabernacles, images, shrines
+ and apparell of the préests consumed the greatest part, as experience
+ hath confirmed.
+
+ Of late my countriemen haue found out I wot not what voiage into the
+ west Indies, from whence they haue brought some gold, whereby our
+ countrie is inriched: but of all that euer aduentured into those
+ parts, none haue sped better than sir Francis Drake whose successe
+ 1582 hath far passed euen his owne expectation. One Iohn Frobisher in
+ like maner attempting to séeke out a shorter cut by the northerlie
+ regions into the peaceable sea and kingdome of Cathaie, happened 1577
+ vpon certeine Ilands by the waie, wherein great plentie of much gold
+ appeared, and so much that some letted not to giue out for certeintie,
+ that Salomon had his gold from thence, wherewith he builded the
+ temple. This golden shew made him so desirous also of like successe,
+ that he left off his former voiage, & returned home to bring news of
+ such things as he had seene. But when after another voiage it was
+ found to be but drosse, he gaue ouer both the enterprises, and now
+ keepeth home without anie desire at all to séeke into farre countries.
+ In truth, such was the plentie of ore there séene and to be had, that
+ if it had holden perfect, might haue furnished all the world with
+ abundance of that mettall; the iorneie also was short and performed in
+ foure or fiue moneths, which was a notable incouragement. But to
+ proceed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Tin.]
+ [Sidenote: Lead.]
+ Tin and lead, mettals which Strabo noteth in his time to be carried
+ vnto Marsilis from hence, as Diodorus also confirmeth, are verie
+ plentifull with vs, the one in Cornewall, Deuonshire (& else-where in
+ the north) the other in Darbishire, Weredale, and sundrie places of
+ this Iland; whereby my countriemen doo reape no small commoditie, but
+ especiallie our pewterers, who in time past imploied the vse of pewter
+ onelie vpon dishes, pots, and a few other trifles for seruice here at
+ home, whereas now they are growne vnto such exquisit cunning, that
+ they can in maner imitate by infusion anie forme or fashion of cup,
+ dish, salt, bowle, or goblet, which is made by goldsmiths craft,
+ though they be neuer so curious, exquisite, and artificiallie forged.
+ Such furniture of houshold of this mettall, as we commonlie call by
+ the name of vessell, is sold vsuallie by the garnish, which dooth
+ conteine twelue platters, twelue dishes, twelue saucers, and those are
+ either of siluer fashion, or else with brode or narrow brims, and
+ bought by the pound, which is now valued at six or seuen pence, or
+ peraduenture at eight pence. Of porringers, pots, and other like I
+ speake not, albeit that in the making of all these things there is
+ such exquisite diligence vsed, I meane for the mixture of the mettall
+ and true making of this commoditie (by reason of sharpe laws prouided
+ in that behalfe) as the like is not to be found in any other trade. I
+ haue béene also informed that it consisteth of a composition, which
+ hath thirtie pounds of kettle brasse to a thousand pounds of tin,
+ whervnto they ad thrée or foure pounds of tinglasse: but as too much
+ of this dooth make the stuffe brickle, so the more the brasse be, the
+ better is the pewter, and more profitable vnto him that dooth buie and
+ purchase the same. But to proceed.
+
+ In some places beyond the sea a garnish of good flat English pewter of
+ an ordinarie making (I saie flat, bicause dishes and platters in my
+ time begin to be made déepe like basons, and are indéed more
+ conuenient both for sawce, broth, and kéeping the meat warme) is
+ estéemed almost so pretious, as the like number of vessels that are
+ made of fine siluer, and in maner no lesse desired amongst the great
+ estates, whose workmen are nothing so skilfull in that trade as ours,
+ neither their mettall so good, nor plentie so great, as we haue here
+ in England. The Romans made excellent looking glasses of our English
+ tin, howbeit our workemen were not then so exquisite in that feat as
+ the Brundusiens: wherefore the wrought mettall was carried ouer vnto
+ them by waie of merchandize, and verie highlie were those glasses
+ estéemed of till siluer came generallie in place, which in the end
+ brought the tin into such contempt, that in manner euerie dishwasher
+ refused to looke in other than siluer glasses for the attiring of hir
+ head. Howbeit the making of siluer glasses had béene in vse before
+ Britaine was knowne vnto the Romans, for I read that one Praxiteles
+ deuised them in the yoong time of Pompeie, which was before the
+ comming of Cæsar into this Iland.
+
+ There were mines of lead sometimes also in Wales, which indured so
+ long till the people had consumed all their wood by melting of the
+ same (as they did also at Comeristwith six miles from Stradfleur) and
+ I suppose that in Plinies time the abundance of lead (whereof he
+ speaketh) was to be found in those parts, in the seauentéenth of his
+ thirtie fourth booke: also he affirmeth that it laie in the verie
+ swart of the earth, and dailie gotten in such plentie, that the Romans
+ made a restraint of the cariage thereof to Rome, limiting how much
+ should yearelie be wrought and transported ouer the sea. And here by
+ the waie it is worthie to be noted, of a crow which a miner of tin,
+ dwelling néere Comeristwith (as Leland saith) had made so tame, that
+ it would dailie flie and follow him to his worke and other places
+ where soeuer he happened to trauell. This labourer working on a time
+ in the bottome or vallie, where the first mine was knowne to be, did
+ laie his pursse and girdle by him, as men commonlie doo that addresse
+ themselues to applie their businesse earnestlie, and he himselfe also
+ had vsed from time to time before. The crow likewise was verie busie
+ flittering about him, and so much molested him, that he waxed angrie
+ with the bird, & in his furie threatened to wring off his necke, if he
+ might once get him into his hands; to be short, in the end the crow,
+ hastilie caught vp his girdle and pursse, and made awaie withall so
+ fast as hir wings could carrie hir. Héerevpon the poore man falling
+ into great agonie (for he feared to lose peraduenture all his monie)
+ threw downe his mattocke at aduenture and ran after the bird, curssing
+ and menacing that he should lose his life if euer he got him againe:
+ but as it fell out, the crow was the means whereby his life was saued,
+ for he had not béene long out of the mine, yer it fell downe and
+ killed all his fellowes. If I should take vpon me to discourse and
+ search out the cause of the thus dealing of this bird at large, I
+ should peraduenture set my selfe further into the briers than well
+ find which waie to come out againe: yet am I persuaded, that the crow
+ was Gods instrument herein, wherby the life of this poore labourer was
+ preserued. It was doone also in an other order than that which I read
+ of another tame crow, kept vp by a shoomaker of Dutch land in his shop
+ or stoue: who séeing the same to sit vpon the pearch among his shoone,
+ verie heauilie and drousie, said vnto the bird: What aileth my iacke,
+ whie art thou sad and pensiue? The crow hearing his maister speake
+ after this sort vnto him, answered (or else the diuell within him) out
+ of the psalter: "Cogitaui dies antiquos & æternos in mente habui." But
+ whither am I digressed, from lead vnto crowes, & from crowes vnto
+ diuels? Certes it is now high time to returne vnto our mettals, and
+ resume the tractation of such things as I had earst in hand.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iron.]
+ Iron is found in manie places, as in Sussex, Kent, Weredale, Mendip,
+ Walshall, as also in Shropshire, but chéeflie in the woods betwixt
+ Beluos and Willocke or Wicberie néere Manchester, and elsewhere in
+ Wales. Of which mines diuerse doo bring foorth so fine and good
+ stuffe, as anie that commeth from beyond the sea, beside the infinit
+ gaines to the owners, if we would so accept it, or bestow a little
+ more cost in the refining of it. It is also of such toughnesse, that
+ it yéeldeth to the making of claricord wire in some places of the
+ realme. Neuerthelesse, it was better cheape with vs when strangers
+ onelie brought it hither: for it is our qualitie when we get anie
+ commoditie, to vse it with extremitie towards our owne nation, after
+ we haue once found the meanes to shut out forreners from the bringing
+ in of the like. It breedeth in like manner great expense and waste of
+ wood, as dooth the making of our pots and table vessell of glasse,
+ wherein is much losse sith it is so quicklie broken; and yet (as I
+ thinke) easie to be made tougher, if our alchumists could once find
+ the true birth or production of the red man, whose mixture would
+ induce a metallicall toughnesse vnto it, whereby it should abide the
+ hammer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Copper.]
+ Copper is latelie not found, but rather restored againe to light. For
+ I haue read of copper to haue béene heretofore gotten in our Iland;
+ howbeit as strangers haue most commonly the gouernance of our mines,
+ so they hitherto make small gains of this in hand in the north parts:
+ for (as I am informed) the profit dooth verie hardlie counteruaile the
+ charges; whereat wise men doo not a litle maruell, considering the
+ abundance which that mine dooth séeme to offer, and as it were at
+ hand. Leland our countrieman noteth sundrie great likelihoods of
+ naturall copper mines to be eastwards, as betwéene Dudman and
+ Trewardth in the sea cliffes, beside other places, whereof diuerse are
+ noted here and there in sundrie places of this booke alreadie, and
+ therefore it shall be but in vaine to repeat them here againe: as for
+ that which is gotten out of the marchasite, I speake not of it, sith
+ it is not incident to my purpose. In Dorsetshire also a copper mine
+ latelie found is brought to good perfection.
+
+ [Sidenote: Stéele.]
+ As for our stéele, it is not so good for edge-tooles as that of
+ Colaine, and yet the one is often sold for the other, and like tale
+ vsed in both, that is to saie, thirtie gads to the sheffe, and twelue
+ sheffes to the burden. Our alchumie is artificiall, and thereof our
+ spoones and some salts are commonlie made, and preferred before our
+ pewter with some, albeit in truth it be much subiect to corruption,
+ putrifaction, more heauie and foule to handle than our pewter; yet
+ some ignorant persons affirme it to be a mettall more naturall, and
+ the verie same which Encelius calleth _Plumbum cinereum_, the Germans,
+ wisemute, mithan, & counterfeie, adding, that where it groweth, siluer
+ can not be farre off. Neuerthelesse it is knowne to be a mixture of
+ brasse, lead, and tin (of which this latter occupieth the one halfe)
+ but after another proportion than is vsed in pewter. But alas I am
+ persuaded that neither the old Arabians, nor new alchumists of our
+ time did euer heare of it, albeit that the name thereof doo séeme to
+ come out of their forge. For the common sort indeed doo call it
+ alchumie, an vnwholsome mettall (God wot) and woorthie to be banished
+ and driuen out of the land. And thus I conclude with this discourse,
+ as hauing no more to saie of the mettals of my countrie, except I
+ should talke of brasse, bell mettall, and such as are brought ouer for
+ merchandize from other countries: and yet I can not but saie that
+ there is some brasse found also in England, but so small is the
+ quantitie, that it is not greatlie to be estéemed or accounted of.
+
+
+
+
+ OF PRETIOUS STONES.
+
+ CHAP. XII.
+
+
+ The old writers remember few other stones of estimation to be found in
+ [sidenote: Geat.]
+ this Iland than that which we call geat, and they in Latine _Gagaies_:
+ wherevnto furthermore they ascribe sundrie properties, as vsuallie
+ [Sidenote: Laon.]
+ [Sidenote: Chalchondile.]
+ practised here in times past, whereof none of our writers doo make
+ anie mention at all. Howbeit whatsoeuer it hath pleased a number of
+ strangers (vpon false surmise) to write of the vsages of this our
+ countrie, about the triall of the virginitie of our maidens by
+ drinking the powder hereof against the time of their bestowing in
+ mariage: certeine it is that euen to this daie there is some plentie
+ to be had of this commoditie in Darbishire and about Barwike, whereof
+ rings, salts, small cups, and sundrie trifling toies are made,
+ although that in manie mens opinions nothing so fine as that which is
+ brought ouer by merchants dailie from the maine. But as these men are
+ drowned with the common errour conceiued of our nation, so I am sure
+ that in discerning the price and value of things, no man now liuing
+ can go beyond the iudgement of the old Romans, who preferred the geat
+ of Britaine before the like stones bred about Luke and all other
+ countries wheresoeuer. Marbodeus Gallus also writing of the same among
+ other of estimation, saith thus:
+
+   Nascitur in Lycia lapis & propè gemma Gagates,
+   Sed genus eximium fæcunda Britannia mittit,
+   Lucidus & niger est, leuis & leuissimus idem,
+   Vicinas paleas trahit attritu calefactus,
+   Ardet aqua lotus, restinguitur vnctus oliuo.
+
+ The Germane writers confound it with amber as it were a kind therof:
+ but as I regard not their iudgement in this point, so I read that it
+ taketh name of Gagas a citie and riuer in Silicia, where it groweth in
+ plentifull maner, as Dioscorides saith. Nicander in Theriaca calleth
+ it Engangin and Gangitin, of the plentie thereof that is found in the
+ place aforesaid, which he calleth Ganges, and where they haue great
+ vse of it in driuing awaie of serpents by the onelie perfume thereof.
+ Charles the fourth emperour of that name glased the church withall
+ that standeth at the fall of Tangra, but I cannot imagine what light
+ should enter therby. The writers also diuide this stone into fiue
+ kinds, of which the one is in colour like vnto lion tawnie, another
+ straked with white veines, the third with yellow lines, the fourth is
+ garled with diuerse colours, among which some are like drops of bloud
+ (but those come out of Inde) and the fift shining blacke as anie
+ rauens feather.
+
+ Moreouer, as geat was one of the first stones of this Ile, whereof
+ anie forren account was made, so our pearles also did match with it in
+ renowme; in so much that the onelie desire of them caused Cæsar to
+ aduenture hither, after he had séene the quantities and heard of our
+ plentie of them, while he abode in France, and whereof he made a
+ taberd which he offered vp in Rome to Venus, where it hoong long after
+ as a rich and notable oblation and testimonie of the riches of our
+ countrie. Certes they are to be found in these our daies, and thereto
+ of diuerse colours, in no lesse numbers than euer they were in old
+ time. Yet are they not now so much desired bicause of their smalnesse,
+ and also for other causes, but especiallie sith churchworke, as copes,
+ vestments, albes, tunicles, altarclothes, canopies, and such trash,
+ are worthilie abolished; vpon which our countrimen superstitiously
+ bestowed no small quantities of them. For I thinke there were few
+ churches or religious houses, besides bishops miters, bookes and other
+ pontificall vestures, but were either throughlie fretted, or notablie
+ garnished with huge numbers of them. Marbodeus likewise speaking of
+ pearles, commendeth them after this maner:
+
+   Gignit & insignes antiqua Britannia baccas, &c.
+
+ Marcellinus also Lib. 23, "in ipso fine," speaketh of our pearls and
+ their generation, but he preferreth greatlie those of Persia before
+ them, which to me dooth séeme vnequallie doone. But as the British
+ geat or orient pearle were in old time estéemed aboue those of other
+ countries; so time hath since the conquest of the Romans reuealed
+ manie other: insomuch that at this season there are found in England
+ the Aetites (in English called the ernestone, but for erne some
+ pronounce eagle) and the hematite or bloodstone, and these verie pure
+ and excellent: also the calcedonie, the porphyrite, the christall, and
+ those other which we call calaminares and speculares, besides a kind
+ of diamond or adamant, which although it be verie faire to sight, is
+ yet much softer (as most are that are found & bred toward the north)
+ than those that are brought hither out of other countries. We haue
+ also vpon our coast the white corall, nothing inferiour to that which
+ is found beyond the sea in the albe, néere to the fall of Tangra, or
+ to the red and blacke, whereof Dioscorides intreateth, Lib. 5. cap. 8.
+ We haue in like sort sundrie other stones dailie found in cliffes and
+ rocks (beside the load stone which is oftentimes taken vp out of our
+ mines of iron) whereof such as find them haue either no knowledge at
+ all, or else doo make but small account, being seduced by outlandish
+ lapidaries, whereof the most part discourage vs from the searching and
+ séeking out of our owne commodities, to the end that they maie haue
+ the more frée vtterance of their naturall and artificiall wares,
+ whereby they get great gaines amongst such as haue no skill.
+
+ [Sidenote: Triall of a stone.]
+ I haue heard that the best triall of a stone is to laie it on the
+ naile of the thombe, and so to go abroad into the cleare light, where
+ if the colour hold in all places a like, the stone is thought to be
+ naturall and good: but if it alter, especiallie toward the naile, then
+ is it not sound, but rather to be taken for an artificiall péece of
+ practise. If this be true it is an experiment woorthie the noting.
+ [Sidenote: Lib. 7.]
+ Cardan also hath it in his "De subtilitate;" if not, I haue read more
+ lies than this, as one for example out of Cato, who saieth, that a cup
+ of iuie will hold no wine at all. I haue made some vessels of the same
+ wood, which refuse no kind of liquor, and therefore I suppose that
+ there is no such _Antipathia_ betweene wine and our iuie, as some of
+ our reading philosophers (without all maner of practise) will seeme to
+ infer amongst vs: and yet I denie not but the iuie of Gréece or Italie
+ may haue such a propertie; but why should not the iuie then of France
+ somewhat participat withall in the like effect, which groweth in an
+ hotter soile than ours is? For as Baptista porta saith, it holdeth not
+ also in the French iuie, wherfore I can not beléeue that it hath anie
+ such qualitie at all as Cato ascribeth vnto it. What should I say more
+ of stones? Trulie I can not tell, sith I haue said what I may
+ alreadie, and peraduenture more than I thinke necessarie: and that
+ causeth me to passe ouer those that are now & then taken out of our
+ oisters, todes, muskels, snailes and adders, and likewise such as are
+ found vpon sundrie hils in Glocestershire, which haue naturallie such
+ sundrie proportions, formes & colours in them, as passe all humane
+ possibilitie to imitate, be the workeman neuer so skilfull and
+ cunning, also those that are found in the heads of our perches and
+ carps much desired of such as haue the stone, & yet of themselues are
+ no stones but rather shels or gristles, which in time consume to
+ nothing. This yet will I ad, that if those which are found in muskels
+ (for I am vtterlie ignorant of the generation of pearls) be good
+ pearle in déed, I haue at sundrie times gathered more than an ounce of
+ them, of which diuerse haue holes alreadie entered by nature, some of
+ them not much inferiour to great peason in quantitie, and thereto of
+ sundrie colours, as it happeneth amongst such as are brought from the
+ esterlie coast to Saffron Walden in Lent, when for want of flesh,
+ stale stinking fish and welked muskels are thought to be good meat;
+ for other fish is too déere amongst vs when law dooth bind vs to vse
+ it. Sée more for the generation of pearls in the description of
+ Scotland, for there you shall be further informed out of Boetius in
+ that behalfe. They are called orient, because of the cléerenesse,
+ which resembleth the colour of the cléere aire before the rising of
+ the sun. They are also sought for in the later end of August, a little
+ before which time the swéetnesse of the dew is most conuenient for
+ that kind of fish, which dooth ingender and conceiue them, whose forme
+ is flat, and much like vnto a lempet. The further north also that they
+ be found the brighter is their colour, & their substances of better
+ valure, as lapidaries doo giue out.
+
+
+
+
+ OF SALT MADE IN ENGLAND.
+
+ CHAP. XIII.
+
+
+ There are in England certein welles where salt is made, whereof Leland
+ hath written abundantlie in his c[=o]mentaries of Britaine, and whose
+ words onlie I will set downe in English as he wrote them, bicause he
+ seemeth to haue had diligent consideration of the same, without adding
+ anie thing of mine owne to him, except it be where necessitie dooth
+ inforce me for the méere aid of the reader, in the vnderstanding of
+ his mind. Directing therefore his iournie from Worcester in his
+ peregrination and laborious trauell ouer England, he saith thus: From
+ Worcester I road to the Wich by inclosed soile, hauing meetlie good
+ corne ground, sufficient wood and good pasture, about a six miles off,
+ Wich standeth somewhat in a vallie or low ground, betwixt two small
+ hils on the left ripe (for so he calleth the banke of euerie brooke
+ through out all his English treatises) of a pretie riuer which not far
+ beneath the Wich is called Salope brooke. The beautie of the towne in
+ maner standeth in one stréet, yet be there manie lanes in the towne
+ besides. There is also a meane church in the maine stréet, and once in
+ the wéeke an indifferent round market. The towne of it selfe is
+ somewhat foule and durtie when anie raine falleth by reason of much
+ cariage through the stréets, which are verie ill paued or rather not
+ paued at all. The great aduancement also hereof is by making of salt.
+ And though the commoditie thereof be singular great, yet the burgesses
+ be poore generallie, bicause gentlemen haue for the most part gotten
+ the great gaine of it into their hands, whilest the poore burgesses
+ [Sidenote: A common plague in all things of anie great commoditie,
+ for one beateth the bush but another catcheth the birds,
+ as we may sée in bat-fowling.]
+ yeeld vnto all the labour. There are at this present time thrée
+ hundred salters, and thrée salt springs in the towne of Wich, whereof
+ the principall is within a butshoot of the right ripe (or banke) of
+ the riuer that there commeth downe: and this spring is double so
+ profitable in yéelding of salt liquor, as both the other. Some saie
+ (or rather fable) that this salt spring did faile in the time of
+ Richard de la Wich bishop of Chichester, and that afterwards by his
+ intercession it was restored to the profit of the old course (such is
+ the superstition of the people) in remembrance whereof, or
+ peraduenture for the zeale which the Wich men and salters did beare
+ vnto Richard de la Wich their countriman, they vsed of late times on
+ his daie (which commeth once in the yeare) to hang this salt spring or
+ well about with tapistrie, and to haue sundrie games, drinkings, and
+ foolish reuels at it. But to procéed. There be a great number of salt
+ cotes about this well, wherein the salt water is sodden in leads, and
+ brought to the perfection of pure white salt. The other two salt
+ springs be on the left side of the riuer a pretie waie lower than the
+ first, and (as I found) at the verie end of the towne. At these also
+ be diuerse fornaces to make salt, but the profit and plentie of these
+ two are nothing comparable to the gaine that riseth by the greatest. I
+ asked of a salter how manie fornaces they had at all the three
+ springs, and he numbred them to eightéene score, that is, thrée
+ hundred and sixtie, saieng how euerie one of them paied yearelie six
+ shillings and eight pence to the king. The truth is that of old they
+ had liberties giuen vnto them for three hundred fornaces or more, and
+ therevpon they giue a fee farme (or _Vectigal_) of one hundred pounds
+ yearelie. Certes the pension is as it was, but the number of fornaces
+ is now increased to foure hundred. There was of late search made for
+ another salt spring there abouts, by the meanes of one Newport a
+ gentleman dwelling at the Wich, and the place where it was appéereth,
+ as dooth also the wood and timber which was set about it, to kéepe vp
+ the earth from falling into the same. But this pit was not since
+ occupied, whether it were for lacke of plentie of the salt spring, or
+ for letting or hindering of the profit of the other three. Me thinke
+ that if wood and sale of salt would serue, they might dig and find
+ more salt springs about the Wich than thrée, but there is somewhat
+ [Sidenote: Priuileges doo somtimes harme.]
+ else in the wind. For I heard that of late yeares a salt spring was
+ found in an other quarter of Worcestershire, but it grew to be without
+ anie vse, sith the Wich men haue such a priuilege, that they alone in
+ those quarters shall haue the making of salt. The pits be so set about
+ with gutters, that the salt water is easilie turned to euerie mans
+ house, and at Nantwich verie manie troughs go ouer the riuer for the
+ commoditie of such as dwell on the other side of the same. They séeth
+ also their salt water in fornaces of lead, and lade out the salt some
+ in cases of wicker, through which the water draineth, and the salt
+ remaineth. There be also two or thrée but verie little salt springs at
+ Dertwitch, in a low bottome, where salt is sometime made.
+
+ Of late also a mile from Cumbremere abbaie a peece of an hill did
+ sinke, and in the same pit rose a spring of salt water, where the
+ abbat began to make salt; but the men of the citie compounded with the
+ abbat & couent that there should be none made there, whereby the pit
+ was suffered to go to losse. And although it yéelded salt water still
+ of it selfe, yet it was spoiled at the last and filled vp with filth.
+ The Wich men vse the c[=o]moditie of their salt springs in drawing and
+ decocting the water of them onlie by six moneths in the yeare, that
+ is, from Midsummer to Christmas, as (I gesse) to mainteine the price
+ of salt, or for sauing of wood, which I thinke to be their principall
+ reason. For making of salt is a great and notable destruction of wood,
+ and shall be greater hereafter, except some prouision be made for the
+ better increase of firing. The lacke of wood also is alreadie
+ perceiued in places néere the Wich, for whereas they vsed to buie and
+ take their wood neere vnto their occupiengs, those woonted springs are
+ now decaied, and they be inforced to seeke their wood so far as
+ Worcester towne, and all the parts about Brenisgraue, Alchirch, and
+ Alcester. I asked a salter how much wood he supposed yearelie to be
+ spent at these fornaces? and he answered that by estimation there was
+ consumed about six thousand load, and it was round pole wood for the
+ most, which is easie to be cleft, and handsomelie riuen in péeces. The
+ people that are about the fornaces are verie ill coloured, and the
+ iust rate of euerie fornace is to make foure loads of salt yearelie,
+ and to euerie load goeth fiue or six quarters as they make their
+ accounts. If the fornace men make more in one fornace than foure
+ loads, it is (as it is said) imploied to their owne auaile. And thus
+ much hath Leland left in memorie of our white salt, who in an other
+ booke, not now in my hands, hath touched the making also of baie salt
+ in some part of our countrie. But sith that booke is deliuered againe
+ to the owner, the tractation of baie salt can not be framed in anie
+ order, bicause my memorie will not serue to shew the true maner and
+ the place. It shall suffice therfore to haue giuen such notice of it,
+ to the end the reader may know that aswell the baie as white are
+ wrought and made in England, and more white also vpon the west coast
+ toward Scotland, in Essex and else where, out of the salt water
+ betwéene Wire and Cokermouth, which commonlie is of like price with
+ our wheat. Finallie, hauing thus intermedled our artificiall salt with
+ our minerals, let vs giue ouer, and go in hand with such mettals as
+ are growing here in England.
+
+
+
+
+ OF OUR ACCOMPT OF TIME & HIR PARTS.
+
+ CHAP. XIV.
+
+
+ As _Libra_ is _As_ or _Assis_ to the Romans for their weight, and the
+ foot in standard measure: so in our accompt of the parts of time, we
+ take the daie consisting of foure and twentie houres, to be the
+ greatest of the least, and least of the greatest, whereby we keepe our
+ reckoning: for of the houre (to saie the truth) the most ancient
+ Romans, Greeks, nor Hebrues had anie vse; sith they reckoned by
+ watches: and whereof also Censorinus cap. 19. sheweth a reason
+ wherefore they were neglected. For my part I doo not sée anie great
+ difference vsed in the obseruation of time & hir parts, betwéene our
+ owne & any other forren nation, wherfore I shall not néed to stand
+ long on this matter. Howbeit to the end our exact order herein shall
+ appéere vnto all men, I will set downe some short rehearsall thereof,
+ and that in so briefe manner as vnto me is possible. As for our
+ astronomicall practises, I meane not to meddle with them, sith their
+ course is vniformelie obserued, ouer all. Our common order therefore
+ is to begin at the minut, which conteineth 1/60 part of an houre, as
+ at the smallest part of time knowne vnto the people, notwithstanding
+ that in most places they descend no lower than the halfe quarter or
+ quarter of the houre; and from whence they procéed vnto the houre, to
+ wit, the foure and twentith part of that which we call the common and
+ naturall daie, which dooth begin at midnight, and is obserued
+ continuallie by clockes, dialles, and astronomicall instruments of all
+ sorts. The artificiall varietie of which kind of ware is so great here
+ in England, as no place else (in mine opinion) can be comparable
+ therein to this Ile. I will not speake of the cost bestowed vpon them
+ in perle and stone, neither of the valure of mettall, whereof they
+ haue béene made, as gold, siluer, &c: and almost no abbeie or
+ religious house without some of them. This onelie shall suffice to
+ note here (as by the waie) that as antiquitie hath delighted in these
+ things, so in our time pompe and excesse spendeth all, and nothing is
+ regarded that bringeth in no bread. Of vnequall or temporall houres or
+ daies, our nation hath no regard, and therefore to shew their
+ quantities, differences, and diuisions, into the greater and the
+ lesser, (whereof the later conteineth one vnequall houre, or the
+ rising of halfe a signe, the other of a whole signe, which is in two
+ houres space, wherof Marke seemth to speake cap. 15 c 25, as the rest
+ of the euangelists (yea and he also ibid. vers. 33) doo of the other,
+ Matth. 27 e 45, Luke 23 e 44, John 19 b 14) it should be but in vaine.
+ In like sort, wheras the elder Aegyptians, Italians, Bohemians, latter
+ Atheniens, and Iews begin their daie at the sun set ouer night; the
+ Persians, Babylonians, Grecians, and Noribergians, at the sun rising
+ (ech of them accompting their daies and nights by vnequall houres)
+ also the elder Atheniens, Arabians, Dutchmen, Vmbers, Hetrurians, and
+ Astronomers at high noone, and so reckon from noone to noone: we after
+ Hipparchus and the latter Aegyptians, or to speake more properlie,
+ imitating the Roman maner vsed in the church there of long time,
+ choose the verie point of midnight; from whence we accompt twelue
+ equall houres vnto middaie insuing, and other twelue againe vnto the
+ aforesaid point, according to these verses;
+
+   Manè diem Græca gens incipit astra sequentes
+   In medio lucis Iudæis vespere sancta,
+   Inchoat ecclesia media sua tempora nocte.
+
+ And this is our generall order for the naturall daie. Of the
+ artificiall we make so farre accompt, as that we reckon it daie when
+ the sun is vp, and night when the sun leaueth our horizon. Otherwise
+ also we diuide it into two parts, that is to saie, fore noone and
+ after noone, not regarding the ruddie, shining, burning and warming
+ seasons (of thrée vnequall houres a péece, which others séeme to
+ diuide into spring time, summer, autumne, and winter, in like curious
+ manner) and whereof I read these verses:
+
+   Solis equi lucis dicuntur quatuor horæ,
+   Hæc rubet, hæc splendet, hæc calet, illa tepet.
+
+ Indéed our physicians haue another partition of the daie, as men of no
+ lesse learning no doubt than the best of forren countries, if we could
+ so conceiue of them. And herein they concurre also with those of other
+ nations, who for distinction in regiment of our humors, diuide the
+ artificiall daie and night in such wise as these verses doo import,
+ and are indéed a generall rule which ech of them doth follow:
+
+   Tres lucis primas, noctis tres sanguinis imas,
+   Vis choleræ medias lucis sex vendicat horas.
+   Dátque melam primas noctis, tres lucis & imas,
+   Centrales ponas sex noctis phlegmatis horas.
+
+ Or thus, as Tansteter hath giuen them foorth in his prelections:
+
+   A nona noctis donec sit tertia lucis,
+   Est dominus sanguis, sex inde sequentibus horis
+   Est dominans cholera, dum lucis nona sit hora
+   Post niger humid inest donec sit tertia noctis,
+   Posthæc phlegma venit, donec sit nona quietis.
+
+ _In English thus in effect_:
+
+   Three houres yer sun doo rise,
+       and so manie after, blud,
+   From nine to three at after noone,
+       hot choler beares the swaie,
+   Euen so to nine at night,
+       swart choler hath to rule,
+   As phlegme from thence to three at morne;
+       six houres ech one I saie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Night.]
+ [Sidenote: Vesper.]
+ In like sort for the night we haue none other parts than the twilight,
+ darkenight, midnight, and cocks crowing: wheras the Latins diuide the
+ same into 7 parts, as _Vesper_ or _Vesperugo_, as Plautus calleth it,
+ as Virgil vseth the word _Hesper_ the euening, which is immediatlie
+ [Sidenote: Crepsuculum.]
+ after the setting of the sun. _Crepusculum_ the twilight (which some
+ call _Prima fax_, because men begin then to light candles) when it is
+ betwéene daie and night, light and darkenesse, or properlie neither
+ [Sidenote: Concubium.]
+ daie nor night. _Concubium_ the still of the night, when ech one is
+ laid to rest.
+
+ [Sidenote: Intempestum.]
+ _Intempestum_, the dull or dead of the night, which is midnight, when
+ [Sidenote: Gallicinium.]
+ [Sidenote: Conticinium.]
+ [Sidenote: Matutinum.]
+ [Sidenote: Diluculum.]
+ men be in their first or dead sléepe. _Gallicinium_, the cocks
+ crowing. _Conticinium_, when the cocks haue left crowing. _Matutinum_,
+ the breach of the daie, and _Diluculum siue aurora_, the ruddie,
+ orenge, golden or shining colour, séene immediatlie before the rising
+ of the sun, and is opposite to the euening, as _Matutinum_ is to the
+ twilight.
+
+ [Sidenote: Watches.]
+ Other there are which doo reckon by watches, diuiding the night after
+ sun setting into foure equall parts. Of which the first beginneth at
+ euening called the first watch, and continueth by thrée vnequall
+ houres, and so foorth vntill the end of the ninth houre, whereat the
+ fourth watch entreth, which is called the morning watch, bicause it
+ concurreth partlie with the darke night, and partlie with the morning
+ and breach of the daie before the rising of the sun.
+
+ [Sidenote: Houre.]
+ As for the originall of the word houre, it is verie ancient; but yet
+ not so old as that of the watch, wherof we shall read abundantlie in
+ the scriptures, which was deuised first among souldiors for their
+ better safegard and change of watchmen in their camps; the like
+ whereof is almost vsed among our seafaring men, which they call
+ clearing of the glasse, and performed from time to time with great
+ héed and some solemnitie. Herevnto the word _Hora_ among the Grecians
+ signified so well the foure quarters of the yéere, as the foure and
+ twentith part of the daie, and limits of anie forme. But what stand I
+ vpon these things to let my purpose staie? To procéed therefore.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wéeke.]
+ Of naturall daies is the wéeke compacted, which consisteth of seauen
+ of them, the fridaie being commonlie called among the vulgar sort
+ either king or worling, bicause it is either the fairest or foulest of
+ the seauen: albeit that I cannot ghesse of anie reason whie they
+ should so imagine. The first of these entreth with mondaie, whereby it
+ commeth to passe, that we rest vpon the sundaie, which is the seauenth
+ in number, as almightie God hath commanded in his word. The Iews begin
+ their wéeke vpon our saturdaie at the setting of the sun: and the
+ Turks in these daies with the saturdaie, whereby it commeth to passe,
+ that as the Iews make our last daie the first of their wéeke, so the
+ Turks make the Iewish sabaoth the beginning of their _Hebdoma_:
+ bicause Mahomet their prophet (as they saie) was borne and dead vpon
+ the fridaie, and so he was indéed, except their Alcharon deceiue them.
+ The Iews doo reckon their daies by their distance from their sabaoth,
+ so that the first daie of their wéeke is the first daie of the
+ sabaoth, and so foorth vnto the sixt. The Latins and Aegyptians
+ accompted their daies after the seauen planets, choosing the same for
+ the denominator of the daie, that entreth his regiment with the first
+ vnequall houre of the same after the sun be risen. Howbeit, as this
+ order is not wholie reteined with vs, so the vse of the same is not
+ yet altogither abolished, as may appéere by our sunday, mondaie, and
+ saturdaie. The rest were changed by the Saxons, who in remembrance of
+ Theut sometime their prince, called the second day of the wéek
+ Theutsdach, the third Woden, Othin, Othon, or Edon, or Wodensdach.
+ Also of Thor they named the fourth daie Thorsdach, and of Frea wife to
+ Woden the fift was called Freadach. Albeit there are (and not amisse
+ as I thinke) that suppose them to meane by Thor, Iupiter, by Woden,
+ Mercurie, by Frea (or Frigga as Saxo calleth hir) Venus, and finallie
+ by Theut, Mars: which if it be so, then it is an easie matter to find
+ out the german Mars, Venus, Mercurie, and Iupiter, whereof you may
+ read more hereafter in my chronologie. The truth is, that Frea albeit
+ that Saxo giueth hir scant a good report, for that she loued one of
+ hir husbands men better than himselfe, had seauen sonnes by Woden; the
+ first, father to Wecca, of whome descended those that were afterwards
+ kings of Kent. Fethelgeta was the second, and of him came the kings of
+ Mercia. Baldaie the third, father to the kings of the west Saxons.
+ Beldagius the fourth, parent to the kings of Brenicia or
+ Northumberland. Weogodach the fift, author of the kings of Deira.
+ Caser the sixt race of the east Angle race, & Nascad originall
+ burgeant of the kings of Essex. As for the kings of Sussex, although
+ they were of the same people, yet were they not of the same streine,
+ as our old monuments doo expresse. But to procéed.
+
+ As certeine of our daies suffered this alteration by the Saxons, so in
+ [Sidenote: * _Ferias._]
+ our churches we reteined for a long time the number of daies or of [*]
+ feries from the sabaoth, after the manner of the Iews, I meane vntill
+ the seruice after the Romane vse was abolished, which custome was
+ first receiued (as some thinke) by pope Syluester, though other saie
+ by Constantine; albeit another sort doo affirme, that Syluester caused
+ the sundaie onelie to be called the Lords day, and dealt not with the
+ rest.
+
+ [Sidenote: Moneth.]
+ In like maner of wéekes our moneths are made, which are so called of
+ the moone, each one conteining eight and twentie daies, or foure
+ wéekes, without anie further curiositie. For we reckon not our time by
+ the yeare of the moone, as the Iews, Grecians, or Romans did at the
+ first; or as the Turks, Arabians and Persians doo now: neither anie
+ parcell thereof by the said planet, as in some part of the west
+ Indies, where they haue neither weeke, moneth, nor yéere, but onlie a
+ generall accompt of hundreds and thousands of moones. Wherefore if we
+ saie or write a moneth, it is to be expounded of eight and twentie
+ daies, or foure wéeks onelie, and not of hir vsuall period of nine and
+ twentie daies and one and thirtie minuts. Or (if you take it at large)
+ [Sidenote: _Triuethus in Antarticos._]
+ for a moneth of the common calender, which neuerthelesse in plées and
+ sutes is nothing at all allowed of, sith the moone maketh hir full
+ reuolution in eight and twentie daies or foure weeks, that is, vnto
+ the place where she left the sun: notwithstanding that he be now gone,
+ and at hir returne not to be found verie often in that signe wherin
+ she before had left him. Plutarch writeth of diuers barbarous nations
+ which reckoned a more or lesse number of these moneths for whole
+ yeares: and that of these some accompted but thrée, as the Archadians
+ did foure, the Acarnans six, and the Aegyptians but one for a whole
+ yeare, which causeth them to make such a large accompt of their
+ antiquitie and originall. But forsomuch as we are not troubled with
+ anie such disorder, it shall suffice that I haue generallie said of
+ moneths and their quantities at this time. Now a word or two of the
+ ancient Romane calender.
+
+ In old time each moneth of the Romane calender was reckoned after the
+ course of the moone, and their enterances were vncerteine, as were
+ also the changes of that planet: whereby it came to passe, that the
+ daie of the change was the first of the moneth, howsoeuer it fell out.
+ But after Iulius Cesar had once corrected the same, the seuerall
+ beginnings of euerie one of them did not onelie remaine fixed, but
+ also the old order in the diuision of their parts continued still
+ vnaltered: so that the moneth is yet diuided as before, into calends,
+ ides and nones, albeit that in my daies, the vse of the same bée but
+ small, and their order reteined onelie in our calenders, for the
+ better vnderstanding of such times, as the historiographers and old
+ authors doo remember. The reckoning also of each of these goeth (as
+ you sée) after a preposterous order, whereby the Romans did rather
+ note how many daies were to the next change from the precedent, than
+ contrariwise, as by perusall of the same you shall more easilie
+ perceiue.
+
+ The daies also of the change of the moneth of the moone, are called
+ _Calendæ_, which in time of paganisme were consecrated to Iuno, and
+ sacrifice made to that goddesse on the same. On these daies also, and
+ on the ides and nones they would not marie. Likewise the morow after
+ each of them were called _Dies atri_, blacke daies, as were also
+ diuerse other, and those either by reason of some notable ouerthrow or
+ mishap that befell vnto the Romans vpon those daies, or in respect of
+ some superstitious imagination conceiued of euill successe likelie to
+ fall out vpon the same. Of some they were called _Dies Aegyptiaci_.
+ Wherby it appeareth that this peeuish estimation of these daies came
+ from that nation. And as we doo note our holie and festiuall daies
+ with red letters in our calenders, so did the Romans their principall
+ feasts & circle of the moone, either in red or golden letters, and
+ their victories in white, in their publike or consularie tables. This
+ also is more to be added, that if anie good successe happened
+ afterward vpon such day as was alreadie blacke in their calender, they
+ would solemnlie enter it in white letters by racing out of the blacke,
+ whereby the blacke daie was turned into white, and wherein they not a
+ little reioised.
+
+ The word _Calendæ_ (in Gréeke _Neomenia_) is deriued of _Calo_, to
+ call: for vpon the first day of euerie moneth, the priest vsed to call
+ the people of the citie and countrie togither in Calabria, for so the
+ place was called where they met, and shew them by a custome how manie
+ daies were from the said calends to the nones, & what feasts were to
+ be celebrated betwéene that and the next change. Their order is
+ retrograde, because that after the moneth was halfe expired, or the
+ moone past the full, they reckoned by the daies to come vntill the
+ next change, as seuentéene daies, sixtéene daies, fourtéene daies, &c:
+ as the Gréekes did in the latter decad onelie, for they had no vse of
+ calends. The verie day therefore of the change is called _Calendæ_,
+ dedicated to Iuno, who thereof was also called _Calendaris_. At the
+ first also the fasts or feast daies were knowne by none other meanes
+ vnto the people but by the denunciation of the priests (as I said)
+ vpon this daie, till Flauius Scriba caused them to be written &
+ published in their common calenders, contrarie to the will and meaning
+ of the senat, for the ease and benefit of the people, as he pretended.
+
+ The nones commonlie are not aboue foure or six in euerie moneth: and
+ so long as the nones lasted, so long did the markets continue, and
+ therefore they were called _Nonæ quasi Nundinæ_. In them also were
+ neither holiedaies more than is at this present (except the day of the
+ purification of our ladie) no sacrifice offered to the gods, but each
+ one applied his businesse, and kept his market, reckoning the first
+ day after the calends or change, to be the fourth or sixt daie before
+ the faire ended. Some thinke that they were called _Nonæ_, of the word
+ _Non_, "quia in ijsdem dij non coluntur." For as Ouid saith, "Nonarum
+ tutela deo caret," or for that the nones were alwaies on the ninth
+ daie before the ides: other because _Nundina dea_ was honored the
+ ninth day before the ides, albeit I suppose rather that _Nundina dea_
+ (a goddesse far yoonger than the name of _Nonæ_) tooke hir name of the
+ nones, whereon it was a custome among the Romans, "Lustrare infantes
+ ac nomina maribus imponere," as they did with their maid children vpon
+ the eight: but howsoeuer this be, sure it is that they were the mart
+ daies of euerie moneth, wherin the people bought, sold, exchanged or
+ bartered, and did nothing else.
+
+ The ides are so named of the Hethruscan word, _Iduare_, to diuide: and
+ before that Cesar altered the calender, they diuided the moneth
+ commonlie by the middest. But afterward when he had added certeine
+ daies thereto, therby to make it agrée to the yéere of the sunne
+ (which he intruded about the end of euerie moneth, bicause he would
+ not alter the celebration of their vsuall feasts, whereof the chiefe
+ were holden alwaies vpon the day of the ides) then came they short of
+ the middest, sometime by two or thrée daies. In these therefore (which
+ alwaies are eight) the merchants had leisure to packe vp and conueie
+ their merchandize, to pay their creditors, and make merie with their
+ friends.
+
+ After the ides doo the calends follow, but in a decreasing order (as I
+ noted) as the moone dooth in light when she is past the full. But
+ herein lieth all the mysterie, if you can say so manie daies before
+ the next change or new moone, as the number there expressed dooth
+ betoken, as for 16 calends so manie daies before the next coniunction,
+ &c: (as is aboue remembred.) Of these calends, I meane touching their
+ number in euerie moneth, I find these verses insuing:
+
+   Ianus & Augustus denas nouémq; December,
+     Iunius Aprilis September & ipse Nouember
+   Ter senas retinent, Februs his octo calendas,
+     Iulius October Mars Maius epta decémq;
+
+ _In English thus_:
+
+   December Iune and August month
+     full nineteene calends haue,
+   Septemb Aprill Nouemb and Iune
+     twise nine they doo desire,
+   Sixteene foule Februarie hath,
+     no more can he well craue,
+   October Maie and Iulie hot
+     but seuenteene doo require.
+
+ _In like maner doo the nones and ides._
+
+   Sex Maius nonas, October, Iulius, & Mars,
+   Quatuor at reliqui, dabit idus quilibet octo.
+
+   To Iulie, Mars, October, Maie,
+     six nones I hight,
+   The rest but foure, and as for ides
+     they keepe still eight.
+
+ Againe touching the number of daies in euerie moneth:
+
+   Iunius, Aprilis, Septémq; Nouémq; tricenos,
+     Vnum plus reliqui, Februs tenet octo vicenos,
+   At si bissextus fuerit superadditur vnus.
+
+   Thirtie daies hath Nouember,
+     Aprill, Iune, and September,
+   Twentie and eight hath Februarie alone,
+     and all the rest thirtie and one,
+     but in the leape you must ad one.
+
+ Our yeare is counted after the course of the sunne, and although the
+ church hath some vse of that of the moone for obseruation of certeine
+ mooueable feasts, yet it is reducible to that of the sunne, which in
+ our ciuill dealings is chieflie had in vse. Herein onelie I find a
+ scruple, that the beginning thereof is not vniforme and certeine, for
+ most of our records beare date the 25 of March, and our calenders the
+ first of Ianuarie; so that with vs Christ is borne before he be
+ conceiued. Our sundrie officers also haue sundrie entrances into their
+ charges of custome, which bréedeth great confusion, whereas if all
+ these might be referred to one originall (and that to be the first of
+ Ianuarie) I doo not thinke but that there would be more certeintie,
+ and lesse trouble for our historiographers, notaries, & other officers
+ in their account of the yere. In old time the Atheniens began their
+ yeare with the change of the moone that fell néerest to the enterance
+ of the sunne into the crab, the Latines at the winter solstice, or his
+ going into the goat, the Iewes in ciuill case at the latter
+ equinoctiall, and in ecclesiasticall with the first. They of Calecute
+ begin their yeare somewhere in September, but vpon no daie certeine,
+ sith they first consult with their wisards, who pronounce one day or
+ other thereof to be most happie (as the yeare goeth about) and
+ therewith they make their entrance, as Osorius dooth remember, who
+ addeth that vpon the eleuenth calends of September, they haue solemne
+ plaies, much like to the idoll games, & that they write in leaues of
+ tree with a pencill, in stead of paper, which is not found among them.
+ Some of the old Grecians began their yere also in September: but sith
+ we seeke herein but for the custome of our countrie onelie, it shall
+ be enough to affirme that we make our account from the calends or
+ first of Ianuarie, and from the middest of the night which is _Limes_
+ betweene that and the last of December, whereof this maie suffice. I
+ might speake of the Cynike yeare also in this place (for the ease of
+ our English readers) sometime in vse amongst the Egyptians, which
+ conteineth 1460 common yeares, whose beginning is alwaies reckoned
+ from the rising of the lesser dog. The first vse thereof entered the
+ selfe yeare wherin the Olimpiads were restored. And forsomuch as this
+ nation hath no vse of intercalation, at the end of euerie 1460 yeares,
+ they added an whole yeare of intercalation, because there are 365
+ leape yeers in the period, so that 1460 Iulian yéers doo conteine 1461
+ after the Egyptians account, wherby their common yeare is found to be
+ lesse than ours. Furthermore, wheras our intercalation for the leape
+ yere is somewhat too much by certeine minuts, which in 115 yeares
+ amount vnto about an whole day, if one intercalation in so manie were
+ omitted, our calender would be the more perfect: and I would wish that
+ the same yeare wherein the said intercalation trulie found out should
+ be ouerpassed, might be obserued and called _Annus magnus Elizabethæ_,
+ in perpetuall remembrance of our noble and souereigne princesse now
+ reigning amongst vs.
+
+ I might here saie somewhat also of the prime and hir alteration, which
+ is risen higher by fiue daies in our common calender than it was
+ placed by Iulius Cæsar: and in seauen thousand yeares some writer
+ would grow to an error of an whole, if the world should last so long.
+ But for somuch as in some calenders of ours it is reduced againe to
+ the daie of euerie change, it shall suffice to saie no more therof.
+ The pope also hath made a generall correction of the calender, wherein
+ he hath reduced it to the same that it was or should haue beene at the
+ councell of Nice. Howbeit as he hath abolished the vse of the golden
+ number, so hath he continued the epact, applieng it vnto such generall
+ vse, as dooth now serue both the turnes, whose reformation had also
+ yer this time béene admitted into England, if it had not procéeded
+ from him, against whom and all whose ordinances we haue so faithfullie
+ sworne and set our hands.
+
+ Certes the next omission is to be performed if all princes would agrée
+ thereto in the leape yeare that shall be about the yeare of Grace
+ 1668: if it shall please God that the world may last so long, and then
+ may our calender also stand without anie alteration as it dooth
+ alreadie. By this also it appeareth how the defect of our calender may
+ be supplied from the creation, wherein the first equinoctiall is séene
+ higher toward the beginning of March than Cæsars calender now extant
+ dooth yéeld vnto by seauen daies. For as in Cæsars time the true
+ equinoctiall was pointed out to happen (as Stadius also noteth) either
+ vpon or about the sixtéenth or seauentéenth of March, albeit the
+ manifest apperance thereof was not found vntill the fiue and twentith
+ of that moneth in their dials or by eie-sight: so at the beginning of
+ the world the said entrance of the sunne into the ram, must néeds fall
+ out to be about the twentith or one & twentith of Aprill, as the
+ calender now standeth, if I faile not in my numbers. Aboue the yeare
+ we haue no more parts of time, that carie anie seuerall names with
+ them, except you will affirme the word age to be one, which is taken
+ for a hundred yeares, and signifieth in English so much as Seculum or
+ Æuum dooth in Latine; neither is it néedfull to remember that some of
+ my countrimen doo reckon their times not by years but by summers and
+ winters, which is verie common among vs. Wherefore to shut vp this
+ chapiter withall, you shall haue a table of the names of the daies of
+ the wéeke, after the old Saxon and Scotish maner, which I haue borowed
+ from amongst our ancient writers, as I haue perused their volumes.
+
+ _The present names._
+
+   Monday.     |  Wednesday.    |  Fridaie.      |  Sunday, or the
+   Tuesday.    |  Thursday.     |  Saturdaie.    |    Lords daie.
+
+ _The old Saxon names._
+
+   Monendeg.   |  Wodnesdeg.    |  Frigesdeg.    |  Sunnandeg.
+   Tuesdeg.    |  Thunresdeg.   |  Saterdeg.
+
+ _The Scotish vsage._
+
+   Diu Luna.   |  Diu Yath.     |  Diu Friach.   |  Diu Seroll.
+   Diu Mart.   |  Diu Ethamon.  |  Diu Satur.
+
+
+
+
+ OF OUR PRINCIPALL FAIRES AND MARKETS.
+
+ CHAP. XV.
+
+
+ I haue heretofore said sufficientlie of our faires, in the chapter of
+ fairs and markets; and now to performe my promise there made, I set
+ downe here so manie of our faires as I haue found out by mine owne
+ obseruation, and helpe of others in this behalfe. Certes it is
+ impossible for me to come by all, sith there is almost no towne in
+ England, but hath one or more such marts holden yearelie in the same,
+ although some of them (I must needs confesse) be scarse comparable to
+ Lowse faire, and little else bought or sold in them more than good
+ drinke, pies, and some pedlerie trash: wherefore it were no losse if
+ diuerse of them were abolished. Neither doo I see wherevnto this
+ number of paltrie fairs tendeth, so much as to the corruption of
+ youth, who (all other businesse set apart) must néeds repaire vnto
+ them, whereby they often spend not onelie the weeke daies, but also
+ the Lords sabbaoth in great vanitie and riot. But such hath béene the
+ iniquitie of ancient times. God grant therefore that ignorance being
+ now abolished, and a further insight into things growne into the minds
+ of magistrates, these old errors may be considered of, and so farre
+ reformed, as that thereby neither God may be dishonored, nor the
+ common wealth of our countrie anie thing diminished. In the meane
+ time, take this table here insuing in stead of a calender of the
+ greatest, sith that I cannot, or at the least wise care not to come by
+ the names of the lesse, whose knowledge cannot be so profitable to
+ them that be farre off, as they are oft preiudiciall to such as dwell
+ néere hand to the places where they be holden and kept, by pilferers
+ that resort vnto the same.
+
+ _Faires in Ianuarie._
+
+ The sixt day being Twelfe day at Salisburie, the fiue and twentith
+ being saint Paules day, at Bristow, at Grauesend, at Churchingford, at
+ Northalerton in Yorkeshire, where is kept a faire euerie wednesday
+ from Christmasse vntill Iune.
+
+ _Faires in Februarie._
+
+ The first day at Bromleie. The second at Lin, at Bath, at Maidstone,
+ at Bickleswoorth, at Budwoorth. The fourtéenth at Feuersham. On
+ Ashwednesday at Lichfield, at Tamwoorth, at Roiston, at Excester, at
+ Abington, at Cicester. The foure and twentith at Henlie vpon Thames,
+ at Tewkesburie.
+
+ _Faires in March._
+
+ On the twelth day, at Stamford, Sappesford, and at Sudburie. The
+ thirtéenth day at Wie, at the Mount, & at Bodmin in Cornewall. The
+ fift sunday in Lent, at Grantham, at Salisburie. On monday before our
+ ladie day in Lent, at Wisbich, at Kendall, Denbigh in Wales. On
+ palmesunday éeuen, at Pumfret. On palmesunday, at Worcester. The
+ twentith day at Durham. On our ladie day in Lent at Northamton, at
+ Malden, at great Chart, at Newcastell. And all the ladie daies at
+ Huntington. And at Saffron Walden on midlentsunday.
+
+ _Faires in Aprill._
+
+ The fift day at Wallingford. The seuenth at Darbie. The ninth at
+ Bickleswoorth, at Belinswoorth. On monday after, at Euesham in
+ Worcestershire. On tuesday in Easter wéeke at Northfléet, at Rochford,
+ at Hitchin. The third sunday after Easter, at Louth. The two and
+ twentith at Stabford. On saint Georges day, at Charing, at Ipswich, at
+ Tamworth, at Ampthill, at Hinninham, at Gilford, at saint Pombes in
+ Cornewall. On saint Markes day at Darbie, at Dunmow in Essex. The six
+ and twentith at Tenderden in Kent.
+
+ _Faires in Maie._
+
+ On Maie daie at Rippon, at Perin in Cornwall, at Osestrie in Wales, at
+ Lexfield in Suffolke, at Stow the old, at Reading, at Leicester, at
+ Chensford, at Maidstone, at Brickehill, at Blackeborne, at Cogilton,
+ at Stokeneie land. The third at Bramyard, at Henningham, at Elstow,
+ Waltham, Holicrosse, and Hedningham castell. The seuenth at Beuerleie,
+ at Newton, at Oxford. On Ascension day at Newcastell, at Yerne, at
+ Brimechame, at saint Edes, at Bishopstratford, at Wicham, at
+ Middlewich, at Stopford, at Chappell frith. On Whitsunéeuen, at
+ Skipton vpon Crauen. On Whitsunday, at Richell, at Gribbie, and euerie
+ wednesday fortnight at Kingston vpon Thames, at Ratesdale, at
+ Kirbistephin in Westmerland. On monday in Whitsunwéeke, at Darington,
+ at Excester, at Bradford, at Rigate, at Burton, at Salforth, at
+ Whitechurch, at Cockermouth, at Applebie, at Bicklesworth, at
+ Stokeclare. On tuesday in Whitsunwéeke, at Lewse, at Rochford, at
+ Canturburie, at Ormeskirke, at Perith, at long Milford. On wednesday
+ in Whitsunwéeke, at Sandbarre, at Raiston. On Trinitie sunday, at
+ Kendall, and at Rowell. On thursday after Trinitie sunday, at
+ Prescote, at Stapford, at saint Annes, at Newburie, at Couentrie, at
+ saint Edes, at Bishop storford, at Rosse. The ninth at Lochester, at
+ Dunstable. The twentie seuenth day, at Lenham. The twentie ninth at
+ Crambrooke. On monday in Rogation wéeke at Rech, and sunday after
+ Ascension day, at Thaxsted.
+
+ _Faires in Iune._
+
+ The ninth day at Maidstone. The xj, at Okingham, at Newbourgh, at
+ Bardfield, at Maxfield, & Holt. The seuenteenth at Hadstocke. The
+ twentie thrée at Shrewsburie, at saint Albans. The twentie fourth day,
+ at Horsham, at Bedell, at Strackstocke, at saint Annes, at Wakefield,
+ at Colchester, at Reading, at Bedford, at Barnewell beside Cambridge,
+ at Woollerhampton, at Crambrooke, at Glocester, at Lincolne, at
+ Peterborow, at Windsor, at Harstone, at Lancaster, at Westchester, at
+ Halifax, at Ashborne. The twentie seuenth, at Folkestone. The twentie
+ eight, at Hetcorne, at saint Pombes. The twentie ninth, at Woodhurst,
+ at Marleborough, at Hollesworth, at Woollerhampton, at Peterfield, at
+ Lempster, at Sudburie, at Gargrainge, at Bromleie.
+
+ _Faires in Iulie._
+
+ The second at Congreton, at Ashton vnder line. The sunday after the
+ third of Iulie, at Raiston. The eleuenth at Partneie, and at Lid. The
+ fifteenth, at Pichbacke. The seuentéenth, at Winchcombe. The twentith,
+ at Vxbridge, at Catesbie, at Bolton. The twentie two, at Marleborow,
+ at Winchester, at Colchester, at Tetburie, at Cooling, at Yealdon, at
+ Bridgenorth, at Clitherall, at Norwich in Cheshire, at Cheswike, at
+ Battelfield, at Bicklewoorth. The twentie fift, at Bristow, at Douer,
+ at Chilham, at Darbie, at Ipswich, at Northampton, at Dudleie in
+ Staffordshire, at saint Iames beside London, at Reading, at Ereth in
+ the Ile, at Walden, at Thremhall, at Baldocke, at Louth, at
+ Malmesburie, at Bromeleie, at Chichester, at Liuerpoole, at Altergam,
+ at Rauenglasse in the north. The twentie sixt, at Tiptrie. The twentie
+ seuenth at Canturburie, at Horsham, at Richmund in the north, at
+ Warington, at Chappell Frith.
+
+ _Faires in August._
+
+ The first day at Excester, at Feuersham, at Dunstable, at saint Edes,
+ at Bedford, at Northam church, at Wisbich, at Yorke, at Rumneie, at
+ Newton, at Yeland. The fourth at Linton. The tenth at Waltham, at
+ Thaxsted, at Blackemoore, at Hungerford, at Bedford, at Stroides, at
+ Fernam, at S. Laurence by Bodmin, at Walton, at Croileie, at Seddell,
+ at new Brainford. The xv, at Cambridge, at Dunmow, at Caerleill, at
+ Preston in Andall, at Wakefield on the two ladie daies, and vpon the
+ Sunday after the fiftéenth day of August, at Hauerhull. On Bartholomew
+ day, at London, at Beggers bush beside Rie, at Teukesburie, at
+ Sudburie, at Rie, at Nantwich, at Pagets, at Bromleie, at Norwich, at
+ Northalerton, at Douer. On the sunday after Bartholomew day, at
+ Sandwich. The twentie seuenth, and at Ashford.
+
+ _Faires in September._
+
+ The first day at S. Giles at the Bush. The eight day at Woolfpit, at
+ Wakefield, at Sturbridge, in Southwarke at London, at Snide, at
+ Recoluer, at Gisbourgh both the ladie daies, at Partneie. The thrée
+ ladie daies at Blackeburne, at Gisborne in Yorkeshire, at Chalton, at
+ Vtcester. On Holiroode day, at Richmond in Yorkeshire, at Rippond a
+ horse faire, at Penhad, at Bersleie, at Waltam abbeie, at Wotton vnder
+ hedge, at Smalding, at Chesterfield, at Denbigh in Wales. On saint
+ Mathies day, at Marleborough, at Bedford, at Croidon, at Holden in
+ Holdernes, at saint Edmundsburie, at Malton, at saint Iues, at
+ Shrewesburie, at Laneham, at Witnall, at Sittingborne, at Brainetrie,
+ at Baldocke, at Katharine hill beside Gilford, at Douer, at Eastrie.
+ The twentie ninth day being Michaelmas day, at Canturburie, at Malton
+ a noble horsse faire, at Lancaster, at Blackeborne, at Westchester, at
+ Cokermouth, at Ashborne, at Hadleie, at Malden an horsse faire, at
+ Waie hill, at Newburie, and at Leicester.
+
+ _Faires in October._
+
+ The fourth day at Michell. The sixt day at saint Faiths beside
+ Norwich, at Maidstone. The eight at Harborough, at Hereford, at Bishop
+ Storford. On S. Edwards day, at Roiston, at Grauesend, at Windsor, at
+ Marshfield. The ninth day at Colchester. On saint Lukes eeuen, at
+ Elie, at Wrickle, at Vpane, at Thirst, at Bridgenorth, at Stanton, at
+ Charing, at Burton vpon Trent, at Charleton, at Wigan, at Friswides in
+ Oxford, at Tisdale, at Middlewich, at Holt in Wales. The twentie one
+ day at Saffron Walden, at Newmarket, at Hertford, at Cicester, at
+ Stokesleie. The twentie third, at Preston, at Bikelsworth, at
+ Ritchdale, at Whitechurch. The twentie eight, at Newmarket, and
+ Hertford. On all saints eeuen, at Wakefield, and at Rithen.
+
+ _Faires in Nouember._
+
+ The second at Blechinglie, at Kingston, at Maxfield, at Epping. The
+ sixt day at Newport pond, at Stanleie, at Tregnie, at Salford, at
+ Lesford, and Wetshod faire at Hertford. The tenth, at Leuton. The
+ eleuenth, at Marleborough, at Douer. The thirtenth, at saint
+ Edmundsburie, at Gilford. The seventeenth day, at Low, at Hide. The
+ ninéetenth, at Horsham. On saint Edmunds day, at Hith, at Ingerstone.
+ The twentie third day, at Sandwich. On saint Andrews day at
+ Colingbourgh, at Rochester, at Peterfield, at Maidenhed, at Bewdleie,
+ at Warington in Lancashire, at Bedford in Yorkeshire, at Osestrie in
+ Wales, and at Powles Belcham.
+
+ _Faires in December._
+
+ On the fift day, at Pluckeleie. On the sixt, at Cased, at Hedningham,
+ at Spalding, at Excester, at Sinocke, at Arnedale, and at Northwich in
+ Chesshire. The seuenth day at Sandhurst. The eight day being the
+ conception of our ladie, at Clitherall in Lancashire, at Malpas in
+ Cheshire. The twentie ninth, at Canturburie, and at Salisburie.
+
+
+
+
+ OF OUR INNES AND THOROWFAIRES.
+
+ CHAP. XVI.
+
+
+ Those townes that we call thorowfaires haue great and sumptuous innes
+ builded in them, for the receiuing of such trauellers and strangers as
+ passe to and fro. The manner of harbouring wherein, is not like to
+ that of some other countries, in which the host or goodman of the
+ house dooth chalenge a lordlie authoritie ouer his ghests, but cleane
+ otherwise, sith euerie man may vse his inne as his owne house in
+ England, and haue for his monie how great or little varietie of
+ vittels, and what other seruice himselfe shall thinke expedient to
+ call for. Our innes are also verie well furnished with naperie,
+ bedding, and tapisserie, especiallie with naperie: for beside the
+ linnen vsed at the tables, which is commonlie washed dailie, is such
+ and so much as belongeth vnto the estate and calling of the ghest. Ech
+ commer is sure to lie in cleane sheets, wherein no man hath béene
+ lodged since they came from the landresse, or out of the water wherein
+ they were last washed. If the traueller haue an horsse, his bed dooth
+ cost him nothing, but if he go on foot he is sure to paie a penie for
+ the same: but whether he be horsseman or footman if his chamber be
+ once appointed he may carie the kaie with him, as of his owne house so
+ long as he lodgeth there. If he loose oughts whilest he abideth in the
+ inne, the host is bound by a generall custome to restore the damage,
+ so that there is no greater securitie anie where for trauellers than
+ in the gretest ins of England. Their horsses in like sort are walked,
+ dressed and looked vnto by certeine hostelers or hired seruants,
+ appointed at the charges of the goodman of the house, who in hope of
+ extraordinarie reward will deale verie diligentlie after outward
+ appéerance in this their function and calling. Herein neuerthelesse
+ are manie of them blameworthie, in that they doo not onelie deceiue
+ the beast oftentimes of his allowance by sundrie meanes, except their
+ owners looke well to them; but also make such packs with slipper
+ merchants which hunt after preie (for what place is sure from euill &
+ wicked persons) that manie an honest man is spoiled of his goods as he
+ trauelleth to and fro, in which feat also the counsell of the tapsters
+ or drawers of drinke, and chamberleins is not seldome behind or
+ wanting. Certes I beleeue not that chapman or traueller in England is
+ robbed by the waie without the knowledge of some of them, for when he
+ commeth into the inne, & alighteth from his horsse, the hostler
+ forthwith is verie busie to take downe his budget or capcase in the
+ yard from his sadle bow, which he peiseth slilie in his hand to féele
+ the weight thereof: or if he misse of this pitch, when the ghest hath
+ taken vp his chamber, the chamberleine that looketh to the making of
+ the beds, will be sure to remooue it from the place where the owner
+ hath set it as if it were to set it more conuenientlie some where
+ else, whereby he getteth an inkling whether it be monie or other short
+ wares, & therof giueth warning to such od ghests as hant the house and
+ are of his confederacie, to the vtter vndoing of manie an honest
+ yeoman as he iournieth by the waie. The tapster in like sort for his
+ part dooth marke his behauiour, and what plentie of monie he draweth
+ when he paieth the shot, to the like end: so that it shall be an hard
+ matter to escape all their subtile practises. Some thinke it a gay
+ matter to commit their budgets at their comming to the goodman of the
+ house: but thereby they oft bewraie themselues. For albeit their monie
+ be safe for the time that it is in his hands (for you shall not heare
+ that a man is robbed in his inne) yet after their departure the host
+ can make no warrantise of the same, sith his protection extendeth no
+ further than the gate of his owne house: and there cannot be a surer
+ token vnto such as prie and watch for those booties, than to sée anie
+ ghest deliuer his capcase in such maner. In all our innes we haue
+ plentie of ale, béere, and sundrie kinds of wine, and such is the
+ capacitie of some of them that they are able to lodge two hundred or
+ three hundred persons, and their horsses at ease, & therto with a
+ verie short warning make such prouision for their diet, as to him that
+ is vnacquainted withall may seeme to be incredible. Howbeit of all in
+ England there are no worse ins than in London, and yet manie are there
+ far better than the best that I haue heard of in anie forren countrie,
+ if all circumstances be dulie considered. But to leaue this & go in
+ hand with my purpose. I will here set downe a table of the best
+ thorowfaires and townes of greatest trauell of England, in some of
+ which there are twelue or sixtéene such innes at the least, as I
+ before did speake of. And it is a world to sée how ech owner of them
+ contendeth with other for goodnesse of interteinement of their ghests,
+ as about finesse & change of linnen, furniture of bedding, beautie of
+ roomes, seruice at the table, costlinesse of plate, strength of
+ drinke, varietie of wines, or well vsing of horsses. Finallie there is
+ not so much omitted among them as the gorgeousnes of their verie
+ signes at their doores, wherein some doo consume thirtie or fortie
+ pounds, a méere vanitie in mine opinion, but so vaine will they néeds
+ be, and that not onelie to giue some outward token of the inne kéepers
+ welth, but also to procure good ghests to the frequenting of their
+ houses in hope there to be well vsed. Lo here the table now at hand,
+ for more of our innes I shall not néed to speake.
+
+ _The waie from Walsingham to London._
+
+   From Walsingham to Picknam                     12.miles
+   From Picknam to Brandonferie                   10.miles
+   From Brandonfarie to Newmarket                 10.miles
+   From Newmarket to Brabram                      10.miles
+   From Brabram to Barkewaie                      20.miles
+   From Barkewaie to Puchrich                      7.miles
+   From Puchrich to Ware                           5.miles
+   From Ware to Waltham                            8.miles
+   From Waltham to London                         12.miles
+
+ _The waie from Barwike to Yorke, and so to London._
+
+   From Barwike to Belford                        12.miles
+   From Belford to Anwike                         12.miles
+   From Anwike to Morpit                          12.miles
+   From Morpit to Newcastell                      12.miles
+   From Newcastell to Durham                      12.miles
+   From Durham to Darington                       13.miles
+   From Darington to Northalerton                 14.miles
+   From Northalerton to Toplife                    7.miles
+   From Toplife to Yorke                          16.miles
+   From Yorke to Tadcaster                         8.miles
+   From Tadcaster to Wantbridge                   12.miles
+   From Wantbridge to Dancaster                    8.miles
+   From Dancaster to Tutford                      18.miles
+   From Tutford to Newarke                        10.miles
+   From Newarke to Grantham                       10.miles
+   From Grantham to Stanford                      16.miles
+   From Stanford to Stilton                       12.miles
+   From Stilton to Huntington                      9.miles
+   From Huntington to Roiston                     15.miles
+   From Roiston to Ware                           12.miles
+   From Ware to Waltham                            8.miles
+   From Waltham to London                         12.miles
+
+ _The waie from Carnaruan to Chester, and so to London._
+
+   From Carnaruan to Conwaie                      24.miles
+   From Conwaie to Denbigh                        12.miles
+   From Denbigh to Flint                          12.miles
+   From Flint to Chester                          10.miles
+   From Chester to Wich                           14.miles
+   From Wich to Stone                             15.miles
+   From Stone to Lichfield                        16.miles
+   From Lichfield to Colsill                      12.miles
+   From Colsill to Couentrie                       8.miles
+
+   And so from Couentrie to London, as
+   hereafter followeth.
+
+ _The waie from Cockermouth to Lancaster, and so to London._
+
+   From Cockermouth to Kiswike                     6.miles
+   From Kiswike to Grocener                        8.miles
+   From Grocener to Kendale                       14.miles
+   From Kendale to Burton                          7.miles
+   From Burton to Lancaster                        8.miles
+   From Lancaster to Preston                      20.miles
+   From Preston to Wigam                          14.miles
+   From Wigam to Warington                        20.miles
+   From Warington to Newcastell                   20.miles
+   From Newcastell to Lichfield                   20.miles
+   From Lichfield to Couentrie                    20.miles
+   From Couentrie to Daintrie                     14.miles
+   From Daintrie to Tocester                      10.miles
+   From Tocester to Stonistratford                 6.miles
+   From Stonistratford to Brichill                 7.miles
+   From Brichill to Dunstable                      7.miles
+   From Dunstable to saint Albons                 10.miles
+   From saint Albons to Barnet                    10.miles
+   From Barnet to London                          10.miles
+
+ _The waie from Yarmouth to Colchester, and so to London._
+
+   From Yarmouth to Becclis                        8.miles
+   From Becclis to Blibour                         7.miles
+   From Blibour to Snapbridge                      8.miles
+   From Snapbridge to Woodbridge                   8.miles
+   From Woodbridge to Ipswich                      5.miles
+   From Ipswich to Colchester                     12.miles
+   From Colchester to Eastford                     8.miles
+   From Eastford to Chelmesford                   10.miles
+   From Chelmesford to Brentwood                  10.miles
+   From Brentwood to London                       15.miles
+
+ _The waie from Douer to London._
+
+   From Douer to Canturburie                      12.miles
+   From Canturburie to Sittingborne               12.miles
+   From Sittingborne to Rochester                  8.miles
+   From Rochester to Grauesend                     5.miles
+   From Grauesend to Datford                       6.miles
+   From Datford to London                         12.miles
+
+ _The waie from saint Burien in Cornewall to London._
+
+   From S. Burien to the Mount                    20.miles
+   From the Mount to Thurie                       12.miles
+   From saint Thurie to Bodman                    20.miles
+   From Bodman to Launstone                       20.miles
+   From Launstone to Ocomton                      15.miles
+   From Ocomton to Crokehornewell                 10.miles
+   From Crokehornewell to Excester                10.miles
+   From Excester to Honiton                       12.miles
+   From Honiton to Chard                          10.miles
+   From Chard to Crokehorne                        7.miles
+   From Crokehorne to Shirborne                   10.miles
+   From Shirborne to Shaftsburie                  10.miles
+   From Shaftsburie to Salisburie                 18.miles
+   From Salisburie to Andeuor                     15.miles
+   From Andeuor to Basingstocke                   18.miles
+   From Basingstocke to Hartford                   8.miles
+   From Hartford to Bagshot                        8.miles
+   From Bagshot to Stanes                          8.miles
+   From Stanes to London                          15.miles
+
+ _The waie from Bristowe to London._
+
+   From Bristow to Maxfield                       10.miles
+   From Maxfield to Chipnam                       10.miles
+   From Chipnam to Marleborough                   15.miles
+   From Marleborough to Hungerford                 8.miles
+   From Hungerford to Newburie                     7.miles
+   From Newburie to Reading                       15.miles
+   From Reading to Maidenhead                     10.miles
+   From Maidenhead to Colbrooke                    7.miles
+   From Colbrooke to London                       15.miles
+
+ _The waie from saint Dauids to London._
+
+   From saint Dauids to Axford                    20.miles
+   From Axford to Carmarden                       10.miles
+   From Carmarden to Newton                       10.miles
+   From Newton to Lanburie                        10.miles
+   From Lanburie to Brechnocke                    16.miles
+   From Brechnocke to Haie                        10.miles
+   From Haie to Harford                           14.miles
+   From Harford to Roso                            9.miles
+   From Roso to Glocester                         12.miles
+   From Glocester to Cicester                     15.miles
+   From Cicester to Farington                     16.miles
+   From Farington to Habington                     7.miles
+   From Habington to Dorchester                    7.miles
+   From Dorchester to Henleie                     12.miles
+   From Henleie to Maidenhead                      7.miles
+   From Maidenhead to Colbrooke                    7.miles
+   From Colbrooke to London                       15.miles
+
+ _Of thorowfares from Douer to Cambridge._
+
+   From Douer to Canturburie                      12.miles
+   From Canturburie to Rofchester                 20.miles
+   From Rofchester to Grauesend                    5.miles
+   From Grauesend ouer the Thames to Hornedon      4.miles
+   From Hornedon to Chelmesford                   12.miles
+   From Chelmesford to Dunmow                     10.miles
+   From Dunmow to Thaxsted                         5.miles
+   From Thaxsted to Radwinter                      3.miles
+   From Radwinter to Linton                        5.miles
+   From Linton to Babrenham                        3.miles
+   From Babrenham to Cambridge                     4.miles
+
+ _From Canturburie to Oxford._
+
+   From Canturburie to London                     43.miles
+   From London to Vxbridge or Colbrooke           15.miles
+   From Vxbridge to Baccansfield                   7.miles
+   From Baccansfield to east Wickham               5.miles
+   From Wickham to Stocking church                 5.miles
+   From Stocking church to Thetisford              5.miles
+   From Thetisford to Whatleie                     6.miles
+   From Whatleie to Oxford                         4.miles
+
+ _From London to Cambridge._
+
+   From London to Edmonton                         6.miles
+   From Edmonton to Waltham                        6.miles
+   From Waltham to Hoddesdon                       5.miles
+   From Hoddesdon to Ware                          3.miles
+   From Ware to Pulcherchurch                      5.miles
+   From Pulcherchurch to Barkewaie                 7.miles
+   From Barkewaie to Fulmere                       6.miles
+   From Fulmere to Cambridge                       6.miles
+
+ _Or thus better waie._
+
+   From London to Hoddesdon                       17.miles
+   From Hoddesdon to Hadham                        7.miles
+   From Hadham to Saffron Walden                  12.miles
+   From Saffron Walden to Cambridge               10.miles
+
+ OF CERTEINE WAIES IN SCOTLAND, OUT OF REGINALD WOLFES HIS ANNOTATIONS.
+
+ _From Barwijc to Edenborow._
+
+   From Barwijc to Chirneside                     10.miles
+   From Chirneside to Coldingham                   3.miles
+   From Coldingham to Pinketon                     6.miles
+   From Pinketon to Dunbarre                       6.miles
+   From Dunbarre to Linton                         6.miles
+   From Linton to Haddington                       6.miles
+   From Haddington to Seaton                       4.miles
+   From Seaton to Aberladie or Muskelborow         8.miles
+   From thence to Edenborow                        8.miles
+
+ _From Edenborow to Barwijc another waie._
+
+   From Edenborow to Dalketh                       5.miles
+   From Dalketh to new Battell & Lander            5.miles
+   From Lander to Vrsildon                         6.miles
+   From Vrsildon to Driburg                        5.miles
+   From Driburg to Cariton                         6.miles
+   From Cariton to Barwijc                         14.miles
+
+ _From Edenborow to Dunbrittaine westward._
+
+   From Edenborow to Kirkelifton                   6.miles
+   From Kirkelifton to Lithco                      6.miles
+   From Lithco to Farekirke ouer Forth             6.miles
+   From thence to Striuelin vpon Forth             6.miles
+   From Striuelin to Dunbrittaine                 24.miles
+
+ _From Striuelin to Kinghorne eastward._
+
+   From Striuelin to Downe in Menketh              3.miles
+   From Downe to Campskenell                       3.miles
+   From Campskenell to Alwie vpon Forth            4.miles
+   From Alwie to Culrose on Fiffe                 10.miles
+   From Culrose to Dunfermelin                     2.miles
+   From Dunfermelin to Euerkennin                  2.miles
+   From Euerkennin to Aberdore on Forth            3.miles
+   From Aberdore to Kinghorne vpon Forth           3.miles
+
+ _From Kinghorne to Taimouth._
+
+   From Kinghorne to Dissard in Fiffe              3.miles
+   From Dissard to Cowper                          8.miles
+   From Cowper to S. Andrews                      14.miles
+   From S. Andrews to the Taimouth                 6.miles
+
+ _From Taimouth to Stockeford._
+
+   From Taimouth to Balmerinoth abbeie             4.miles
+   From thence to Londores abbeie                  4.miles
+   From Londores to S. Iohns towne                12.miles
+   From S. Iohns to Schone                         5.miles
+   From thence to Abernithie, where
+     the Erne runneth into the Taie               15.miles
+   From Abernithie to Dundée                      15.miles
+   From Dundee to Arbroth and Muros               24.miles
+   From Muros to Aberden                          20.miles
+   From Aberden to the water of Doneie            20.miles
+   From thense to the riuer of Spaie              30.miles
+   From thence to Stockeford in Rosse,
+     and so to the Nesse of Haben, a
+     famous point on the west side                30.miles
+
+ _From Carleill to Whitehorne westward._
+
+   From Carleill ouer the Ferie against Redkirke   4.miles
+   From thence to Dunfrées                        20.miles
+   From Dunfrées to the Ferie of Cre              40.miles
+   From thence to Wigton                           3.miles
+   From thence to Whitherne                       12.miles
+
+ Hitherto of the common waies of England and Scotland, wherevnto I will
+ adioine the old thorowfaires ascribed to Antoninus, to the end that by
+ their conference the diligent reader may haue further consideration of
+ the same than my leisure will permit me. In setting foorth also
+ thereof, I haue noted such diuersitie of reading, as hath happened in
+ the sight of such written and printed copies, as I haue séene in my
+ time. Notwithstanding I must confesse the same to be much corrupted in
+ the rehearsall of the miles.
+
+
+
+
+ ITER BRITANNIARUM.
+
+ _A GESSORIACO._
+
+ De Gallis Ritupis in portu Britanniarum stadia numero. CCCCL.
+
+ _A Limite, id est, a vallo Prætorio vsque M. P. CLVI. sic_:
+
+ [Sidenote: Britannia.]
+
+  A Bramenio Corstopitum, m. p. XX
+  Vindomora m. p. IX
+  Viconia * m. p. XIX            _Vinouia Vinouium_
+  Cataractoni m. p. XXII         =Darington.=
+  Isurium m. p. XXIIII           =Aldborow= _aliàs_ =Topcliffe=.
+  Eburacum legio VI               Victrix m. p. XVII =Yorke=.
+  Deruentione m. p. VII          =Tadcaster.=
+  Delgouitia m. p. XIII          =Wentbridge.=
+  Prætorio m. p. XXV             =Tudford.=
+
+ _Item a Vallo ad portum Ritupis m. p._ 481, 491, _sic_,
+
+  Ablato Bulgio * castra exploratorum m. p. X, 15 _aliàs à_ Blato
+  Lugu-vallo * m. p. XII         aliàs à Lugu-valio. =Cairleill.=
+  Voreda m. p. XIIII
+  Brouonacis * m. p. XIII        _Brauoniacis_
+  Verteris m. p. XX, 13
+  Lauatris m. p. XIIII
+  Cataractone * m. p. XXI        _Caturractonium._ =Darington.=
+  Isuriam * m. p. XXIIII         _Isoriam._ =Aldborow= _aliàs_ =Topcliffe=.
+  Eburacum * m. p. XVIII         _Eboracum._ =Yorke.=
+  Calcaria * m. p. IX            _Cacaria._
+  Camboduno m. p.
+  Mammuncio * m. p. XVIII        _Manucio_
+  Condate m. p. XVIII
+  Deua legio XXIII.CI. m. p. XX
+  Bouio * m. p. X                _Bonió_
+  Mediolano m. p. XX
+  Rutunio m. p. XII
+  Vrio Conio * m. p. XI          _Viroconium._ =Shrewesburie= _propè_.
+  Vxacona m. p. XI
+  Penno-Crucio m. p. XII
+  Etoceto m. p. XII
+  Mandues Sedo m. p. XVI
+  Venonis m. p. XII
+  Bennauenta * m. p. XVII        _Bannaventa_
+  Lactorodo * m. p. XII          _Lactodoro_
+  Maginto * m. p. XVII. 12       _Magiouintum_
+  Duro-Cobriuis m. p. XII        =Dunstable.=
+  Vero-Lamio m. p. XII           =S. Albanes.=
+  Sullomacis * m. p. IX          =Barnet.=
+  Longidinio m. p. XII.          _Londinio._ =London.=
+  Nouiomago m. p. XII
+  Vagniacis m. p. VI
+  Durobrouis m. p. V             _Duroprouis._ =Rochester.=
+  Duroleuo m. p. XVI. 8
+  Duror-Verno * m. p. XII        _Drouerno Durouerno_
+  Ad portum Ritupis m. p. XII    _Duraruenno Daruerno_
+
+ _Item a Londinio ad portum Dubris m. p._ 56, 66, _sic:_
+
+  Dubobrus * m. p. XXVII         _Durobrouis Durobrius._ =Rochester.=
+  Duraruenno m. p. XV, 25        =Canturburie.=
+  Ad portum Dubris m. p. XIIII   =Douer hauen.=
+
+ _Item a Londinio ad portum Lemanis m. p._ 68 _sic:_
+
+  Durobrius m. p. XXVII          =Rochester.=
+  Duraruenno m. p. XV, 25        =Canturburie.=
+  Ad portum * Lemanis m. p. XVI  =Limming hauen.=
+
+ _Item a Londinio Lugu-Valio ad Vallum m. p._ 443, _sic:_
+
+  Cæsaromago m. p. XXVIII
+  Colonia m. p. XXIIII
+  Villa Faustini m. p. XXXV, 25
+  Icianos m. p.  XVIII
+  Camborico m. p. XXXV
+  Duroliponte m. p. XXV
+  Durobriuas m. p. XXXV
+  Gausennis m. p. XXX
+  Lindo m. p. XXVI
+  Segeloci m. p. XIIII
+  Dano m. p. XXI
+  Lege-Olio * m. p. XVI          _Logetium_
+  Eburaco m. p. XXI
+  Isubrigantum * m. p. XVI       _Isurium Brigantum_
+  Cataractoni m. p. XXIIII
+  Leuatris * m. p. XVIII         _Leuatrix_
+  Verteris m. p. XIIII
+  Brocouo * m. p. XX             _Brocouicum_
+  Lugu-Vallo m. p. XXV, 22
+
+ _Item a Londinio Lindo m. p._ 156 _sic:_
+
+  Verolami m. p. XXI
+  Duro Cobrius m. p. XII
+  Magiouinio * m. p. XII        {_Maginto_
+  Lactodoro m. p. XVI           {_Magis_
+  Isanna Vantia * m. p. XII     {_Isanna vatia_
+  Tripontio m. p. XII           {_Isanna varia_
+  Venonis m. p. IX
+  Ratas m. p. XII
+  Verometo m. p. XIII
+  Margi-duno m. p. XII
+  Ad Pontem * m. p. VII          _Pons Aelij_
+  Croco Calana * m. p. VII       _Crorolana_
+  Lindo m. p. XII
+
+ _Item a Regno Londinio m. p._ 116, 96 _sic:_
+
+  Clausentum m. p. XX
+  Venta Belgarum m. p. X
+  Gelleua * Atrebatum m. p. XXII {_Gelleua_, =Walingford=.
+  Pontibus m. p. XXII =Reding=.  {_Calliua_,
+  Londinio m. p. XXII
+
+ _Item ab Ebvraco Londinium m. p._ 227 _sic:_
+
+  Lagecio m. p. XXI
+  Dano m. p. XVI                 =Dancaster.=
+  Ageloco * m. p. XXI            _Segoloco_
+  Lindo m. p. XIIII
+  Crococalano m. p. XIIII
+  Margi-duno m. p. XIIII
+  Vernemeto * m. p. XII          _Verometo_
+  Ratis m. p. XII
+  Vennonis m. p. XII
+  Bannauanto m. p. XIX
+  Magio Vinio m. p. XXVIII
+  Durocobrius m. p. XII          =Dunstable.=
+  Verolamo m. p. XII             =S. Albanes.=
+  Sullomaca m. p. IX             =Barnet.=
+  Londinio m. p. XII             =London.=
+
+ _Item a Venta Icinorvm Londinio m. p._ 128 _sic:_
+
+  Sitomago m. p. XXXI
+  Combrerouio * m. p. XXII       _Cumbretonio_
+  Ad Ansam m. p. XV
+  Camoloduno m. p. VI
+  Canonio m. p. IX
+  Cæsaromago m. p. XII
+  Durolito m. p. XVI
+  Londinio m. p. XV
+
+ _Item a Glamoventa Mediolano m. p._ 150 _sic:_
+
+  Galaua m. p. XVIII
+  Alone * m. p. XII              _Alauna * Aliona Alione_
+  Galacum * m. p. XIX            _Galacum Brigantum_
+  Bremetonaci m. p. XXVII
+  Coccio m. p. XX
+  Mancunio * m. p. XVIII         _Mammucio vel Manucio_
+  Condate m. p. XVIII
+  Mediolano m. p. XIX
+
+ _Item a Segoncio Deuam m. p._ 74 _sic:_
+
+  Canouio m. p. XXIIII
+  Varis m. p. XIX
+  Deua m. p. XXXII
+
+ _Item a Calleva aliàs Mvridono aliàs Viroconiorum. Per Viroconium._
+
+  Vindonu * m. p. XV             _Vindomi_
+  Venta Belgarum m. p. XXI
+  Brige * m. p. XI               _Brage_
+  Soruioduni m. p. IX
+  Vindogladia m. p. XIII, 15
+  Durnouaria m. p. VIII
+  Muriduno m. p. XXXVI
+  Scadum Nunniorum * m. p. XV, 12 _Iscadum_
+  Leucaro m. p. XV
+  Bomio m. p. XV
+  Nido m. p. XV
+  Iscelegua Augusti * m. p. XIIII _Iscelegia_
+  Burrio m. p. IX
+  Gobannio m. p. XII
+  Magnis m. p. XXII
+  Brauinio * m. p. XXIIII         _Brouenio_
+  Viriconio m. p. XXVII
+
+ _Item ab Isca Calleua m. p._ 109 _sic:_
+
+  Burrio m. p. IX
+  Blestio m. p. XI
+  Ariconio m. p. XI
+  Cleuo m. p. XV
+  Durocornouio m. p. XIIII
+  Spinis m. p. XV
+  Calleua m. p. XV
+
+ _Item alio Itinere ab Isca Calleua m. p._ 103 _sic:_
+
+  Venta Silurum m. p. IX
+  Abone m. p. IX
+  Traiectus m. p. IX
+  Aquis Solis m. p. VI
+  Verlucione m. p. XV
+  Cunetione m. p. XX
+  Spinis m. p. XV
+  Calleua m. p. XV
+
+ _Item a Calleua Iscadvm Nunniorum m. p._ 136 _sic:_
+
+  Vindomi m. p. XV
+  Venta Belgarum m. p. XXI
+  Brige m. p. XI
+  Sorbiodoni m. p. VIII
+  Vindocladia m. p. XII
+  Durnonouaria m. p. VIII        _Durnonaria_
+  Moriduno m. p. XXXVI
+  Iscadum Nunniorum m. p. XV
+
+
+ FINIS.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ [PART II]
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND,
+
+ FROM
+
+ THE TIME THAT IT WAS FIRST INHABITED,
+
+ VNTILL
+
+ THE TIME THAT IT WAS LAST CONQUERED:
+
+ WHEREIN THE SUNDRIE ALTERATIONS OF THE STATE
+ VNDER FORREN PEOPLE IS DECLARED;
+ AND OTHER MANIFOLD OBSERVATIONS REMEMBRED:
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ _BY RAPHAEL HOLINSHED._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ NOW NEWLIE READ OVER, AND DILIGENTLIE DIGESTED INTO BOOKES AND
+ CHAPTERS, WITH THEIR SEUERALL ARGUMENTS PREFIXED, CONTEINING AN
+ ABRIDGEMENT OF THE WHOLE HISTORIE, FOR THE HELPE OF THE READERS
+ IUDGEMENT AND MEMORIE:
+
+ WITH TWO TABLES OF PARTICULARS,
+
+ THE ONE SERVING THE DESCRIPTION, THE OTHER THE HISTORIE:
+
+ _BY ABRAHAM FLEMING._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ LAUS HISTORIAE EX I. LELANDO.
+
+ QUOD SOL AETHEREO PRAESTAT PULCHERRIMUS ORDI,
+ HISTORIA HUMANIS VBIBUS HOC TRIBUIT.
+
+
+
+
+ TO
+
+ THE READERS STUDIOUS IN HISTORIES.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ The order obserued in the description of Britaine, by reason of the
+ necessarie diuision thereof into bookes and chapters growing out of
+ the varietie of matters therein conteined, seemed (in my iudgement) so
+ conuenient a course deuised by the writer, as I was easilie induced
+ thereby to digest the historie of England immediatlie following into
+ the like method: so that as in the one, so likewise in the other, by
+ summarie contents foregoing euerie chapter, as also by certeine
+ materiall titles added at the head of euerie page of the said
+ historie, it is a thing of no difficultie to comprehend what is
+ discoursed and discussed in the same.
+
+ Wherein (sith histories are said to be the registers of memorie and
+ the monuments of veritie) all louers of knowlege, speciallie
+ historicall, are aduisedlie to marke (among other points) the seuerall
+ and successiue alterations of regiments in this land: whereof it was
+ [Sidenote: Pag. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28, 49, 50, 51, of
+ the description: and pag. 765, 766, of the historie of England.]
+ my meaning to haue made an abstract, but that the same is
+ sufficientlie handled in the first booke and fourth chapter of the
+ description of Britaine; whereto if the seuenth chapter of the same
+ booke be also annexed, there is litle or no defect at all in that case
+ wherof iustlie to make complaint.
+
+ Wherfore by remitting the readers to those, I reape this aduantage,
+ namelie a discharge of a forethought & purposed labour, which as to
+ reduce into some plausible forme was a worke both of time, paine and
+ studie: so seeming vnlikelie to be comprised in few words (being a
+ matter of necessarie and important obseruation) occasion of tediousnes
+ is to and fro auoided; speciallie to the reader, who is further to be
+ aduertised, that the computations of yeares here and there expressed,
+ according to the indirect direction of the copies whense they were
+ deriued and drawne, is not so absolute (in some mens opinion) as it
+ might haue beene: howbeit iustifiable by their originals.
+
+ Wherin hereafter (God prolonging peace in the church and commonwelth
+ that the vse of bookes may not be abridged) such diligent care shall
+ be had, that in whatsoeuer the helpe of bookes will doo good, or
+ conference with antiquaries auaile, there shall want no will to vse
+ the one and the other. And yet it is not a worke for euerie common
+ capacitie, naie it is a toile without head or taile euen for
+ extraordinarie wits, to correct the accounts of former ages so many
+ hundred yeares receiued, out of vncerteinties to raise certeinties,
+ and to reconcile writers dissenting in opinion and report. But as this
+ is vnpossible, so is no more to be looked for than may be performed:
+ and further to inquire as it is against reason, so to vndertake more
+ than may commendablie be atchiued, were fowle follie.
+
+ ABRAHAM FLEMING.
+
+
+
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ THE FIRST BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Who inhabited this Iland before the comming of Brute: of Noah & his
+ three sonnes, among whom the whole earth was diuided: and to which of
+ their portions this Ile of Britaine befell._
+
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ What manner of people did first inhabite this our country, which hath
+ most generallie and of longest continuance béene knowne among all
+ nations by the name of Britaine as yet is not certeinly knowne;
+ neither can it be decided fr[=o] whence the first inhabitants there of
+ came, by reason of such diuersitie in iudgements as haue risen amongst
+ [Sidenote: The originall of nations for the most part vncerteine.]
+ the learned in this behalfe. But sith the originall in maner of all
+ nations is doubtfull, and euen the same for the more part fabulous
+ (that alwaies excepted which we find in the holie scriptures) I wish
+ not any man to leane to that which shall be here set downe as to an
+ infallible truth, sith I doo but onlie shew other mens conjectures,
+ grounded neuerthelesse vpon likelie reasons, concerning that matter
+ whereof there is now left but little other certeintie, or rather none
+ at all.
+
+ [Sidenote: Whither Britaine were an Iland at the first.]
+ [Sidenote: _Geog. com. lib._]
+ [Sidenote: No Ilands at the first, as some coniecture.]
+ To fetch therefore the matter from the farthest, and so to stretch it
+ forward, it séemeth by the report of Dominicus Marius Niger that in
+ the beginning, when God framed the world, and diuided the waters apart
+ from the earth, this Ile was then a parcell of the continent, and
+ ioined without any separation of sea to the maine land. But this
+ opinion (as all other the like vncerteinties) I leaue to be discussed
+ of by the learned: howbeit for the first inhabitation of this Ile with
+ people, I haue thought good to set downe in part, what may be gathered
+ out of such writers as haue touched that matter, and may séeme to giue
+ some light vnto the knowledge thereof.
+
+ [Sidenote: In the first part of the acts of the English votaries.]
+ [Sidenote: Britaine inhabitied before the floud.]
+ [Sidenote: _Genesis_ 6.]
+ [Sidenote: _Berosus ant. lib._ 1.]
+ First therefore Iohn Bale our countrieman, who in his time greatlie
+ trauelled in the search of such antiquities, dooth probablie
+ coniecture, that this land was inhabited and replenished with people
+ long before the floud, at that time in the which the generation of
+ mankind (as Moses writeth) began to multiplie vpon the vniuersall face
+ of the earth: and therfore it followeth, that as well this land was
+ inhabited with people long before the daies of Noah, as any the other
+ countries and parts of the world beside. But when they had once
+ forsaken the ordinances appointed them by God, and betaken them to new
+ waies inuented of themselues, such loosenesse of life ensued euerie
+ where, as brought vpon them the great deluge and vniuersall floud, in
+ the which perished as well the inhabitants of these quarters, as the
+ residue of the race of mankind, generallie dispersed in euerie other
+ part of the whole world, onelie Noah & his familie excepted, who by
+ the prouidence and pleasure of almightie God was preserued from the
+ rage of those waters, to recontinue and repaire the new generation of
+ man of vpon earth.
+
+ [Sidenote: NOAH.]
+ [Sidenote: _In comment. super_ 4. _lib._]
+ [Sidenote: _Berosus de antiquit. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Annius vt suor._]
+ After the flood (as Annius de Viterbo recordeth) and reason also
+ enforceth, Noah was the onlie monarch of all the world, and as the
+ same Annius gathereth by the account of Moses in the 100. yeare after
+ the flood, Noah diuided the earth among his thrée sonnes; assigning to
+ the possession of his eldest sonne all that portion of land which now
+ is knowne by the name of Asia; to his second sonne Cham, he appointed
+ all that part of the world which now is called Affrica: and to his
+ third sonne Iaphet was allotted all Europa, with all the Iles therto
+ belonging, wherin among other was conteined this our Ile of Britaine,
+ with the other Iles thereto perteining.
+
+ [Sidenote: IAPHET AND HIS SONNES.]
+ [Sidenote: _Johannes Bodinus ad fac. hist. cogn._]
+ [Sidenote: _Franciscus Tarapha._]
+ IAPHET the third son of Noah, of some called Iapetus, and of others,
+ Atlas Maurus (because he departed this life in Mauritania) was the
+ first (as Bodinus affirmeth by the authoritie and consent of the
+ Hebrue, Gréeke & Latine writers) that peopled the countries of Europe,
+ which afterward he diuided among his sonnes: of whom Tuball (as
+ Tarapha affirmeth) obteined the kingdome of Spaine. Gomer had dominion
+ ouer the Italians, and (as Berosus and diuers other authors agrée)
+ Samothes was the founder of Celtica, which conteined in it (as Bale
+ witnesseth) a great part of Europe, but speciallie those countries
+ which now are called by the names of Gallia and Britannia.
+
+ [Sidenote: Britaine inhabited shortlie after the floud.]
+ Thus was this Iland inhabited and peopled within 200 yéeres after the
+ floud by the children of Iaphet the sonne of Noah: & this is not onlie
+ prooued by Annius, writing vpon Berosus, but also confirmed by Moses
+ in the scripture, where he writeth, that of the offspring of Iaphet,
+ the Iles of the Gentiles (wherof Britain is one) were sorted into
+ regions in the time of Phaleg the sonne of Hiber, who was borne at the
+ [Sidenote: _Theophilus episcop. Antioch. ad Anfol lib._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: The words of Theophilus a doctor of the church, who liued
+ an. Dom. 160.]
+ time of the diuision of languages. Herevpon Theophilus hath these
+ words: "Cúm priscis temporibus pauci forent homines in Arabia &
+ Chaldaea, post linguarum diuisionem aucti & multiplicati paulatim
+ sunt: hinc quidam abierunt versus orientem, quidam concessere ad
+ partes maioris continentis, alij porrò profecti sunt ad septentrionem
+ sedes quaesituri, nec priùs desierunt terram vbiq; occupare, quàm
+ etiam Britannos in Arctois climatibus accesserint, &c." _That is_;
+ "When at the first there were not manie men in Arabia and Chaldaea, it
+ came to passe, that after the diuision of toongs, they began somewhat
+ better to increase and multiplie, by which occasion some of them went
+ toward the east, and some toward the parts of the great maine land:
+ diuers of them went also northwards to seeke them dwelling places,
+ neither staid they to replenish the earth as they went, till they came
+ vnto the Iles of Britaine, lieng vnder the north pole." Thus far
+ Theophilus.
+
+ These things considered, Gildas the Britaine had great reason to
+ thinke, that this countrie had bene inhabited from the beginning. And
+ Polydor Virgil was with no lesse consideration hereby induced to
+ confesse, that the Ile of Britaine had receiued inhabitants foorthwith
+ after the floud.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Samothes, Magus, Sarron, Druis, and Bardus, fiue kings succeeding
+ each other in regiment ouer the Celts and Samotheans, and how manie
+ hundred yeeres the Celts inhabited this Iland._
+
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gen._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: _De migr. gen._]
+ SAMOTHES the sixt begotten sonne of Iaphet called by Moses Mesech, by
+ others Dis, receiued for his portion (according to the report of
+ Wolfgangus Lazius) all the countrie lieng betwéene the riuer of Rhene
+ and the Pyrenian mountains, where he founded the kingdome of Celtica
+ [Sidenote: _Cent. 1._]
+ ouer his people called Celtae. Which name Bale affirmeth to haue bene
+ indifferent to the inhabitants both of the countrie of Gallia, and the
+ Ile of Britaine, & that he planted colonies of men (brought foorth of
+ the east parts) in either of them, first in the maine land, and after
+ [Sidenote: _Anti. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Bale Script._]
+ [Sidenote: _Brit. cent._ 1.]
+ in the Iland. He is reported by Berosus to haue excelled all men of
+ that age in learning and knowledge: and also is thought by Bale to
+ haue imparted the same among his people; namelie, the vnderstanding
+
+ [Sidenote: _Caesar. comment. lib._ 8.]
+ of the sundrie courses of the starres, the order of inferiour things,
+ with manie other matters incident to the morall and politike
+ gouernment of mans life: and to haue deliuered the same in the
+ Phenician letters: out of which the Greekes (according to the opinion
+ [Sidenote: _In epithet. temp._]
+ [Sidenote: _De aequinorus contra Appionem._]
+ of Archilochus) deuised & deriued the Gréeke characters, insomuch that
+ Xenophon and Iosephus doo constantlie report (although Diogenes
+ Laertius be against it) that both the Gréekes and other nations
+ receiued their letters and learning first from these countries. Of
+ [Sidenote: _Lib. de Magic. success. lib._ 22.]
+ this king and his learning arose a sect of philosophers (saith Annius)
+ first in Britaine, and after in Gallia, the which of his name were
+ called Samothei. They (as Aristotle and Secion write) were passing
+ skilfull both in the law of God and man: and for that cause
+ [Sidenote: _Script. Brit. cent._ 1.]
+ exceedinglie giuen to religion, especiallie the inhabitants of this
+ Ile of Britaine, insomuch that the whole nation did not onelie take
+ [Sidenote: _De ant. Cant. cent. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: This Ile called Samothea.]
+ the name of them, but the Iland it selfe (as Bale and doctor Caius
+ agree) came to be called Samothea, which was the first peculiar name
+ that euer it had, and by the which it was especiallie knowne before
+ the arriuall of Albion.
+
+ [Sidenote: MAGUS THE SON OF SAMOTHES.]
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 9.]
+ [Sidenote: _Annius in commen. super eundem. Geogr._]
+ MAGUS the sonne of Samothes, after the death of his father, was the
+ second king of Celtica, by whome (as Berosus writeth) there were manie
+ townes builded among the Celts, which by the witnesse of Annius did
+ beare the addition of their founder Magus: of which townes diuers are
+ to be found in Ptolomie. And Antoninus a painfull surueior of the
+ world and searcher of cities, maketh mention of foure of them here in
+ Britaine, Sitomagus, Neomagus, Niomagus, and Nouiomagus. Neomagus sir
+ Thomas Eliot writeth to haue stood where the citie of Chester now
+ standeth; Niomagus, George Lillie placeth where the towne of
+ Buckingham is now remaining. Beside this, Bale dooth so highlie
+ commend the foresaid Magus for his learning renowmed ouer all the
+ world, that he would haue the Persians, and other nations of the south
+ and west parts, to deriue the name of their diuines called _Magi_ from
+ him. In déed Rauisius Textor, and sir Iohn Prise affirme, that in the
+ daies of Plinie, the Britons were so expert in art magike, that they
+ might be thought to haue first deliuered the same to the Persians.
+ [Sidenote: _De diui. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _De fastis li._ 5.]
+ What the name of _Magus_ importeth, and of what profession the _Magi_
+ were, Tullie declareth at large, and Mantuan in briefe, after this
+ maner:
+
+   Ille penes Persas Magus est, qui sidera norit,
+   Qui sciat herbarum vires cultumq; deorum,
+   Persepoli facit ista Magos prudentia triplex.
+
+ [Sidenote: _H.F._]
+   The Persians terme him Magus, that
+   the course of starres dooth knowe,
+   The power of herbs, and worship due
+     to God that man dooth owe,
+   By threefold knowledge thus the name
+     of Magus then dooth growe.
+
+ [Sidenote: SARRON THE SON OF MAGUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _De ant. Cant. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Bale. script._]
+ [Sidenote: _Brit. cent._ 1.]
+ SARRON the third king of the Celts succéeded his father Magus in
+ gouernement of the countrie of Gallia, and the Ile Samothea, wherein
+ as (D. Caius writeth) he founded certaine publike places for them that
+ professed learning, which Berosus affirmeth to be done, to the intent
+ to restraine the wilfull outrage of men, being as then but raw and
+ void of all ciuilitie. Also it is thought by Annius, that he was the
+ first author of those kind of philosophers, which were called
+ Sarronides, of whom Diodorus Siculus writeth in this sort: "There are
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 6.]
+ (saith he) among the Celts certaine diuines and philosophers called
+ Sarronides, whom aboue all other they haue in great estimation. For it
+ is the manner among them, not without a philosopher to make anie
+ sacrifice: sith they are of beleefe, that sacrifices ought onelie to
+ be made by such as are skilfull in the diuine mysteries, as of those
+ who are neerest vnto God, by whose intercession they thinke all good
+ things are to be required of God, and whose aduise they vse and
+ follow, as well in warre as in peace."
+
+ [Sidenote: DRUIS THE SON OF SARRON.]
+ [Sidenote: _De morte Claud._]
+ DRUIS, whom Seneca calleth Dryus, being the sonne of Sarron, was after
+ his father established the fourth king of Celtica, indifferentlie
+ reigning as wel ouer the Celts as Britons, or rather (as the
+ inhabitants of this Ile were then called) Samotheans. This prince is
+ commended by Berosus to be so plentifullie indued with wisedome and
+ learning, that Annius taketh him to be the vndoubted author of the
+ begining and name of the philosophers called Druides, whome Caesar and
+ all other ancient Greeke and Latine writers doo affirme to haue had
+ their begining in Britaine, and to haue bin brought from thence into
+ Gallia, insomuch that when there arose any doubt in that countrie
+ touching any point of their discipline, they did repaire to be
+ resolued therein into Britaine, where, speciallie in the Ile of
+ [Sidenote: _Anti. lib._ 5.]
+ [Sidenote: _Annius super eundem._]
+ [Sidenote: _De bello Gallico._ 6.]
+ Anglesey (as Humfrey Llhoyd witnesseth) they made their principall
+ abode. Touching their vsages many things are written by Aristotle,
+ Socion, Plinie, Laertius, Bodinus, and others: which I will gather in
+ briefe, and set downe as followeth. They had (as Caesar saith) the
+ charge of common & priuate sacrifices, the discussing of points of
+ religion, the bringing vp of youth, the determining of matters in
+ variance with full power to interdict so manie from the sacrifice of
+ [Sidenote: _Hist. an. lib._ 1.]
+ their gods and the companie of men, as disobeied their award. Polydore
+ affirmeth, how they taught, that mens soules could not die, but
+ departed from one bodie to another, and that to the intent to make men
+ [Sidenote: _De diui. lib._ 1.]
+ valiant and dreadlesse of death. Tullie writeth, that partlie by
+ tokens, and partlie by surmises, they would foretell things to come.
+ And by the report of Hector Boetius, some of them were not ignorant of
+ [Sidenote: _Hist. Scoti. li._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: _De migr. gen. lib._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: _Marcellinus._]
+ the immortalitie of the one and euerlasting God. All these things they
+ had written in the Greeke toong, insomuch that Wolf. Lazius (vpon the
+ report of Marcellinus) declareth how the Gréeke letters were first
+ brought to Athens by Timagenes from the Druides. And herevpon it
+ commeth also to passe, that the British toong hath in it remaining at
+ this day some smacke of the Gréeke. Among other abuses of the Druides,
+ they had (according to Diodorus) one custome to kill men, and by the
+ falling, bleeding, and dismembring of them, to diuine of things to
+ come: for the which and other wicked practises, their sect was first
+ condemned for abhominable (as some haue written) and dissolued in
+ Gallia (as Auentinus witnesseth) by Tiberius and Claudius the
+ [Sidenote: _Anna. Boiorum. lib._ 22.]
+ emperours; and lastlie abolished here in Britaine (by the report of
+ Caius) when the gospell of Christ by the preaching of Fugatius and
+ [Sidenote: _De ant. Cant._]
+ Damianus was receiued among the Britaines, vnder Lucius king of
+ Britaine, about the yeare of our sauior, 179.
+
+ [Sidenote: BARDUS THE SONNE OF DRUIS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Berosus ant. lib._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: _Annius in commen. super eundem._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ant. Cant li._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _script. Britan. cent._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Nonnius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Marcel._]
+ [Sidenote: _Strabo._]
+ [Sidenote: _Diodor. Sicul. lib._ 6.]
+ [Sidenote: _Carol. Stepha. in dict. hist._]
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Prise._]
+ BARDUS the sonne of Druis succéeded his father in the kingdome of
+ Celtica, and was the fift king ouer the Celtes and Samotheans, amongst
+ whom he was highlie renoumed (as appeareth by Berosus) for inuention
+ of dities and musicke, wherein Annius of Viterbo writeth, that he
+ trained his people: and of such as excelled in this knowledge, he made
+ an order of philosophicall poets or heraulds, calling them by his owne
+ name Bardi. And it should séeme by doctor Caius and master Bale, that
+ Caesar found some of them here at his arriuall in this Ile, and
+ reported that they had also their first begining in the same. The
+ profession and vsages of these Bardi, Nonnius, Strabo, Diodorus,
+ Stephanus, Bale, and sir Iohn Prise, are in effect reported after this
+ sort. They did vse to record the noble exploits of the ancient
+ capteins, and to drawe the pedegrées and genealogies of such as were
+ liuing. They would frame pleasant dities and songs, learne the same by
+ heart, and sing them to instruments at solemne feasts and assemblies
+ of noble men and gentlemen. Wherefore they were had in so high
+ estimation, that if two hosts had bene readie ranged to ioine in
+ battell, and that any of them had fortuned to enter among them, both
+ the hosts (as well the enimies as the friends) would haue holden their
+ hands, giuen eare vnto them, and ceassed from fight, vntill these
+ [Sidenote: _Lucan. lib._ 1.]
+ Bards had gone out of the battell. Of these Bards Lucane saith,
+
+
+   Vos quoq; qui fortes animas bellóq; peremptas,
+   Laudius in longum vares dimittitis aeuum,
+   Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi:
+
+ [Sidenote: _II. F._]
+   And you ô poet Bards from danger
+     void that dities sound,
+   Of soules of dreadlesse men, whom rage
+     of battell would confound,
+   And make their lasting praise to time
+     of later age rebound.
+
+
+ Because the names of these poets were neither discrepant from the
+ ciuilitie of the Romans, nor repugnant to the religion of the
+ Christians, they (of all the other sects before specified) were
+ suffered onlie to continue vnabolished in all ages, insomuch that
+ there flourished of them among the Britains (according to Bale) before
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Bale script. Britan. cent._ 2.]
+ [Sidenote: _John Prise defen. hist. Brit._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caius de ant._]
+ [Sidenote: _Cant. lib._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Leland._]
+ [Sidenote: _syllab. ant dict._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hum. Lloyd de Mona insula._]
+ the birth of Christ, Plenidius and Oronius: after Christ (as Prise
+ recounteth) Thalestine, and the two Merlins, Melkin, Elaskirion, and
+ others: and of late daies among the Welshmen, Dauid Die, Ioslo Gough,
+ Dauid ap William, with an infinite number more. And in Wales there are
+ sundrie of them (as Caius reporteth) remaining vnto this day, where
+ they are in their language called (as Leland writeth) Barthes. Also by
+ the witnes of Humfrey Llhoyd, there is an Iland neere vnto Wales,
+ called Insula Bardorum, and Bardsey, whereof the one name in Latine,
+ and the other in Saxon or old English, signifieth the Iland of the
+ Bardes or Barthes.
+
+ _Thus farre the gouernement of the Celts in this Ile._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ AN APPENDIX TO THE FORMER CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ After Bardus, the Celts (as Bale saith) loathing the streict
+ ordinances of their ancient kings, and betaking themselues to pleasure
+ and idlenesse, were in short time, and with small labour brought vnder
+ the subiection of the giant Albion, the sonne of Neptune, who altering
+ the state of things in this Iland, streicted the name of Celtica and
+ the Celts within the bounds of Gallia, from whence they came first to
+ inhabit this land vnder the conduct of Samothes, as before ye haue
+ [Sidenote: _Annius._]
+ heard, accordinglie as Annius hath gathered out of Berosus the
+ Chaldean, who therein agréeth also with the scripture, the saieng of
+ [Sidenote: _Theophilus._]
+ Theophilus the doctor, and the generall consent of all writers, which
+ fullie consent, that the first inhabitants of this Ile came out of the
+ parties of Gallia, although some of them dissent about the time and
+ [Sidenote: _Sir Brian Tuke._]
+ maner of their comming. Sir Brian Tuke thinketh it to be ment of the
+ arriuall of Brute, when he came out of those countries into this Ile.
+ [Sidenote: _Caesar._]
+ [Sidenote: _Tacitus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Bodinus._]
+ Caesar and Tacitus seeme to be of opinion, that those Celts which
+ first inhabited here, came ouer to view the countrie for trade of
+ merchandize. Bodinus would haue them to come in (a Gods name) from
+ Languedoc, and so to name this land Albion, of a citie in Languedoc
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ named Albie. Beda, and likewise Polydore (who followeth him) affirme
+ that they came from the coasts of Armorica, which is now called little
+ Britaine.
+
+ But that the authorities afore recited are sufficient to proue the
+ time that this Iland was first inhabited by the Celts, the old
+ possessors of Gallia; not onelie the néernesse of the regions, but the
+ congruence of languages, two great arguments of originals doo fullie
+ [Sidenote: _Bodinus._]
+ confirme the same. Bodinus writeth vpon report, that the British and
+ Celtike language was all one. But whether that be true or not, I am
+ not able to affirme, bicause the Celtike toong is long sithens growne
+ wholie out of vse. Howbeit some such Celtike words as remaine in the
+ writings of old authours may be perceiued to agrée with the Welsh
+ toong, being the vncorrupted spéech of the ancient Britains. In déed
+ [Sidenote: _Pausanias._]
+ Pausanias the Grecian maketh mention how the Celts in their language
+ called a horsse _Marc_: and by that name doo the Welshmen call a
+ horsse to this day: and the word _Trimarc_ in Pausanias, signifieth in
+ the Celtike toong, thrée horsses.
+
+ Thus it appeared by the authoritie of writers, by situation of place,
+ and by affinitie of language, that this Iland was first found and
+ inhabited by the Celts, that there name from Samothes to Albion
+ continued here the space of 310 yeares or there abouts. And finallie
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Bale._]
+ it is likelie, that aswell the progenie as the spéech of them is
+ partlie remaining in this Ile among the inhabitants, and speciallie
+ the British, euen vnto this day.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of the giant Albion, of his comming into this Iland, diuers opinions
+ why it was called Albion: why Albion and Bergion were slaine by
+ Hercules: of Danaus and of his 50 daughters._
+
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: _Annius de Viterbo._]
+ [Sidenote: _Diodorus Sicubis._]
+ [Sidenote: Pinnesses or gallies.]
+ [Sidenote: _Higinus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Pictonius._]
+ NEPTUNUS called by Moses (as some take it) Nepthuim, the sixt sonne of
+ Osiris, after the account of Annius, and the brother of Hercules, had
+ appointed him of his father (as Diodorus writeth) the gouernement of
+ the ocean sea: wherefore he furnished himselfe of sundrie light ships
+ for the more redie passage by water, which in the end grew to the
+ number of a full nauie: & so by continuall exercise he became so
+ skilfull, and therewith so mightie vpon the waters (as Higinus &
+ Pictonius doo write) that he was not onelie called the king, but also
+ estéemed the god of the seas. He had to wife a ladie called
+ Amphitrita, who was also honored as goddesse of the seas, of whose
+ bodie he begat sundrie children: and (as Bale reporteth) he made
+ [Sidenote: _Scrip. Bri. cent._ 1.]
+ euerie one of them king of an Iland. In the Ile of Britaine he landed
+ his fourth son called Albion the giant, who brought the same vnder his
+ [Sidenote: _Ioh. Textor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ subjection. And herevpon it resteth, that Iohn Textor, and Polydor
+ Virgil made mention, that light shippes were first inuented in the
+ British seas, and that the same were couered round with the hides of
+ beasts, for defending them from the surges and waues of the water.
+
+ This Albion being put by his father in possession of this Ile of
+ Britaine, within short time subdued the Samotheans, the first
+ inhabitantes thereof, without finding any great resistance, for that
+ (as before ye haue heard) they had giuen ouer the practise of all
+ warlike and other painefull exercises, and through vse of effeminate
+ pleasures, wherevnto they had giuen themselues ouer, they were become
+ now vnapt to withstand the force of their enimies: and so (by the
+ [Sidenote: _Nichol. Perot._]
+ [Sidenote: _Rigmanus Philesius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Aristotle._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hum. Lhoyd._]
+ testimonie of Nicholaus Perottus, Rigmanus Philesius, Aristotle, and
+ Humfrey Llhoyd, with diuers other, both forraine & home-writers) this
+ Iland was first called by the name of Albion, hauing at one time both
+ the name and inhabitants changed from the line of Iaphet vnto the
+ accursed race of Cham.
+
+ This Albion (that thus changed the name of this Ile) and his companie,
+ are called giants, which signifieth none other than a tall kind of
+ men, of that vncorrupt stature and highnesse naturallie incident to
+ [Sidenote: _Berosus._]
+ the first age (which Berosus also séemeth to allow, where he writeth,
+ that Noah was one of the giants) and were not so called only of their
+ monstrous greatnesse, as the common people thinke (although in deed
+ they exceeded the vsuall stature of men now in these daies) but also
+ for that they tooke their name of the soile where they were borne: for
+ [Sidenote: What _Gigantes_ signifie.]
+ _Gigantes_ signifieth the sons of the earth: the Aborigines, or (as
+ Cesar calleth them) Indigenae; that is, borne and bred out of the
+ earth where they inhabited.
+
+ Thus some thinke, but verelie although that their opinion is not to be
+ allowed in any condition, which maintaine that there should be any
+ [Sidenote: _Against the opinion of the Aborigines._]
+ Aborigines, or other kind of men than those of Adams line; yet that
+ there haue beene men of far greater stature than are now to be found,
+ is sufficientlie prooued by the huge bones of those that haue beene
+ found in our time, or lately before: whereof here to make further
+ relation it shall not need, sith in the description of Britaine ye
+ shall find it sufficientlie declared.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: Bergion brother to Albion.]
+ [Sidenote: Hercules Lybicus.]
+ But now to our purpose. As Albion held Britaine in subiection, so his
+ brother Bergion kept Ireland and the Orkenies vnder his rule and
+ dominion, and hearing that their coosine Hercules Lybicus hauing
+ finished his conquests in Spaine, meant to passe through Gallia into
+ Italie, against their brother Lestrigo that oppressed Italie, vnder
+ subiection of him & other of his brethren the sons also of Neptune; as
+ well Albion as Bergion assembling their powers togither, passed ouer
+ into Gallia, to stoppe the passage of Hercules, whose intention was to
+ vanquish and destroie those tyrants the sonnes of Neptune, & their
+ complices that kept diuers countries and regions vnder the painefull
+ yoke of their heauie thraldome.
+
+ [Sidenote: The cause why Hercules pursued his cousins.]
+ The cause that moued Hercules thus to pursue vpon those tyrants now
+ reigning thus in the world, was, for that not long before, the
+ greatest part of them had conspired togither and slaine his father
+ Osiris, notwithstanding that they were nephues to the same Osiris, as
+ sonnes to his brother Neptune, and not contented with his slaughter,
+ they diuided his carcase also amongst them, so that each of them got a
+ peece in token of reioising at their murtherous atchiued enterprise.
+
+ For this cause Hercules (whome Moses calleth Laabin) proclamed warres
+ against them all in reuenge of his fathers death: and first he killed
+ Triphon and Busiris in Aegypt, then Anteus in Mauritania, & the
+ Gerions in Spaine, which enterprise atchiued, he led his armie
+ towardes Italie, and by the way passed through a part of Gallia, where
+ [Sidenote: _Pomp. Mela._]
+ Albion and Bergion hauing vnited their powers togither, were readie to
+ receiue him with battell: and so néere to the mouth of the riuer
+ called Rhosne, in Latine _Rhodanus_, they met & fought. At the first
+ there was a right terrible and cruell conflict betwixt them. And
+ albeit that Hercules had the greatest number of men, yet was it verie
+ doubtfull a great while, to whether part the glorie of that daies
+ worke would bend. Whereupon when the victorie began outright to turne
+ vnto Albion, and to his brother Bergion, Hercules perceiuing the
+ danger and likelihood of vtter losse of that battell, speciallie for
+ that his men had wasted their weapons, he caused those that stood
+ still and were not otherwise occupied, to stoope downe, and to gather
+ vp stones, whereof in that place there was great plentie, which by his
+ commandement they bestowed so fréelie vpon their enimies, that in the
+ [Sidenote: Hercules discomfiteth his enimies.]
+ end hée obteined the victorie, and did not only put his adversaries to
+ [Sidenote: Albion is slaine.]
+ flight, but also slue Albion there in the field, togither with his
+ brother Bergion, and the most part of all their whole armie. This was
+ the end of Albion, and his brother Bergion, by the valiant prowesse of
+ Hercules, who as one appointed by Gods prouidence to subdue the cruell
+ & vnmercifull tyrants, spent his time to the benefit of mankind,
+ deliuering the oppressed from the heauie yoke of miserable thraldome,
+ in euerie place where he came.
+
+ [Sidenote: The occasion of the fable of Jupiter helping his son
+ Hercules.]
+ And by the order of this battell wée maye learne whereof the poets had
+ their inuention, when they faine in their writings, that Jupiter holpe
+ his sonne Hercules, by throwing downe stones from heauen in this
+ battell against Albion and Bergion. Moreouer, from henceforth was this
+ [Sidenote: How this Ile was called Albion, of the giant Albion.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Bale._]
+ Ile of Britaine called Albion (as before we haue said) after the name
+ of the said Albion: because he was established chiefe ruler and king
+ thereof both by his grandfather Osiris and his father Neptune that
+ cunning sailour reigning therein (as Bale saith) by the space of 44.
+ yeares, till finally he was slaine in maner afore remembred by his
+ vncle Hercules Libicus.
+
+ After that Hercules had thus vanquished and destroied his enimies, hée
+ passed to and fro thorough Gallia, suppressing the tyrants in euerie
+ part where he came, and restoring the people vnto a reasonable kinde
+ of libertie, vnder lawfull gouernours. This Hercules (as we find)
+ builded the citie Alexia in Burgongne, nowe called Alize. Moreouer, by
+ Lilius Giraldus in the life of Hercules it is auouched, that the same
+ Hercules came ouer hither into Britaine. And this dooth Giraldus write
+ by warrant of such Britons as (saith he) haue so written themselues,
+ which thing peraduenture he hath read in Gildas the ancient Briton
+ poet: a booke that (as he confesseth in the 5. dialog of his histories
+ of poets) he hath séene. The same thing also is confirmed by the name
+ of an head of land in Britaine called _Promontorium Herculis_, as in
+ Ptolomie ye may read, which is thought to take name of his arriuall at
+ that place. Thus much for Albion and Hercules.
+
+ [Sidenote: Diuers opinions why this Ile was called Albion.]
+ [Sidenote: Sée more hereof in the discription.]
+ But now, whereas it is not denied of anie, that this Ile was called
+ ancientlie by the name of Albion: yet there be diuers opinions how it
+ came by that name: for manie doo not allow of this historie of Albion
+ the giant. But for so much as it apperteineth rather to the
+ description than to the historie of this Ile, to rip vp and lay foorth
+ the secret mysteries of such matters: and because I thinke that this
+ opinion which is here auouched, how it tooke that name of the forsaid
+ Albion, sonne to Neptune, may be confirmed with as good authoritie as
+ some of the other, I here passe ouer the rest, & procéed with the
+ historie.
+
+ When Albion chiefe capteine of the giants was slaine, the residue that
+ remained at home in the Ile, continued without any rule or restraint
+ of law, in so much that they fell to such a dissolute order of life,
+ that they séemed little or nothing to differ from brute beasts: and
+ those are they which our ancient chronicles call the giants, who were
+ so named, as well for the huge proportion of their stature (sithens as
+ before is said, that age brought foorth far greater men than are now
+ liuing) as also for that they were the first, or at the least the
+ furthest in remembrance of any that had inhabited this countrie. For
+ this word _Gigines_, or _Gegines_, from whence our word giant (as some
+ take it) is deriued, is a Gréeke word, and signifieth, Borne or bred
+ of or in the earth, for our fore-elders, specially the Gentiles, being
+ ignorant of the true beginning of mankind, were persuaded, that the
+ first inhabitants of any countrie were bred out of the earth, and
+ therefore when they could go no higher, reckoning the descents of
+ [Sidenote: _Terrae filius_ what it signifieth.]
+ their predecessours, they would name him _Terrae filius_, The sonne of
+ the earth: and so the giants whom the poets faine to haue sought to
+ make battell against heauen, are called the sonnes of the earth: and
+ the first inhabitants generally of euery countrie were of the Gréekes
+ [Sidenote: _Aborigines._]
+ [Sidenote: _Indigenae._]
+ called _Gigines_, or _Gegines_, and of the Latines _Aborigines_, and
+ _Indigenae_, that is, People borne of the earth from the beginning,
+ and comming from no other countrie, but bred within the same.
+
+ These giants and first inhabitants of this Ile continued in their
+ beastlie kind of life vnto the arriuall of the ladies, which some of
+ our chronicles ignorantly write to be the daughters of Dioclesian the
+ king of Assyria, whereas in déed they haue béene deceiued, in taking
+ [Sidenote: The mistaking of the name of Dioclesianus for Danaus.]
+ the word _Danaus_ to be short written for _Dioclesianus_: and by the
+ same meanes haue diuers words and names béene mistaken, both in our
+ chronicles, and in diuers other ancient written woorks. But this is a
+ fault that learned men should not so much trouble themselues about,
+ considering the same hath bin alreadie found by sundrie authors ling
+ [Sidenote: _Hugh the Italian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Harding._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Rous_ out of _Dauid Pencair._]
+ sithens, as Hugh the Italian, Iohn Harding, Iohn Rouse of Warwike, and
+ others, speciallie by the helpe of Dauid Pencair a British historie,
+ who recite the historie vnder the name of Danaus and his daughters.
+ And because we would not any man to thinke, that the historie of these
+ daughters of Danaus is onelie of purpose deuised, and brought in place
+ of Dioclesianus, to excuse the imperfection of our writers, whereas
+ there was either no such historie (or at the least no such women that
+ [Sidenote: _Nennius._]
+ arriued in this Ile) the authoritie of Nennius a Briton writer may be
+ auouched, who wrote aboue 900. yeares past, and maketh mention of the
+ arriuall of such ladies.
+
+ [Sidenote: Belus priscus.]
+ [Sidenote: _Dictionarium poeticum._]
+ To be short, the historie is thus. Belus the sonne of Epaphus, or (as
+ some writers haue) of Neptune and Libies (whome Isis after the death
+ of Apis maried) had issue two sonnes: the first Danaus, called also
+ Armeus; and Aegyptus called also Rameses: these two were kings among
+ the Aegyptians, Danaus the elder of the two, hauing in his rule the
+ [Sidenote: Danaus.]
+ [Sidenote: Aegyptus.]
+ [Sidenote: _Higinus._]
+ vpper region of Aegypt, had by sundrie wiues 50. daughters, with whome
+ his brother Aegyptus, gaping for the dominion of the whole, did
+ instantlie labour, that his sonnes being also 50. in number, might
+ match. But Danaus hauing knowledge by some prophesie or oracle, that a
+ sonne in law of his should be his death, refused so to bestow his
+ daughters. Hereupon grew warre betwixt the brethren, in the end
+ whereof, Danaus being the weaker, was inforced to flée his countrie,
+ and so prepared a nauie, imbarked himselfe and his daughters, and with
+ them passed ouer into Gréece, where he found meanes to dispossesse
+ Gelenor (sonne to Stenelas king of Argos) of his rightfull
+ inheritance, driuing him out of his countrie, and reigned in his place
+ by the assistance of the Argiues that had conceiued an hatred towardes
+ Gelenor, and a great liking towardes Danaus, who in verie deed did so
+ farre excell the kings that had reigned there before him, that the
+ Gréekes in remembrance of him were after called Danai.
+
+ But his brother Aegyptus, taking great disdaine for that he and his
+ sonnes were in such sort despised of Danaus, sent his sonnes with a
+ great armie to make warre against their vncle, giuing them in charge
+ not to returne, till they had either slaine Danaus, or obtained his
+ daughters in mariage. The yoong gentlemen according to their fathers
+ commandement, being arriued in Greece, made such warre against Danaus,
+ that in the end he was constrained to giue vnto those his 50. nephues
+ his 50. daughters, to ioine with them in mariage, and so they were.
+ But as the prouerbe saith, "In trust appeared treacherie." For on the
+ first night of the mariage, Danaus deliuered to ech of his daughters a
+ sword, charging them that when their husbands after their bankets and
+ pastimes were once brought into a sound sléepe, ech of them should
+ slea hir husband, menacing them with death vnlesse they fulfilled his
+ commandement. They all therefore obeied the will of their father,
+ Hypermnestra onely excepted, with whom preuailed more the loue of
+ kinred and wedlocke, than the feare of hir fathers displeasure: for
+ shee alone spared the life of hir husband Lynceus, waking him out of
+ his sléepe, and warning him to depart and flee into Aegypt to his
+ father. He therefore hauing all the wicked practises reuealed to him
+ by his wife, followed hir aduice, and so escaped.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Pausanias._]
+ Now when Danaus perceiued how all his daughters had accomplished his
+ commandement, sauing onelie Hypermnestra, he caused hir to be brought
+ forth into iudgement, for disobeieng him in a matter wherein both the
+ safetie and losse of his life rested: but she was acquitted by the
+ Argiues, & discharged. Howbeit hir father kept hir in prison, and
+ séeking to find out other husbands for his other daughters that had
+ obeied his pleasure in sleaing their first husbands, long it was yer
+ he could find any to match with them: for the heinous offense
+ committed in the slaughter of their late husbands, was yet too fresh
+ in memorie, and their bloud not wiped out of mind. Neuerthelesse, to
+ bring his purpose the better to passe, he made proclamation, that his
+ daughters should demand no ioinctures, and euerie suter should take
+ his choise without respect to the age of the ladie, or abilitie of him
+ that came to make his choise, but so as first come best serued,
+ according to their owne phantasies and likings. Howbeit when this
+ policie also failed, & would not serue his turne, he deuised a game of
+ running, ordeining therewith, that whosoeuer got the best price should
+ haue the first choise among all the sisters; and he that got the
+ second, should choose next to the first; and so foorth, ech one after
+ an other, according to the triall of their swiftnesse of foote.
+
+ How much this practise auailed, I know not: but certeine it is, diuers
+ of them were bestowed, either by this or some other meanes, for we
+ find that Autonomes was maried to Architeles, Chrysanta or (as
+ Pausanias saith) Scea was matched with Archandrus, Amaome with
+ Neptunus Equestris, on whome he begat Nauplius.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Higinus._]
+ But now to returne vnto Lynceus, whome his wife Hypermnestra
+ preserued, as before ye haue heard. After he was once got out of the
+ reach and danger of his father in law king Danaus, he gaue knowledge
+ [Sidenote: _Pausanias._]
+ thereof to his wife, in raising a fire on heigth beaconwise,
+ accordingly as she had requested him to doo at his departure from hir:
+ and this was at a place which afterwards tooke name of him, and was
+ called Lyncea. Upon his returne into Aegypt, he gaue his father to
+ vnderstand the whole circumstance of the trecherous crueltie vsed by
+ his vncle and his daughters in the murder of his brethren, and how
+ hardly he himselfe had escaped death out of his vncles handes.
+ Wherevpon at time conuenient he was furnished foorth with men and
+ ships by his father, for the spéedie reuenge of that heinous,
+ vnnaturall and most disloiall murder, in which enterprise he sped him
+ foorth with such diligence, that in short time he found meanes to
+ dispatch his vncle Danaus, set his wife Hypermnestra at libertie, and
+ subdued the whole kingdome of the Argiues.
+
+ This done, he caused the daughters of Danaus (so many as remained
+ within the limits of his dominion) to be sent for, whome he thought
+ not worthie to liue, bicause of the cruell murther which they had
+ committed on his brethren: but yet for that they were his wiues
+ sisters, he would not put them to death, but commanded them to be
+ thrust into a ship, without maister, mate or mariner, and so to be
+ turned into the maine ocean sea, and to take and abide such fortune as
+ [Sidenote: _Harding_ and _Iohn Rouse_ out of _David Pencair._]
+ should chance vnto them. These ladies thus imbarked and left to the
+ mercy of the seas, by hap were brought to the coasts of this Ile then
+ called Albion, where they tooke land, and in séeking to prouide
+ themselues of victuals by pursute of wilde beasts, met with no other
+ inhabitants, than the rude and sauage giants mentioned before, whome
+ our historiens for their beastlie kind of life doo call diuells. With
+ these monsters did these ladies (finding none other to satisfie the
+ motions of their sensuall lust) ioine in the act of venerie, and
+ ingendred a race of people in proportion nothing differing from their
+ fathers that begat them, nor in conditions from their mothers that
+ bare them.
+
+ But now peraduenture ye wil thinke that I haue forgotten my selfe, in
+ rehearsing this historie of the ladies arriuall here, bicause I make
+ no mention of Albina, which should be the eldest of the sisters, of
+ whome this land should also take the name of Albion. To this we
+ answer, that as the name of their father hath bene mistaken, so
+ likewise hath the whole course of the historie in this behalfe. For
+ though we shall admit that to be true which is rehearsed (in maner as
+ before ye haue heard) of the arriuall here of those ladies; yet
+ certeine it is that none of them bare the name of Albina, from whome
+ this land might be called Albion. For further assurance whereof, if
+ [Sidenote: _Higinus._]
+ [Sidenote: The names of the daughters of Danaus.]
+ any man be desirous to know all their names, we haue thought good here
+ to rehearse them as they be found in Higinus, Pausanias, and others. 1
+ Idea, 2 Philomela, 3 Scillo, 4 Phicomene, 5 Euippe, 6 Demoditas, 7
+ Hyale, 8 Trite, 9 Damone, 10 Hippothoe, 11 Mirmidone, 12 Euridice, 13
+ Chleo, 14 Vrania, 15 Cleopatra, 16 Phylea, 17 Hypareta, 18
+ Chrysothemis, 19 Heranta, 20 Armoaste, 21 Danaes, 22 Scea, 23
+ Glaucippe, 24 Demophile, 25 Autodice, 26 Polyxena, 27 Hecate, 28
+ Achamantis, 29 Arsalte, 30 Monuste, 31 Amimone, 32 Helice, 33 Amaome,
+ 34 Polybe, 35 Helicte, 36 Electra, 37 Eubule, 38 Daphildice, 39 Hero,
+ 40 Europomene, 41 Critomedia, 42 Pyrene, 43 Eupheno, 44 Themistagora,
+ 45 Paleno, 46 Erato, 47 Autonomes, 48 Itea, 49 Chrysanta, 50
+ Hypermnestra. These were the names of those ladies the daughters of
+ Danaus: howbeit, which they were that should arriue in this Ile, we
+ can not say: but it sufficeth to vnderstand, that none of them hight
+ Albina. So that, whether the historie of their landing here should be
+ [Sidenote: See more in the description.]
+ true or not, it is all one for the matter concerning the name of this
+ Ile, which vndoubtedlie was called Albion, either of Albion the giant
+ (as before I haue said) or by some other occasion.
+
+ And thus much for the ladies, whose strange aduenture of their
+ arriuall here, as it may séeme to manie & (with good cause)
+ incredible, so without further auouching it for truth I leaue it to
+ the consideration of the reader, to thinke thereof as reason shall
+ moue him sith I sée not how either in this, or in other things of such
+ antiquitie, we cannot haue sufficient warrant otherwise than by
+ likelie coniectures. Which as in this historie of the ladies they are
+ not most probable, yet haue we shewed the likeliest, that (as we
+ thinke) may be déemed to agrée with those authors that haue written of
+ their comming into this Ile. But as for an assured proofe that this
+ Ile was inhabited with people before the comming of Brute, I trust it
+ may suffice which before is recited out of Annius de Viterbo,
+ Theophilus, Gildas, and other, although much more might be said: as of
+ the comming hither of Osiris, as well as in the other parties of the
+ [Sidenote: Vlysses in Britaine.]
+ world: and likewise of Vlysses his being here, who in performing some
+ vow which he either then did make, or before had made, erected an
+ altar in that part of Scotland which was ancientlie called Calidonia,
+ [Sidenote: _Iulius Solinus._]
+ as Iulius Solinus Polyhistor in plaine words dooth record.
+
+ ¶ Vpon these considerations I haue no doubt to deliuer vnto the
+ reader, the opinion of those that thinke this land to haue bene
+ inhabited before the arriuall here of Brute, trusting it may be taken
+ in good part, sith we haue but shewed the coniectures of others, till
+ time that some sufficient learned man shall take vpon him to decipher
+ the doubts of all these matters. Neuerthelesse, I thinke good to
+ aduertise the reader that these stories of Samothes, Magus, Sarron,
+ Druis, and Bardus, doo relie onelie vpon the authoritie of Berosus,
+ whom most diligent antiquaries doo reiect as a fabulous and counterfet
+ author, and Vacerius hath laboured to prooue the same by a speciall
+ treatise latelie published at Rome.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE SECOND BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Brute and his descent, how he slue his father in hunting, his
+ banishment, his letter to king Pandrasus, against whom he wageth
+ battell, taketh him prisoner, and concludeth peace vpon conditions._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Hitherto haue we spoken of the inhabitants of this Ile before the
+ comming of Brute, although some will néeds haue it, that he was the
+ first which inhabited the same with his people descended of the
+ Troians, some few giants onelie excepted whom he vtterlie destroied,
+ and left not one of them aliue through the whole Ile. But as we shall
+ not doubt of Brutes comming hither, so may we assuredly thinke, that
+ he found the Ile peopled either with the generation of those which
+ Albion the giant had placed here, or some other kind of people whom he
+ did subdue, and so reigned as well ouer them as ouer those which he
+ brought with him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Humfr. Lhoyd._]
+ This Brutus, or Brytus [for this letter (Y) hath of ancient time had
+ the sounds both of V and I] (as the author of the booke which Geffrey
+ of Monmouth translated dooth affirme) was the sonne of Siluius, the
+ sonne of Ascanius, the sonne of Aeneas the Troian, begotten of his
+ wife Creusa, & borne in Troie, before the citie was destroied. But as
+ [Sidenote: _Harding._]
+ [Sidenote: _Alex. Neuil._]
+ [Sidenote: _W. Har._]
+ other doo take it, the author of that booke (whatsoeuer he was) and
+ such other as follow him, are deceiued onelie in this point, mistaking
+ the matter, in that Posthumus the sonne of Aeneas (begotten of his
+ wife Lauinia, and borne after his fathers deceasse in Italie) was
+ called Ascanius, who had issue a sonne named Iulius, who (as these
+ other doo coniecture) was the father of Brute, that noble chieftaine
+ and aduenturous leader of those people, which being descended (for the
+ more part in the fourth generation) from those Troians that escaped
+ with life, when that roiall citie was destroied by the Gréekes, got
+ possession of this woorthie and most famous Ile.
+
+ To this opinion Giouan Villani a Florentine in his vniuersall
+ historie, speaking of Aeneas and his ofspring kings in Italie, séemeth
+ to agrée, where he saith: "Siluius (the sonne of Aeneas by his wife
+ Lauinia) fell in loue with a néece of his mother Lauinia, and by hir
+ had a sonne, of whom she died in trauell, and therefore was called
+ Brutus, who after as he grew in some stature, and hunting in a forrest
+ slue his father vnwares, and therevpon for feare of his grandfather
+ Siluius Posthumus he fled the countrie, and with a retinue of such as
+ followed him, passing through diuers seas, at length he arriued in the
+ Ile of Britaine."
+
+ Concerning therefore our Brute, whether his father Iulius was sonne to
+ Ascanius the sonne of Aeneas by his wife Creusa, or sonne to Posthumus
+ called also Ascanius, and sonne to Aeneas by his wife Lauinia, we will
+ not further stand. But this, we find, that when he came to the age of
+ 15. yéeres, so that he was now able to ride abrode with his father
+ into the forrests and chases, he fortuned (either by mishap, or by
+ [Sidenote: Brute killeth his father.]
+ Gods prouidence) to strike his father with an arrow, in shooting at a
+ déere, of which wound he also died. His grandfather (whether the same
+ was Posthumus, or his elder brother) hearing of this great misfortune
+ that had chanced to his sonne Siluius, liued not long after, but died
+ for verie greefe and sorow (as is supposed) which he conceiued
+ thereof. And the young gentleman, immediatlie after he had slaine his
+ father (in maner before alledged) was banished his countrie, and
+ therevpon got him into Grecia, where trauelling the countrie, he
+ lighted by chance among some of the Troian ofspring, and associating
+ himselfe with them, grew by meanes of the linage (whereof he was
+ descended) in proces of time into great reputation among them:
+ chieflie by reason there were yet diuers of the Troian race, and that
+ [Sidenote: Pausanias.]
+ of great authoritie in that countrie. For Pyrrhus the sonne of
+ Achilles, hauing no issue by his wife Hermione, maried Andromache,
+ late wife vnto Hector: and by hir had thrée sonnes, Molossus, Pileus,
+ and Pergamus, who in their time grew to be of great power in those
+ places and countries, and their ofspring likewise: whereby Brutus or
+ Brytus wanted no friendship. For euen at his first comming thither,
+ diuers of the Troians that remained in seruitude, being desirous of
+ libertie, by flocks resorted vnto him. And amongst other, Assaracus
+ was one, whom Brute intertained, receiuing at his hands the possession
+ of sundrie forts and places of defense, before that the king of those
+ parties could haue vnderstanding or knowledge of any such thing.
+ Herewith also such as were readie to make the aduenture with him,
+ repaired to him on ech side, wherevpon he first placed garisons in
+ those townes which had bene thus deliuered vnto him, and afterwards
+ with Assaracus and the residue of the multitude he withdrew into the
+ mountains néere adioining. And thus being made strong with such
+ assistance, by consultation had with them that were of most authoritie
+ about him, wrote vnto the king of that countrie called Pandrasus, in
+ forme as followeth.
+
+   _A letter of Brute to Pandrasus, as I find it set downe in Galfride
+   Monumetensis._
+
+ "BRUTE leader of the remnant of the Troian people, to Pandrasus king
+ of the Greekes, sendeth greeting. Bicause it hath beene thought a
+ thing vnworthie, that the people descended of the noble linage of
+ Dardanus should be otherwise dealt with than the honour of their
+ nobilitie dooth require: they haue withdrawne themselues within the
+ close couert of the woods. For they haue chosen rather (after the
+ maner of wild beasts) to liue on flesh and herbs in libertie, than
+ furnished with all the riches in the world to continue vnder the yoke
+ of seruile thraldome. But if this their dooing offend thy mightie
+ highnesse, they are not to be blamed, but rather in this behalfe to be
+ pardoned, sith euerie captiue prisoner is desirous to be restored vnto
+ his former estate and dignitie. You therefore pitieng their case,
+ vouchsafe to grant them their abridged libertie, and suffer them to
+ remaine in quiet within these woods which they haue got into their
+ possession: if not so, yet giue them licence to depart forth of this
+ countrie into some other parts."
+
+ [Sidenote: Pandrasus prepareth an armie to supress the Troian
+ ofspring.]
+ The sight of these letters, and request in them conteined, made
+ Pandrasus at the first somewhat amazed, howbeit deliberating further
+ of the matter, and considering their small number, he made no great
+ account of them, but determined out of hand to suppresse them by
+ force, before they should grow to a greater multitude. And to bring
+ [Sidenote: Sparatinum.]
+ his intention the better to passe, he passed by a towne called
+ Sparatinum, & marching toward the woods where he thoght to haue found
+ his enimies, he was suddenlie assalted by Brute, who with three
+ thousand men came foorth of the woods, and fiercelie setting vpon his
+ enimies, made great slaughter of them, so that they were vtterlie
+ discomfited, & sought by flight to saue themselues in passing a riuer
+ [Sidenote: Peraduenture Achelous.]
+ néere hand called Akalon. Brute with his men following fast upon the
+ aduersaries, caused them to plunge into the water at aduenture, so
+ [Sidenote: Antigonus, the brother of Pandrasus.]
+ that manie of them were drowned. Howbeit Antigonus the brother of
+ Pandrasus did what he could to stay the Grecians from fléeing, and
+ calling them backe againe did get some of them togither, placed them
+ in order, and began a new field: but it nothing auailed, for the
+ Troians, preasing vpon him, tooke him prisoner, slue and scattred his
+ companie, and ceased not till they had rid the fields of all their
+ aduersaries.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brute entreth into Sparatinum.]
+ This doone, Brute entering the towne, furnished it with six hundred
+ able souldiours, and afterwards went backe to the residue of his
+ people that were incamped in the woods, where he was receiued with
+ vnspeakeable ioy for this prosperous atchiued enterprise. But although
+ this euill successe at the first beginning sore troubled Pandrasus, as
+ well for the losse of the field, as for the taking of his brother, yet
+ was he rather kindled in desire to séeke reuenge, than otherwise
+ discouraged. And therefore assembling his people againe togither that
+ were scattered here and there, he came the next day before the towne
+ of Sparatinum, where he thought to haue found Brute inclosed togither
+ with the prisoners, and therfore he shewed his whole endeuour by hard
+ siege and fierce assaults to force them within to yeeld.
+
+ To conclude, so long he continued the siege, till victuals began to
+ waxe scant within, so that there was no way but to yeeld, if present
+ succour came not to remoue the siege: wherevpon they signified their
+ necessitie vnto Brute, who for that he had not power sufficient to
+ fight with the enimies in open field, he ment to giue them a camisado
+ in the night season, and so ordered his businesse, that inforsing a
+ prisoner (named Anacletus whome he had taken in the last battell) to
+ serue his turne, by constreining him to take an oth (which he durst
+ not for conscience sake breake) he found means to encounter with his
+ enimies vpon the aduantage, that he did not onelie ouerthrowe their
+ [Sidenote: Pandrasus taken prisoner.]
+ whole power, but also tooke Pandrasus prisoner, whereby all the
+ trouble was ended: and shortlie after a perfect peace concluded, vpon
+ these conditions following.
+
+ [Sidenote: The conditions of the agréement betwixt Brute & Pandrasus.]
+ First, that Pandrasus should giue his daughter Innogen vnto Brute in
+ mariage, with a competent summe of gold and siluer for hir dowrie.
+
+ Secondlie, to furnish him and his people with a nauie of ships, and to
+ store the same with victuals and all other necessaries.
+
+ Thirdlie, that Brute with his people should haue licence to depart the
+ countrie, to séeke aduentures whither so euer it should please them to
+ direct their course, without let, impeachment, or trouble to be
+ offered anie waies by the Gréeks.
+
+ To all these conditions (bicause they touched not the prerogatiue of
+ his kingdome) Pandrasus did willinglie agrée, and likewise performed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Brute and his wife Innogen arriue in Leogitia, they aske counsell of
+ an oracle where they shall inhabit, he meeteth with a remnant of
+ Troians on the coasts neere the shooting downe of the Pyrenine hills
+ into the sea._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Al things being thus brought to passe according to Brutes desire, wind
+ also and wether seruing the purpose, he with his wife Innogen and his
+ people imbarked, and hoising vp sailes departed from the coasts of
+ Grecia. Now after two daies and a nights sailing, they arriued at
+ Leogitia (in some old written bookes of the British historie noted
+ downe Lergetia) an Iland, where they consulted with an oracle. Brute
+ himselfe knéeling before the idoll, and holding in his right hand a
+ boll prepared for sacrifice full of wine, and the bloud of a white
+ hinde, spake in this maner as here followeth:
+
+
+   Diua potens nemorum, terror syluestribus apris,
+       Cui licet anfractus ire per æthereos,
+   Infernasq; domos, terrestria iura resolue,
+       Et die quas terras nos habitare velis:
+   Dic certam sedem qua te venerabor in æuum,
+       Qua tibi virgineis templa dicabo choris.
+
+
+ These verses (as Ponticus Virumnius and others also doo gesse) were
+ written by Gildas Cambrius in his booke intituled _Cambreidos_, and
+ may thus be Englished:
+
+
+   Thou goddesse that doost rule
+       the woods and forrests greene,
+   And chasest foming boares
+       that flee thine awfull sight,
+   Thou that maist passe aloft
+       in airie skies so sheene,
+   And walke eke vnder earth
+       in places void of light,
+   Discouer earthlie states,
+       direct our course aright,
+   And shew where we shall dwell,
+       according to thy will,
+   In seates of sure abode,
+       where temples we may dight
+   For virgins that shall sound
+       thy laud with voices shrill.
+
+
+ After this praier and ceremonie done, according to the pagane rite and
+ custome, Brute abiding his answer, fell asléepe: in which sléepe
+ appeared to him the said goddesse vttering this answer in the verses
+ following expressed.
+
+
+   Brute, sub occasum solis trans Gallica regna,
+       Insula in oceano est, vndiq; clausa mari,
+   Insula in oceano est, habitata gigantibus olim,
+       Nunc deserta quidèm, gentibus apta tuis:
+   Hanc pete, námq; tibi sedes erit ilia perennis,
+       Hîc fiet natis altera Troia tuis:
+   Hîc de prole tua reges nascentur, & ipsis
+       Totius terræ subditus orbis erit.
+
+   Brute, farre by-west beyond the Gallike
+       land is found,
+   An Ile which with the ocean seas
+       inclosed is about,
+   Where giants dwelt sometime,
+       but now is desart ground,
+   Most meet where thou maist plant
+       thy selfe with all thy rout:
+   Make thitherwards with speed,
+       for there thou shalt find out
+   An euerduring seat,
+       and Troie shall rise anew,
+   Vnto thy race, of whom
+       shall kings be borne no dout,
+   That with their mightie power
+       the world shall whole subdew.
+
+
+ After he awaked out of sléepe, and had called his dreame to
+ remembrance, he first doubted whether it were a verie dreame, or a
+ true vision, the goddes hauing spoken to him with liuelie voice.
+ Wherevpon calling such of his companie vnto him as he thought
+ requisite in such a case, he declared vnto them the whole matter with
+ the circumstances, whereat they greatlie reioising, caused mightie
+ bonfires to be made, in the which they cast wine, milke, and other
+ liquors, with diuers gums and spices of most sweet smell and sauour,
+ as in the pagan religion was accustomed. Which obseruances and
+ ceremonies performed and brought to end, they returned streightwaies
+ to their ships, and as soone as the wind served, passed forward on
+ their iournie with great ioy and gladnesse, as men put in comfort to
+ find out the wished seats for their firme and sure habitations. From
+ hence therefore they cast about, and making westward, first arrived in
+ [Sidenote: Brute with his companie landed in Affrike.]
+ Affrica, and after kéeping on their course, they passed the straits of
+ Gibralterra, and coasting alongst the shore on the right hand, they
+ found another companie that were likewise descended of the Troian
+ progenie, on the coasts nere where the Pyrenine hils shoot downe to
+ the sea, whereof the same sea by good reason (as some suppose) was
+ [Sidenote: The mistaking of those that haue copied the British
+ historie putting _Mare Tyrrhenum_, for _Pyrenæum_]
+ named in those daies Mare Pyrenæum, although hitherto by fault of
+ writers & copiers of the British historie receiued, in this place Mare
+ Tyrrhenum, was slightlie put downe in stead of Pyrenæum.
+
+ The ofspring of those Troians, with whom Brute and his companie thus
+ did méet, were a remnant of them that came away with Antenor. Their
+ capteine hight Corineus, a man of great modestie and approoued
+ wisedome, and thereto of incomparable strength and boldnesse.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Brute and the said Troians with their capteine Corineus doo associat,
+ they take landing within the dominion of king Goffarus, he raiseth an
+ armie against Brute and his power, but is discomfited: of the citie of
+ Tours: Brutes arrivall in this Iland with his companie._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Brute and Corineus ioin their companies together.]
+ After that Brute and the said Troians, by conference interchangeablie
+ had, vnderstood one anothers estates, and how they were descended from
+ one countrie and progenie, they vnited themselves togither, greatlie
+ reioising that they were so fortunatlie met: and hoising vp their
+ [Sidenote: They arrive on the coasts of Gallia, now called France.]
+ sailes, directed their course forward still, till they arriued within
+ the mouth of the riuer of Loire, which diuideth Aquitaine from Gall
+ Celtike, where they tooke land within the dominion of a king called
+ Goffarius, surnamed Pictus, by reason he was descended of the people
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius surnamed Pictus _Les annales d'Aquitaine._]
+ [Sidenote: Agathyrsi, otherwise called Picts, of painting their
+ bodies.]
+ [Sidenote: _Marcellus Plinie._]
+ [Sidenote: _Herodotus li._ 4.]
+ Agathyrsi, otherwise named Picts, bicause they used to paint their
+ faces and bodies, insomuch that the richer a man was amongst them, the
+ more cost he bestowed in painting himselfe; and commonlie the haire of
+ their head was red, or (as probable writers say) of skie colour.
+ Herodotus calleth them [Greek: chrysothorous] bicause they did weare
+ much gold about them. They vsed their wives in common, and bicause
+ they are all supposed to be brethren, there is no strife nor discord
+ among them. Of these Agathyrsi, it is recorded by the said Herodotus,
+ that they refused to succour the Scythians against Darius, giving this
+ reason of their refusall; bicause they would not make warre against
+ him who had doone them no wrong. And of this people dooth the poet
+ make mention, saieng,
+
+ [Sidenote: _Virg. Aeneid._ 4.]
+
+   Cretésq; Dryopésq; fremunt pictíq; Agathyrsi.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cæsar com. li._ 5.]
+ To paint their faces not for amiablenesse, but for terriblenesse, the
+ Britons in old time vsed, and that with a kind of herbe like vnto
+ plantine. In which respect I sée no reason why they also should not be
+ called Picts, as well as the Agathyrsi; séeing the denomination sprang
+ [Sidenote: _P. Mart. com. part._ 2. _sect._ 60.]
+ of a vaine custome in them both. And here by the way, sithens we have
+ touched this follie in two severall people, let it not séeme tedious
+ to read this one tricke of the Indians, among whom there is great
+ plentie of pretious stones, wherewith they adorne themselves in this
+ maner; namelie, in certein hollow places which they make in their
+ flesh, they inclose and riuet in precious stones, and that as well in
+ their forheads as their chéekes, to none other purpose, than the
+ Agathyrsi in the vse of their painting.
+
+ The countrie of Poictou (as some hold) where the said Goffarius
+ reigned, tooke name of this people: & likewise a part of this our
+ Ile of Britaine now conteined within Scotland, which in ancient time
+ [Sidenote: Pightland or Pictland.]
+ was called Pightland or Pictland, as elsewhere both in this historie
+ of England, and also of Scotland may further appeare. But to our
+ purpose.
+
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius sendeth vnto Brute.]
+ When Goffarius the king of Poictou was aduertised of the landing of
+ these strangers within his countrie, he sent first certeine of his
+ people to vnderstand what they ment by their comming a land within his
+ dominion, without licence or leaue of him obteined. They that were
+ thus sent, came by chance to a place where Corineus with two hundred
+ of the companie were come from the ships into a forrest néere the sea
+ side, to kill some veneson for their sustenance: and being rebuked
+ [Sidenote: Corineus answereth the messengers.]
+ [Sidenote: Imbert.]
+ with some disdainfull speach of those Poictouins, he shaped them a
+ round answer: insomuch that one of them whose name was Imbert, let
+ driue an arrow at Corineus: but he auoiding the danger thereof, shot
+ [Sidenote: Imbert is slaine by Corineus.]
+ againe at Imbert, in reuenge of that iniurie offered, and claue his
+ head in sunder. The rest of the Poictouins fled therevpon, and brought
+ word to Goffarius what had happened: who immediatlie with a mightie
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius raiseth an armie.]
+ armie made forward to encounter with the Troians, and comming to ioine
+ with them in battell, after a sharpe and sore conflict, in the end
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius is discomfited.]
+ Brute with his armie obteined a triumphant victorie, speciallie
+ through the noble prowesse of Corineus.
+
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius séeketh aid against Brute.]
+ Goffarius escaping from the field, fled into the inner parts of
+ Gallia, making sute for assistance vnto such kings as in those daies
+ reigned in diuers prouinces of that land, who promised to aid him with
+ all their forces, and to expell out of the coasts of Aquitaine, such
+ strangers as without his licence were thus entred the countrie. But
+ [Sidenote: Brute spoileth the countrie.]
+ Brute in the meane time passed forward, and with fire and sword made
+ hauocke in places where he came: and gathering great spoiles, fraught
+ his ships with plentie of riches. At length he came to the place,
+ [Sidenote: Turonium or Tours built by Brute.]
+ where afterwards he built a citie named Turonium, that is, Tours.
+
+ [Sidenote: Goffarius hauing renewed his forces, fighteth eftsoones
+ with Brute.]
+ Here Goffarius with such Galles as were assembled to his aid, gaue
+ battell againe vnto the Troians that were incamped to abide his
+ comming. Where after they had fought a long time with singular manhood
+ on both parties: the Troians in fine oppressed with multitudes of
+ aduersaries (euen thirtie times as manie mo as the Troians) were
+ constreined to retire into their campe, within the which the Galles
+ kept them as besieged, lodging round about them, and purposing by
+ famine to compell them to yéeld themselues vnto their mercie. But
+ Corineus taking counsell with Brute, deuised to depart in the darke of
+ the night out of the campe, to lodge himselfe with thrée thousand
+ chosen souldiers secretlie in a wood, and there to remaine in couert
+ till the morning that Brute should come foorth and giue a charge vpon
+ the enimies, wherewith Corineus should breake foorth and assaile the
+ Galles on the backes.
+
+ This policie was put in practise, and tooke such effect as the
+ deuisers themselues wished: for the Galles being sharplie assailed on
+ the front by Brute and his companie, were now with the sudden comming
+ of Corineus (who set vpon them behind on their backes) brought into
+ such a feare, that incontinentlie they tooke them to flight, whom the
+ Troians egerlie pursued, making no small slaughter of them as they did
+ ouertake them. In this battell Brute lost manie of his men, and
+ amongst other one of his nephues named Turinus, after he had shewed
+ maruellous proofe of his manhood. Of him (as some haue written) the
+ foresaid citie of Tours tooke the name, and was called _Turonium_,
+ bicause the said Turinus was there buried.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Theuet._]
+ Andrew Theuet affirmeth the contrarie, and mainteineth that one Taurus
+ the nephue of Haniball was the first that inclosed it about with a
+ pale of wood (as the maner of those daies was of fensing their townes)
+ [Sidenote: 3374.]
+ in the yeare of the world 3374. and before the birth of our sauiour
+ 197.
+
+ But to our matter concerning Brute, who after he had obteined so
+ famous a victorie, albeit there was good cause for him to reioise, yet
+ it sore troubled him to consider that his numbers dailie decaied, and
+ his enimies still increased, and grew stronger: wherevpon resting
+ [Sidenote: Brute in dout what to doo.]
+ doubtfull what to doo, whether to procéed against the Galles, or
+ returne to his ships to séeke the Ile that was appointed him by
+ oracle, at length he chose the surest and best way, as he tooke it,
+ and as it proued. For whilest the greater part of his armie was yet
+ left aliue, and that the victorie remained on his side, he drew to his
+ nauie, and lading his ships with excéeding great store of riches which
+ his people had got abroad in the countrie, he tooke the seas againe.
+ [Sidenote: Brute with his remnant of Troians arriue in this ile.]
+ [Sidenote: _Anno mundi._ 2850.]
+ [Sidenote: 1116. (B.C.)]
+ After a few daies sailing they landed at the hauen now called
+ Totnesse, the yeare of the world 2850, after the destruction of Troy
+ 66, after the deliuerance of the Israelites from the captiuitie of
+ Babylon 397, almost ended; in the 18 yeare of the reigne of Tineas
+ king of Babylon, 13 of Melanthus king of Athens, before the building
+ of Rome 368, which was before the natiuitie of our Sauior Christ 1116,
+ almost ended, and before the reigne of Alexander the great 783.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Brute discouereth the commodities of this Iland, mightie giants
+ withstand him, Gogmagog and Corineus wrestle together at a place
+ beside Douer: he buildeth the citie of Trinouant now termed London,
+ calleth this Iland by the name of Britaine, and diuideth it into three
+ parts among his three sonnes._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ When Brute had entred this land, immediatlie after his arriuall (as
+ writers doo record) he searched the countrie from side to side, and
+ from end to end, finding it in most places verie fertile and plentious
+ of wood and grasse, and full of pleasant springs and faire riuers. As
+ [Sidenote: Brute encountered by the giants.]
+ he thus trauelled to discouer the state and commodities of the Iland,
+ he was encountred by diuers strong and mightie giants, whome he
+ destroied and slue, or rather subdued, with all such other people as
+ he found in the Iland, which were more in number than by report of
+ some authors it should appeare there were. Among these giants (as
+ Geffrey of Monmouth writeth) there was one of passing strength and
+ [Sidenote: Cornieus wrestleth with Gogmagog.]
+ great estimation, named Gogmagog, whome Brute caused Corineus to
+ wrestle at a place beside Douer, where it chanced that the giant brake
+ a rib in the side of Corineus while they stroue to claspe, and the one
+ to ouerthrow the other: wherewith Corineus being sore chafed and
+ stirred to wrath, did so double his force that he got the vpper hand
+ of the giant, and cast him downe headlong from one of the rocks there,
+ [Sidenote: Gogmagog is slaine.]
+ not farre from Douer, and so dispatched him: by reason whereof the
+ place was named long after, _The fall or leape of Gogmagog_, but
+ afterward it was called _The fall of Douer._ For this valiant déed,
+ [Sidenote: Cornwall giuen to Cornineus.]
+ and other the like seruices first and last atchiued, Brute gaue vnto
+ Corineus the whole countrie of Cornwall. To be briefe, after that
+ Brute had destroied such as stood against him, and brought such people
+ vnder his subiection as he found in the Ile, and searched the land
+ from the one end to the other: he was desirous to build a citie, that
+ the same might be the seate roiall of his empire or kingdome.
+ Wherevpon he chose a plot of ground lieng on the north side of the
+ riuer of Thames, which by good consideration séemed to be most
+ pleasant and conuenient for any great multitude of inhabitants, aswell
+ for holsomnesse of aire, goodnesse of soile, plentie of woods, and
+ commoditie of the riuer, seruing as well to bring in as to carrie out
+ all kinds of merchandize and things necessarie for the gaine, store,
+ and vse of them that there should inhabit.
+
+ Here therefore he began to build and lay the foundation of a citie, in
+ the tenth or (as other thinke) in the second yeare after his arriuall,
+ which he named (saith Gal. Mon.) Troinouant, or (as Hum. Llhoyd saith)
+ Troinewith, that is, new Troy, in remembrance of that noble citie of
+ Troy from whence he and his people were for the greater part
+ descended.
+
+ When Brutus had builded this citie, and brought the Iland fullie vnder
+ his subiection, he by the aduise of his nobles commanded this Ile
+ (which before hight Albion) to be called Britaine, and the inhabitants
+ Britons after his name, for a perpetuall memorie that he was the first
+ bringer of them into the land. In this meane while also he had by his
+ wife. iii. sonnes, the first named Locrinus or Locrine, the second
+ Cambris or Camber, and the third Albanactus or Albanact. Now when the
+ time of his death drew néere, to the first he betooke the gouernment
+ of that part of the land nowe knowne by the name of England: so that
+ the same was long after called Loegria, or Logiers, of the said
+ Locrinus. To the second he appointed the countrie of Wales, which of
+ him was first named Cambria, diuided from Loegria by the riuer of
+ Seuerne. To his third sonne Albanact he deliuered all the north part
+ of the Ile, afterward called Albania, after the name of the said
+ Albanact: which portion of the said He lieth beyond the Humber
+ northward. Thus when Brutus had diuided the Ile of Britaine (as before
+ [Sidenote: In the daies of this our Brute Saule and Samuell
+ gouerned Israell.]
+ is mentioned) into 3. parts, and had gouerned the same by the space of
+ 15. yeares, he died in the 24 yeare after his arriuall (as Harison
+ noteth) and was buried at Troinouant or London: although the place of
+ his said buriall there be now be growne out of memorie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Locrine the eldest sonne of Brute, of Albanact his yoongest sonne,
+ and his death: of Madan, Mempricius, Ebranke, Brute Greenesheeld,
+ Leill, Ludhurdibras, Baldud, and Leir, the nine rulers of Britaine
+ successiuelie after Brute._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: LOCRINE THE SECOND RULER OF BRITAIN.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fa._ out of _G. de Co._]
+ LOCRINUS or Locrine the first begotten sonne of Brute began to reigne
+ ouer the countrie called Logiers, in the yeare of the world 1874, and
+ held to his part the countrie that reached from the south sea vnto the
+ riuer of Humber. While this Locrinus gouerned Logiers, his brother
+ Albanact ruled in Albania, where in fine he was slaine in a battell by
+ a king of the Hunnes or Scythians, called Humber, who inuaded that
+ part of Britaine, and got possession thereof, till Locrinus with his
+ [Sidenote: _Gal Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ brother Camber, in reuenge of their other brothers death, and for the
+ recouerie of the kingdome, gathered their powers togither, and comming
+ against the said king of the Hunnes, by the valiancie of their people
+ they discomfited him in battell, and chased him so egerlie, that he
+ [Sidenote: It should séeme that he was come over the Humber.]
+ himselfe and a great number of his men were drowned in the gulfe that
+ then parted Loegria and Albania, which after tooke name of the said
+ king, and was called Humber, and so continueth vnto this daie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ Moreouer in this battell against the Hunnes were thrée yong damsels
+ taken of excellent beautie, specially one of them, whose name was
+ Estrild, daughter to a certeine king of Scythia. With this Estrild
+ king Locrine fell so farre in loue, notwithstanding a former contract
+ made betwixt him and the ladie Guendoloena, daughter to Corineus duke
+ of Cornwall, that he meant yet with all spéed to marie the same
+ Estrild. But being earnestlie called vpon, and in manner forced
+ thereto by Corineus, hée changed his purpose, and married Guendoloena,
+ kéeping neuertheles the aforesaid Estrild as paramour still after a
+ secret sort, during the life of Corineus his father in law.
+
+ Now after that Corineus was departed this world, Locrine forsooke
+ Guendoloena, and maried Estrild. Guendoloena therefore being cast off
+ by hir husband, got hir into Cornewall to hir friends and kinred, and
+ there procured them to make warre against the said Locrine hir
+ husband, in the which warres hée was slaine, and a battell fought
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ néere to the riuer of Sture, after he had reigned (as writers affirme)
+ twentie yeares, & was buried by his father in the citie of Troinouant,
+ leauing behind him a yoong sonne (begotten of his wife Guendoloena)
+ named Madan, as yet vnméete to gouerne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Shée is not numbred amongst those that reigned as rulers
+ in this land by _Mat. West._]
+ Guendoloena or Guendoline the wife of Locrinus, and daughter of
+ Corineus duke of Cornewall, for so much as hir sonne Madan was not of
+ yeeres sufficient to gouerne, was by common consent of the Britons
+ made ruler of the Ile, in the yéere of the world 2894, and so hauing
+ the administration in hir hands, she did right discreetlie vse hir
+ selfe therein, to the comfort of all hir subiects, till hir sonne
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ Madan came to lawfull age, and then she gaue ouer the rule and
+ dominion to him, after she had gouerned by the space of fifteene
+ yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: MADAN THE THIRD RULER.]
+ MADAN the sonne of Locrine and Guendoline entred into the gouernement
+ of Britaine in the 2909, of the world. There is little left in writing
+ of his doings, sauing that he vsed great tyrannie amongst his Britons:
+ and therefore after he had ruled this land the tearme of 40. yeares,
+ he was deuoured of wild beastes, as he was abroad in hunting. He left
+ behind him two sonnes, Mempricius and Manlius. He builded (as is
+ reported) Madancaistre, now Dancastre, which reteineth still the later
+ part of his name.
+
+ [Sidenote: MEMPRICIUS THE FOURTH RULER.]
+ MEMPRICIUS the eldest sonne of Madan began his reigne ouer the Britons
+ in the yeare of the world 2949, he continued not long in peace. For
+ his brother Manlius vpon an ambitious mind prouoked the Britons to
+ rebell against him, so that sore and deadly warre continued long
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: Manlius is slaine.]
+ betweene them. But finallie, vnder colour of a treatie, Manlius was
+ slaine by his brother Mempricius, so that then he liued in more
+ tranquillitie and rest. Howbeit, being deliuered thus from trouble of
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: Slouth engendred lecherie.]
+ warres, he fell into slouth, and so into vnlawfull lust of lecherie,
+ and thereby into the hatred of his people, by forcing of their wiues
+ and daughters: and finallie became so beastlie, that he forsooke his
+ lawfull wife and all his concubines, and fell into the abhominable
+ sinne of Sodomie. And thus from one vice he fell into another, till he
+ became odious to God and man, and at length, going on hunting, was
+ [Sidenote: Mempricius is deuoured of beastes.]
+ lost of his people, and destroied of wild beastes, when he had reigned
+ twentie yeares, leauing behind him a noble yoong sonne named Ebranke,
+ begotten of his lawfull wife.
+
+ [Sidenote: EBRANKE THE FIFT RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: Ebranke had 21. wiues: his thirtie daughters sent into
+ Italie.]
+ [Sidenote: _Bergomas lib._ 6.]
+ EBRANKE the sonne of Mempricius began to rule ouer the Britons in the
+ yeare of the world 2969. He had as writers doo of him record, one and
+ twentie wiues, on whom he begot 20. sonnes and 30. daughters, of the
+ which the eldest hight Guales, or Gualea. These daughters he sent to
+ Alba Syluius, which was the eleuenth king of Italie, or the sixt king
+ of the Latines, to the end they might be married to his noble men of
+ the bloud of Troians, because the Sabines refused to ioine their
+ daughters with them in marriage. Furthermore, he was the first prince
+ of his land that euer inuaded France after Brute, and is commended as
+ author and originall builder of many cities, both in his owne
+ kingdome, and else where. His sonnes also vnder the conduct of
+ Assaracus, one of their eldest brethren, returning out of Italie,
+ after they had conducted their sisters thither, inuaded Germanie,
+ being first molested by the people of that countrie in their rage, and
+ by the helpe of the said Alba subdued a great part of that countrie, &
+ there planted themselues. Our histories say, that Ebracus their father
+ married them in their returne, and aided them in their conquests, and
+ [Sidenote: The citie of Caerbranke builded.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ that he builded the citie of Caerbranke, now called Yorke, about the
+ 14, yeare of his reigne. He builded also in Albania now called
+ Scotland, the castle of Maidens, afterward called Edenburgh of Adian
+ one of their kings. The citie of Alclud was builded likewise by him
+ (as some write) now decaied. After which cities thus builded, he
+ sailed ouer into Gallia, now called France, with a great armie, and
+ subduing the Galles as is aforesaid, he returned home with great
+ riches and triumph. Now when he had guided the land of Britaine in
+ [Sidenote: Fortie yeares hath _Math. West._ and _Gal. Monuine._]
+ noble wise by the tearme of fortie yeares, he died, and was buried at
+ Yorke.
+
+ [Sidenote: BRUTE GREENESHIELD THE SIXT RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iacobus Lef._]
+ BRUTE GREENESHIELD, the sonne of Ebranke, was made gouernor of this
+ land in the yeare of the world 3009, Asa reigning in Iuda, and Baasa
+ in Israell. This prince bare alwaies in the field a gréene shield,
+ whereof he tooke his surname, and of him some forraine authors
+ affirme, that he made an attempt to bring the whole realme of France
+ vnder his subiection, which he performed, because his father susteined
+ some dishonor and losse in his last voiage into that countrie. Howbeit
+ they say, that when he came into Henaud, Brinchild a prince of that
+ quarter gaue him also a great ouerthrow, and compelled him to retire
+ home againe into his countrie. This I borrow out of William Harison,
+ who in his chronologie toucheth the same at large, concluding in the
+ end, that the said passage of this prince into France is verie likelie
+ to be true, and that he named a parcell of Armorica lieng on the
+ south, and in manner vpon the verie loine after his owne name, and
+ also a citie which he builded there Britaine. For (saith he) it should
+ [Sidenote: _Strabo lib._ 4.]
+ séeme by Strabo. lib. 4. that there was a noble citie of that name
+ long before his time in the said countrie, whereof Plinie also
+ speaketh lib. 4. cap. 7. albeit that he ascribe it vnto France after a
+ disordered maner. More I find not of this foresaid Brute, sauing that
+ he ruled the land a certeine time, his father yet liuing, and after
+ his decease the tearme of twelue yeares, and then died, and was buried
+ at Caerbranke now called Yorke.
+
+ [Sidenote: LEILL THE SEVENTH RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: Carleil builded.]
+ [Sidenote: Chester repaired.]
+ LEILL the sonne of Brute Greeneshield, began to reigne in the yeare of
+ the world 3021, the same time that Asa was reigning in Iuda, and Ambri
+ in Israell. He built the citie now called Carleil, which then after
+ his owne name was called Caerleil, that is, Leill his citie, or the
+ citie of Leill. He repaired also (as Henrie Bradshaw saith) the citie
+ of Caerleon now called Chester, which (as in the same Bradshaw
+ appeareth) was built before Brutus entrie into this land by a giant
+ named Leon Gauer. But what authoritie he had to auouch this, it may be
+ doubted, for Ranulfe Higden in his woorke intituled "Polychronicon,"
+ saith in plaine wordes, that it is vnknowen who was the first founder
+ of Chester, but that it tooke the name of the soiourning there of some
+ Romaine legions, by whome also it is not vnlike that it might be first
+ built by P. Ostorius Scapula, who as we find, after he had subdued
+ Caratacus king of the Ordouices that inhabited the countries now
+ called Lancashire, Cheshire, and Salopshire, built in those parts, and
+ among the Silures, certeine places of defense, for the better
+ harbrough of his men of warre, and kéeping downe of such Britaines as
+ were still readie to moue rebellion.
+
+ But now to the purpose concerning K. Leill. We find it recorded that
+ he was in the beginning of his reigne verie vpright, and desirous to
+ sée iustice executed, and aboue all thinges loued peace & quietnesse;
+ but as yeares increased with him, so his vertues began to diminish, in
+ so much that abandoning the care for the bodie of the commonwealth, he
+ suffered his owne bodie to welter in all vice and voluptuousnesse, and
+ so procuring the hatred of his subiects, caused malice and discord to
+ rise amongst them, which during his life he was neuer able to appease.
+ But leauing them so at variance, he departed this life, & was buried
+ at Carleil, which as ye haue heard he had builded while he liued.
+
+ [Sidenote: LUD or LUDHURDIBRAS THE EIGHT RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: Kaerkin or Canterburie is builded.]
+ [Sidenote: Caerguent is builded.]
+ [Sidenote: Paladour is builded.]
+ LUD or LUDHURDIBRAS the sonne of Leill began to gouerne in the yeare
+ of the world 3046. In the beginning of his reigne, hée sought to
+ appease the debate that was raised in his fathers daies, and bring the
+ realme to hir former quietnesse, and after that he had brought it to
+ good end, he builded the towne of Kaerkin now called Canterburie: also
+ the towne of Caerguent now cleped Winchester, and mount Paladour now
+ called Shaftsburie. About the building of which towne of Shaftsburie,
+ Aquila a prophet of the British nation wrote his prophesies, of which
+ some fragments remaine yet to be seene, translated into the Latine by
+ some ancient writers. When this Lud had reigned 29 yeares, he died,
+ and left a sonne behind him named Baldud.
+
+ [Sidenote: BALDUD OR BLADUD THE NINTH RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: The king was learned.]
+ [Sidenote: Hot bathes.]
+ BALDUD the sonne of Ludhurdibras began to rule ouer the Britaines in
+ the yeare of the world 3085. This man was well séene in the sciences
+ of astronomie and nigromancie, by which (as the common report saith)
+ he made the hot bathes in the citie of Caerbran now called Bath. But
+ William of Malmesburie is of a contrarie opinion, affirming that
+ Iulius Cesar made those bathes, or rather repaired them when he was
+ here in England: which is not like to be true: for Iulius Cesar, as by
+ good coniecture we haue to thinke, neuer came so farre within the land
+ that way forward. But of these bathes more shall be said in the
+ description. Now to procéed. This Baldud tooke such pleasure in
+ artificiall practises & magike, that he taught this art throughout all
+ his realme. And to shew his cunning in other points, vpon a
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ [Sidenote: The prince did flie.]
+ presumptuous pleasure which he had therein, he tooke vpon him to flie
+ in the aire, but he fell vpon the temple of Apollo, which stood in the
+ citie of Troinouant, and there was torne in péeces after he had ruled
+ the Britaines by the space of 20 yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: LEIR THE 10. RULER.]
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Leicester is builded.]
+ LEIR the sonne of Baldud was admitted ruler ouer the Britaines, in the
+ yeare of the world 3105, at what time Ioas reigned in Iuda. This Leir
+ was a prince of right noble demeanor, gouerning his land and subiects
+ in great wealth. He made the towne of Caerleir now called Leicester,
+ which standeth vpon the riuer of Sore. It is written that he had by
+ his wife three daughters without other issue, whose names were
+ Gonorilla, Regan, and Cordeilla, which daughters he greatly loued, but
+ specially Cordeilla the yoongest farre aboue the two elder. When this
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ Leir therefore was come to great yeres, & began to waxe vnweldie
+ through age, he thought to vnderstand the affections of his daughters
+ towards him, and preferre hir whome he best loued, to the succession
+ ouer the kingdome. Whervpon he first asked Gonorilla the eldest, how
+ [Sidenote: A triall of loue.]
+ well she loued him: who calling hir gods to record, protested that she
+ "loued him more than hir owne life, which by right and reason should
+ be most déere vnto hir. With which answer the father being well
+ pleased, turned to the second, and demanded of hir how well she loued
+ him: who answered (confirming hir saiengs with great othes) that she
+ loued him more than toong could expresse, and farre aboue all other
+ creatures of the world."
+
+ Then called he his yoongest daughter Cordeilla before him, and asked
+ of hir what account she made of him, vnto whome she made this answer
+ [Sidenote: The answer of the yoongest daughter.]
+ as followeth: "Knowing the great loue and fatherlie zeale that you
+ haue alwaies borne towards me (for the which I maie not answere you
+ otherwise than I thinke, and as my conscience leadeth me) I protest
+ vnto you, that I haue loued you euer, and will continuallie (while I
+ liue) loue you as my naturall father. And if you would more vnderstand
+ of the loue that I beare you, assertaine your selfe, that so much as
+ you haue, so much you are woorth, and so much I loue you, and no more.
+ [Sidenote: The two eldest daughters are maried.]
+ [Sidenote: The realme is promised to his two daughters.]
+ The father being nothing content with this answer, married his two
+ eldest daughters, the one vnto Henninus the duke of Cornewall, and the
+ other vnto Maglanus the duke of Albania, betwixt whome he willed and
+ ordeined that his land should be diuided after his death, and the one
+ halfe thereof immediatlie should be assigned to them in hand: but for
+ the third daughter Cordeilla he reserued nothing."
+
+ Neuertheles it fortuned that one of the princes of Gallia (which now
+ is called France) whose name was Aganippus, hearing of the beautie,
+ womanhood, and good conditions of the said Cordeilla, desired to haue
+ hir in mariage, and sent ouer to hir father, requiring that he might
+ haue hir to wife: to whome answer was made, that he might haue his
+ daughter, but as for anie dower he could haue none, for all was
+ promised and assured to hir other sisters alreadie. Aganippus
+ notwithstanding this answer of deniall to receiue anie thing by way of
+ dower with Cordeilla, tooke hir to wife, onlie moued thereto (I saie)
+ for respect of hir person and amiable vertues. This Aganippus was one
+ [Sidenote: He gouerned the third part of Gallia as _Gal. Mon._ saith.]
+ of the twelue kings that ruled Gallia in those daies, as in the
+ British historie it is recorded. But to proceed.
+
+ After that Leir was fallen into age, the two dukes that had married
+ his two eldest daughters, thinking it long yer the gouernment of the
+ land did come to their hands, arose against him in armour, and reft
+ from him the gouernance of the land, vpon conditions to be continued
+ for terme of life: by the which he was put to his portion, that is, to
+ liue after a rate assigned to him for the maintenance of his estate,
+ which in processe of time was diminished as well by Maglanus as by
+ Henninus. But the greatest griefe that Leir tooke, was to see the
+ vnkindnesse of his daughters, which seemed to thinke that all was too
+ much which their father had, the same being neuer so little: in so
+ much that going from the one to the other, he was brought to that
+ miserie, that scarslie they would allow him one seruant to wait vpon
+ him.
+
+ In the end, such was the vnkindnesse, or (as I maie saie) the
+ vnnaturalnesse which he found in his two daughters, notwithstanding
+ their faire and pleasant words vttered in time past, that being
+ constreined of necessitie, he fled the land, & sailed into Gallia,
+ there to seeke some comfort of his yongest daughter Cordeilla, whom
+ before time he hated. The ladie Cordeilla hearing that he was arriued
+ in poore estate, she first sent to him priuilie a certeine summe of
+ monie to apparell himselfe withall, and to reteine a certeine number
+ of seruants that might attend vpon him in honorable wise, as
+ apperteined to the estate which he had borne: and then so accompanied,
+ she appointed him to come to the court, which he did, and was so
+ ioifullie, honorablie, and louinglie receiued, both by his sonne in
+ law Aganippus, and also by his daughter Cordeilla, that his hart was
+ greatlie comforted: for he was no lesse honored, than if he had beene
+ king of the whole countrie himselfe.
+
+ Now when he had informed his sonne in law and his daughter in what
+ sort he had béene vsed by his other daughters, Aganippus caused a
+ mightie armie to be put in a readinesse, and likewise a great nauie of
+ ships to be rigged, to passe ouer into Britaine with Leir his father
+ in law, to sée him againe restored to his kingdome. It was accorded,
+ that Cordeilla should also go with him to take possession of the land,
+ the which he promised to leaue vnto hir, as the rightfull inheritour
+ after his decesse, notwithstanding any former grant made to hir
+ sisters or to their husbands in anie maner of wise.
+
+ Herevpon, when this armie and nauie of ships were readie, Leir and his
+ daughter Cordeilla with hir husband tooke the sea, and arriuing in
+ Britaine, fought with their enimies, and discomfited them in battell,
+ in the which Maglanus and Henninus were slaine: and then was Leir
+ restored to his kingdome, which he ruled after this by the space of
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ two yéeres, and then died, fortie yeeres after he first began to
+ reigne. His bodie was buried at Leicester in a vaut vnder the chanell
+ of the riuer of Sore beneath the towne.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The gunarchie of queene Cordeilla, how she was vanquished, of hir
+ imprisonment and selfe-murther: the contention betweene Cunedag and
+ Margan nephewes for gouernement, and the euill end thereof._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: QUEENE CORDEILLA.]
+ CORDEILLA the yoongest daughter of Leir was admitted Q. and supreme
+ gouernesse of Britaine, in the yéere of the world 3155, before the
+ bylding of Rome 54, Vzia then reigning in Iuda, and Ieroboam ouer
+ Israell. This Cordeilla after hir fathers deceasse ruled the land of
+ Britaine right worthilie during the space of fiue yéeres, in which
+ meane time hir husband died, and then about the end of those fiue
+ yéeres, hir two nephewes Margan and Cunedag, sonnes to hir aforesaid
+ sisters, disdaining to be vnder the gouernment of a woman, leuied
+ warre against hir, and destroied a great part of the land, and
+ finallie tooke hir prisoner, and laid hir fast in ward, wherewith she
+ tooke such griefe, being a woman of a manlie courage, and despairing
+ to recouer libertie, there she slue hirselfe, when she had reigned (as
+ before is mentioned) the tearme of fiue yéeres.
+
+ [Sidenote: CUNEDAG AND MARGAN.]
+ CUNEDAGIUS and MARGANUS nephewes to Cordeilla, hauing recouered the
+ land out of hir hands, diuided the same betwixt them, that is to saie,
+ the countrie ouer and beyond Humber fell to Margan, as it stretcheth
+ euen to Catnesse, and the other part lieng south and by-west, was
+ assigned to Cunedagius. This partition chanced in the yéere of the
+ world 3170, before the building of Rome 47, Uzia as then reigning in
+ Iuda, and Ieroboam in Israell. Afterwards, these two cousins, Cunedag
+ and Margan, had not reigned thus past a two yéeres, but thorough some
+ seditious persons, Margan was persuaded to raise warre against
+ Cunedag, telling him in his eare, how it was a shame for him being
+ come of the elder sister, not to haue the rule of the whole Ile in his
+ hand. Herevpon ouercome with pride, ambition, and couetousnesse, he
+ [Sidenote: Margan inuadeth his cousine Cunedag.]
+ raised an armie, and entring into the land of Cunedag, he burned and
+ destroied the countrie before him in miserable maner.
+
+ Cunedag in all hast to resist his aduersarie, assembled also all the
+ power he could make, and comming with the same against Margan, gaue
+ him battell, in the which he slue a great number of Margans people,
+ and put the residue to flight, and furthermore pursued him from
+ countrie to countrie, till he came into Cambria, now called Wales,
+ where the said Margan gaue him eftsoones a new battell: but being too
+ [Sidenote: Margan is slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ weake in number of men, he was there ouercome and slaine in the field,
+ by reason whereof that countrie tooke name of him, being there slaine,
+ and so is called to this daie Glau Margan, which is to meane in our
+ English toong, Margans land. This was the end of that Margan, after he
+ had reigned with his brother two yéeres, or thereabouts.
+
+ [Sidenote: CUNEDAGUS ALONE.]
+ After the death of Margan, Cunedag the sonne of Hennius and Ragaie
+ (middlemost daughter of Leir before mentioned) became ruler of all the
+ whole land of Britaine, in the yeare of the world 3172, before the
+ building of Rome 45, Vzia still reigning in Iuda, and Ieroboam in
+ Israell. He gouerned this Ile well and honourablie for the tearme of
+ 33 yeares, and then dieng, his bodie was buried at Troinouant or
+ London. Moreouer, our writers doo report, that he builded thrée
+ temples, one to Mars at Perth in Scotland, another to Mercurie at
+ Bangor, and the third to Apollo in Cornewall.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Riuallus, Gurgustius, Sysillius, Iago, and Kinimacus, rulers of
+ Britaine by succession, and of the accidents coincident with their
+ times._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: RIUALLUS THE 13. RULER.]
+ RIUALLUS, the sonne of Cunedag, began to reigne ouer the Britaines in
+ the yeare of the world 3203, before the building of Rome 15, Ioathan
+ as then being king of Iuda, and Phacea king of Israel. This Riuall
+ gouerned the Iland in great welth and prosperitie. In his time it
+ [Sidenote: It rained blood.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ rained bloud by the space of thrée daies togither; after which raine
+ ensued such an excéeding number and multitude of flies, so noisome and
+ contagious, that much people died by reason thereof. When he had
+ reigned 46 yeares he died, and was buried at Caerbranke now called
+ [Sidenote: Rome builded.]
+ Yorke. In the time of this Riuals reigne was the citie of Rome
+ builded, after concordance of most part of writers. Perdix also a
+ wizard, and a learned astrologian florished and writ his prophesies,
+ and Herene also.
+
+ [Sidenote: GURGUSTIUS THE 14. RULER.]
+ GURGUSTIUS, the son of the before named Riuall, began to gouerne the
+ Britaines in the yeare after the creation of the world 3249, and after
+ the first foundation of Rome 33, Ezechias reigning in Iuda. This
+ Gurgustius in the chronicle of England, is called Gorbodian the sonne
+ of Reignold, he reigned 37 yeares, then departing this life, was
+ buried at Caerbranke (now called Yorke) by his father.
+
+ [Sidenote: SYSILLIUS THE 15. RULER.]
+ SYSILLIUS, or after some writers SYLUIUS, the brother of Gurgustius,
+ was chosen to haue the gouernance of Britaine, in the yere of the
+ world 3287, and after the building of Rome 71, Manasses still reigning
+ in Iuda. This Sysillius in the English chronicle is named Secill. He
+ reigned 49 yeares, and then died, and was buried at Carbadon, now
+ called Bath.
+
+ [Sidenote: JAGO THE 16. RULER.]
+ IAGO or LAGO, the cousin of Gurgustius, as next inheritor to
+ Sysillius, tooke vpon him the gouernement of Britaine, in the yeare of
+ the world 3386, and after the building of Rome 120, in whose time the
+ citie of Ierusalem was taken by Nabuchodonozar and the king of Iuda,
+ Mathania, otherwise called Zedechias, being slaine. This Iago or Lago
+ died without issue, when he had reigned 28 yeares, and was buried at
+ Yorke.
+
+ [Sidenote: KINIMACUS THE 17. RULER.]
+ KINIMACUS or KINMARUS the sonne of Sysillius as some write, or rather
+ the brother of Iago, began to gouerne the land of Britain, in the yere
+ of the world 3364, and after the building of Rome 148, the Iewes as
+ then being in the third yeare of their captiuitie of Babylon. This
+ Kinimacus departed this life, after he had reigned 54 yeares, and was
+ buried at Yorke.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Gorbodug and his two sonnes Ferrex and Porrex, one brother killeth
+ another, the mother sluieth hir sonne, and how Britaine by ciuill
+ warres (for lacke of issue legitimate to the government) of a
+ monarchie became a pentarchie: the end of Brutes line._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: GORBODUG THE 18. RULER.]
+ GORBODUG the sonne of Kinimacus began his reigne ouer the Britains, in
+ the yeare after the creation of the world 3418, from the building of
+ the citie of Rome 202, the 58 of the Iews captiuitie at Babylon. This
+ Gorbodug by most likelihood to bring histories to accord, should
+ reigne about the tearme of 62 yeares, and then departing this world,
+ was buried at London, leauing after him two sonnes Ferrex and Porrex,
+ or after some writers, Ferreus and Porreus.
+
+ [Sidenote: FERREX THE 19. RULER.]
+ FERREX with PORREX his brother began iointlie to rule ouer the
+ Britaines, in the yeare of the world 3476, after the building of Rome
+ 260, at which time, the people of Rome forsooke their citie in their
+ rebellious mood. These two brethren continued for a time in good
+ friendship and amitie, till at length through couetousnesse, and
+ desire of greater dominion, prouoked by flatterers, they fell at
+ [Sidenote: Ferrex fled into Gallia.]
+ variance and discord, wherby Ferrex was constreined to flée into
+ Gallia, and there purchased aid of a great duke called Gunhardus or
+ Suardus, and so returned into Britaine, thinking to preuaile and
+ obteine the dominion of the whole Iland. But his brother Porrex was
+ readie to receiue him with battell after he was landed, in the which
+ battell Ferrex was slaine, with the more part of his people. The
+ English chronicle saith, that Porrex was he that fled into France, &
+ at his returne, was slaine, and that Ferrex suruiued. But Geffrey of
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Monmouth & Polychronicon are of a contrarie opinion. Matthew
+ Westmonasteriensis writeth, that Porrex deuising waies to kill Ferrex,
+ atchiued his purpose and slue him. But whether of them so euer
+ suruiued, the mother of them was so highlie offended for the death of
+ him that was slaine, whom she most intierlie loued, that setting apart
+ all motherlie affection, she found the meanes to enter the chamber of
+ him that suruiued in the night season, and as he slept, she with the
+ [Sidenote: The mother killeth hir son.]
+ helpe of hir maidens slue him, and cut him into small péeces, as the
+ writers doo affirme. Such was the end of these two brethren, after
+ they had reigned by the space of foure or fiue yeares.
+
+ After this followed a troublous season, full of cruell warre, and
+ seditious discord, whereby in the end, and for the space of fiftie
+ yeares, the monarchie or sole gouernement of the Lland became a
+ pentarchie, that is, it was diuided betwixt fiue kings or rulers, till
+ Dunwallon of Cornewall ouercame them all. Thus the line of Brute
+ [Sidenote: _Robert Record._]
+ (according to the report of most writers) tooke an end: for after the
+ death of the two foresaid brethren, no rightfull inheritor was left
+ aliue to succéed them in the kingdome. The names of these fiue kings
+ are found in certeine old pedegrées: and although the same be much
+ corrupted in diuers copies, yet these vndernamed are the most
+ agréeable.
+
+ But of these fiue kings or dukes, the English chronicle alloweth
+ Cloton king of Cornewall for most rightfull heire. There appeareth not
+ any time certeine by report of ancient authors, how long this variance
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: Ciuill warres 51. yeares.]
+ continued amongst the Britains: but (as some say) it lasted for the
+ space of 51 yeres, coniecturing so much by that which is recorded in
+ Polychron, who saith, who it endured euen till the beginning of the
+ reigne of Mulmucius Dunwallon, who began to gouerne from the time that
+ Brute first entred Britaine, about the space of 703 thrée yeares.
+
+ ¶ Here ye must note, that there is difference amongst writers about
+ the supputation and account of these yeares, insomuch that some making
+ their reckoning after certeine writers, and finding the same to varie
+ aboue thrée C. yeares, are brought into further doubt of the truth of
+ the whole historie: but whereas other haue by diligent search tried
+ out the continuance of euerie gouernors reigne, and reduced the same
+ to a likelihood of some conformitie, I haue thought best to follow the
+ same, leauing the credit thereof with the first authors.
+
+
+ THE PENTARCHIE.
+
+   1 Rudacus  king of Wales.
+   2 Clotenus king of Cornewall.
+   3 Pinnor   king of Loegria.
+   4 Staterus king of Albania.
+   5 Yewan    king of Northumberland.
+
+
+
+
+ THE END OF THE SECOND BOOKE.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE THIRD BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Mulmucius the first king of Britaine, who was crowned with a
+ golden crowne, his lawes, his foundations, with other his acts
+ and deeds._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: MULMUCIUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polyd._]
+ Now to proceede with the aforesaid authors, Mulmucius Dunwall[=o], or
+ as other saie Dunuallo Mulmucius, the sonne of Cloton (as testifieth
+ th'english chronicle and also Geffrey of Monmouth) got the vpper hand
+ of the other dukes or rulers: and after his fathers deceasse began his
+ reigne ouer the whole monarchie of Britaine, in the yéere of the world
+ 3529, after the building of Rome 314, and after the deliuerance of the
+ Israelites out of captiuitie 97, and about the 26 yéere of Darius
+ Artaxerxes Longimanus, the fift king of the Persians. This Mulmucius
+ Dunuallo is named in the english chronicle Donebant, and prooued a
+ right worthie prince. He builded within the citie of London then
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: See more in the description.]
+ called Troinouant, a temple, and named it the temple of peace: the
+ which (as some hold opinion, I wote not vpon what ground) was the same
+ which now is called Blackwell hall, where the market for buieng and
+ selling of cloths is kept. The chronicle of England affirmeth, that
+ [Sidenote: Malmesburie and the Vies built.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Lawes made.]
+ Mulmucius (whome the old booke nameth Molle) builded the two townes
+ Malmesburie and the Vies. He also made manie good lawes, which were
+ long after vsed, called Mulmucius lawes, turned out of the British
+ spéech into the Latine by Gildas Priscus, and long time after
+ translated out of latine into english by Alfred king of England, and
+ mingled in his statutes. He moreouer gaue priuileges to temples, to
+ plowes, to cities, and to high waies leading to the same, so that
+ whosoeuer fled to them, should be in safegard from bodilie harme, and
+ from thence he might depart into what
+
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton_ and _Polychron._]
+ countrie he would, with indemnitie of his person. Some authors write,
+ that he began to make the foure great high waies of Britaine, the
+ which were finished by his sonne Blinus, as after shall be declared.
+
+ [Sidenote: The first king that was crowned with a golden crowne.]
+ After he had established his land, and set his Britains in good and
+ conuenient order, he ordeined him by the aduise of his lords a crowne
+ of gold, & caused himselfe with great solemnitie to be crowned,
+ according to the custome of the pagan lawes then in vse: & bicause he
+ was the first that bare a crowne héere in Britaine, after the opinion
+ of some writers, he is named the first king of Britaine, and all the
+ other before rehearsed are named rulers, dukes, or gouernors.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polyd._]
+ [Sidenote: Weights and measures.]
+ Amongst other of his ordinances, he appointed weights and measures,
+ with the which men should buy and sell. And further he deuised sore
+ [Sidenote: Theft punished.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ and streight orders for the punishing of theft. Finallie, after he had
+ guided the land by the space of fortie yéeres, he died, and was buried
+ in the foresaid temple of peace which he had erected within the citie
+ of Troinouant now called London, as before ye haue heard, appointing
+ in his life time, that his kingdome should be diuided betwixt his two
+ sonnes, Brennus and Belinus (as some men doo coniecture.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The ioint-gouernment of Belinus and Brennus the two sonnes of
+ Mulmucius, their discontentment, the stratagems of the one against
+ the other, the expulsion of Brennus out of Britaine._
+
+ SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Belinus and Brennus.]
+ [Sidenote: 3574.]
+ BRENNUS and Belinus began to reigne iointlie as kings in Britaine, in
+ the yéere of the world 3574, after the building of the citie of Rome
+ 355, and after the deliuerance of the Israelites out of captiuitie
+ 142, which was about the seuenth yéere of Artaxerxes surnamed Mnenon,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ the seuenth king of the Persians. Belinus held vnder his gouernment
+ Loegria, Wales, and Cornwall: and Brennus all those countries ouer and
+ beyond Humber. And with this partition were they contented by the
+ [Sidenote: _Polyd._ saith 5.]
+ [Sidenote: Brennus not content with his portion.]
+ tearme of six or seuen yéeres, after which time expired, Brennus
+ coueting to haue more than his portion came to, first thought to
+ purchase himselfe aid in forreine parties, & therefore by the
+ prouocation and counsell of yong vnquiet heads, sailed ouer into
+ [Sidenote: Elsingius.]
+ Norway, and there married the daughter of Elsung or Elsing, as then
+ duke or ruler of that countrie. Beline, offended with his brother,
+ that he should thus without his aduice marrie with a stranger, now in
+ his absence seized all his lands, townes, and fortresses into his owne
+ hands, placing garisons of men of warre where he thought conuenient.
+
+ In the meane time, Brenne aduertised hereof, assembled a great nauie
+ of ships, well furnished with people and souldiers of the Norwegians,
+ with the which he tooke his course homewards, but in the waie he was
+ [Sidenote: Guilthdacus king of Denmarke.]
+ encountred by Guilthdacus king of Denmarke, the which had laid long in
+ wait for him, bicause of the yoong ladie which Brenne had maried, for
+ whome he had béene a sutor to hir father Elsing of long time. When
+ these two fléetes of the Danes and Norwegians met, there was a sore
+ battell betwixt them, but finallie the Danes ouercame them of Norway,
+ and tooke the ship wherein the new bride was conueied, and then was
+ she brought aboord the ship of Guilthdacus. Brenne escaped by flight
+ as well as he might. But when Guilthdacus had thus obtained the
+ [Sidenote: A tempest.]
+ victorie and prey, suddenlie therevpon arose a sore tempest of wind
+ and weather, which scattered the Danish fleete, and put the king in
+ danger to haue béene lost: but finallie within fiue daies after, being
+ [Sidenote: Guilthdacus landed in the north.]
+ driuen by force of wind, he landed in Northumberland, with a few such
+ ships as kept togither with him.
+
+ Beline being then in that countrie, prouiding for defense against his
+ brother, vpon knowledge of the king of Denmarks arriuall, caused him
+ to be staied. Shortlie after, Brenne hauing recouered and gotten
+ togither the most part of his ships that were dispersed by the
+ discomfiture, and then newlie rigged and furnished of all things
+ necessarie, sent word to his brother Beline, both to restore vnto him
+ his wife wrongfullie rauished by Guilthdacus, and also his lands
+ iniuriouslie by him seized into his possession. These requests being
+ plainlie and shortlie denied, Brenne made no long delaie, but
+ spéedilie made toward Albania, and landing with his armie in a part
+ thereof, incountred with his brother Beline néere vnto a wood named as
+ [Sidenote: Calater wood is in Scotland.]
+ then Calater, where (after cruell fight, and mortall battell betwixt
+ them) at length the victorie abode with the Britains, and the
+ discomfiture did light so on the Norwegians, that the most of them
+ were wounded, slaine, and left dead vpon the ground.
+
+ Hereby Brenne being forced to flée, made shift, and got ouer into
+ Gallia, where after he had sued to this prince, at length he abode,
+ [Sidenote: Seguinus or Seginus duke of the Allobrogs, now the
+ Delphinat of Sauoy.]
+ and was well receiued of one Seguinus or Seginus duke of the people
+ called then Allobrogs (as Galfrid of Monmouth saith) or rather
+ Armorica, which now is called Britaine, as Polychronicon, and the
+ english historie printed by Caxton, more trulie maie seeme to affirme.
+ But Beline hauing got the vpper hand of his enimies, assembling his
+ councell at Caerbranke, now called York, tooke aduise what he should
+ doo with the king of Denmarke: where it was ordeined, that he should
+ be set at libertie, with condition and vnder couenant, to acknowledge
+ [Sidenote: The Danes tributarie of the Britains.]
+ himselfe by dooing homage, to hold his land of the king of Britaine,
+ and to paie him a yéerelie tribute. These couenants being agréed vpon,
+ and hostages taken for assurance, he was set at libertie, and so
+ returned into his countrie. The tribute that he couenanted to paie,
+ was a thousand pounds, as the English chronicle saith.
+
+ [Sidenote: The foure high waies finished.]
+ When Beline had thus expelled his brother, and was alone possessed of
+ all the land of Britaine, he first confirmed the lawes made by his
+ father: and for so much as the foure waies begun by his father were
+ not brought to perfection, he therefore caused workmen to be called
+ foorth and assembled, whom he set in hand to paue the said waies with
+ stone, for the better passage and ease of all that should trauell
+ through the countries from place to place, as occasion should require.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Fosse.]
+ The first of these foure waies is named Fosse, and stretcheth from the
+ south into the north, beginning at the corner of Totnesse in
+ Cornewall, and so passing foorth by Deuonshire, and Somersetshire, by
+ Tutherie, on Cotteswold, and then forward beside Couentrie vnto
+ Leicester, and from thence by wild plaines towards Newarke, and endeth
+ [Sidenote: Watling stréet.]
+ at the citie of Lincolne. The second waie was named Watling stréete,
+ the which stretcheth ouerthwart the Fosse, out of the southeast into
+ the northeast, beginning at Douer, and passing by the middle of Kent
+ ouer Thames beside London, by-west of Westminster, as some haue
+ thought, and so foorth by S. Albons, and by the west side of
+ Dunstable, Stratford, Toucester, and Wedon by-south of Lilleborne, by
+ Atherston, Gilberts hill, that now is called the Wreken, and so foorth
+ by Seuerne, passing beside Worcester, vnto Stratton to the middle of
+ Wales, and so vnto a place called Cardigan, at the Irish sea. The
+ [Sidenote: Erming stréet.]
+ third way was named Ermingstréet, which stretched out of the west
+ northwest, vnto the east southeast, and beginneth at Meneuia, the
+ which is in Saint Dauids land in west Wales, and so vnto Southampton.
+ [Sidenote: Hiknelstréet.]
+ The fourth and last waie hight Hiknelstréete, which leadeth by
+ Worcester, Winchcombe, Birmingham, Lichfield, Darbie, Chesterfield,
+ and by Yorke, and so foorth vnto Tinmouth. After he had caused these
+ [Sidenote: Priuilegs granted to the waies.]
+ waies to be well and sufficientlie raised and made, he confirmed vnto
+ them all such priuileges as were granted by his father.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Brennus marrieth with the duke of Alobrogs daughter, groweth into
+ great honour, commeth into Britaine with an armie against his brother
+ Beline, their mother reconcileth them, they ioine might & munition and
+ haue great conquests, conflicts betweene the Galles and the Romans,
+ the two brethren take Rome._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In the meane time that Beline was thus occupied about the necessarie
+ affaires of his realme and kingdome, his brother Brenne that was fled
+ into Gallia onelie with 12. persons, bicause he was a goodlie
+ gentleman, and séemed to vnderstand what apperteined to honour, grew
+ shortlie into fauour with Seginus the duke afore mentioned, and
+ declaring vnto him his aduersitie, and the whole circumstance of his
+ mishap, at length was so highlie cherished of the said Seginus,
+ deliting in such worthie qualities as he saw in him dailie appearing,
+ [Sidenote: Brenne marieth the duke of Alobrogs daughter.]
+ that he gaue to him his daughter in mariage, with condition, that if
+ he died without issue male, should he inherit his estate & dukedome:
+ and if it happened him to leaue anie heire male behind him, then
+ should he yet helpe him to recouer his land and dominion in Britaine,
+ béereft from him by his brother.
+
+ These conditions well and surelie vpon the dukes part by the assent of
+ the nobles of his land concluded, ratified, and assured, the said duke
+ within the space of one yéere after died. And then after a certeine
+ time, being knowne that the duches was not with child, all the lords
+ of that countrie did homage to Brenne, receiuing him as their lord and
+ supreme gouernour, vpon whome he likewise for his part in recompense
+ of their curtesie, bestowed a great portion of his treasure.
+
+ [Sidenote: Brenne with an armie returneth into Britaine.]
+ Shortlie after also, with their assent he gathered an armie, and with
+ the same eftsoones came ouer into Britaine, to make new warre vpon his
+ brother Beline. Of whose landing when Beline was informed, he
+ assembled his people, and made himselfe readie to méete him: but as
+ they were at point to haue ioined battell, by the intercession of
+ [Sidenote: Brenne and Beline made friends by intercession of their
+ mother.]
+ their mother that came betwixt them, and demeaned hirselfe in all
+ motherlie order, and most louing maner towards them both, they fell to
+ an agréement, and were made friends or euer they parted asunder.
+
+ After this they repaired to London, and there taking aduice togither
+ with their peeres and councellors, for the good order and quieting of
+ the land, at length they accorded to passe with both their armies into
+ Gallia, to subdue that whole countrie, and so following this
+ determination, they tooke shipping and sailed ouer into Gallia, where
+ beginning the warre with fire and sword, they wrought such maisteries,
+ that within a short time (as saith Geffrey of Monmouth) they conquered
+ [Sidenote: They inuade Gallia and Italie.]
+ a great part of Gallia, Italie, and Germanie, and brought it to their
+ subiection. In the end they tooke Rome by this occasion (as writers
+ report) if these be the same that had the leading of those Galles,
+ which in this season did so much hurt in Italie and other parts of the
+ world.
+
+ After they had passed the mountaines, & were entred into Tuscan, they
+ [Sidenote: Now Clusi.]
+ besieged the citie of Clusium, the citizens whereof being in great
+ danger, sent to Rome for aid against their enimies. Wherevpon the
+ Romanes, considering with themselues that although they were not in
+ anie league of societie with the Clusians, yet if they were ouercome
+ the danger of the next brunt were like to be theirs: with all spéed
+ [Sidenote: Ambassadours sent from Rome.]
+ they sent ambassadours to intreat betwixt the parties for some peace
+ to be had.
+
+ They that were sent, required the capteines of the Galles, in the name
+ of the senat and citizens of Rome, not to molest the friends of the
+
+ [Sidenote: Brennus answere.]
+ Romans. Wherevnto answere was made by Brennus, that for his part he
+ could be content to haue peace, if it were so that the Clusians would
+ be agréeable that the Galles might haue part of the countrie which
+ they held, being more than they did alreadie well occupie, for
+ otherwise (said he) there could be no peace granted.
+
+ The Romane ambassadours being offended with these wordes, demanded
+ what the Galles had to doo in Tuscan, by reason of which and other the
+ like ouerthwart wordes, the parties began to kindle in displeasure so
+ [Sidenote: The treatie of peace breaketh off.]
+ farre, that their communication brake off, and so they from treating
+ fell againe to trie the matter by dint of sword.
+
+ The Romane ambassadours also to shew of what prowesse the Romans were,
+ contrarie to the law of nations (forbidding such as came in ambassage
+ about anie treatie of peace to take either one part or other) tooke
+ weapon in hand, and ioined themselues with the Clusians, wherewith the
+ Galles were so much displeased, that incontinentlie with one voice,
+ they required to haue the siege raised from Clusium, that they might
+ go to Rome. But Brennus thought good first to send messengers thither,
+ to require the deliuerie of such as had broken the law, that
+ punishment might be done on them accordinglie as they had deserued.
+ This was done, and knowledge brought againe, that the ambassadors were
+ not onelie not punished, but also chosen to be tribunes for the next
+ yeare.
+
+ The Galles then became in such a rage (because they saw there was
+ nothing to be looked for at the hands of the Romans, but warre,
+ injurious wrongs, and deceitfull traines) that they turned all their
+ [Sidenote: The Galles make towards Rome.]
+ [Sidenote: The Romans incountring with the Galles are overthrown.]
+ force against them, marching streight towardes Rome, and by the waie
+ destroied all that stood before them. The Romans aduertised thereof,
+ assembled themselues togither to the number of 40. thousand, and
+ encountring with Beline and Brenne, neare to the riuer Allia, about
+ 11. miles on this side Rome, were slaine and quite discomfited.
+
+ The Galles could scarse beléeue that they had got the victorie with so
+ small resistance: but when they perceiued that the Romans were quite
+ ouerthrowne and that the field was clearelie rid of them, they got
+ togither the spoile, and made towards Rome it selfe, where such feare
+ [Sidenote: The Romans in despaire withdraw into the capitoll.]
+ and terror was striken into the heartes of the people, that all men
+ were in despaire to defend the citie: and therefore the senate with
+ all the warlike youth of the citizens got them into the capitoll,
+ which they furnished with victuals and all things necessarie for the
+ maintenance of the same against a long siege. The honorable fathers
+ and all the multitude of other people not apt for warres, remained
+ still in the citie, as it were to perish with their countrie if hap so
+ befell.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Galles enter into Rome.]
+ In the meane time came the Galles to the citie, and entring by the
+ gate Collina, they passed forth the right way vnto the market place,
+ maruelling to sée the houses of the poorer sort to be shut against
+ them, and those of the richer to remaine wide open; wherefore being
+ doubtfull of some deceitfull traines, they were not ouer rash to enter
+ the same; but after they had espied the ancient fathers sit in their
+ [Sidenote: The Reuerend aspect of the senators.]
+ chaires apparelled in their rich robes, as if they had bin in the
+ senat, they reuerenced them as gods, so honorable was their port,
+ grauenesse in countenance, and shew of apparell.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Marcus Papirius._]
+ In the meane time it chanced, that Marcus Papirius stroke one of the
+ Galles on the head with his staffe, because he presumed to stroke his
+ beard: with which iniurie the Gall being prouoked, slue Papirius (as
+ he sat) with his sword, and therewith the slaughter being begun with
+ one, all the residue of those ancient fatherlie men as they sat in
+ their chaires were slaine and cruellie murthered. After this all the
+ people found in the citie without respect or difference at all, were
+ [Sidenote: Rome sacked.]
+ put to the sword, and their houses sacked. And thus was Rome taken by
+ [Sidenote: 365.]
+ the two brethren, Beline and Brenne, 365 yeares after the first
+ building thereof. Besides this, the Galles attempted in the night
+ season to haue entred the capitoll: and in déed ordered their
+ [Sidenote: The capitoll defended.]
+ enterprise so secretlie, that they had atchieued their purpose, if a
+ sort of ganders had not with their crie and noise disclosed them, in
+ wakening the Romans that were asléepe: & so by that meanes were the
+ Galles beaten backe and repelled.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Camillus reuoked from exile, made dictator, and receiueth peremptorie
+ authoritie, he ouerthroweth the Galles in a pitcht field, controuersie
+ betweene writers touching Brennus and Belinus left vndetermined; of
+ diuers foundations, erections and reparations doone and atchiued by
+ Belinus, the burning of his bodie in stead of his burieng._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The Romans being thus put to their extreame shift, deuised among
+ themselues how to reuoke Furius Camillus from exile, whom not long
+ before they had vniustlie banished out of the citie. In the end they
+ did not onelie send for him home, but also created him dictator,
+ committing into his handes (so long as his office lasted) an absolute
+ power ouer all men, both of life and death. Camillus forgetfull of the
+ iniurie done to him, and mindfull of his dutie towards his countrie,
+ and lamenting the state thereof, without delay gathered such an armie
+ as the present time permitted.
+
+ In the meane time those that kept the capitoll (being almost famished
+ [Sidenote: A composition.]
+ for lacke of vittels) compounded with Brenne and Beline, that for a
+ thousand pounds weight in gold, the Romans should redéeme their
+ liberties, and the said Brenne and Beline depart with their armie out
+ of the citie and all the territories of Rome. But at the deliuerie of
+ the monie, and by a certeine kind of hap, the Romans name was
+ preserued at that time from such dishonor and ignominie as was likelie
+ to haue insued. For some of the couetous sort of the Galles, not
+ contented with the iust weight of the gold, did cast their swords also
+ into the balance where the weights lay, thereby to haue ouer weight:
+ wherevpon the Romans refused to make paiment after that weight.
+
+ And thus whilest they were in altercation about this matter, the one
+ importunnate to haue, the other not willing to grant, the time passed,
+ till in the meane season Camillus came in amongst them with his power,
+ [Sidenote: Camillus disappointeth the Galles of their paiment.]
+ commanding that the gold should be had away, and affirming that
+ without consent of the dictator, no composition or agréement might be
+ concluded by the meaner magistrate. He gaue a signe to the Galles to
+ prepare themselues to battell, whervnto they lightlie agréed, and
+ togither they went. The battell being once begun, the Galles that
+ [Sidenote: The Galles overthrowne.]
+ looked earst for gold, and not for battell, were easilie ouercome,
+ such as stood to the brunt were slaine, and the rest by flight
+ constreined to depart the citie.
+
+ Polybius writeth, that the Galles were turned from the siege of the
+ citie, through wars which chanced amongst their owne people at home,
+ and therefore they concluded a peace with the Romans, and leauing them
+ in libertie returned home againe.
+
+ But howsoeuer the matter passed, thus much haue we stept from our
+ purpose, to shew somwhat of that noble and most famous capteine
+ Brennus, who (as not onelie our histories, but also Giouan Villani the
+ Florentine dooth report) was a Britaine, and brother to Beline (as
+ before is mentioned) although I know that manie other writers are not
+ of that mind, affirming him to be a Gall, and likewise that after this
+ present time of the taking of Rome by this Brennus 110 yeares, or
+ there abouts, there was another Brennus a Gall by nation (say they)
+ vnder whose conduct an other armie of the Gals inuaded Grecia, which
+ Brennus had a brother that hight Belgius, although Humfrey Llhoyd and
+ sir Iohn Prise doo flatlie denie the same, by reason of some
+ discordance in writers, & namelie in the computation of the yeares set
+ downe by them that haue recorded the dooings of those times, whereof
+ the error is growen. Howbeit I doubt not but that the truth of this
+ matter shall be more fullie sifted out in time by the learned and
+ studious of such antiquities. But now to our purpose.
+
+ This is also to be noted, that where our histories make mention, that
+ Beline was abroad with Brennus in the most part of his victories, both
+ [Sidenote: _Titus Liu._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ in Gallia, Germanie, and Italie; Titus Liuius speaketh but onlie of
+ Brennus: wherevpon some write, that after the two brethren were by
+ their mothers intreatance made friends, Brennus onlie went ouer to
+ Gallia, and there through proofe of his woorthie prowesse, atteined to
+ such estimation amongst the people called Galli Senones, that he was
+ chosen to be their generall capteine at their going ouer the
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ mountaines into Italie. But whether Beline went ouer with his brother,
+ and finallie returned backe againe, leauing Brennus behind him, as
+ some write, or that he went not at all, but remained still at home
+ whilest his brother was abroad, we can affirme no certeintie.
+
+ Most part of all our writers make report of manie woorthie deeds
+ accomplished by Beline, in repairing of cities decaied, & erecting of
+ [Sidenote: _Polychr._]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. M._]
+ [Sidenote: Caerleon Wiske built by Belline.]
+ other new buildings, to the adorning and beautifieng of his realme and
+ kingdome. And amongst other works which were by him erected, he
+ builded a citie in the south part of Wales, neare to the place where
+ the riuer of Vske falleth into Seuerne, fast by Glamorgan, which citie
+ hight Caerleon, or Caerlegion Ar Wiske. This Caerleon was the
+ principall citie in time past of all Demetia, now called Southwales.
+ Manie notable monuments are remaining there till this day, testifieng
+ the great magnificence and roiall buildings of that citie in old time.
+ In which citie also sith the time of Christ were thrée churches, one
+ of saint Iulius the martyr, an other of saint Aron, and the third was
+ the mother church of all Demetia, and the chiefe sée: but after, the
+ same sée was translated vnto Meneuia, (that is to say) saint Dauid in
+ Westwales. In this Caerleon was Amphibulus borne, who taught and
+ instructed saint Albon.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ This Beline also builded an hauen, with a gate ouer the same, within
+ the citie of Troinouant now called London, in the summitie or highest
+ part wherof afterwards was set a vessell of brasse, in the which were
+ put the ashes of his bodie, which bodie after his deceasse was burnt,
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Leland._]
+ as the maner of burieng in those daies did require. This gate was long
+ after called Belins gate, and at length by corruption of language
+ Billings gate. He builded also a castell eastward from this gate (as
+ [Sidenote: The Tower of London built by Beline.]
+ some haue written) which was long time after likewise called Belins
+ castell, and is the same which now we call the tower of London. Thus
+ Beline studieng dailie to beautifie this land with goodlie buildings
+ and famous workes, at length departed this life, after he had reigned
+ with his brother iointlie and alone the space of 26 yeres.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Gurguintus, Guintolinus, and Sicilius, three kings of Britaine
+ succeeding ech other by lineall descent in the regiment, and of their
+ acts and deeds, with a notable commendation of Queene Martia._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: GURGUINTUS.]
+ GURGUINTUS the sonne of Beline began to reigne ouer the Britains, in
+ the yeare of the world 1596, after the building of Rome 380, after the
+ deliuerance of the Israelites out of captiuitie 164 complet, which was
+ about the 33 yeare of Artaxerxes Mnenon, surnamed Magnus, the seuenth
+ king of the Persians. This Gurguint in the English chronicle is named
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Corinbratus, and by Matthew Westmin. he is surnamed Barbiruc, the
+ which bicause the tribute granted by Guilthdag king of Denmarke in
+ perpetuitie vnto the kings of Britaine was denied, he sailed with a
+ mightie nauie and armie of men into Denmarke, where he made such warre
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. M._ Gurguint c[=o]strained the Danes by force to pay
+ their tribute.]
+ with fire and sword, that the king of Denmarke with the assent of his
+ barons was constreined to grant eftsoones to continue the paiment of
+ the aforesaid tribute.
+
+ After he had thus atchiued his desire in Denmarke, as he returned
+ backe towards Britaine, he encountred with a nauie of 30 ships beside
+ the Iles of Orkenies. These ships were fraught with men and women, and
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West.]
+ [Sidenote: Gal. Mon._]
+ had to their capteine one called Bartholin or Partholin, who being
+ brought to the presence of king Gurguint, declared that he with his
+ [Sidenote: Basques.]
+ people were banished out of Spaine, and were named Balenses or
+ Baselenses, and had sailed long on the sea, to the end to find some
+ prince that would assigne them a place to inhabit, to whom they would
+ become subiects, & hold of him as of their souereigne gouernor.
+ [Sidenote: Sée more hereof in Ireland.]
+ Therefore he besought the king to consider their estate, and of his
+ great benignitie to appoint some void quarter where they might settle.
+ The king with the aduice of his barons granted to them the Ile of
+ [Sidenote: Polychron.]
+ Ireland, which as then (by report of some authors) lay waste and
+ without habitation. But it should appeare by other writers, that it
+ was inhabited long before those daies, by the people called
+ Hibernenses, of Hiberus their capteine that brought them also out of
+ Spaine.
+
+ After that Gurguintus was returned into his countrie, he ordeined that
+ the laws made by his ancestors should be dulie kept and obserued. And
+ thus administring iustice to his subiects for the tearme of 19 yeares,
+ he finallie departed this life, and was buried at London, or as some
+ [Sidenote: Caius.]
+ haue at Caerleon. In his daies was the towne of Cambridge with the
+ vniuersitie first founded by Cantaber, brother to the aforesaid
+ Bartholin (according to some writers) as after shall appeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: GUINTOLINUS.]
+ GUINTOLINUS or GUINTELLIUS the sonne of Gurguintus was admitted king
+ of Britaine in the yere of the world 3614, after the building of the
+ citie of Rome 399, and second yere of the 206 Olimpiad. This
+ Guintoline was a wise prince, graue in counsell, and sober in
+ behauior. He had also a wife named Martia, a woman of perfect beautie,
+ & wisedome incomparable, as by hir prudent gouernement and equall
+ administration of iustice after hir husbands deceasse, during hir
+ sonnes minoritie, it most manifestlie appeared.
+
+ It is thought that in an happie time this Guintoline came to the
+ gouernement of this kingdome, being shaken and brought out of order
+ with ciuill dissentions, to the end he might reduce it to the former
+ estate, which he earnestlie accomplished: for hauing once got the
+ place, he studied with great diligence to reforme anew, and to adorne
+ with iustice, lawes and good orders, the British common wealth, by
+ other kings not so framed as stood with the quietnesse thereof. But
+ afore all things he vtterlie remooued and appeased such ciuill
+ discord, as séemed yet to remaine after the maner of a remnant of
+ those seditious factions and partakings, which had so long time
+ reigned in this land. But as he was busie in hand herewith, death
+ tooke him out of this life, after he had reigned 27 yeares, and then
+ was he buried at London.
+
+ [Sidenote: SICILIUS.]
+ SICILIUS the sonne of Guintoline, being not past seuen yeares of age
+ when his father died, was admitted king, in the yeare 3659, after the
+ building of Rome 430, & after the deliuerance of the Israelites out of
+ captiuitie 218, & in the sixt after the death of Alexander. By reason
+ [Sidenote: Queene Martia gouerneth in hir sonnes roome.]
+ that Sicilius was not of age sufficient of himselfe to guide the
+ kingdoms of the Britains, his mother that worthie ladie called Martia,
+ had the gouernance both of his realme and person committed to hir
+ charge.
+
+ She was a woman expert and skilfull in diuers sciences, but chiefelie
+ being admitted to the gouernance of the realme, she studied to
+ preserue the common wealth in good quiet and wholsome order, and
+ [Sidenote: She maketh lawes.]
+ therefore deuised and established profitable and conuenient lawes, the
+ which after were called Martian lawes, of hir name that first made
+ them. These lawes, as those that were thought good and necessarie for
+ the preseruation of the common wealth, Alfred, or Alured, that was
+ long after king of England, translated also out of the British toong,
+ into the English Saxon speech, and then were they called after that
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ translation Marchenelagh, that is to meane, the lawes of Martia. To
+ conclude, this worthie woman guided the land during the minoritie of
+ hir sonne right politikelie; and highlie to hir perpetuall renowme and
+ commendation. And when hir sonne came to lawfull age, she deliuered
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ vp the gouernance into his handes. How long he reigned writers varie,
+ some auouch but seuen yeares, though other affirme 15. which agréeth
+ not so well with the accord of other histories and times. He was
+ buried at London.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Kimarus and his sudden end, of Elanius and his short regiment, of
+ Morindus and his beastlie crueltie, all thrée immediatlie succeeding
+ each other in the monarchie of Britaine, with the exploits of the
+ last._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: KIMARUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ KIMARUS the sonne of Sicilius began to reigne ouer the Britaines, in
+ the yeare of the world 3657, and after the building of Rome 442, & in
+ the first yeare of the 117. Olimpiad. This Kimarus being a wild yoong
+ man, and giuen to follow his lusts and pleasures, was slaine by some
+ that were his enimies, as he was abroad in hunting, when he had
+ reigned scarselie three yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: ELANIUS.]
+ ELANIUS the sonne of Kimarus, or (as other haue) his brother, began to
+ rule the Britaines in the yeare after the creation of the world 3361,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ after the building of Rome 445, after the deliuerance of the
+ Israelites 229, and in the fourth yeare of the Seleuciens, after which
+ account the bookes of Machabees doo reckon, which began in the 14,
+ after the death of Alexander. This Elanius in the English Chronicle is
+ named also Haran; by Mat. Westm. Danius; and by an old chronicle which
+ Fabian much followed, Elanius and Kimarus should seeme to be one
+ person: but other hold the contrarie, and saie that he reigned fullie
+ 8. yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: MORINDUS.]
+ MORINDUS the bastard sonne of Elanius was admitted king of Britaine,
+ in the yeare of the world 3667, after the building of Rome 451, after
+ the deliuerance of the Israelites 236, and in the tenth yeare of
+ Cassander K. of Macedonia, which hauing dispatched Olimpias the mother
+ of Alexander the great, and gotten Roxanes with Alexanders sonne into
+ his hands, vsurped the kingdome of the Macedonians, and held it 15
+ yéeres. This Morindus in the English chronicle is called Morwith, and
+ was a man of worthie fame in chiualrie and martiall dooings, but so
+ cruell withall, that his vnmercifull nature could scarse be satisfied
+ with the torments of them that had offended him, although oftentimes
+ with his owne hands he cruellie put them to torture and execution. He
+ was also beautifull and comelie of personage, liberall and bounteous,
+ and of a maruellous strength.
+
+ [Sidenote: _G. Mon._]
+ In his daies, a certeine king of the people called Moriani, with a
+ great armie landed in Northumberland, and began to make cruell warre
+ vpon the inhabitants. But Morindus aduertised héerof, assembled his
+ Britains, came against the enimies, and in battell putting them to
+ flight, chased them to their ships, and tooke a great number of them
+ prisoners, whome to the satisfieng of his cruell nature he caused to
+ be slaine euen in his presence. Some of them were headed, some
+ strangled, some panched, and some he caused to be slaine quicke.
+
+ [Sidenote: The like may be thought of those Murreis or Morauians of
+ whom _H.B._ speaketh.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ ¶ These people (whome Gal. Mon. nameth Moriani) I take to be either
+ those that inhabited about Terrouane and Calice, called Morini, or
+ some other people of the Galles or Germaines, and not as some estéeme
+ them, Morauians, or Merhenners, which were not known to the world (as
+ Humfrey Llhoyd hath verie well noted) till about the daies of the
+ emperour Mauricius, which misconstruction of names hath brought the
+ British historie further out of credit than reason requireth, if the
+ circumstances be dulie considered.
+
+ But now to end with Morindus. At length this bloudie prince heard of a
+ monster that was come a land out of the Irish sea, with the which when
+ he would néeds fight, he was deuoured of the same, after he had
+ reigned the terme of 8 yeeres, leauing behind him fiue sonnes,
+ Gorbonianus, Archigallus, Elidurus, Vigenius, or Nigenius, and
+ Peredurus.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Gorbonianus, Archigallus, Elidurus, Vigenius, and Peredurus, the
+ fiue sons of Morindius, the building of Cambridge, the restitution of
+ Archigallus to the regiment after his depriuation, Elidurus three
+ times admitted king, his death and place of interrement._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: GORBOMEN OR GORBONIANUS.]
+ GORBONIANUS the first son of Morindus succéeded his father in the
+ kingdome of Britain, in the yéere of the world 3676, after the
+ building of Rome 461, and fourth yéere of the 121. Olimpiad. This
+ Gorbonianus in the English chronicle is named Granbodian, and was a
+ [Sidenote: A righteous and religious prince.]
+ righteous prince in his gouernment, and verie deuout (according to
+ such deuotion as he had) towards the aduancing of the religion of his
+ gods: and thervpon he repaired all the old temples through his
+ kingdome, and erected some new.
+
+ He also builded the townes of Cambridge and Grantham (as Caxton
+ writeth) and was beloued both of the rich and poore, for he honoured
+ the rich, and relieued the poore in time of their necessities. In his
+ time was more plentie of all things necessarie for the wealthfull
+ state of man, than had béene before in anie of his predecessors daies.
+ He died without issue, after he had reigned (by the accord of most
+ writers) about the terme of ten yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cambridge by whome it was built.]
+ Some write that this Gorbonian built the townes of Cairgrant, now
+ called Cambridge, & also Grantham, but some thinke that those which
+ haue so written are deceiued, in mistaking the name; for that
+ Cambridge was at the first called Granta: and by that meanes it might
+ be that Gorbonian built onlie Grantham, and not Cambridge, namelie
+ because other write how that Cambridge (as before is said) was built
+ in the daies of Gurguntius the sonne of Beline, by one Cantaber a
+ Spaniard, brother to Partholoin, which Partholoin by the aduice of the
+ same Gurguntius, got seates for himselfe and his companie in Ireland
+ (as before ye haue heard.)
+
+ The said Cantaber also obteining licence of Gurguntius, builded a
+ towne vpon the side of the riuer called Canta, which he closed with
+ walles, and fortified with a strong tower or castell, and after
+ procuring philosophers to come hither from Athens (where in his youth
+ he had bene a student) he placed them there, and so euen then was that
+ place furnished (as they saie) with learned men, and such as were
+ readie to instruct others in knowledge of letters and philosophicall
+ doctrine. But by whome or in what time soeuer it was built, certeine
+ it is that there was a citie or towne walled in that place before the
+ comming of the Saxons, called by the Britaines Caergrant, and by the
+ Saxons Granchester.
+
+ This towne fell so to ruine by the inuasion of the Saxons, that at
+ length it was in maner left desolate, and at this day remaineth as a
+ village. But néere therevnto vnder the Saxon kings, an other towne was
+ built, now called Cambridge, where by the fauour of king Sigebert and
+ Felix a Burgundian, that was bishop of Dunwich, a schoole was erected,
+ as in place conuenient shall appeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: ARCHIGALLUS.]
+ ARCHIGALLUS, the second sonne of Morindus, and brother vnto
+ Gorbonianus, was admitted king of Britaine, in the yeare 3686, after
+ the building of the citie of Rome 470, after the deliuerance of the
+ Israelites out of captiuitie 255, and in the first yeare of Sosthenes
+ king of Macedonia. This Archigallus (in the English chronicle called
+ Artogaill) followed not the steppes of his brother, but giuing
+ [Sidenote: He is giuen to nourish dissention.]
+ himselfe to dissention and strife, imagined causes against his nobles,
+ that he might displace them, and set such in their roomes as were men
+ of base birth and of euill conditions. Also he sought by vnlawfull
+ meanes to bereaue his wealthie subiects of their goods and riches, so
+ to inrich himselfe and impouerish his people. For the which his
+ inordinate dooings, his nobles conspired against him, and finallie
+ depriued him of all his honor and kinglie dignitie, after he had
+ reigned about the space of one yeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: ELIDURUS.]
+ ELIDURUS the third sonne of Morindus, and brother to Archigallus, was
+ by one consent of the Britains chosen to reigne ouer them in his
+ brothers stead, after the creation of the world 3687, and after the
+ building of the citie of Rome 471, after the deliuerance of the
+ Israelites 256, & in the first yeare of Sosthenes king of Macedonia.
+ This Elidurus in the English chronicle named Hesider, or Esoder,
+ prooued a most righteous prince, and doubting least he should doo
+ otherwise than became him, if he did not take care for his brother
+ Archigallus estate, a man might woonder what diligence he shewed in
+ trauelling with the nobles of the realme to haue his brother restored
+ to the crowne againe.
+
+ Now as it chanced one day (being abroad on hunting in the wood called
+ Calater) neare vnto Yorke, he found his brother Archigall wandering
+ there in the thickest of that wildernesse, whom in most louing maner
+ he secretlie conueied home to his house, being as then the citie of
+ [Sidenote: By this it should séeme that Acliud should not be in
+ Scotland, contrarie to the Scotish authors.]
+ Aldud, otherwise called Acliud. Shortlie after he feined himselfe
+ sicke, and in all hast sent messengers about to assemble his barons,
+ who being come at the day appointed, he called them one after another
+ into his priuie chamber, and there handled them in such affectuous
+ sort with wise and discréet words, that he got their good wils to
+ further him to their powers, for the reducing of the kingdome
+ eftsoones into the hands of his brother Archigallus.
+
+ After this he assembled a councell at Yorke, where he so vsed the
+ matter with the commons, that in conclusion, when the said Elidurus
+ had gouerned the land well and honourablie the space of thrée yeares,
+ he resigned wholie his crowne and kinglie title vnto his brother
+ Archigallo, who was receiued of the Britaines againe as king by
+ [Sidenote: An example of brotherlie loue.]
+ mediation of his brother in manner as before is said. ¶ A rare example
+ of brotherlie loue, if a man shall reuolue in his mind what an
+ inordinate desire remaineth amongst mortall men to atteine to the
+ supreme souereintie of ruling, and to kéepe the same when they haue it
+ once in possession. He had well learned this lesson (as may appeare by
+ his contentation and resignation) namelie, that
+
+   Nec abnuendum si dat imperium Deus,
+   Nec appetendum,
+
+ [Sidenote: Sen. in Thiess.]
+ otherwise he would not haue béene led with such an equabilitie of
+ mind. For this great good will and brotherlie loue by him shewed thus
+ toward his brother, he was surnamed the godlie and vertuous.
+
+ [Sidenote: ARCHIGALLUS AGAIN.]
+ When ARCHIGALLUS was thus restored to the kingdome, and hauing learned
+ by due correction that he must turne the leafe, and take out a new
+ lesson, by changing his former trade of liuing into better, if he
+ would reigne in suertie: he became a new man, vsing himselfe
+ vprightlie in the administration of iustice, and behauing himselfe so
+ woorthilie in all his doings, both toward the nobles & commons of his
+ realme, that he was both beloued and dread of all his subiects. And so
+ continuing the whole tearme of his life, finallie departed out of this
+ world, after he had reigned this second time the space of ten yeares,
+ and was buried at Yorke.
+
+ [Sidenote: ELIDURUS AGAINE.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ ELIDURUS brother to this Archigallus was then againe admitted king by
+ consent of all the Britaines, 3700 of the world. But his two yonger
+ brethren, Vigenius and Peredurus, enuieng the happie state of this
+ woorthie prince, so highlie for his vertue and good gouernance
+ [Sidenote: Brother against brother.]
+ esteemed of the Britains, of a grounded malice conspired against him,
+ and assembling an armie, leuied warre against him, and in a pitcht
+ field tooke him prisoner, and put him in the tower of London, there to
+ [Sidenote: Elidure committed to prison.]
+ be kept close prisoner, after he had reigned now this last time the
+ space of one yeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: VIGENIUS AND PEREDURUS.]
+ VIGENIUS and PEREDURUS, the yoongest sonnes of Morindus, and brethren
+ to Elidurus, began to reigne iointlie as kings of Britaine, in the
+ yeare of the world 3701, after the building of Rome 485, after the
+ deliuerance of the Israelites 266 complet, and in the 12 yeare of
+ Antigonus Gonatas, the sonne of Demetrius king of the Macedonians.
+ These two brethren in the English chronicles are named Higanius and
+ [Sidenote: Britaine divided into two realmes.]
+ Petitur, who (as Gal. Mon. testifieth) diuided the realme betwixt
+ them, so that all the land from Humber westward fell to Vigenius, or
+ Higanius, the other part beyond Humber northward Peredure held. But
+ other affirme, that Peredurus onelie reigned, and held his brother
+ Elidurus in prison by his owne consent, forsomuch as he was not
+ willing to gouerne.
+
+ But Gal. Mon. saith, that Vigenius died after he had reigned 7 yeares,
+ and then Peredurus seized all the land into his owne rule, and
+ gouerned it with such sobrietie and wisedome, that he was praised
+ aboue all his brethren, so that Elidurus was quite forgotten of the
+ [Sidenote: Varitie in writers.]
+ Britains. But others write that he was a verie tyrant, and vsed
+ himselfe verie cruellie towards the lords of his land, wherevpon they
+ rebelled and slue him. But whether by violent hand, or by naturall
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ sicknesse, he finallie departed this life, after the consent of most
+ [Sidenote: _Eth. Bur._]
+ writers, when he had reigned eight yeares, leauing no issue behind him
+ to succéed in the gouernance of the kingdome. He builded the towne of
+ Pikering, where his bodie was buried.
+
+ [Sidenote: ELIDURUS THE THIRD TIME.]
+ ELIDURUS then, as soone as his brother Peredurus was dead, for as much
+ as he was next heire to the crowne, was deliuered out of prison, and
+ now the third time admitted king of Britaine, who vsed himselfe (as
+ before) verie orderlie in ministring to all persons right and iustice
+ all the daies of his life, and lastlie being growne to great age died,
+ when he had reigned now this third time (after most concordance of
+ [Sidenote: He is buried at Caerleill.]
+ writers) the tearme of foure yeares: and was buried at Caerleill.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A Chapter of digression, shewing the diuersitie of writers in
+ opinion, touching the computation of yeares from the beginning of the
+ British kings of this Iland downewards; since Gurguintus time, till
+ the death of Elidurus; and likewise till King Lud reigned in his
+ roialtie, with the names of such kings as ruled betweene the last
+ yeare of Elidurus, and the first of Lud._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Here is to be noted, that euen from the beginning of the British
+ kings, which reigned here in this land, there is great diuersitie
+ amongest writers, both touching the names, and also the times of their
+ reignes, speciallie till they come to the death of the last mentioned
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ king Elidurus. Insomuch that Polydor Virgil in his historie of
+ England, finding a manifest error (as he taketh it) in those writers
+ whome he followeth touching the account, from the comming of Brute,
+ vnto the sacking of Rome by Brennus, whome our histories affirme to be
+ the brother of Beline, that to fill vp the number which is wanting in
+ the reckoning of the yeares of those kings which reigned after Brute,
+ till the daies of the same Brenne & Beline, he thought good to change
+ the order, least one error should follow an other, and so of one error
+ making manie, he hath placed those kings which after other writers
+ should séeme to follow Brenne and Beline, betwixt Dunuallo and
+ Mulmucius, father to the said Beline and Brenne, and those fiue kings
+ which stroue for the gouernement after the deceasse of the two
+ brethren, Ferrex and Porrex, putting Guintoline to succéed after the
+ fiue kings or rulers, and after Guintoline his wife Martia, during the
+ minoritie of hir sonne, then hir said sonne named Sicilius.
+
+ After him succéeded these whose names follow in order, Chimarius,
+ Danius, Morindus, Gorbonianus, Archigallo, who being deposed, Elidurus
+ was made king, and so continued till he restored the gouernement (as
+ ye haue heard) to Archigallo againe, and after his death Elidurus was
+ eftsoones admitted, and within awhile againe deposed by Vigenius and
+ Peredurus, and after their deceasses the third time restored. Then
+ after his deceasse followed successiuelie Veginus, Morganus, Ennanus,
+ Idunallo, Rimo, Geruntius, Catellus, Coilus, Porrex the second of that
+ name, Cherinus, Fulgentius, Eldalus, Androgeus, Vrianus and Eliud,
+ after whom should follow Dunuallo Molmucius, as in his proper place,
+ if the order of things doone, & the course of time should be obserued,
+ as Polydor gathereth by the account of yeares attributed to those
+ kings that reigned before and after Dunuallo, according to those
+ authours whom (as I said) he followeth, if they will that Brennus
+ which led the Galles to Rome be the same that was sonne to the said
+ Dunuallo Mulmucius, and brother to Beline.
+
+ But sith other haue in better order brought out a perfect agréement in
+ the account of yeares, and succession of those kings, which reigned
+ and gouerned in this land before the sacking of Rome; and also another
+ such as it is after the same, and before the Romans had anie perfect
+ knowledge thereof; we haue thought good to follow them therein,
+ leauing to euerie man his libertie to iudge as his knowledge shall
+ serue him in a thing so doubtfull and vncerteine, by reason of
+ variance amongst the ancient writers in that behalfe.
+
+ And euen as there is great difference in writers since Gurguintus,
+ till the death of Elidurus, so is there as great or rather greater
+ after his deceasse, speciallie till king Lud atteined the kingdóme.
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ But as maie be gathered by that which Fabian and other whome he
+ followeth doo write, there passed aboue 185 yeares betwixt the last
+ yeare of Elidurus, and the beginning of king Lud his reigne, in the
+ which time there reigned 32, or 33, kings, as some writers haue
+ mentioned, whose names (as Gal. Mon. hath recorded) are these
+ immediatlie héere named; Regnie the sonne of Gorbolian or Gorbonian, a
+ worthie prince, who iustlie and mercifullie gouerned his people;
+ Margan the sonne of Archigallo a noble prince likewise, and guiding
+ his subiects in good quiet; Emerian brother to the same Margan, but
+ far vnlike to him in maners, so that he was deposed in the sixt yeare
+ of his reigne; Ydwallo sonne to Vigenius; Rimo the sonne of Peredurus;
+ Geruntius the sonne of Elidurus; Catell that was buried at Winchester;
+ Coill that was buried at Nottingham; Porrex a vertuous and most gentle
+ prince; Cherinus a drunkard; Fulginius, Eldad, and Androgeus; these
+ thrée were sonnes to Chercinus, and reigned successiuelie one after
+ [Sidenote: _Vrianus._]
+ another; after them a sonne of Androgeus; then Eliud, Dedaicus,
+ Clotinius, Gurguntius, Merianus, Bledius, Cop, Owen, Sicilius,
+ Bledgabredus an excellent musician: after him his brother Archemall;
+ then Eldol, Red, Rodiecke, Samuill, Penisell, Pir, Capoir; after him
+ his sonne Gligweil an vpright dealing prince, and a good iusticiarie;
+ whom succeeded his sonne Helie, which reigned 60 yeares, as the
+ forsaid Gal. Mon. writeth, where other affirme that he reigned 40
+ yeares, and some againe say that he reigned but 7 moneths.
+
+ There is great diuersitie in writers touching the reignes of these
+ kings, and not onlie for the number of yéeres which they should
+ continue in their reignes but also in their names: so that to shew the
+ diuersitie of all the writers, were but to small purpose, sith the
+ dooings of the same kings were not great by report made thereof by any
+ approoued author. But this maie suffice to aduertise you, that by
+ conferring the yéeres attributed to the other kings which reigned
+ before them, since the comming of Brute, who should enter this land
+ (as by the best writers is gathered) about the yéere before the
+ building of Rome 367, which was in the yéere after the creation of the
+ world 2850 (as is said) with their time, there remaineth 182 yéeres to
+ be dealt amongst these 33 kings, which reigned betwixt the said
+ Elidure & Lud, which Lud also began his reigne after the building of
+ the citie of Rome (as writers affirme) about 679 yéeres, and in the
+ yéere of the world 3895, as some that will séeme the precisest
+ calculators doo gather.
+
+ Polydor Virgil changing (as I haue shewed) the order of succession in
+ the British kings, in bringing diuerse of those kings, which after
+ other writers followed Beline and Brenne, to precéed them so
+ successiuelie after Beline and Brenne, reherseth those that by his
+ coniecture did by likelihood succéed, as thus. After the decesse of
+ Beline, his sonne Gurguntius, being the second of that name, succeeded
+ in gouernment of the land, and then these in order as they follow:
+ Merianus, Bladanus, Capeus, Duinus, Sicilius, Bledgabredus,
+ Archemallus, Eldorus, Rodianus, Redargius, Samulius, Penisellus,
+ Pyrrhus, Caporus, Dinellus, and Helie, who had issue, Lud,
+ Cassibellane, and Neurius.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of king Helie who gaue the name to the Ile of Elie, of king Lud, and
+ what memorable edifices he made, London sometimes called Luds towne,
+ his bountifulnes, and buriall._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Here note by the waie a thing not to be forgotten, that of the
+ [Sidenote: Whereof the Ile of Elie tooke name.]
+ foresaid Helie the last of the said 33 kings, the Ile of Elie tooke
+ the name, bicause that he most commonlie did there inhabit, building
+ in the same a goodly palace, and making great reparations of the
+ sluces, ditches & causies about that Ile, for conueiance awaie of the
+ water, that els would sore haue indamaged the countrie. There be that
+ haue mainteined, that this Ile should rather take name of the great
+ abundance of éeles that are found in these waters and fennes wherwith
+ this Ile is inuironed. But Humfrey Llhoyd holdeth, that it tooke name
+ of this British word Helig, which signifieth willowes, wherwith those
+ fennes abound.
+
+ [Sidenote: LUD.]
+ After the decesse of the same Helie, his eldest son Lud began his
+ reigne, in the yéere after the creation of the world 3895, after the
+ building of the citie of Rome 679, before the comming of Christ 72,
+ [Sidenote: A worthie prince.]
+ and before the Romanes entred Britaine 19 yéeres. This Lud proued a
+ right worthie prince, amending the lawes of the realme that were
+ defectiue, abolishing euill customs and maners vsed amongst his
+ people, and repairing old cities and townes which were decaied: but
+ speciallie he delited most to beautifie and inlarge with buildings the
+ [Sidenote: London inclosed with a wal.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Hard._]
+ citie of Troinouant, which he compassed with a strong wall made of
+ lime and stone, in the best maner fortified with diuerse faire towers:
+ and in the west part of the same wall he erected a strong gate, which
+ he commanded to be called after his name, Luds gate, and so vnto this
+ daie it is called Ludgate, (S) onelie drowned in pronuntiation of the
+ word.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ In the same citie also he soiorned for the more part, by reason
+ whereof the inhabitants increased, and manie habitations were builded
+ to receiue them, and he himselfe caused buildings to be made betwixt
+ London stone and Ludgate, and builded for himselfe not farre from the
+ [Sidenote: The bishops palace.]
+ said gate a faire palace, which is the bishop of Londons palace beside
+ Paules at this daie, as some thinke; yet Harison supposeth it to haue
+ bin Bainards castell, where the blacke friers now standeth. He also
+ builded a fairer temple néere to his said palace, which temple (as
+ some take it) was after turned to a church, and at this daie called
+ Paules. By reason that king Lud so much esteemed that citie before all
+ other of his realme, inlarging it so greatlie as he did, and
+ [Sidenote: The name of Troinouant changed and called London.]
+ continuallie in manner remained there, the name was changed, so that
+ it was called Caerlud, that is to saie, Luds towne: and after by
+ corruption of spéech it was named London.
+
+ Beside the princelie dooings of this Lud touching the aduancement of
+ the common wealth by studies apperteining to the time of peace, he was
+ also strong & valiant in armes, in subduing his enimies, bountious and
+ liberall both in gifts and kéeping a plentifull house, so that he was
+ greatlie beloued of all the Britaines. Finallie, when he had reigned
+ with great honour for the space of 11 yéeres, he died, and was buried
+ néere Ludgate, leauing after him two sons, Androgeus and Theomancius
+ or Tenancius.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Cassibellane and his noble mind, Iulius Cæsar sendeth Caius
+ Volusenus to suruey the coasts of this Iland, he lieth with his fleet
+ at Calice, purposing to inuade the countrie, his attempt is bewraied
+ and withstood by the Britains._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CASSIBELLANE.]
+ CASSIBELLANE, the brother of Lud was admitted king of Britaine, in the
+ yéere of the world 3908, after the building of Rome 692, and before
+ the comming of Christ 58 complet. For sith the two sonnes of Lud were
+ not of age able to gouerne, the rule of the land was committed to
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ Cassibellane: but yet (as some haue written) he was not created king,
+ but rather appointed ruler & protector of the land, during the nonage
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ of his nephewes. Now after he was admitted (by whatsoeuer order) to
+ the administration of the common wealth, he became so noble a prince
+ and so bountious, that his name spred farre and néere, and by his
+ vpright dealing in seeing iustice executed he grew in such estimation,
+ that the Britaines made small account of his nephewes, in comparison
+ of the fauour which they bare towards him. But Cassibellane hauing
+ respect to his honour, least it might be thought that his nephewes
+ were expelled by him out of their rightfull possessions, brought them
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ vp verie honourablie; assigning to Androgeus, London and Kent; and to
+ Theomantius the countrie of Cornwall. Thus farre out of the British
+ histories, whereby it maie be gathered, that the yéeres assigned to
+ these kings that reigned before Cassibellane, amount to the summe of
+ 1058.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ But whether these gouernors (whose names we haue recited) were kings,
+ or rather rulers of the common wealth, or tyrants and vsurpers of the
+ gouernment by force, it is vncerteine: for not one ancient writer of
+ anie approued authoritie maketh anie remembrance of them: and by that
+ which Iulius Cesar writeth, it maie and dooth appéere, that diuerse
+ cities in his daies were gouerned of themselues, as héereafter it
+ shall more plainlie appéere. Neither doth he make mention of those
+ townes which the British historie affirmeth to be built by the same
+ kings. In déed both he and other Latine writers speake of diuerse
+ people that inhabited diuers portions of this land, as of the
+ Brigantes, Trinobantes, Iceni, Silures, and such other like, but in
+ what parts most of the said people did certeinlie inhabit, it is hard
+ to auouch for certeine truth.
+
+ But what Iohn Leland thinketh héereof, being one in our time that
+ curiouslie searched out old antiquities, you shall after heare as
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boetius_ his fault.]
+ occasion serueth: and likewise the opinions of other, as of Hector
+ Boetius, who coueting to haue all such valiant acts as were atchiued
+ by the Britains to be ascribed to his countriemen the Scots, draweth
+ both the Silures and Brigantes, with other of the Britains so farre
+ northward, that he maketh them inhabitants of the Scotish countries.
+ And what particular names soeuer they had, yet were they all Scots
+ with him, and knowne by that generall name (as he would persuade vs to
+ beléeue) saieng that they entred into Britaine out of Ireland 330
+ yéeres before the incarnation of our Sauiour.
+
+ Neuerthelesse, how generall soeuer the name of Scots then was, sure it
+ is, that no speciall mention of them is made by anie writer, till
+ about 300 yeares after the birth of our sauiour. And yet the Romans,
+ which ruled this land, and had so much adoo with the people thereof,
+ make mention of diuerse other people, nothing so famous as Boetius
+ would make his Scotish men euen then to be. But to leaue to the Scots
+ the antiquitie of their originall beginning, as they and other must
+ doo vnto vs our descent from Brute and the other Troians, sith the
+ [Sidenote: More certeintie from hence forth appeareth in the
+ historie.]
+ contrarie dooth not plainelie appeare, vnlesse we shall leane vnto
+ presumptions: now are we come to the time in the which what actes were
+ atchiued, there remaineth more certeine record, and therefore may we
+ the more boldlie procéed in this our historie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Iulius Cesar.]
+ In this season that Cassibellane had roiall gouernment héere in
+ Britaine, Caius Iulius Cesar being appointed by the senat of Rome to
+ conquer Gallia, was for that purpose created consull, and sent with a
+ mightie army into the countrie, where after he had brought the Galles
+ [Sidenote: _Cesar de bello Gal. lib._ 4.]
+ [Sidenote: Britains unknowne to the Romans.]
+ vnto some frame, he determined to assaie the winning of Britaine,
+ which as yet the Romans knew not otherwise than by report. The
+ chiefest cause that mooued him to take in hand that enterprise, was
+ for that he did vnderstand, that there dailie came great succours out
+ of that Ile to those Galles that were enimies vnto the Romans. And
+ [Sidenote: _Cesar de bello Gall. lib._ 4.]
+ [Sidenote: Causes of the warre.]
+ [Sidenote: Cesars purpose.]
+ though the season of that yéere to make warre was farre spent (for
+ summer was almost at an end) yet he thought it would be to good
+ purpose, if he might but passe ouer thither, and learne what maner of
+ people did inhabit there, and discouer the places, hauens, and entries
+ apperteining to that Ile.
+
+ Héerevpon calling togither such merchants as he knew to haue had
+ traffike thither with some trade of wares, he diligentlie inquired of
+ them the state of the Ile: but he could not be throughlie satisfied in
+ anie of those things that he coueted to know. Therefore thinking it
+ good to vnderstand all things by view that might apperteine to the vse
+ of that warre which he purposed to follow: before he attempted the
+ [Sidenote: Caius Volusenus sent ouer into Britaine.]
+ same, he sent one Caius Volusenus with a gallie or light pinesse to
+ surueie the coasts of the Ile, commanding him (after diligent search
+ made) to returne with spéed to him againe. He him selfe also drew
+ downewards towards Bullenois, from whence the shortest cut lieth to
+ passe ouer into Britaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Leland._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ In that part of Gallia there was in those daies an hauen called _Itius
+ Portus_ (which some take to be Calice) and so the word importeth, an
+ harbourgh as then able to receiue a great number of ships. Vnto this
+ hauen got Cesar all the ships he could out of the next borders &
+ parties, and those speciallie which he had prouided and put in a
+ readinesse the last yeare for the warres (against them of Vannes in
+ Armorica, now called Britaine in France) he caused to be brought
+ thither, there to lie till they should heare further. In the meane
+ [Sidenote: Vannes in Britane.]
+ time (his indeuour being knowne, and by merchants reported in
+ Britaine) all such as were able to beare armour, were commanded and
+ appointed to repaire to the sea side, that they might be readie to
+ defend their countrie in time of so great danger of inuasion.
+
+ ¶ Cesar in his commentaries agréeth not with our historiographers: for
+ he writeth that immediatlie vpon knowledge had that he would inuade
+ Britaine, there came to him ambassadours from diuers cities of the Ile
+ to offer themselues to be subiects to the Romans, and to deliuer
+ hostages. Whome after he had exhorted to continue in their good mind,
+ [Sidenote: Comius.]
+ he sent home againe, and with them also one Comius gouernor of Artois,
+ commanding him to repaire vnto as manie cities in Britaine as he
+ might, and to exhort them to submit themselues to the Romans. He
+ maketh no mention of Cassibellane, till the second iournie that he
+ made into the Ile, at what time the said Cassibelane was chosen (as ye
+ shall heare) to be the generall capteine of the Britains, and to haue
+ the whole administration of the warre for defense of the countrie: but
+ he nameth him not to be a king. Howbeit in the British historie it is
+ [Sidenote: Which is more likelie in this behalfe, as appeared by the
+ sequel.]
+ contained, that Cesar required tribute of Cassibelane, and that he
+ answered how he had not learned as yet to liue in seruage, but to
+ defend the libertie of his countrie, and that with weapon in hand (if
+ néede were) as he should well perceiue, if (blinded through
+ couetousnesse) he should aduenture to séeke to disquiet the Britains.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Caius Volusenus discouereth to Cæsar his observations in the Ile of
+ Britaine, he maketh haste to conquere it, the Britains defend their
+ countrie against him, Cæsar after consultation had changeth his
+ landing place, the Romans are put to hard shifts, the Britains begin
+ to giue backe, the courage of a Roman ensigne-bearer, a sharpe
+ encounter betweene both armies._
+
+ THE ELEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Volusenus returneth.]
+ CAIUS VOLUSENUS within fiue daies after his departure from Cesar,
+ returned vnto him with his gallie, and declared what he had séene
+ touching the view which he had taken of the coasts of Britan. Cesar
+ hauing got togither so manie saile as he thought sufficient for the
+ [Sidenote: Cesar with two legions of souldiers passeth ouer into
+ Britain.]
+ transporting of two legions of souldiers, after he had ordered his
+ businesse as he thought expedient, and gotten a conuenient wind for
+ his purpose, did embarke himselfe and his people, and departed from
+ Calice in the night about the third watch (which is about three or
+ foure of the clocke after midnight) giuing order that the horssemen
+ should take ship at an other place 8 miles aboue Calice, and follow
+ him. Howbeit when they somewhat slacked the time, about ten of the
+ clocke in the next day, hauing the wind at will, he touched on the
+ coast of Britaine, where he might behold all the shore set and couered
+ [Sidenote: The Britans readie to defend their countrie.]
+ with men of warre. For the Britains hearing that Cesar ment verie
+ shortlie to come against them, were assembled in armour to resist him:
+ and now being aduertised of his approch to the land, they prepared
+ themselues to withstand him.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cesar calleth a councell.]
+ Cesar perceiuing this, determined to staie till the other ships were
+ come, and so he lay at anchor till about 11 of the clocke, and then
+ called a councell of the marshals and chiefe capteines, vnto whome he
+ declared both what he had learned of Volusenus, and also further what
+ he would haue doone, willing them that all things might be ordered as
+ the reason of warre required. And because he perceiued that this place
+ where he first cast anchor was not méete for the landing of his
+ people, sith (from the heigth of the cliffes that closed on ech side
+ the narrow créeke into the which he had thrust) the Britains might
+ annoy his people with their bowes and dartes, before they could set
+ foote on land, hauing now the wind and tide with him, he disanchored
+ [Sidenote: This was about day.]
+ from thence, and drew alongst the coast vnder the downes, the space of
+ 7 or 8 miles, and there finding the shore more flat and plaine, he
+ approched néere to the land, determining to come to the shore.
+
+ The Britains perceiuing Cesars intent, with all spéed caused their
+ horssemen and charets or wagons, which Cesar calleth _Esseda_, out of
+ the which in those daies they vsed to fight, to march forth toward the
+ place whither they saw Cesar drew, and after followed with their maine
+ armie. Wherefore Cesar being thus preuented, inforced yet to land with
+ his people, though he saw that he should haue much a doo. For as the
+ Britains were in redinesse to resist him, so his great and huge ships
+ could not come néere the shore, but were forced to kéepe the déepe, so
+ [Sidenote: The Romans put to their shifts.]
+ that the Romane soldiers were put to verie hard shift; to wit, both to
+ leape forth of their ships, and being pestered with their heauie
+ armour and weapons, to fight in the water with their enimies, who
+ knowing the flats and shelues, stood either vpon the drie ground, or
+ else but a little waie in the shallow places of the water; and being
+ not otherwise encumbred either with armour or weapon, but so as they
+ might bestir themselues at will, they laid load vpon the Romans with
+ their arrowes and darts, and forced their horsses (being thereto
+ inured) to enter the water the more easilie, so to annoy and distresse
+ the Romans, who wanting experience in such kind of fight, were not
+ well able to helpe themselues, nor to keepe order as they vsed to doo
+ on land: wherfore they fought nothing so lustilie as they were woont
+ to doo. Cesar perceiuing this, commanded the gallies to depart from
+ the great ships, and to row hard to the shore, that being placed ouer
+ against the open sides of the Britains, they might with their shot of
+ arrows, darts, and slings, remoue the Britains, and cause them to
+ withdraw further off from the water side.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Britans astonied.]
+ This thing being put in execution (according to his commandement) the
+ Britains were not a little astonied at the strange sight of those
+ gallies, for that they were driuen with ores, which earst they had not
+ séene, and shrewdlie were they galled also with the artillerie which
+ the Romans discharged vpon them, so that they began to shrinke and
+ retire somewhat backe. Herewith one that bare the ensigne of the
+ [Sidenote: The valiant courage of an ensigne bearer.]
+ legion surnamed Decima, wherein the eagle was figured, as in that
+ which was the chiefe ensigne of the legion, when he saw his fellowes
+ nothing eager to make forward, first beséeching the gods that his
+ enterprise might turne to the weale, profit, and honor of the legion,
+ he spake with a lowd voice these words to his fellowes that were about
+ him; "Leape forth now euen you woorthie souldiers (saith he) if you
+ will not betraie your ensigne to the enimies: for surelie I will
+ acquit my selfe according to my duetie both towards the common wealth,
+ and my generall:" and therewith leaping forth into the water, he
+ marched with his ensigne streight vpon the enimies. The Romans douting
+ to lose their ensigne, which should haue turned them to great reproch,
+ leapt out of their ships so fast as they might, and followed their
+ standard, so that there ensued a sore re-encounter: and that which
+ troubled the Romans most, was because they could not keepe their
+ order, neither find anie sure footing, nor yet follow euerie man his
+ owne ensigne, but to put themselues vnder that ensigne which he first
+ met withall after their first comming forth of the ship.
+
+ The Britains that were inured with the shelues and shallow places of
+ the water, when they saw the Romans thus disorderlie come out of their
+ [Sidenote: The fiercenesse of the Britains.]
+ ships, ran vpon them with their horsses, and fiercelie assailed them,
+ and now and then a great multitude of the Britains would compasse in
+ and inclose some one companie of them: and other also from the most
+ open places of the shore bestowed great plentie of darts vpon the
+ whole number of the Romans, and so troubled them verie sore.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Romans get to land on the English coast, the Britains send to
+ Cæsar for a treatie of peace, they staie the Romane ambassadour as
+ prisoner, Cæsar demandeth hostages of the Britains, the Romane nauie
+ is driuen diuers waies in a great tempest, the British princes steale
+ out of Cæsars campe and gather a fresh power against the Romans, their
+ two armies haue a sharpe encounter._
+
+ THE TWELFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ CAESAR perceiuing the maner of this fight, caused his men of warre to
+ enter into boates and other small vessels, which he commanded to go to
+ such places where most néed appeared. And relieuing them that fought
+ [Sidenote: The Romans get to land.]
+ with new supplies, at length the Romans got to land, and assembling
+ togither, they assailed the Britains a fresh, and so at last did put
+ [Sidenote: The want of horssemen.]
+ them all to flight. But the Romans could not follow the Britains
+ farre, because they wanted their horssemen which were yet behind, &
+ through slacking of time could not come to land. And this one thing
+ séemed onelie to disappoint the luckie fortune that was accustomed to
+ follow Cesar in all his other enterprises.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Britans send to Cesar.]
+ The Britains after this flight were no sooner got togither, but that
+ with all speed they sent ambassadours vnto Cesar to treat with him of
+ peace, offering to deliuer hostages, and further to stand vnto that
+ order that Cesar should take with them in anie reasonable sort. With
+ [Sidenote: Comius of Arras.]
+ these ambassadours came also Comius, whome Cesar (as you haue heard)
+ had sent before into Britaine, whome notwithstanding that he was an
+ ambassadour, and sent from Cesar with commission and instructions
+ sufficientlie furnished, yet had they staied him as a prisoner. But
+ now after the battell was ended, they set him at libertie, and sent
+ him backe with their ambassadours, who excused the matter, laieng the
+ blame on the people of the countrie; which had imprisoned him through
+ lacke of vnderstanding what apperteined to the law of armes and
+ nations in that behalfe.
+
+ Cesar found great fault with their misdemenor, not onelie for
+ imprisoning his ambassador, but also for that contrarie to their
+ promise made by such as they had sent to him into Gallia to deliuer
+ hostages, in lieu thereof they had receiued him with warre: yet in the
+ end he said he would pardon them, and not séeke anie further reuenge
+ [Sidenote: Cesar demandeth hostages.]
+ of their follies. And herewith required of them hostages, of which,
+ part were deliuered out of hand, and made promise that the residue
+ should likewise be sent after, crauing some respit for performance of
+ the same, bicause they were to be fetched farre off within the
+ countrie.
+
+ Peace being thus established after the fourth day of the Romans
+ arriuall in Britaine, the 18 ships which (as ye haue heard) were
+ appointed to conuey the horssemen ouer, loosed from the further hauen
+ with a soft wind. Which when they approched so néere the shore of
+ Britaine, that the Romans which were in Cesars campe might see them,
+ suddenlie there arose so great a tempest, that none of them was able
+ to kéepe his course, so that they were not onelie driuen in sunder
+ (some being caried againe into Gallia, and some westward) but also the
+ other ships that lay at anchor, and had brought ouer the armie, were
+ so pitifullie beaten, tossed and shaken, that a great number of them
+ did not onelie lose their tackle, but also were caried by force of
+ wind into the high sea; the rest being likewise so filled with water,
+ that they were in danger by sinking to perish and to be quite lost.
+ For the moone in the same night was at the full, & therefore caused a
+ spring tide, which furthered the force of the tempest, to the greater
+ perill of those ships and gallies that lay at anchor. There was no way
+ for the Romans to helpe the matter: wherefore a great number of those
+ ships were so bruised, rent and weather-beaten, that without new
+ reparation they would serue to no vse of sailing. This was a great
+ discomfort to the Romans that had brought ouer no prouision to liue by
+ in the winter season, nor saw anie hope how they should repasse againe
+ into Gallia.
+
+ In the meane time the British princes that were in the Romane armie,
+ perceiuing how greatlie this mishap had discouraged the Romans, and
+ again by the small circuit of their campe, gessing that they could be
+ no great number, and that lacke of vittels sore oppressed them, they
+ stale priuilie away one after another out of the campe, purposing to
+ assemble their powers againe, and to forestall the Romans from
+ vittels, and so to driue the matter off till winter: which if they
+ might doo (vanquishing these or closing them from returning) they
+ trusted that none of the Romans from thencefoorth would attempt
+ eftsoones to come into Britaine. Cesar mistrusting their dealings,
+ because they staid to deliuer the residue of their hostages, commanded
+ vittels to be brought out of the parties adioining, and not hauing
+ other stuffe to repaire his ships, he caused 12 of those that were
+ vtterlie past recouerie by the hurts receiued through violence of the
+ tempest, to be broken, wherewith the other (in which some recouerie
+ was perceiued) might be repaired and amended.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The maner of the Britains fighting in charets, the Romans giue a
+ fresh sallie to the Britains and put them to flight, they sue to Cæsar
+ for peace; what kings and their powers were assistants to Cassibellane
+ in the battell against Cæsar, and the maner of both peoples encounters
+ by the report of diuers Chronologers._
+
+ THE XIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Whilest these things were a dooing, it chanced that as one of the
+ Romane legions named the seuenth, was sent to fetch in corne out of
+ the countrie adioining (as their custome was) no warre at that time
+ being suspected, or once looked for, when part of the people remained
+ abroad in the field, and part repaired to the campe: those that warded
+ before the campe, informed Cesar, that there appeared a dust greater
+ than was accustomed from that quarter, into the which the legion was
+ gone to fetch in corne. Cesar iudging therof what the matter might
+ meane, commanded those bands that warded to go with him that way
+ foorth, and appointed other two bands to come into their roomes, and
+ the residue of his people to get them to armor, and to follow quicklie
+ after him.
+
+ He was not gone anie great way from the campe, when he might sée where
+ his people were ouermatched by the enimies, and had much a doo to
+ beare out the brunt: for the legion being thronged together, the
+ Britains pelted them sore with arrowes and darts on ech side: for
+ sithens there was no forrage left in anie part of the countrie about,
+ but onelie in this place, the Britains iudged that the Romans would
+ come thither for it: therefore hauing lodged themselues within the
+ woods in ambushes the night before; on the morrowe after when they saw
+ the Romans dispersed here & there, and busie to cut downe the corne,
+ they set vpon them on a sudden, and sleaing some few of them, brought
+ the residue out of order, compassing them about with their horssemen
+ and charets, so that they were in great distresse.
+
+ The maner of fight with these charets was such, that in the beginning
+ of a battell they would ride about the sides and skirts of the enimies
+ host, and bestow their darts as they sate in those charets, so that
+ oftentimes with the braieng of the horsses, and craking noise of the
+ charet whéeles they disordered their enimies, and after that they had
+ woond themselues in amongst the troops of horssemen, they would leape
+ out of the charets and fight on foot. In the meane time those that
+ guided the charets would withdraw them selues out of the battell,
+ placing themselues so, that if their people were ouermatched with the
+ multitude of enimies, they might easilie withdraw to their charets,
+ and mount vpon the same againe, by meanes wherof they were as readie
+ to remooue as the horssemen, and as stedfast to stand in the battell
+ as the footmen, and so to supplie both duties in one. And those
+ charetmen by exercise and custome were so cunning in their feat, that
+ although their horsses were put to run and gallop, yet could they stay
+ them and hold them backe at their pleasures, and turne and wind them
+ to and fro in a moment, notwithstanding that the place were verie
+ stéepe and dangerous: and againe they would run vp and downe verie
+ nimblie vpon the cops, and stand vpon the beame, and conuey themselues
+ quicklie againe into the charet.
+
+ Cesar thus finding his people in great distresse and readie to be
+ destroied, came in good time, and deliuered them out of that danger:
+ for the Britains vpon his approch with new succors, gaue ouer to
+ assaile their enimies any further, & the Romans were deliuered out of
+ the feare wherein they stood before his comming. Furthermore, Cesar
+ considering the time serued not to assaile his enimies, kept his
+ ground, and shortlie after brought backe his legions into the campe.
+
+ While these things were thus a dooing, & all the Romans occupied, the
+ rest that were abroad in the fields got them away. After this there
+ followed a sore season of raine and fowle weather, which kept the
+ Romans within their campe, and staid the Britains from offering
+ battell. But in the meane time they sent messengers abroad into all
+ parts of the countrie, to giue knowledge of the small number of the
+ Romans, and what hope there was both of great spoile to be gotten, and
+ occasion to deliuer themselues from further danger for euer, if they
+ might once expell the Romans out of their campe. Herevpon a great
+ multitude both of horssemen and footmen of the Britains were spéedilie
+ got togither, and approched the Romane campe.
+
+ Cesar although he saw that the same would come to passe which had
+ chanced before, that if the enimies were put to the repulse, they
+ would easilie escape the danger with swiftnesse of foot; yet hauing
+ now with him thirtie horssemen (which Comius of Arras had brought ouer
+ with him, when he was sent from Cesar as an ambassador vnto the
+ Britains) he placed his legions in order of battell before his campe,
+ and so comming to ioine with the Britains, they were not able to
+ susteine the violent impression of the armed men, and so fled. The
+ Romans pursued them so farre as they were able to ouertake anie of
+ them, and so slaieng manie of them, & burning vp all their houses all
+ about, came backe againe to their campe. Immediatlie wherevpon, euen
+ the same day, they sent ambassadors to Cesar to sue for peace, who
+ gladlie accepting their offer, commanded them to send ouer into
+ Gallia, after he should be returned thither, hostages in number duble
+ to those that were agréed vpon at the first. After that these things
+ were thus ordered, Cesar because the moneth of September was
+ well-neare halfe spent, and that winter hasted on (a season not méet
+ for his weake and bruised ships to brooke the seas) determined not to
+ staie anie longer, but hauing wind and weather for his purpose, got
+ himselfe aboord with his people, and returned into Gallia.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cæsar de bello Gallico. lib._ 4.]
+ ¶ Thus writeth Cesar touching his first iournie made into Britaine.
+ But the British historie (which Polydor calleth the new historie)
+ declareth that Cesar in a pitcht field was vanquished at the first
+ encounter, and so withdrew backe into France. Beda also writeth, that
+ Cesar comming into the countrie of Gallia, where the people then
+ called Morini inhabited (which are at this day the same that inhabit
+ the diocesse of Terwine) from whence lieth the shortest passage ouer
+ into Britaine, now called England, got togither 80 saile of great
+ ships and row gallies, wherewith he passed ouer into Britaine, & there
+ at the first being wearied with sharpe and sore fight, and after taken
+ with a grieuous tempest, he lost the greater part of his nauie, with
+ no small number of his souldiers, and almost all his horssemen: and
+ therwith being returned into Gallia, placed his souldiers in stéeds to
+ soiourne there for the winter season. Thus saith Bede. The British
+ historie moreouer maketh mention of thrée vnder-kings that aided
+ Cassibellane in this first battell fought with Cesar, as Cridiorus
+ alias Ederus, king of Albania, now called Scotland: Guitethus king of
+ Venedocia, that is Northwales: and Britaell king of Demetia, at this
+ day called Southwales.
+
+ The same historie also maketh mention of one Belinus that was generall
+ of Cassibellanes armie, and likewise of Nenius brother to
+ Cassibellane, who in fight happened to get Cesars swoord fastened in
+ his shield by a blow which Cesar stroke at him. Androgeus also and
+ Tenancius were at the battell in aid of Cassibellane. But Nenius died
+ within 15 daies after the battell of the hurt receiued at Cesars hand,
+ although after he was so hurt, he slue Labienus one of the Romane
+ tribunes: all which may well be true, sith Cesar either maketh the
+ best of things for his owne honour, or else coueting to write but
+ commentaries, maketh no account to declare the néedeles circumstances,
+ or anie more of the matter, than the chiefe points of his dealing.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ Againe, the Scotish historiographers write, that when it was first
+ knowne to the Britains, that Cesar would inuade them, there came from
+ Cassibellane king of Britaine an ambassador vnto Ederus king of Scots,
+ who in the name of king Cassibellane required aid against the common
+ enimies the Romains, which request was granted, and 10 thousand Scots
+ sent to the aid of Cassibellane. At their comming to London, they were
+ most ioifullie receiued of Cassibellane, who at the same time had
+ knowledge that the Romans were come on land, and had beaten such
+ Britains backe as were appointed to resist their landing. Wherevpon
+ Cassibellane with all his whole puissance mightilie augmented, not
+ onlie with the succours of the Scots, but also of the Picts (which in
+ that common cause had sent also of their people to aid the Britains)
+ set forward towards the place where he vnderstood the enimies to be.
+
+ At their first approch togither, Cassibellane sent foorth his
+ horssemen and charets called _Esseda_, by the which he thought to
+ disorder the araie of the enimies. Twice they incountred togither with
+ doubtfull victorie. At length they ioined puissance against puissance,
+ and fought a verie sore and cruell battell, till finally at the sudden
+ comming of the Welshmen and Cornishmen, so huge a noise was raised by
+ the sound of bels hanging at their trappers and charets, that the
+ Romans astonied therewith, were more easilie put to flight. The
+ Britains, Scots, and Picts following the chase without order or araie,
+ so that by reason the Romans kept themselues close togither, the
+ Britains, Scots, & Picts did scarse so much harme to the enimies as
+ they themselues receiued. But yet they followed on still vpon the
+ Romans till it was darke night.
+
+ Cesar after he had perceiued them once withdrawne, did what he could
+ to assemble his companies togither, minding the next morning to séeke
+ his reuenge of the former daies disaduantage. But forsomuch as
+ knowledge was giuen him that his ships (by reason of a sore tempest)
+ were so beaten and rent, that manie of them were past seruice, he
+ doubted least such newes would incourage his enimies, and bring his
+ people into despaire. Wherfore he determined not to fight till time
+ more conuenient, sending all his wounded folks vnto the ships, which
+ he commanded to be newlie rigged and trimmed. After this, kéeping his
+ armie for a time within the place where he was incamped without
+ issuing foorth, he shortlie drew to the sea side, where his ships laie
+ at anchor, and there within a strong place fortified for the purpose
+ he lodged his host, and finallie without hope to atchieue anie other
+ exploit auaileable for that time, he tooke the sea with such ships as
+ were apt for sailing, and so repassed into Gallia, leauing behind him
+ all the spoile and baggage for want of vessels and leisure to conueie
+ it ouer. ¶ Thus haue the Scots in their chronicles framed the matter,
+ more to the conformitie of the Romane histories, than according to the
+ report of our British and English writers: and therefore we haue
+ thought good to shew it héere, that the diuersitie of writers and
+ their affections may the better appéere.
+
+ Of this sudden departing also, or rather fléeing of Iulius Cesar out
+ of Britaine, Lucanus the poet maketh mention, reciting the saieng of
+ Pompeius in an oration made by him vnto his souldiers, wherin he
+ reprochfullie and disdainfullie reprooued the dooings of Cesar in
+ Britaine, saieng:
+
+     Territa quæsitis ostendit terga Britannis.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cæsar taketh a new occasion to make warre against the Britains, he
+ arriueth on the coast without resistance, the number of his ships,
+ both armies incounter, why Cæsar forbad the Romans to pursue the
+ discomfited Britains, he repaireth his nauie, the Britains choose
+ Cassibellane their cheefe gouernour, and skirmish afresh with their
+ enimies, but haue the repulse in the end._
+
+ THE XIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now will we returne to the sequele of the matter, as Cesar himselfe
+ reporteth. After his comming into Gallia, there were but two cities of
+ all Britaine that sent ouer their hostages according to their
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ couenant, which gaue occasion to Cesar to picke a new quarrell against
+ them, which if it had wanted, he would yet (I doubt not) haue found
+ some other: for his full meaning was to make a more full conquest of
+ that Ile. Therefore purposing to passe againe thither, as he that had
+ a great desire to bring the Britains vnder the obedience of the Romane
+ estate, he caused a great number of ships to be prouided in the winter
+ season and put in a readinesse, so that against the next spring there
+ were found to be readie rigged six hundred ships, beside 28 gallies.
+ [Sidenote: _Cæsar de bello Gal. lib._ 5.]
+ Héerevpon hauing taken order for the gouernance of Gallia in his
+ absence, about the beginning of the spring he came to the hauen of
+ Calice, whither (according to order by him prescribed) all his ships
+ were come, except 40 which by tempest were driuen backe, and could not
+ as yet come to him.
+
+ After he had staied at Calice (as well for a conuenient wind, as for
+ other incidents) certeine daies, at length when the weather so changed
+ that it serued his purpose, he tooke the sea, & hauing with him fiue
+ legions of souldiers, and about two thousand horssemen, he departed
+ out of Calice hauen about sun setting with a soft southwest wind,
+ directing his course forward: about midnight the wind fell, & so by a
+ calme he was carried alongst with the tide, so that in the morning
+ when the day appéered, he might behold Britaine vpon his left hand.
+ Then following the streame as the course of the tide changed, he
+ forced with oares to fetch the shore vpon that part of the coast,
+ which he had discouered, and tried the last yeere to be the best
+ landing place for the armie. The diligence of the souldiers was shewed
+ héere to be great, who with continuall toile droue foorth the heauie
+ ships, to kéepe course with the gallies, & so at length they landed in
+ Britaine about noone on the next day, finding not one to resist his
+ comming ashore: for as he learned by certeine prisoners which were
+ taken after his comming to land, the Britains being assembled in
+ purpose to haue resisted him, through feare striken into their harts,
+ at the discouering of such an huge number of ships, they forsooke the
+ shore and got them vnto the mountaines. There were in deed of vessels
+ one and other, what with vittellers, & those which priuat men had
+ prouided and furnished foorth for their owne vse, being ioined to the
+ ordinarie number, at the least eight hundred saile, which appeering in
+ sight all at one time, made a wonderfull muster, and right terrible in
+ the eies of the Britains.
+
+ But to procéed: Cesar being got to land, incamped his armie in a place
+ conuenient: and after learning by the prisoners, into what part the
+ enimies were withdrawne, he appointed one Quintus Atrius to remaine
+ vpon the safegard of the nauie, with ten companies or cohorts of
+ footmen, and thrée hundred horssemen: and anon after midnight marched
+ foorth himselfe with the residue of his people toward the Britains,
+ and hauing made 12 miles of way, he got sight of his enimies host, who
+ sending downe their horssemen and charets vnto the riuer side,
+ skirmished with the Romans, meaning to beate them backe from the
+ higher ground: but being assailed of the Romane horssemen, they were
+ repelled, & tooke the woods for their refuge, wherein they had got a
+ place verie strong, both by nature and helpe of hand, which (as was to
+ be thought) had béene fortified before, in time of some ciuill warre
+ amongst them: for all the entries were closed with trées which had
+ béene cut downe for that purpose. Howbeit the souldiers of the 7
+ legion casting a trench before them, found meanes to put backe the
+ Britains from their defenses, and so entring vpon them, droue them out
+ of the woods. But Cesar would not suffer the Romans to follow the
+ Britains, bicause the nature of the countrie was not knowne vnto them:
+ and againe the day was farre spent, so that he would haue the residue
+ thereof bestowed in fortifieng his campe.
+
+ The next day, as he had sent foorth such as should haue pursued the
+ Britains, word came to him from Quintus Atrius, that his nauie by
+ rigour of a sore and hideous tempest was gréeuouslie molested, and
+ throwne vpon the shore, so that the cabels and tackle being broken and
+ destroied with force of the vnmercifull rage of wind, the maisters and
+ mariners were not able to helpe the matter. Cesar calling backe those
+ which he had sent foorth, returned to his ships, and finding them in
+ such state as he had heard, tooke order for the repairing of those
+ that were not vtterlie destroied, and caused them so to be drawne vp
+ to the land, that with a trench he might so compasse in a plot of
+ ground, that might serue both for defense of his ships, and also for
+ the incamping of those men of warre, which he should leaue to attend
+ vpon the safegard of the same. And bicause there were at the least a
+ fortie ships lost by violence of this tempest, so as there was no hope
+ of recouerie in them, he saw yet how the rest with great labour and
+ cost might be repaired: wherefore he chose out wrights among the
+ legions, sent for other into Gallia, and wrote ouer to such as he had
+ left there in charge with the gouernment of the countrie, to prouide
+ so manie ships as they could, and to send them ouer vnto him. He spent
+ a ten daies about the repairing of his nauie, and in fortifieng the
+ campe for defense thereof, which done, he left those within it that
+ were appointed there before, and then returned towards his enimies.
+
+ At his comming backe to the place where he had before incamped, he
+ found them there readie to resist him, hauing their numbers hugelie
+ increased: for the Britains hearing that he was returned with such a
+ mightie number of ships assembled out of all parts of the land, and
+ had by general consent appointed the whole rule and order of all
+ things touching the warre vnto Cassiuellane or Cassibelane, whose
+ dominion was diuided from the cities situat néere to the sea coast, by
+ [Sidenote: Cassibellane as should séeme, ruled in the parties of
+ Oxfordshire, Barkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire.]
+ the riuer of Thames, 80 miles distant from the sea coast. This
+ Cassibellane before time had bin at continuall warre with other
+ rulers, and cities of the land: but now the Britains moued with the
+ comming of the Romans, chose him to be chiefe gouernour of all their
+ armie, permitting the order and rule of all things touching the
+ defense of their countrie against the Romans onelie to him. Their
+ horssemen and charets skirmished by the waie with the Romans, but so
+ as they were put backe oftentimes into the woods and hills adioining:
+ yet the Britains slue diuers of the Romans as they followed anie thing
+ egerlie in the pursute.
+
+ Also within a while after, as the Romans were busie in fortifieng
+ their campe, the Britains suddenlie issued out of the woods, and
+ fierselie assailed these that warded before the campe, vnto whose aid
+ Cesar sent two of the chiefest cohorts of two legions, the which being
+ placed but a little distance one from another, when the Romans began
+ to be discouraged with this kind of fight, the Britains therewith
+ burst through their enimies, and came backe from thence in safetie.
+ That daie Quintus Laberius Durus a tribune was slaine. At length Cesar
+ sending sundrie other cohorts to the succour of his people that were
+ in fight, and shrewdlie handled as it appéered, the Britains in the
+ end were put backe. Neuerthelesse, that repulse was but at the
+ pleasure of fortune; for they quited themselues afterwards like men,
+ defending their territories with such munition as they had, vntill
+ such time as either by policie or inequalitie of power they were
+ vanquished; as you shall sée after in the course of the historie.
+ Howbeit in fine they were ouer-run and vtterlie subdued, but not
+ without much bloudshed and slaughter.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Romans heauie armor their great hinderance, the maner of the
+ Britains fighting in warre, their incounter with their enimies, their
+ discomfiture, the worthie stratagems or martiall exploits of
+ Cassibellane, the Troinouants submission to Cæsar, and their sute
+ touching Mandubratius, manie of the Britains are taken and slaine of
+ the Romans._
+
+ THE XV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In all this maner of skirmishing and fight which chanced before the
+ campe, euen in the sight and view of all men, it was perceiued that
+ [Sidenote: The Romans heauie armor.]
+ the Romans, by reason of their heauie armour (being not able either to
+ follow the Britains as they retired, or so bold as to depart from
+ their ensignes, except they would runne into danger of casting
+ themselues awaie) were nothing méete to match with such kind of
+ enimies: and as for their horssemen, they fought likewise in great
+ hazard, bicause the Britains would oftentimes of purpose retire, and
+ when they had trained the Romane horssemen a litle from their legions
+ of footmen, they would leape out of their charrets and incounter with
+ them on foot. And so the battell of horssemen was dangerous, and like
+ in all points whether they pursued or retired.
+
+ [Sidenote: The manner of Britains in the warres.]
+ This also was the maner of the Britains: they fought not close
+ togither, but in sunder, and diuided into companies one separated from
+ another by a good distance, and had their the troopes standing in
+ places conuenient, to the which they might retire, and so reléeue one
+ another with sending new fresh men to supplie the roomes of them that
+ were hurt or wearie. The next day after they had thus fought before
+ the campe of the Romans, they shewed themselues aloft on the hills,
+ and began to skirmish with the Romane horssemen, but not so hotlie as
+ they had doone the day before. But about noone, when Cesar had sent
+ foorth thrée legions of footemen and all his horssemen vnder the
+ [Sidenote: Caius Trebonius.]
+ leading of his lieutenant Caius Trebonius to fetch in forrage, they
+ suddenlie brake out on euerie side, and vpon the forragers. The Romans
+ so far foorth as they might, not breaking their arraie, nor going from
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius_ saith, that the Britains vanquished the
+ Roman footmen at this time, but were put to the worst by
+ the horssemen.]
+ their ensignes or guidons, gaue the charge on them, and fiercelie
+ repelled them, so that the horssemen hauing the legions of footemen at
+ their backs, followed the Britains so long as they might haue the said
+ legions in sight readie to succour them of néed were: by reason
+ whereof, they slue a great number of the Britains, not giuing them
+ leasure to recouer themselues, nor to staie that they might haue time
+ to get out of their charrets. After this chase and discomfiture, all
+ such as were come from other parties to the aid of their fellowes
+ departed home, & after that day the Britains aduentured to fight
+ against Cesar with their maine power; and withdrawing beyond the riuer
+ of *Thames, determined to stop the enimies from passing the same, if
+ [Sidenote: *(which is to be supposed was at Kingston) or not far from
+ thence.]
+ by anie meanes they might: and whereas there was but one foord by the
+ which they might come ouer, Cassibellane caused the same to be set
+ full of sharpe stakes, not onlie in the middest of the water, but also
+ at the comming foorth on that side where he was lodged with his armie
+ in good order, readie to defend the passage. Cesar learning by
+ relation of prisoners which he tooke, what the Britains intended to
+ doo, marched foorth to the riuer side, where the foord was, by the
+ which his armie might passe the same on foot though verie hardlie. At
+ his comming thither, he might perceiue how the Britains were readie on
+ the further side to impeach his passage, and how that the banke at the
+ comming foorth of the water was pight full of sharpe stakes, and so
+ likewise was the chanell of the riuer set with piles which were
+ couered with the water.
+
+ These things yet staied not Cesar, who appointing his horssemen to
+ passe on before, commanded the footemen to follow. The souldiers
+ entring the water, waded through with such spéed and violence (nothing
+ appéering of them aboue water but their heads) that the Britains were
+ constreined to giue place, being not able to susteine the brunt of the
+ Romane horssemen, and the legions of their footemen, and so abandoning
+ the place betooke them to flight. Cassibellane not minding to trie the
+ matter anie more by battell, sent awaie the most part of his people,
+ but yet kept with him about a foure thousand charretmen or wagoners,
+ and still watched what waie the Romans tooke, coasting them euer as
+ they marched, and kept somewhat aside within the couert of woods, and
+ other combersome places. And out of those quarters through which he
+ vnderstood the Romans wold passe, he gathered both men and cattell
+ into the woods & thicke forrests, leauing nothing of value abroad in
+ the champion countrie. And when the Roman horssemen did come abroad
+ into the countrie to séeke booties, he sent out his charrets vnto the
+ knowne waies and passages to skirmish with the same horssemen, so much
+ to the disaduantage of the Romans, that they durst not straie farre
+ from their maine armie. Neither would Cesar permit them (least they
+ might haue béene vtterlie distressed by the Britains) to depart
+ further than the maine battels of the footemen kept pace with them, by
+ reason whereof the countrie was not indamaged by fire and spoile, but
+ onlie where the armie marched.
+
+ [Sidenote: Troinouants where they inhabited.]
+ In the meane time, the Troinouants which some take to be Middlesex &
+ Essex men, whose citie was the best fensed of all those parties, and
+ thought to be the same that now is called London, sent ambassadours
+ vnto Cesar, offering to submit themselues vnto him, and to obeie his
+ ordinances, and further besought him to defend Mandubratius from the
+ iniuries of K. Cassibellane, which Mandubratius had fled vnto Cesar
+ into France, after that Cassibellane had slaine his father named
+ [Sidenote: Imanuentius.]
+ Imanuentius, that was chiefe lord and king of the Troinouants, and so
+ now by their ambassadors the same Troinouants requested Cesar, not
+ onelie to receiue Mandubratius into his protection, but also to send
+ him vnto them, that he might take the gouernment and rule of their
+ citie into his hands. Cesar commanded them to deliuer vnto him 40
+ hostages, and graine for his armie, and therewith sent Mandubratius
+ [Sidenote: Some take the Troinouants to be Londoners.]
+ vnto them. The Troinouants accomplished his commandements with all
+ spéed, sending both the appointed number of hostages, and also graine
+ for the armie. And being thus defended and preserued from iniurie of
+ the souldiers, the people called Cenimagni, Segontiaci, Ancalites,
+ Bibroci, and Cassi, submitted themselues vnto Cesar, by whom he
+ vnderstood that the towne of Cassibellane was not far from the place
+ where he was then incamped fensed with wooddes and marishes, into the
+ which a great number of people with their cattell and other substance
+ was withdrawne. The Britains in those daies (as Cesar writeth) called
+ that a towne or hold, which they had fortified with anie thicke
+ combersome wood, with trench and rampire, into the which they vsed to
+ get themselues for the auoiding of inuasion.
+
+ Cesar with his legions of souldiers therfore marched thither, and
+ finding the place verie strong both by nature and helpe of hand,
+ assaulted it on two partes. The Britains defending their strength a
+ while, at length not able longer to endure the impression of the
+ Romans, fled out on the contrarie side of the towne where the enimies
+ were not. Within this place a great number of cattell was found, and
+ manie of the Romans taken by the Britains that followed them in chase,
+ and manie also slaine.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cassibellane dooth send vnto the foure kings of Kent for aid against
+ Cæsars host, he offereth submission to Cæsar, the Britains become his
+ tributaries, he returneth into Gallia with the remnant of his armie:
+ the differing report of Cæsars commentaries and our historiographers
+ touching these warlike affaires; of a sore fray with bloudshed and
+ manslaughter vpon a light occasion; Cæsar taketh opportunitie to get
+ the conquest of the land by the division betweene Cassibellane and
+ Androgeus, the time of the Britains subiection to the Romans._
+
+ THE XVJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Foure kings in Kent]
+ Now whilest these thinges passed on this sort in those parts,
+ Cassibellane sent messengers into Kent vnto foure kings (which ruled
+ that side of the land in those daies) Cingetorix, Caruilius,
+ Taximagulus, and Segonax, commanding them, that assembling togither
+ their whole puissance, they should assaile the campe of the Romans by
+ the sea side where certeine bands lay (as ye haue heard) for safegard
+ of the nauie. They according to his appointment came suddenlie
+ thither, and by the Romans that sailed forth vpon them were sharplie
+ fought with, and lost diuers of their men that were slaine and taken,
+ and amongst the prisoners that the Romans tooke, Cingetorix was one.
+ When Cassibellane heard these newes, being sore troubled for these
+ losses thus chancing one in the necke of an other, but namelie most
+ discouraged, for that diuers cities had yéelded vnto the Romans: he
+ sent ambassadours by means of Romius of Arras vnto Cesar, offering to
+ submit himselfe.
+
+ Cesar meaning to winter in Gallia, and therefore because summer drew
+ towards an end, willing to dispatch in Britaine, commanded that
+ hostages should be deliuered, and appointed what tribute the Britains
+ should yéerelie send vnto the Romans. He also forbad and commanded
+ Cassibellane, that he should not in anie wise trouble or indamage
+ Madubratius or the Londoners. After this, when he had receiued the
+ hostages, he brought his armie to the sea, and there found his ships
+ well repaired, decked, and in good point: therefore he commanded that
+ they should be had downe to the sea. And because he had a great number
+ of prisoners, and diuers of his ships were lost in the tempest, he
+ appointed to transport his armie ouer into Gallia at two conueies,
+ which was doone with good successe about the middest of September,
+ though the ships returning for the residue of the armie, after the
+ first conueie, were driuen so with force of weather, that a great
+ number of them could not come to land at the place appointed: so that
+ Cesar was constreined to fraught those that he could get with a
+ greater burden, and so departed from the coast of Britaine, and
+ safelie landed with the remnant of his people in Gallia with as good
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ spéed as he could haue desired. He thought not good to leaue anie of
+ his people behind him, knowing that if he should so doo, they were in
+ danger to be cast awaie. And so because he could not well remaine
+ there all the winter season for doubt of rebellion in Gallia, he was
+ contented to take vp, and returne thither, sith he had doone
+ sufficientlie for the time, least in coueting the more, he might haue
+ come in perill to lose that which he had alreadie obteined.
+
+ Thus according to that which Cesar himselfe and other autentike
+ authors haue written, was Britaine made tributarie to the Romans by
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ the conduct of the same Cesar. ¶ But our histores farre differ from
+ this, affirming that Cesar comming the second time, was by the
+ Britains with valiancie and martiall prowesse beaten and repelled, as
+ he was at the first, and speciallie by meanes that Cassibellane had
+ pight in the Thames great piles of trées piked with yron, through
+ which his ships being entred the riuer, were perished and lost. And
+ after his comming a land, he was vanquished in battell, and
+ constrained to flee into Gallia with those ships that remained. For
+ ioy of this second victorie (saith Galfrid) Cassibellane made a great
+ feast at London, and there did sacrifice to the gods.
+
+ At this feast there fell variance betwixt two yoong gentlemen, the one
+ named Hirilda, nephew to Cassibellane, and the other Euelie or
+ Eweline, being of aliance to Androgeus earle of London. They fell at
+ discord about wrestling, and after multiplieng of words, they came to
+ dealing of blowes, by meanes whereof parts were taken, so that there
+ ensued a sore fraie, in the which diuerse were wounded and hurt, and
+ amongst other Hirilda the kings nephew was slaine by the hands of
+ Eweline. The king sore displeased herewith, meant to punish Eweline
+ according to the order of his lawes, so that he was summoned to
+ appeare in due forme to make answer to the murder: but Eweline by the
+ comfort of Androgeus disobeied the summons, & departed the court with
+ Androgeus, in contempt of the king and his lawes. The king to be
+ reuenged vpon Androgeus, gathered a power, and began to make warre
+ vpon him.
+
+ Androgeus perceiuing himselfe not able to withstand the kings
+ puissance, sent letters to Iulius Cesar, exhorting him to returne into
+ Britaine, and declaring the whole matter concerning the variance
+ betwixt him and the king, promising to aid the Romans in all that he
+ might. Iulius Cesar ioifull of this message, prepared his nauie, and
+ with all spéed with a mightie host imbarked in the same, came toward
+ Britaine: but yer he would land, doubting some treason in Androgeus,
+ he receiued from him in hostage his sonne named Scena, and thirtie
+ other of the best and most noble personages of all his dominion. After
+ this he landed, and ioining with Androgeus, came into a vallie néere
+ to Canturburie, and there incamped. Shortlie after came Cassibellane
+ with all his power of Britains, and gaue battell to the Romans. But
+ after the Britains had long fought and knightlie borne themselues in
+ that battell, Androgeus came with his people on a wing, and so
+ sharplie assailed them, that the Britains were constrained to forsake
+ the field, and tooke themselues to flight. The which flight so
+ discomforted them, that finallie they all fled, and gaue place to the
+ Romans, the which pursued and slue them without mercie, so that
+ Cassibellane with the residue of his people withdrew to a place of
+ suertie, but being enuironed about with the puissance of the Romans,
+ and of Androgeus, who had with him seuen thousand men there in the aid
+ [Sidenote: So saith _Campion_, but _Galfrid Monu._ saith fiue
+ thousand.]
+ of the Romans, Cassibellane in the end was forced to fall to a
+ composition, in couenanting to paie a yearelie tribute of thrée
+ thousand pounds. When Cesar had ordered his businesse as he thought
+ conuenient, he returned and with him went Androgeus, fearing the
+ displeasure of Cassibellane.
+
+ The reuerend father Bede writing of this matter, saith thus: After
+ that Cesar being returned into Gallia, had placed his souldiors abroad
+ in the countrie to soiorne for the winter season, he caused ships to
+ be made readie, to the number of 600, with the which repassing into
+ Britaine, whilest he marched foorth with a mightie armie against the
+ enimies, his ships that lay at anchor being taken with a sore tempest,
+ were either beaten one against another, or else cast vpon the flats
+ and sands, and so broken; so that fortie of them were vtterlie
+ perished, and the residue with great difficultie were repaired. The
+ horssemen of the Romans at the first encounter were put to the worsse,
+ and Labienus the tribune slaine. In the second conflict he vanquished
+ the Britains, not without great danger of his people. After this, he
+ marched to the riuer of Thames, which as then was passable by foord
+ onelie in one place and not else, as the report goeth. On the further
+ banke of that riuer, Cassibellane was incamped with an huge multitude
+ of enimies, and had pitcht and set the banke, and almost all the foord
+ [Sidenote: The stakes remained to be séene in Bedes daies.]
+ vnder the water full of sharpe stakes, the tokens of which vnto this
+ day are to be séene, and it séemeth to the beholders that euerie of
+ these stakes are as big as a mans thigh, sticking fast in the bottome
+ of the riuer closed with lead. This being perceiued of the Romans, and
+ auoided, the Britains not able to susteine the violent impression of
+ the Roman legions, hid themselues in the woods, out of the which by
+ often issues, they gréeuouslie and manie times assailed the Romans,
+ and did them great damage. In the meane time the strong citie of
+ Troinouant with hir duke Androgeus deliuering fortie hostages, yéelded
+ vnto Cesar, whose example manie other cities following, allied
+ themselues with the Romans, by whose information Cesar with sore fight
+ tooke at length the towne of Cassibellane, situat betwixt two marches,
+ fensed also with the couert of woods, & hauing within it great plentie
+ of all things. After this Cesar returned into France, and bestowed his
+ armie in places to soiorne there for the winter season.
+
+ The Scotish writers report, that the Britains, after the Romans were
+ the first time repelled (as before ye haue heard) refused to receiue
+ the aid of the Scotish men the second time, and so were vanquished, as
+ in the Scotish historie ye may sée more at length expressed. Thus much
+ touching the war which Iulius Cesar made against the Britains, in
+ bringing them vnder tribute to the Romans. But this tributarie
+ subiection was hardlie mainteined for a season.
+
+ ¶ Now here is to be noted, that Cesar did not vanquish all the
+ Britains: for he came not amongst the northerne men, onlie discouering
+ and subduing that part which lieth towards the French seas: so that
+ sith other of the Roman emperors did most earnestlie trauell to bring
+ [Sidenote: _Cornelius Tacitus._]
+ [Sidenote: _In uit. Agr._]
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ the Britains vnder their subiection (which were euer redie to rebell
+ so manie sundrie times) Cesar might séeme rather to haue shewed
+ Britaine to the Romans, than to haue deliuered the possession of the
+ same. This subiection, to the which he brought this Ile (what maner of
+ one soeuer it was) chanced about the yeare of the world 3913, after
+ the building of Rome 698, before the birth of our sauior 53, the first
+ and second yeare of the 181 Olympiad, after the comming of Brute 1060,
+ before the conquest made by William duke of Normandie 1120, and 1638
+ yeres before this present yere of our Lord 1585, after Harisons
+ account.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The state of Britaine when Cæsar offered to conquer it, and the maner
+ of their gouernement, as diuerse authors report the same in their
+ bookes: where the contrarietie of their opinions is to be obserued._
+
+ THE XVIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ After that Iulius Cesar had thus made the Britains tributaries to the
+ Romans, and was returned into Gallia, Cassibellane reigned 7 yeares,
+ and was vanquished in the ninth or tenth yeare after he began first to
+ reigne so that he reigned in the whole about 15 or as some haue 17
+ yeares, and then died, leauing no issue behind him. There hath bin an
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ old chronicle (as Fabian recordeth) which he saw and followeth much in
+ his booke, wherein is conteined, that this Cassibellane was not
+ brother to Lud, but eldest sonne to him: for otherwise as may be
+ thought (saith he) Cesar hauing the vpper hand, would haue displaced
+ him from the gouernement, and set vp Androgeus the right heire to the
+ crowne, as sonne to the said Lud. But whatsoeuer our chronicles or the
+ British histories report of this matter, it should appere by that
+ which Cesar writeth (as partlie ye haue heard) that Britaine in those
+ [Sidenote: _Cæsar._]
+ daies was not gouerned by one sole prince, but by diuers, and that
+ diuers cities were estates of themselues, so that the land was diuided
+ into sundrie gouernements, much after the forme and maner as Germanie
+ and Italie are in our time, where some cities are gouerned by one
+ onelie prince, some by the nobilitie, and some by the people. And
+ whereas diuers of the rulers in those daies here in this land were
+ called kings, those had more large seigniories than the other, as
+ [Sidenote: Cassibellane a King.]
+ Cassibellane, who was therefore called a king.
+
+ And though we doo admit this to be true, yet may it be, that in the
+ beginning, after Brute entered the land, there was ordeined by him a
+ monarchie, as before is mentioned, which might continue in his
+ posteritie manie yeares after, and yet at length before the comming of
+ Cesar, through ciuil dissention, might happilie be broken, and diuided
+ into parts, and so remained not onelie in the time of this
+ Cassibellane, but also long after, whilest they liued as tributaries
+ to the Romans, till finallie they were subdued by the Saxons. In which
+ meane time, through the discord, negligence, or rather vnaduised
+ rashnes of writers, hard it is to iudge what may be affirmed and
+ receiued in their writings for a truth; namelie, concerning the
+ succession of the kings that are said to haue reigned betwixt the
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacit. in uita. lib. Agr._]
+ daies of Cassibellane, and the comming of the Saxons. The Roman
+ writers (and namelie Tacitus) report, that the Britains in times past
+ were vnder the rule of kings, and after being made tributaries, were
+ drawne so by princes into sundrie factions, that to defend and kéepe
+ off a common ieopardie, scarselie would two or thrée cities agrée
+ togither, and take weapon in hand with one accord, so that while they
+ fought by parts, the whole was ouercome. And after this sort they say
+ that Britaine was brought into the forme of a prouince by the Romans,
+ from whom gouernors vnder the name of legats and procurators were sent
+ that had the rule of it.
+
+ But yet the same authors make mention of certeine kings (as hereafter
+ shall appeare) who while the Romane emperors had the most part of the
+ [Sidenote: _Gildas in epist._]
+ earth in subiection, reigned in Britaine. The same witnesseth Gildas,
+ saieng: Britaine hath kings, but they are tyrants: iudges it hath, but
+ the same are wicked, oftentimes spoiling and tormenting the innocent
+ people. And Cesar (as ye haue heard) speaketh of foure kings that
+ ruled in Kent, and thereabouts. Cornelius Tacitus maketh mention of
+ [Sidenote: Some take Prasutagus and Aruiragus to be one man.]
+ Prasutagus, and Cogidunus, that were kings in Britaine: and Iuuenal
+ speaketh of Aruiragus: and all the late writers, of Lucius. Hereby it
+ appeareth, that whether one or mo, yet kings there were in Britain,
+ bearing rule vnder the Romane emperors.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ On the other part, the common opinion of our chronicle-writers is,
+ that the chiefe gouernment remained euer with the Britains, & that the
+ Romane senat receiuing a yearelie tribute, sent at certeine times (_Ex
+ officio_) their emperors and lieutenants into this Ile, to represse
+ the rebellious tumults therein begun, or to beat backe the inuasion of
+ the enimies that went about to inuade it. And thus would these writers
+ inferre, that the Britains euer obeied their king, till at length they
+ were put beside the gouernement by the Saxons. But whereas in the
+ common historie of England, the succession of kings ought to be kept,
+ so oft as it chanceth in the same that there is not anie to fill the
+ place, then one while the Romane emperors are placed in their steads,
+ and another while their lieutenants, and are said to be created kings
+ of the Britains, as though the emperors were inferiors vnto the kings
+ of Britaine, and that the Romane lieutenants at their appointments,
+ and not by prescript of the senat or emperours, administred the
+ prouince.
+
+ This may suffice here to aduertise you of the contrarietie in writers.
+ Now we will go foorth in following our historie, as we haue doone
+ heretofore, sauing that where the Romane histories write of things
+ done here by emperors, or their lieutenants, it shall be shewed as
+ reason requireth, sith there is a great appearance of truth oftentimes
+ in the same, as those that be authorised and allowed in the opinion of
+ the learned.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Theomantius, the tearme of yeares that he reigned, and where he
+ was interred; of Kymbeline, within the time of whose gouernment Christ
+ Iesus our sauiour was borne, all nations content to obeie the Romane
+ emperors and consequentlie Britaine, the customes that the Britaines
+ paie the Romans as Strabo reporteth._
+
+ THE XVIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: THEOM[=A]DEUS ]
+ After the death of Cassibellane, Theomantius or Tenantius the yoongest
+ sonne of Lud was made king of Britaine in the yéere of the world 3921,
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ after the building of Rome 706, & before the comming of Christ 45. He
+ is named also in one of the English chronicles Tormace: in the same
+ chronicle it is conteined, that not he, but his brother Androgeus was
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ king, where Geffrey of Monmouth & others testifie, that Androgeus
+ abandoned the land clerelie, & continued still at Rome, because he
+ knew the Britains hated him for treason he had committed in aiding
+ Iulius Cesar against Cassibellane. Theomantius ruled the land in good
+ quiet, and paid the tribute to the Romans which Cassibellane had
+ granted, and finallie departed this life after he had reigned 22
+ yeares, and was buried at London.
+
+ [Sidenote: KYMBELINE.]
+ KYMBELINE or CIMBELINE the sonne of Theomantius was of the Britains
+ made king after the deceasse of his father, in the yeare of the world
+ 3944, after the building of Rome 728, and before the birth of our
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian_ out of _Guido de Columna._]
+ Sauiour 33. This man (as some write) was brought vp at Rome, and there
+ made knight by Augustus Cesar, vnder whome he serued in the warres,
+ and was in such fauour with him, that he was at libertie to pay his
+ tribute or not. Little other mention is made of his dooings, except
+ [Sidenote: Christ our saviour borne.]
+ that during his reigne, the Sauiour of the world our Lord Iesus Christ
+ the onelie sonne of God was borne of a virgine, about the 23 yeare of
+ the reigne of this Kymbeline, & in the 42 yeare of the emperour
+ [Sidenote: 3966.]
+ Octauius Augustus, that is to wit, in the yeare of the world 3966, in
+ the second yeare of the 194 Olympiad, after the building of the citie
+ of Rome 750 nigh at an end, after the vniuersall floud 2311, from the
+ birth of Abraham 2019, after the departure of the Israelits out of
+ Egypt 1513, after the captiuitie of Babylon 535, from the building of
+ the temple by Salomon 1034, & from the arriuall of Brute 1116,
+ complet. Touching the continuance of the yeares of Kymbelines reigne,
+ some writers doo varie, but the best approoued affirme, that he
+ reigned 35 years and then died, & was buried at London, leauing behind
+ him two sonnes, Guiderius and Aruiragus.
+
+ ¶ But here is to be noted, that although our histories doo affirme,
+ that as well this Kymbeline, as also his father Theomantius liued in
+ quiet with the Romans, and continuallie to them paied the tributes
+ which the Britains had couenanted with Iulius Cesar to pay, yet we
+ find in the Romane writers, that after Iulius Cesars death, when
+ Augustus had taken vpon him the rule of the empire, the Britains
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus._]
+ [Sidenote: _in uita lib. Agr._]
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ refused to paie that tribute: whereat as Cornelius Tacitus reporteth,
+ Augustus (being otherwise occupied) was contented to winke; howbeit,
+ through earnest calling vpon to recouer his right by such as were
+ desirous to sée the vttermost of the British kingdome; at length, to
+ wit, in the tenth yeare after the death of Iulius Cesar, which was
+ about the thirtéenth yeare of the said Theomantius, Augustus made
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ prouision to passe with an armie ouer into Britaine, & was come
+ forward vpon his iournie into Gallia Celtica: or as we maie saie, into
+ these hither parts of France.
+
+ But here receiuing aduertisements that the Pannonians, which inhabited
+ the countrie now called Hungarie, and the Dalmatians whome now we call
+ Slauons had rebelled, he thought it best first to subdue those rebells
+ neere home, rather than to séeke new countries, and leaue such in
+ hazard whereof he had present possession, and so turning his power
+ against the Pannonians and Dalmatians, he left off for a time the
+ warres of Britaine, whereby the land remained without feare of anie
+ inuasion to be made by the Romans, till the yeare after the building
+ of the citie of Rome 725, and about the 19 yeare of king Theomantius
+ reigne, that Augustus with an armie departed once againe from Rome to
+ passe ouer into Britaine, there to make warre. But after his comming
+ into Gallia, when the Britains sent to him certeine ambassadours to
+ treat with him of peace, he staied there to settle the state of things
+ among the Galles, for that they were not in verie good order. And
+ hauing finished there, he went into Spaine, and so his iournie into
+ Britaine was put off till the next yeare, that is, the 726 after the
+ building of Rome, which fell before the birth of our sauiour 25, about
+ which time Augustus eftsoons meant the third time to haue made a
+ [Sidenote: He kept not promise with the Romans.]
+ [Sidenote: Those of Calice and Biskaie.]
+ voiage into Britaine, because they could not agrée vpon couenants. But
+ as the Pannonians and Dalmatians had aforetime staied him, when (as
+ before is said) he meant to haue gone against the Britans: so euen now
+ the Salassians (a people inhabiting about Italie and Switserland) the
+ Cantabrians and Asturians by such rebellious sturrs as they raised,
+ withdrew him from his purposed iournie. But whether this controuersie
+ which appeareth to fall forth betwixt the Britains and Augustus, was
+ occasioned by Kymbeline, or some other prince of the Britains, I haue
+ not to auouch: for that by our writers it is reported, that Kymbeline
+ being brought vp in Rome, & knighted in the court of Augustus, euer
+ shewed himselfe a friend to the Romans, & chieflie was loth to breake
+ with them, because the youth of the Britaine nation should not be
+ depriued of the benefit to be trained and brought vp among the Romans,
+ whereby they might learne both to behaue themselues like ciuill men,
+ and to atteine to the knowledge of feats of warre.
+
+ But whether for this respect, or for that it pleased the almightie God
+ so to dispose the minds of men at that present, not onlie the
+ Britains, but in manner all other nations were contented to be
+ obedient to the Romane empire. That this was true in the Britains, it
+ [Sidenote: _Strab. Geog._]
+ is euident enough by Strabos words, which are in effect as followeth.
+ "At this present (saith he) certeine princes of Britaine, procuring by
+ ambassadors and dutifull demeanors the amitie of the emperour
+ Augustus, haue offered in the capitoll vnto the gods presents or
+ gifts, and haue ordeined the whole Ile in a manner to be appertinent,
+ proper, and familiar to the Romans. They are burdened with sore
+ customs which they paie for wares, either to be sent foorth into
+ Gallia, or brought from thence, which are commonlie yuorie vessels,
+ shéeres, ouches, or earerings, and other conceits made of amber &
+ glasses, and such like manner of merchandize: so that now there is no
+ néed of anie armie or garrison of men of warre to kéepe the Ile, for
+ there néedeth not past one legion of footmen, or some wing of
+ horssemen, to gather vp and receiue the tribute: for the charges are
+ rated according to the quantitie of the tributes: for otherwise it
+ should be néedfull to abate the customs, if the tributes were also
+ raised: and if anie violence should be vsed, it were dangerous least
+ they might be prouoked to rebellion." Thus farre Strabo.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Guiderius, who denied to paie tribute to the Romans, preparation
+ for war on both sides, of the ridiculous voiage of the Emperour
+ Caligula against the Britains, his vanitie and delight in mischiefe:
+ Aulus Plautius a Romane senator accompanied with souldiers arrive on
+ the British coasts without resistance, the Britains take flight and
+ hide themselues._
+
+ THE XIX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: GUIDERIUS.]
+ GUIDERIUs the first sonne of Kymbeline (of whom Harison saieth
+ nothing) began his reigne in the seuententh yeere after th'
+ incarnation of Christ. This Guiderius being a man of stout courage,
+ gaue occasion of breach of peace betwixt the Britains and Romans,
+ denieng to paie them tribute, and procuring the people to new
+ insurrections, which by one meane or other made open rebellion, as
+ [Sidenote: Caligula.]
+ Gyldas saith. Wherevpon the emperour Caligula (as some thinke) tooke
+ occasion to leauie a power, and as one vtterlie misliking the
+ negligence (as he called it) of Augustus and Tiberius his
+ predecessors, he ment not onlie to reduce the Iland vnto the former
+ subiection, but also to search out the vttermost bounds thereof, to
+ the behoofe of himselfe, and of the Romane monarchie.
+
+ Great prouision therefore was made by the said Caligula to performe
+ that noble enterprise, and this was in the fourth yeere of his reigne.
+ The like preparation was made on the other side by Guiderius, to
+ resist the forren enimies, so that hauing all things in a readinesse,
+ he ceassed not dailie to looke for the comming of the emperour, whome
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius. lib._ 59.]
+ he ment to receiue with hard enterteinment if he durst aduenture to
+ set toward Britaine. But see the sequele: the maine armie being thus
+ in a readinesse, departed from Rome in the 79 yeere after the building
+ of the citie, and marching foorth, at length came vnto the Belgike
+ shore, from whence they might looke ouer, and behold the cliffes and
+ coast of Britaine, which Caligula and his men stood gazing vpon with
+ great admiration and woonder.
+
+ Furthermore he caused them to stand in battell arraie vpon the coast,
+ where he heard how the Britains were in a redinesse to withstand his
+ entrance. But entring into his gallie, as nothing discouraged with
+ these newes, he rowed a flight shot or two from the shore, and
+ forthwith returned, and then going vp into an high place like a
+ pulpit, framed and set vp there for the nonce, he gaue the token to
+ fight vnto his souldiers by sound of trumpet, and therewith was ech
+ [Sidenote: The spoile of the Ocean.]
+ man charged to gather cockle shells vpon the shore, which he called
+ the spoile of the Ocean, and caused them to be laid vp vntill a time
+ conuenient. With the atchiuing of this exploit (as hauing none other
+ wherewith to beautifie his triumph) he séemed greatlie exalted,
+ thinking that now he had subdued the whole Ocean, and therefore
+ highlie rewarded his souldiers for their paines susteined in that
+ collection of cockle shells, as if they had doone him some notable
+ péece of seruice. He also caried of the same shells with him to Rome,
+ to the end he might there boast of his voyage, and brag how well he
+ [Sidenote: * _sic._]
+ had sped: and required therefore verie earnestlie haue of * a triumph
+ decreed vnto him for the accomplishment of this enterprise.
+
+ But when he saw the senat grudge at the free & liberall granting of a
+ grace in that behalfe, and perceiued how they refused to attribute
+ diuine honors vnto him, in recompense of so foolish an enterprise, it
+ wanted little that he had not slaine them euerie one. From thence
+ therefore he went vp into a throne or royall seate, and calling
+ therewith the common people about him, he told them a long tale what
+ aduentures had chanced to him in his conquest of the Ocean. And when
+ he had perceiued them to shout and crie, as if they had consented that
+ he should haue béene a god for this his great trauell and valiant
+ prowesse, he to increase their clamour, caused great quantities of
+ gold & siluer to be scattered amongst them, in the gathering whereof,
+ manie were pressed to death, and diuers also slaine with the inuenomed
+ caltrops of iron, which he did cast out with the same monie, of
+ purpose to doo mischiefe, the same caltrops being in forme small &
+ sharp, so that by reason of the prease of people, much hurt was doone
+ by them yer they were perceiued. And this was the end of the
+ ridiculous voiage of Caligula attempted against the Britains.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Suetonius._]
+ But after the death of this Caligula, the emperour Claudius (as
+ Suetonius saith) moued warre against the Britains, because of a sturre
+ and rebellion raised in that land, for that such fugitiues as were
+ fled from thence, were not againe restored when request was made for
+ the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dion Cassius.]
+ Dion Cassius writeth, that one Bericus, being expelled out of
+ Britaine, persuaded the emperour Claudius to take the warre in hand at
+ this time against the Britains, so that one Aulus Plautius a senatour,
+ and as then pretor, was appointed to take the armie that soiourned in
+ France then called Gallia, and to passe ouer with the same into
+ Britaine. The souldiers hearing of this voiage, were loth to go with
+ him, as men not willing to make warre in another world: and therefore
+ delaied time, till at length one Narcissus was sent from Claudius, as
+ it were to appease the souldiers, & procure them to set forward. But
+ when this Narcissus went vp into the tribunall throne of Plautius, to
+ declare the cause of his comming, the souldiers taking great
+ indignation therewith cried, _O Saturnalia_, as if they should haue
+ celebrated their feast daie so called.
+
+ When the seruants apparelled in their maisters robes, represented the
+ roome of their maisters, and were serued by them, as if they had béene
+ their seruants, and thus at length constreined, through verie shame,
+ they agréed to follow Plautius. Herevpon being embarked, he diuided
+ his nauie into thrée parts, to the end that if they were kept off from
+ arriuing in one place, yet they might take land in another. The ships
+ suffered some impeachment in their passage by a contrarie wind that
+ droue them backe againe: but yet the marriners and men of warre taking
+ good courage vnto them, the rather because there was séene a fierie
+ leame to shoot out of the east towards the west, which way their
+ course lay, made forwards againe with their ships, and landed without
+ finding anie resistance. For the Britains looked not for their
+ comming: wherefore, when they heard how their enimies were on land,
+ they got them into the woods and marishes, trusting that by lingering
+ of time the Romans would be constreined to depart, as it had chanced
+ in time past to Iulius Cesar aforesaid.
+
+
+
+
+ THE END OF THE THIRD BOOKE.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE FOVRTH BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Britains discomfited, sore wounded, slaine, and disabled by
+ Plautius and his power, Claudius the Romane taketh the chiefe citie
+ of Cymbeline the king of Britaine, he bereaueth the Britains of their
+ armour, and by vertue of his conquest ouer part of the land is
+ surnamed Britannicus._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now Plautius had much adoo to find out the Britains in their lurking
+ holes and couerts; howbeit when he had traced them out, first he
+ vanquished Cataratacus, and after Togodumnus the sonnes of
+ Cynobellinus: for their father was dead not verie long before. These
+ therefore fléeing their waies, Plautus receiued part of the people
+ [Sidenote: Bodumni.]
+ [Sidenote: Catuellani.]
+ called Bodumni (which were subiects vnto them that were called
+ Catuellani) into the obeisance of the Romans: and so leauing there a
+ garrison of souldiors, passed further till he came to a riuer which
+ could not well be passed without a bridge: wherevpon the Britains
+ tooke small regard to defend the passage, as though they had béene
+ sure inough. But Plautius appointed a certeine number of Germans which
+ he had there with him (being vsed to swim ouer riuers although neuer
+ so swift) to get ouer, which they did, sleaing and wounding the
+ Britains horsses, which were fastened to their wagons or chariots, so
+ that the Britains were not able to doo anie péece of their accustomed
+ seruice with the same.
+
+ Herewithall was Flauius Vespasianus (that afterwards was emperour)
+ with his brother Sabinus sent ouer that riuer, which being got to the
+ further side, slue a great number of the enimies. The residue of the
+ Britains fled, but the next day proffered a new battell, in the which
+ they fought so stoutlie, that the victorie depended long in doubtfull
+ balance, till Caius Sidius Geta being almost at point to be taken, did
+ so handle the matter, that the Britains finallie were put to flight:
+ for the which his valiant dooings, triumphant honors were bestowed
+ vpon him, although he was no consull.
+
+ The Britains after this battell, withdrew to the riuer of Thames,
+ néere to the place where it falleth into the sea, and knowing the
+ shallowes and firme places thereof, easilie passed ouer to the further
+ side, whom the Romans following, through lacke of knowledge in the
+ nature of the places, they fell into the marish grounds, and so came
+ to lose manie of their men, namelie of the Germans, which were the
+ first that passed ouer the riuer to follow the Britains, partlie by a
+ bridge which lay within the countrie ouer the said riuer, and partlie
+ by swimming, and other such shift as they presentlie made.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Togodumnus._]
+ The Britains hauing lost one of their rulers, namelie Togodumnus (of
+ whom ye haue heard before) were nothing discouraged, but rather more
+ egerlie set on reuenge. Plautius perceiuing their fiercenesse, went no
+ further, but staid and placed garrisons in steeds where néed required,
+ to keepe those places which he had gotten, and with all spéed sent
+ aduertisement vnto Claudius, according to that he had in commandement,
+ if anie vrgent necessitie should so mooue him. Claudius therefore
+ hauing all things before hand in a readinesse, straightwaies vpon the
+ receiuing of the aduertisement, departed from Rome, and came by water
+ vnto Ostia, and from thence vnto Massilia, and so through France sped
+ his iournies till he came to the side of the Ocean sea, and then
+ imbarking himselfe with his people, passed ouer into Britaine, and
+ came to his armie which abode his comming néere the Thames side, where
+ being ioined, they passed the riuer againe, fought with the Britains
+ in a pitcht field, and getting the victorie, tooke the towne of
+ Camelodunum (which some count to be Colchester) being the chiefest
+ citie apperteining vnto Cynobelinus. He reduced also manie other
+ people into his subiection, some by force, and some by surrender,
+ whereof he was called oftentimes by the name of emperour, which was
+ against the ordinance of the Romans: for it was not lawfull for anie
+ to take that name vpon him oftener than once in anie one voiage.
+ Moreouer, Claudius tooke from the Britains their armor and weapons,
+ and committed the gouernment of them vnto Plautius, commanding him to
+ endeuour himselfe to subdue the residue.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ Thus hauing brought vnder a part of Britaine, and hauing made his
+ abode therin not past a sixtene daies, he departed and came backe
+ againe to Rome with victorie in the sixt month after his setting
+ foorth from thence, giuing after his returne, to his sonne, the
+ [Sidenote: _Suetonius._]
+ surname of Britannicus. This warre he finished in maner as before is
+ said, in the fourth yéere of his reigne, which fell in the yéere of
+ the world 4011, after the birth of our Sauiour 44, and after the
+ building of Rome 797.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The diuerse opinions and variable reports of writers touching the
+ partile conquest of this Iland by the Romans, the death of Guiderius._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ There be that write, how Claudius subdued and added to the Romane
+ empire, the Iles of Orknie situate in the north Ocean beyond Britaine:
+ which might well be accomplished either by Plautius, or some other his
+ lieutenant: for Plautius indéed for his noble prowesse and valiant
+ acts atchieued in Britaine, afterwards triumphed. Titus the sonne of
+ Vespasian also wan no small praise for deliuering his father out of
+ danger in his time, being beset with a companie of Britains, which the
+ said Titus bare downe, and put to flight with great slaughter. Beda
+ following the authoritie of Suetonius, writeth bréeflie of this
+ matter, and saith, that Claudius passing ouer into this Ile, to the
+ which neither before Iulius Cesar, neither after him anie stranger
+ durst come, within few daies receiued the most part of the countrie
+ into his subiection without battell or bloudshed.
+
+ Gyldas also writing of this reuolting of the Britains, saith thus:
+ "When information thereof was giuen to the senate, and that hast was
+ made with a spéedie armie to reuenge the same, there was no warlike
+ nauie prepared in the sea to fight valiantlie for the defense of the
+ countrie, no square battell, no right wing, nor anie other prouision
+ appointed on the shore to be séene, but the backes of the Britains in
+ stead of a shield are shewed to the persecutors, and their necks
+ readie to be cut off with the sword through cold feare running through
+ their bones, which stretched foorth their hands to be bound like
+ womanlie creatures; so that a common prouerbe followed thereof, to
+ wit, That the Britains were neither valiant in warre, nor faithfull in
+ peace: and so the Romans sleaing manie of the rebels, reseruing some,
+ and bringing them to bondage, that the land should not lie altogither
+ vntilled and desert, returned into Italie out of that land which was
+ void of wine and oile, leauing some of their men there for gouernors
+ to chastise the people, not so much with an armie of men, as with
+ scourge and whip, and if the matter so required, to applie the naked
+ sword vnto their sides: so that it might be accounted Rome and not
+ Britaine. And what coine either of brasse, siluer or gold there was,
+ the same to be stamped with the image of the emperour." Thus farre
+ Gildas.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ In the British historie we find other report as thus, that Claudius at
+ his comming aland at Porchester, besieged that towne, to the rescue
+ whereof came Guiderius, and giuing battell to the Romans, put them to
+ the woorse, till at length one Hamo, being on the Romans side, changed
+ his shield and armour, apparelling himselfe like a Britaine, and so
+ entring into the thickest prease of the British host, came at length
+ where the king was, and there slue him. But Aruiragus perceiuing this
+ mischiefe, to the end the Britains should not be discouraged
+ therewith, caused himselfe to be adorned with the kings cote-armor,
+ and other abiliments, and so as king continued the fight with such
+ manhood, that the Romans were put to flight. Claudius retired backe to
+ his ships, and Hamo to the next woods, whom Aruiragus pursued, and at
+ length droue him vnto the sea side, and there slue him yer he could
+ take the hauen which was there at hand; so that the same tooke name of
+ him, and was called a long time after, Hamons hauen, and at length by
+ [Sidenote: Hampton, why so called.]
+ corruption of speach it was called Hampton, and so continueth vnto
+ this day, commonlie called by the name of Southhampton. Thus haue you
+ heard how Guiderius or Guinderius (whether you will) came to his end,
+ which chanced (as some write) in the 28 yéere of his reigne.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Aruiragus the Britaine & Claudius the Romane with their armies doo
+ incounter, a composition concerning mariage concluded betweene them,
+ Claudius returneth to Rome._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: ARUIRAGUS. _Hector Boet._]
+ ARUIRAGUS the yoongest son of Kymbeline, and brother to Guinderius
+ (bicause the same Guinderius left no issue to succéed him) was
+ admitted king of Britaine in the yeere of our Lord 45, or rather 46.
+
+ This Aruiragus, otherwise called by the Britains Meuricus or Mauus, of
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ Tacitus Prasutagus, is also named Armiger in the English chronicle, by
+ which chronicle (as appéereth) he bare himselfe right manfullie
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ against Claudius and his Romans in the war which they made against
+ him: in so much that when Claudius had renewed his force and woone
+ Porchester, and after came to besiege Winchester (in the which
+ Aruiragus as then was inclosed) Aruiragus assembling his power, was
+ readie to come foorth and giue Claudius battell: wherevpon Claudius
+ doubting the sequele of the thing, sent messengers vnto Aruiragus to
+ treat of concord, and so by composition the matter was taken vp, with
+ condition, that Claudius should giue his daughter Genissa in marriage
+ vnto Aruiragus, & Aruiragus should acknowledge to hold his kingdome of
+ the Romans.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulfus Cestrensis._]
+ Some write that Claudius in fauour of the valiant prowesse which he
+ saw & found in Aruiragus, honored not onlie him with the mariage of
+ his daughter the said Genissa, but also to the end to make the towne
+ more famous where this marriage was solemnized, he therefore called it
+ Claudiocestria, after his name, the which in the British toong was
+ called before that daie Caerleon, and after Glouernia, of a duke that
+ ruled in Demetia that hight Glunie, but now it is called Glocester.
+
+ Other there be that write, how Claudius being vanquished in battell by
+ Aruiragus, was compelled by the said Aruiragus to giue vnto him his
+ said daughter to wife, with condition as before is mentioned: and that
+ [Sidenote: _Sueton._]
+ then Aruiragus was crowned king of Britaine. But Suetonius maie séeme
+ to reprooue this part of the British historie, which in the life of
+ Claudius witnesseth, that he had by thrée wiues onlie three daughters,
+ that is to saie, Claudia, Antonia, and Octauia: and further, that
+ reputing Claudia not to be his, caused hir to be cast downe at the
+ doore of his wife Herculanilla, whome he had forsaken by waie of
+ diuorcement: & that he bestowed his daughter Antonia first on C.
+ Pompeius Magnus, and after on Faustus Silla, verie noble yoong
+ gentlemen; and Octauia he matched with Nero his wiues son. Whereby it
+ should appéere, that this supposed marriage betwixt Aruiragus and the
+ daughter of Claudius is but a feined tale.
+
+ ¶ And héere to speake my fansie also what I thinke of this Aruiragus,
+ and other the kings (whome Galfrid and such as haue followed him doo
+ register in order, to succéed one after another) I will not denie but
+ such persons there were, and the same happilie bearing verie great
+ rule in the land, but that they reigned as absolute kings ouer the
+ whole, or that they succéeded one after another in manner as is
+ auouched by the same writers, it seemeth most vnlike to be true: for
+ rather it maie be gessed by that, which as well Gyldas as the old
+ approoued Romane writers haue written, that diuerse of these kings
+ liued about one time, or in times greatlie differing from those times
+ which in our writers we find noted. As for example, Iuuenal maketh
+ this Aruiragus, of whom we now intreat, to reigne about Domitians
+ time. For my part therefore, sith this order of the British kinglie
+ succession in this place is more easie to be flatlie denied and
+ vtterlie reprooued, than either wiselie defended or trulie amended, I
+ will referre the reforming therof vnto those that haue perhaps séene
+ more than I haue, or more déepelie considered the thing, to trie out
+ an vndoubted truth: in the meane time, I haue thought good, both to
+ shew what I find in our histories, and likewise in forren writers, to
+ the which we thinke (namelie in this behalfe, whilest the Romans
+ gouerned there) we maie safelie giue most credit, doo we otherwise
+ neuer so much content our selues with other vaine and fond conceits.
+
+ To procéed yet with the historie as we find it by our writers set
+ foorth: it is reported, that after the solemnization of this marriage,
+ which was doone with all honour that might be deuised, Claudius sent
+ [Sidenote: Legions of souldiers sent into Ireland.]
+ certeine legions of souldiers foorth to go into Ireland to subdue that
+ countrie, and returned himselfe to Rome.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Aruiragus denieth subiection to the Romans, Vespasian is sent to
+ represse him and his power, the Romane host is kept backe from
+ landing, queene Genissa pacifieth them after a sharpe conflict: &
+ what the Romane writers say of Vespasians being in Britaine, the
+ end of Aruiragus._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Then did king Aruiragus ride about to view the state of his realme,
+ repairing cities and townes decaied by the warre of the Romans, and
+ saw his people gouerned with such iustice and good order, that he was
+ both feared and greatlie beloued: so that in tract of time he grew
+ verie welthie, and by reason thereof fell into pride, so that he
+ [Sidenote: Vespasian in Britaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Cornel. Tacit. in uit. Agr. lib._ 3 & _li._ 6.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Rutupium._]
+ denied his subiection to the Romans. Wherevpon Claudius appointed
+ Vespasian with an armie to go as lieutenant into Britaine. This
+ iournie was to him the beginning of his advancement to that honour,
+ which after to him most luckilie befell. But if we shall credit our
+ Britaine writers, he gained not much at Aruiragus hands, for where he
+ would haue landed at Sandwich or Richborough, Aruiragus was readie to
+ resist him, so as he durst not once enter the hauen: for Aruiragus had
+ there such a puissant number of armed men, that the Romans were afraid
+ to approach the land.
+
+ Vespasian therefore withdrew from thence, and coasting westward,
+ landed at Totnesse, and comming to Excester, besieged that citie: but
+ about the seuenth day after he had planted his siege, came Aruiragus,
+ and gaue him battell, in the which both the armies sustained great
+ losse of men, and neither part got anie aduantage of the other. On the
+ morrow after quéene Genissa made them friends, and so the warres
+ ceassed for that time, by hir good mediation.
+
+ ¶ But séeing (as before I haue said) the truth of this historie maie
+ be greatlie mistrusted, ye shall heare what the Romane writers saie of
+ Vespasianus being héere in Britaine, beside that which we haue
+ alreadie recited out of Dion in the life of Guiderius.
+
+ In the daies of the emperor Claudius, through fauour of Narcissus (one
+ [Sidenote: Vespasian.]
+ [Sidenote: _Suetonius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Salcellicus._]
+ that might doo all with Claudius) the said Vespasian was sent as
+ coronell or lieutenant of a legion of souldiers into Germanie, and
+ being remooued from thence into Britaine, he fought thirtie seuerall
+ times with the enimies, and brought vnto the Romane obeisance two most
+ mightie nations, and aboue twentie townes, togither with the Ile of
+ Wight; and these exploits he atchiued, partlie vnder the conduct of
+ Aulus Plautius ruler of Britaine for the emperor Claudius, and partlie
+ vnder the same emperor himselfe. For as it is euident by writers of
+ good credit, he came first ouer into Britaine with the said Aulus
+ Plautius, and serued verie valiantlie vnder him, as before in place we
+ haue partlie touched. By Tacitus it appeareth, that he was called to
+ be partener in the gouernment of things in Britaine with Claudius, and
+ had such successe, as it appéered to what estate of honour he was
+ predestinate, hauing conquered nations, and taken kings prisoners. But
+ now to make an end with Aruiragus: when he perceiued that his force
+ was too weake to preuaile against the Romane empire, and that he
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ should striue but in vaine to shake the yoke of subiection from the
+ necks of the Britains, he made a finall peace with them in his old
+ age, and so continued in quiet the residue of his reigne, which he
+ lastlie ended by death, after he had gouerned the land by the space of
+ thirtie yéeres, or but eight and twentie, as some other imagine. He
+ [Sidenote: 73.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ died in the yéere of Grace 73, as one author affirmeth, and was buried
+ at Glocester.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Ioseph of Aramathia came into Britaine and Simon Zelotes, the
+ antiquitie of christian religion, Britaine gouerned by Lieutenants and
+ treasurers of the Romane emperors, the exploits of Ostorius Scapula
+ and the men of Oxfordshire, he vanquisheth the Welshmen, appeaseth the
+ Yorkshiremen, and brideleth the rage of the Silures._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In the daies of the said Aruiragus, about the yeare of Christ 53,
+ Ioseph of Arimathia, who buried the bodie of our sauiour, being sent
+ by Philip the Apostle (as Iohn Bale following the authoritie of Gildas
+ and other British writers reciteth) after that the Christians were
+ dispersed out of Gallia, came into Britaine with diuers other godlie
+ [Sidenote: _Polydorus._]
+ christian men, & preaching the gospell there amongst the Britains, &
+ instructing them in the faith and lawes of Christ, conuerted manie to
+ the true beliefe, and baptised them in the wholsome water of
+ regeneration, & there continued all the residue of his life, obteining
+ of the king a plot of ground where to inhabit, not past a foure miles
+ from Wells, and there with his fellowes began to laie the first
+ foundation of the true and perfect religion, in which place (or néere
+ thereinto) was afterward erected the abbeie of Glastenburie.
+
+ Nicephorus writeth in his second booke and fourth chapter, that one
+ Simon Zelotes came likewise into Britaine. And Theodoretus in his 9.
+ booke "De curandis Græcorum affectibus," sheweth that Paule being
+ released of his second imprisonment, and suffered to depart from Rome,
+ preached the gospell to the Britains and to other nations in the west.
+ The same thing in manner dooth Sophronius the patriarch of Ierusalem
+ witnesse, Tertullian also maie be a witnesse of the ancientnes of the
+ faith receiued here in Britaine, where he writing of these times
+ saith: Those places of the Britains, to the which the Romans could not
+ approch, were subiect vnto Christ, as were also the countries of
+ Sarmatia, Dacia, Germania, Scithia, and others. ¶ Thus it maie
+ appeare, that the christian religion was planted here in this land
+ shortlie after Christes time, although it certeinlie appeareth not who
+ were the first that preached the gospell to the Britains, nor whether
+ they were Gréeks or Latins.
+
+ Cornelius Tacitus writeth, that the Romane emperours in this season
+ [Sidenote: Treasurers or receiuers.]
+ gouerned this land by lieutenants and treasurers, the which were
+ called by the name of legats and procurators, thereby to kéepe the
+ vnrulie inhabitants the better in order.
+
+ [Sidenote: Aulus Plautius.]
+ [Sidenote: Ostorius Scapula.]
+ And Aulus Plautius a noble man of Rome of the order of consuls, was
+ sent hither as the first legat or lieutenant (in maner as before ye
+ haue heard) & after him Ostorius Scapula, who at his comming found the
+ Ile in trouble, the enimies hauing made inuasion into the countrie of
+ those that were friends to the Romans, the more presumptuouslie, for
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus lib._ 12.]
+ that they thought a new lieutenant, with an armie to him vnacquainted
+ and come ouer now in the beginning of winter, would not be hastie to
+ march foorth against them. But Ostorius vnderstanding that by the
+ first successe and chance of warre, feare or hope is bred and
+ augmented, hasted forward to encounter with them, and such as he found
+ abroad in the countrie he slue out right on euerie side, and pursued
+ such as fled, to the end they should not come togither againe. Now for
+ that a displeasing and a doubtfull peace was not like to bring
+ quietnesse either to him or to his armie, he tooke from such as he
+ suspected, their armour. And after this, he went about to defend the
+ riuers of Auon & Seuerne, with placing his souldiers in camps
+ fortified néere to the same. But the Oxfordshire men and other of
+ those parties would not suffer him to accomplish his purpose in anie
+ quiet sort, being a puissant kind of people, and not hitherto weakened
+ by warres: for they willinglie at the first had ioined in amitie with
+ [Sidenote: _Cornelius Tacit. lib._ 12.]
+ the Romans. The countries adjoining also being induced by their
+ procurement, came to them, & so they chose forth a plot of ground,
+ fensed with a mightie ditch, vnto the which there was no waie to enter
+ but one, & the same verie narrow, so as the horssemen could not haue
+ anie easie passage to breake in vpon them. Ostorius, although he had
+ no legionarie souldiers, but certeine bands of aids, marched foorth
+ towards the place within the which the Britains were lodged, and
+ assaulting them in the same, brake through into their campe, where the
+ Britains being impeached with their owne inclosures which they had
+ raised for defense of the place, knowing how that for their rebellion
+ they were like to find small mercie at the Romans hands, when they saw
+ now no waie to escape, laid about them manfullie, and shewed great
+ proofe of their valiant stomachs.
+
+ In this battell, the sonne of Ostorius the lieutenant deserued the
+ price and commendation of preseruing a citizen out of the cruell
+ [Sidenote: which was a certaine crowne, to be set on his head called
+ _ciuica corona._]
+ enimies hands. But now with this slaughter of the Oxfordshire men,
+ diuers of the Britains that stood doubtfull what waie to take, either
+ to rest in quiet, or to moue warres, were contented to be conformable
+ vnto a reasonable order of peace, in so much that Ostorius lead his
+ [Sidenote: Cangi.]
+ armie against the people called Cangi, who inhabited that part of
+ Wales now called Denbighshire, which countrie he spoiled on euerie
+ side, no enimie once daring to encounter him: & if anie of them
+ aduentured priuilie to set vpon those which they found behind, or on
+ the outsids of his armie, they were cut short yer they could escape
+ out of danger. Wherevpon he marched straight to their campe and giuing
+ them battell, vanquished them: and vsing the victorie as reason moued
+ him, he lead his armie against those that inhabited the inner parts of
+ Wales, spoiling the countrie on euerie side. And thus sharplie
+ pursuing the rebels, he approched néere vnto the sea side, which lieth
+ ouer against Ireland. While this Romane capteine was thus occupied, he
+ was called backe by the rebellion of the Yorkshire men, whome
+ forthwith vpon his comming vnto them, he appeased, punishing the first
+ authors of that tumult with death.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus. lib._ 12.]
+ In the meane time, the people called Silures, being a verie fierce
+ kind of men, and valiant, prepared to make warre against the Romans,
+ for they might not be bowed neither with roughnesse, nor yet with any
+ courteous handling, so that they were to be tamed by an armie of
+ legionarie souldiers to be brought among them.
+
+ Therefore to restraine the furious rage of those people and their
+ neighbours, Ostorious peopled a towne néere to their borders, called
+ Camelodunum with certeine bands of old souldiers, there to inhabit
+ with their wiues and children, according to such maner as was vsed in
+ like cases of placing naturall Romans in anie towne or citie, for the
+ more suertie and defense of the same. Here also was a temple builded
+ in the honor of Claudius the emperour, where were two images erected,
+ one of the goddesse Victoria, and an other of Claudius himselfe.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The coniectures of writers touching the situation of Camelodunum
+ supposed to be Colchester, of the Silures a people spoken of in the
+ former chapter, a foughten field betwene Caratacus the British prince,
+ and Ostorius the Romaine, in the confines of Shropshire; the Britains
+ go miserablie to wracke, Caratacus is deliuered to the Romans, his
+ wife and daughter are taken prisoners, his brethren yeeld themselues
+ to their enimies._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ But now there resteth a great doubt among writers, where this citie or
+ towne called Camelodunum did stand, of some (and not without good
+ ground of probable coniectures gathered vpon the aduised consideration
+ of the circumstances of that which in old authors is found written of
+ [Sidenote: Camelodunum, Colchester.]
+ this place) it is thought to be Colchester. But verelie by this place
+ of Tacitus it maie rather seeme to be some other towne, situat more
+ westward than Colchester, sith a colonie of Romane souldiers were
+ [Sidenote: Silures where they inhabited.]
+ planted there to be at hand, for the repressing of the vnquiet
+ Silures, which by consent of most writers inhabited in Southwales, or
+ néere the Welsh marshes.
+
+ There was a castell of great fame in times past that hight Camaletum,
+ or in British Caermalet, which stood in the marshes of Summersetshire;
+ but sith there is none that hath so written before this time, I will
+ not saie that happilie some error hath growne by mistaking the name of
+ Camelodunum for this Camaletum, by such as haue copied out the booke
+ of Cornelius Tacitus; and yet so it might be doon by such as found it
+ short or vnperfectlie written, namelie, by such strangers or others,
+ to whom onelie the name of Camelodunum was onelie knowne, and
+ Camaletum peraduenture neuer séene nor heard of. As for example, an
+ Englishman that hath heard of Waterford in Ireland, and not of
+ Wexford, might in taking foorth a copie of some writing easilie commit
+ a fault in noting the one for the other. We find in Ptolomie Camedolon
+ to be a citie belonging to the Trinobants, and he maketh mention also
+ of Camelodunum, but Humfrey Lhoyd thinketh that he meaneth all one
+ citie.
+
+ Notwithstanding Polydor Virgil is of a contrarie opinion, supposing
+ the one to be Colchester in déed, and the other that is Camelodunum to
+ be Doncaster or Pontfret. Leland esteeming it to be certeinelie
+ Colchester taketh the Iceni men also to be the Northfolke men. But
+ howsoeuer we shall take this place of Tacitus, it is euident inough
+ that Camelodunum stood not farre from the Thames. And therefore to
+ séeke it with Hector Boetius in Scotland, or with Polydor Virgil so
+ far as Doncaster or Pontfret, it maie be thought a plaine error.
+
+ But to leaue each man to his owne iudgement in a matter so doubtfull,
+ we will procéed with the historie as touching the warres betwixt the
+ Romans and the Silurians, against whome (trusting not onelie vpon
+ their owne manhood, but also vpon the high prowesse & valiancie of
+ [Sidenote: _Cornelius Tacitus lib. Anna._ 12.]
+ Caratacus) Ostorius set forward. Caratacus excelled in fame aboue all
+ other the princes of Britaine, aduanced thereto by manie doubtfull
+ aduentures and manie prosperous exploits, which in his time he had
+ atchiued: but as he was in policie and aduantage of place better
+ prouided than the Romans: so in power of souldiers he was ouermatched.
+ [Sidenote: _Hu. Lhoyd._]
+ And therefore he remoued the battell into the parts of that countrie
+ where the Ordouices inhabited, which are thought to haue dwelled in
+ the borders of Shropshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire, which people
+ together with other that misliked of the Romane gouernment, he ioined
+ in one, and chose a plot of ground for his aduantage, determining
+ there to trie the vttermost hazard of battell.
+
+ The place which he thus chose was such, as the entries, the backwaies,
+ and the whole situation thereof made for the Britains aduantage, and
+ cleane contrarie to the Romans, as inclosed among high hils. And if
+ there were anie easie passage to enter it vpon anie side, the same was
+ shut vp with mightie huge stones in manner of a rampire, and afore it
+ there ran a riuer without anie certeine foord to passe ouer it. This
+ place is supposed to lie in the confines of Shropshire aloft vpon the
+ top of an high hill there, enuironed with a triple rampire and ditch
+ of great depth, hauing thrée entries into it, not directlie one
+ against an other, but aslope. It is also (they saie) compassed about
+ with two riuers, to wit, on the left hand with the riuer called Clun,
+ & on the right hand with an other called Teuid. On thrée sides thereof
+ the clime is verie stéepe and headlong, and no waie easie to come or
+ reach vnto it, but onelie one.
+
+ Caratac hauing thus fortified himselfe within this place, and brought
+ his armie into it: to encourage his people, he exhorted them to shew
+ their manhood, affirming that to be the day, and that armie to be the
+ same wherein should appeare the beginning either of libertie then to
+ be recouered, or else of perpetuall bondage for euer to be susteined.
+ He rehersed also speciallie by name those their elders, which had
+ resisted Iulius Cesar, by whose high valiancie they liued free from
+ the bloudie thraldome and tributes of the Romans, and enioied their
+ wiues and children safe and vndefiled. Thus discoursing of manie
+ things with them, in such hope of assured victorie, that they began to
+ raise their cries, each one for him selfe, declaring that he was bound
+ by the dutie he owght to the gods of his countrie, not to shrinke for
+ feare of anie wounds or hurts that might chance vnto them by the
+ enimies weapon.
+
+ This chéerefulnesse of the Britains greatlie astonished the Romane
+ lieutenant. The hideous course also of the riuer before his face, the
+ fortifications and craggie higth of the hils, all set full of enimies
+ readie to beat him backe, put him in great feare: for nothing he saw
+ afore him, but that which séemed dreadfull to those that should
+ assaile. But the souldiers yet séemed to be verie desirous of battell,
+ requesting him to bring them to it, protesting that nothing was able
+ to resist the force of noble prowes. Herewith the capteins and
+ tribunes discoursing the like, pricked forward the earnest willes
+ which their souldiers had to fight.
+
+ Ostorius perceiuing such courage and readie wils in the men of warre,
+ as well souldiers as capteins, began to bestirre himselfe, and left
+ nothing vndone that might serue to set forward their earnest desire to
+ battell. And hauing aduisedlie considered which waies were hard and
+ [Sidenote: _Cornelius Tacitus Annal. lib._ 12.]
+ vnpossible to be entered vpon, and which were most easie for his
+ people to find passage by, he led them foorth, being most earnestlie
+ bent to cope with the enimie.
+
+ Now hauing passed the water without any great difficultie, but comming
+ to the rampire, he lost manie of his people, so long as the fight was
+ continued with shot and casting of darts: but after that the Romans
+ couering themselues with their targets, came once close togither, and
+ approched vnder the rampire, they remooued away the stones which the
+ Britains had roughlie couched togither, and so came to ioine with them
+ at handblowes. The Britains being vnarmed, and not able to abide the
+ force of the armed men, withdrew to the top of the hilles, but as well
+ their enimies that were light armed, as the other with heauie armour,
+ followed and brake in among them, so as the Britains could not turne
+ them anie way to escape, for the light armed men with shot a farre
+ off, and the heauie armed with weapons at hand, sought to make
+ slaughter and wracke of them on ech side, so that this was a verie
+ dolefull day to the Britains.
+
+ The wife and daughter of Caratake were taken prisoners, and his
+ brethren also yéelded themselues. He himselfe escaped, and committing
+ his person vnto the assurance & trust of Cartemandua queene of the
+ Brigants, was by hir deliuered into the hands of the Romans. All this
+ happened about nine yeres after the warres in Britaine first began.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The name of Caratacus famous in Italie, the maner how he and his
+ alies were led captiues by the Romans in triumph, his courage and
+ manlie speech to the emperour Claudius, whereby he and his obteine
+ mercie and pardon: the Britains vndertake a new reuenge against the
+ Romans; the cause why the Silures hated the Romans, Ostorius Scapula
+ dieth, the citie of Chester builded._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cornelius Tacit. lib._ 12.]
+ [Sidenote: Carataks name renowmed.]
+ The name of Caratacus being brought out of the Iles was alreadie spred
+ ouer the prouinces adioining, and began now to grow famous through
+ Italie. Men therefore were desirous to sée what maner of man he was
+ that had so manie yéeres set at naught the puissant force of the
+ empire. For in Rome the name of Caratacus was much spoken of, insomuch
+ that the emperour whilest he went about to preferre his owne honour,
+ aduanced the glorie of him also that was vanquished: for the people
+ were called foorth as vnto some great notable sight or spectacle. The
+ pretorian bands stood in order of battell armed in the field that laie
+ before their lodgings, through which field Caratake shuld come. Then
+ passed by the traine of his friends and seruants; and such armor,
+ riches, iewels, and other things as had béene gotten in those warres,
+ were borne forward, and openlie shewed, that all men might behold the
+ same.
+
+ After these followed his brethren, wife, and daughters: and last of
+ all came Caratacus himselfe, whose countenance was nothing like to
+ theirs that went afore him. For whereas they fearing punishment for
+ their rebellion with wailefull countenance craued mercie, he neither
+ by countenance nor words shewd anie token of a discouraged mind, but
+ being presented before the emperour Claudius sitting in his tribunall
+ seat, he vttered this speach as followeth.
+
+ "If there had béene in me so much moderation in time of prosperitie,
+ as there was nobilitie of birth and puissance, I had come to this
+ citie rather as a friend than as a capteine: neither should I haue
+ thought scorne, being borne of most noble parents, and ruling ouer
+ many people, to haue accepted peace by waie of ioining with you in
+ league. My present estate as it is to me reprochfull, so to you it is
+ honorable. I had at commandement, horsses, men, armor, and great
+ riches; what maruell is it if I were loth to forgo the same? For if
+ you shall looke to gouerne all men, it must néeds follow that all men
+ must be your slaues. If I had at the first yéelded my selfe, neither
+ my power nor your glorie had béene set foorth to the world, & vpon
+ mine execution I should straight haue béene forgotten. But if you now
+ grant me life, I shall be a witnesse for euer of your mercifull
+ clemencie."
+
+ The emperour with these words being pacified, granted life both to
+ Caratake, and also to his wife and brethren, who being loosed from
+ their bands, went also to the place where the empresse Agrippina sat
+ (not farre off) in a chaire of estate, whom they reuerenced with the
+ like praise and thanks as they had doone before to the emperour. After
+ this the senat was called togither, who discoursed of manie things
+ touching this honourable victorie atchiued by the taking of Caratake,
+ estéeming the same no lesse glorious, than when P. Scipio shewed in
+ [Sidenote: Siphax.]
+ [Sidenote: L. Paulus.]
+ triumph Siphax king of the Numidians, or L. Paulus the Macedonian king
+ Perses, or other Romane capteins anie such king whom they had
+ vanquished.
+
+ Héerevpon it was determined, that Ostorius should enter the citie of
+ Rome with triumph like a conqueror, for such prosperous successe as
+ hitherto had followed him: but afterwards his procéedings were not so
+ luckie, either for that after Caratake was remooued out of the waie,
+ or bicause the Romans (as though the warre had béene finished) looked
+ negligentlie to themselues, either else for that the Britains taking
+ compassion of the miserable state of Caratake, being so worthie a
+ prince, through fortunes froward aspect cast into miserie, were more
+ earnestlie set to reuenge his quarrell. Héerevpon they incompassed the
+ maister of the campe, and those legionarie bands of souldiers which
+ were left amongst the Silures to fortifie a place there for the armie
+ to lodge in: and if succour had not come out of the next towns and
+ castels, the Romans had béene destroied by siege. The head capteine
+ yet, and eight centurions, and euerie one else of the companies being
+ most forward, were slaine. Shortlie after they set vpon the Romane
+ forragers, and put them to flight, and also such companies of
+ horssemen as were appointed to gard them. Héerevpon Ostorius set
+ foorth certeine bands of light horssemen, but neither could he staie
+ the flight by that meanes, till finallie the legions entred the
+ battell, by whose force they were staid, and at length the Romans
+ obteined the better: but the Britains escaped by flight without great
+ losse, by reason the daie was spent.
+
+ After this, manie bickerings chanced betwixt the Britains and Romans,
+ & oftentimes they wrought their feats more like the trade of them that
+ vse to rob by the high waies, than of those that make open warre,
+ taking their enimies at some aduantage in woods and bogs, as hap or
+ force ministred occasion vpon malice conceiued, or in hope of prey,
+ sometimes by commandement, and sometimes without either commandement
+ or knowledge of capteine or officer.
+
+ At one time the Britains surprised two bands of footmen that were with
+ the Romans in aid, and sent foorth to forreie abroad vnaduisedlie,
+ through couetousnesse of the capteins. This feat was atchiued by the
+ Silures also, the which in bestowing prisoners and part of the spoile
+ vpon other of their neighbours, procured them likewise to rebell
+ against the Romans, and to take part with them. The Silures were the
+ more earnestlie set against the Romans, by occasion of words which the
+ emperor Claudius had vttered in their disfauour, as thus: that euen as
+ the Sicambres were destroied and remooued into Gallia, so likewise
+ must the Silures be dealt with, and the whole nation of them
+ extinguished. These words being blowne abroad, and knowne ouer all,
+ caused the Silures to conceiue a woonderfull hatred against the
+ Romans, so that they were fullie bent, either to reteine their
+ libertie, or to die in defense thereof vpon the enimies swoord.
+
+ In the meane time Ostorius Scapula departed this life, a right noble
+ warrior, and one who by litle & litle insuing the steps of Aulus
+ Plautius his predecessor, did what he could to bring the Ile into the
+ forme of a prouince, which in part he accomplished.
+
+ [Sidenote: _W.H._ in his chronologie.]
+ There be some led by coniecture grounded vpon good aduised
+ considerations, that suppose this Ostorius Scapula began to build the
+ citie of Chester after the ouerthrow of Caratacus: for in those
+ parties he fortified sundrie holds, and placed a number of old
+ souldiers either there in that selfe place, or in some other néere
+ therevnto by waie of a colonie. And for somuch (saie they) as we read
+ of none other of anie name thereabouts, it is to be thought that he
+ planted the same in Chester, where his successors did afterwards vse
+ to harbour their legions for the winter season, and in time of rest
+ from iournies which they haue to make against their common enimies.
+
+ In déed it is a common opinion among the people there vnto this daie,
+ that the Romans built those vaults or tauerns (which in that citie are
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Hig._ alias _Cestrensis._]
+ vnder the ground) with some part of the castell. And verelie as
+ Ranulfe Higden saith, a man that shall view and well consider those
+ buildings, maie thinke the same to be the woorke of Romans rather than
+ of anie other people. That the Romane legions did make their abode
+ there, no man séene in antiquities can doubt thereof, for the ancient
+ name _Caer leon ardour deuy,_ that is, The citie of legions vpon the
+ water of Dée, proueth it sufficientlie enough.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Corn. Tacit._]
+ But to returne vnto Ostorius Scapula, we find in Corn. Tacitus, that
+ during his time of being lieutenant in this Ile, there were certeine
+ [Sidenote: Cogidune a king in Britane.]
+ cities giuen vnto one Cogidune a king of the Britains, who continued
+ faithfull to the Romans vnto the daies of the remembrance of men
+ liuing in the time of the said Cornelius Tacitus, who liued and wrote
+ in the emperor Domitianus time. This was doone after an old receiued
+ custom of the people of Rome, to haue both subiects and kings vnder
+ their rule and dominion, as who so shall note the acts and déeds of
+ the Roman emperours from C. Iulius Cesar (who chased Pompeie out of
+ Italie, and was the first that obteined the Romane empire to himselfe;
+ of whom also the princes and emperours succéeding him were called
+ Cesars) to Octauian, Tiberius, Caligula, &c: maie easilie marke and
+ obserue. For they were a people of singular magnanimitie, of an
+ ambitious spirit, gréedie of honour and renowme, and not vnaptlie
+ termed "Romani rerum domini, &c."
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A. Didius is sent to supplie Ostorius his roome in Britaine, the
+ trecherie and lecherie of queene Cartimanda, Venutius keepeth the
+ kingdome in spite of the Romans, by what meanes their confines in this
+ Ile were inlarged; the error of Hector Boetius and others touching the
+ Silures, Brigants, and Nouants notified, the Britains giue the Romans
+ a shamefull ouerthrow._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: A. Didius lieutenant.]
+ After the deceasse of Ostorius Scapula, one A. Didius was sent to
+ supplie his roome, but yer he could come, things were brought out of
+ order, and the Britains had vanquished the legion whereof Manlius
+ Valens had the conduct: this victorie was set foorth by the Britains
+ to the vttermost, that with the bruit thereof they might strike a
+ feare into the lieutenants hart, now vpon his first comming ouer. And
+ he himselfe reported it by letters to the emperour after the largest
+ manner, to the end that if he appeased the matter, he might win the
+ more praise; or if he were put to the woorst, and should not preuaile,
+ that then his excuse might séeme the more reasonable and woorthie of
+ pardon. The Silures were they that had atchiued this victorie, and
+ kept a fowle stur ouer all the countries about them, till by the
+ comming of Didius against them, they were driuen backe and repelled.
+
+ But héerewith began trouble to be raised in another part: for after
+ that Caratac was taken, the chiefest and most skillfull capteine which
+ [Sidenote: Venutius ruler of the Iugants.]
+ the Britains had, was one Venutius, a ruler of the people named
+ Iugants, a man that remained a long time faithfull to the Romans,
+ and by their power was defended from his enimies, who had married with
+ [Sidenote: Cartimanda.]
+ Cartimanda queene of the Brigants or Yorkeshire men. This Cartimanda
+ (as ye haue heard) had deliuered Catarac into the Romans hands,
+ thereby ministring matter for the emperour Claudius to triumph, by
+ which pleasure shewed to the Romans, she increased thorough their
+ friendship in power and wealth, whereof followed riotous lust to
+ satisfie hir wanton appetite, so as she falling at square with hir
+ [Sidenote: Vellocatus.]
+ husband, married Vellocatus, one of his esquires, to whom she gaue hir
+ kingdome, and so dishonoured hir selfe. Héerevpon insued cruell warre,
+ in so much that in the end Venutius became enimie also to the Romans.
+ But first they tugged togither betwixt themselues, & the quéene by a
+ craftie policie found meanes to catch the brother and coosens of
+ Venutius, but hir enimies nothing therewith discouraged, but kindled
+ the more in wrath against hir, ceassed not to go forward with their
+ purpose.
+
+ Manie of the Brigants disdaining to be subiect vnto a womans rule that
+ had so reiected hir husband, reuolted vnto Venutius: but yet the
+ quéenes sensuall lust mixed with crueltie, mainteined the adulterer.
+ Venutius therefore calling to him such aid as he could get, and
+ strengthened now by the reuolting of the Brigants, brought Cartimanda
+ to such a narrow point, that she was in great danger to fall into the
+ hands of hir enimies: which the Romans forséeing, vpon suit made, sent
+ certeine bands of horssemen and footmen to helpe hir. They had diuerse
+ incounters with the enimies at the first, with doubtfull successe: but
+ [Sidenote: Venutius kéepeth the kingdome in despite of the Romans.]
+ at length they preuailed, and so deliuered the quéene out of perill,
+ but the kingdome remained to Venutius: against whom the Romans were
+ constreined still to mainteine warre.
+
+ About the same time, the legion also which Cesius Nasica led, got the
+ vpper hand of those Britains against whom he was sent. For Didius
+ being aged, and by victories past inough renowmed, thought it
+ sufficient for him to make warre by his capteins, so to staie and
+ kéepe off the enimie. Certeine castels and holds in déed he caused to
+ be built and fortified, further within the countrie than had béene
+ afore attempted by anie of his predecessors, and so thereby were the
+ confines of the Romans in this Ile somewhat inlarged. Thus haue ye
+ heard with what successe the Britains mainteined warre in defense of
+ their libertie against the Romans, whilest Claudius ruled the empire
+ (according to the report of the Romane writers.)
+
+ [Sidenote: The error of _Hector Boetius._]
+ ¶ But here you must note, that Hector Boetius, following the
+ authoritie of one Veremond a Spaniard, of Cornelius Hibernicus, & also
+ of Campbell, remooueth the Silures, Brigants, and Nouants, so farre
+ northward, that he maketh them inhabitants of those countries which
+ the Scots haue now in possession, and were euen then inhabited (as he
+ affirmeth) partlie by the Scots, and partlie by the Picts (as in the
+ Scotish historie ye may sée more at large) so that what notable feat
+ soeuer was atchiued by the old Britains against the Romans, the same
+ by him is ascribed to the Scots and Picts throughout his whole
+ historie, whereas (in verie truth) forsomuch as may be gathered by
+ coniecture und presumption of that which is left in writing by ancient
+ authors, the Brigants inhabited Yorkshire, the Silures Wales and the
+ Marches, and the Nouants the countrie of Cumberland.
+
+ But forsomuch as he hath diligentlie gathered in what maner the warres
+ were mainteined by those people against the Romans, and what valiant
+ exploits were taken in hand and finished thorough their stoutnesse and
+ valiancie, ye may there read the same, and iudge at your pleasure what
+ [Sidenote: A note to be considered in the reading of _Hect. Boetius._]
+ people they were whome he so much praiseth: aduertising you hereof by
+ the way, that as we haue before expressed, none of the Romane writers
+ mentioneth any thing of the Scots, nor once nameth them, till the
+ Romane empire began to decay, about the time of the emperor
+ Constantius, father of Constantine the great: so that if they had
+ béene in this Ile then so famous both in peace and warre, as they are
+ reported by the same Boetius; maruell might it séeme, that the Romane
+ writers would so passe them ouer with silence.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tac. lib. annal._ 15.]
+ After the death of Claudius the emperor of Rome, Claudius Domitianus
+ Nero succéeded him in gouernement of the empire. In the seuenth yéere
+ of whose reigne, which was after the incarnation 53, the Romans
+ receiued a great ouerthrow in Britaine, where neither the lieutenant
+ A. Didius Gallus (whom in this place Cornelius Tacitus calleth Auitus)
+ could during the time of his rule doo no more but hold that which was
+ alreadie gotten, beside the building of certeine castels (as before ye
+ haue heard) neither his successor Verannius, beating and forreieng the
+ woods, could atchiue anie further enterprise, for he was by death
+ preuented, so as he could not procéed forward with his purpose
+ touching the warres which he had ment to haue folowed, whose last
+ words (in his testament expressed) detected him of manifest ambition:
+ for adding manie things by way of flatterie to content Neros mind, he
+ wished to haue liued but two yéeres longer, in which space he might
+ haue subdued prouinces vnto his dominion, meaning therby the whole Ile
+ of Britaine. But this was a Romans brag, sauouring rather of ambition
+ than of truth or likelihood.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The gouernment of P. Suetonius in this Iland, he inuadeth Anglesey,
+ and winneth it, a strange kind of women, of the Druides, the Britains
+ lament their miserie and seruitude, and take aduise by weapon to
+ redresse it against the Romans their enimies._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: P. Suetonius lieutenant.]
+ But now when this great losse chanced to the Romans Paulinus Suetonius
+ did gouerne here as lieutenant, a man most plentifullie furnished with
+ all gifts of fortune and vertue, and therewith a right skilfull
+ warrior. This Suetonius therefore wishing to tame such of the Britains
+ [Sidenote: Anglesey inuaded.]
+ as kept out, prepared to assaile the Ile of Anglesey, a countrie full
+ of inhabitants, and a place of refuge for all outlawes and rebels. He
+ builded certeine brigantins with flat kéeles to serue for the ebbes
+ and shallow shelues here and there, lieng vncerteinlie in the straits
+ which he had to passe. The footmen ferried ouer in those vessels, the
+ horssemen following by the foords, and swimming when they came into
+ the deepe, got likewise to the shore, where stood in order of battell
+ and huge number of armed men close togither, redie to beat backe the
+ Romans, and to staie them from comming to land. Amongst the men, a
+ [Sidenote: A strange maner of women.]
+ number of women were also running vp and downe as they had béene out
+ of their wits, in garments like to wild roges, with their haire
+ hanging downe about their shoulders, and bearing firebrands in their
+ hands. There was also a companie of their priests or philosophers
+ [Sidenote: The Druids.]
+ called Druides, who with stretched forth hands towards heauen,
+ thundered out curssings against the Romans in most bitter wise.
+
+ The souldiers were so amazed with the strangenesse of this sight, that
+ (as men benummed of their lims and senses) they suffred themselues to
+ be wounded and slaine like senselesse creatures, till by the calling
+ vpon of their generall, and ech one incouraging other in no wise to
+ feare a sort of mad & distract women, they preassed forward vnder
+ their ensignes, bearing downe such as stood in their way, and with
+ their owne fire smooldered and burnt them to ashes.
+
+ [Sidenote: Anglesey won by the Romans.]
+ To conclude, the Romane lieutenant got possession of the whole Ile,
+ wherein he placed garisons of men of warre to kéepe the people there
+ [Sidenote: Woods cut downe.]
+ in subiection. He also caused their woods to be cut downe, that were
+ consecrated to their gods, within the which they were accustomed to
+ sacrifice such as they tooke prisoners, and by the view of their
+ intrailes, in dismembring them, to learne of their gods some oracles
+ and such other things as should come to passe.
+
+ But now in the meane time, whilest Paulinus was abroad about this
+ enterprise, the Britains began to conferre togither of they great and
+ importable miseries, of their grieuous state of seruitude, of their
+ iniuries and wrongs, which they dailie susteined: how that by
+ sufferance they profited nothing, but still were oppressed with more
+ heauie burthens. Ech countrie in times past had onelie one king to
+ [Sidenote: Lieutenant & procurator.]
+ rule them: now had they two, the lieutenant by his capteins and
+ souldiers spilling their bloud, and the procurator or receiuer (as we
+ may call him) bereauing them of their goods and substance. The concord
+ or discord betwixt those that were appointed to rule ouer them, was
+ all alike hurtfull vnto the subiects, the lieutenant oppressing them
+ by his capteins and men of warre, and the procurator or receiuer by
+ force and reprochfull demeanours, polling them by insufferable
+ exactions.
+
+ There was nothing frée from the couetous extortion and filthie
+ concupiscence of these vnsatiable persons, for in these daies (say
+ they) the greatest spoiler is the valiantest man, and most commonlie
+ our houses are robbed and ransacked by a sort of cowardlie raskals
+ that haue no knowledge of anie warlike feats at all. Our children are
+ taken from us, we are forced to go to the musters, and are set foorth
+ to serue in forren parties, as those that are ignorant which way to
+ spend our liues in the quarell of our owne countrie. What a number of
+ souldiers haue beene transported ouer from hence to serue in other
+ lands, if a iust account were taken thereof: The Germans by manhood
+ haue cast (said they) from their shoulders the heauie yoke of bondage,
+ and are not defended as we are with the maine Ocean sea, but onelie
+ with a riuer. Where the Britains haue their countrie, their wiues and
+ parents, as iust causes of war to fight for: the Romans haue none at
+ all, but a couetous desire to gaine by rapine, and to satisfie their
+ excessiue lusts.
+
+ They might easilie be compelled to depart the countrie, as Iulius
+ Cesar was, if the Britains would shew some proofe of the noble
+ prowesse that was euidentlie found in their woorthie ancestors, and
+ not shrinke or quaile in courage for the misaduenture that should
+ happilie chance by fighting one battell or two. Greatest force and
+ constancie alwaies remaineth with those that séek to deliuer
+ themselues from miserie. Now appeared it that the gods had taken some
+ pitie of the poore Britains, who by their diuine power did withhold
+ the chiefe capteine of the Romans with his armie, as it were banished
+ [Sidenote: Occasion not be neglected.]
+ in an other Iland. Let vs then (said they) take the oportunitie of
+ time and good occasion offered, and foorthwith procéed in our
+ businesse: for lesse danger it is manfullie to aduenture, and to go
+ forward with our purpose, than to be bewraied and taken in these our
+ consultations. Thus hauing taken aduise togither, and wholie misliking
+ their present state, they determined to take weapon in hand, and so by
+ force to seeke for reformation.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A catalog of causes or greeuances inciting the Britains to rebell
+ against the Romans, wherein is shewed what iniuries they susteined: of
+ diuers strange wonders and apparitions; the chiefe cause of the
+ Britains insurging against the Romans, they admitted as well women as
+ men to publike gouernement. A description of queene Voadicia, hir
+ personage and maner of attire._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tac. lib._ 14.]
+ The Britains indeed were occasioned to doo as they purposed, thorough
+ manie euill parts practised by the Romans greatlie to their griefs and
+ [Sidenote: Prasutagus.]
+ displeasures. For whereas Prasutagus (who is supposed by Hector
+ [Sidenote: The Oxfordshire and Glocestershire men.]
+ Boetius to be Aruiragus, king of the people called Iceni) had made the
+ emperour and two of his owne daughters his heires, supposing by that
+ meane to haue his kingdome and familie preserued from all iniurie: it
+ happened quite contrarie to that his expectation. For his kingdome was
+ [Sidenote: Voadicia alias Bunduica.]
+ spoiled by the Romane capteins, his wife named Voadicia beaten by the
+ souldiers, his daughters rauished, the péeres of the realme bereft of
+ their goods, and the kings friends made and reputed as bondslaues.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ There was also an other great cause that stirred the Britains to this
+ rebellion, which was the confiscating of their goods: for whereas
+ Claudius himselfe had pardoned the chiefest persons of the
+ forfeitures, Decianus Catus the procurator of that Ile mainteined that
+ [Sidenote: Vsurie.]
+ the same ought to be renewed againe. To this an other griefe was
+ added, that where Seneca had lent to the nobilitie of the Ile, foure
+ hundred sestercies, ech hundred being 500000 pounds starling, or
+ thereabout, vpon great interest, he required the whole summe togither
+ by great rigor and violence, although he forced them at the first to
+ take this monie to vsurie.
+
+ Also such old souldiers as were placed by waie of a colonie, to
+ inhabit the towne of Camelodunum, expelled manie of the Britains out
+ of their houses, droue them out of their possessions and lands, and
+ accounted the Britains as slaues, and as though they had bene captiue
+ prisoners or bondmen. Besides this, the temple there that was built in
+ honor of Claudius, as an altar of eternall rule and gouernment, was
+ serued with préests, the which vnder colour of religion did spoile,
+ consume and deuoure the goods of all men.
+
+ Moreouer, such strange sights and woonders as chanced about the same
+ time, pricked the Britains the rather forward. For the image of the
+ goddesse Victoria in the temple at Camelodunum, slipping downe, turned
+ hir backe (as who should saie she gaue place as vanquished) to the
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ enimies. Also in the hall where the courts of iustice were kept, there
+ was a maruellous great noise heard, with much laughing, and a sturre
+ [Sidenote: Strange woonders.]
+ in the theatre, with great wéeping and lamentable howling, at such
+ time as it was certeinlie knowne that there was no creature there to
+ make anie noise. The sea at a spring tide appeared of a bloudie
+ colour, and when the tide was gone backe, there were séene on the
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ sands the shapes & figures of mens bodies. Women also as rauished of
+ their wits, and being as it were in a furie, prophesied that
+ destruction was at hand, so that the Britains were put greatlie in
+ hope, and the Romans in feare.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ But those things, whether they chanced by the craft of man, or
+ illusion of the diuell; or whether they procéeded of some naturall
+ cause, which the common people oftentimes taketh superstitiouslie, in
+ place of strange woonders signifieng things to follow, we would let
+ passe, least we might be thought to offend religion; the which
+ teaching all things to be doone by the prouidence of God, despiseth
+ the vaine predictions of haps to come, if the order of an historie
+ (saith Polydor Virgil) would so permit, the which requireth all things
+ to be written in maner as they fall out and come to passe.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tac. li._ 15.]
+ [Sidenote: Voadicia by Dion Cassius is called Bunuica.]
+ But the Britains were chiefelie mooued to rebellion by the iust
+ complaint of Voadicia, declaring how vnséemelie she had beene vsed and
+ intreated at the hands of the Romans: and because she was most
+ earnestlie bent to séeke reuenge of their iniuries, and hated the name
+ of the Romans most of all other, they chose hir to be capteine (for
+ [Sidenote: The ancient Britains admitted as well women as men to
+ publike gouernment.]
+ they in rule and gouvernment made no difference then of sex, whether
+ they committed the same to man or woman) and so by a generall
+ conspiracie, the more part of the people hauing also allured the Essex
+ men vnto rebellion, rose and assembled themselues togither to make
+ warre against the Romans. There were of them a hundred and twentie
+ thousand got togither in one armie vnder the leading of the said
+ Voadicia, or Bunduica (as some name hir.)
+
+ She therefore to encourage hir people against the enimies, mounted vp
+ into an high place raised vp of turfes & sods made for the nonce, out
+ of the which she made a long & verie pithie oration. Hir mightie tall
+ personage, comelie shape, seuere countenance, and sharpe voice, with
+ hir long and yellow tresses of heare reaching downe to hir thighes,
+ hir braue and gorgeous apparell also caused the people to haue hir in
+ great reuerence. She ware a chaine of gold, great and verie massie,
+ and was clad in a lose kirtle of sundrie colours, and aloft therevpon
+ she had a thicke Irish mantell: hereto in hir hand (as hir custome
+ was) she bare a speare, to shew hirselfe the more dreadfull.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The oration of quéene Voadicia full of prudence and spirit to the
+ Britains, for their encouragement against the Romans, wherein she
+ rippeth vp the vile seruitude and shamefull wrongs which their enimies
+ inflicted vpon them, with other matters verie motiue, both concerning
+ themselues and their enimies, hir supplication and praier for
+ victorie._
+
+ THE ELEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now Voadicia being prepared (as you heare) set foorth with such
+ maiestie, that she greatlie incouraged the Britains; vnto whome for
+ their better animating and emboldening, she vttered this gallant
+ oration in manner and forme following.
+
+ [Sidenote: The oration of Voadicia.]
+ "I doo suppose (my louers and friends) that there is no man here but
+ dooth well vnderstand how much libertie and fréedome is to be
+ preferred before thraldome and bondage. But if there haue bene anie of
+ you so deceiued with the Romane persuasions, that ye did not for a
+ time see a difference betwéene them, and iudged whether of both is
+ most to be desired: now I hope that hauing tried what it is to be
+ vnder both, ye will with me reforme your iudgement, and by the harmes
+ alreadie taken, acknowledge your ouersight, and forsake your former
+ error. Againe, in that a number of you haue rashlie preferred an
+ externall souereigntie before the customes and lawes of your owne
+ countrie, you doo at this time (I doubt not) perfectlie vnderstand how
+ much free pouertie is to be preferred before great riches, wherevnto
+ seruitude is annexed; and much wealth in respect of captiuitie vnder
+ forren magistrats, wherevpon slauerie attendeth. For what thing (I
+ beséech you) can there be so vile & grieuous vnto the nature of man,
+ that hath not happened vnto vs, sithens the time that the Romans haue
+ bene acquainted with this Iland?
+
+ "Are we not all in manner bereaued of our riches & possessions? Doo
+ not we (beside other things that we giue, and the land that we till
+ for their onelie profit) paie them all kinds of tributs, yea for our
+ owne carcases? How much better is it to be once aloft and fortunate in
+ deed, than vnder the forged and false title of libertie, continuallie
+ to paie for our redemption a fréedome? How much is it more commendable
+ to lose our liues in defense of our countrie, than to carie about not
+ so much as our heads toll frée, but dailie oppressed & laden with
+ innumerable exactions? But to what end doo I remember and speake of
+ these things, since they will not suffer by death to become frée? For
+ what and how much we paie for them that are dead, there is not one
+ here but he dooth well vnderstand. Among other nations such as are
+ brought into seruitude, are alwaies by death discharged of their
+ bondage: onelie to the Romans the dead doo still liue, and all to
+ increase their commoditie and gaine.
+
+ "If anie of vs be without monie (as I know not well how and which way
+ we should come by anie) then are we left naked, & spoiled of that
+ which remaineth in our houses, & we our selues as men left desolate &
+ dead. How shall we looke for better dealing at their hands hereafter,
+ that in the beginning deale so vncourteouslie with vs: since there is
+ no man that taketh so much as a wild beast, but at the first he will
+ cherish it, and with some gentlenesse win it to familiaritie? But we
+ ourselues (to saie the trueth) are authors of our owne mischiefe,
+ which suffered them at the first to set foot within our Iland, and did
+ not by and by driue them backe as we did Cesar, or slue them with our
+ swords when they were yet farre off, and that the aduenturing hither
+ was dangerous: as we did sometime to Augustus and Caligula.
+
+ "We therefore that inhabit this Iland, which for the quantitie thereof
+ maie well be called a maine, although it be inuironed about with the
+ Ocean sea, diuiding vs from other nations, so that we séeme to liue
+ vpon an other earth, & vnder a seuerall heauen: we, euen we (I saie)
+ whose name hath béene long kept hid from the wisest of them all, are
+ now contemned and troden vnder foot, of them who studie nothings else
+ but how to become lords & haue rule of other men. Wherefore my
+ welbeloued citizens, friendes, and kinsfolkes (for I thinke we are all
+ of kin, since we were borne and dwell in this Ile, and haue one name
+ common to vs all) let vs now, euen now (I saie, because we haue not
+ doone it heretofore, and whilest the remembrance of our ancient
+ libertie remaineth) sticke togither, and performe that thing which
+ dooth perteine to valiant and hardie courages, to the end we maie
+ inioie, not onelie the name of libertie, but also fréedome it selfe,
+ and thereby leaue our force and valiant acts for an example to our
+ posteritie: for if we which haue béene liberallie and in honest maner
+ brought vp, should vtterlie forget our pristinate felicitie: what may
+ we hope for in those that shall sucéed vs, and are like to be brought
+ vp in miserie and thraldome?
+
+ "I doo not make rehearsall of these things vnto you, to the end I
+ would prouoke you to mislike of this present estate of things (for
+ well I know you abhorre it sufficientlie alreadie) neither to put you
+ in feare of those things that are likelie to fall hereafter (because
+ you doo feare and sée them verie well before hand) but to the end I
+ maie giue you heartie thankes and woorthie commendations, for that of
+ your owne accord and meanes you determine so well to prouide for
+ things necessarie (thereby to helpe both me and your selues with
+ willing minds) as men that are nothing in doubt of all the Romane
+ puissance.
+
+ "If you consider the number of your enimies, it is not greater than
+ yours: if you regard their strength, they are no stronger than you:
+ and all this dooth easilie appéere by the bassinets, habergeons, &
+ greiues wherewith you be armed; and also by the walls, ditches and
+ trenches that you haue made for your own defense, to kéepe off their
+ excursions, who had rather fight with vs a farre off, than cope &
+ deale with vs at hand strokes, as our custome of the warres and
+ martiall discipline dooth require. Wherefore we doo so farre exceed
+ them in force, that in mine opinion, our armie is more strong than
+ stone walls, and one of our targets woorth all the armour that they
+ doo beare vpon them: by meanes whereof, if the victorie be ours, we
+ shall soone make them captiues: or if we lose the field, we shall
+ easilie escape the danger.
+
+ "Furthermore, if after the flight we shall indeuour to méet anie
+ where, we haue the marishes héere beneath to hide vs in, and the hils
+ round about to kéepe them off, so that by no meanes they shall haue
+ their purpose of vs, whereas they being ouercharged with heavie
+ armour, shall neither be able to follow, if we flée; nor escape out of
+ our danger, if they be put to flight: if they happen to breake out at
+ anie time as desirous to make a rode, they returne by and by to their
+ appointed places, where we maie take them as birds alreadie in cage.
+ In all which things, as they are farre inferior to vs, so most of all
+ in this, that they can not indure hunger, thirst, cold, heat, and
+ sunneshine, as we can doo.
+
+ "In their houses also and tents, they make much account of their baked
+ meates, wine, oile, and abroad of the shadow, that if anie of these
+ doo faile them, they either die foorthwith, or else in time they
+ languish and consume: whereas to vs euerie hearbe and root is meat,
+ euerie iuice an oile, all water pleasant wine, and euerie trée an
+ house. Beside this, there is no place of the land vnknowne to vs,
+ neither yet vnfriendlie to succour vs at néed; whereas to the Romans
+ they are for the most part vnknowne and altogither dangerous, if they
+ should stand in néed: we can with ease swim ouer euerie riuer both
+ naked and clad, which they with their great ships are scarse able to
+ performe. Wherefore with hope and good lucke let vs set vpon them
+ couragiouslie, and teach them to vnderstand, that since they are no
+ better than hares and foxes, they attempt a wrong match, when they
+ indeuour to subdue the grehounds and the woolues." With which words
+ the quéene let an hare go out of hir lap, as it were thereby to giue
+ prognostication of hir successe, which comming well to passe, all the
+ companie showted, and cried out vpon such as not long before had doone
+ such violence to so noble a personage. Presentlie vpon this action,
+ Voadicia calling them togither againe, procéeded forward with hir
+ praier, which she made before them all, holding vp hir hands after
+ this manner:
+
+ "I giue thée thanks O Adraste, and call vpon thee thou woman of women,
+ which reignest not ouer the burthen-bearing Aegyptians, as Nitocris;
+ neither ouer their merchants, as dooth Semiramis, for these trifles we
+ haue learned latelie of the Romans: neither ouer the people of Rome,
+ as a little héeretofore Messalina, then Agrippina, and now Nero, who
+ is called by the name of a man, but is in déed a verie woman, as dooth
+ appéere by his voice, his harpe, and his womans attire: but I call
+ vpon thee as a goddesse which gouernest the Britains, that haue
+ learned not to till the field, nor to be handicrafts men, but to lead
+ their liues in the warres after the best manner: who also as they haue
+ all other things, so haue they likewise their wiues and children
+ common, whereby the women haue the like audacitie with the men, and no
+ lesse boldnesse in the warres than they.
+
+ "Therefore sithens I haue obteined a kingdome among such a mightie
+ people, I beséech thée to grant them victorie, health, and libertie,
+ against these contentious, wicked, and vnsatiable men (if they maie be
+ called men, which vse warme bathings, delicate fare, hot wines, swéet
+ oiles, soft beds, fine musicke, and so vnkindlie lusts) who are
+ altogither giuen to couetousnesse and crueltie, as their dooings doo
+ declare. Let not I beséech thée, the Neronian or Domitian tyrannie
+ anie more preuaile vpon me, or (to saie truth) vpon thée, but let them
+ rather serue thée, whose heauie oppression thou hast borne withall a
+ long season, and that thou wilt still be our helper onlie, our
+ defender, our fauourer, and our furtherer, O noble ladie, I hartilie
+ beséech thée."
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Queene Voadicia marcheth against the Romans, to whom she giueth a
+ shamefull and bloudie ouerthrow without anie motion of mercie,
+ dredfull examples of the Britains crueltie indifferentlie executed
+ without exception of age or sex._
+
+ THE TWELFE CHAPTER.
+
+
+ When Voadicia had made an end of hir praier, she set forward against
+ hir enimies, who at that time were destitute in déed of their
+ lieutenant Paulinus Suetonius, being as then in Anglesey (as before ye
+ haue heard.) Wherefore the Romans that were in Camelodunum sent for
+ [Sidenote: _Corn. Tacit._]
+ [Sidenote: Catus Decianus procurator.]
+ aid vnto Catus Decianus the procurator, that is, the emperours agent,
+ treasurer, or receiuer, for in that citie (although it were inhabited
+ by Romans) there was no great garrison of able men. Wherevpon the
+ procurator sent them such aid as he thought he might well spare, which
+ was not past two hundred men, and those not sufficientlie furnished
+ either with weapon or armour.
+
+ The citie was not compassed with anie rampire or ditch for defense,
+ such as happilie were priuie to the conspiracie, hauing put into the
+ heads of the Romans that no fortification néeded: neither were the
+ aged men nor women sent awaie, whereby the yoong able personages might
+ without trouble of them the better attend to the defense of the citie:
+ but euen as they had béene in all suertie of peace, and frée from
+ suspicion of anie warre, they were suddenlie beset with the huge armie
+ of the Britains, and so all went to spoile and fire that could be
+ found without the inclosure of the temple, into the which the Romane
+ souldiers (striken with sudden feare by this sudden comming of the
+ enimies) had thronged themselues. Where being assieged by the
+ Britains, within the space of two daies the place was woonne, and they
+ that were found within it, slaine euerie mothers sonne.
+
+ After this, the Britains incouraged with this victorie, went to méet
+ with Petus Cerealis lieutenant of the legion, surnamed the ninth, and
+ boldlie incountering with the same legion, gaue the Romans the
+ ouerthrow and slue all the footmen, so that Cerealis with much adoo
+ escaped with his horssemen, and got him backe to the campe, and saued
+ himselfe within the trenches. Catus the procurator being put in feare
+ with this ouerthrow, and perceiuing what hatred the Britains bare
+ towards him, hauing with his couetousnesse thus brought the warre vpon
+ the head of the Romans, got him ouer into Gallia.
+
+ But Suetonius aduertised of these dooings, came backe out of Anglesey,
+ and with maruellous constancie marched through the middest of his
+ enimies to London, being as then not greatlie peopled with Romans,
+ though there was a colonie of them, but full of merchants, and well
+ prouided of vittels: he was in great doubt at his comming thither,
+ whether he might best staie there as in a place most conuenient, or
+ rather séeke some other more easie to be defended. At length
+ considering the small number of his men of warre, and remembring how
+ Cerealis had sped by his too much rashnesse, he thought better with
+ the losing of one towne to saue the whole, than to put all in danger
+ of irrecouerable losse. And therewith nothing mooued at the praier &
+ teares of them which besought him of aid and succour, he departed, and
+ those that would go with him he receiued into his armie, those that
+ taried behind were oppressed by the enimies: and the like destruction
+ happened to them of Verolanium, a towne in those daies of great fame,
+ situat néere to the place where the towne of Saint Albons now
+ standeth.
+
+ The Britains leauing the castels and fortresses vnassaulted, followed
+ their game in spoiling of those places which were easie to get, and
+ where great plentie of riches was to be found, vsing their victorie
+ with such crueltie, that they slue (as the report went) to the number
+ [Sidenote: 80000, saith _Dion._]
+ of 70 thousand Romans, and such as tooke their part in the said places
+ by the Britains thus woon and conquered. For there was nothing with
+ the Britains but slaughter, fire, gallowes, and such like, so
+ earnestlie were they set on reuenge. They spared neither age nor sex:
+ women of great nobilitie and woorthie fame they tooke and hanged vp
+ naked, and cutting off their paps, sowed them to their mouthes, that
+ they might séeme as if they sucked and fed on them, and some of their
+ bodies they stretched out in length, and thrust them on sharpe stakes.
+ All these things they did in great despite whilest they sacrificed in
+ their temples, and made feasts, namelie in the wood consecrated to the
+ honour of Andates, for so they called the goddesse of victorie whom
+ they worshipped most reuerentlie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _P. Suetonius the Romane with a fresh power assalteth the Britains,
+ whose armie consisted as well of women as men: queene Voadicia
+ incourageth hir souldiers, so dooth Suetonius his warriors, both
+ armies haue a sharpe conflict, the Britains are discomfited and
+ miserablie slaine, the queene dieth, Penius Posthumus killeth
+ himselfe, the Britains are persecuted with fire, swoord, and famine,
+ the grudge betweene Cassicianus and Suetonius, whome Polycletus is
+ sent to reconcile, of his traine, and how the Britains repined at
+ him._
+
+ THE XIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In this meane time there came ouer to the aid of Suetonius, the legion
+ surnamed the 14, and other bands of souldiers and men of warre, to the
+ number of ten thousand in the whole, wherevpon (chieflie bicause
+ vittels began to faile him) he prepared to giue battell to his
+ enimies, and chose out a plot of ground verie strong within straits,
+ and backed with a wood, so that the enimies could not assault his
+ campe but on the front: yet by reason of their great multitude and
+ [Sidenote: The Britains were at that time 230000 men, (as _Dion_
+ writeth.)]
+ hope of victorie conceiued by their late prosperous successe, the
+ Britains vnder the conduct of quéene Voadicia aduentured to giue
+ battell, hauing their women there to be witnesses of the victorie,
+ whome they placed in charrets at the vttermost side of their field.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Corn. Tacit. li._ 15.]
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ Voadicia, or Boudicia (for so we find hir written by some copies, and
+ Bonuica also by Dion) hauing hir daughters afore hir, being mounted
+ into a charret, as she passed by the souldiers of ech sundrie
+ countrie, told them "it was a thing accustomed among the Britains to
+ go to the warres vnder the leading of women; but she was not now come
+ foorth as one borne of such noble ancestors as she was descended from,
+ to fight for hir kingdome and riches; but as one of the meaner sort,
+ rather to defend hir lost libertie, and to reuenge hir selfe of the
+ enimie, for their crueltie shewed in scourging hir like a vagabond,
+ and shamefull deflouring of hir daughters: for the licentious lust of
+ the Romans was so farre spred and increased, that they spared neither
+ the bodies of old nor yoong, but were readie most shamefullie to abuse
+ them, hauing whipped hir naked being an aged woman, and forced hir
+ daughters to satisfie their filthie concupiscence: but (saith she) the
+ gods are at hand readie to take iust reuenge.
+
+ "The legion that presumed to incounter with vs is slaine and beaten
+ downe. The residue kéepe them close within their holds, or else séeke
+ waies how to flée out of the countrie: they shall not be once able so
+ much as to abide the noise and clamor of so manie thousands as we are
+ héere assembled, much lesse the force of our great puissance and
+ dreadfull hands. If ye therefore (said she) would wey and consider
+ with your selues your huge numbers of men of warre, and the causes why
+ ye haue mooued this warre, ye would surelie determine either in this
+ battell to die with honour, or else to vanquish the enimie by plaine
+ force, for so (quoth she) I being a woman am fullie resolued, as for
+ you men ye maie (if ye list) liue and be brought into bondage."
+
+ "Neither did Suetonius ceasse to exhort his people: for though he
+ trusted in their manhood, yet as he had diuided his armie into three
+ battels, so did he make vnto ech of them a seuerall oration, willing
+ them not to feare the shrill and vaine menacing threats of the
+ Britains, sith there was among them more women than men, they hauing
+ no skill in warrelike discipline, and heereto being naked without
+ furniture of armour, would foorthwith giue place when they should
+ féele the sharpe points of the Romans weapons, and the force of them
+ by whom they had so often béene put to flight. In manie legions (saith
+ he) the number is small of them that win the battell. Their glorie
+ therefore should be the more, for that they being a small number
+ should win the fame due to the whole armie, if they would (thronging
+ togither) bestow their weapons fréelie, and with their swoords and
+ targets preasse forward vpon their enimies, continuing the slaughter
+ without regard to the spoile, they might assure themselues when the
+ victorie was once atchiued to haue all at their pleasures."
+
+ Such forwardnesse in the souldiers followed vpon this exhortation of
+ the couragious generall, that euerie one prepared himselfe so readilie
+ to doo his dutie, and that with such a shew of skill and experience,
+ that Suetonius hauing conceiued an assured hope of good lucke to
+ follow, caused the trumpets to sound to the battell. The onset was
+ giuen in the straits, greatlie to the aduantage of the Romans, being
+ but a handfull in comparison to their enimies. The fight in the
+ beginning was verie sharpe and cruell, but in the end the Britains
+ being a let one to another (by reason of the narrownesse of the place)
+ were not able to susteine the violent force of the Romans their
+ enimies, so that they were constreind to giue backe, and so being
+ disordered were put to flight, and vtterlie discomfited.
+
+ [Sidenote: 80000 Britains slaine.]
+ There were slaine of the Britains that day few lesse than 80000
+ [Sidenote: [*_sic_]]
+ thousand*, as Tacitus writeth. For the straits being stopped with the
+ charrets, staied the flight of the Britains, so as they could not
+ easilie escape: and the Romans were so set on reuenge, that they
+ spared neither man nor woman, so that manie were slaine in the
+ battell, manie amongst the charrets, and a great number at the woods
+ side, which way they made their flight, and manie were taken
+ prisoners. Those that escaped, would haue fought a new battell, but in
+ the meane time Voadicia, or Bonuica deceassed of a naturall
+ infirmitie, as Dion Cassius writeth, but other say that she poisoned
+ hir selfe, and so died, because she would not come into the hands of
+ hir bloodthirstie enimies. There died of the Romans part in this most
+ notable battell 400, and about the like number were grieuouslie hurt
+ and most pitifullie wounded.
+
+ [Sidenote: Penius Posthumous sleieth himselfe.]
+ Penius Posthumous maister of the campe of the second legion,
+ vnderstanding the prosperous successe of the other Romane capteins,
+ because he had defrauded his legion of the like glorie, and had
+ refused to obeie the commandements of the generall, contrarie to the
+ vse of warre, slue himselfe.
+
+ After this all the Romane armie was brought into the field to make an
+ end of the residue of the warre. And the emperour caused a supplie to
+ be sent out of Germanie being 2000 legionarie souldiers, and 8 bands
+ of aids, with 1000 horssemen, by whose comming the bands of the ninth
+ legion were supplied with legionarie souldiers, and those bands and
+ wings of horssemen were appointed to places where they might winter,
+ and such people of the Britains as were either enimies, or else stood
+ in doubt whether to be friends or enimies in déed, were persecuted
+ with fire and sword.
+
+ But nothing more afflicted them than famine, for whilest euerie man
+ gaue himselfe to the warre, and purposed to haue liued vpon the
+ prouision of the Romans and other their enimies, they applied not
+ themselues to tillage, nor to anie husbanding of the ground, and long
+ [Sidenote: Julius Cassickinus procurator.]
+ it was yer they (being a fierce kind of people) fell to embrace peace,
+ by reason that Iulius Cassicianus, who was sent into Britaine as
+ successor to Catus, fell at square with Suetonius, and by his priuat
+ grudge hindered the prosperous successe of publike affaires. He
+ sticked not to write to Rome, that except an other were sent to
+ succéed in the roome that Suetonius did beare, there would be no end
+ of the warres. Herevpon one Polycletus, which sometime had béene a
+ bondman, was sent into Britaine, as a commissioner to surueie the
+ state of the countrie, to reconcile the legat and procurator, & also
+ to pacifie all troubles within the Ile.
+
+ The port which Polycletus bare was great, for he was furnished with no
+ small traine that attended vpon him, so that his presence seemed verie
+ dreadfull to the Romans. But the Britains that were not yet pacified,
+ thought great scorne to see such honorable capteins and men of warre
+ as the Romans were, to submit themselues to the order of such a one as
+ had béene a bondslaue.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _In what state the Iland stood whiles Aruiragus reigned; the dissolute
+ and loose gouernement of Petronius Turpilianus, Trebellius Maximus,
+ and Victius Volanus, thrée lieutenants in Britaine for the Romane
+ emperours, of Iulius Frontinus who vanquished the Silures._
+
+ THE XIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: PETRONIUS TURPILIANUS LIEUTENANT.]
+ In place of Suetonius, was Petronius Turpilianus (who had latelie
+ béene consull) appointed to haue gouernance of the armie in Britaine,
+ the which neither troubling the enimie, nor being of the enimie in
+ anie wise troubled or prouoked, did colour slouthfull rest with the
+ honest name of peace and quietnesse, and so sat still without
+ exploiting anie notable enterprise.
+
+ [Sidenote: TREBELLIUS MAXIMUS LIEUTENANT.]
+ After Turpilianus, Trebellius Maximus was made lieutenant of Britaine,
+ who likewise with courteous demeanour sought to kéepe the Britains in
+ rest rather than by force to compell them. And now began the people of
+ the Ile to beare with pleasant faults and flattering vices, so that
+ the ciuill warres that chanced in those daies after the death of the
+ emperour Nero at home, might easilie excuse the slouthfulnesse of the
+ Romane lieutenants.
+
+ Moreouer, there rose dissention amongest their men of warre, which
+ being vsed to lie abroad in the field, could not agrée with the idle
+ life; so that Trebellius Maximus was glad to hide himselfe from the
+ sight of the souldiers being in an vprore against him, till at length
+ humbling himselfe vnto them further than became his estate, he
+ gouerned by waie of intreatie, or rather at their courtesie. And so
+ was the commotion staied without bloudshed, the armie as it were
+ hauing by couenant obtained to liue licentiouslie, and the capteine
+ suertie to liue without danger to be murthered.
+
+ [Sidenote: VICTIUS VOLANUS LIEUTENAT.]
+ Neither Victius Volanus that succéeded Maximus whilest the time of the
+ ciuill warres as yet endured, did trouble the Britains, vsing the same
+ slacknesse and slouth that the other lieutenants had vsed before him,
+ and permitted the like licence to the presumptuous souldiers: but yet
+ was Volanus innocent as touching himselfe, and not hated for anie
+ notable crime or vice: so that he purchased fauour, although
+ authoritie wanted.
+
+ But after that the emperour Vsepasianus had subdued his aduersaries,
+ and atteined the imperiall gouernment, as well ouer Britaine as ouer
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus._]
+ other parts of the world, there were sent hither right noble capteins,
+ with diuers notable bands of souldiers, and Petilius Cerialis being
+ appointed lieutenant, put the Britains in great feare, by inuading the
+ Brigants the mightiest nation of all the whole Iland: and fighting
+ manie battels, and some right bloudie with those people, he subdued a
+ great part of the countrie at the last.
+
+ [Sidenote: IULIUS FRONTINUS LIEUTENAT.]
+ After him succéeded as lieutenant of Britaine, one Iulius Frontinus,
+ who vanquished and brought to the Romane subiection by force of armes
+ the people called Silures, striuing not onelie against the stout
+ resistance of the men, but also with the hardnesse & combersome
+ troubles of the places.
+
+ ¶ Thus may you perceiue in what state this Ile stood in the time that
+ Aruiragus reigned in the same, as is supposed by the best histories of
+ the old Britains: so that it may be thought that he gouerned rather a
+ part of this land, than the whole, and bare the name of a king, the
+ Romans not hauing so reduced the countrie into the forme of a
+ prouince, but that the Britains bare rule in diuerse parts thereof,
+ and that by the permission of the Romans, which neuerthelesse had
+ their lieutenants and procuratours here, that bare the greatest rule
+ vnder the aforesaid emperours.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The state of this Iland under Marius the sonne of Aruiragus, the
+ comming in of the Picts with Roderike their king, his death in the
+ field, the Picts and Scots enter into mutuall aliance, the monument
+ of Marius, his victorie ouer the Picts, his death and interrement._
+
+ THE XV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: MARIUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boetius_ saith that his Marius was a Romane. 73.]
+ After the decease of Aruiragus, his sonne Marius succeeded him in the
+ estate, and began his reigne in the yeare of our Lord 73. In the old
+ English chronicle he is fondlie called Westmer, & was a verie wise
+ man, gouerning the Britains in great prosperitie, honour and wealth.
+
+ In the time of this mans reigne, the people called Picts inuaded this
+ land, who are iudged to be descended of the nation of the Scithians,
+ [Sidenote: Of these you maie reade more in pag. 9.
+ (441-2 = Book 2, Ch. 3.)]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ neare kinsmen to the Goths, both by countrie and maners, a cruell kind
+ of men and much giuen to the warres. This people with their ringleader
+ Roderike, or (as some name him) Londorike, entering the Ocean sea
+ after the maner of rouers, arriued on the coasts of Ireland, where
+ they required of the Scots new seats to inhabit in: for the Scots
+ which (as some thinke) were also descended of the Scithians, did as
+ then inhabit in Ireland: but doubting that it should not be for their
+ profit to receiue so warlike a nation into that Ile, feining as it
+ were a friendship, and excusing the matter by the narrownesse of the
+ countrie, declared to the Picts, that the Ile of Britaine was not
+ farre from thence, being a large countrie and a plentifull, and not
+ greatly inhabited: wherefore they counselled them to go thither,
+ promising vnto them all the aid that might be.
+
+ The Picts more desirous of spoile than of rule or gouernment without
+ delaie returned to the sea, and sailed towards Britaine, where being
+ arriued, they first inuaded the north parts thereof, and finding there
+ but few inhabiters, they began to wast and forrey the countrie:
+ whereof when king Marius was aduertised, with all speed he assembled
+ his people, and made towards his enimies, and giuing them battell,
+ [Sidenote: Roderike king of Picts slaine.]
+ obtained the victorie, so that Roderike was there slaine in the field,
+ and his people vanquished.
+
+ Vnto those that escaped with life, Marius granted licence that they
+ might inhabit in the north part of Scotland called Catnesse, being as
+ then a countrie in maner desolate without habitation: wherevpon they
+ withdrew thither, and setled themselues in those parties. And bicause
+ the Britains disdained to grant vnto them their daughters in mariage,
+ they sent vnto the Scots into Ireland, requiring to haue wiues of
+ their nation. The Scots agréed to their request, with this condition,
+ that where there wanted lawfull issue of the kings linage to succéed
+ in the kingdome of the Picts, then should they name one of the womans
+ side to be their king: which ordinance was receiued and obserued euer
+ after amongst the Picts, so long as their kingdome endured.
+
+ Thus the Picts next after the Romans were the first of anie strangers
+ that came into this land to inhabit as most writers affirme, although
+ the Scotish chronicles auouch the Picts to be inhabiters here before
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ the incarnation of our sauiour. But the victorie which Marius obteined
+ against their king Roderike, chanced in the yéere after the
+ incarnation 87. In remembrance of which victorie, Marius caused a
+ stone to be erected in the same place where the battell was fought, in
+ which stone was grauen these words, _Marij victoria._ The English
+ chronicle saith that this stone was set vp on Stanesmoore, and that
+ the whole countrie thereabout taking name of this Marius, was
+ Westmaria, now called Westmerland.
+
+ King Marius hauing thus subdued his enimies, and escaped the danger of
+ their dreadfull inuasion, gaue his mind to the good gouernement of his
+ people, and the aduancement of the common wealth of the realme,
+ continuing the residue of his life in great tranquillitie, and
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Thus find we in the British and English histories touching
+ this Marius.]
+ finallie departed this life, after he had reigned (as most writers
+ say) 52, or 53 yéeres. Howbeit there be that write, that he died in
+ the yéere of our Lord 78, and so reigned not past fiue or six yéeres
+ at the most. He was buried at Caerleill, leauing a sonne behind him
+ called Coill.
+
+ Humfrey Lhoyd séemeth to take this man and his father Aruiragus to be
+ all one person, whether mooued thereto by some catalog of kings which
+ he saw, or otherwise, I cannot affirme: but speaking of the time when
+ the Picts and Scots should first come to settle themselues in this
+ land, he hath these words; Neither was there anie writers of name,
+ that made mention either of Scots or Picts before Vespasianus time,
+ about the yeere of the incarnation 72: at what time Meurig or Maw, or
+ Aruiragus reigned in Britaine, in which time our annales doo report,
+ that a certeine kind of people liuing by pirasie and rouing on the
+ sea, came foorth of Sueden, or Norwaie, vnder the guiding of one
+ Rhithercus, who landed in Albania, wasting all the countrie with
+ robbing and spoiling so farre as Caerleill, where he was vanquished in
+ battell, and slaine by Muragus, with a great part of his people; the
+ residue that escaped by flight, fled to their ships, and so conueied
+ themselues into the Iles of Orkney and Scotland, where they abode
+ quietlie a great while after.
+
+ Thus farre haue I thought good to shew of the foresaid Lhoyds booke,
+ for that it seemeth to carie a great likelihood of truth with it, for
+ the historie of the Picts, which vndoubtedlie I thinke were not as yet
+ inhabiting in Britaine, but rather first placing themselues in the
+ Iles of Orkney, made inuasion into the maine Ile of Britaine
+ afterwards, as occasion was offred. In the British toong they are
+ called Pightiaid, that is Pightians, and so likewise were they called
+ in the Scotish, and in their owne toong. Now will we shew what chanced
+ in this Ile, during the time of the foresaid Marius his supposed
+ reigne, as is found in the Romane histories.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Iulius Agricola is deputed by Vespasian to gouerne Britaine, he
+ inuadeth the Ile of Anglesey, the inhabitants yeeld vp them selues,
+ the commendable gouernement of Agricola, his worthie practises to
+ traine the Britains to ciuilitie, his exploits fortunatelie atchiued
+ against diuerse people, as the Irish, &c._
+
+ THE 16. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Iulius Agricola lieutenant.]
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacit. in uit. Agr._]
+ [Sidenote: The first yéere of Agricola his gouernment.]
+ After Iulius Frontinus, the emperor Vespasian sent Iulius Agricola to
+ succéed in the gouernement of Britaine, who comming ouer about the
+ midst of summer, found the men of warre thorough want of a lieutenant
+ negligent inough, so those that looking for no trouble, thought
+ themselues out of all danger, where the enimies neuerthelesse watched
+ vpon the next occasion to worke some displeasure, and were readie on
+ ech hand to mooue rebellion. For the people called Ordouices, that
+ inhabited in the countrie of Chesshire, Lancashire and part of
+ Shropshire, had latelie before ouerthrowne, and in maner vtterlie
+ destroied a wing of such horssemen as soiourned in their parties, by
+ reason whereof all the prouince was brought almost into an assured
+ hope to recouer libertie.
+
+ Agricola vpon his comming ouer, though summer was now halfe past, and
+ that the souldiers lodging here & there abroad in the countrie, were
+ more disposed to take rest, than to set forward into the field against
+ the enimies, determined yet to resist the present danger: and
+ therewith assembling the men of warre of the Romans, and such other
+ aids as he might make, he inuaded their countrie that had done this
+ foresaid displeasure, and slue the most part of all the inhabitants
+ thereof. Not thus contented (for that he thought good to follow the
+ steps of fauourable fortune, and knowing that as the begining proued,
+ so would the whole sequele of his affaires by likelihood come to
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Anglesey.]
+ passe) he purposed to make a full conquest of the Ile of Anglesey,
+ from the conquest wherof the Romane lieutenant Paulinus was called
+ backe by the rebellion of other of the Britains, as before ye haue
+ heard.
+
+ But whereas he wanted ships for the furnishing of his enterprise, his
+ wit and policie found a shift to supplie that defect: for choosing out
+ a piked number of such Britains as he had there with him in aid, which
+ knew the foords and shallow places of the streames there, and withall
+ were verie skilfull in swimming (as the maner of the countrie then
+ was) he appointed them to passe ouer on the sudden into the Ile,
+ onelie with their horsses, armor, and weapon: which enterprise they so
+ spéedilie, and with so good successe atchiued, that the inhabitants
+ much amazed with that dooing (which looked for a nauie of ships to
+ haue transported ouer their enimies by sea, and therefore watched on
+ the coast) began to thinke that nothing was able to be defended
+ against such kind of warriors that got ouer into the Ile after such
+ sort and maner.
+
+ [Sidenote: Anglesey yéelded to Agricola.]
+ And therefore making sute for peace, they deliuered the Ile into the
+ hands of Agricola, whose fame by these victories dailie much
+ increased, as of one that tooke pleasure in trauell, and attempting to
+ atchiue dangerous enterprises, in stead whereof his predecessors had
+ delighted, to shew the maiesties of their office by vaine brags,
+ statelie ports, and ambitious pomps. For Agricola turned not the
+ prosperous successe of his procéedings into vanitie, but rather with
+ neglecting his fame, increased it to the vttermost, among them that
+ iudged what hope was to be looked for of things by him to be atchiued,
+ which with silence kept secret these his so woorthie dooings.
+
+ Moreouer, perceiuing the nature of the people in this Ile of Britaine,
+ and sufficientlie taught by other mens example, that armor should
+ little auaile where iniuries followed to the disquieting of the
+ people, he thought best to take away and remooue all occasions of
+ [Sidenote: Agricola his good gouernment.]
+ warre. And first beginning with himselfe and his souldiers, tooke
+ order for a reformation to be had in his owne houshold, yéelding
+ nothing to fauor, but altogither in respect of vertue, accounting them
+ most faithfull which therein most excelled. He sought to know all
+ things, but not to doo otherwise than reason mooued, pardoning small
+ faults, and sharpelie punishing great and heinous offenses, neither
+ yet deliting alwaies in punishment, but oftentimes in repentance of
+ the offendor. Exactions and tributes he lessened, qualifieng the same
+ by reasonable equitie. And thus in reforming the state of things, he
+ wan him great praise in time of peace, the which either by negligence
+ or sufferance of the former lieutenants, was euer feared, and
+ accounted woorse than open warre. This was his practise in the winter
+ time of his first yéere.
+
+ [Sidenote: His diligence.]
+ But when summer was come, he assembled his armie, and leading foorth
+ the same, trained his souldiers in all honest warlike discipline,
+ commending the good, and reforming the bad and vnrulie. He himselfe to
+ giue example, tooke vpon him all dangers that came to hand, and
+ suffered not the enimies to liue in rest, but wasted their countries
+ with sudden inuasions. And when he had sufficientlie chastised them,
+ and put them in feare by such manner of dealing, he spared them, that
+ they might againe conceiue some hope of peace. By which meanes manie
+ countries which vnto those daies had kept themselues out of bondage,
+ laid rancor aside, and deliuered pledges, and further were contented
+ to suffer castels to be builded within them, and to be kept with
+ garrisons, so that no part of Britaine was frée from the Romane power,
+ but stood still in danger to be brought vnder more and more.
+
+ [Sidenote: The second yéere of Agricola his gouernment.]
+ [Sidenote: The woorthie practises of Agricola to traine the Britains
+ to ciuilitie.]
+ In the winter following, Agricola tooke paines to reduce the Britains
+ from their rude manners and customs, vnto a more ciuill sort and trade
+ of liuing, that changing their naturall fiercenesse and apt
+ disposition to warre, they might through tasting pleasures be so
+ inured therewith, that they should desire to liue in rest and
+ quietnesse: and therefore he exhorted them priuilie, and holpe them
+ publikelie to build temples, common halls where plées of law might be
+ kept, and other houses, commending them that were diligent in such
+ dooings, and blaming them that were negligent, so that of necessitie
+ they were driuen to striue who should preuent ech other in ciuilitie.
+ He also procured that noble mens sonnes should learne the liberall
+ sciences, and praised the nature of the Britains more than the people
+ of Gallia, bicause they studied to atteine to the knowledge of the
+ Romane eloquence. By which meanes the Britains in short time were
+ brought to the vse of good and commendable manners, and sorted
+ themselues to go in comelie apparell after the Romane fashion, and by
+ little and little fell to accustome themselues to fine fare and
+ delicate pleasures, the readie prouokers of vices, as to walke in
+ galleries, to wash themselues in bathes, to vse banketting, and such
+ like, which amongst the vnskilfull was called humanitie or courtesie,
+ but in verie deed it might be accounted a part of thraldome and
+ seruitude, namelie being too excessiuelie vsed.
+
+ [Sidenote: The third yéere.]
+ In the third yéere of Agricola his gouernment in Britaine, he inuaded
+ the north parts thereof (vnknowne till those daies of the Romans)
+ being the same where the Scots now inhabit: for he wasted the countrie
+ [Sidenote: The water of Tay.]
+ vnto the water of Tay, in such wise putting the inhabitants in feare,
+ that they durst not once set vpon his armie, though it were so that
+ the same was verie sore disquieted and vexed by tempest and rage of
+ weather. Wherevpon finding no great let or hinderance by the enimies,
+ he builded certeine castels and fortresses, which he placed in such
+ conuenient stéeds, that they greatlie annoied his aduersaries, and
+ were so able to be defended, that there was none of those castels
+ which he builded, either woon by force out of the Romans hands, or
+ giuen ouer by composition, for feare to be taken: so that the same
+ beeing furnished with competent numbers of men of warre, were safelie
+ kept from the enimies, the which were dailie vexed by the often issues
+ made foorth by the souldiers that laie thus in garrison within them:
+ so that where in times past the said enimies would recouer their
+ losses susteined in summer by the winters aduantage, now they were put
+ to the woorse, and kept backe as well in the winter as in the summer.
+
+ [Sidenote: The fourth yéere of Agricola his gouernment.]
+ [Sidenote: Clota Bodotria.]
+ In the fourth summer, after that Agricola was appointed vnto the rule
+ of this land, he went about to bring vnder subiection those people,
+ the which before time he had by incursions and forreies sore vexed and
+ disquieted: and therevpon comming to the waters of Clide and
+ Loughleuen, he built certeine fortresses to defend the passages and
+ entries there, driuing the enimies beyond the same waters, as it had
+ béene into a new Iland.
+
+ [Sidenote: The fift yéere.]
+ In the fift summer, Agricola causing his ships to be brought about,
+ and appointing them to arriue on the north coasts of Scotland, he
+ passed with his armie ouer the riuer of Clide; and subdued such people
+ as inhabited those further parts of Scotland, which till those daies
+ had not beene discouered by the Romans. And bicause he thought it
+ should serue well to purpose, for some conquest to be made of Ireland,
+ if that part of Scotland which bordereth on the Irish seas might be
+ kept in due obedience, he placed garrisons of souldiers in those
+ parties, in hope verelie vpon occasion to passe ouer into Ireland, and
+ for the more easie aduancement of his purpose therein, he interteined
+ [Sidenote: An Irish king expelled out of his countrie.]
+ with honourable prouision one of the kings of Ireland, which by ciuill
+ discord was expelled and driuen out of his countrie. In déed Agricola
+ perceiued, that with one legion of souldiers, and a small aid of other
+ men of warre it should be an easie matter to conquer Ireland, and to
+ bring it vnder the dominion of the Romans: which enterprise he iudged
+ verie necessarie to be exploited, for better kéeping of the Britains
+ in obedience, if they should sée the iurisdiction of the Romans euerie
+ where extended, and the libertie of their neighbours suppressed.
+
+ [Sidenote: The sixt yéere of Agricola his government.]
+ In the sixt summer of Agricola his gouernment, he proceeded in
+ subduing the furthermost parts of Scotland northwards, causing his
+ nauie to kéepe course against him by the coast as he marched foorth by
+ land, so that the Britains perceiuing how the secret hauens and
+ créekes of their countries were now discouered, and that all hope of
+ refuge was in maner cut off from them, were in maruellous feare. On
+ the other part the Romans were sore troubled with the rough mounteins
+ and craggie rocks, by the which they were constreined to passe beside
+ the dangerous riuers, lakes, woods, streicts, and other combersome
+ waies and passages.
+
+ The danger also of them that were in the ships by sea was not small,
+ by reason of winds and tempests, and high spring tides, which tossed
+ and turmoiled their vessels verie cruellie: but by the painfull
+ diligence of them that had béene brought vp and inured with continuall
+ trauell and hardnesse, all those discommodities were ouercome to their
+ great reioising, when they met and fell in talke of their passed
+ perils. For oftentimes the armie by land incamped so by the shore,
+ that those which kept the sea came on land to make merrie in the
+ campe, and then ech one would recount to others the aduentures that
+ had happened, as the manner is in semblable cases.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Britains of Calenderwood assalt the Romans upon aduantage,
+ bloudie battels fought betwixt them, great numbers slaine on both
+ sides, the villanous dealing of certeine Dutch souldiers against their
+ capteins and fellowes in armes, the miserie that they were driven vnto
+ by famine to eate one another, a sharpe conflict betweene the Romans
+ and Britains, with the losse of manie a mans life, and effusion of
+ much bloud._
+
+ THE XVIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Calenderwood.]
+ The Britains that inhabited in those daies about the parts of
+ Calenderwood, perceiuing in what danger they were to be vtterlie
+ subdued, assembled themselues togither, in purpose to trie the fortune
+ of battell: whereof Agricola being aduertised, marched foorth with his
+ armie diuided in three battels, so that the enimies doubting to trie
+ the matter in open field, espied their time in the night, and with all
+ their whole puissance set vpon one of the Romane legions, which they
+ knew to be most féeble and weake, trusting by a camisado to distresse
+ the same: and first sleaing the watch, they entred the campe, where
+ the said legion laie, and finding the souldiers in great disorder,
+ betwixt sléepe and feare, began the fight euen within the campe.
+
+ Agricola had knowledge of their purposed intent, and therefore with
+ all speed hasted foorth to come to the succours of his people, sending
+ first his light horssemen, and certeine light armed footmen to assaile
+ the enimies on their backs, and shortlie after approched with his
+ whole puissance, so that the Romane standards beginning to appéere in
+ sight by the light of the daie that then began to spring, the Britains
+ were sore discouraged, and the Romans renewing their force, fiercelie
+ preassed vpon them, so that euen in the entrie of the campe, there was
+ a sore conflict, till at length the Britains were put to flight and
+ chased, so that if the mareshes and woods had not saued them from the
+ pursute of the Romans, there had beene an end made of the whole warre
+ euen by that one daies worke. But the Britains escaping as well as
+ they might, and reputing the victorie to haue chanced not by the
+ valiancie of the Romane soldiers, but by occasion, and the prudent
+ policie of their capteine, were nothing abashed with that their
+ present losse, but prepared to put their youth againe into armour: and
+ therevpon they remooued their wiues and children into safe places, and
+ then assembling the chiefest gouernours togither, concluded a league
+ amongst themselues, ech to aid other, confirming their articles with
+ dooing of sacrifice (as the manner in those daies was.)
+
+ [Sidenote: The seuenth yéere.]
+ The same summer, a band of such Dutch or Germaine souldiers as had
+ béene leuied in Germanie & sent ouer into Britaine to the aid of the
+ Romans, attempted a great and woonderfull act, in sleaing their
+ capteine, and such other of the Romane souldiers which were appointed
+ to haue the training and leading of them, as officers and instructors
+ to them in the feats of warre: and when they had committed that
+ murther, they got into thrée pinesses, and became rouers on the coasts
+ of Britaine, and incountring with diuerse of the Britains that were
+ readie to defend their countrie from spoile, oftentimes they got the
+ vpper hand of them, and now and then they were chased awaie, insomuch
+ that in the end they were brought to such extremitie for want of
+ vittels, that they did eate such amongst them as were the weakest, and
+ after, such as the lot touched, being indifferentlie cast amongst
+ them: and so being caried about the coasts of Britaine, & losing their
+ vessels through want of skill to gouerne them, they were reputed for
+ robbers, and therevpon were apprehended, first by the Suabeners, and
+ shortlie after by the Frizers, the which sold diuerse of them to the
+ Romans and other, whereby the true vnderstanding of their aduentures
+ came certeinlie to light.
+
+ [Sidenote: The eight yéere of Agricola his gouernment.]
+ In summer next following, Agricola with his armie came to the
+ mounteine of Granziben, where he vnderstood that his enimies were
+ incamped, to the number of 30 thousand and aboue, and dailie there
+ came to them more companie of the British youth, and such aged persons
+ also as were lustie and in strength, able to weld weapon and beare
+ [Sidenote: Galgagus whome the Scots name Gald and will néeds haue him
+ a Scotish man.]
+ armour. Amongst the capteins the chiefest was one Galgagus whom the
+ Scotish chronicles name Gald. This man as chiefteine and head capteine
+ of all the Britains there assembled, made to them a pithie oration, to
+ incourage them to fight manfullie, and likewise did Agricola to his
+ people: which being ended, the armies on both sides were put in order
+ of battell. Agricola placed 8 thousand footmen of strangers which he
+ had there in aid with him in the midst, appointing thrée thousand
+ horssemen to stand on the sides of them as wings. The Romane legions
+ stood at their backs in stéed of a bulworke. The Britains were
+ imbattelled in such order, that their fore ward stood in the plaine
+ ground, and the other on the side of an hill, as though they had risen
+ [Sidenote: _Corn. Tacit._]
+ on heigth one ranke aboue another. The midst of the field was couered
+ with their charrets and horssemen. Agricola doubting by the huge
+ multitude of enimies, least his people should be assailed not onlie
+ afront, but also vpon euerie side the battels, he caused the ranks so
+ to place themselues, as their battels might stretch farre further in
+ bredth than otherwise the order of warre required: but he tooke this
+ to be a good remedie against such inconuenience as might haue
+ followed, if the enimie by the narrownesse of the fronts of his
+ battels should haue hemmed them in on ech side.
+
+ This done, and hauing conceiued good hope of victorie, he alighted on
+ foot, and putting his horsse from him, he stood before the standards
+ as one not caring for anie danger that might happen. At the first they
+ bestowed their shot and darts fréelie on both sides. The Britains
+ aswell with constant manhood, as skilfull practise, with broad swords
+ and little round bucklers auoided and beat from them the arrowes and
+ darts that came from their enimies, and therewithall paid them home
+ againe with their shot and darts, so that the Romans were néere hand
+ oppressed therewith, bicause they came so thicke in their faces, till
+ [Sidenote: Betaui.]
+ [Sidenote: Congri.]
+ at length Agricola caused thrée cohorts of Hollanders, & two of
+ Lukeners to presse forward, & ioine with them at hand-strokes, so as
+ the matter might come to be tried with the edge of the swoord, which
+ thing as to them (being inured with that kind of fight) it stood
+ greatlie with their aduantage, so to the Britains it was verie
+ dangerous, that were to defend themselues with their mightie huge
+ swoords and small bucklers. Also by reason their swoords were broad at
+ the ends, and pointlesse, they auailed little to hurt the armed
+ enimie. Wherevpon when the Hollanders came to ioine with them, they
+ made fowle worke in sleaing and wounding them in most horrible wise.
+
+ The horssemen also that made resistance they pulled from their
+ horsses, and began to clime the hill vpon the Britains. The other
+ bands desirous to match their fellowes in helping to atchiue the
+ [Sidenote: Hollanders.]
+ victorie, followed the Hollanders, and beat downe the Britains where
+ they might approch to them: manie were ouerrun and left halfe dead,
+ and some not once touched with anie weapon, were likewise ouerpressed,
+ such hast the Romans made to follow vpon the Britains. Whilest the
+ British horssemen fled, their charets ioined themselues with their
+ footmen, and restoring the battell, put the Romans in such feare, that
+ they were at a sudden stay: but the charets being troubled with prease
+ of enimies, & vnéeuennesse of the ground, they could not worke their
+ feat to anie purpose, neither had that fight anie resemblance of a
+ battell of horssemen, when ech one so encumbred other, that they had
+ no roome to stirre themselues. The charets oftentimes wanting their
+ guiders were caried awaie with the horsses, that being put in feare
+ with the noise and stur, ran hither and thither, bearing downe one
+ another, and whomsoeuer else they met withall.
+
+ Now the Britains that kept the top of the hils, and had not yet fought
+ at all, despising the small number of the Romans, began to come
+ downewards and to cast about, that they might set vpon the backs of
+ their enimies, in hope so to make an end of the battell, and to win
+ the victorie: but Agricola doubting no lesse, but that some such thing
+ would come to passe, had aforehand foreséene the danger, and hauing
+ reserued foure wings of horssemen for such sudden chances, sent them
+ foorth against those Britains, the which horssemen with full randon
+ charging vpon them as they rashlie came forwards, quicklie disordered
+ them and put them all to flight, and so that purposed deuise and
+ policie of the Britains turned to their owne hinderance. For their
+ horssemen by their capteins appointment trauersing ouerthwart by the
+ fronts of them that fought, set vpon that battell of the Britains
+ which they found before them. Then in those open and plaine places a
+ greeuous & heauie sight it was to behold, how they pursued, wounded,
+ and tooke their enimies: and as they were aduised of other to slea
+ those that they had before taken, to the end they might ouertake the
+ other, there was nothing but fléeing, taking, and chasing, slaughter,
+ spilling of bloud, scattering of weapons, grunting and groning of men
+ and horsses that lay on the ground, gasping for breath, & readie to
+ die.
+
+ The Britains now and then as they saw their aduantage, namelie when
+ they approched néere to the woods, gathered themselues togither, and
+ set vpon the Romans as they followed vnaduisedlie, and further
+ (through ignorance of the places) than stood with their suertie,
+ insomuch that if Agricola had not prouided remedie, and sent foorth
+ mightie bands of light armed men both on foot and horssebacke to close
+ in the enimies, and also to beat the wood, some greater losse would
+ haue followed through too much boldnes of them that too rashlie
+ pursued vpon the Britains: who when they beheld the Romans thus to
+ follow them in whole troops and good order of battell, they slipt
+ awaie and tooke them to flight, ech one seeking to saue himselfe, and
+ kept not togither in plumps as before they had doone. The night made
+ an end of the chase which the Romans had followed till they were
+ [Sidenote: Ten thousand Britains slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: Aulus Atticus slaine.]
+ throughlie wearied. There were slaine of the Britains that day 10000,
+ and of the Romans 340, among whom Aulus Atticus a capteine of one of
+ the cohorts or bands of footmen was one, who being mounted on
+ horssebacke (through his owne too much youthfull courage, and fierce
+ vnrulines of his horsse) was caried into the middle throng of his
+ enimies, and there slaine.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The lamentable distresse and pitifull perplexitie of the Britains
+ after their ouerthrow, Domitian enuieth Agricola the glorie of his
+ victories, he is subtilie depriued of his deputiship, and Cneus
+ Trebellius surrogated in his roome._
+
+ THE XVIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The night insuing the foresaid ouerthrow of the Britains was spent of
+ the Romans in great ioy & gladnes for the victorie atchiued. But among
+ [Sidenote: Britains, not Scots, neither yet Picts.]
+ the Britains there was nothing else heard but mourning and
+ lamentation, both of men and women that were mingled togither, some
+ busie to beare away the wounded, to bind and dresse their hurts; other
+ calling for their sonnes, kinsfolkes and friends that were wanting.
+ Manie of them forsooke their houses, and in their desperate mood set
+ them on fire, and choosing foorth places for their better refuge and
+ safegard, foorthwith misliking of the same, left them and sought
+ others: herewith diuerse of them tooke counsell togither what they
+ were best to doo, one while they were in hope, an other while they
+ fainted, as people cast into vtter despaire: the beholding of their
+ wiues and children oftentimes mooued them to attempt some new
+ enterprise for the preseruation of their countrie and liberties. And
+ certeine it is that some of them slue their wiues and children, as
+ mooued thereto with a certeine fond regard of pitie to rid them out of
+ further miserie and danger of thraldome.
+
+ The next day the certeintie of the victorie more plainlie was
+ disclosed, for all was quiet about, and no noise heard anie where: the
+ houses appeared burning on ech side, and such as were sent foorth to
+ discouer the countrie into euerie part thereof, saw not a creature
+ stirring, for all the people were auoided and withdrawne a farre off.
+
+ When Agricola had thus ouerthrowne his enimies in a pitcht field at
+ the mountaine of Granziben, and that the countrie was quite rid of all
+ appearance of enimies: bicause the summer of this eight yéere of his
+ gouernement was now almost spent, he brought his armie into the
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ confines of the Horrestians, which inhabited the countries now called
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus._]
+ Angus & Merne, and there intended to winter, and tooke hostages of the
+ people for assurance of their loialtie and subiection. This doone, he
+ appointed the admirall of the nauie to saile about the Ile, which
+ accordinglie to his commission in that point receiued, luckilie
+ accomplished his enterprise, and brought the nauie about againe into
+ [Sidenote: An hauen called Trutulensis, peraduenture Rutupensis.]
+ an hauen called Trutulensis.
+
+ In this meane time, whiles Iulius Agricola was thus occupied in
+ Britaine, both the emperour Vespasianus, and also his brother Titus
+ that succéeded him, departed this life, and Domitianus was elected
+ emperor, who hearing of such prosperous successe as Agricola had
+ against the Britains, did not so much reioise for the thing well
+ doone, as he enuied to consider what glorie and renowme should redound
+ to Agricola thereby, which he perceiued should much darken the glasse
+ of his fame, hauing a priuate person vnder him, who in woorthinesse of
+ noble exploits atchiued, farre excelled his dooings.
+
+ To find remedie therefore herein, he thought not good to vtter his
+ malice as yet, whilest Agricola remained in Britaine with an armie,
+ which so much fauoured him, and that with so good cause, sith by his
+ policie and noble conduct the same had obteined so manie victories, so
+ much honor, and such plentie of spoiles and booties. Wherevpon to
+ dissemble his intent, he appointed to reuoke him foorth of Britaine,
+ as it were to honor him, not onelie with deserued triumphs, but also
+ with the lieutenantship of Syria, which as then was void by the death
+ of Aulius Rufus. Thus Agricola being countermanded home to Rome,
+ [Sidenote: Cneus Trebellius alias Salustius Lucullus as some thinke.]
+ deliuered his prouince vnto his successor Cneus Trebellius, appointed
+ thereto by the emperour Domitianus, in good quiet and safegard.
+
+ ¶ Thus may you sée in what state Britaine stood in the daies of king
+ Marius, of whome Tacitus maketh no mention at all. Some haue written,
+ that the citie of Chester was builded by this Marius, though other (as
+ before I haue said) thinke rather that it was the worke of Ostorius
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ Scapula their legat. Touching other the dooings of Agricola, in the
+ Scotish chronicle you maie find more at large set foorth: for that
+ which I haue written héere, is but to shew what in effect Cornelius
+ Tacitus writeth of that which Agricola did here in Britaine, without
+ making mention either of Scots or Picts, onelie naming them Britains,
+ Horrestians, and Calidoneans, who inhabited in those daies a part of
+ this Ile which now we call Scotland, the originall of which countrie,
+ and the inhabitants of the same, is greatlie controuersed among
+ writers; diuerse diuerslie descanting therevpon, some fetching their
+ reason from the etymon of the word which is Gréeke, some from the
+ opening of their ancestors as they find the same remaining in records;
+ other some from comparing antiquities togither, and aptlie collecting
+ the truth as néere as they can. But to omit them, and returne to the
+ continuation of our owne historie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Coillus the sonne of Marius, his education in Rome, how long he
+ reigned: of Lucius his sonne and successor, what time he assumed the
+ gouernment of this land, he was an open professor of christian
+ religion, he and his familie are baptised, Britaine receiueth the
+ faith, 3 archbishops and 28 bishops at that time in this Iland,
+ Westminster church and S. Peters in Cornehill builded, diuers opinions
+ touching the time of Lucius his reigne, of his death, and when the
+ christian faith was receiued in this Iland._
+
+ THE 19. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: COILLUS.]
+ [Sidenote: 125.]
+ COILLUS the sonne of Marius was after his fathers deceasse made king
+ of Britaine, in the yeare of our Lord 125. This Coillus or Coill was
+ brought vp in his youth amongst the Romans at Rome, where he spent his
+ time not vnprofitablie, but applied himselfe to learning & seruice in
+ the warres, by reason whereof he was much honored of the Romans, and
+ he likewise honored and loued them, so that he paied his tribute
+ truelie all the time of his reigne, and therefore liued in peace and
+ good quiet. He was also a prince of much bountie, and verie liberall,
+ whereby he obteined great loue both of his nobles and commons. Some
+ [Sidenote: Colchester built.]
+ saie, that he made the towne of Colchester in Essex, but others write,
+ that Coill which reigned next after Asclepiodotus was the first
+ founder of that towne, but by other it should séeme to be built long
+ before, being called Camelodunum. Finallie when this Coill had reigned
+ the space of 54 yeares, he departed this life at Yorke, leauing after
+ him a sonne named Lucius, which succéeded in the kingdome.
+
+ [Sidenote: LUCIUS.]
+ LUCIUS the sonne of Coillus, whose surname (as saith William Harison)
+ is not extant, began his reigne ouer the Britains about the yeare of
+ our Lord 180, as Fabian following the authoritie of Peter Pictauiensis
+ saith, although other writers seeme to disagrée in that account, as by
+ the same Fabian in the table before his booke partlie appeareth,
+ wherevnto Matthæus Westmonasteriensis affirmeth, that this Lucius was
+ borne in the yeare of our Lord 115, and was crowned king in the yeare
+ 124, as successor to his father Coillus, which died the same yeare,
+ being of great age yer the said Lucius was borne. It is noted by
+ antiquaries, that his entrance was in the 4132 of the world, 916 after
+ the building of Rome, 220 after the comming of Cesar into Britaine,
+ [Sidenote: 165.]
+ and 165 after Christ, whose accounts I follow in this treatise.
+
+ This Lucius is highlie renowmed of the writers, for that he was the
+ first king of the Britains that receiued the faith of Iesus Christ:
+ for being inspired by the spirit of grace and truth, euen from the
+ beginning of his reigne, he somewhat leaned to the fauoring of
+ Christian religion, being moued with the manifest miracles which the
+ Christians dailie wrought in witnesse and proofe of their sound and
+ perfect doctrine. For euen from the daies of Ioseph of Arimathia and
+ his fellowes, or what other godlie men first taught the Britains the
+ gospell of our Sauiour there remained amongest the same Britains some
+ christians which ceased not to teach and preach the word of God most
+ sincerelie vnto them: but yet no king amongst them openlie professed
+ that religion, till at length this Lucius perceiuing not onelie some
+ of the Romane lieutenants in Britaine as Trebellius and Pertinax, with
+ others, to haue submitted themselues to that profession, but also the
+ emperour himselfe to begin to be fauorable to them that professed it,
+ he tooke occasion by their good example to giue eare more attentiuelie
+ vnto the gospell, and at length sent vnto Eleutherius bishop of Rome
+ two learned men of the British nation, Eluane and Meduine, requiring
+ him to send some such ministers as might instruct him and his people
+ in the true faith more plentifullie, and to baptise them according to
+ the rules of christian religion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Fol. 119.]
+ ¶ The reuerend father Iohn Iewell, sometime bishop of Salisburie,
+ writeth in his * replie vnto Hardings answer, that the said
+ Eleutherius, for generall order to be taken in the realme and churches
+ héere, wrote his aduice to Lucius in maner and forme following. "You
+ haue receiued in the kingdome of Britaine, by Gods mercie, both the
+ law and faith of Christ; ye haue both the new and the old testament,
+ out of the same through Gods grace, by the aduise of your realme make
+ a law, and by the same through Gods sufferance rule you your kingdome
+ of Britaine, for in that kingdome you are Gods vicar."
+
+ Herevpon were sent from the said Eleutherius two godlie learned men,
+ the one named Fugatius, and the other Damianus, the which baptised the
+ king with all his familie and people, and therewith remoued the
+ [Sidenote: Britaine receiueth the faith.]
+ worshipping of idols and false gods, and taught the right meane and
+ waie how to worship the true and immortall God. There were in those
+ daies within the bounds of Britaine 28 Flamines, & thrée Archflamines,
+ which were as bishops and archbishops, or superintendents of the pagan
+ or heathen religion, in whose place (they being remoued) were
+ instituted 28 bishops & thrée archbishops of the christian religion.
+ One of the which archbishops held his sée at London, another at Yorke,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ and the third at Caerleon Arwiske in Glamorganshire. Vnto the
+ archbishop of London was subiect Cornewall, and all the middle part of
+ England, euen vnto Humber. To the archbishop of Yorke all the north
+ parts of Britaine from the riuer of Humber vnto the furthest partes of
+ Scotland. And to the archbishop of Caerleon was subiect all Wales,
+ within which countrie as then were seuen bishops, where now there are
+ but foure. The riuer of Seuern in those daies diuided Wales (then
+ called Cambria) from the other parts of Britaine. Thus Britaine
+ [Sidenote: Iosephus of Arimathia.]
+ partlie by the meanes of Ioseph of Arimathia (of whome ye haue heard
+ before) & partlie by the wholesome instructions & doctrines of
+ Fugatius and Damianus, was the first of all other regions that openlie
+ receiued the gospell, and continued most stedfast in that profession,
+ till the cruell furie of Dioclesian persecuted the same, in such sort,
+ that as well in Britaine as in all other places of the world, the
+ christian religion was in manner extinguished, and vtterlie destroied.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Westminster Church built.]
+ There be that affirme, how this Lucius should build the church of
+ saint Peter at Westminster, though manie attribute that act vnto
+ Sibert king of the east Saxons, and write how the place was then
+ ouergrowne with thornes and bushes, and thereof tooke the name, and
+ was called Thorney. They ad moreouer that Thomas archbishop of London
+ preached, read, and ministred the sacraments there to such as made
+ resort vnto him. Howbeit by the tables hanging in the reuestrie of
+ saint Paules at London, and also a table sometime hanging in saint
+ Peters church in Cornehill, it should séeme that the said church of
+ saint Peter in Cornehill was the same that Lucius builded. But herein
+ (saith Harison _anno mundi_ 4174) dooth lie a scruple. Sure Cornell
+ might soone be mistaken for Thorney, speciallie in such old records,
+ as time, age, & euill handling haue oftentimes defaced.
+
+ But howsoeuer the case standeth, truth it is, that Lucius reioising
+ much, in that he had brought his people to the perfect light and
+ vnderstanding of the true God, that they néeded not to be deceiued
+ anie longer with the craftie temptations and feigned miracles of
+ wicked spirits, he abolished all prophane worshippings of false gods,
+ and conuerted all such temples as had béene dedicated to their
+ seruice, vnto the vse of christian religion: and thus studieng onlie
+ how to aduance the glorie of the immortall God, and the knowledge of
+ his word, without seeking the vaine glorie of worldlie triumph, which
+ is got with slaughter and bloudshed of manie a giltlesse person, he
+ left his kingdome; though not inlarged with broder dominion than he
+ receiued it, yet greatlie augmented and inriched with quiet rest, good
+ ordinances, and (that which is more to be estéemed than all the rest)
+ adorned with Christes religion, and perfectlie instructed with his
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Hard._]
+ most holie word and doctrine. He reigned (as some write) 21 yeares,
+ though other affirme but twelue yeares. Againe, some testifie that he
+ reigned 77, others 54, and 43.
+
+ Moreouer here is to be noted, that if he procured the faith of Christ
+ to be planted within this realme in the time of Eleutherius the Romane
+ bishop, the same chanced in the daies of the emperour Marcus Aurelius
+ Antonius; and about the time that Lucius Aurelius Commodus was ioined
+ and made partaker of the empire with his father, which was seuen yéere
+ after the death of Lucius Aelius, Aurelius Verus, and in the 177 after
+ the birth of our Sauiour Iesus Christ, as by some chronologies is
+ easie to be collected. For Eleutherius began to gouerne the sée of
+ Rome in the yéere 169, according to the opinion of the most diligent
+ chronographers of our time, and gouerned fiftéene yeeres and thirtéene
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ daies. And yet there are that affirme, how Lucius died at Glocester in
+ the yéere of our Lord 156. Other say that he died in the yere 201, and
+ other 208. So that the truth of this historie is brought into doubt by
+ the discord of writers, concerning the time and other circumstances,
+ although they all agrée that in this kings daies the christian faith
+ was first by publike consent openlie receiued and professed in this
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ land, which as some affirme, should chance in the twelfe yéere of his
+ reigne, and in the yéere of our Lord 177. Other iudge that it came to
+ passe in the eight yeere of his regiment, and in the yéere of our Lord
+ 188, where other (as before is said) alledge that it was in the yéere
+ [Sidenote: _Nauclerus._]
+ of the Lord 179. Nauclerus saith, that this happened about the yeare
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Herf._]
+ of our Lord 156. And Henricus de Herfordea supposeth, that it was in
+ the yéere of our Lord 169, and in the nintéenth yéere of the emperor
+ Marcus Antonius Verus; and after other, about the sixt yéere of the
+ emperor Commodus.
+
+ But to conclude, king Lucius died without issue, by reason whereof
+ after his deceasse the Britains fell at variance, which continued
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ about the space of fiftéene yéeres (as Fabian thinketh) howbeit the
+ old English chronicle affirmeth, that the contention betwixt them
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Hard._]
+ remained fiftie yéeres, though Harding affirmeth but foure yéeres. And
+ thus much of the Britains, and their kings Coilus and Lucius. Now it
+ resteth to speake somewhat of the Romans which gouerned here in the
+ meane while. After that Agricola was called backe to Rome, the
+ Britains (and namelie those that inhabited beyond Tweed) partlie being
+ weakned of their former strength, and partlie in consideration of
+ their pledges, which they had deliuered to the Romans, remained in
+ peace certeine yéeres.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Britains after the deceasse of Lucius (who died without issue)
+ rebell against the Romans, the emperor Adrian comming in his owne
+ person into Britaine appeaseth the broile, they go about to recouer
+ their libertie against the Romans, but are suppressed by Lollius the
+ Romane lieutenant; the vigilantnesse or wakefulnesie of Marcellus, and
+ his policie to keepe the souldiers waking, the Britains being ruled by
+ certeine meane gentlemen of Perhennis appointing doo falselie accuse
+ him to the emperor Commodus, he is mangled and murthered of his
+ souldiers._
+
+ THE XX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CNEUS TREBELLIUS LIEUTENANT.]
+ In the meane time the Romane lieutenant Cneus Trebellius that
+ succéeded Iulius Agricola, could not foresee all things so preciselie
+ but that the souldiers waxing vnrulie by reason of long rest, fell at
+ variance among themselues, and would not in the end obey the
+ lieutenant, but disquieted the Britains beyond measure. Wherefore the
+ Britains perceiuing themselues sore oppressed with intollerable
+ bondage, and that dailie the same incresed, they conspired togither,
+ vpon hope to recouer libertie, and to defend their countrie by all
+ meanes possible, and herewith they tooke weapon in hand against the
+ Romans, and boldlie assailed them: but this they did yet warilie, and
+ so, that they might flie vnto the woods and bogs for refuge vpon
+ necessitie, according to the maner of their countrie. Herevpon diuers
+ slaughters were committed on both parties, and all the countrie was
+ now readie to rebell: whereof when the emperour Adrian was aduertised
+ from Trebellius the lieutenant, with all conuenient speed he passed
+ ouer into Britaine, and quieted all the Ile, vsing great humanitie
+ towards the inhabitants; and making small account of that part where
+ the Scots now inhabit, either bicause of the barrennesse thereof, or
+ for that by reason of the nature of the countrie he thought it would
+ [Sidenote: The wall of Adrian built.]
+ [Sidenote: _Spartianus._]
+ be hard to be kept vnder subiection, he deuised to diuide it from the
+ residue of Britaine, and so caused a wall to be made from the mouth of
+ Tine vnto the water of Eske, which wall contained in length 30 miles.
+
+ After this, the Britains bearing a malicious hatred towards the Romane
+ souldiers, and repining to be kept vnder the bond of seruitude,
+ eftsoones went about to recouer libertie againe. Whereof aduertisement
+ [Sidenote: Lollius Vrbicus lieutenant.]
+ being giuen, the emperour Pius Antoninus sent ouer Lollius Vrbicus as
+ lieutenant into Britaine, who by sundrie battels striken, constreined
+ the Britains to remaine in quiet, and causing those that inhabited in
+ the north parts to remooue further off from the confines of the Romane
+ [Sidenote: _Julius Capitol._]
+ [Sidenote: An other wall built.]
+ prouince, raised another wall beyond that which the emperor Adrian had
+ made, as is to be supposed, for the more suertie of the Romane
+ subiects against the inuasion of the enimies. But yet Lollius did not
+ so make an end of the warrs, but that the Britains shortlie after
+ attempted afresh, either to reduce their state into libertie, or to
+ bring the same into further danger.
+
+ [Sidenote: CALPHURNIUS AGRICOLA. Of the doings of this Calphurnius in
+ Britaine ye may read more in the Scotish chronicle.]
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ Wherevpon Marcus Antonius that succéeded Pius, sent Calphurnius
+ Agricola to succéed Lollius in the gouernement of Britaine, the which
+ easilie ouercame and subdued all his enimies. After this there chanced
+ some trouble in the daies of the emperour Commodus the son of Marcus
+ Antonius and his successor in the empire: for the Britans that dwelled
+ northwards, beyond Adrians wall, brake through the same, and spoiled a
+ great part of the countrie, against whom the Romane lieutenant for
+ that time being come foorth, gaue them battell: but both he and the
+ Romane souldiers that were with him, were beaten downe and slaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vlpius Marcellus lieutenant.]
+ With which newes Commodus being sore amazed, sent against the Britains
+ one Vlpius Marcellus, a man of great diligence and temperance, but
+ therewith rough and nothing gentle. He vsed the same kind of diet that
+ the common souldiers did vse. He was a capteine much watchfull, as one
+ contented with verie little sléepe, and desirous to haue his souldiers
+ also vigilant and carefull to kéepe sure watch in the night season.
+ Euerie euening he would write twelue tables, such as they vsed to make
+ on the lind trée, and deliuering them to one of his seruants,
+ appointed him to beare them at seuerall houres of the night to sundrie
+ souldiers, whereby supposing that their generall was still watching
+ and not gone to bed, they might be in doubt to sléepe.
+
+ And although of nature he could well absteine from sléepe, yet to be
+ the better able to forbeare it, he vsed a maruellous spare kind of
+ diet: for to the end that he would not fill himselfe too much with
+ bread, he would eat none but such as was brought to him from Rome, so
+ that more than necessitie compelled him he could not eat, by reason
+ that the stalenesse tooke awaie the pleasant tast thereof, and lesse
+ prouoked his appetite. He was a maruellous contemner of monie, so that
+ bribes might not mooue him to doo otherwise than dutie required. This
+ Marcellus being of such disposition, sore afflicted the Britains, and
+ put them oftentimes to great losses: through fame wherof, C[=o]modus
+ enuieng his renowme was after in mind to make him away, but yet spared
+ him for a further purpose, and suffered him to depart.
+
+ [Sidenote: Perhennis capteine of the emperours gard.]
+ After he was remooued from the gouernment of Britaine, one Perhennis
+ capteine of the emperors gard (or pretorian souldiers as they were
+ then called) bearing all the rule vnder the emperor Commodus,
+ appointed certeine gentlemen of meane calling to gouerne the armie in
+ Britaine. Which fond substituting of such petie officers to ouersée
+ and ouerrule the people, was to them an occasion of hartgrudge, and to
+ him a meanes of finall mischéefe: both which it is likelie he might
+ haue auoided, had he béene prouident in his deputation. For the
+ [Sidenote: _Aelius Lampridius._]
+ souldiers in the same armie grudging and repining to be gouerned by
+ men of base degree, in respect of those that had borne rule ouer them
+ before, being honorable personages, as senators, and of the consular
+ dignitie, they fell at square among themselues, and about fiftéene
+ hundred of them departed towards Rome to exhibit their complaint
+ against Perhennis: for whatsoeuer was amisse, the blame was still laid
+ to him. They passed foorth without impeachment at all, and comming to
+ Rome, the emperour himselfe came foorth to vnderstand what they meant
+ by this their comming in such sort from the place where they were
+ appointed to serue. Their answer was, that they were come to informe
+ him of the treason which Perhennis had deuised to his destruction,
+ that he might make his son emperor. To the which accusation when
+ Commodus too lightlie gaue eare, & beléeued it to be true, namelie,
+ through the setting on of one Cleander, who hated Perhennis, for that
+ he brideled him from dooing diuerse vnlawfull acts, which he went
+ about vpon a wilfull mind (without all reason and modestie) to
+ practise; the matter was so handled in the end, that Perhennis was
+ deliuered to the souldiers, who cruellie mangled him, and presentlie
+ put him to a pitifull death.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Pertinax is sent as lieutenant into Britaine, he is in danger to be
+ slaine of the souldiers, he riddeth himselfe of that perilous office:
+ Albinus with an armie of Britains fighteth against Seuerus and his
+ power neere to Lions, Seuerus is slaine in a conflict against the
+ Picts, Geta and Bassianus two brethren make mutuall warre for the
+ regiment of the land, the one is slaine, the other ruleth._
+
+ THE XXJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Pertinax lieutenant of Britaine.]
+ Now will we saie somewhat of the tumults in Britaine. It was thought
+ néedfull to send some sufficient capteine of autoritie thither; and
+ therefore was one Pertinax that had béene consull and ruler ouer foure
+ seuerall consular prouinces, appointed by Commodus to go as lieutenant
+ into that Ile, both for that he was thought a man most méet for such a
+ charge, and also to satisfie his credit, for that he had béene
+ discharged by Perhennis of bearing anie rule, and sent home into
+ Liguria where he was borne, and there appointed to remaine. This
+ Pertinax comming into Britaine, pacified the armie, but not without
+ [Sidenote: The lieutenant in danger.]
+ danger to haue béene slaine by a mutinie raised by one of the legions:
+ for he was stricken downe, and left for dead among the slaine
+ carcasses. But he woorthilie reuenged himselfe of this iniurie. At
+ length, hauing chastised the rebels, and brought the Ile into méetelie
+ good quiet, he sued and obteined to be discharged of that roome,
+ because as he alledged, the souldiers could not brooke him, for that
+ he kept them in dutifull obedience, by correcting such as offended the
+ lawes of armes.
+
+ [Sidenote: CLODIUS ALBINUS LIEUTENAT.]
+ Then was Clodius Albinus appointed to haue the rule of the Romane
+ armie in Britaine: whose destruction when Seuerus the emperour sought,
+ Albinus perceiued it quicklie: and therefore choosing foorth a great
+ power of Britains, passed with the same ouer into France to encounter
+ with Seuerus, who was come thither towards him, so that néere to the
+ citie of Lions they ioined in battell and fought right sore, in so
+ much that Seuerus was at point to haue receiued the ouerthrow by the
+ high prowesse and manhood of the Britains: but yet in the end Albinus
+ lost the field, and was slaine. Then Heraclitus as lieutenant began to
+ gouerne Britaine (as writeth Spartianus) being sent thither by Seuerus
+ for that purpose before. And such was the state of this Ile about the
+ yeare of our Lord 195. In which season, because that king Lucius was
+ dead, and had left no issue to succéed him, the Britains (as before ye
+ haue heard) were at variance amongst themselues, and so continued till
+ the comming of Seuerus, whome the British chronographers affirme to
+ reigne as king in this Ile, & that by right of succession in bloud, as
+ descended of Androgeus the Britaine, which went to Rome with Iulius
+ Cesar, as before ye haue heard.
+
+ [Sidenote: SEUERUS.]
+ This Seuerus as then emperour of Rome, began to rule this Ile (as
+ authors affirme) in the yeare of our Lord 207, and gouerned the same 4
+ yeares and od moneths. At length hearing that one Fulgentius as then a
+ leader of the Picts was entred into the borders of his countrie on
+ this side Durham, he raised an host of Britains and Romans, with the
+ which he marched towards his enimies: and méeting with the said
+ Fulgentius in a place néere vnto Yorke, in the end after sore fight
+ Seuerus was slaine, when he had ruled this land for the space almost
+ of fiue yeares, as before is said, and was after buried at Yorke,
+ leauing behind him two sonnes, the one named Geta, and the other
+ Bassianus. This Bassianus being borne of a British woman, succéeded
+ his father in the gouernement of Britaine, in the yeare of the
+ incarnation of our Lord 211. The Romans would haue had Geta created
+ king of Britaine, bearing more fauour to him because he had a Romane
+ ladie to his mother: but the Britains moued with the like respect,
+ held with Bassianus. And thervpon warre was raised betwixt the two
+ brethren, who comming to trie their quarrell by battell, Geta was
+ slaine, and Bassianus with aid of the Britains remained victor, and so
+ continued king, till at length he was slaine by one Carausius a
+ Britaine, borne but of low birth, howbeit right valiant in armes, and
+ therefore well estéemed. In somuch that obteining of the senat of Rome
+ the kéeping of the coasts of Britaine, that he might defend the same
+ from the malice of strangers, as Picts and others, he drew to him a
+ great number of souldiers and speciallie of Britains, to whome he
+ promised that if they would make him king, he would cléerelie deliuer
+ them from the oppression of the Roman seruitude. Wherevpon the
+ Britains rebelling against Bassianus, ioined themselues to Carausius,
+ who by their support vanquished and slue the said Bassianus, after he
+ had reigned 6 or (as some affirme) 30 yeares.
+
+ ¶ Thus farre out of the English and British writers, the which how
+ farre they varie from likelihood of truth, you shall heare in the next
+ [Sidenote: _Herodianus._]
+ chapter what the approued historiographers, Gréekes and Latines,
+ writing of these matters, haue recorded.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The ambitious mind of the old emperour Seuerus, he arriueth in
+ Britaine with a mightie power to suppresse the rebellious Britains,
+ the emperours politike prouision for his souldiers in the fens and
+ bogs: the agilitie of the Britains, their nimblenesse, the painting of
+ their bodies with diuerse colours, their furniture, their great
+ sufferance of hunger, cold, &c: diuerse conflicts betweene the Romans
+ and the Britains, their subtile traines to deceiue their enimies, the
+ Romans pitifullie distressed, Seuerus constreineth the Caledonians to
+ conclude a league with him; he falleth sicke, his owne sonne
+ practiseth to make him away: the Britains begin a new rebellion, the
+ cruell commandement of Seuerus to kill and slea all that came to hand
+ without exception, his age, his death, and sepulchre: Bassianus
+ ambitiouslie vsurpeth the whole regiment, he killeth his brother Geta,
+ and is slaine himselfe by one of his owne souldiers._
+
+ THE XXIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The emperour Seuerus receiuing aduertisment from the lieutenant of
+ Britaine, that the people there mooued rebellion, & wasted the
+ countrie with roads and forraies, so that it was néedful to haue the
+ prince himselfe to come thither with a great power to resist the
+ enimies, he of an ambitious mind reioised not a little for those
+ newes, bicause he saw occasion offered to aduance his renowme and fame
+ with increase of new victories now in the west, after so manie
+ triumphs purchased and got by him in the east and north parts of the
+ world. Héerevpon though he was of great age, yet the desire that he
+ had still to win honour, caused him to take in hand to make a iournie
+ into this land, and so being furnished of all things necessarie, he
+ set forwards, being carried for the more part in a litter for his more
+ ease: for that beside his féeblenesse of age, he was also troubled
+ [Sidenote: Antoninus and Geta.]
+ with the gout. He tooke with him his two sonnes, Antoninus Bassianus
+ and Geta, vpon purpose as was thought, to auoid occasions of such
+ inconuenience as he perceiued might grow by discord mooued betwixt
+ them through flatterers and malicious sycophants, which sought to set
+ them at variance: which to bring to passe, he perceiued there should
+ want no meane whilest they continued in Rome, amidst such pleasures &
+ idle pastimes as were dailie there frequented: and therefore he caused
+ them to attend him in this iournie into Britaine, that they might
+ learne to liue soberlie, and after the manner of men of warre.
+
+ [Sidenote: The emperor Seuerus arriueth in Britaine.]
+ Seuerus being thus on his iournie towards Britaine, staied not by the
+ waie, but with all diligence sped him foorth, and passing the sea
+ verie swiftlie, entred this Ile, and assembled a mightie power
+ togither, meaning to assaile his enimies, and to pursue the warre
+ against them to the vttermost. The Britains greatlie amazed with this
+ sudden arriuall of the emperour, and hearing that such preparation was
+ made against them, sent ambassadours to him to intreat of peace, and
+ to excuse their rebellious dooings. But Seuerus delaieng time for
+ answere, as he that was desirous to atchiue some high enterprise
+ against the Britains, for the which he might deserue the surname of
+ Britannicus, which he greatlie coueted, still was busie to prepare all
+ things necessarie for the warre; and namelie, caused a great number of
+ bridges to be made to lay ouer the bogs and mareshes, so that his
+ souldiers might haue place to stand vpon, and not to be incumbered for
+ lacke of firme ground when they should cope with their enimies: for
+ [Sidenote: _Herodianus._]
+ the more part of Britaine in those daies (as Herodianus writeth) was
+ full of fens & maresh ground, by reason of the often flowings and
+ [Sidenote: He meaneth of the north Britains or sauage Britains as we
+ may call them.]
+ washings of the sea tides: by the which maresh grounds the enimies
+ being thereto accustomed, would run and swim in the waters, and wade
+ vp to the middle at their pleasure, going for the more part naked, so
+ that they passed not on the mud and mires, for they knew not the vse
+ or wearing cloths, but ware hoopes of iron about their middles and
+ necks, esteeming the same as an ornament token of riches, as other
+ barbarous people did gold.
+
+ Moreouer they marked, or (as it were) painted their bodies in diuerse
+ sorts and with sundrie shapes and figures of beasts and fowles, and
+ therefore they vsed not to weare anie garments, that such painting of
+ their bodies might the more apparantlie be séene, which they estéemed
+ a great brauerie.
+
+ They were as the same Herodianus writeth, a people giuen much to war,
+ and delighted in slaughter and bloudshed, vsing none other weapons or
+ [Sidenote: The furniture of the sauage Britains.]
+ armour but a slender buckler, a iaueline, and a swoord tied to their
+ naked bodies: as for headpéece or habergeon, they estéemed not,
+ bicause they thought the same should be an hinderance to them when
+ they should passe ouer anie maresh, or be driuen to swim anie waters,
+ or flée to the bogs.
+
+ Moreouer, to suffer hunger, cold, and trauell, they were so vsed and
+ inured therewith, that they would not passe to lie in the bogs and
+ mires couered vp to the chin, without caring for meate for the space
+ of diuerse daies togither: and in the woods they would liue vpon roots
+ and barks of trées. Also they vsed to prepare for themselues a
+ certeine kind of meate, of the which if they receiued but so much as
+ amounted to the quantitie of a beane, they would thinke themselues
+ satisfied, and féele neither hunger nor thirst. The one halfe of the
+ Ile or little lesse was subiect vnto the Romans, the other was
+ gouerned of themselues, the people for the most part hauing the rule
+ in their hands.
+
+ Seuerus therefore meaning to subdue the whole, and vnderstanding their
+ nature, and the manner of their making warre, prouided him selfe of
+ all things expedient for the annoiance of them and helpe of his owne
+ souldiers, and appointing his sonne Geta to remaine in that part of
+ the Ile which was subiect to the Romans, he tooke with him his other
+ sonne Antoninus, and with his armie marched foorth, and entred into
+ the confines of the enimies, and there began to waste and forrey the
+ countrie, whereby there insued diuerse conflicts and skirmishes
+ betwixt the Romans and the inhabitants, the victorie still remaining
+ on the Romans side: but the enimies easilie escaped without anie great
+ losse vnto the woods, mountains, bogs, and such other places of refuge
+ as they knew to be at hand, whither the Romans durst not follow, nor
+ once approch, for feare to be intrapped and inclosed by the Britains
+ that were readie to returne and assaile their enimies vpon euerie
+ occasion of aduantage that might be offered.
+
+ This maner of dealing sore troubled the Romans, and so hindered them
+ in their procéedings, that no spéedie end could be made of that warre.
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ The Britains would oftentimes of purpose laie their cattell, as oxen,
+ kine, shéepe, and such like, in places conuenient, to be as a stale to
+ the Romans; and when the Romans should make to them to fetch the same
+ awaie, being distant from the residue of the armie a good space, they
+ would fall vpon them and distresse them. Beside this, the Romans were
+ much annoied with the vnwholesomnesse of the waters which they were
+ forced to drinke, and if they chanced to straie abroad, they were
+ snapped vp by ambushes which the Caledonians laid for them, and when
+ they were so féeble that they could not through want of strength kéepe
+ pace with their fellowes as they marched in order of battell, they
+ were slaine by their owne fellowes, least they should be left behind
+ for a prey to the enimies. Héereby there died in this iournie of the
+ Romane armie, at the point of fiftie thousand men: but yet would not
+ Seuerus returne, till he had gone through the whole Ile, and so came
+ to the vttermost parts of all the countrie now called Scotland, and at
+ last backe againe to the other part of the Ile subiect to the Romans,
+ the inhabitants whereof are named (by Dion Cassius) _Meatæ._ But first
+ he forced the other, whom the same Dion nameth Caledonij, to conclude
+ a league with him, vpon such conditons, as they were compelled to
+ depart with no small portion of the countrie, and to deliuer vnto him
+ their armour and weapons.
+
+ In the meane time, the emperour Seuerus being worne with age fell
+ sicke, so that he was constreined to abide at home within that part of
+ the Ile which obeied the Romans, and to appoint his sonne Antoninus to
+ take charge of the armie abroad. But Antoninus not regarding the
+ enimies, attempted little or nothing against them, but sought waies
+ how to win the fauour of the souldiers and men of warre, that after
+ his fathers death (for which he dailie looked) he might haue their aid
+ and assistance to be admitted emperour in his place. Now when he saw
+ that his father bare out his sicknesse longer time than he would haue
+ wished, he practised with physicians and other of his fathers seruants
+ to dispatch him by one meane or other.
+
+ Whilest Antoninus thus negligentlie looked to his charge, the Britains
+ began a new rebellion, not onlie those that were latelie ioined in
+ league with the emperour, but the other also which were subjects to
+ the Romane empire. Seuerus tooke such displeasure, that he called
+ togither the souldiers, and commanded them to inuade the countrie, and
+ to kill all such as they might méet within anie place without respect,
+ and that his cruell commandement he expressed in these verses taken
+ out of Homer:
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iliados._ 3.]
+
+   Nemo manus fugiat vestras, cædémque cruentam,
+   Non foetus grauida mater quern gessit in aluo
+   Horrendam effugiat cædem.
+
+
+ But while he was thus disquieted with the rebellion of the Britains,
+ and the disloiall practises of his sonne Antoninus, which to him were
+ not vnknowne, (for the wicked sonne had by diuers attempts discouered
+ his traitorous and vnnaturall meanings) at length, rather through
+ [Sidenote: Heriodianus.]
+ [Sidenote: Dion Cassius.]
+ [Sidenote: Eutropius.]
+ [Sidenote: Dion Cassius.]
+ sorrow and griefe, than by force of sicknesse, he wasted awaie, and
+ departed this life at Yorke, the third daie before the nones of
+ Februarie, after he had gouerned the empire by the space of 17 yeares,
+ 8 moneths, & 33 daies. He liued 65 yeres, 9 moneths, & 13 daies: he
+ was borne the third ides of April. By that which before is recited out
+ of Herodian and Dion Cassius, of the maners & vsages of those people,
+ against whome Seuerus held warre here in Britaine, it maie be
+ coniectured, that they were the Picts, the which possessed in those
+ daies a great part of Scotland, and with continuall incursions and
+ rodes wasted and destroyed the borders of those countries which were
+ [Sidenote: Eutropius.]
+ [Sidenote: Orosius.]
+ subiect to the Romans. To kéepe them backe therefore and to represse
+ their inuasions, Seuerus (as some write) either restored the former
+ [Sidenote: _Dion Cassius._]
+ wall made by Adrian, or else newlie built an other ouerthwart the Ile,
+ from the east sea to the west, conteining in length 232 miles. This
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ wall was not made of stone, but of turfe and earth supported with
+ stakes and piles of wood, and defended on the backe with a déepe
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boetius._]
+ trench or ditch, and also fortified with diuerse towers and turrets
+ built & erected vpon the same wall or rampire so néere togither, that
+ the sound of trumpets being placed in the same, might be heard
+ betwixt, and so warning giuen from one to another vpon the first
+ descrieng of the enimies.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydorus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Herodianus._]
+ [Sidenote: 211.]
+ Seuerus being departed out of this life in the yere of our Lord 211,
+ his son Antoninus otherwise called also Bassianus, would faine haue
+ vsurped the whole gouernment into his owne hands, attempting with
+ bribes and large promises to corrupt the minds of the souldiers: but
+ when he perceiued that his purpose would not forward as he wished in
+ that behalfe, he concluded a league with the enimies, and making peace
+ with them, returned backe towards Yorke, and came to his mother and
+ brother Geta, with whome he tooke order for the buriall of his father.
+ And first his bodie being burnt (as the maner was) the ashes were put
+ into a vessell of gold, and so conueied to Rome by the two brethren
+ and the empresse Iulia, who was mother to Geta the yonger brother, and
+ mother in law to the elder, Antoninus Bassianus, & by all meanes
+ possible sought to maintaine loue and concord betwixt the brethren,
+ which now at the first tooke vpon them to rule the empire equallie
+ togither. But the ambition of Bassianus was such, that finallie vpon
+ desire to haue the whole rule himselfe, he found meanes to dispatch
+ his brother Geta, breaking one daie into his chamber, and slaieng him
+ euen in his mothers lap, and so possessed the gouernment alone, till
+ at length he was slaine at Edessa a citie in Mesopotamia by one of his
+ owne souldiers, as he was about to vntrusse his points to doo the
+ office of nature, after he had reigned the space of 6 yeares, as is
+ [Sidenote: _Sextus Aurelius._]
+ aforesaid. Where we are to note Gods judgment, prouiding that he which
+ had shed mans bloud, should also die by the sword.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Carausius an obscure Britaine, what countries he gaue the Picts,
+ and wherevpon, his death by Alectus his successor, the Romans foiled
+ by Asclepiodotus duke of Cornewall, whereof Walbrooke had the name,
+ the couetous practise of Carausius the usurper._
+
+ THE XXIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CARAUSIUS.]
+ CARAUSIUS a Britan of vnknowne birth, as witnesseth the British
+ histories, after he had vanquisht & slaine Bassianus (as the same
+ histories make mention) was of the Britains made king and ruler ouer
+ [Sidenote: 218.]
+ them, in the yeare of our Lord 218, as Galfridus saith: but W.H.
+ noteth it to be in the yeare 286. This Carausius either to haue the
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ aid & support of the Picts, as in the British historic is conteined,
+ either else to be at quietnesse with them, being not otherwise able to
+ resist them, gaue to them the countries in the south parts of
+ Scotland, which ioine to England on the east marshes, as Mers,
+ Louthian, and others.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Galfridus._]
+ ¶ But here is to be noted, that the British writers affirme, that
+ these Picts which were thus placed in the south parts of Scotland at
+ this time, were brought ouer out of Scithia by Fulgentius, to aid him
+ against Seuerus, and that after the death of Seuerus, and Fulgentius,
+ which both died of hurts receiued in the batell fought betwixt them at
+ Yorke: the Picts tooke part with Bassianus, and at length betraied him
+ in the battell which he fought against Carausius: for he corrupting
+ them by such subtile practises as he vsed, they turned to his side, to
+ the ouerthrow and vtter destruction of Bassianus: for the which
+ traitorous part they had those south countries of Scotland giuen vnto
+ them for their habitation. But by the Scotish writers it should
+ appeare, that those Picts which aided Fulgentius and also Carausius,
+ were the same that long before had inhabited the north parts of
+ Britaine, now called Scotland. But whatsoeuer they were, truth it is
+ (as the British histories record) that at length one Alectus was sent
+ from Rome by the senat with 3 legions of souldiers to subdue
+ Carausius, which he did, and slue him in the field, as the same
+ histories make mention, after he had reigned the space of 7, or 8,
+ yeares: and in the yeare of our saluation two hundred, ninetie, three.
+
+ [Sidenote: ALECTUS.]
+ [Sidenote: Of whom our British histories doo write after their
+ maner.]
+ [Sidenote: 293.]
+ ALECTUS in hauing vanquished and slaine Carausius tooke vpon him the
+ rule and gouernment of Britaine, in the yeare of our Lord 293. This
+ Alectus, when he had restored the land to the subiection of the
+ Romans, did vse great crueltie against such Britains as had maintained
+ the part of Carausius, by reason whereof he purchased much euill will
+ of the Britains, the which at length conspired against him, and
+ purposing to chase the Romans altogither out of their countrie, they
+ procured one Asclepiodotus (whome the British chronicles name duke of
+ Cornewall) to take vpon him as chiefe captaine that enterprise.
+ Wherevpon the same Asclepiodotus assembling a great armie, made such
+ sharpe warres on the Romans, that they being chased from place to
+ place, at length withdrew to the citie of London, and there held them
+ till Asclepiodotus came thither, and prouoked Alectus and his Romans
+ so much, that in the end they issued foorth of the citie, and gaue
+ battell to the Britans, in the which much people on both parts were
+ slaine, but the greatest number died on the Romans side: and amongst
+ others, Alectus himselfe was slaine, the residue of the Romans that
+ were left aliue, retired backe into the citie with a capteine of
+ theirs named Liuius Gallus, and defended themselues within the walles
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ for a time right valiantlie. Thus was Alectus slaine of the Britains,
+ after he had reigned (as some suppose) about the terme of six yeares,
+ or (as some other write) thrée yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: ASCLEPIODOTUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ ASCLEPIODOTUS, duke of Cornewall, began his reigne ouer the Britains
+ in the yeare of our Lord 232. After he had vanquished the Romans in
+ battell, as before is recited, he laid his siege about the citie of
+ London, and finallie by knightlie force entred the same, and slue the
+ forenamed Liuius Gallus néere vnto a brooke, which in those daies ran
+ through the citie, & threw him into the same brooke: by reason whereof
+ [Sidenote: Walbrooke.]
+ long after it was called Gallus or Wallus brooke. And at this present
+ the streete where the same brooke did run, is called Walbrooke.
+
+ Then after Asclepiodotus had ouercome all his enimies, he held this
+ land a certeine space in good rest and quiet, and ministred iustice
+ vprightlie, in rewarding the good, and punishing the euill. Till at
+ length, through slanderous toongs of malicious persons, discord was
+ raised betwixt the king and one Coill or Coilus, that was gouernour of
+ Colchester: the occasion whereof appeareth not by writers. But
+ whatsoeuer the matter was, there insued such hatred betwixt them, that
+ on both parts great armies were raised, and meeting in the field, they
+ fought a sore and mightie battell, in the which Asclepiodotus was
+ [Sidenote: Asclepiodotus slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ hath x. years.]
+ slaine, after he had reigned 30 yeares. Thus haue Geffrey of Monmouth
+ and our common chroniclers written of Carausius, Alectus, and
+ Asclepiodotus, which gouerned héere in Britaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Eutropius._]
+ But Eutropius the famous writer of the Romane histories, in the acts
+ [Sidenote: The couetous practising of Carausius.]
+ of Dioclesian hath in effect these woords. "About the same time
+ Carausius, the which being borne of most base ofspring, attained to
+ high honour and dignitie by order of renowmed chiualrie & seruice in
+ the warres, receiued charge at Bolein, to kéepe the seas quiet alongst
+ the coasts of Britaine, France, and Flanders, and other countries
+ thereabouts, bicause the Frenchmen, which yet inhabited within the
+ bounds of Germanie, and the Saxons sore troubled those seas. Carausius
+ taking oftentimes manie of the enimies, neither restored the goods to
+ them of the countrie from whome the enimies had bereft the same, nor
+ yet sent anie part therof to the emperours, but kept the whole to his
+ owne use. Whervpon when suspicion arose, that he should of purpose
+ suffer the enimies to passe by him, till they had taken some prises,
+ that in their returne with the same he might incounter with them, and
+ take that from them which they had gotten (by which subtile practise
+ he was thought greatly to haue inriched him selfe) Maximianus that was
+ fellow in gouernment of the empire with Dioclesianus, remaining then
+ [Sidenote: Maximianus purposeth to slea Carusius.]
+ in Gallia, and aduertised of these dooings, commanded that Carausius
+ should be slaine, but he hauing warning thereof rebelled, and vsurping
+ the imperiall ornaments and title, got possession of Britaine, against
+ whom (being a man of great experience in all warlike knowledge) when
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ warres had béene attempted and folowed in vaine, at length a peace was
+ concluded with him, and so he enioied the possession of Britaine by
+ [Sidenote: _Eutropius._]
+ the space of seuen yéeres, & then was slaine by his companion Alectus,
+ the which after him ruled Britaine for the space of thrée yéeres, and
+ was in the end oppressed by the guile of Asclepiodotus gouernour of
+ the pretorie, or (as I maie call him) lord lieutenant of some precinct
+ and iurisdiction perteining to the Romane empire." And so was Britaine
+ recouered by the foresaid Asclepiodotus about ten yeeres after that
+ Carausius had first vsurped the gouernment there, and about the yéere
+
+ [Sidenote: 300.]
+ of our Lord 300, as Polydor iudgeth, wherein he varieth much from
+ Fabian and others.
+
+ ¶ But to shew what we find further written of the subduing of Alectus,
+ [Sidenote: _Mamertinus._]
+ I thinke it not amisse to set downe what Mamertinus in his oration
+ written in praise of Maximianus dooth report of this matter, which
+ shall be performed in the chapter following.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The substance of that which is written touching Britaine in a
+ panegyrike oration ascribed to Mamertinus, which he set foorth in
+ praise of the emperors Dioclesian and Maximian: it is intituled onelie
+ to Maximian, whereas neuerthelesse both the emperors are praised; and
+ likewise (as ye may perceiue) Constantius who was father to
+ Constantine the great is here spoken of, being chosen by the two
+ foresaid emperors, to assist them by the name of Cæsar in rule of the
+ empire: of whom hereafter more shall be said._
+
+ THE XXIIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ "All the compasse of the earth (most victorious emperor) being now
+ recouered through your noble prowesse, not onelie so farre as the
+ limits of the Romane empire had before extended, but also the enimies
+ borders beeing subdued, when Almaine had beene so often vanquished,
+ and Sarmatia so often restrained & brought vnder, the people called
+ [Sidenote: Vitungi, Quadi, Carpi, and people of Germanie and Polonie.]
+ Vitungi, Quadi, Carpi so often put to flight, the Goth submitting
+ himselfe, the king of Persia by offering gifts suing for peace: one
+ despitefull reproch of so mightie an empire and gouernement ouer the
+ whole greeued vs to the heart, as now at length we will not sticke to
+ confesse, and to vs it seemed the more intollerable, bicause it onlie
+ remained to the accomplishing of your perfect renowme and glorie. And
+ verilie as there is but one name of Britaine, so was the losse to be
+ esteemed smal to the common wealth of a land so plentifull of corne,
+ so abundant with store of pastures, so flowing with veines of mettall,
+ so gainfull with reuenues rising of customs and tributes, so enuironed
+ with hauens, so huge in circuit, the which when Cesar, the founder of
+ this your honourable title, being the first that entered into it, writ
+ that he had found an other world, supposing it to be so big, that it
+ was not compassed with the sea, but that rather by resemblance the
+ great Ocean was compassed with it. Now at that time Britaine was
+ nothing furnished with ships of warre; so that the Romans, soone after
+ the warres of Carthage and Asia, had latelie beene exercised by sea
+ against pirats, and afterwards by reason of the warres against
+ Mithridates, were practised as well to fight by sea as land; besides
+ this, the British nation then alone was accustomed but onelie to the
+ [Sidenote: Picts and Irishmen.]
+ Picts and Irishmen, enimies halfe naked as yet & not vsed to weare
+ armor, so that the Britains for lacke of skill, easilie gaue place to
+ the Romane puissance, insomuch that Cesar might by that voiage onelie
+ glorie in this, that he had sailed and passed ouer the Ocean sea.
+
+ "But in this wicked rebellious robberie, first the nauie that in times
+ past defended the coasts of Gallia, was led away by the pirat when he
+ fled his waies: and beside this, a great number of other ships were
+ built after the mould of ours, the legion of Romane souldiers was
+ woon, and brought to take part with the enimie, and diuers bands of
+ strangers that were also souldiers were shut vp in the ships to serue
+ also against vs. The merchants of the parties of Gallia were assembled
+ and brought togither to the musters, and no small numbers of barbarous
+ nations procured to come in aid of the rebels, trusting to inrich
+ themselues by the spoile of the prouinces: and all these were trained
+ in the wars by sea, through the instruction of the first attemptors of
+ this mischieuous practise.
+
+ "And although our armies were inuincible in force and manhood, yet
+ were they raw and not accustomed to the seas, so that the fame of a
+ greeuous and great trouble by warre that was toward by this shamefull
+ rebellious robberie was blowne and sounded in ech mans eare, although
+ [Sidenote: Long sufferance of euill increaseth boldnesse in the
+ authors.]
+ we hoped well of the end. Vnto the enimies forces was added a long
+ sufferance of their wicked practises without punishment, which had
+ puffed vp the presumptuous boldnesse of desperate people, that they
+ bragged of our stay, as it had bene for feare of them, whereas the
+ disaduantage which we had by sea, seemed as it were by a fatall
+ necessitie to deferre our victorie: neither did they beleeue that the
+ warre was put off for a time by aduise and counsell, but rather to be
+ omitted through despaire of dooing anie good against them, insomuch
+ [Sidenote: Carausius slaine.]
+ that now the feare of common punishment being laid aside, one of the
+ mates slue the archpirat or capteine rouer as I may call him, hoping
+ in reward of so great an exploit, to obteine the whole gouernement
+ into his hands.
+
+ "This warre then being both so necessarie, so hard to enter vpon, so
+ growne in time to a stubborne stiffenesse, and so well prouided for of
+ the enimies part, you noble emperour did so take it in hand, that so
+ soone as you bent the thundering force of your imperiall maiestie
+ against that enimie, ech man made account that the enterprise was
+ alreadie atchiued. For first of all, to the end that your diuine power
+ being absent, the barbarous nations should not attempt anie new
+ trouble (a thing chieflie to be foreseene) it was prouided for
+ aforehand by intercession made vnto your maiestie: for you your selfe,
+ you (I say) mightie lord Maximian eternall emperour, vouchedsafe to
+ aduance the comming of your diuine excellence by the neerest way that
+ might be, which to you was not vnknowne. You therefore suddenlie came
+ to the Rhine, and not with anie armie of horssemen or footmen, but
+ with the terrour of your presence did preserue and defend all that
+ frontire: for Maximian once being there vpon the riuage, counteruailed
+ anie the greatest armies that were to be found. For you (most
+ inuincible emperour) furnishing and arming diuers nauies, made the
+ enimie so vncerteine of his owne dooing and void of counsell, that
+ then at length he might perceiue that he was not defended, but rather
+ inclosed with the Ocean sea.
+
+ "Here commeth to mind how pleasant and easefull the good lucke of
+ those princes in gouerning the common wealth with praise was, which
+ sitting still in Rome had triumphs and surnames appointed them of such
+ [Sidenote: Fronto counted Ciceros match.]
+ nations as their capteins did vanquish. Fronto therefore, not the
+ second, but match with the first honor of the Romane eloquence, when
+ he yeelded vnto the emperor Antoninus the renowme of the warre brought
+ to end in Britaine, although he sitting at home in his palace within
+ the citie, had committed the conduct and successe of that warre ouer
+ vnto the same Fronto, it was confessed by him, that the emperour
+ sitting as it were at the helme of the ship, deserued the praise, by
+ giuing of perfect order to the full accomplishing of the enterprise.
+ But you (most inuincible emperour) haue bene not onlie the appointer
+ foorth how all this voiage by sea, and prosecuting the warre by land
+ should bee demeaned, as apperteined to you by vertue of your imperiall
+ rule and dignitie, but also you haue beene an exhorter and setter
+ forward in the things themselues, and through example of your assured
+ constancie, the victorie was atchiued. For you taking the sea at
+ Sluice, did put an irreuocable desire into their hearts that were
+ readie to take ship at the same time in the mouth of the riuer of
+ Saine, insomuch that when the capteins of that armie did linger out
+ the time, by reason the seas and aire was troubled, they cried to haue
+ the sailes hoised vp, and signe giuen to lanch foorth, that they might
+ passe forward on their iournie, despising certeine tokens which
+ threatened their wrecke, and so set forward on a rainie and
+ tempestuous day, sailing with a crosse wind, for no forewind might
+ serue their turne.
+
+ "But what was he that durst not commit himselfe vnto the sea, were the
+ same neuer so vnquiet, when you were once vnder saile, and set
+ forward? One voice and exhortation was among them all (as report hath
+ gone thereof) when they heard that you were once got forth vpon the
+ water, What doo we dout? what mean we to staie? He is now loosed from
+ land, he is forward on his waie, and peraduenture is alreadie got
+ ouer: Let vs put all things in proofe, let vs venter through anie
+ dangers of sea whatsoeuer. What is there that we may stand in feare
+ of? we follow the emperour. Neither did the opinion of your good hap
+ deceiue them: for as by report of them selues we doo vnderstand, at
+ that selfe time there fell such a mist and thicke fog vpon the seas,
+ that the enimies nauie laid at the Ile of wight watching for their
+ aduersaries, and lurking as it were in await, these your ships passed
+ by, and were not once perceiued, neither did the enimie then staie
+ although he could not resist.
+
+ "But now as concerning that the same vnuanquishable army fighting
+ vnder your ensignes and name, streightwaies after it came to land, set
+ fire on their ships; what mooued them so to doo, except the
+ admonitions of your diuine motion? Or what other reason persuaded them
+ to reserue no furtherance for their flight, if need were, nor to feare
+ the doubtfull chances of war, nor (as the prouerbe saith) to thinke
+ the hazard of martiall dealings to be common, but that by
+ contemplation of your prosperous hap, it was verie certeine that there
+ needed no doubt to be cast for victorie to be obteined? There were no
+ sufficient forces at that present among them, no mightie or puissant
+ strength of the Romans, but they had onelie consideration of your
+ vnspeakable fortunate successe comming from the heauens aboue. For
+ whatsoeuer battell dooth chance to be offered, to make full account of
+ [Sidenote: The good lucke in a capteine.]
+ victorie, resteth not so much in the assurance of the souldiers, as in
+ the good lucke and felicitie of the capteine generall.
+
+ "That same ringleader of the vngratious faction, what ment he to
+ depart from that shore which he possessed? Why did he forsake both his
+ nauie and the hauen? But that (most inuincible emperour) he stood in
+ feare of your comming, whose sailes he beheld readie to approch
+ towards him, how soeuer the matter should fall out, he chose rather to
+ trie his fortune with your capteins, than to abide the present force
+ of your highnes. Ah mad man! that vnderstood not, that whither so euer
+ he fled, the power of your diuine maiestie to be present in all places
+ where your countenance & banners are had in reuerence. But he fleeing
+ from your presence, fell into the hands of your people, of you was he
+ ouercome, of your armies was he oppressed.
+
+ "To be short, he was brought into such feare, and as it were still
+ looking behind him, for doubt of your comming after him, that as one
+ out of his wits and amazed, he wist not what to doo, he hasted forward
+ to his death, so that he neither set his men in order of battell, nor
+ marshalled such power as he had about him, but onlie with the old
+ authors of that conspiracie, and the hired bands of the barbarous
+ nations, as one forgetfull of so great preparation which he had made,
+ ran headlong forwards to his destruction, insomuch (noble emperour)
+ your felicitie yeeldeth this good hap to the common wealth, that the
+ victorie being atchiued in the behalfe of the Romane empire, there
+ almost died not one Romane: for as I heare, all those fields and hills
+ lay couered with none but onelie with the bodies of most wicked
+ enimies, the same being of the barbarous nations, or at the leastwise
+ apparelled in the counterfet shapes of barbarous garments, glistering
+ with their long yellow haires, but now with gashes of wounds and bloud
+ all deformed, and lieng in sundrie manners, as the pangs of death
+ occasioned by their wounds had caused them to stretch foorth or draw
+ in their maimed lims and mangled parts of their dieng bodies. And
+ [Sidenote: Alectus found dead.]
+ among these, the chiefe ringleader of the theeues was found, who had
+ [Sidenote: He had despoiled himselfe of the imperiall robes, bicause
+ he would not be knowne if he chanced to be slaine.]
+ put off those robes which in his life time he had vsurped and
+ dishonoured, so as scarse was he couered with one peece of apparell
+ whereby he might be knowne, so neere were his words true, vttered at
+ the houre of his death, which he saw at hand, that he would not haue
+ it vnderstood how he was slaine.
+
+ "Thus verelie (most inuincible emperour) so great a victorie was
+ appointed to you by consent of the immortall gods ouer all the
+ [Sidenote: Francones siue Franci.]
+ enimies whome you assailed, but namelie the slaughter of the
+ Frankeners and those your souldiers also, which (as before I haue
+ said) through missing their course by reason of the mist that lay on
+ the seas, were now come to the citie of London, where they slue downe
+ right in ech part of the same citie, what multitude soeuer remained of
+ those hired barbarous people, which escaping from the battell, ment
+ (after they had spoiled the citie) to haue got awaie by flight. But
+ now being thus slaine by your souldiers, the subiects of your prouince
+ were both preserued from further danger, and tooke pleasure to behold
+ the slaughter of such cruell enimies. O what a manifold victorie was
+ this, worthie vndoubtedlie of innumerable triumphes! by which victorie
+ Britaine is restored to the empire, by which victorie the nation of
+ the Frankeners is vtterlie destroied, & by which manie other nations
+ found accessaries in the conspiracie of that wicked practise, are
+ compelled to obedience. To conclude, the seas are purged and brought
+ to perpetuall quietnesse.
+
+ "Glorie you therefore, inuincible emperour, for that you haue as it
+ were got an other world, & in restoring to the Romane puissance the
+ glory of conquest by sea, haue added to the Romane empire an element
+ greater than all the compasse of the earth, that is, the mightie maine
+ ocean. You haue made an end of the warre (inuincible emperour) that
+ seemed as present to threaten all prouinces, and might haue spred
+ abroad and burst out in a flame, euen so largelie as the ocean seas
+ stretch, and the mediterrane gulfs doo reach. Neither are we ignorant,
+ although through feare of you that infection did fester within the
+ bowels of Britaine onelie, and proceeded no further, with what furie
+ it would haue aduanced it selfe else where, if it might haue beene
+ assured of means to haue ranged abroad so far as it wished. For it was
+ bounded in with no border of mounteine, nor riuer, which garrisons
+ appointed were garded and defended but euen so as the ships, although
+ we had your martiall prowes and prosperous fortune redie to releeue
+ vs, & was still at our elbowes to put vs in feare, so farre as either
+ sea reacheth or wind bloweth.
+
+ "For that incredible boldnesse and vnwoorthie good hap of a few sillie
+ [Sidenote: The piracie of the Frankeners called _Franci_ or
+ _Francones._]
+ captiues of the Frankeners in time of the emperour Probus came to our
+ remembrance, which Frankeners in that season, conueieng awaie certeine
+ vessels from the coasts of Pontus, wasted both Grecia and Asia, and
+ not without great hurt and damage, ariuing vpon diuers parts of the
+ shore of Libia, at length tooke the citie of Saragose in Sicile (an
+ hauen towne in times past highlie renowmed for victories gotten by
+ sea:) & after this passing thorough the streicts of Giberalterra, came
+ into the Ocean, and so with the fortunate successe of their rash
+ presumptuous attempt, shewed how nothing is shut vp in safetie from
+ the desperate boldnesse of pirats, where ships maie come and haue
+ accesse. And so therefore by this your victorie, not Britaine alone is
+ deliuered from bondage, but vnto all nations is safetie restored,
+ which might by the vse of the seas come to as great perils in time of
+ warre, as to gaine of commodities in time of peace.
+
+ "Now Spaine (to let passe the coasts of Gallia) with hir shores almost
+ in sight is in suertie: now Italie, now Afrike, now all nations euen
+ vnto the fens of Meotis are void of perpetuall cares. Neither are they
+ lesse ioifull, the feare of danger being taken awaie, which to feele
+ as yet the necessitie had not brought them: but they reioise so much
+ the more for this, that both in the guiding of your prouidence, and
+ also furtherance of fortune, so great a force of rebellion by seamen
+ is calmed, vpon the entring into their borders, and Britaine it selfe
+ which had giuen harbour to so long a mischiefe, is euidentlie knowne
+ to haue tasted of your victorie, with hir onelie restitution to
+ [Sidenote: Britains restored to quietnes.]
+ quietnesse. Not without good cause therfore immediatlie, when you hir
+ long wished reuenger and deliuerer were once arriued, your maiestie
+ was met with great triumph, & the Britains replenished with all inward
+ [Sidenote: The Britains receiue Maximian with great ioy and
+ humblenesse.]
+ gladnesse, came foorth and offered themselues to your presence, with
+ their wiues and children, reuerencing not onlie your selfe (on whom
+ they set their eies, as on one descended downe to them from heauen)
+ but also euen the sailes and tackling of that ship which had brought
+ your diuine presence vnto their coasts: and when you should set foot
+ on land, they were readie to lie downe at your feet, that you might
+ (as it were) march ouer them, so desirous were they of you.
+
+ "Neither was it anie maruell if they shewed them selues so ioifull,
+ sith after their miserable captiuitie so manie yeeres continued, after
+ so long abusing of their wiues, and filthie bondage of their children,
+ at length yet were they now restored to libertie, at length made
+ Romans, at length refreshed with the true light of the imperiall rule
+ and gouernement: for beside the fame of your clemencie and pitie,
+ which was set forth by the report of all nations, in your countenance
+ (Cesar) they perceiued the tokens of all vertues, in your face
+ grauitie, in your eies mildnesse, in your ruddie cheekes bashfulnesse,
+ in your words iustice: all which things as by regard they
+ acknowledged, so with voices of gladnesse they signified on high. To
+ you they bound themselues by vow, to you they bound their children:
+ yea and to your children they vowed all the posteritie of their race
+ and ofspring.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dioclesian and Maximian.]
+ "We trulie (O perpetuall parents and lords of mankind) require this of
+ the immortall gods with most earnest supplication and heartie praier,
+ that our children and their children, and such other as shall come of
+ them for euer hereafter, may be dedicated vnto you, and to those whom
+ you now bring vp, or shall bring vp hereafter. For what better hap can
+ we wish to them that shall succeed vs, than to be enioiers of that
+ felicitie which now we our selues enioy? The Romane common wealth
+ dooth now comprehend in one coniunction of peace, all whatsoeuer at
+ sundrie times haue belonged to the Romans, and that huge power which
+ with too great a burden was shroonke downe, and riuen in sunder, is
+ now brought to ioine againe in the assured ioints of the imperiall
+ gouernment. For there is no part of the earth nor region vnder heauen,
+ but that either it remaineth quiet through feare, or subdued by force
+ of armies, or at the lestwise bound by clemencie. And is there anie
+ other thing else in other parts, which if will and reason should mooue
+ men thereto, that might be obteined? Beyond the Ocean, what is there
+ [Sidenote: Nations néere to Britaine obeie the emperours.]
+ more than Britaine, which is so recouered by you, that those nations
+ which are nere adioining to the bounds of that Ile, are obedient to
+ your commandements? There is no occasion that may mooue you to passe
+ further, except the ends of the Ocean sea, which nature forbiddeth
+ should be sought for. All is yours (most inuincible princes) which are
+ accounted woorthie of you, and thereof commeth it, that you may
+ equallie prouide for euerie one, sith you haue the whole in your
+ maiesties hands. And therefore as heretofore (most excellent emperour
+ Dioclesian) by your commandement Asia did supplie the desert places of
+ Thracia with inhabitants transported thither, as afterward (most
+ excellent emperour Maximian) by your appointment, the Frankeners at
+ length brought to a pleasant subiection, and admitted to liue vnder
+ [Sidenote: The printed booke hath Heruij, but I take the H, to be
+ thrust in for N.]
+ lawes, hath peopled and manured the vacant fields of the Neruians, and
+ those about the citie of Trier. And so now by your victories
+ (inuincible Constantius Cesar) whatsoeuer did lie vacant about Amiens,
+ Beauois, Trois, and Langres, beginneth to florish with inhabitants of
+ sundrie nations: yea and moreouer that your most obedient citie of
+ Autun, for whose sake I haue a peculiar cause to reioise, by meanes of
+ this triumphant victorie in Britaine, it hath receiued manie & diuerse
+ [Sidenote: Artificers foorth of Britaine.]
+ artificers, of whom those prouinces were ful, and now by their
+ workemanship the same citie riseth vp by repairing of ancient houses,
+ and restoring of publike buildings and temples, so that now it
+ accounteth that the old name of brotherlie incorporation to Rome, is
+ againe to hir restored, when she hath you eftsoones for hir founder. I
+ haue said (inuincible emperour) almost more than I haue beene able, &
+ not so much as I ought, that I may haue most iust cause by your
+ clemencies licence, both now to end, & often hereafter to speake: and
+ thus I ceasse."
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What is to be observed and noted out of the panegyrike oration of
+ Mamertinus afore remembred, with necessarie collections out of other
+ Antiquaries._
+
+ THE XXV CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now let vs consider what is to be noted out of this part of the
+ foresaid oration. It should seeme that when the emperour Maximian was
+ sent into Gallia by appointment taken betwixt him and Dioclesian,
+ after he had quieted things there, he set his mind foorthwith to
+ reduce Britaine vnder the obedience of the empire, which was at that
+ present kept vnder subiection of such princes as mainteined their
+ state, by the mightie forces of such number of ships as they had got
+ togither, furnished with all things necessarie, & namelie of able
+ [Sidenote: Franci, or Frankeneres, people of Germanie.]
+ seamen, as well Britains as strangers, among whome the Frankeners were
+ chiefe, a nation of Germanie, as then highly renowmed for their
+ puissance by sea, néere to the which they inhabited, so that there
+ were no rouers comparable to them.
+
+ But because none durst stirre on these our seas for feare of the
+ British fléet that passed to and fro at pleasure, to the great
+ annoiance of the Romane subiects inhabiting alongst the coasts of
+ Gallia, Maximian both to recouer againe so wealthie and profitable a
+ land vnto the obeisance of the empire, as Britaine then was, and also
+ to deliuer the people of Gallia subiect to the Romans, from danger of
+ being dailie spoiled by those rouers that were mainteined here in
+ Britaine, he prouided with all diligence such numbers of ships as were
+ thought requisite for so great an enterprise, and rigging them in
+ sundrie places, tooke order for their setting forward to his most
+ aduantage for the easie atchiuing of his enterprise. He appointed to
+ passe himselfe from the coasts of Flanders, at what time other of
+ capteines with their fleets from other parts should likewise make
+ saile towards Britaine. By this meanes Alectus that had vsurped the
+ title & dignitie of king or rather emperour ouer the Britains, knew
+ not where to take héed, but yet vnderstanding of the nauie that was
+ made readie in the mouth of Saine, he ment by that which maie be
+ coniectured, to intercept that fléet, as it should come foorth and
+ make saile forwards: and so for that purpose he laie with a great
+ number of ships about the Ile of Wight.
+
+ But whether Asclepiodotus came ouer with that nauie which was rigged
+ on the coasts of Flanders, or with some other, I will not presume to
+ affirme either to or fro, because in déed Mamertinus maketh no
+ expresse mention either of Alectus or Asclepiodotus: but
+ notwithstanding it is euident by that which is conteined in his
+ oration, that not Maximian, but some other of his capteins gouerned
+ the armie, which slue Alectus, so that we maie suppose that
+ Asclepiodotus was chiefteine ouer some number of ships directed by
+ Maximians appointment to passe ouer into this Ile against the same
+ Alectus: and so maie this, which Mamertinus writeth, agrée with the
+ [Sidenote: _Eutropius._]
+ truth of that which we doo find in Eutropius.
+
+ Héere is to be remembred, that after Maximians had thus recouered
+ Britaine out of their hands that vsurped the rule thereof from the
+ Romans, it should séeme that not onelie great numbers of artificers &
+ other people were conueied ouer into Gallia, there to inhabit and
+ furnish such cities as were run into decaie, but also a power of
+ warlike youths was transported thither to defend the countrie from the
+ inuasion of barbarous nations. For we find that in the daies of this
+ Maximian, the Britains expelling the Neruians out of the citie of Mons
+ in Henaud, held a castell there, which was called Bretaimons after
+ them, wherevpon the citie was afterward called Mons, retaining the
+ last syllable onlie, as in such cases it hath often happened.
+
+ Moreouer this is not to be forgotten, that as Humfrey Lhoyd hath very
+ well noted in his booke intituled "Fragmenta historiæ Britannicæ,"
+ Mamertinus in this parcell of his panegyrike oration dooth make first
+ mention of the nation of Picts, of all other the ancient Romane
+ writers: so that not one before his time once nameth Picts or Scots.
+ But now to returne where we left.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The state of this Iland vnder bloudie Dioclesian the persecuting
+ tyrant, of Alban the first that suffered martyrdome in Britaine, what
+ miracles were wrought at his death, whereof Lichfield tooke the name;
+ of Coilus earle of Colchester, whose daughter Helen was maried to
+ Constantius the emperour, as some authours suppose._
+
+ THE XXVJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ After that Britaine was thus recouered by the Romans, Dioclesian and
+ Maximian ruling the empire, the Iland tasted of the crueltie that
+ Dioclesian exercised against the christians, in persecuting them with
+ all extremities, continuallie for the space of ten yéeres. Amongst
+ other, one Alban a citizen of Werlamchester, a towne now bearing his
+ name, was the first that suffered here in Britaine in this
+ persecution, being conuerted to the faith by the zealous christian
+ Amphibalus, whom he receiued into his house: insomuch that when there
+ [Sidenote: _Beda_ and _Gyldas._]
+ came sergeants to séeke for the same Amphibalus, the foresaid Alban to
+ preserue Amphibalus out of danger, presented himselfe in the apparell
+ of the said Amphibalus, & so being apprehended in his stead, was
+ brought before the iudge and examined: and for that he refused to doo
+ sacrifice to the false gods, he was beheaded on the top of an hill
+ ouer against the towne of Werlamchester aforesaid where afterwards was
+ builded a church and monasterie in remembrance of his martyrdome,
+ insomuch that the towne there restored, after that Werlamchester was
+ destroied, tooke name of him, and so is vnto this day called saint
+ Albons.
+
+ It is reported by writers, that diuers miracles were wrought at the
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Sée the booke of acts and monuments set forth by master
+ Fox.]
+ time of his death, insomuch that one which was appointed to doo the
+ execution, was conuerted, and refusing to doo that office, suffered
+ also with him: but he that tooke vpon him to doo it, reioised nothing
+ thereat, for his eies fell out of his head downe to the ground,
+ togither with the head of that holie man which he had then cut off.
+ There were also martyred about the same time two constant witnesses of
+ Christ his religion, Aaron and Iulius, citizens of Caerleon Arwiske.
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Rossus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Warwicens. in lib. de Wigorniens. epis._]
+ Moreouer, a great number of Christians which were assembled togither
+ to heare the word of life, preached by that vertuous man Amphibalus,
+ [Sidenote: Lichfield whereof it tooke name.]
+ were slaine by the wicked pagans at Lichfield, whereof that towne
+ tooke name, as you would say, The field of dead corpses.
+
+ To be briefe, this persecution was so great and greeuous, and thereto
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ so vniuersall, that in maner the Christian religion was thereby
+ destroied. The faithfull people were slaine, their bookes burnt, and
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cestren._]
+ churches ouerthrowne. It is recorded that in one moneths space in
+ diuers places of the world there were 17000 godlie men and women put
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Constantius._]
+ to death, for professing the christian faith in the daies of that
+ tyrant Dioclesian and his fellow Maximian.
+
+ [Sidenote: COELUS.]
+ [Sidenote: 262.]
+ COELUS earle of Colchester began his dominion ouer the Britains in the
+ yeere of our Lord 262. This Coelus or Coell ruled the land for a
+ certeine time, so as the Britains were well content with his
+ gouernement, and liued the longer in rest from inuasion of the Romans,
+ bicause they were occupied in other places: but finallie they finding
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ time for their purpose, appointed one Constantius to passe ouer into
+ this Ile with an armie, the which Constantius put Coelus in such
+ dread, that immediatlie vpon his arriuall Coelus sent to him an
+ ambassage, and concluded a peace with him, couenanting to pay the
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ accustomed tribute, & gaue to Constantius his daughter in mariage
+ called Helen, a noble ladie and a learned. Shortlie after king Coell
+ died, when he had reigned (as some write) 27 yeeres or (as other haue)
+ but 13 yeeres.
+
+ ¶ But by the way touching this Coelus, I will not denie, but assuredly
+ such a prince there was: howbeit that he had a daughter named Helen,
+ whom he maried vnto Constantius the Romane lieutenant that was after
+ emperor, I leaue that to be decided of the learned. For if the whole
+ course of the liues, as well of the father and the sonne Constantius
+ and Constantine, as likewise of the mother Helen, be consideratelie
+ marked from time to time, and yeere to yéere, as out of authors both
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 7. _cap._ 18.]
+ Greeke and Latine the same may be gathered, I feare least such doubt
+ maie rise in this matter, that it will be harder to prooue Helen a
+ Britane, than Constantine to be borne in Bithynia (as Nicephorus
+ auoucheth.) But forsomuch as I meane not to step from the course of
+ our countrie writers in such points, where the receiued opinion may
+ séeme to warrant the credit of the historie, I will with other admit
+ both the mother and sonne to be Britains in the whole discourse of the
+ historie following, as though I had forgot what in this place I haue
+ said.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A further discourse of the forenamed Constantius and Helen, his
+ regiment ouer this Iland, his behauiour and talke to his sonne and
+ councellors as he lay on his death-bed, a deuise that he put in
+ practise to vnderstand what true Christians he had in his court, his
+ commendable vertues, that the Britains in his time imbraced the
+ christian faith is prooued._
+
+ THE XXVIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CONSTANTIUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 302.]
+ [Sidenote: 289.]
+ CONSTANTIUS a senatour of Rome began to reigne ouer the Britains, in
+ the yeere of our Lord 289, as our histories report. This Constantius
+ (as before ye haue heard) had to wife Helen the daughter of the
+ foresaid king Coel, of whome he begat a sonne named Constantinus,
+ which after was emperour, and for his woorthie dooings surnamed
+ Constantine the great. S. Ambrose following the common report, writeth
+ [Sidenote: _Orosius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ that this Helen was a maid in an inne: and some againe write, that she
+ was concubine to Constantius, and not his wife.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Cuspinian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ But whatsoeuer she was, it appeareth by the writers of the Romane
+ histories, that Constantius being the daughters sonne of one Crispus,
+ that was brother to the emperour Claudius, came into Britaine, and
+ quieted the troubles that were raised by the Britains, and there (as
+ some write) maried the foresaid Helen, being a woman of an excellent
+ beautie, whom yet [after] he was constreined to forsake, and to marrie
+ Theodora the daughter in law of Herculeus Maximianus, by whome he had
+ six sonnes, and finallie was created emperour, togither with the said
+ Galerius Maximianus, at what time Dioclesianus and his fellow
+ Herculeus Maximianus renounced the rule of the empire, and committed
+ the same vnto them. The empire was then diuided betwixt them, so that
+ to Constantius the regions of Italie, Affrike, France Spaine and
+ Britaine were assigned; & to Galerius, Illyricum, Grecia, and all the
+ east parts. But Constantine being a man void of ambition, was
+ contented to leaue Italie and Affrike, supposing his charge to be
+ great inough to haue the gouernement in his hands of France, Spaine,
+ and Britaine (as Eutropius saith.)
+
+ But as touching his reigne ouer the Britains, we haue not to say
+ further than as we find in our owne writers recorded: as for his
+ gouernement in the empire, it is to be considered, that first he was
+ admitted to rule as an assistant to Maximian vnder the title of Cesar:
+ and so from that time if you shall account his reigne, it maie
+ comprehend 11, 12, or 13 yeeres, yea more or lesse, according to the
+ diuersitie found in writers. Howbeit, if we shall reckon his reigne
+ from the time onelie that Dioclesian and Maximian resigned their title
+ vnto the empire, we shall find that he reigned not fullie thrée
+ yéeres. For whereas betwéene the slaughter of Alectus, and the comming
+ of Constantius, are accounted 8 yéeres and od moneths, not onelie
+ those eight yéeres, but also some space of time before maie be
+ ascribed vnto Constantius: for although before his comming ouer into
+ Britaine now this last time (for he had béene here afore, as it well
+ appéereth) Asclepiodotus gouerning as legat, albeit vnder Constantius,
+ who had a great portion of the west parts of the empire vnder his
+ regiment, by the title, as I haue said, of Cesar, yet he was not said
+ to reigne absolutelie till Dioclesian and Maximian resigned. But now
+ to conclude with the dooings of Constantius, at length he fell sicke
+ [Sidenote: 306.]
+ at Yorke, and there died, about the yéere of our Lord 306.
+
+ This is not to be forgotten, that whilest he laie on his death-bed,
+ somewhat before he departed this life, hearing that his sonne
+ Constantine was come, and escaped from the emperours Dioclesian and
+ Maximian, with whom he remained as a pledge (as after shall be partlie
+ touched) he receiued him with all ioy, and raising himselfe vp in his
+ bed, in presence of his other sonnes & counsellours, with a great
+ number of other people and strangers that were come to visit him, he
+ set the crowne vpon his sonnes head, and adorned him with other
+ imperiall robes and garments, executing as it were him selfe the
+ [Sidenote: _Niceph._]
+ office of an herald, and withall spake these woords vnto his said
+ [Sidenote: _Tripartit. histo._]
+ sonne, and to his counsellours there about him: "Now is my death to me
+ more welcome, and my departure hence more pleasant; I haue héere a
+ large epitaph and monument of buriall, to wit, mine owne sonne, and
+ one whome in earth I leaue to be emperour in my place, which by Gods
+ good helpe shall wipe away the teares of the Christians, and reuenge
+ the crueltie exercised by tyrants. This I reckon to chance vnto me in
+ stéed of most felicitie."
+
+ After this, turning himselfe to the multitude, he commanded them all
+ to be of good comfort, meaning those that had not forsaken true vertue
+ and godlinesse in Christ, which Christ he vndertooke should continue
+ with his sonne Constantine in all enterprises, which in warres or
+ otherwise he should take in hand. That deuise also is woorthie to be
+ had in memorie, which he put in practise in his life time, to
+ vnderstand what true and sincere Christians were remaining in his
+ court. For whereas he had béene first a persecuter, and after was
+ conuerted, it was a matter easie to persuade the world, that he was no
+ earnest Christian: and so the policie which he thought to worke, was
+ the sooner brought to passe, which was this.
+
+ He called togither all his officers and seruants, feining himselfe to
+ choose out such as would doo sacrifice to diuels, and that those
+ onelie should remaine with him and kéepe their office, and the rest
+ that refused so to doo, should be thrust out, and banished the court.
+ Héervpon all the courtiers diuided themselues into companies: and when
+ some offered willinglie to doo sacrifice, and other some boldlie
+ refused: the emperour marking their dealings, sharpelie rebuked those
+ which were so readie to dishonour the liuing God, accounting them as
+ treitours to his diuine maiestie, and not woorthie to remaine within
+ the court gates: but those that constantlie stood in the profession of
+ the christian faith, he greatlie commended, as men woorthie to be
+ about a prince: and withall declared, that from thencefoorth they
+ should be as chiefe counsellours and defenders both of his person and
+ kingdome, estéeming more of them than of all the treasure he had in
+ his coffers.
+
+ To conclude, he was a graue prince, sober, vpright, courteous and
+ liberall, as he which kept his mind euer frée from couetous desire of
+ great riches: insomuch that when he should make anie great feast to
+ his friends, he was not ashamed to borow plate and siluer vessell to
+ [Sidenote: _Pomponius Lænis._]
+ serue his turne, and to furnish his cupbord for the time, being
+ contented for himselfe to be serued in cruses & earthen vessels. He
+ was woont to haue this saieng in his mouth, that better it was that
+ the subiects should haue store of monie and riches, than the prince to
+ kéepe it close in his treasurie, where it serued to no vse. By such
+ courteous dealing the prouinces which were in his charge flourished in
+ [Sidenote: He died in the yéere 306. as _Matt. West._ hath noted, and
+ reigned over the Britains but 11. yéeres as _Galf._ saith.]
+ great wealth and quietnesse. He was a verie wise and politike prince
+ in the ordering of all weightie matters, and verie skillfull in the
+ practise of warres, so that he stood the Romane empire in great stéed,
+ and was therefore highlie beloued of the souldiers, insomuch that
+ immediatlie after his deceasse, they proclaimed his sonne Constantine
+ emperour.
+
+ That the Christian faith was imbraced of the Britains in this season,
+ it maie appéere, in that Hilarias bishop of Poictiers writeth to his
+ brethren in Britaine, and Constantine in an epistle (as Theodoretus
+ saith in his first booke and tenth chapter) maketh mention of the
+ churches in Britaine: which also Sozomenus dooth affirme. For the
+ Britains after they had receiued the faith, defended the same euen
+ [Sidenote: 291.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Bale._]
+ with the shedding of their bloud, as Amphibalus, who in this
+ Constantius daies being apprehended, suffered at Redburne neere to
+ Werlamchester, about 15 yéeres after the martyrdome of his host S.
+ Albane.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Constantine created emperour in Britaine, he is sollicited to take
+ vpon him the regiment of those countries that his father gouerned, he
+ is requested to subdue Maxentius the vsurping tyrant, Maximianus his
+ father seeketh to depose him, Constantines death is purposed by the
+ said Maximianus the father & his sonne Maxentius, Fausta the daughter
+ of Maximianus & wife to Constantine detecteth hir fathers trecherie to
+ hir husband, Maximianus is strangled at Constantines commandement,
+ lèague and alliance betweene him and Licinius, he is slaine, the
+ empresse Helen commended, the crosse of Christ found with the
+ inscription of the same, what miracles were wrought thereby, of the
+ nailes wherewith Christ was crucified, Constantine commended, the
+ state of Britaine in his time._
+
+ THE XXVIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CONSTANTINE.]
+ CONSTANTINE being the son of the forenamed Constantius, begot of his
+ first wife Helen, the daughter (as some affirme) of Coell late king of
+ [Sidenote: 306.]
+ the Britains, began to reigne in the yéere of our Lord 306. This
+ worthie prince begotten of a British woman, & borne of hir in Britaine
+ (as our writers doo affirme) and created certeinlie emperour in
+ Britaine, did doubtlesse make his natiue countrie partaker of his high
+ glorie and renowme, which by his great prowes, politike wisedome,
+ woorthie gouernment, and other his princelie qualities most
+ abundantlie planted in his noble person, he purchased and got thorough
+ the circuit of the whole earth, insomuch that for the high enterprises
+ and noble acts by him happilie brought to passe and atchiued, he was
+ surnamed (as before is said) the great Constantine. Whilest this
+ Constantine remained at Rome in manner as he had béene a pledge with
+ Galerius in his fathers life time, he being then but yoong, fled from
+ thence, and with all post hast returned to his father into Britaine,
+ killing or howghing by the waie all such horsses as were appointed to
+ [Sidenote: Eutropius.]
+ [Sidenote: Sextus Aurelius Victor.]
+ stand at innes readie for such as should ride in post, least being
+ pursued, he should haue béene ouertaken, and brought backe againe by
+ such as might be sent to pursue him.
+
+ At his comming into Britaine, he found his father sore vexed with
+ sicknesse, whereof shortlie after he died, and then was he by helpe of
+ such as were about him, incouraged to take vpon him as emperour: and
+ [Sidenote: Erocus king of the Almains.]
+ namelie one Erocus king of the Almains, which had accompanied his
+ father thither, assisted him thereto, so that being proclaimed
+ emperour, he tooke vpon him the rule of those countries which his
+ father had in gouernment, that is to saie, France, Spaine, the Alpes,
+ and Britaine, with other prouinces héere in the west: and ruling the
+ same with great equitie and wisdome, he greatly wan the fauour of the
+ people, insomuch that the fame of his politike gouernment and
+ courteous dealing being spred abroad, when Maxentius the tyrant that
+ [Sidenote: Maxentius the tyrant.]
+ occupied the rule of the empire at Rome, and in Italie by wrongfull
+ vsurping & abusing the same, was grown into the hatred of the Romans
+ and other Italians, Constantine was earnestlie by them requested to
+ come into Italie, and to helpe to subdue Maxentius, that he might
+ reforme the state of things there.
+
+ This Maxentius was sonne to Herculeus Maximianus, and Constantine had
+ married Fausta the daughter of the said Maximianus. Now so it was,
+ that Maximianus, immediatlie after that his sonne Maxentius had taken
+ the rule vpon him, sought meanes to haue deposed him, and to haue
+ resumed and taken eftsoones into his owne hands the gouernment of the
+ empire. But solliciting Dioclesian to doo the like, he was much
+ reprooued of him for his vnreasonable and ambitious purpose: so that
+ when he perceiued that neither Dioclesian would be thereto agreeable,
+ nor induce the souldiers to admit him, they hauing alreadie
+ established his sonne, began to deuise waies how to assure the state
+ more stronglie to his said sonne. And hearing that his sonne in law
+ Constantine was minded to come into Italie against him, he purposed to
+ practise Constantines destruction, insomuch that it was iudged by this
+ [Sidenote: Dissimulation.]
+ which followed, that Herculeus Maximianus did but for a colour séeme
+ to mislike that which his said son Maxentius had doone, to the end he
+ might the sooner accomplish his intent for the dispatching of
+ Constantine out of the waie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulphus Cestrensis._]
+ Heerevpon (as it were) fléeing out of Italie, he came to Constantine,
+ who as then hauing appointed lieutenants vnder him in Britaine,
+ remained in France, and with all ioy and honour that might be,
+ receiued his father in law: the which being earnestlie bent to
+ [Sidenote: Fausta the daughter of Maximianas and wife to Constantine.]
+ compasse his purpose, made his daughter Fausta priuie thereto: which
+ ladie (either for feare least the concealing thereof might turne hir
+ to displeasure, either else for the entire loue which she bare to hir
+ husband) reuealed hir fathers wicked purpose. Wherevpon whilest
+ [Sidenote: Marsiles.]
+ Constantine went about to be reuenged of such a traitorous practise,
+ Herculeus fled to Marsiles, purposing there to take the sea, and so to
+ retire to his sonne Maxentius into Italie. But yer he could get awaie
+ from thence, he was strangled by commandement of his sonne in law
+ [Sidenote: Maximianus slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ann. Chri._ 322.]
+ Constantine, and so ended his life, which he had spotted with manie
+ cruell acts, as well in persecuting the professours of the christian
+ name, as others.
+
+ [Sidenote: Licinius chosen fellow with Maximianus in the empire.]
+ In this meane time had Maximianus adopted one Licinius to assist him
+ in gouernance of the empire, proclaiming him Cesar. So that now at one
+ selfe time Constantine gouerned France and the west parts of the
+ empire, Maxentius held Italie, Affrike, and Aegypt: and Maximianus
+ which likewise had beene elected Cesar, ruled the east parts, and
+ Licinius Illyrium and Grecia. But shortlie after, the emperour
+ Constantine ioined in league with Licinius, and gaue to him his sister
+ in marriage, named Constantia, for more suertie of faithfull
+ friendship to indure betwixt them. He sent him also against Maximianus
+ who gouerning in the east part of the empire, purposed the destruction
+ of Constantine and all his partakers: but being vanquished by Licinius
+ at Tarsus, he shortlie after died, being eaten with lice. Constantine
+ after this was called into Italie, to deliuer the Romans and Italians
+ from the tyrannie of Maxentius, which occasion so offered, Constantine
+ gladlie accepting, passed into Italie, and after certeine victories
+ got against Maxentius, at length slue him.
+
+ After this, when Maximianus was dead, who prepared to make warre
+ against Licinius, that had married Constantia the sister of
+ Constantine, he finallie made warre against his brother in law the
+ said Licinius, by reason of such quarrels as fell out betwixt them. In
+ the which warre Licinius was put to the woorse, and at length comming
+ into the hands of Constantine, was put to death, so that Constantine
+ by this meanes got the whole empire vnder his rule and subiection. He
+ was a great fauourer of the Christian religion, insomuch that to
+ aduance the same, he tooke order for the conuerting of the temples
+ dedicated to the honour of idols, vnto the seruice of the true and
+ almightie God. He commanded also, that none should be admitted to
+ [Sidenote: Christians honoured and cherished.]
+ serue as a souldier in the warres, except he were a christian, nor yet
+ to haue rule of anie countrie or armie. He also ordeined, the wéeke
+ before Easter, and that which followed to be kept as holie, and no
+ person to doo anie bodilie woorks during the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: The praise of the empresse Helen.]
+ [Sidenote: 328.]
+ He was much counselled by that noble and most vertuous ladie his
+ mother, the empresse Helen, who being a godlie and deuout woman, did
+ what in hir laie, to mooue him to the setting foorth of Gods honour
+ and increase of the christian faith, wherein as yet he was not fullie
+ instructed. ¶ Some writers alledge, that she being at Ierusalem, made
+ diligent search to find out the place of the sepulchre of our Lord,
+ and at length found it, though with much adoo: for the infidels had
+ stopped it vp, and couered it with a heape of filthie earth, and
+ builded aloft vpon the place, a chappell dedicated to Venus, where
+ yoong women vsed to sing songs in honour of that vnchast goddesse.
+ Helen caused the same to be ouerthrowne, the earth to be remooued, and
+ the place cleansed, so that at length the sepulchre appéered, and fast
+ by were found there buried in the earth thrée crosses and the nailes.
+ But the crosse wherevpon our Sauiour was crucified, was knowne by the
+ title written vpon it, though almost worne out, in letters of Hebrew,
+ Gréeke, and Latine: the inscription was this, _Iesus Nazarenus rex
+ Iudæorum._ It was also perceiued which was that crosse by a miracle
+ (as it is reported, but how trulie I can not tell) that should be
+ wrought thereby: for being laid to a sicke woman, onlie with the
+ touching thereof she was healed. It was also said, that a dead man was
+ raised from death to life, his bodie onlie being touched therewith.
+ Wherevpon Constantine mooued with these things, forbad that from
+ thencefoorth anie should be put to death on the crosse, to the end
+ that the thing which afore time was accounted infamous and
+ reprochfull, might now be had in honour and reuerence.
+
+ The empresse Helen hauing thus found the crosse, builded a temple
+ there, & taking with hir the nailes, returned with the same to hir
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ sonne Constantine, who set one of them in the crest of his helmet, an
+ other in the bridle of his horsse, and the third he cast into the sea,
+ to asswage and pacifie the furious tempests and rage thereof. She also
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ brought with hir a parcell of that holie crosse, and gaue it to hir
+ sonne the said Constantine, the which he caused to be closed within an
+ image that represented his person, standing vpon a piller in the
+ market place of Constantine, or (as some late writers haue) he caused
+ it to be inclosed in a coffer of gold, adorned with rich stones and
+ pearls, placing it in a church called Sessoriana, the which church he
+ indued with manie great gifts and precious ornaments. Manie works of
+ great zeale and vertue are remembered by writers to haue béene doone
+ by this Constantine and his mother Helen, to the setting foorth of
+ Gods glorie, and the aduancing of the faith of Christ.
+
+ [Sidenote: The commendation of Constantine.]
+ But to be briefe, he was a man in whome manie excellent vertues and
+ good qualities both of mind and bodie manifestlie appéered, chieflie
+ he was a prince of great knowledge and experience in warre, and
+ therewith verie fortunate, an earnest louer of iustice, and to
+ conclude, borne to all honour.
+
+ But now to speake somewhat of the state of Britaine in his time, ye
+ shall vnderstand, that as before is recorded, at his going ouer into
+ France, after that he was proclaimed emperour, he left behind him in
+ Britaine certeine gouernours to rule the land, and amongst other one
+ Maximinus a right valiant capteine. He tooke with him a great part of
+ the youth of Britaine, and diuerse of the chiefe men amongst the
+ nobilitie, in whose approoued manhood, loialtie, and constancie, he
+ conceiued a great hope to go thorough with all his enterprises, as
+ with the which being accompanied and compassed about, he passed ouer
+ into Gallia, entred into Italie, and in euerie place ouercame his
+ enimies.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gulielmus Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: Britains seruing in the warres vnder Constantine.]
+ Some write that Constantine thus conueieng ouer sea with him a great
+ armie of Britains, and by their industrie obteining victorie as he
+ wished, he placed a great number of such as were discharged out of
+ wages, and licenced to giue ouer the warre, in a part of Gallia
+ towards the west sea coast, where their posteritie remaine vnto this
+ daie, maruellouslie increased afterwards, and somewhat differing from
+ our Britains, the Welshmen, in manners and language. Amongst those
+ noble men which he tooke with him when he departed out of this land
+ [Sidenote: _Galfridus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ (as our writers doo testifie) were thrée vncles of his mother Helen,
+ that is to say Hoelmus, Trahernus, and Marius, whome he made senators
+ of Rome.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Of Octauius a British lord, his reigne ouer the Britains, he
+ incountereth with Traherne first néere Winchester, and afterwards in
+ Westmerland: Octauius being discomfited fléeth into Norway, Traherne
+ is slaine, Octauius sendeth for Maximianus, on whom he bestoweth his
+ daughter and the kingdome of Britaine: the death of Octauius, Helena
+ builded the wals of Colchester and London, she dieth and is buried,
+ Constantine departeth this life, Britaine reckoned among the prouinces
+ that reteined the christian faith, Paulus a Spaniard is sent into
+ Britaine, he dealeth roughlie with the people, Martinus the lieutenant
+ excuseth them as innocent, his vnluckie end, Paulus returneth into
+ Italie._
+
+ THE XXIX CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now in the meane time that Constantine had obteined and ruled the
+ whole empire, Britaine as it were hauing recouered libertie, in that
+ one of hir children being hir king, had got the gouernment of the
+ whole earth, remained in better quiet than afore time she had doone.
+ [Sidenote: Octauius.]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ But yet in the meane season, if we shall credit the British chronicle
+ and Geffrey of Monmouth the interpretor thereof; there was a British
+ lord, named Octauius or Octauian, as the old English chronicle nameth
+ [Sidenote: Gewisses inhabited the countrie which the west Saxons after
+ held.]
+ [Sidenote: The name of Gewisses came in with the Saxons of Guuy, &c.]
+ him, that was duke of the Gewisses, and appointed by Constantine to be
+ ruler of the land in his absence, the which Octauius (after that
+ Constantine had recouered Rome and Italie, and was so busied in the
+ affaires of the empire in those parts, that as was thought, he could
+ not returne backe into Britaine) seized into his hands the whole
+ dominion of Britaine, and held himselfe for king.
+
+ [Sidenote: OCTAUIUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Galfridus._]
+ [Sidenote: 329.]
+ This Octauius then beginning his reigne ouer the Britains in the yéere
+ of our Lord 329, prouoked Constantine to send against him one of his
+ mothers vncles, the foresaid Traherne. This Trahernus, or as some name
+ him Traherne, entred this land with three legions of souldiers, & in a
+ field néere vnto Winchester, was incountered by Octauius and his
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Galfridus._]
+ [Sidenote: This agréeth not altogither with that which _Hector
+ Boetius_ writeth, as in the Scotish chronicle appéereth.]
+ Britains, by whome after a sore battell there striken betwixt them, in
+ the end Traherne was put to flight and chased, insomuch that he was
+ constreined to forsake that part of the land, and to draw towards
+ Scotland. Octauius hauing knowledge of his passage, followed him, & in
+ the countrie of Westmerland eftsoones gaue him battell, but in that
+ battell Octauius was put to the woorsse, and constreined to forsake
+ the land, fled into Norway, there to purchase aid: and being readie
+ with such power as he there gathered, what of Britains and Norwegians,
+ to returne into Britaine. Before his landing he was aduertised that an
+ earle of Britaine which bare him heartie good will, had by treason
+
+ [Sidenote: Traherne slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: See in the Scotish chronicles more of these matters.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 316.]
+ slaine Traherne. Octauius then comming to land, eftsoones got
+ possession of Britaine, which should be (as Fabian gathereth) about
+ the yéere of our Lord 329, in the 20 yéere of the reigne of the
+ emperour Constantine, and about two yéeres after that the said
+ Octauius first tooke vpon him to rule as king.
+
+ After this (as the British chronicle affirmeth) Octauius gouerned the
+ land right noblie, and greatlie to the contentation of the Britains.
+ At length when he was fallen in age, and had no issue but one
+ daughter, he was counselled to send vnto Rome for one Maximianus, a
+ noble yoong man, coosine to the emperour Constantine, on the part of
+ his mother Helena, to come into Britaine, and to take to his wife the
+ said daughter of Octauius, and so with hir to haue the kingdome.
+ [Sidenote: Maximianus is sent for.]
+ [Sidenote: Conan Meridoc duke of Cornewall. This agréeth not with
+ Octauius at the first that which is found in the Scotish chronicles.]
+ meant to haue giuen hir in mariage vnto one Conan Meridoc duke of
+ Cornewall, which was his nephue: but when the lords would not thereto
+ agrée, at the length he appointed one Maurice sonne to the said Conan
+ to go to Rome to fetch the forenamed Maximianus.
+
+ Maurice according to his commission and instruction in that behalfe
+ receiued, came to Rome, and declared his message in such effectuall
+ [Sidenote: Maximianus commeth into Britaine.]
+ sort, that Maximianus consented to go with him into Britaine, and so
+ taking with him a conuenient number, set forward, and did so much by
+ his iournies, that finallie he landed here in Britaine. And
+ notwithstanding that Conan Meridoc past not so much to haue béene
+ dooing with him, for malice that he conceiued towards him, because he
+ saw that by his meanes he should be put beside the crowne, yet at
+ length was Maximianus safelie brought to the kings presence, and of
+ him honorablie receiued, and finallie the mariage was knit vp, and
+ solemnized in all princelie maner. Shortlie after, Octauius departed
+ [Sidenote: Octauius departeth this life.]
+ out of this life, after he had reigned the terme of fiftie and foure
+ yeares, as Fabian gathereth by that which diuers authors doo write,
+ how he reigned till the daies that Gratian and Valentinian ruled the
+ [Sidenote: 382.]
+ Roman empire which began to gouerne in the yeare of our Lord (as he
+ saith) 382, which is to be vnderstood of Gratian his reigne after the
+ deceasse of his vncle Valens, for otherwise a doubt maie rise, because
+ Valentine the father of Gratian admitted the said Gratian to the title
+ of Augustus in the yeare of our Lord 351.
+
+ But to leaue the credit of the long reigne of Octauius, with all his
+ and others gouernement and rule ouer the Britains since the time of
+ Constantius, vnto our British and Scotish writers, let vs make an end
+ with the gouernement of that noble emperour Constantine, and assured
+ branch of the Britains race, as borne of that worthie ladie the
+ empresse Helen, daughter to Coell earle of Colchester, and after king
+ of Britaine (as our histories doo witnesse.) Vnto the which empresse
+ Constantine bare such dutifull reuerence, that he did not onelie
+ honour hir with the name of empresse, but also made hir as it were
+ partaker with him of all his wealth, and in manie things was led and
+ ruled by hir vertuous and godlie admonitions, to the aduancement of
+ Gods honour, and maintenance of those that professed the true
+ christian religion. For the loue that she bare vnto Colchester and
+ London, she walled them about, and caused great bricke and huge tiles
+ to be made for the performance of the same, whereof there is great
+ store to be séene euen yet to this present, both in the walls of the
+ towne and castell of Colchester, as a testimonie of the woorkemanship
+ [Sidenote: _Nicephorus._]
+ [Sidenote: The empresse Helen departeth this life.]
+ of those daies. She liued 79 yeares, and then departed this life about
+ the 21 yeare of hir sonnes reigne. First she was buried at Rome
+ without the walls of the citie with all funerall pompe, as to hir
+ estate apperteined: but after hir corps was remoued and brought to
+ Constantinople, where it was eftsoones interred. Hir sonne the
+ [Sidenote: 340.]
+ [Sidenote: The deceasse of the emperour Constantine.]
+ emperour Constantine liued till about the yeare of Christ 340, and
+ then deceassed at Nicomedia in Asia, after he had ruled the empire 32
+ yeares and od moneths.
+
+ We find not in the Romane writers of anie great stur here in Britaine
+ during his reigne more than the British and Scotish writers haue
+ recorded: so that after Traherne had reduced this land to quietnesse,
+ it maie be supposed, that the Britains liued in rest vnder his
+ gouernement, and likewise after vnder his sonnes that succéeded him in
+ [Sidenote: 360.]
+ the empire, till about the yeare 360, at what time the Picts and Scots
+ inuaded the south parts of the land.
+
+ But now to end with Octauius, that the christian faith remained still
+ in Britaine, during the supposed time of this pretended kings reigne,
+ it maie appeare, in that amongst the 36 prouinces, out of the which
+ there were assembled aboue 300 bishops in the citie of Sardica in
+ [Sidenote: _Synodus anno._ 354]
+ Dacia, at a synod held there against the Eusebians, Britaine is
+ numbred by Athanasius in his second apologie to be one. And againe,
+ the said Athanasius in an epistle which he writeth to the emperour
+ Iouinianus reciteth, that the churches in Britaine did consent with
+ the churches of other nations in the confession of faith articuled in
+ the Nicene councell. Also mention is made by writers of certeine
+ godlie & learned men, which liued in offices in the church in those
+ daies, as Restitutus bishop of London, which went ouer to the synod
+ held at Arles in France, and also one Kibius Corinnius sonne to
+ Salomon duke of Cornewall, and bishop of Anglesey, who instructed the
+ people that inhabited the parts now called Northwales, and them of
+ Anglesey aforesaid verie diligentlie.
+
+ But now to speake somewhat of things chancing in Britaine about this
+ season (as we find recorded by the Romane writers) some trouble was
+ likelie to haue growne vnto the Britains by receiuing certeine men of
+ warre that fled out of Italie into Britaine, whome the emperour
+ [Sidenote: _Marcellinus._]
+ [Sidenote: _lib._ 14.]
+ Constantius would haue punished, because they had taken part with
+ [Sidenote: Paulus a notarie.]
+ Maxentius his aduersarie. Paulus a Spaniard and notarie was sent ouer
+ by him, with commission to make inquirie of them, and to sée them
+ brought to light to answere their transgressions: which Paulus began
+ to deale roughlie in the matter, whereof he was called Catera, and to
+ rage against the Britains and partakers with the fugitiues, in that
+ they had receiued and mainteined them, as he alledged: but in the end
+ [Sidenote: Martinus lieutenant.]
+ being certified by Martinus the lieutenant of their innocencie, and
+ fearing least his extreame rigour might alienate the hearts of the
+ inhabitants altogither, and cause them to withdraw their obedience
+ from the Romane empire, he turned the execution of his furie from them
+ vnto the Romans, and made hauocke of those that he suspected, till the
+ said Martinus fell at square with him, & thinking on a time to kill
+ him, he drew his sword and smote at him. But such was his age and
+ weakenesse, that he was not able to kill him or giue him anie deadlie
+ wound: wherefore he turned the point of his sword against himselfe,
+ and so ended his life, being contented rather to die than sée his
+ countriemen and subiects of the empire so to be abused. After this the
+ said Paulus returned backe againe into Italie from whence he came,
+ after whose departure, it was not long yer he also was slaine, and
+ then all the Scots and Picts sore disquieted the Romane subiects, for
+ the suppressing of whose attempts Lupicinus was sent ouer out of
+ Gallia by Iulianus, as shall be declared out of Amianus Marcellinus,
+ after we haue first shewed what we find written in our owne writers
+ concerning the Scots and Picts, who now began to rob and spoile the
+ British inhabitants within the Romane prouinces here in this Ile, and
+ that euen in most outragious maner.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Maximianus or Maximus gouerneth this Ile, why writers speake ill of
+ him, strife betwixt him and Conan duke of Cornewall, Maximus is
+ proclaimed emperour in Britaine, he transporteth the British youth
+ seruiceable for warres into France, little Britaine in France why so
+ called, eleuen thousand maids sent thither to match with Conans
+ people, whereof some were drowned, and other some murthered in the way
+ by Guanius king of Hunnes and Melga king of Picts, they flie into
+ Ireland, murther requited with murther, the words of Gyldas concerning
+ Maximus._
+
+ THE XXX CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: MAXIMIANUS OR MAXIMUS.]
+ [Sidenote: 383.]
+ After the deceasse of Octauius or Octauian (as the old English
+ chronicle nameth him) Maximianus or Maximus (as the Romane writers
+ call him) began to rule the Britains in the yéere of our Lord 383, he
+ was the sonne of one Leonine, and coosen germane to Constantine the
+ great, a valiant personage, & hardie of stomach: but yet because he
+ was cruell of nature, and (as Fabian saith) somewhat persecuted the
+ christians, he was infamed by writers: but the chiefe cause why he was
+ euil reported, was for that he slue his souereigne lord the emperour
+ Gratianus, as after shall appeare, for otherwise he is supposed
+ woorthie to haue had the rule of the empire committed to his hands in
+ ech respect. Betwixt him and the aboue-named Conan Meridoc duke of
+ Cornewall, chanced strife and debate, so that Conan got him into
+ Scotland, and there purchasing aid, returned, and comming ouer Humber,
+ wasted the countrie on ech side. Maximianus thereof hauing
+ aduertisement, raised his power and went against him, and so fighting
+ with him diuers battels, sometime departed awaie with victorie, and
+ sometime with losse. At length through mediation of friends, a peace
+ was made betwixt them. Finallie this Maximianus, or (as the Romane
+ histories say) Maximus, was by the souldiers chosen and proclaimed
+ emperour here in Britaine: although some write that this was doone in
+ Spaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: The British youth led forth of the realme by Maximianus.]
+ [Sidenote: Britaine in France.]
+ After he had taken vpon him the imperiall dignitie, vpon desire to
+ haue inlarged his dominion, he assembled togither all the chosen youth
+ of this land méet to doo seruice in the warres, with the which he
+ passed ouer into France, & there (as our writers record) he first
+ subdued the countrie ancientlie called Armorica, and slue in battell
+ the king thereof called Imball. This doone he gaue the countrie vnto
+ Conan Meridoc, which was there with him, to hold the same of him, and
+ of the kings of great Britaine for euer. He also commanded that the
+ said countrie from thencefoorth should be called litle Britaine, and
+ so was the name changed. What people soeuer inhabited there before,
+ the ancient name argueth that they were rather Britains than anie
+ other: for Armorica in the British toong signifieth as much as a
+ countrie lieng vpon the sea.
+
+ Conan then placing himselfe and his Britains in that quarter of
+ Gallia, auoided all the old inhabitants, peopling that countrie onelie
+ with Britains, which abhorring to ioine themselues with women borne in
+ Gallia, Conan was counselled to send into Britaine for maids to be
+ [Sidenote: Dionethius duke of Cornwall.]
+ coupled with his people in mariage. Herevpon a messenger was
+ dispatched vnto Dionethus at that time duke of Cornwall, and gouernour
+ of Britaine vnder Maximianus, requiring him to send ouer into little
+ [Sidenote: Maids sent foorth.]
+ Britaine 11000 maids, that is to say, 8000 to be bestowed vpon the
+ meaner sort of Conans people, and 3000 to be ioined in mariage with
+ the nobles and gentlemen. Dionethus at Conans request, assembled the
+ appointed number of maids, and amongst them he also appointed his
+ daughter Vrsula, a ladie of excellent beautie, to go ouer and to be
+ giuen in mariage to the foresaid Conan Meridoc, as he had earnestlie
+ requested.
+
+ [Sidenote: Vrsula the daughter of Dionethus.]
+ These number of maids were shipped in Thames, and passing forward
+ toward Britaine, were by force of weather and rage of wind scattered
+ abroad, and part of them drowned, and the residue (among whom was the
+ foresaid Vrsula) were slaine by Guanius king of the Hunnes, and Melga
+ king of the Picts, into whose hands they fell, the which Guanius and
+ Melga were sent by the emperour Gracian to the sea coasts of Germanie,
+ to oppresse and subdue all such as were friends and mainteiners of the
+ part of Maximianus. We find in some bookes, that there were sent ouer
+ at that time 51000 maids, that is to say, 11000 gentlewomen, and 40000
+ other.
+
+ [Sidenote: Guanius and Melga.]
+ After that Guanius and Melga had murthered the foresaid virgins, they
+ entred into the north parts of Britaine, where the Scots now inhabit,
+ and began to make sore warre on the Britains, whereof when Maximus was
+ aduertised, he sent into Britaine one Gratianus with thrée legions of
+ souldiers, who bare himselfe so manfullie against the enimies, that he
+ constreined the said Guanius and Melga to flie out of the land, and to
+ withdraw into Ireland. In this meane while, Maximus hauing slaine the
+ emperor Gratian at Lions in France, and after entring into Italie, was
+ slaine himselfe at Aquilia (after he had gouerned the Britains eight
+ yéeres) by the emperour Theodosius, who came in aid of Valentinian,
+ brother to the said emperor Gratian, as ye may find in the abridgement
+ of the histories of Italie.
+
+ ¶ But here yet before we make an end with this Maximus or Maximianus,
+ I haue thought good to set downe the words which we find in Gyldas,
+ where he writeth of the same Maximus, vndoubtedlie a Britaine borne,
+ [Sidenote: Consobrinus Helenæ imperatricis.]
+ nephue to the empresse Helen, and begotten by a Romane. "At length
+ (saith Gyldas) the spring of tyrants budding vp, and now increasing
+ into an huge wood, the Ile being called after the name of Rome, but
+ holding neither maners nor lawes according to that name, but rather
+ casting the same from it, sendeth foorth a branch of hir most bitter
+ planting, to wit Maximus, accompanied with a great number of warriors
+ to gard him, and apparelled in the imperiall robes which he neuer ware
+ as became him, nor put them on in lawfull wise, but (after the custome
+ of tyrants) was put into them by the mutining souldiers: which Maximus
+ at the first by craftie policie rather than by true manhood winding in
+ (as nets of his periurie and false suggestion) vnto his wicked
+ gouernement the countries & prouinces next adioining, against the
+ imperiall state of Rome, stretching one of his wings into Spaine, and
+ the other into Italie, placed the throne of his most vniust empire at
+ Trier, and shewed such rage in his wood dealing against his souereigne
+ lords, that the one of the lawfull emperours he expelled out of Rome,
+ and the other he bereft of his most religious and godlie life. Now
+ without long tariance, compassed about with such a furious and bold
+ gard as he had got togither, at the citie of Aquilia he loseth his
+ wicked head, which had cast downe the most honourable heads of all the
+ world from their kingdome and empire.
+
+ "From thencefoorth Britaine being depriued of all hir warlike
+ souldiers and armies, of hir gouernors also (though cruell) and of an
+ huge number of hir youth (the which following the steps of the
+ foresaid tyrant, neuer returned home againe) such as remained being
+ vtterlie vnskilfull in feats of warre, were troden downe by two
+ nations of beyond the seas, the Scots from the west, and the Picts
+ [Sidenote: Scotorum à circio, Pictorum ab aquilone.]
+ from the north, and as men thus quite dismaid, lament their miserable
+ case, not knowing what else to doo for the space of manie yéeres
+ togither. By reason of whose gréeuous inuasion and cruell oppression
+ wherewith she was miserablie disquieted, she sendeth hir ambassadors
+ vnto Rome, making lamentable sute euen with teares to haue some power
+ of men of warre sent to defend hir against the enimies, promising to
+ be true subiects with all faithfulnes of mind, if the enimie might be
+ kept off and remooued." ¶ Thus farre Gyldas, and more, as in place
+ hereafter you shall find recited.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What Gratianus it was that was sent ouer from Rome into Britaine by
+ Maximus, in what estimation the British souldiers haue béene, the
+ priuie treason of Andragatius whereby Gratian came to his end: Maximus
+ and his sonne Victor doo succéed him in the empire, they are both
+ slaine, Marcus the Romane lieutenant sucéeding them is murthered,
+ Gratianus also his successour hath the same end, the election of
+ Constantine a Britaine borne, his praise and dispraise reported by
+ writers, he goeth into France, maketh his sonne Constance partaker
+ with him of the empire, a sharpe incounter betwixt his power and two
+ brethrens that had the kéeping of the Pyrenine hils, the issue of the
+ battell._
+
+ THE XXXJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ But now where the British histories, and such of our English writers
+ as follow them, make mention of one Gratianus a Romane, sent ouer with
+ thrée legions of souldiers by Maximus, as before ye haue heard: we
+ maie suppose that it was Gratianus the Britaine, that afterwards
+ vsurped the imperiall dignitie héere in Britaine, in the daies of the
+ [Sidenote: _Sextus Aurelius._]
+ emperour Honorius. For it standeth neither with the concurrence of
+ time nor yet with reason of the historie, that it should be Gratianus,
+ surnamed Funarius, father to Valentinian, and grandfather to the
+ emperour Gratianus, against whome Maximus rebelled. And yet I remember
+ not that anie of the Romane writers maketh mention of anie other
+ Gratianus, being a stranger, that should be sent hither as lieutenant
+ to gouerne the Romane armie, except of the foresaid Gratianus
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 30.]
+ Funarius, who (as appéereth by Amian. Marcellinus) was generall of the
+ Romane armie héere in this Ile, and at length being discharged,
+ returned home into Hungarie (where he was borne) with honour, and
+ there remaining in rest, was at length spoiled of his goods by the
+ emperour Constantius as confiscate, for that in time of the ciuill
+ warres he had receiued Maxentius, as he past thorough his countrie.
+
+ But let vs grant, that either Gratianus the Britaine, or some other of
+ that name, was sent ouer into Britaine (as before is said) by Maximus,
+ least otherwise some errour may be doubted in the writers of the
+ British histories, as hauing happilie mistaken the time and matter,
+ bringing Gratianus Funarius to serue vnder Maximus, where peraduenture
+ that which they haue read or heard of him, chanced long before that
+ time by them suppposed: and so thorough mistaking the thing, haue made
+ a wrong report, where neuerthelesse it standeth with great likelihood
+ of truth, that some notable seruice of chiualrie was atchiued by the
+ same Gratianus Funarius whilest he remained héere in this Ile, if the
+ truth might be knowne of that which hath béene written by authors, and
+ happilie by the same Am. Marcellinus, if his first thirtéene bookes
+ might once come to light and be extant.
+
+ But now to end with Maximus. William of Malmesburie (as ye haue heard)
+ writeth, that not Maximus, but rather Constantine the great first
+ peopled Armorica: but yet he agréeth, that both Maximus, and also
+ Constantinus the vsurper, of whome after ye shall heare, led with them
+ a great number of the Britains out of this land, the which Maximus or
+ Maximianus and Constantinus afterwards being slaine, the one by
+ Theodosius, and the other by Honorius, the Britains that followed them
+ to the warres, part of them were killed, and the residue escaping by
+ flight, withdrew vnto the other Britains which Constantine the great
+ had first placed in Armorica. And so when the tyrants had left none in
+ the countrie but rude people, nor anie in the townes but such as were
+ giuen to slouth and gluttonie, Britaine being void of all aid of hir
+ valiant youth, became a prey to hir next neighbours the Scots and
+ Picts.
+
+ Héere is yet to be considered, in what price the souldiers of the
+ British nation were had in those daies, with whose onelie puissance
+ Maximus durst take vpon him to go against all other the forces of the
+ whole Romane empire: and how he prospered in that dangerous aduenture,
+ it is expressed sufficientlie in the Romane histories, by whose report
+ [Sidenote: _W.H._ out of _Paulus Diaco._]
+ [Sidenote: _lib._ 12. & _alijs._]
+ it appéereth, that he did not onlie conquer all the hither parts of
+ France and Germanie, namelie on this side the Rhine, but also found
+ meanes to intrap the emperour Gratian by this kind of policie. He had
+ a faithfull friend called Andragatius, who was admirall of the seas
+ perteining to the empire. It was therefore agréed betwixt them, that
+ this Andragatius (with a chosen companie of the armie) should be
+ carried in secret wise in a coch toward Lions, as if it had béene
+ [Sidenote: _Tripart. hist. lib._ 9. _cap._ 21.]
+ Constantia Posthumia the empresse, wife to the emperour Gratian,
+ bruting abroad there withall, that the said empresse was comming
+ forwards on hir waie to Lions, there to méet with hir husband, for
+ that vpon occasion she was verie desirous to commune with him about
+ certeine earnest businesse.
+
+ When Gratian heard héereof, as one mistrusting no such dissimulation,
+ he made hast to meete his wife, and comming at length without anie
+ great gard about him, as one not in doubt of anie treason, approched
+ the coch, where supposing to find his wife, he found those that
+ streightwaies murthered him: & so was he there dispatched quite of
+ life by the said Andragatius, who leapt foorth of the coch to woorke
+ that feate when he had him once within his danger.
+
+ Thus did the emperour Gratian finish his life in the 29 yéere of his
+ [Sidenote: 383.]
+ age, on the 25 of August, in the yéere of Christ 383, and then died.
+ [Sidenote: This Flauius Victor he begat of his wife Helen the daughter
+ of Eudes.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Lhoyd._]
+ Maximus succéeded him (making his sonne Flauius Victor Nobilissimus
+ his assistant in the empire) reigning fiue yéeres and two daies. In
+ the beginning of his reigne Valentinian the yoonger made great suit to
+ him to haue his fathers bodie, but it would not be granted. Afterwards
+ also Maximus was earnestlie requested to come to an enteruiew with the
+ same Valentinian, who promised him not onelie a safe conduct, but also
+ manie other beneficiall good turnes beside. Howbeit Maximus durst not
+ put himselfe in anie such hazard, but rather ment to pursue
+ Valentinian as an vsurper, and so at length chased him into Slauonie,
+ where he was driuen to such a streight, that if Theodosius had not
+ [Sidenote: Valentinian put in danger by Maximus.]
+ come to releeue him, Maximus had driuen him thence also, or else by
+ slaughter rid him out of the waie.
+
+ But when Maximus thought himselfe most assured, and so established in
+ the empire, as he doubted no perils, he liued carelesse of his owne
+ safegard, and therfore dismissed his British souldiers, who retiring
+ into the northwest parts of Gallia, placed themselues there among
+ their countriemen, which were brought ouer by the emperour
+ Constantius, whilest Maximus passing the residue of his time in
+ delights and pleasures, was surprised in the end and slaine by
+ [Sidenote: _Eutropius._]
+ [Sidenote: 388.]
+ Theodosius néere vnto Aquilia, the 27 of August, in the yéere of Grace
+ 388, and in the beginning of the sixt yéere of his reigne, or rather
+ vsurpation, as more rightlie it maie be tearmed. His sonne Flauius
+ Victor surnamed Nobilissimus was also dispatched and brought to his
+ end, not farre from the place where his father was slaine, by the
+ [Sidenote: Arbogastes.]
+ practise of one Arbogastes a Goth, which Flauius Victor was by the
+ said Maximus made regent of the Frankeners, and partaker (as before is
+ said) with him in the empire.
+
+ After this, the Ile of Britaine remained in méetlie good quiet by the
+ space of twentie yéeres, till one Marcus (that was then legat, or as
+ we maie call him lord lieutenant or deputie of Britaine for the
+ Romans) was by the souldiers héere proclaimed emperour against
+ Honorius, which Marcus was soone after killed in a tumult raised among
+ [Sidenote: Gratianus a Britaine. He reigned foure yéeres if we shal
+ beléeue the British historie.]
+ the people within few daies after his vsurpation began. Then one
+ Gratianus a Britaine borne succéeded in his place, who was also slaine
+ in the fourth moneth, after he had taken vpon him the imperiall
+ ornaments. The souldiers not yet heerewith pacified, procéeded to the
+ election of an other emperour, or rather vsurper, and so pronounced a
+ noble gentleman called Constantine, borne also in Britaine, to be
+ [Sidenote: 409.]
+ emperour, who tooke that honour vpon him in the 409 yéere after the
+ birth of our Sauiour, continuing his reigne by the space of two yéeres
+ and od moneths, as the Romane histories make mention. Some report this
+ Constantine to be of no great towardlie disposition woorthie to
+ gouerne an empire, and that the souldiers chose him rather for the
+ name sake, bicause they would haue another Constantine, more than for
+ anie vertues or sufficient qualities found in his person. But other
+ commend him both for manhood and wisedome, wherein to speake a truth,
+ he deserued singular commendation, if this one note of vsurpation of
+ the imperiall dignitie had not stained his other noble qualities. But
+ heerein he did no more than manie other would haue doone, neither yet
+ after his inuesture did so much as was looked for at his hands.
+
+ Constantine being placed in the imperiall throne, gathered an armie
+ with all possible indeuour, purposing out of hand to go ouer therwith
+ into France, and so did, thinking thereby to win the possession of
+ that countrie out of the hands of Honorius, or at the least to worke
+ so, as he should not haue the souldiers and people there to be against
+ him, if he missed to ioine in league with the Suabeiners, Alanes, and
+ Vandales, which he sought to performe. But in the end, when neither of
+ these his deuises could take place, he sent ouer for his sonne
+ Constans (whome in his absence his aduersaries had shorne a moonke) &
+ making him partaker with him in the empire, caused him to bring ouer
+ with him another armie, which vnder the conduct of the same Constans
+ he sent into Spaine to bring that countrie vnder his obeisance.
+
+ This Constans therefore comming vnder the passages that lead ouer the
+ Pyrenine mountains, Dindimus and Verianianus two brethren, vnto whome
+ the keeping of those passages was committed to defend the same against
+ the Vandals, and all other enimies of the empire, were readie to
+ [Sidenote: His souldiers were Picts, and placed among other men of
+ warre that serued vnder the ensignes of the empire, and named after
+ Honorius, Honoriciani.]
+ [Sidenote: _Blondus._]
+ resist him with their seruants and countriemen that inhabited
+ therabouts, giuing him a verie sharpe incounter, and at the first
+ putting him in great danger of an ouerthrow, but yet at length by the
+ valiant prowes of his British souldiers, Constans put his aduersaries
+ to flight, and killed the two capteins, with diuers other men of name,
+ that were partakers with him in the necessarie defense of that
+ countrie against the enimies. When Constans had thus repelled those
+ that resisted him, the custodie of the passages in the Pyrenine
+ mounteins was committed vnto such bands of Picts and other, as were
+ appointed to go with him about the atchiuing of this enterprise, who
+ hauing the possession of those streicts or passages in their hands,
+ gaue entrie vnto other barbarous nations to inuade Spaine, who being
+ once entered, pursued the former inhabitants with fire and swoord,
+ setled them selues in that countrie, and droue out the Romans.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Honorius sendeth earle Constantius to expell Constantine out of
+ Gallia, the end of Constantinus the father and Constans the sonne, the
+ valure and prowesse of the British souldiers, the British writers
+ reprooued of necligences for that they haue inserted fables into their
+ woorkes, whereas they might haue deposed matters of truth._
+
+ THE XXXIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The emperour Honorius, perceiuing the réeling state of the empire,
+ determined, foorthwith to recouer it, before it fell altogither into
+ ruine: and therefore sent one Constantius an earle to driue
+ Constantine out of Gallia, which he accordinglie performed: for after
+ certeine bickerings, he slue the said Constantine at Arles, although
+ not without great bloudshed. He pursued also the residue of the
+ Britains, driuing them to the verie sea coasts, where they shrowded
+ themselues among the other Britains, that before were setled in the
+ countrie there, ancientlie called (as before we said) Armorica, that
+ is, a region lieng on the sea coast: for _Ar_ in the British toong
+ signifieth vpon; and _Moure_, perteining to the sea. And as this
+ Constantine the father was slaine by Constantius, so was Constans the
+ sonne killed at Vienna by one of his owne capteines named Gerontius.
+ Whereby it came to passe, that Honorius shortlie after, hauing thus
+ obteined the victorie of both these vsurpers, recouered the Ile, but
+ yet not till the yeare next following, and that by the high industrie
+ and great diligence of that valiant gentleman earle Constantius. The
+ slaughter of Constantine & his sonne happened in the 1 yeare of the
+ 297 Olympiad, 465 after the comming of Cesar, 1162 after the building
+ of Rome, the dominicall letter being A, and the golden number 13, so
+ [Sidenote: 411.]
+ that the recouering of the Iland fell in the yeare of our Lord 411.
+
+ Here also is eftsoones to be considered the valure of the British
+ souldiers, who following this last remembred Constantine the vsurper,
+ did put the Romane state in great danger, and by force brake through
+ into Spaine, vanquishing those that kept the streicts of the mounteins
+ betwixt Spaine and Gallia, now called France, an exploit of no small
+ consequence, sith thereby the number of barbarous nations got frée
+ passage to enter into Spaine, whereof insued manie battels, sacking of
+ cities and townes, and wasting of the countries, accordinglie as the
+ furious rage of those fierce people was mooued to put their crueltie
+ in practise.
+
+ ¶ If therefore the Britaine writers had considered and marked the
+ valiant exploits and noble enterprises which the Brittish aids, armies
+ and legions atchiued in seruice of the Romane emperours (by whome
+ whilest they had the gouernement ouer this Ile, there were at sundrie
+ times notable numbers conueied foorth into the parties of beyond the
+ seas, as by Albinus and Constantius, also by his sonne Constantine the
+ great, by Maximus, and by this Constantine, both of them vsurpers) if
+ (I saie) the British writers had taken good note of the numbers of the
+ British youth thus conueied ouer from hence, & what notable exploits
+ they boldlie attempted, & no lesse manfullie atchiued, they néeded not
+ to haue giuen eare vnto the fabulous reports forged by their Bards, of
+ Arthur and other their princes, woorthie in déed of verie high
+ commendation.
+
+ And pitie it is, that their fame should be brought by such meanes out
+ of credit, by the incredible and fond fables which haue béene deuised
+ of their acts so vnlike to be true, as the tales of Robin Hood, or the
+ gests written by Ariost the Italian in his booke intituled "Orlando
+ furioso," sith the same writers had otherwise true matter inough to
+ write of concerning the worthie feats by their countriemen in those
+ daies in forren parts boldlie enterprised, and no lesse valiantlie
+ accomplished, as also the warres which now and then they mainteined
+ against the Romans here at home, in times when they felt themselues
+ oppressed by their tyrannicall gouernment, as by that which is written
+ before of Caratacus, Voadicia, Cartimandua, Venusius, Galgagus, or
+ Galdus (as some name him) and diuers other, who for their noble
+ valiancies deserue as much praise, as by toong or pen is able to be
+ expressed. But now to returne vnto the British historie: we will
+ procéed in order with their kings as we find them in the same
+ mentioned, and therefore we haue thought good to speake somewhat
+ further of Gratian, from whome we haue digressed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Gratians rough regiment procureth his owne destruction, the comming
+ of his two brethren Guanius and Melga with their armies, the Scots and
+ Picts plague the Britains, they send for aid to Rome, Valentinian
+ sendeth Gallio Rauenna to reléeue them, the Romans refuse anie longer
+ to succour the Britains, whom they taught how to make armour and
+ weapons, the Scots and Picts enter afresh into Britaine and preuaile,
+ the Britains are brought to extreme miserie, ciuill warres among them,
+ and what mischiefe dooth follow therevpon, their lamentable letter to
+ Actius for succour against their enimies, their sute is denied, at
+ what time the Britains ceased to be tributaries to the Romans, they
+ send ambassadors to the K. of Britaine in France, and obteine their
+ sute._
+
+ THE XXXIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: GRATIANUS.]
+ GRATIANUS then, whome Maximus or Maximinus had sent into Britaine (as
+ before ye haue heard) hearing that his maister was slaine, tooke vpon
+ him the rule of this our Britaine, and made himselfe king therof, in
+ [Sidenote: 390.]
+ the yeare 390. He was a Britaine borne, as Polydor writeth,
+ coniecturing so, by that he is named of authors to be Municeps, that
+ [Sidenote: Of the Romane souldiers as _Blondus_ saith.]
+ is to saie, a frée man of the countrie or citie where he inhabited.
+ For his sternenesse and rough gouernement, he was of the Britains (as
+ the histories alledge) slaine and dispatched out of the waie, after he
+ had reigned the space of foure yeares, or rather foure moneths, as
+ should séeme by that which is found in autentike writers. Then the
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ forenamed kings Guantius and Melga, which (as some write) were
+ brethren, returned into this land with their armies increased with new
+ supplies of men of warre, as Scots, Danes, the Norwegians, and
+ destroied the countrie from side to side. For the Britains in this
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ season were sore inféebled, and were not able to make anie great
+ numbers of souldiers, by reason that Maximus had led foorth of the
+ land the floure and chiefest choise of all the British youth into
+ Gallia, as before ye haue heard.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ Gyldas maketh no mention of these two kings Guanius and Melga of the
+ Hunnes, but rehearsing this great destruction of the land, declareth
+ (as before ye haue heard) that the Scots and Picts were the same that
+ did all the mischiefe, whome he calleth two nations of beyond the
+ seas, the Scots comming out of the northwest, and the Picts out of the
+ northeast, by whome (as he saith) the land was ouerrun, and brought
+ vnder foot manie yeares after. Therefore the Britains being thus
+ vexed, spoiled, and cruellie persecuted by the Scots and Picts (if we
+ shall so take them) sent messengers with all spéed vnto Rome to make
+ sute for some aid of men of war to be sent into Britaine. Wherevpon
+ [Sidenote: 414.]
+ immediatlie a legion of souldiers was sent thither in the yéere 414,
+ which easilie repelled the enimies, and chased them backe with great
+ slaughter, to the great comfort of the Britains, the which by this
+ meanes were deliuered from danger of vtter destruction, as they
+ thought.
+
+ But the Romans being occasioned to depart againe out of the land,
+ appointed the Britains to make a wall (as had béene aforetime by the
+ [Sidenote: _Beda_ and _Polychron._]
+ emperours Adrian, Antoninus and Seuerus) ouerthwart the countrie from
+ sea to sea, stretching from Penuelton vnto the citie of Aclud, whereby
+ the enimies might be staid from entring the land: but this wall being
+ made of turfs and sods, rather than with stones, after the departure
+ of the Romans was easilie ouerthrowne by the Scots and Picts, which
+ eftsoones returned to inuade the confines of the Britains, and so
+ entring the countrie, wasted and destroied the places before them,
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ according to their former custome. Herevpon were messengers with most
+ lamentable letters againe dispatched towards Rome for new aid against
+ those cruell enimies, with promise, that if the Romans would now in
+ this great necessitie helpe to deliuer the land, they should be
+ assured to find the Britains euermore obedient subiects, and redie at
+ [Sidenote: _Blondus._]
+ [Sidenote: Gallio Ravenna sent into Brittaine.]
+ their commandement. Valentinianus (pitieng the case of the poore
+ Britains) appointed another legion of souldiers (of the which one
+ Gallio of Rauenna had the leading) to go to their succours, the which
+ arriuing in Britaine set on the enimies, and giuing them the
+ ouerthrow, slue a great number of them, and chased the residue out of
+ the countrie.
+
+ The Romans thus hauing obteined the victorie, declared to the
+ Britains, that from thencefoorth they would not take vpon them for
+ euerie light occasion so painefull a iournie, alledging how there was
+ no reason why the Romane ensignes, with such a number of men of warre,
+ should be put to trauell so far by sea and land, for the repelling and
+ beating backe of a sort of scattering rouers and pilfring théeues.
+ Wherfore they aduised the Britains to looke to their dueties, and like
+ men to indeuour themselues to defend their countrie by their owne
+ force from the enimies inuasions. And because they iudged it might be
+ an helpe to the Britains, they set in hand to build a wall yet once
+ [Sidenote: A wall built overthwart the Iland.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ againe ouerthwart the Ile, in the same place where the emperour
+ Seuerus caused his trench and rampire to be cast. This wall which the
+ Romans now built with helpe of the Britains, was 8 foot in bredth and
+ 12 in length, trauersing the land from east to west, & was made of
+ stone.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas_ and _Beda._]
+ After that this wall was finished, the Romans exhorted the Britains to
+ plaie the men, and shewed them the way how to make armor & weapons.
+ Besides this, on the coast of the east sea where their ships lay at
+ rode, & where it was douted that the enimies would land, they caused
+ towers to be erected, with spaces betwixt, out of the which the seas
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ might be discouered. These things ordered, the Romans bad the Britains
+ farewell, not minding to returne thither againe. The Romans then being
+ gon out of the land, the Scots and Picts knowing thereof, by & by came
+ againe by sea, & being more emboldened than before, bicause of the
+ deniall made by the Romans to come any more to the succor of the
+ Britains, they tooke into possession all the north and vttermost
+ [Sidenote: This chanced in the yere 43. as _M. W._ saith.]
+ bounds of the Ile, euen vnto the foresaid wall, therein to remaine as
+ inhabitants. And wheras the Britains got them to their wall to defend
+ the same, that the enimies should not passe further into the countrie,
+ they were in the end beaten from it, and diuers of them slaine, so
+ that the Scots and Picts entred vpon them and pursued them in more
+ cruell maner than before, so that the Britains being chased out of
+ their cities, townes, and dwelling houses, were constreined to flie
+ into desert places, and there to remaine and liue after the maner of
+ sauage people, and in the end began to rob and spoile one another, so
+ to auoid the danger of staruing for lacke of food: and thus at the
+ last the countrie was so destroied and wasted, that there was no other
+ shift for them that was left aliue to liue by, except onelie by
+ hunting and taking of wild beasts and foules. And to augment their
+ miserie, the commons imputing the fault to rest in the lords and
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ [Sidenote: Rebellion.]
+ gouernors, arose against them in armes, but were vanquished and
+ easilie put to flight at two seuerall times, being beaten downe and
+ slaine (through lacke of skill) in such numbers, especiallie the
+ latter time, that the residue which escaped, withdrew into the craggie
+ mounteins, where within the bushes and caues they kept themselues
+ close, sometimes comming downe and fetching away from the heards of
+ beasts and flocks of shéepe which belonged to the nobles and gentlemen
+ of the countrie, great booties to relieue them withall. But at length
+ oppressed with extreme famine, when neither part could long remaine in
+ this state, as néeding one anothers helpe, necessitie made peace
+ [Sidenote: Ciuill warre decaied the force of the Britains. What
+ mischiefe follow of ciuill warres.]
+ betwixt the lords and commons of the land, all iniuries being pardoned
+ and cléerelie forgiuen. This ciuill warre decaied the force of the
+ Britains, little lesse than the tyrannicall practises of Maximus, for
+ by the auoiding of the commons thus out of their houses, the ground
+ laie vntilled, whereof insued such famine for the space of thrée
+ yéeres togither, that a woonderfull number of people died for want of
+ sustenance.
+
+ Thus the Britains being brought generallie into such extreame miserie,
+ they thought good to trie if they might purchase some aid of that
+ [Sidenote: Actius.]
+ noble man Actius, which at that time remained in France as yet called
+ Gallia, gouerning the same as lieutenant vnder the emperor Honorius:
+ and herevpon taking counsell togither, they wrote a letter to him, the
+ tenor whereof insueth.
+
+   _To Actius thrise consull._
+
+ "The lamentable request of vs the Britains, beseeching you of aid to
+ bee ministred vnto the prouince of the Romane empire, vnto our
+ countrie, vnto our wiues and children at this present, which stand in
+ most extreame perill. For the barbarous people driue vs to the sea,
+ and the sea driueth vs backe vnto them againe. Hereof rise two kinds
+ of death, for either we are slaine, or drowned, and against such euils
+ haue we no remedie nor helpe at all. Therefore in respect of your
+ clemencie, succor your owne we most instantlie require you, &c."
+
+ Notwithstanding the Britains thus sought for aid at Actius hands as
+ [Sidenote: The Britains could get no aid fr[=o] the Romans.]
+ then the emperours lieutenant, yet could they get none; either for
+ that Actius would not, as he that passed litle how things went,
+ bicause he bare displeasure in his mind against Valentinian as then
+ emperor; or else for that he could not, being otherwise constreined to
+ imploie all his forces in other places against such barbarous nations
+ as then inuaded the Romane empire. And so by that means was Britaine
+ lost, and the tribute which the Britains were accustomed to pay to the
+ Romans ceassed, iust fiue hundred yéeres after that Iulius Cesar first
+ entred the Ile.
+
+ The Britains being thus put to their shifts, manie of them as
+ hunger-starued were constrained to yéeld themselues into the griping
+ hands of their enimies, whereas other yet kéeping within the
+ mounteins, woods and caues, brake out as occasion serued vpon their
+ aduersaries, and then first (saith Gyldas) did the Britains not
+ putting their trust in man but in God (according to the saieng of
+ Philo, Where mans helpe faileth, it is needfull that Gods helpe be
+ present) make slaughter of their enimies that had béene accustomed
+ manie yéeres to rob and spoile them in maner as before is recited, and
+ so the bold attempts of the
+ [Sidenote: Punishment ceaseth, but sin increaseth.]
+ enimies ceassed for a time, but the wickednesse of the British people
+ ceassed not at all. The enimies departed out of the land, but the
+ inhabitants departed not from their naughtie dooings, being not so
+ readie to put backe the common enimies, as to exercise ciuill warre
+ and discord among themselues. The wicked Irish people departed home,
+ to make returne againe within a while after. But the Picts settled
+ themselues first at that season in the vttermost bounds of the Ile,
+ and there continued, making insurrections oftentimes vpon their
+ neighbours, and spoiling them of their goods.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Galfridus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas_ his words are to be considered.]
+ This with more also hath Gyldas, and likewise Beda written of this
+ great desolation of the British people: wherein if the words of Gyldas
+ be well weighed and considered, it maie lead vs to thinke, that the
+ Scots had no habitations here in Britaine, but onelie in Ireland, till
+ after this season, and that at this present time the Picts, which
+ before inhabited within the Iles of Orkenie, now placed themselues in
+ the north parts of Scotland, and after by processe of time came and
+ nestled themselues in Louthian, in the Mers, and other countries more
+ neere to our borders. But to procéed.
+
+ The British histories affirme, that whilest the Britains were thus
+ persecuted by these two most cruell and fierce nations the Scots and
+ Picts, the noble and chiefest men amongst them consulted togither, &
+ [Sidenote: An ambassage sent from the Britains vnto Aldroenus king of
+ Britaine in France.]
+ concluded to send an honorable ambassage vnto Aldroenus as then king
+ of little Britaine in Gallia, which Aldroenus was the fourth from
+ Conan Meridoc the first king there of the British nation. Of this
+ ambassage the archbishop of London named Guetheline or Gosseline was
+ appointed the chiefe and principall, who passing ouer into little
+ Britaine, and comming before the presence of Aldroenus, so declared
+ the effect of his message, that his suit was granted. For Aldroenus
+ [Sidenote: Constantine the brother of Aldroenus.]
+ agréed to send his brother Constantine ouer into great Britaine with a
+ conuenient power, vpon condition, that the victorie being obteined
+ against the enimies, the Britains should make him king of great
+ Britaine.
+
+ ¶ Thus it is apparent, that this land of Britaine was without anie
+ certeine gouernour (after that Gratian the vsurper was dispatched) a
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ number of yéeres togither, but how manie, writers in their account do
+ varie. Fabian deposeth by diuers coniecturs that the space betwixt the
+ death of Gratian, and the beginning of the reigne of the said
+ Constantine, brother to Aldroenus, continued nine and thirtie yéeres,
+ during which time the Britains were sore and miserablie afflicted by
+ the inuasions of the Scots and Picts, as before ye haue heard by
+ testimonies taken out of Beda, Gyldas, Geffrey of Monmouth, and other
+ writers both British and English.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What the Roman historiographer Marcellinus reporteth of the Scots,
+ Picts, and Britains vnder the emperour Iulianus, Valentinianus and
+ Valens, they send their vicegerents into Britaine, the disquietnesse
+ of that time, London called Augusta, the worthie exploits of
+ Theodosius in this Iland against the enimie, Valentinus a banished
+ malefactor deuiseth his destruction, he is taken and executed, he
+ reformeth manie disorders and inconueniences, the first entring of the
+ Saxons into Britaine, they are dawnted at the verie sight of the
+ Romane ensignes, the Saxons lieng in wait for their enimies are slaine
+ euerie mothers sonne._
+
+ THE XXXIIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Maximus.]
+ [Sidenote: 383.]
+ But now sith no mention is made of the Scots in our histories, till
+ the daies of Maximus the vsurper or tyrant, as some call him, who
+ began his reigne here in Britaine about the yéere of our Lord 383, and
+ that till after he had bereft the land of the chiefest forces thereof,
+ in taking the most part of the youth ouer with him: we find not in the
+ same histories of anie troubles wrought to the Britains by that
+ nation. Therefore we haue thought good héere to come backe to the
+ former times, that we may shew what is found mentioned in the Romane
+ histories, both before that time and after, as well concerning the
+ [Sidenote: _Ammianus Marcellinus lib._ 20.]
+ [Sidenote: The emperor Iulianius.]
+ Scots and Picts, as also the Saxons, and especiallie in Ammianus
+ Marcellinus, where in the beginning of his twentith booke intreating
+ of the doings of the emperour Iulianus, he saith as followeth.
+
+ In this state stood things in Illyricum or Slauonia, and in the east
+ parts, at what time Constantius bare the office of consull the tenth
+ time, and Iulianus the third time, that is to say, in the yéere of our
+ [Sidenote: 360.]
+ Lord 360, when in Britaine quietnesse being disturbed by roads made
+ [Sidenote: Scots and Picts trouble the state of this Ile.]
+ by the Scots and Picts, which are wild and sauage people, the
+ frontiers of the countrie were wasted, and feare oppressed the
+ prouinces wearied with the heape of passed losses. The emperor [he
+ meaneth Iulianus] as then remaining at Paris, and hauing his mind
+ troubled with manie cares, doubted to go to the aid of them beyond the
+ sea, as we haue shewed that Constantius did, least he should leaue
+ them in Gallia without a ruler, the Almains being euen then prouoked
+ and stirred vp to crueltie and warre.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lupicinus sent into Britaine.]
+ He thought good therefore to send Lupicinus vnto these places to bring
+ things into frame and order, which Lupicinus was at that time master
+ of the armorie, a warlike person and skilfull in all points of
+ chiualrie, but proud and high-minded beyond measure, and such one as
+ it was doubted long whether he was more couetous or cruell. Herevpon
+ [Sidenote: Bataui now Hollanders.]
+ the said Lupicinus setting forward the light armed men of the Heruli
+ and Bataui, with diuers companies also of the people of Mesia now
+ called Bulgarie; when winter was well entred and come on, he came
+ himselfe to Bulleine, and there prouiding ships, and imbarking his
+ [Sidenote: Rutupis.]
+ men, when the wind serued his purpose, he transported ouer vnto
+ Sandwich, and so marched foorth unto London, from thence purposing to
+ set forward, as vpon aduise taken according to the qualitie of his
+ businesse he should thinke méet and expedient.
+
+ [Sidenote: Of the displacing of these men the learned may sée more in
+ _Am. Mar._]
+ In the meane time, whilest Lupicinus was busie here in Britaine to
+ represse the enimies, the emperour Constantius displaced certeine
+ officers, and among other he depriued the same Lupicinus of the office
+ of the master of the armorie, appointing one Gumobarius to succéed him
+ in that roome, before anie such thing was knowen in these parties. And
+ where it was doubted least that Lupicinus (if he had vnderstood so
+ much whilest he was yet in Britaine) would haue attempted some new
+ trouble, as he was a man of a stout and loftie mind, he was called
+ backe from thence, and withall there was sent a notarie vnto Bulleine,
+ to watch that none should passe the seas ouer into Britaine till
+ Lupicinus were returned: and so returning ouer from thence yer he had
+ anie knowledge what was doone by the emperour, he could make no
+ sturre, hauing no such assistants in Gallia, as it was thought he
+ might haue had in Britaine, if he should haue mooued rebellion there.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 26.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ammianus Marcellinus lib._ 26.]
+ The same Marcellinus speaking of the doings about the time that
+ Valentinianus, being elected emperour, had admitted his brother Valens
+ as fellow with him in gouernement, hath these words. In this season as
+ though trumpets had blowne the sound to battell through out the whole
+ Romane empire, most cruell nations being stirred vp, inuaded the
+ borders next adioining, the Almans wasted and destroied the parts of
+ [Sidenote: The Almans.]
+ [Sidenote: The Sarmatians.]
+ [Sidenote: The Quadi Picts and Saxons.]
+ [Sidenote: Austorians.]
+ [Sidenote: The Goths.]
+ Gallia and Rhetia, as the Sarmatians and Quadi did Paunonia, the
+ Picts, the Saxons, the Scots, and the Attacots vexed the Britains with
+ continuall troubles, and gréeuous damages; the Austorians and the
+ people of the Moores ouerran the countrie of Affrike more sharpelie
+ than in time past they had done; the pilfring troops of the Goths
+ spoiled Thracia; the king of Persia set in hand to subdue the
+ Armenians, and sought to bring them vnder his obeisance, hasting with
+ all spéed toward Numonia, pretending (though vniustlie) that now after
+ the deceasse of Iouinius, with whome he had contracted a league and
+ bond of peace, there was no cause of let what he ought not to recouer
+ those things, which (as he alledged) did belong to his ancestors: and
+ so foorth.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 27.]
+ Moreouer, the same Marcellinus in another place writeth in this wise,
+ where he speaketh of the said Valentinianus. Departing therefore from
+ Amiens, and hasting to Trier, he was troubled with gréeuous newes that
+ were brought him, giuing him to vnderstand, that Britaine by a
+ conspiracie of the barbarous nations was brought to vtter pouertie,
+ [Sidenote: Comes maritimi tractus.]
+ that Nectaridus one of the emperours house earle of the sea coast,
+ hauing charge of the parties towards the sea, was slaine, and that the
+ generall Bulchobaudes was circumuented by traines of the enimies.
+ These things with great horrour being knowne, he sent Seuerus as then
+ [Sidenote: Comes domesticorum.]
+ erle, or (as I may call him lord steward of his houshold) to reforme
+ things that were amisse, if hap would so permit, who being shortlie
+ called backe, Iouinius going thither, and with spéed hasting forward,
+ sent for more aid and a great power of men, as the instant necessitie
+ then required. At length, for manie causes, and the same greatlie to
+ be feared, the which were reported and aduertised out of that Ile,
+ [Sidenote: Theodosius sent into Britaine.]
+ Theodosius was elected and appointed to go thither, a man of approoued
+ skill in warlike affaires, and calling togither an hardie youthfull
+ number of the legions and cohorts of men of warre, he went foorth, no
+ small hope being conceiued of his good spéed; the fame wherof spred
+ and went afore him.
+
+ A litle after, Marcellinus adding what people they were that troubled
+ the Britains in this wise, saith thus. This shall suffice to be said,
+ [Sidenote: Picts diuided into two nations.]
+ [Sidenote: Attacotti.]
+ that in this season the Picts diuided into two nations Dicalidones,
+ and Victuriones, and in like maner the Attacotti a right warlike
+ nation, and the Scots wandering here and there, made fowle woorke in
+ places where they came. The confines of France were disquieted by the
+ Frankeners and Saxons borderers vnto them, euerie one as they could
+ breaking foorth, & dooing great harme by cruell spoile, fire, and
+ taking of prisoners. To withstand those dooings if good fortune would
+ giue him leaue, that most able capteine going vnto the vttermost
+ bounds of the earth, when he came to the coast of Bullen which is
+ seuered from the contrarie coast on the other side by the sea, with a
+ narrow streight, where sometime the water goeth verie high and rough,
+ & shortlie after becommeth calme & pleasant, without hurt to those
+ [Sidenote: Theodosius passeth ouer into Britaine.]
+ that passe the same, transporting ouer at leasure, he arriued at
+ Sandwich (or rather Richburrow) where there is a quiet road for
+ [Sidenote: Bataui Hollanders.]
+ vessels to lie at anchor. Wherevpon the Bataui and Heruli, with the
+ souldiers of the legions called Iouij, and Victores, being companies
+ that trusted well to their owne strength, marched foorth & drew
+ [Sidenote: London called Augusta.]
+ towards London, an ancient citie, which now of late hath bin called
+ Augusta. Herewith diuiding his armie into sundrie parts, he set vpon
+ the troops of his enimies as they were abroad to forrey the countrie,
+ pestered with burdens of their spoiles and pillage, and spéedilie
+ putting them to flight, as they were leading away those prisoners
+ which they had taken, with their booties of cattell, he bereft them of
+ their preie, the which the poore Britains that were tributaries had
+ lost. To be briefe, restoring the whole, except a small portion
+ bestowed amongst the wearie souldiers, he entred the citie which
+ before was opprest with troubles, but now suddenlie refreshed, bicause
+ there was hope of reliefe and assured preseruation.
+
+ After this, when Theodosius was comforted with prosperous successe to
+ attempt things of greater importance, and searching waies how with
+ good aduise to woorke suerlie: whilest he remained doubtfull what
+ would insue, he learned as well by the confession of prisoners taken,
+ as also by the information of such as were fled from the enimies, that
+ the scattered people of sundrie nations which with practise of great
+ crueltie were become fierce and vndanted, could not be subdued but by
+ policie secretlie practised, and sudden inuasions. At length therefore
+ setting foorth his proclamations, and promising pardon to those that
+ were gone awaie from their capteins or charge, he called them backe
+ againe to serue: and also those that by licence were departed and laie
+ scattered here and there in places abroad. By this meanes, when manie
+ were returned, he being on the one side earnestlie prouoked, and on
+ [Sidenote: Theodosius requireth to haue Ciuilis sent to him.]
+ the other holden backe with thoughtfull cares, required to haue one
+ Ciuilis by name sent to him to haue the rule of the prouinces in
+ Britaine in steed of the other gouernours, a man of sharpe wit, and an
+ [Sidenote: Dulcitius.]
+ earnest mainteiner of iustice. He likewise required that one Dulcitius
+ a capteine renowmed in knowledge of warlike affaires might be sent
+ ouer to him for his better asistance. These things were doone in
+ Britaine.
+
+ Againe, in his eight and twentith booke, the same Marcellinus reciting
+ further what the same Theodosius atchiued in Britaine, hath in effect
+ these words: Thedosius verelie a capteine of woorthie fame, taking a
+ [Sidenote: London called Augusta.]
+ valiant courage to him, and departing from Augusta, which men of old
+ time called London, with souldiers assembled by great diligence, did
+ succour and reléeue greatlie the decaied and troubled state of the
+ Britains, preuenting euerie conuenient place where the barbarous
+ people might lie in wait to doo mischiefe: and nothing he commanded
+ the meane souldiers to doo, but that whereof he with a chéerefull mind
+ would first take in hand to shew them an example. By this meanes
+ accomplishing the roome of a valiant souldier, and fulfilling the
+ charge of a noble capteine, he discomfited and put to flight sundrie
+ nations, whome presumption (nourished by securitie) emboldened to
+ inuade the Romane prouinces: and so the cities and castels that had
+ béene sore endamaged by manifold losses and displeasures, were
+ restored to their former state of wealth, the foundation of rest and
+ quietnesse being laid for a long season after to insue.
+
+ But as these things were a dooing, one wicked practise was in hand &
+ like to haue burst foorth, to the gréeuous danger of setting things in
+ broile, if it had not béene staied euen in the beginning of the first
+ attempt. For there was one Valentinus, borne in the parties of Valeria
+ adioining to Pannonia, now called Stiermarke, a man of a proud and
+ [Sidenote: Valentinus.]
+ [Sidenote: Valeria now Stiermarke.]
+ loftie stomach, brother to the wife of Maximinus, which Valentinus for
+ some notable offense had béene banished into Britaine, where the
+ naughtie man that could not rest in quiet, deuised how by some
+ commotion he might destroy Theodosius, who as he saw was onelie able
+ to resist his wicked purposes. And going about manie things both
+ priuilie and apertlie, the force of his vnmeasurable desire to
+ mischiefe still increasing, he sought to procure aswell other that
+ were in semblable wise banished men, & inclined to mischiefe like him
+ selfe, as also diuers of the souldiers, alluring them (as the time
+ serued) with large promises of great wealth, if they would ioine with
+ him in that enterprise. But euen now in the verie nicke, when they
+ shuld haue gone in hand with their vngratious exploit, Theodosius
+ warned of their intent, boldlie aduanced himselfe to sée due
+ punishment executed on the offendors that were foorthwith taken and
+ knowne to be guiltie in that conspiracie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dulcitius is appointed to put Valentinus to death.]
+ Theodosius committed Valentine with a few other of his trustie
+ complices vnto the capteine Dulcitius, commanding him to see them put
+ to death: but coniecturing by his warlike skill (wherein he passed all
+ other in those daies) what might follow, he would not in anie wise
+ haue anie further inquirie made of the other conspirators, least
+ through feare that might be spread abroad in manie, the troubles of
+ the prouinces now well quieted, should be againe reuiued. After this,
+ Theodosius disposing himselfe to redresse manie things as néed
+ required, all danger was quite remooued: so that it was most apparent,
+ that fortune fauored him in such wise, that she left him not destitute
+ of hir furtherance in anie one of all his attempts. He therefore
+ restored the cities & castels that were appointed to be kept with
+ garrisons, and the borders he caused to be defended and garded with
+ sufficient numbers to kéepe watch and ward in places necessarie. And
+ hauing recouered the prouince which the enimies had gotten into their
+ possession, he so restored it to the former state, that vpon his
+ motion to haue it so, a lawfull gouernour was assigned to rule it, and
+ [Sidenote: A part of Britaine called Valentia.]
+ the name was changed, so as from thencefoorth it should be called
+ Valentia for the princes pleasure.
+
+ The Areani, a kind of men ordeined in times past by our elders (of
+ whome somewhat we haue spoken in the acts of the emperour Constance)
+ being now by little and little fallen into vices, he remooued from
+ their places of abiding, being openlie conuicted, that allured with
+ bribes and faire promises, they had oftentimes bewraied vnto the
+ barbarous nations what was doone among the Romans: for this was their
+ charge, to runne vp and downe by long iournies, and to giue warning to
+ our captains, what sturre the people of the next confines were about
+ to make.
+
+ [Sidenote: The praise of Theodosius.]
+ Theodosius therefore hauing ordered these & other like things, most
+ woorthilie & to his high fame, was called home to the emperours court,
+ who leauing the prouinces in most triumphant state, was highlie
+ renowmed for his often and most profitable victories, as if he had
+ béene an other Camillus or Cursor Papirius, and with the fauor and
+ loue of all men was conueied vnto the sea side; and passing ouer with
+ a gentle wind, came to the court, where he was receiued with great
+ gladnesse and commendation, being immediatlie appointed to succéed in
+ the roome of Valence Iouinus that was maister of the horsses.
+ Finallie, he was called by the emperour Gratianus, to be associated
+ with him in the imperiall estate, after the death of Valence, in the
+ [Sidenote: 379.]
+ yeare after the incarnation of our Sauior 379, and reigned emperour,
+ surnamed Thodosius the great, about 16 yeares and 2 daies.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Har._]
+ Hereto also maie that be applied which the foresaid Marcellinus
+ writeth in the same booke, touching the inuasion of the Saxons, the
+ [Sidenote: _Walf. Lazi._]
+ which (as Wolf. Lazius taketh it) entred then first into great
+ Britaine, but were repelled of the emperour Valentinianus the first,
+ [Sidenote: Seuerus.]
+ by the conduct and guiding of Seuerus. The same yéere (saith he) that
+ the emperours were the third time consuls, there brake forth a
+ multitude of Saxons, & passing the seas, entred stronglie into the
+ Romane confines: a nation fed oftentimes with the slaughter of our
+ [Sidenote: Nonneus Comes.]
+ people, the brunt of whose first inuasion earle Nonneus sustained, one
+ which was appointed to defend those parties, an approoued capteine, &
+ with continuall trauell in warres verie expert. But then incountring
+ with desperate and forlorne people, when he perceiued some of his
+ souldiers to be ouerthrowne and beaten downe, and himselfe wounded,
+ not able to abide the often assaults of his enimies, he obteined this
+ by informing the emperour what was necessarie and ought to be doone,
+ [Sidenote: Seuerus coronell of the footmen.]
+ insomuch that Seuerus, maister or (as I maie call him) coronell of the
+ footmen, was sent to helpe and reléeue things that stood in danger:
+ the which bringing a sufficient power with him for the state of that
+ businesse, when he came to those places, he diuiding his armie into
+ parts, put the Saxons in such feare and trouble before they fought,
+ that they did not so much as take weapon in hand to make resistance,
+ but being amazed with the sight of the glittering ensignes, & the
+ eagles figured in the Romane standards, they streight made sute for
+ peace, and at length after the matter was debated in sundrie wise
+ (because it was judged that it should be profitable for the Romane
+ commonwealth) truce was granted vnto them, and manie yoong men (able
+ for seruice in the warres) deliuered to the Romans according to the
+ couenants concluded.
+
+ After this the Saxons were permitted to depart without impeachment, &
+ so to returne from whence they came, who being now out of all feare,
+ and preparing to go their waies, diuers bands of footmen were sent to
+ lie priuilie in a certeine hid vallie so ambushed, as they might
+ easilie breake foorth vpon the enimies as they passed by them. But it
+ chanced far otherwise than they supposed, for certeine of those
+ footmen stirred with the noise of them as they were comming, brake
+ foorth out of time, and being suddenlie discouered whilest they hasted
+ to vnite and knit themselues togither, by the hideous crie and shout
+ of the Saxons they were put to flight. Yet by and by closing togither
+ againe, they staied, and the extremitie of the chance ministring to
+ them force (though not sufficient) they were driuen to fight it out,
+ and being beaten downe with great slaughter, had died euerie mothers
+ sonne, if a troope of horssemen armed at all points (being in like
+ maner placed in an other side at the entring of the waie to assaile
+ the enimies as they should passe) aduertised by the dolefull noise of
+ them that fought, had not spéedilie come to the succour of their
+ fellowes.
+
+ Then ran they togither more cruellie than before, and the Romans
+ bending themselues towards their enimies, compassed them in on each
+ side, and with drawne swords slue them downe right, so that there was
+ not one of them left to returne home to their natiue countrie to bring
+ newes how they had sped, nor one suffered to liue after anothers
+ death, either to reuenge their ruine, or to lament their losse. Thus
+ were the limits of the Romane empire preserued at that time in
+ [Sidenote: 399.]
+ Britaine, which should séeme to be about the yéere of our Lord 399.
+
+ ¶ Thus were the Romans, as commonlie in all their martiall affaires,
+ so in this incounter verie fortunate, the happie issue of the conflict
+ falling out on their side. And strange it is to consider and marke,
+ how these people by a celestiall kind of influence were begotten and
+ borne as it were to prowesse and renowme; the course of their dealings
+ in the field most aptlie answering to their name. For (as some
+ [Sidenote: _Solinus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Adr. Iun._]
+ suppose) the Romans were called of the Gréeke word [Greek: 'rômê],
+ signifieng power and mightinesse: and in old time they were called
+ Valentians, _A valendo_, of preuailing: so that it was no maruell
+ though they were victorious subduers of forren people, sithens they
+ were by nature created and appointed to be conquerors, and thereof had
+ their denomination.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What the poet Claudianus saith of the state of Britaine in the decaie
+ of the Romane empire, of the Scots and Picts cruellie vexing the
+ Britains, they are afflicted by inuasion of barbarous nations, the
+ practise of the Saxons, of the Scots first comming into this Iland,
+ and from whence, the Scotish chronographers noted for curiositie and
+ vanitie._
+
+ THE XXXV CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Honorius the emperour.]
+ After this, in the time of the emperour Honorius, the Scots, Picts,
+ and Saxons, did eftsoones inuade the frontiers of the Romane prouince
+ in Britaine, as appéereth by that which the poet Claudianus writeth,
+ in attributing the honour of preseruing the same frontiers vnto the
+ said emperour, in his booke intituled "Panegerycus tertij consulatus"
+ [Sidenote: 396.]
+ (which fell in the yéere 396) as thus:
+
+ [Sidenote: _Claudianus._]
+
+   Ille leues Mauros nec falso nomine Pictos
+   Edomuit, Scotúmq; vago mucrone secutus,
+   Fregit Hyperboreas remis audacibus vndas,
+   Et geminis fulgens vtróq; sub axe tropheis,
+   Tethyos alternae refluas calcauit arenas.
+
+   The nimble Mores and Picts by right
+     so cald, he hath subdude,
+   And with his wandring swoord likewise
+     the Scots he hath pursude:
+   He brake with bold couragious oare
+     the Hyperborean waue,
+   And shining vnder both the poles
+     with double trophies braue,
+   He marcht vpon the bubling sands
+     of either swelling seas.
+
+
+ The same Claudianus vpon the fourth consulship of Honorius, saith in a
+ tetrastichon as followeth:
+
+
+   Quid rigor æternus cæli? quid frigora prosunt?
+   Ignotúmq; fretum? maduerunt Saxone fuso
+   Orcades, incaluit Pictonum sanguine Thule,
+   Scotorum cumulos fleuit glacialis Hyberne.
+
+   What lasting cold? what did to them
+     the frostie climats gaine?
+   And sea vnknowne? bemoisted all
+     with bloud of Saxons slaine
+   The Orknies were: with bloud of Picts
+       hath Thule waxed warme,
+   And ysie Ireland hath bewaild
+     the heaps of Scotish harme.
+
+ [Sidenote: Thule some take to be Iseland, some Scotland.]
+
+
+ The same praise giueth he to Stilico the sonne in law of Honorius, and
+ maketh mention of a legion of souldiers sent for out of Britaine in
+ the periphrasis or circumlocution of the Gotish bloudie warres:
+
+
+   Venit & extremis legio prætenta Britannis,
+   Quas Scoto dat fræna truci, ferróq; notatas
+   Perleget exanimes Picto moriente figuras.
+
+   A legion eke there came from out
+     the farthest Britains bent,
+   Which brideled hath the Scots so sterne:
+     and marks with iron brent
+   Vpon their liuelesse lims dooth read,
+     whiles Picts their liues relent.
+
+
+ He rehearseth the like in his second "Panegerycus" of Stilico, in most
+ ample and pithie manner insuing:
+
+
+   Inde Calidonio velata Britannia monstro,
+   Ferro Picta genas, cuius vestigia verrit
+   Cærulus, Oceaniq; æstum mentitur amictus,
+   Me quoq; vicinis pereuntem gentibus inquit,
+   Muniuit Stilico, totam quum Scotus Hybernam
+   Mouit, & infesto spumauit remige Thetis,
+   Illius effectum curis, ne bella timerem
+   Scotica, ne Pictum tremerem, ne littore toto
+   Prospicerem dubijs venturum Saxona ventis.
+
+   Then Britaine whom the monsters did
+     of Calidone surround,
+   Whose cheekes were pearst with scorching steele,
+     whose garments swept the ground,
+   Resembling much the marble hew
+     of ocean seas that boile,
+   Said, She whom neighbour nations did
+     conspire to bring to spoile,
+   Hath Stilico munited strong, when
+     raised by Scots entice
+   All Ireland was, and enimies ores
+     the salt sea fome did slice,
+   His care hath causd, that I all feare
+     of Scotish broiles haue bard,
+   Ne doo I dread the Picts, ne looke
+     my countrie coasts to gard
+   Gainst Saxon troops, whom changing winds
+     sent sailing hitherward.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Britaine afflicted by inuasion of barbarous nations.]
+ Thus maie it appéere, that in the time when the Romane empire began to
+ decaie, in like manner as other parts of the same empire were inuaded
+ by barbarous nations, so was that part of Britaine which was subiect
+ to the Romane emperors grieuouslie assailed by the Scots and Picts,
+ and also by the Saxons, the which in those daies inhabiting all
+ alongst the sea coasts of low Germanie, euen from the Elbe vnto the
+ Rhine, did not onelie trouble the sea by continuall rouing, but also
+ vsed to come on land into diuerse parts of Britaine and Gallia,
+ inuading the countries, and robbing the same with great rage and
+ crueltie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Sidon. Apol. li._ 8. _Epist._]
+ To the which Sidonius Apollinaris thus alludeth, writing to Namatius.
+ "The messenger did assuredlie affirme, that latelie ye blew the
+ trumpet to warre in your nation, and betwixt the office one while of a
+ mariner, and another while of a souldier, wafted about the crooked
+ [Sidenote: The pirasie of the Saxons.]
+ shores of the ocean sea against the fléet of the Saxons, of whome as
+ manie rouers as ye behold, so manie archpirats ye suppose to sée: so
+ doo they altogither with one accord command, obeie, teach, and learne
+ to plaie the parts of rouers, that euen now there is good occasion to
+ warne you to beware. This enimie is more cruell than all other
+ enimies. He assaileth at vnwares, he escapeth by forseeing the danger
+ afore hand, he despiseth those that stand against him, he throweth
+ downe the vnwarie: if he be followed he snappeth them vp that pursue
+ him, if he flée he escapeth."
+
+ Of like effect for proofe héereof be those verses which he wrote vnto
+ Maiorianus his panegyrike oration, following in Latine and in English
+ verse.
+
+
+   Tot maria intraui duce te, longéq; remotas
+   Sole sub occiduo gentes, victricia Cæsar
+   Signa Calidonios transuexit ad vsq; Britannos,
+   Fuderit & quanquam Scotum, & cum Saxone Pictum,
+   Hostes quæsiuit quem iam natura vetabat,
+   Quærere plus homines, &c.
+
+   So manie seas I entred haue,
+     and nations farre by west,
+   By thy conduct, and Cæsar hath
+     his banners borne full prest
+   Vnto the furthest British coast,
+     where Calidonians dwell,
+   The Scot and Pict with Saxons eke,
+     though he subdued fell,
+   Yet would he enimies seeke vnknowne
+     whom nature had forbid, &c.
+
+
+ ¶ Thus much haue we thought good to gather out of the Romane and other
+ writers, that ye might perceiue the state of Britaine the better in
+ that time of the decaie of the Romane empire, and that ye might haue
+ occasion to marke by the waie, how not onelie the Scots, but also the
+ Saxons had attempted to inuade the Britains, before anie mention is
+ made of the same their attempts by the British and English writers.
+ But whether the Scots had anie habitation within the bounds of
+ Britaine, till the time supposed by the Britaine writers, we leaue
+ that point to the iudgement of others that be trauelled in the search
+ of such antiquities, onelie admonishing you, that in the Scotish
+ chronicle you shall find the opinion which their writers haue
+ conceiued of this matter, and also manie things touching the acts of
+ the Romans doone against diuerse of the Britains, which they presume
+ to be doone against their nation, though shadowed vnder the generall
+ name of Britains, or of other particular names, at this daie to most
+ men vnknowne. But whensoeuer the Scots came into this Ile, they made
+ the third nation that inhabited the same, comming first out of
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Scithia, or rather out of Spaine (as some suppose) into Ireland, and
+ from thence into Britaine; next after the Picts, though their writers
+ fetch a farre more ancient beginning (as in their chronicles at large
+ appéereth) referring them to the reading thereof, that desire to
+ vnderstand that matter as they set it foorth.
+
+
+ _Thus farre the dominion and tribute of the Romans ouer this land of
+ Britaine, which had continued (by the collection of some
+ chronographers) the space of 483. yeeres. And heere we thinke it
+ conuenient to end this fourth booke._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE FIFT BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Constantinus at the generall sute of the Britains vndertaketh to
+ gouerne this Iland, he is crowned king, his three sonnes, he is
+ traitorouslie slaine of a Pict, Constantius the eldest sonne of
+ Constantine hauing bene a monke is created king, the ambitious & slie
+ practises of duke Vortigerne to aspire to the gouernment, he procureth
+ certeine Picts and Scots to kill the king who had reteined them for
+ the gard of his person, his craftie deuises and deepe dissimulation
+ vnder the pretense of innocencie, he winneth the peoples harts, and is
+ chosen their king._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Having ended our former booke with the end of the Romane power ouer
+ this Iland, wherein the state of the Iland vnder them is at full
+ described; it remaineth now that we procéed to declare, in what state
+ they were after the Romans had refused to gouerne them anie longer.
+ Wherefore we will addresse our selues to saie somewhat touching the
+ succession of the British kings, as their histories make mention.
+
+ [Sidenote: CONSTANTINUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ CONSTANTINUS the brother of Aldroenus king of little Britaine, at the
+ sute and earnest request of the archbishop of London, made in name of
+ all the Britains in the Ile of great Britaine, was sent into the same
+ Ile by his said brother Aldroenus vpon couenants ratified in manner as
+ before is recited, and brought with him a conuenient power, landing
+ with the same at Totnesse in Deuonshire. Immediatlie after his
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton_ saith 12000. but _Gal._ and others say but 2000.]
+ c[=o]ming on land, he gathered to him a great power of Britains, which
+ before his landing were hid in diuerse places of the Ile. Then went he
+ foorth with them, and gaue battell to the enimies, whom he vanquished:
+ & slue that tyrannicall king Guanius there in the field (as some
+ [Sidenote: The British historie disagreeth from the Scotish.]
+ bookes haue.) Howbeit, this agréeth not with the Scotish writers,
+ which affirme that they got the field, but yet lost their king named
+ Dongard (as in their historie ye maie read.)
+
+ But to procéed as our writers report the matter. When the Britains had
+ thus ouercome their enimies, they conueied their capteine the said
+ Constantine vnto Cicester, and there in fulfilling their promise and
+ couenant made to his brother, crowned him king of great Britaine, in
+ the yéere of our Lord 433, which was about the fift yéere of the
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 435.]
+ emperour Valentinianus the second, and third yéere of Clodius king of
+ the Frankners after called Frenchmen, which then began to settle
+ themselues in Gallia, whereby the name of that countrie was afterwards
+ changed and called France. Constantine being thus established king,
+ ruled the land well and noblie, and defended it from all inuasion of
+ enimies during his life. He begat of his wife thrée sonnes (as the
+ British historie affirmeth) Constantius, Aurelius Ambrosius, and Vter
+ surnamed named Pendragon. The eldest, bicause he perceiued him to be
+ but dull of wit, and not verie toward, he made a moonke, placing him
+ within the abbie of Amphibalus in Winchester.
+
+ [Sidenote: In a groue of bushes as _Gal._ saith.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Orosius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Blondus._]
+ Finallie this Constantine, after he had reigned ten yéeres, was
+ traitorouslie slaine one day in his owne chamber (as some write) by a
+ Pict, who was in such fauor with him, that he might at all times haue
+ frée accesse to him at his pleasure. Neither the Romane writers, nor
+ Beda, make anie mention of this Constantine: but of the other
+ Constantine they write, which immediatlie after the vsurper Gratian
+ was dispatched out of the way (as before ye haue heard) was aduanced
+ to the rule of this land, and title of emperour, onelie in hope of his
+ name, and for no other respect of towardnesse in him, afore time being
+ but a meane souldier, without anie degrée of honour. The same
+ Constantine (as writers record) going ouer into Gallia, adorned his
+ sonne Constantius with the title and dignitie of Cesar, the which
+ before was a moonke, and finallie as well the one as the other were
+ slaine, the father at Arles by earle Constantius, that was sent
+ against him by the emperour Honorius; and the sonne at Vienna (as
+ before ye haue heard) by one of his owne court called Gerontius (as in
+ [Sidenote: 415.]
+ more at large.) This chanced about the yeere of our Lord 415.
+
+ ¶ This haue we thought good to repeat in this place, for that some may
+ suppose that this Constantine is the same that our writers take to be
+ the brother of Aldroenus king of little Britaine, as the circumstance
+ of the time and other things to be considered may giue them occasion
+ to thinke, for that there is not so much credit to be yéelded to them
+ that haue written the British histories, but that in some part men may
+ with iust cause doubt of sundrie matters conteined in the same: and
+ therfore haue we in this booke béene the more diligent to shew what
+ the Romans and other forreine writers haue registred in their bookes
+ of histories touching the affaires of Britaine, that the reader may be
+ the better satisfied in the truth. But now to returne to the sequele
+ of the historie as we find the same written by the British
+ chroniclers.
+
+ [Sidenote: This Vortigerne was duke of the Geuisses and Cornewall, as
+ _Rad. Cestr._ reporteth.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ After that Constantine was murthered (as before ye haue heard) one
+ Vortigerus, or Vortigernus, a man of great authoritie amongst the
+ Britains, wrought so with the residue of the British nobilitie, that
+ Constantius the eldest sonne of their king the fore-remembred
+ Constantine, was taken out of the abbie of Winchester where he
+ remained, and was streightwaies created king, as lawfull inheritour to
+ his father.
+
+ Ye haue heard how Constantius was made a moonke in his fathers life
+ time, bicause he was thought to be too soft and childish in wit, to
+ haue anie publike rule committed to his hands: but for that cause
+ speciallie did Vortigerne séeke t'aduance him, to the end that the
+ king being not able to gouerne of himselfe, he might haue the chiefest
+ swaie, and so rule all things as it were vnder him, preparing thereby
+ a way for himselfe to atteine at length to the kingdome as by that
+ which followed was more apparentlie perceiued.
+
+ [Sidenote: CONSTANTIUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West_ saith 445.]
+ This Constantius then the sonne of Constantine, by the helpe (as
+ before ye haue heard) of Vortigerne, was made king of Britaine, in the
+ yere of our Lord 443. But Constantius bare but the name of king: for
+ Vortigerne abusing his innocencie and simple discretion to order
+ things as was requisite, had all the rule of the land, and did what
+ pleased him. Wherevpon first, where there had béene a league concluded
+ betwixt the Britains, Scots and Picts, in the daies of the late king
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ Constantine, Vortigerne caused the same league to be renewed, & waged
+ an hundred Picts, and as manie Scots to be attendant as a gard vpon
+ the kings person, diuers of the which (corrupting them with faire
+ [Sidenote: Constantius murthered.]
+ promises) he procured by subtile meanes in the end to murther the
+ king, and immediatlie vpon the deed doone, he caused the murtherers to
+ be strangled, that they should not afterwards disclose by whose
+ [Sidenote: The subtile dealing of Vortigerne.]
+ procurement they did that déed. Then caused he all the residue of the
+ Scots and Picts to be apprehended, and as it had béene vpon a zeale to
+ sée the death of Constantius seuerelie punished, he framed such
+ inditements and accusations against them, that chieflie by his meanes
+ (as appeared) the giltlesse persons were condemned and hanged, the
+ multitude of the British people béeing woonderfullie pleased
+ therewith, and giuing great commendations to Vortigerne for that déed.
+ Thus Constantius was made awaie in maner as before ye haue heard,
+ after he had reigned (as most writers affirme) the space of fiue
+ yéeres.
+
+ After his death was knowne, those that had the bringing vp and
+ [Sidenote: Aurelius Ambrosius.]
+ [Sidenote: Vter Pendragon.]
+ custodie of his two yoonger brethren, Aurelius Ambrose, and Vter
+ Pendragon, mistrusting the wicked intent of Vortigerne, whose
+ dissimulation and mischieuous meaning by some great likelihoods they
+ suspected, with all spéed got them to the sea, and fled into litle
+ Britaine, there kéeping them till it pleased God otherwise to prouide
+ for them. But Vortigerne could so well dissemble his craftie workings,
+ and with such conueiance and cloked maner could shadow and colour the
+ matter, that most men thought and iudged him verie innocent and void
+ of euill meaning: insomuch that he obteined the fauour of the people
+ so greatlie, that he was reputed for the onelie staie and defender of
+ the common wealth. Herevpon it came to passe, that when the councell
+ was assembled to elect a new king, for so much as the other sonnes of
+ [Sidenote: Vortigerne chosen king of Britaine.]
+ king Constantine were not of age sufficient to rule, Vortigerne
+ himselfe was chosen, diuers of the nobles (whom he had procured
+ thereto) giuing their voices to this his preferment, as to one best
+ deseruing the same in their opinion and judgement. This Vortigerne, as
+ by indirect meanes and sinister procéedings he aspired to the
+ regiment, hauing no title therevnto, otherwise than as blind fortune
+ vouchsafed him the preferment: so when he was possessed, but not
+ interessed in the same, he vncased the crooked conditions which he had
+ couertlie concealed, and in the end (as by the sequele you shall sée)
+ did pull shame and infamie vpon himselfe.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Vortigerne furnisheth the tower with a garrison, he bewraieth his
+ crueltie, Aurelius and Pendragon brethren to the late king Constantius
+ flie into Britaine Armorike, what common abuses and sinnes did
+ vniuersally concurre with a plentifull yeere, the Scots and Picts
+ reuenge the death of their countrimen, Vortigerne is in doubt of his
+ estate, the Britains send for succour to the Saxons, they come vnder
+ the conduct of Hengist and Horsus two brethren, where they are
+ assigned to be seated, they vanquish the Scots, disagreement in
+ writers touching the Saxons first comming into this Iland._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: VORTIGERNE.]
+ [Sidenote: 446.]
+ Vortigerne, by such diuelish meanes and vnconscionable practises (as
+ you heare) stealing away the hearts of the people, was chosen and made
+ king of Britaine, in the yéere of our Lord 446, in the 3 consulship of
+ Aetius, 1197 of Rome, 4 of the 305 Olympiad, 4112 of the world, the
+ dominicall letter going by F, the prime by 10, which fell about the 21
+ yéere of the emperour Valentinianus, the same yéere that Meroneus
+ began to reigne ouer the Frenchmen. Before he was made king, he was
+ earle or duke of the Geuisses, a people which held that part of
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ Britaine where afterwards the west Saxons inhabited. Now when he had
+ with treason, fraud, and great deceit at length obteined that for the
+ which he had long looked, he first of all furnished the tower of
+ London with a strong garrison of men of warre.
+
+ Then studieng to aduance such onelie as he knew to be his speciall
+ [Sidenote: 415.]
+ friends and fauourers, he sought by all meanes how to oppresse other,
+ of whose good will he had neuer so litle mistrust, and namelie those
+ that were affectionate towards the linage of Constantine he hated
+ deadlie, and deuised by secret meanes which way he might best destroy
+ them. But these his practises being at the first perceiued, caused
+ such as had the gouernance of the two yoong gentlemen with all spéed
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ to get them ouer (as ye haue heard) into Britaine Armorike, there to
+ remaine out of danger with their vncle the king of that land. Diuers
+ of the Britains also, that knew themselues to be in Vortigerne his
+ displeasure, sailed ouer dailie vnto them, which thing brought
+ Vortigerne into great doubt and feare of his estate.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ [Sidenote: Plentie of wealth accompanied with store of sinnes.]
+ It chanced also the same time, that there was great plentie of corne,
+ & store of fruit, the like wherof had not béene seene in manie yéeres
+ before, and therevpon insued riot, strife, lecherie, and other vices
+ verie heinous, & yet accounted as then for small or rather none
+ offenses at all. These abuses & great enormities reigned not onelie in
+ the temporaltie, but also in the spiritualtie and chéefe rulers in the
+ same: so that euerie man turned the point of his speare (euen as he
+ had consented of purpose) against the true and innocent person. The
+ commons also gaue themselues to voluptuous lust, drunkennesse, and
+ idle loitering, whereof followed fighting, contention, enuie, and much
+ debate. Of this plentie therefore insued great pride, and of this
+ abundance no lesse hautinesse of mind, wherevpon followed great
+ wickednesse, lacke of good gouernement and sober temperancie, and in
+ the necke of these as a iust punishment, death and mortalitie, so that
+ in some countries scarse the quicke sufficed to burie the dead.
+
+ [Sidenote: Scots and Picts inuade the Britains.]
+ And for an augmentation of more mischéefe, the Scots and Picts hearing
+ how their countrimen through the false suggestion of Vortigerne, had
+ bene wrongfullie and most cruellie put to death at London, began with
+ fire & sword to make sharpe & cruell warre against the Britains,
+ wasting their countrie, spoiling and burning their townes, and giuing
+ them the ouerthrow in a pitcht field, as in the Scotish historie more
+ plainlie appeareth. To be bréefe, the Britains were brought into such
+ danger and miserie, that they knew not what way to take for remedie in
+ such present perill, likelie to be ouerrun and vtterlie vanquished of
+ their enimies. In the meane time Vortigerne not onelie troubled with
+ these imminent euils, but fearing also the returne of the two
+ brethren, Aurelius Ambrose, and Vter Pendragon, began to consider of
+ the state of things, and estéeming it most sure to worke by aduise,
+ called togither the principall lords and chéefe men of the realme to
+ haue their counsell and opinion, how to procéed in such a weightie
+ businesse: and so debating the matter with them, measured both his
+ owne force, and also the force of his enimies, and according to the
+ condition and state of the time, diligentlie considered and searched
+ out what remedie was to be had and prouided.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: The Saxons sent for.]
+ [Sidenote: 10000 hath _Hector Boet._]
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas_ and _Beda_ mention onelie but of 3 plates or
+ gallies, but _Hector Boet._ hath 30.]
+ At length after they had throughlie pondered all things, the more part
+ of the nobles with the king also were of this mind, that there could
+ be no better way deuised, than to send into Germanie for the Saxons to
+ come to their aid: the which Saxons in that season were highlie
+ renowmed for their valiancie in armes, and manifold aduentures
+ heretofore atchiued. And so forthwith messengers were dispatched into
+ Germanie, the which with monie, gifts, and promises, might procure the
+ Saxons to come to the aid of the Britains against the Scots and Picts.
+ The Saxons glad of this message, as people desirous of intertainment
+ to serue in warres, choosing forth a picked companie of lustie yoong
+ men vnder the leading of two brethren Hingist and Horsus, got them
+ aboord into certeine vessels appointed for the purpose, and so with
+ all spéed directed their course towards great Britaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: 449.]
+ This was in the yeare of our Lord 449, and in the second yeare of
+ Vortigerns reigne, as the most autentike writers both British and
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ English séeme to gather, although the Scotish writers, and namelie,
+ Hector Boetius doo varie herein, touching the iust account of yeares,
+ as to the perusers of the writings aswell of the one as the other may
+ appeare. But others take it to be in the 4 yéere of his reigne:
+ whereto Beda séemeth to agrée, who noteth it in the same yeare that
+ Martianus the emperour began to rule the empire, which was (as
+ appeareth by the consularie table) in the consulship of Protogenes and
+ Austerius, and third yeere of Meroneus king of France.
+
+ These Saxons thus arriuing in Britaine, were courteouslie receiued, &
+ hartilie welcomed of king Vortigerne, who assigned to them places in
+ Kent to inhabit, and foorthwith led them against the Scots and Picts,
+ which were entred into Britaine, wasting & destroieng the countrie
+ before them. Héerevpon comming to ioine in battell, there was a sore
+ fight betwixt the parties for a while. But at length when the Saxons
+ called to their remembrance that the same was the day which should
+ either purchase to them an euerlasting name of manhood by victorie, or
+ [Sidenote: Scots vanquished by the Saxons.]
+ else of reproch by repulse, began to renew the fight with such
+ violence, that the enimies not able to abide their fierce charge, were
+ scattered and beaten downe on ech side with great slaughter.
+
+ The king hauing gotten this victorie, highlie rewarded the strangers
+ according to their well deseruings, as by whose prowesse he had thus
+ [Sidenote: _Henrie Hunt._]
+ vanquished his enimies, which (as some write) were come as farre as
+ Stamford, and vsed at that time to fight with long darts and speares,
+ whereas the Saxons fought onelie with long swords and axes.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ ¶ Some haue written that the Saxons were not sent for, but came by
+ chance into the Ile, and the occasion to be this. There was an ancient
+ custome among the English Saxons a people in Germanie, as was also at
+ the first among other nations, that when the multitude of them was so
+ increased, that the countrie was not able to susteine and find them,
+ by commandement of their princes, they should choose out by lots a
+ number of yoong and able personages fit for the warrs, which should go
+ foorth to séeke them new habitations: and so it chanced to these, that
+ they came into great Britaine, and promised to serue the king for
+ wages in his warres.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Hengistus the Saxon shooteth at the crowne and scepter of the
+ kingdome by craftie and subtile practises, a great number of forren
+ people arriue in Britaine for the augmentation of his power, of the
+ faire ladie Rowen his daughter, whereof Wednesdaie and Fridaie tooke
+ their name, of the Iutes, Saxons, and Angles, Vortigerne being
+ inflamed with the loue of Hengists daughter forsaketh his owne wife
+ and marrieth hir, Vortigerne giueth Hengist all Kent, the Saxons come
+ ouer by heaps to inhabit the land, the British nobilitie moue the king
+ to auoid them, he is depriued of his kingdome, the miserable
+ destruction made by the Saxons in this land, skirmishes betwixt them
+ and the Britains._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Hengist purposeth at the first to conquere the Britains.]
+ Now Hengistus, being a man of great wit, rare policie, and high
+ wisedome, vnderstanding the kings mind, who wholie trusted to the
+ valiancie of the Saxons, & herewithall perceiuing the fruitfulnesse of
+ the countrie, presentlie began to consider with himselfe, by what
+ wiles and craft he might by little little settle heere, and obteine a
+ kingdome in the Ile, and so establish the same to him and his for
+ euer.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Therefore first he endeuored with all speed possible to fense that
+ part of the countrie, which was giuen him and his people, and to
+ inlarge and furnish it with garisons appointed in places most
+ conuenient. After this he did what he could to persuade the king, that
+ a great power of men might be brought ouer out of Germanie, that the
+ land being fortified with such strength, the enimies might be put in
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 18 Foists or plates saie the Scotish writers,
+ and 5000 men in the same.]
+ [Sidenote: The Saxons call these vessels Ceoles, or Kéeles, and our
+ old histories Cogiones.]
+ feare, and his subiects holden in rest. The king not foreséeing the
+ hap that was to come, did not despise this counsell tending to the
+ destruction of his kingdome, and so was more aid sent for into
+ Germanie: wherevpon now at this second time there arriued héere 16
+ vessels fraught with people, and at the same time came the ladie Rowen
+ or Ronix (daughter to Hengist) a maid of excellent beautie and
+ comelinesse, able to delight the eies of them that should behold hir,
+ and speciallie to win the heart of Vortigerne with the dart of
+ concupiscence, wherevnto he was of nature much inclined, and that did
+ Hengist well perceiue.
+
+ [Sidenote: The _Vitæ_ or _Iutæ_ are called Ibitri.]
+ [Sidenote: _Alex. Now._]
+ There came ouer into this land at that time, and soone after, thrée
+ maner of people of the Germane nation, as Saxons, Vitæ or Iutes, and
+ Angles, ouer the which the said Hengist and Horse being brethren, were
+ capteines & rulers, men of right noble parentage in their countrie, as
+ descended of that ancient, prince Woden, of wham the English Saxon
+ kings doo for the more part fetch their pedegrée, as lineallie
+ descended from him, vnto whome also the English people (falselie
+ reputing him for a god) consecrated the fourth daie of the wéeke, as
+ they did the sixt to his wife Frea: so that the same daies tooke name
+ [Sidenote: Wednesdaie, and Fridaie, whereof they came.]
+ of them, the one being called Wodensdaie, and the other Freadaie,
+ which woords after in continuance of time by corruption of spéech were
+ somewhat altered, though not much, as from Wodensdaie, to Wednesdaie,
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ and from Freadaie to Fridaie. The foresaid Woden was father to Vecta,
+ the father of Wergistus that was father to the foresaid Hengistus and
+ Horsus.
+
+ But now to rehearse further touching those thrée people which at this
+ time came ouer into Britaine out of Germanie. Of the Vites or Iutes
+ (as Beda recordeth) are the Kentishmen descended, and the people of
+ the Ile of Wight, with those also that inhabit ouer against the same
+ Ile. Of the Saxons came the east, the south, & the west Saxons.
+ Moreouer, of the Angles proceéded the east Angles, the middle Angles
+ or Mercies, and the Northerne men. That these Angles were a people of
+ [Sidenote: _Cor. Tacitus._]
+ Germanie, it appeareth also by Cornelius Tacitus, who called them
+ Anglij, which word is of thrée syllables (as Polydor saith:) but some
+ write it Angli, with two syllables. And that these Angli, or Anglij
+ were of no small force and authoritie in Germanie before their comming
+ into this land, maie appeare, in that they are numbred amongst the
+ twelue nations there, which had lawes and ancient ordinances apart by
+ themselues, according to the which the state of their common wealth
+ was gouerned, they being the same and one people with the Thuringers,
+ as in the title of the old Thuringers lawes we find recorded, which is
+ thus: "Lex Angliorum & Werinorum, hoc est Thuringorum," The law of the
+ Angles and Werinians that is to saie the Thuringers, which Thuringers
+ are a people in Saxonie, as in the description of that countrie it
+ maie appeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Rowen, or Ronowen Hengists daughter.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ But now to the matter. Hengist perceiuing that his people were highlie
+ in Vortigernes fauour, began to handle him craftilie, deuising by what
+ means he might bring him in loue with his daughter Ronix, or Rowen, or
+ Ronowen (as some write) which he beléeued well would easilie be
+ brought to passe, bicause he vnderstood that the king was much giuen
+ to sensuall lust, which is the thing that often blindeth wise mens
+ vnderstanding, and maketh them to dote, and to lose their perfect
+ wits: yea, and oftentimes bringeth them to destruction, though by such
+ pleasant poison they féele no bitter taste, till they be brought to
+ the extreame point of confusion in déed.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ A great supper therefore was prepared by Hengist, at the which it
+ pleased the king to be present, and appointed his daughter, when
+ euerie man began to be somewhat merrie with drinke, to bring in a cup
+ of gold full of good and pleasant wine, and to present it to the king,
+ saieng; Wassail. Which she did in such comelie and decent maner, as
+ she that knew how to doo it well inough, so as the king maruelled
+ greatlie thereat, and not vnderstanding what she ment by that
+ salutation, demanded what it signified. To whom it was answered by
+ [Sidenote: Wassail, what it signifieth.]
+ Hengist, that she wished him well, and the meaning of it was, that he
+ should drinke after hir, ioining thereto this answer, Drinke haile.
+ Wherevpon the king (as he was informed) tooke the cup at the damsels
+ hand, and dranke.
+
+ Finallie, this yoong ladie behaued hir selfe with such pleasant
+ woords, comelie countenance, and amiable grace, that the king beheld
+ hir so long, till he felt himselfe so farre in loue with hir person,
+ that he burned in continuall desire to inioy the same: insomuch that
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ shortlie after he forsooke his owne wife, by the which he had thrée
+ sonnes, named Vortimerus, Catagrinus, and Pascentius, and required of
+ Hengist to haue his daughter, the said Rowen, or Ronowen in mariage.
+ Hengist at the first séemed strange to grant to his request, and
+ excused the matter, for that his daughter was not of estate and
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ dignitie méet to be matched with his maiestie. But at length as it had
+ béene halfe against his will he consented, and so the mariage was
+ concluded & solemnized, all Kent being assigned vnto Hengist in
+ reward, the which countrie was before that time gouerned by one
+ Guorongus (though not with most equall Justice) which Guorongus was
+ subiect vnto Vortigerne, as all other the potentats of the Ile were.
+
+ This mariage and liberalite of the king towards the strangers much
+ offended the minds of his subiects, and hastened the finall
+ destruction of the land. For the Saxons now vnderstanding the
+ affinitie had betwixt the king and Hengist, came so fast ouer to
+ inhabit héere, that it was woonder to consider in how short a time
+ such a multitude could come togither: so that bicause of their great
+ number and approoued puissance in warres, they began to be a terrour
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ to the former inhabitants the Britains. But Hengist being no lesse
+ politike in counsell than valiant in armes, abusing the kings lacke of
+ discretion, to serue his owne turne, persuaded him to call out of
+ [Sidenote: _Gal._ saith he was Hengists sonne, and Ebusa
+ his vncles sonne.]
+ [Sidenote: Occa and Ebusa leaders of Saxons.]
+ Germanie his brother Occa and his sonne named Ebusa, being men of
+ great valure, to the end that as Hengist defended the land in the
+ south part: so might they kéepe backe the Scots in the north.
+
+ Héerevpon by the kings consent, they came with a power out of
+ Germanie, and coasting about the land, they sailed to the Iles of
+ Orknie, and sore vexed the people there, and likewise the Scots and
+ Picts also, and finallie arriued in the north parts of the realme, now
+ called Northumberland, where they setled themselues at that present,
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm. de Regib._]
+ and so continued there euer after: but none of them taking vpon him
+ the title of king, till about 99 yéeres after their first comming into
+ that countrie, but in the meane time remaining as subiects vnto the
+ Saxon kings of Kent. After their arriuall in that prouince, they
+ oftentimes fought with the old inhabitants there, and ouercame them,
+ chasing away such as made resistance, and appeased the residue by
+ receiuing them vnder allegiance.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: The great numbers of strangers suspected to the Britains.]
+ When the nobles of Britaine saw and perceiued in what danger the land
+ stood, by the dailie repaire of the huge number of Saxons into the
+ same, they first consulted togither, and after resorting to the king,
+ mooued him that some order might be taken for the auoiding of them, or
+ the more part of them, least they should with their power and great
+ multitude vtterlie oppresse the British nation. But all was in vaine,
+ for Vortigerne so estéemed and highlie fauoured the Saxons, and
+ namelie by reason of the great loue which he bare to his wife, that he
+ little regarded his owne nation, no nor yet anie thing estéemed his
+ owne naturall kinsmen and chiefe friends, by reason whereof the
+ [Sidenote: Vortigerne depriued.]
+ Britains in fine depriued him of all kinglie honour, after that he had
+ reigned 16 yéeres, and in his steed crowned his sonne Vortimer.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ Gyldas and Beda make no mention of Vortimer, but declare that after
+ the Saxons were receiued into this land, there was a couenant made
+ betwixt them and the Britains, that the Saxons should defend the
+ countrie from the inuasion of enimies by their knightlie force: and
+ that in consideration therof, the Britains should find them prouision
+ of vittels: wherewith they held them contented for a time. But
+ afterwards they began to pike quarrels, as though they were not
+ sufficientlie furnished of their due proportion of vittels,
+ threatening that if they were not prouided more largelie thereof, they
+ would surelie spoile the countrie. So that without deferring of time,
+ [Sidenote: The miserable destruction made by the Saxons in this land.]
+ they performed their woords with effect of deeds, beginning in the
+ east part of the Ile, & with fire and swoord passed foorth, wasting
+ and destroieng the countrie, till they came to the vttermost part of
+ the west: so that from sea to sea, the land was wasted and destroied
+ in such cruell and outragious manner, that neither citie, towne, nor
+ church was regarded, but all committed to the fire: the priests slaine
+ and murthered euen afore the altars, and the prelats with the people
+ without anie reuerence of their estate or degrée dispatched with fire
+ and swoord, most lamentablie to behold.
+
+ Manie of the Britains séeing the demeanour of the Saxons, fled to the
+ mounteins, of the which diuers being apprehended, were cruellie
+ slaine, and other were glad to come foorth and yeeld themselues to
+ eternall bondage, for to haue reléefe of meate and drinke to asswage
+ their extremitie of hunger. Some other got them out of the realme into
+ strange lands, so to saue themselues; and others abiding still in
+ their countrie, kept them within the thicke woods and craggie rocks,
+ whither they were fled, liuing there a poore wretched life, in great
+ feare and vnquietnesse of mind.
+
+ But after that the Saxons were departed and withdrawne to their
+ houses, the Britains began to take courage to them againe, issuing
+ foorth of those places where they had lien hid, and with one consent
+ calling for aid at Gods hand, that they might be preserued from vtter
+ destruction, they began vnder the conduct of their leader Aurelius
+ Ambrose, to prouoke the Saxons to battell, and by the helpe of God
+ they obteined victorie, according to their owne desires. And from
+ thence foorth, one while the Britains, and an other while the Saxons
+ were victors. So that in this British people, God (according to his
+ accustomed maner) as it were present Israell, tried them from time to
+ time, whether they loued him or no, vntill the yeare of the siege of
+ Badon hill, where afterwards no small slaughter was made of the
+ [Sidenote: So _Gyldas_ was borne in the yeare of our Lord 493.]
+ enimies: which chanced the same yeare in the which Gyldas was borne
+ (as he himselfe witnesseth) being about the 44 yeare after the comming
+ of the Saxons into Britaine.
+
+ Thus haue Gyldas & Beda (following by likelihood the authoritie of the
+ same Gyldas) written of these first warres begun betwéene the Saxons
+ and Britains. But now to go foorth with the historie, according to the
+ order of our chronicles, as we doo find recorded touching the doings
+ of Vortimer that was elected king (as ye haue heard) to gouerne in
+ place of his father Vortigerne.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Vortimer is created king in the roome of his father Vortigerne, he
+ giueth the Saxons sore and sharpe battels, a combat fought betweene
+ Catigerne the brother of Vortimer and, Horsus the brother of Hengist,
+ wherein they were both slaine, the Britains driue the Saxons into the
+ Ile of Tenet, Rowen the daughter of Hengist procureth Vortimer to be
+ poisoned, the Saxons returne into Germanie as some writers report,
+ they ioine with the Scots and Picts against the Britains and discomfit
+ them._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: VORTIMER.]
+ [Sidenote: 464.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Galf. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 454.]
+ This Vortimer being eldest sonne to Vortigerne, by the common assent
+ of the Britains was made king of Britaine, in the yeare of our Lord
+ 464, which was in the fourth yeare of the emperour Leo the fift, and
+ about the sixt yeare of Childericus king of France, as our common
+ account runneth, which is far disagréeing from that whereof W. Harison
+ dooth speake in his chronologie, who noteth Vortigerne to be deposed
+ in the 8 after his exaltation to the crowne, 454 of Christ, and 5
+ currant after the comming of the Saxons, which concurreth with the
+ 4420 of the world, and 8 of Meroneus, as by his chronologie dooth more
+ at large appear.
+
+ But to procéed, Vortimer being thus aduanced to the gouernment of the
+ realme, in all hast made sore warre against the Saxons, and gaue vnto
+ [Sidenote: The riuer of Derwent.]
+ them a great battell vpon the riuer of Derwent, where he had of them
+ the vpper hand. And the second time he fought with them at a place
+ [Sidenote: Epiford.]
+ called Epiford, or Aglisthrop, in the which incounter Catagrine or
+ Catigernus the brother of Vortimer, and Horsus the brother of Hengist,
+ after a long combat betwixt them two, either of them slue other: but
+ the Britains obteined the field (as saith the British historie.) The
+ third battell Vortimer fought with them néere to the sea side, where
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Tenet.]
+ also the Britains chased the Saxons, & droue them into the Ile of
+ Tenet. The fourth battell was stricken néere to a moore called
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Colemoore.]
+ Colemoore, the which was sore fought by the Saxons, and long continued
+ with great danger to the Britains, because the foresaid moore inclosed
+ a part of their host so stronglie, that the Britains could not approch
+ to them, being beaten off with the enimies shot, albeit in the end the
+ Saxons were put to flight, & manie of them drowned and swallowed vp in
+ the same moore. Beside these foure principall battels, Vortimer had
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: Tetford in Norfolke.]
+ [Sidenote: Colchester.]
+ diuers other conflicts with the Saxons, as in Kent and at Tetford in
+ Norfolke, also néere to Colchester in Essex: for he left not till he
+ had bereft them of the more part of all such possessions as before
+ time they had got, so that they were constrained to kéepe them within
+ the Ile of Tenet, where he oftentimes assailed them with such ships as
+ he then had. When Ronowen the daughter of Hengist perceiued the great
+ losse that the Saxons sustained by the martiall prowesse of Vortimer,
+ she found means that within a while the said Vortimer was poisoned,
+ after he had ruled the Britains by the space of 6 or 7 yeares and od
+ moneths.
+
+ ¶ By the British historie it should séeme, that Vortimer before his
+ death handled the Saxons so hardlie, kéeping them besieged within the
+ Ile of Tenet, till at length they were constrained to sue for licence
+ to depart home into Germanie in safetie: and the better to bring this
+ to pas, they sent Vortigerne, (whome they had kept still with them in
+ all these battels) vnto his sonne Vortimer, to be a meane for the
+ obteining of their sute. But whilest this treatie was in hand, they
+ got them into their ships, and leauing their wiues and children behind
+ them, returned into Germanie. Thus far Gal. Mon. But how vnlikelie
+ this is to be true, I will not make anie further discourse, but onelie
+ refer euerie man to that which in old autentike historiographers of
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ the English nation is found recorded, as in Will. Malmes. Henr. Hunt,
+ Marianus, and others: vnto whome in these matters concerning the
+ dooings betwixt the Saxons and Britains, we maie vndoubtedlie and
+ safelie giue most credit.
+
+ William Malmes. writing of this Vortimer, or Guortigerne, and of the
+ warres which he had against the Saxons, varieth in a maner altogether
+ from Geffrey of Monmouth, as by his words here following ye maie
+ perceiue. Guortimer, the sonne of Vortimer (saith he) thinking not
+ good long to dissemble the matter, for that he saw himselfe and his
+ countriemen the Britains preuented by the craft of the English Saxons,
+ set his full purpose to driue them out of the realme, and kindled his
+ father to the like attempt. He therefore being the author and
+ procurer, seuen yeares after their first comming into this land, the
+ league was broken, and by the space of 20 yeares they fought
+ [Sidenote: Hengist had the victorie in this battell saith _Ra. Hig._]
+ [Sidenote: Horse and Catigene slaine.]
+ oftentimes togither in manie light incounters, but foure times they
+ fought puissance against puissance in open field: in the first battell
+ they departed with like fortune, whilest the one part, that is to
+ meane, the Saxons lost their capteine Horse that was brother to
+ Hengist, and the Britains lost Catigerne an other of Vortigerns
+ sonnes.
+
+ [Sidenote: 458.]
+ In the other battels, when the Englishmen went euer awaie with the
+ vpper hand, at length a peace was concluded, Guortimer being taken out
+ of this world by course of fatall death, the which much differing from
+ the soft and milde nature of his father, right noblie would haue
+ gouerned the realme, if God had suffered him to haue liued. But these
+ battels which Vortimer gaue to the Saxons (as before is mentioned)
+ should appeare by that which some writers haue recorded, to haue
+ chanced before the supposed time of Vortimers or Guortimers atteining
+ to the crowne, about the 6 or 7 yeare after the first comming of the
+ Saxons into this realme with Hengist. And hereto W. Harison giueth his
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ consent, referring the mutuall slaughter of Horsus and Catigerne to
+ the 6 years of Martianus, & 455 of Christ. Howbeit Polydor Virgil
+ saith, that Vortimer succéeded his father, and that after his fathers
+ deceasse the English Saxons, of whome there was a great number then in
+ the Ile, comming ouer dailie like swarmes of bées, and hauing in
+ possession not onelie Kent, but also the north parts of the realme
+ towards Scotland, togither with a great part of the west countrie,
+ thought it now a fit time to attempt the fortune of warre: and first
+ therefore concluding a league with the Scots and Picts, vpon the
+ sudden they turned their weapons points against the Britains, and most
+ cruellie pursued them, as though they had receiued some great iniurie
+ at their hands, and ne benefit at all. The Britains were maruelouslie
+ abashed herewith, perceiuing that they should haue to doo with
+ Hengist, a capteine of so high renowme, and also with their ancient
+ enimies the Scots and Picts, thus all at one time, and that there was
+ no remedie but either they must fight or else become slaues. Wherefore
+ at length, dread of bondage stirred vp manhood in them, so that they
+ assembled togither, and boldlie began to resist their enimies on ech
+ [Sidenote: The Britains discomfited by the Scots.]
+ side: but being too weake, they were easilie discomfited and put to
+ flight, so that all hope of defense by force of armes being vtterlie
+ taken awaie, as men in despaire to preuaile against their enimies,
+ they fled as shéepe scattered abroad, some following one capteine and
+ some another, getting them into desart places, woods and maresh
+ grounds, and moreouer left such townes and fortresses as were of no
+ notable strength, as a preie vnto their enimies.
+
+ Thus saith Polydor Virgil of the first breaking of the warres betwixt
+ the Saxons and the Britains, which chanced not (as should appeare by
+ that which he writeth thereof) till after the death of Vortigerne.
+ Howbeit he denieth not that Hengist at his first comming got seates
+ for him and his people within the countie of Kent, and there began to
+ inhabit. This ought not to be forgotten, that king Vortimer (as
+ [Sidenote: _Sigebertus._]
+ Sigebertus hath written) restored the Christian religion after he had
+ vanquished the Saxons, in such places where the same was decaied by
+ the enimies inuasion, whose drift was not onelie to ouerrun the land
+ with violence, but also to erect their owne laws and liberties without
+ regard of clemencie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Vortigerne is restored to his regiment, in what place he abode during
+ the time of his sonnes reigne, Hengist with his Saxons re-enter the
+ land, the Saxons and Britains are appointed to meet on Salisburie
+ plaine, the priuie treason of Hengist and his power whereby the
+ Britains were slaine like sheepe, the manhood of Edol earle of
+ Glocester, Vortigerne is taken prisoner, Hengist is in possession of
+ three prouinces of this land, a description of Kent._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: 471.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 461.]
+ After all these bloudie broiles and tempestuous tumults ended,
+ Vortigerne was restored and set againe into the kingdome of Britaine,
+ in the yeare of our Lord 471. All the time of his sonnes reigne, he
+ had remained in the parties now called Wales, where (as some write) in
+ that meane time he builded a strong castle called Generon, or
+ Guaneren, in the west side of Wales nere to the riuer of Guana, vpon a
+ mounteine called Cloaricus, which some referre to be builded in his
+ second returne into Wales, as shall be shewed hereafter. And it is so
+ much the more likelie, for that an old chronicle, which Fabian had
+ sight of, affirmeth, that Vortigerne was kept vnder the rule of
+ [Sidenote: Caerleon Arwiske.]
+ certeine gouernors to him appointed in the towne of Caerlegion, and
+ behaued himselfe in such commendable sort towards his sonne, in aiding
+ him with his counsell, and otherwise in the meane season whilest his
+ sonne reigned, that the Britains by reason thereof began so to fauour
+ him, that after the death of Vortimer they made him king againe.
+
+ Shortlie after that Vortigerne was restored to the rule of the
+ kingdom, Hengist aduertised therof returned into the land with a
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 4000.]
+ [Sidenote: He might easilie returne, for except I be deceiued he was
+ neuer driuen out after he had once set foot within this Ile.]
+ mightie armie of Saxons, whereof Vortigerne being admonished,
+ assembled his Britains, and with all speed made towards him. When
+ Hengist had knowledge of the huge host of the Britains that was
+ comming against him, he required to come to a communication with
+ Vortigerne, which request was granted, so that it was concluded, that
+ on Maie day a certeine number of Britains, and as manie of the Saxons
+ should meet togither vpon the plaine of Salisburie. Hengist hauing
+ deuised a new kind of treason, when the day of their appointed méeting
+ was come, caused euerie one of his allowed number secretlie to put
+ into his hose a long knife (where it was ordeined that no man should
+ bring anie weapon with him at all) and that at the verie instant when
+ [Sidenote: Nempt your sexes, what if it were messes.]
+ this watchword should be vttered by him, "Nempt your sexes," then
+ should euerie of them plucke out his knife, and slea the Britaine that
+ chanced to be next to him, except the same should be Vortigerne, whom
+ he willed to be apprehended, but not slaine.
+
+ At the day assigned, the king with his appointed number or traine of
+ the Britains, mistrusting nothing lesse than anie such maner of
+ vnfaithfull dealing, came vnto the place in order before prescribed,
+ without armor or weapon, where he found Hengist readie with his
+ Saxons, the which receiued the king with amiable countenance and in
+ most louing sort: but after they were a little entred into
+ communication, Hengist meaning to accomplish his deuised purpose, gaue
+ the watchword, immediatlie wherevpon the Saxons drew out their kniues,
+ [Sidenote: There died of the nobles of Britaine 460 as _Gal._ saith.]
+ fell on the Britains, and slue them as shéepe being fallen within the
+ danger of woolues. For the Britains had no weapons to defend
+ themselues, except anie of them by his strength and manhood got the
+ knife of his enimie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cestren._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ Amongst other of the Britains, there was one Edol earle of Glocester,
+ or (as other say) Chester, which got a stake out of an hedge, or else
+ where, and with the same so defended himselfe and laid about him, that
+ [Sidenote: _Gal._ saith 70.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cestren._]
+ he slue 17 of the Saxons, and escaped to the towne of Ambrie, now
+ called Salisburie, and so saued his owne life. Vortiger was taken and
+ kept as prisoner by Hengist, till he was constreined to deliuer vnto
+ Hengist thrée prouinces or countries of this realme, that is to say,
+ Kent &Essex, or as some write, that part where the south Saxons after
+ did inhabit, as Sussex and other: the third was the countrie where the
+ Estangles planted themselues, which was in Norfolke and Suffolke. Then
+ Hengist being in possession of those thrée prouinces, suffered
+ Vortigerne to depart, &to be at his libertie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ ¶ William Malmesburie writeth somewhat otherwise of this taking of
+ Vortigerne, during whose reigne, after the deceasse of his sonne
+ Vortimer, nothing was attempted against the Saxons, but in the meane
+ time Hengist by colorable craft procured his sonne in law Vortigerne
+ to come to a banket at his house, with three hundred other Britains,
+ and when he had made them well and warme with often quaffing and
+ emptieng of cups, and of purpose touched euerie of them with one
+ bitter tawnt or other, they first fell to multiplieng of malicious
+ words, and after to blowes that the Britains were slaine, euerie
+ mothers sonne so yéelding vp their ghosts euen amongst their pots. The
+ king himselfe was taken, and to redéeme himselfe out of prison, gaue
+ to the Saxons thrée prouinces, and so escaped out of bondage.
+
+ Thus by what meane soeuer it came to passe, truth it is (as all
+ writers agrée) that Hengist got possession of Kent, and of other
+ countries in this realme, and began to reigne there as absolute lord &
+ gouernor, in
+
+ [Sidenote: 476.]
+ the yéere of our Lord (as some write) 476, about the fift yéere of
+ Vortigerns last reigne: but after other, which take the beginning of
+ this kingdome of Kent to be when Hengist had first gift therof, the
+ same kingdome began in the yéere 455, and conteined the countrie that
+ stretcheth from the east Ocean vnto the riuer of Thames, hauing on the
+ [Sidenote: Kingdome of Kent.]
+ southeast Southerie, and vpon the west London, vpon the northeast the
+ riuer of Thames aforesaid, and the countrie of Essex.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The heptarchie or seuen kingdoms of this land, Hengist causeth
+ Britaine to be peopled with Saxons, the decaie of Christian religion,
+ the Pelagians with their hereticall and false doctrine infect the
+ Britains, a synod summoned in Gallia for the redresse thereof, the
+ Scots assist the Britains against the Saxons, who renew their league
+ with the Picts, Germane and Lupus two bishops of Germanie procure the
+ British armie to be newlie christened, the terror that the Britains
+ vnder bishop Germans fortunate conduct draue into the Saxons by the
+ outcrie of Alleluia, and got the victorie, bishop Germane departeth
+ out of the land, and to redresse the Pelagian heresie commeth againe
+ at the clergies request, he confirmeth his doctrine by a miracle,
+ banisheth the Pelagians out of the land, the death of Germane, murther
+ requited with murther._
+
+ THE VJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Hengist and all other the Saxon kings which ruled (as after shall
+ appeare) in seuen parts of this realme, are called by writers
+ _Reguli_, that is, little kings or rulers of some small dominion: so
+ that Hengist is counted a little king, who when he had got into his
+ hands the foresaid thrée prouinces, he caused more Saxons to come into
+ Britaine, and bestowed them in places abroad in the countrie, by
+ reason whereof the christian religion greatlie decaied within the
+ land, for the Saxons
+
+ [Sidenote: The decay of christian religion.]
+ being pagans, did what they could to extinguish the faith of Christ,
+ and to plant againe in all places their heathenish religion, and
+ woorshipping of false gods: and not onelie hereby was the true faith
+ of the Christians brought in danger dailie to decaie, but also the
+ erronious opinions of the Pelagians greatlie preuailed here amongst
+ the Britains, by meanes of such vnsound preachers as in that
+ troublesome season did set forth false doctrine amongst the people,
+ without all maner of reprehension.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ Certeine yéeres before the comming of the Saxons, that heresie began
+ to spread within this land verie much, by the lewd industrie of one
+ Leporius Agricola, the sonne of Seuerus Sulpitius (as Bale saith) a
+ bishop of that lore. But Pelagius the author of this heresie was borne
+ in Wales, and held opinion that a man might obteine saluation by his
+ owne frée will and merit, and without assistance of grace, as he that
+ was borne without originall sinne, &c.
+
+ This erronious doctrine being taught therefore, and mainteined in this
+ troublesome time of warres with the Saxons, sore disquieted the godlie
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ minded men amongst the Britains, who not meaning to receiue it, nor
+ yet able well to confute the craftie and wicked persuasions vsed by
+ the professors thereof, thought good to send ouer into Gallia,
+ requiring of the bishops there, that some godlie and profound learned
+ men might be sent ouer from thence into this land, to defend the cause
+ of the true doctrine against the naughtie teachers of so blasphemous
+ an error. Whervpon the bishops of Gallia sore lamenting the miserable
+ state of the Britains, and desirous to relieue their present néed,
+ [Sidenote: A synod called in Gallia.]
+ speciallie in that case of religion, called a synod, and therein
+ taking counsell to consider who were most méet to be sent, it was
+ [Sidenote: Germanus and Lupus.]
+ decréed by all their consents in the end, that one Germane the bishop
+ of Auxerre, and Lupus bishop of Trois should passe ouer into Britaine
+ to confirme the Christians there in the faith of the celestiall grace.
+ And so those two vertuous learned men taking their iournie, finallie
+ arriued in Britaine, though not without some danger by sea, through
+ stormes &rage of winds, stirred (as hath beene thought of the
+ superstitious) by the malice of wicked spirits, who purposed to haue
+ hindered their procéedings in this their good and well purposed
+ iournie. After they were come ouer, they did so much good with
+ conuincing the wicked arguments of the aduersaries of the truth, by
+ the inuincible power of the woord of God, and holinesse of life, that
+ those which were in the wrong waie, were soone brought into the right
+ path againe.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Palladius.]
+ [Sidenote: Constantine king of Scots.]
+ About the same time also, one Palladius was sent from Celestinus
+ bishop of Rome, vnto the Scots, to instruct them in the faith of
+ Christ, and to purge them from the heresie of the said Pelagius. This
+ Palladius exhorted Constantinus the king of Scots, that in no wise he
+ should aid the Saxons being infidels against the Britains: whose
+ exhortation tooke so good effect, that the said Constantinus did not
+ onelie forbeare to assist the Saxons, but contrarilie holpe the
+ Britains in their warres against them, which thing did mainteine the
+ state of the Britains for a time from falling into vtter ruine and
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ decaie. In the meane time, the Saxons renewed their league with the
+ Picts, so that their powers being ioined togither, they began afresh
+ to make sore warres vpon the Britains, who of necessitie were
+ constreined to assemble an armie, &mistrusting their owne strength,
+ required aid of the two bishops, Germane and Lupus, who hasting
+ forward with all speed came into the armie, bringing with them no
+ small hope of good lucke to all the Britains there being assembled.
+ This was doone in Kent.
+
+ Now such was the diligence of the bishops, that the people (being
+ instructed with continuall preaching) in renouncing the error of the
+ Pelagians, earnestlie came by troops to receiue the grace of God
+ offred in baptisme, so that on Easter day which then insued, the more
+ [Sidenote: The armie of the Britains newlie christened.]
+ part of the armie was baptised, and so went foorth against the
+ enimies, who hearing thereof, made hast towards the Britains; in hope
+ to ouercome them at pleasure. But their approch being knowne, bishop
+ Germane tooke vpon him the leading of the British host, and ouer
+ against the passage thorough the which the enimies were appointed to
+ come, he chose foorth a faire vallie inclosed with high mounteins, and
+ within the same he placed his new washed armie. And when he saw the
+ enimies now at hand, he commanded that euerie man with one generall
+ voice should answer him, crieng alowd the same crie that he should
+ begin. So that euen as the enimies were readie to giue the charge vpon
+ the Britains, supposing that they should haue taken them at vnwares,
+ and before anie warning had béen giuen, suddenlie bishop Germane and
+ [Sidenote: Alleluia.]
+ the priests with a lowd and shrill voice called _Alleluia_, thrice:
+ and therewith all the multitudes of the Britains with one voice cried
+ the same crie, with such a lowd shout, that the Saxons were therewith
+ so amazed and astonied (the echo from the rocks and hils adjoining,
+ redoubling in such wise the crie) that they thought not onelie the
+ rocks and clifs had fallen vpon them, but that euen the skie it selfe
+ had broken in péeces and come tumbling downe vpon their heads:
+ héerewith therefore throwing awaie their weapons, they tooke them to
+ their féet, and glad was he that might get to be formost in running
+ awaie. Manie of them for hast were drowned in a riuer which they had
+ to passe. Polydor taketh that riuer to be Trent. The Britains hauing
+ thus vanquished their enimies, gathered the spoile at good leasure,
+ &gaue God thanks for the victorie thus got without bloud, for the
+ which the holie bishops also triumphed as best became them. Now after
+ they had setled all things in good quiet within the Ile, as was
+ thought expedient, they returned into Gallia or France, from whence
+ they came (as is before rehearsed.)
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 448.]
+ By one author it should appéere that this battell was woone against
+ the Scots and Picts, about the yéere of our Lord 448, a little before
+ the comming of the Saxons into this land vnder Hengist, in which yéere
+ Germane first came hither to wéed out the heresie of Pelagius, as by
+ the same author more at large is affirmed. Howbeit, some
+ chronographers alledge out of Prosper &other, and note the first
+ comming of Germane to haue béene in the 429 yéere of Christ, and vnder
+ the consulship of Florentius and Dionysius. And this should séeme to
+ agrée with the truth, for that after some, the foresaid Germane should
+ die at Rauenna, about the yéere of our Lord 450, as Vincentius noteth,
+ which was the verie yeere of the comming of the Saxons:
+ notwithstanding, when or wheresoeuer he died, it was not long after
+ his returne into Gallia, vpon his first iournie made hither into this
+ land, who no sooner obteined the victorie before mentioned, but woord
+ was brought againe vnto him, that eftsoones the heresie of the
+ Pelagians was spread abroad in Britaine, and therefore all the priests
+ or cleargie made request to him that it might stand with his pleasure
+ to come ouer againe, and defend the cause of true religion which he
+ had before confirmed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Germane returneth againe into Britaine.]
+ Héerevpon bishop Germane granted so to doo, and therefore taking with
+ him one Seuerus (that was disciple vnto Lupus, and ordeined at that
+ time bishop of Triers) tooke the sea, and came againe into Britaine,
+ where he found the multitude of the people stedfast in the same
+ beliefe wherein he had left them, &perceiued the fault to rest in a
+ few: wherevpon inquiring out the authors, he condemned them to exile
+ (as it is written) and with a manifest miracle by restoring a yoong
+ man that was lame (as they saie) vnto the right vse of his lims, he
+ confirmed his doctrine. Then followed preaching to persuade amendment
+ of errors, and by the generall consent of all men, the authors of the
+ wicked doctrine being banished the land, were deliuered vnto bishop
+ Germane and to his fellow Seuerus, to conueie them away in their
+ companie vnto the parties beyond the seas, that the region might so be
+ deliuered of further danger, and they receiue the benefit of due
+ amendment.
+
+ By this meanes it came to passe, that the true faith continued in
+ Britaine sound and perfect a long time after. Things being thus set in
+ good order, those holie men returned into their countries, the
+ forenamed bishop Germane went to Rauenna to sue for peace to be
+ granted vnto the people of Britaine Armorike, where being receiued of
+ the emperor Valentinian and his mother Placida in most reuerend maner,
+ [Sidenote: Anno 450, as _Vincentius_ noteth, _lib._ 20. _ca._ 15.]
+ he departed in that citie out of this transitorie life, to the
+ eternall ioies of heauen. His bodie was afterwards conueied to the
+ citie of Auxerre, where he had béene bishop with great opinion of
+ holines for his sincere doctrine and pure and innocent life. Shortlie
+ [Sidenote: The emperour Valentinian slaine.]
+ after was the emperour Valentinian slaine by the friends of that noble
+ man named Aetius, whome he had before caused to be put to death.
+
+ ¶ By this it maie appéere, that bishop Germane came into this realme
+ both the first and second time, whilest as well Hengist, as also
+ Vortigerne were liuing: for the said Valentinian was murthered about
+ [Sidenote: 454.]
+ the yeere of our Lord 454, where the said kings liued and reigned long
+ after that time, as maie appéere both before and after in this present
+ booke.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What part of the realme the Saxons possessed, Vortigerne buildeth a
+ castell in Wales for his safetie, Aurelius and Vter both brethren
+ returne into Britaine, they assalt the vsurper Vortigerne, and with
+ wildfire burne both him, his people, his fort, and all the furniture
+ in the same, Vortigerne committeth incest with his owne daughter,
+ feined and ridiculous woonders of S. Germane, a sheepherd made a
+ king._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now will we returne to Vortigerne, of whome we read in the British
+ historie, that after the Saxons had constreined him to deliuer into
+ their hands a great part of the south and east parts of the realme, so
+ that they had in possession London, Yorke, Lincolne, & Winchester,
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ with other cities & townes, he not onelie fearing their puissance, but
+ also the returne of Aurelius Ambrosius, and his brother Vter
+ Pendragon, withdrew him into Wales, where he began to build a strong
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ castell vpon a mounteine called Breigh, or after other Cloaric, néere
+ to the riuer of Guana, which is in the west side of Wales in a place
+ [Sidenote: Mount Erix he calleth it in one place of his booke.]
+ within the compasse of the same hill called Generon or Gueineren. Of
+ the building of this castell, and of the hinderance in erecting the
+ same, with the monstrous birth of Merlin and his knowledge in
+ prophesieng, the British histories tell a long processe, the which in
+ Caxton, and in Galfrides bookes is also set foorth, as there ye maie
+ sée: but for that the same séemeth not of such credit as deserueth to
+ be registred in anie sound historie, we haue with silence passed it
+ ouer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Aurelius and Vter brethren returne into Britaine.]
+ Whilest Vortigerne was busied in building of this castell, the two
+ foresaid brethren Aurelius and Vter prepared a nauie of ships, and an
+ armie of men, by helpe of such their kinsmen and fréends as they found
+ in Britaine Armorike, and so passed the sea, and landed at Totnesse:
+ whereof when the Britains were aduertised, the which were scattered
+ abroad and seuered in diuers parties and countries, they drew vnto the
+ said two brethren with all spéed that might be. When Aurelius and his
+ brother Vter perceiued that they were sufficientlie furnished of
+ people, they marched foorth towards Wales against Vortigerne, who
+ hauing knowledge of their approch, had fortified his castell verie
+ strongly with men, munition and vittels, but yet all auailed him
+ nothing, for in the end after his enimies had giuen diuers assaults to
+ [Sidenote: Vortigerne burnt to death.]
+ [Sidenote: Wild fire not yet inuented as some think.]
+ the said castell, they found meanes with wild fire to burne it downe
+ to the earth, and so consumed it by fire togither with the king, and
+ all other that were within it.
+
+ Thus did Vortigerne end his life (as in the British historie is
+ recorded.) Much euill is reported of him by the same historie, and
+ also by other writers, and among other things it is written, that he
+ should lie by his owne daughter, and of hir beget a sonne, in hope
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: A feined tale of S. Germane.]
+ [Sidenote: A caluish narration.]
+ that kings should come of him, and therefore he was excommunicated by
+ S. Germane. It is also said, that when the same S. Germane came into
+ Britaine (as before ye haue heard) this Vortigerne on a time should
+ denie the same S. Germane harbour: but one that kept the kings heards
+ of cattell receiued him into his house, and lodged him, and slue a
+ calfe for his supper, which calfe after supper was ended, S. Germane
+ restored againe to life: and on the morrow by the ordinance of God, he
+ caused Vortigerne to be deposed from his kinglie estate, and tooke the
+ heardman and made him king. But Ranulfe Hig. in his "Polychronicon,"
+ alledging Gyldas for his author, saith that this chanced to a king
+ that ruled in Powsey, whose name was Bulie, and not to Vortigerne: so
+ that the successors of that Bulie reigning in that side of Wales, came
+ of the linage of the same heardman.
+
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ Moreouer it hath beene said (as one writer recordeth) that when
+ Vortigerne refused to heare the preaching of saint Germane, and fled
+ from him as he would haue instructed him, one night there fell fire
+ from heauen vpon the castell wherein the king was lodged, and so the
+ king being destroied with the fall of the house and the fire togither,
+ was neuer after séene.
+
+ ¶ But these are fables, and therfore I passe them ouer, hoping that it
+ shall suffice to shew here with what stuffe our old historiographers
+ haue farced vp their huge volumes, not so much regarding the credit of
+ an historie, as satisfieng the vanitie of their owne fond fantasies,
+ studieng with a pretended skilfulnesse to cast glorious colours vpon
+ lies, that the readers (whom they presupposed either ignorant or
+ credulous) would be led away with a flowing streme of woords void of
+ reason and common sense. Which kind of men knew not (belike) that the
+ nature of an historie, (defined to be _Rei verè gestæ memoria)_ will
+ not beare the burthen or lode of a lie, sith the same is too heauie:
+ otherwise they would haue deposed matters conspiring with the truth.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Aurelius Ambrosius the brother to Constantius created king of
+ Britaine, he incountereth with the Saxons, Hengist their generall is
+ beheaded, Occa his sonne submitteth himselfe to Aurelius, he putteth
+ all the Saxons out of the land, repaireth places decaied, and
+ restoreth religion, the memorable monument of the stones that are so
+ much spoken of on Salisburie plaine, the exploits of Pascentius
+ Vortigerns yongest sonne, Aurelius lieth sicke, Vter goeth against
+ Pascentius and giueth him the ouerthrow, Aurelius is poisoned of a
+ counterfet moonke, the place of his buriall, Polydor Virgils report of
+ the acts and deeds of Aurelius against the Saxons, Hengist is slaine,
+ Osca and Occa his two sonnes make a fowle spoile if the west part of
+ the land, Vortimer dieth, the disagreement of writers touching matters
+ interchangeablie passed betwene the Britains and Saxons._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: AURELIUS AMBROSIUS.]
+ Aurelius Ambrose, the second sonne of king Constantine, brother to
+ Constantius, and murthered by the treason of Vortigerne (as before ye
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 466.]
+ haue heard) was made king of Britaine in the yéere of our Lord 481,
+ which was about the third yéere of the reigne of the emperour Zeno,
+ and the 23 of Childericus king of France, Odocer king of the Herulians
+ then vsurping the gouernment of Italie. When this Aurelius Ambrosius
+ had dispatched Vortigerne, and was now established king of the
+ Britains, he
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ made towards Yorke, and passing the riuer of Humber, incountred with
+ the Saxons at a place called Maesbell, and ouerthrew them in a strong
+ battell, from the which as Hengist was fléeing to haue saued himselfe,
+ he was taken by Edoll earle of Glocester, or (as some say) Chester,
+ [Sidenote: Hengist taken and beheaded.]
+ and by him led to Conningsborrow, where he was beheaded by the
+ counsell of Eldad then bishop of Colchester.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Howbeit there be some that write, how that Hengist was taken at
+ another battell fought vpon the riuer of Dune, in the yéere of our
+ Lord 489, and not in the chase of the battell which was fought at
+ [Sidenote: Occa.]
+ Maesbell in the yéere 487, as the same authors doo alledge. Occa the
+ son of Hengist by flight escaped to Yorke, and being there besieged,
+ at length was constreined to yéeld himselfe to Aurelius: who dealing
+ fauourablie with him, assigned vnto him and other of the Saxons a
+ countrie bordering neere to the Scots, which (as some affirme) was
+ Galloway, where the said Occa and the Saxons began to inhabit. Then
+ did Aurelius Ambrosius put the Saxons out of all other parts of the
+ land, & repaired such cities, townes and also churches, as by them had
+ beene destroied or defaced, and placed againe priests, and such other
+ as should attend on the ministerie and seruice of God in the same
+ churches.
+
+ Also for a perpetuall memorie of those Britains that were slaine on
+ the plaine of Salisburie by the treason of Hengist, he caused stones
+ to be fetched out of Ireland, and to be set vp in the same place where
+ [Sidenote: Stoneheng.]
+ that slaughter was committed, and called the place Stoneheng, which
+ name continueth vnto this day. Fiftéene thousand men (as Galfrid
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ saith) were sent for those stones, vnder the leading of Vter Pendragon
+ the kings brother, who giuing battell vnto Gillomanus king of Ireland
+ that went about to resist the Britains, and would not permit them to
+ fetch away the same stones out of his countrie, discomfited him and
+ his people, and so (maugre his hart) brought the stones away with him.
+
+ Shortlie after, Pascentius that was Vortigerns yoongest sonne, and had
+ escaped into Ireland (when Aurelius Ambrosius came into Britaine)
+ returned with a great power of strange nations, and tooke the citie of
+ Meneuia in Wales, afterwards called saint Dauids, and did much hurt in
+ the countrie with fire and swoord. At which time the same Aurelius
+ Ambrosius lay sicke at Winchester, and being not able to go foorth
+ himselfe, desired his brother Vter Pendragon to assemble an armie of
+ Britains, and to go against Pascentius and his adherents. Vter,
+ according to his brothers request, gathering his people, went foorth,
+ and incountering with the enimies gaue them the ouerthrow, slue
+ Pascentius and Gillomare or Gilloman king of Ireland, that was come
+ ouer with him in aid against the Britains.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ In the meane while, a Saxon or some other stranger, whose name was
+ Eopa or Copa, not long before procured thereto by Pascentius, fained
+ himselfe to be a Britaine, and for a colour counterfeiting himselfe a
+ moonke, and to haue great knowledge in physicke, was admitted to
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ minister as it were medicins to Aurelius: but in stead of that which
+ should haue brought him health, he gaue him poison, wherof he died
+ shortlie after at Winchester aforesaid, when he had reigned after most
+ accord of writers nintéene yéeres: his bodie was conueied to Stoneheng
+ and there buried. ¶ Thus find we in the British and common English
+ histories of the dooings of Aurelius Ambrosius, who (as ye haue hard)
+ makes him a Britaine borne, and descended of the bloud of the ancient
+ Britains. But Gyldas and Beda report him to be a Romane by descent, as
+ before is mentioned.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Polydor Virgil writeth in this sort of the victorious acts atchiued by
+ the foresaid Aurelius Ambrosius. Then (saith he) the Saxons hauing
+ alreadie gotten the whole rule of the Ile, practised their outragious
+ cruelties speciallie against the princes of the Britains, to the end
+ that the said princes being ouercome and destroied, they might with
+ more ease obteine possession of the whole Ile, which thing they onlie
+ sought. But the fauour of almightie God was not wanting to the
+ miserable Britains in that great necessitie. For behold, Aurelius
+ Ambrosius was at hand, who had no sooner caused the trumpet to sound
+ to armor, but euerie man for himselfe prepared and repaired vnto him,
+ praieng & beseeching him to helpe to defend them, and that it might
+ stand with his pleasure to go foorth with them against the enimies in
+ all speed.
+
+ Thus an armie being assembled, Aurelius Ambrosius went against them,
+ and valiantlie assailed them, so that within the space of a few daies
+ they fought thrée battels with great fiercenesse on both sides, in
+ triall of their high displeasures and vttermost forces, in which at
+ length the Britains put the Saxons to flight, Horsus the brother of
+ Hengist being slaine with a great number of his people. But yet
+ notwithstanding the enimies rage was little abated hereby, for within
+ a few daies after receiuing out of Germanie a new supplie of men, they
+ brake foorth vpon the Britains with great confidence of victorie.
+ Aurelius Ambrosius was no sooner aduertised thereof, but that without
+ delaie he set forward towards Yorke, from whence the enimies should
+ come, and hearing by the way that Hengist was incamped about seuen &
+ twentie miles distant from that citie, néere to the banke of a riuer
+ at this day called Dune, in the place where Doncaster now standeth, he
+ returned out of his waie, and marched towards that place, and the next
+ day set on the enimie and vanquished him, Hengist at the first méeting
+
+ [Sidenote: Hengist is slaine.]
+ of the battell being slaine, with a great number of the Germans. The
+ fame of this victorie (saith Polydor) is had in memorie with the
+ inhabitants of those parties euen vnto this day, which victorie did
+ sore diminish the power of the Saxons, insomuch that they began now to
+ thinke it should be more for their profit to sit in rest with that
+ dishonour, than to make anie new warres to their great disaduantage
+ and likelihood of present losse.
+
+ Hengist left behind him two sonnes, Osca and Occa, which as men most
+ sorowfull for the ouerthrow of late receiued, assembled such power as
+ they could togither, and remooued therewith towards the west part of
+ the Ile, supposing it to be better for them to draw that way foorth,
+ than to returne into Kent, where they thought was alreadie a
+ sufficient number of their people to resist the Britains on that side.
+ Now therefore when they came into the west parts of the land, they
+ wasted the countrie, burnt villages, and absteined from no maner of
+ crueltie that might be shewed. These things being reported vnto
+ Aurelius Ambrosius, he straightwaies hasted thither to resist those
+ enimies, and so giuing them battell, eftsoones discomfited them: but
+ [Sidenote: Aurelius dieth of a wound.]
+ he himselfe receiuing a wound, died thereof within a few daies after.
+ The English Saxons hauing thus susteined so manie losses within a few
+ moneths togither, were contented to be quiet now that the Britains
+ stirred nothing against them, by reason they were brought into some
+ trouble by the death of such a noble capteine as they had now lost. In
+ [Sidenote: Vortimer departeth this life.]
+ the meane time Vortimer died, whome Vter surnamed Pendragon succéeded.
+
+ Thus hath Polydor written of the forsaid Aurelius Ambrosius, not
+ naming him to be king of Britaine, and differing in déed in sundrie
+ points in this behalfe from diuerse ancient writers of the English
+ histories: for where he attributeth the victorie to the Britains in
+ the battell fought, wherein Horsus the brother of Hengist was slaine,
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ by the report of Polychronicon, and others, the Saxons had the
+ victorie in that reincounter: and William of Malmesburie saith, that
+ they departed from that batell with equall fortune, the Saxons losing
+ [Sidenote: Katigerne.]
+ their capteine Horsus, and the Britains their capteine Katigerne (as
+ before ye haue heard.) But there is such contrarietie in writers
+ touching the dooings betwixt the Britains and Saxons in those daies,
+ as well in account of yéeres, as in report of things doone, that
+ setting affection aside, hard it is to iudge to which part a man
+ should giue credit.
+
+ For Fabian and other authors write, that Aurelius Ambrosius began his
+ [Sidenote: 458.]
+ reigne ouer the Britains about the yéere of our Lord 481, and Horsus
+ was slaine about the yéere 458, during the reigne of Vortimer, as
+ aboue is mentioned, so that it cannot stand with the truth of the
+ British histories (the which Fabian followeth) that Horsus was slaine
+ by Aurelius Ambrosius, if according to the same histories he returned
+ not into Britaine, till the time there supposed. But diuerse such
+ maner of contrarieties shall ye find, in perusing of those writers
+ that haue written the chronicles of the Britains and Saxons, the which
+ in euerie point to recite, would be too tedious and combersome a
+ matter, and therefore we are forced to passe the same ouer, not
+ knowing how to bring them to anie iust accord for the satisfieng of
+ all mens minds, speciallie the curious, which may with diligent search
+ satisfie themselues happilie much better, than anie other shall be
+ able to doo in vttering his opinion neuer so much at large, and
+ agréeable to a truth. This therefore haue we thought good as it were
+ by the waie to touch what diuerse authors doo write, leauing it so to
+ euerie mans iudgement to construe thereof, as his affection leadeth
+ [Sidenote: _Sigebertus._]
+ him. We find in the writings of those that haue registred the dooings
+ of these times, that Aurelius hauing vanquished the Saxons, restored
+ churches to the furtherance of the christian religion, which by the
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 488.]
+ inuasion of the Saxons was greatlie decaied in diuerse parts of
+ Britaine, and this chanced in the daies of the emperour Theodosius the
+ yoonger.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The beginning of the kingdome of the Southsaxons commonlie called
+ Sussex, the Britains with their rulers giue battell to Ella the Saxon
+ & his three sonnes, disagreement betweene the English and British
+ chronographers about the battels fought by Hengist and his death, the
+ beginning of the Kentish kingdome, a battell fought betweene the
+ Britains and Saxons, the first are conquered, the last are
+ conquerors._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Ella entred this land as _Matt. West._ saith ann. 477.]
+ In the time of the foresaid Aurelius Ambrosius, one Ella a Saxon with
+ his 3 sonnes Cymen, Plettinger and Cissa, came out of Germanie with
+ thrée ships, and landed in the south parts of Britaine and being
+ incountred with a power of Britains at a place called Cuneueshore,
+ discomfited them, and chased them vnto a wood then called
+ Andredescester, and so tooke that countrie, and inhabited there with
+ his people the Saxons which he brought with him, and made himselfe
+ king and lord thereof, in somuch that afterwards the same countrie was
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom of the Southsaxons dooth begin.]
+ named the kingdome of the Southsaxons, which had for limits on the
+ east side Kent, on the south the sea and Ile of Wight, on the west
+ Hamshire, and on the north part Southerie. This kingdome (after some)
+ began vnder the foresaid Ella, about the 32 yeere after the first
+ comming of the Saxons into this land, which by following that account,
+ should be about the second yéere of the reigne of Aurelius Ambrosius,
+ [Sidenote: 482.]
+ and about the yéere of our Lord 482. But other write, that it did
+ begin about the 30 yéere after the first comming of Hengist, which
+ should be two yéeres sooner.
+
+ William Harison differing from all other, noteth it to begin in the
+ fourth yéere after the death of Hengist, 4458 of the world, 2 of the
+ 317 Olympiad, 1248 of Rome, 492 of Christ, and 43 after the comming of
+ the Saxons: his woords are these. Ella erected the kingdome of the
+ Southsaxons, in the 15 after his arriuall, and reigned 32 yéeres, the
+ chiefe citie of his kingdome also was Chichester, and after he had
+ inioied the same his kingdome a while, he ouerthrew the citie called
+ Andredescester, which as then was taken for one of the most famous in
+ all the south side of England. ¶ For my part I thinke my dutie
+ discharged, if I shew the opinions of the writers: for if I should
+ therto ad mine owne, I should but increase coniectures, whereof
+ alreadie we haue superfluous store. To procéed thereforr as I find.
+
+ About the ninth yéere after the comming of Ella, the Britains
+ perceiuing that he with his Saxons still inlarged the bounds of his
+ lordship by entring further into the land, assembled themselues
+ togither vnder their kings and rulers, and gaue battell to Ella and
+ his sonnes at Mecredesbourne, where they departed with doubtfull
+ victorie, the armies on both sides being sore diminished, and so
+ returned to their homes. Ella after this battell sent into his
+ countrie for more aid.
+
+ But now touching Hengist, who as ye haue heard, reigned as king in the
+ prouince of Kent, the writers of the English kings varie somewhat from
+ the British histories, both in report of the battels by him fought
+ against the Britains, and also for the maner of his death: as thus.
+ After that Vortimer was dead, who departed this life (as some write)
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: 457.]
+ in the first yéere of the emperor Leo, surnamed the great, and first
+ of that name that gouerned the empire, who began to rule in the yéere
+ of our Lord 457, we find that Hengist and his sonne Occa or Osca
+ [Sidenote: _Henrie Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Creiford.]
+ [Sidenote: Britains ouerthrowne.]
+ gathered their people togither that were before sparkled, and hauing
+ also receiued new aid out of Germanie, fought with the Britains at a
+ place called Crekenford, where were slaine of the Britains foure dukes
+ or capteins, and foure thousand of other men, the residue were chased
+ by Hengist out of Kent vnto London, so that they neuer returned
+ afterwards againe into Kent: thus the kingdome of Kent began vnder
+ Hengist the twelfe yéere after the comming of the Saxons into
+ Britaine, and Hengist reigned in Kent after this (as the same writers
+ agrée) foure and twentie yéeres.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ It is remembred that those Germans which latelie were come ouer to the
+ aid of Hengist, being chosen men, mightie and strong of bodie, with
+ their axes and swoords made great slaughter of the Britains in that
+ battell at Crekenford or Creiford, which Britains were ranged in foure
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ battels vnder their aforesaid foure dukes or capteins, and were (as
+ before is mentioned) slaine in the same battell. About the sixt yéere
+ of the said emperor Leo, which was in the 17 yéere after the comming
+ [Sidenote: Wipets field.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: This battell was fought anno 473. as the same _Mat. West._
+ noteth.]
+ of the Saxons, Hengist and his sonne Occa or Osca fought at Wipets
+ field in Kent, néere to a place called Tong with the Britains, and
+ slue of them twelue dukes or capteins, & on the part of the Saxons was
+ [Sidenote: Wipet.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ slaine beside common souldiers but onlie one capteine called Wipet, of
+ whom the place after that daie tooke name.
+
+ This victorie was nothing plesant to the Saxons, by reason of the
+ great losse which they susteined, as well by the death of the said
+ Wipet, as of a great number of others: and so of a long time neither
+ did the Saxons enter into the confines of the Britains, nor the
+ Britains presumed to come into Kent. But whilest outward wars ceassed
+ among the Britains, they exercised ciuill battell, falling togither by
+ the eares among themselues, one striuing against another. Finallié,
+ [Sidenote: Fortie Yéeres saith _H. Hunt._]
+ Hengist departed this life by course of nature, in the 39 yéere after
+ his first comming into Britaine, hauing procéeded in his businesse no
+ [Sidenote: By this it is euident that he was not driuen out of the
+ land after he had once set foot within it.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ lesse with craft and guile than with force and strength, following
+ therewith his natiue crueltie, so that he rather did all things with
+ rigour than with gentlenesse. After him succéeded a sonne whom he left
+ behind him, who being attentiue rather to defend than to inlarge his
+ kingdome, neuer set foot out of his fathers bounds, during the space
+ of 24 yéeres, in the which he reigned.
+
+ About thrée yéeres after the deceasse of Hengist, a new supplie of men
+ of warre came out of Germanie vnto the aid of Ella king of Sussex, who
+ [Sidenote: The citie of Andredescester.]
+ hauing his power increased, besieged the citie of Andredescester,
+ which was verie strong and well furnished with men and all things
+ necessarie. The Britains also assembling togither in companies,
+ greatlie annoied the Saxons as they lay there at siege, laieng
+ ambushes to destroie such as went abroad, and ceassing not to giue
+ alarums to the campe in the night season: and the Saxons could no
+ sooner prepare them selues to giue the assalt, but the Britains were
+ readie to assaile them on the backs, till at length the Saxons
+ diuiding themselues into two companies, appointed the one to giue the
+ assalt, and the other to incounter with the armie of the Britains
+ without, and so finallie by that meanes preuailed, tooke the citie,
+ and destroied man, woman and child. Neither so contented, they did
+ also vtterlie race the said citie, so as it was neuer after that daie
+ builded or reedified againe.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The east Angles kingdome beginneth, the arriuall of Cerdic and Kenric
+ with fiue ships of warre in this land, he putteth the Britains to
+ flight, the west Saxons kingdom begineth, Vter Pendragon made king of
+ Britaine, the etymon of his name, he taketh Occa and Osca the two
+ sonnes of Hengist prisoners, how Hector Boetius varieth from other
+ chronographers in the relation of things concerning Pendragon, he
+ falleth in loue with the duke of Cornewalls wife, killeth him, and
+ marieth hir. Occa and Osca escape out of prison, they freshlie assault
+ the Britains, they are both slaine in a foughten field, the Saxons
+ send and looke for aid out of Germanie, Pendragon is poisoned._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: The kingdome of the east Angles began not till Aurelius
+ Conanus reigned.]
+ [Sidenote: 561.]
+ Moreouer, in the daies of the afore-named Auralius Ambrosius, about
+ the yeare of our Lord 561, the kingdome of the east Angles began vnder
+ a Saxon named Uffa. This same kingdome conteined Northfolke and
+ Suffolke, hauing on the east and north parts the sea, on the northwest
+ Cambridgeshire, and on the west saint Edmunds ditch with a part of
+ Hertfordshire, and on the southside lieth Essex. At the first it was
+ called Vffines dominion, and the kings that reigned, or the people
+ that inhabited there, were at the first named Vffines, but at length
+ they were called east Angles.
+
+ [Sidenote: CERDIC.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 495.]
+ Fvrthermore, about the yeare of our Lord 495, and in the eight yeare
+ after that Hengist was dead, one Cerdicus and his sonne Kenricus came
+ out of Gerrmanie with fiue ships, and landed at a place called
+ Cerdicshore, which as some thinke is called Yermouth in Northfolke. He
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ was at the first receiued with battell by the Britains, but being an
+ old skilfull warriour, he easilie beate backe and repelled the
+ inconstant multitude of his enimies, and caused them to flée: by which
+ good successe he procured both vndoubted assurance to himselfe for the
+ time to come, and to the inhabitants good and perfect quietnes. For
+ they thinking good neuer after to prouoke him more by resistance,
+ submitted themselues to his pleasure: but yet did not he then giue
+ himselfe to slouthfull rest, but rather extending his often atchiued
+ victories on ech side, in the 24 yeare after his comming into this
+ land, he obteined the rule of the west parts thereof, and gouerned
+ there as king, so that the kingdome of the west Saxons began vnder the
+ said Cerdicus in the 519 of Christ, as after shall be shewed.
+
+ [Sidenote: 529.]
+ ¶ Thus ye maie sée, that Aurelius Ambrosius did succéed Vortigerne,
+ and reigned in the time supposed by the British histories, as before
+ is alledged, the land euen in his daies was full of trouble, and the
+ old inhabitants the Britains sore vexed by the Saxons that entred the
+ same, so that the Britains were dailie hampered, and brought vnder
+ subiection to the valiant Saxons, or else driuen to remooue further
+ off, and to giue place to the victors. But now to procéed with the
+ succession of the British kings, as in their histories we find them
+ registred, which I deliuer such as I find, but not such as I doo wish,
+ being written with no such colour of credit as we maie safelie put
+ foorth the same for an vndoubted truth.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ noteth. 500.]
+ After that Aurelius Ambrosius was dead, his brother Vter Pendragon
+ (whome some call Aurelius Vterius Ambrosianus) was made king in the
+ yeare of our Lord 500, in the seuenth yeare of the emperour
+ Anastasius, and in the sixtéenth yeare of Clodoueus king of the
+ Frenchmen. The cause why he was surnamed Pendragon, was, for that
+ Merline the great prophet likened him to a dragons head, that at the
+ time of his natiuitie maruelouslie appeared in the firmament at the
+ corner of a blasing star, as is reported. But others supposed he was
+ so called of his wisedome and serpentine subtiltie, or for that he
+ gaue the dragons head in his banner. This Vter, hearing that the
+ Saxons with their capteins Occa or Otta the sonne of Hengist, and his
+ brother Osca had besieged the citie of Yorke, hasted thither, and
+ giuing them battell, discomfited their power, and tooke the said Occa
+ and Osca prisoners.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ From this varieth Hector Boetius in his chronicle of Scotland, writing
+ of these dooings in Britaine: for he affirmeth, that the counterfeit
+ moonke, which poisoned Aurelius Ambrosius, was suborned and sent to
+ woorke that feat by Occa, and not by his brother Pascentius: and
+ further, that about the selfesame time of Aurelius his death, his
+ brother Vter Pendragon lay in Wales, not as yet fullie recouered of a
+ sore sicknesse, wherewith of late he had béene much vexed. Yet the
+ lords of Britaine after the buriall of Aurelius Ambrosius, came vnto
+ him and crowned him king: and though he was not able to go against the
+ Saxons (which as then by reason of Aurelius Ambrosius his death were
+ verie busie, and more earnest in pursuing the warre than before) yet
+ an armie was prepared and sent foorth with all conuenient spéed vnder
+ the leading of one Nathaliod, a man neither of anie great ancient
+ house, nor yet of skill in warlike affaires.
+
+ The noble men were nothing pleased herewith, as misliking altogither
+ the lacke of discretion in their new king, & doubted sore, least in
+ time to come he would haue more delight to aduance the men of base
+ degrée, than such as were descended of noble parentage. Yet because
+ they would not put the state of the common wealth in danger through
+ anie mutinie, they agréed to go foorth with him in that iournie. Occa
+ had aduertisement giuen him by certeine letters sent to him from some
+ close friends amongest the Britains of the whole matter: and therefore
+ in hope of the better spéed, he hasted foorth to incounter the
+ Britains, and so the whole armie comming within sight of the other,
+ they prepared to the battell, and shortlie after buckling togither,
+ the Britains were soone discomfited, by reason that one of their
+ chiefest capteins called Gothlois disdaining to be at the appointment
+ of Nathaliod, got him vp to the next hill with the next battell which
+ he led, leauing the other Britains in all the danger: which they
+ séeing began by & by to flée. There died no great number of the
+ Britains, except those that were killed in the fight: for Occa
+ mistrusting what Gothlois meant by his withdrawing aside, would not
+ suffer the Saxons to follow the chase, but in the night following
+ Gothlois got him awaie, and rested not till he was out of danger. Occa
+ then perceiuing himselfe to haue the vpper hand, sent an herald vnto
+ king Vter with a certeine message, threatning destruction to him and
+ to his people, if he refused to doo that which he should appoint.
+
+ Vter perceiuing what disloialtie rested in the harts of his owne
+ subiects, agréed that the matter might be committed to eight graue and
+ wise councellors, foure Britains and foure Saxons, which might haue
+ full power to make an end of all controuersies and variances depending
+ betwixt the two nations. Occa was likewise contented therewith,
+ wherevpon were named on either part foure persons, of such wisedome,
+ knowledge and experience, as were thought meetest for the ordering of
+ such a weightie matter. So that by the arbitrement, award and doome of
+ those eight persons authorised thereto, a league was concluded vpon
+ certeine articles of agreement, amongst the which the chiefest was,
+ that the Saxons from thencefoorth should quietlie inioy all that part
+ of Britaine which lieth fore against the Almaine seas, the same to be
+ called euer after Engistlaund, and all the residue should remaine to
+ the Britains as their owne rightfull and ancient inheritance. Thus far
+ Hector Boetius.
+
+ But now to returne vnto Vter according to that we find in the British
+ histories, and to procéed after our owne historians; we find, that
+ when he had vanquished the Saxons and taken their two chiefeteins
+ prisoners, in processe of time he fell in loue with a verie beautifull
+ [Sidenote: Gorolus duke of Cornewall.]
+ ladie called Igwarne or Igerna, wife to one Gorolus or Gorlois duke of
+ Cornewall, the which duke he slue at length néere to his owne castell
+ called Diuulioc in Cornewall, to the end that he might inioy the said
+ ladie, whome he afterwards maried, and begot on hir that noble knight
+ Arthur, and a daughter named Amie or Anna. Occa and Osca escaping also
+ out of prison assembled eftsoones a power of Saxons, and made warre
+ against the Britains, whereof Vter hauing aduertisement prepared to
+ resist them, and finallie went himselfe in person against them, and at
+ [Sidenote: _Harding._]
+ saint Albans (as some write) gaue them battell, and slue them both in
+ the field.
+
+ By that which Polydor Virgil writeth, it should séeme that Germane the
+ bishop of Auxerre came into Britaine in the daies of this Vter, by
+ whose presence the Britains had victorie against the Saxons (as before
+ ye haue heard) after which victorie both rested from troubling either
+ other for a time. The Saxons as it were astonied with that present
+ miracle, & the Britains not following their good successe, shortlie
+ after fell at discord amongst themselues, which finallie brought them
+ to vtter decaie, as after shall appeare. But the Saxons desirous to
+ spoile the Britains of the whole possession of that part of the Ile
+ which they held, whereas they accounted the cities and townes of small
+ strength to be defended, they got them to an high mounteine called
+ [Sidenote: Badon hill.]
+ Badon hill, which Polydor supposeth to be Blackamore that lieth néere
+ to the water of Theise, which diuideth the bishoprike of Durham from
+ Yorkeshire, hauing at the mouth thereof an hauen méet to receiue such
+ ships as come out of Germanie, from whence the Saxons looked for aid,
+ hauing alreadie sent thither for the same.
+
+ The Britains being thereof aduertised, made hast towards the place,
+ and besieged it on euerie side. They also laie the sea coasts full of
+ souldiers, to kéepe such of the enimies from landing as should come
+ out of Germanie. The Saxons kept themselues for a certeine space aloft
+ vpon the high ground, but in the end constreined through want of
+ vittels, they came downe with their armie in order of battell to the
+ next plaines, and offering to fight, the battell was anon begun, which
+ continued from the morning till far in the day, with such slaughter,
+ that the earth on euerie side flowed with bloud: but the Saxons
+ susteined the greater losse, their capteins Occa and Osca being both
+ slaine, so that the Britains might séeme quite deliuered of all danger
+ of those enimies: but the fatall destinie could not be auoided, as
+ hereafter may appeare. And thus was the slaughter made of the Saxons
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ at Badon hill, whereof Gyldas maketh mention, and chanced the same
+ yeare that he was borne, which was in the 44 yeare after the first
+ [Sidenote: 492.]
+ comming of the Saxons into this land, the yeare of Grace 492, & 15
+ indiction.
+
+ [Sidenote: The decease of Vter Pendragon.]
+ About the same time Vter departed out of this life (saith Polydor) so
+ that this account agréeth nothing with the common account of those
+ authors, whome Fabian and other haue followed. For either we must
+ presuppose, that Vter reigned before the time appointed to him by the
+ said authors, either else that the siege of Badon hill was before he
+ began to reigne, as it should séeme in déed by that which Wil.
+ Malmesburie writeth thereof, as hereafter shall be also shewed.
+ Finallie (according to the agréement of the English writers) Vter
+ Pendragon died by poison, when he had gouerned this land by the full
+ terme of 16 years, & was after buried by his brother Aurelius at
+ [Sidenote: Stoneheng.]
+ [Sidenote: Chorea Gigantum.]
+ Stoneheng, otherwise called _Chorea Gigantum_, leauing his sonne
+ Arthur to succéed him. ¶ Here ye must note that the Scotish chronicles
+ declare, that in all the warres for the more part wherein the Britains
+ obteined victorie against the Saxons, the Scots aided them in the same
+ warres, and so likewise did the Picts, but the same chronicles doo not
+ onelie varie from the British writers in account of yeares, but also
+ in the order of things doone, as in the same chronicles more plainelie
+ may appeare, & namelie in the discourse of the accidents which chanced
+ during the reigne of this Vter. For whereas the British histories, as
+ ye haue heard, attribute great praise vnto the same Vter for his
+ victories atchiued against the Saxons and their king Occa, whome he
+ slue in battell, and obteined a great victorie, the Scotish writers
+ make other report, affirming in deed that by the presence of bishop
+ Germane he obteined victorie in one battell against them: but shortlie
+ after the Britains fought againe with the Saxons, and were
+ discomfited, although Occa in following the chase ouer rashlie chanced
+ to be slaine: after whose deceasse the Saxons ordeined his sonne named
+ also Occa to succéed in his place, who to make himselfe strong against
+ all his enimies, sent into Germanie for one Colgerne, the which with a
+ great power of Dutchmen came ouer into this our Britaine, and
+ conquered by Occas appointment the countrie of Northumberland, situate
+ betwéene Tine and Tweed, as in the Scotish chronicles may further
+ appeare.
+
+ Also this is to be remembred, that the victorie which was got against
+ the Saxons by the Britains, at what time Germane bishop of Auxerre was
+ present: Hector Boetius affirmeth (by authoritie of Veremond that
+ wrote the Scotish chronicles) to haue chanced the second time of his
+ comming ouer into this land, where Beda auoucheth it to be at his
+ first being heere. Againe the same Boetius writeth, that the same
+ victorie chanced in the daies of Vter Pendragon. Which can not be, if
+ it be true that Beda writeth, touching the time of the death of the
+ said Germane: for where he departed this life before the yeare of our
+ Lord 459, as aboue is said, Vter Pendragon began not his reigne till
+ the yeare of our Lord 500 or as the same Hector Boetius saith 503, so
+ that bishop Germane was dead long before that Vter began to reigne.
+
+ In déed some writers haue noted, that the third battell which Vortimer
+ fought against the Saxons, was the same wherein S. Germane was
+ present, and procured the victorie with the crie of _Alleluia_, as
+ before ye haue heard. Which seemeth to be more agréeable to truth, and
+ to stand also with that which holie Beda hath written, touching the
+ time of the being héere of the said Germane, than the opinion of
+ other, which affirme that it was in the time of the reigne of Vter.
+ The like is to be found in the residue of Hector Boetius his booke,
+ touching the time speciallie of the reignes of the British kings that
+ gouerned Britaine about that season. For as he affirmeth, Aurelius
+ Ambrosius began his reigne in the yeare of our Lord 498, and ruled but
+ seuen yeares, and then succéeded Vter, which reigned 18 yeares, and
+ departed this life in the yeare of our Lord 521.
+
+ ¶ Notwithstanding the premisses, here is to be remembred, that
+ whatsoeuer the British writers haue recorded touching the victories of
+ this Vter had against the Saxons, and how that Osca the sonne of
+ Hengist should be slaine in battell by him and his power: in those old
+ [Sidenote: Osca.]
+ [Sidenote: 34 saith _Henrie Hunt._ in corrupted copies.]
+ writers which haue registred the acts of the English Saxon kings we
+ find no such matter, but rather that after the deceasse of Hengist,
+ his sonne Osca or Occa reigned in Kent 24 yeares, defending his
+ kingdome onelie, and not séeking to inlarge it (as before is touched.)
+ After whose death his sonne Oth, and Irmenrike sonne to the same Oth
+ succéeded, more resembling their father than their grandfather or
+ great grandfather. To their reignes are assigned fiftie and three
+ yeares by the chronicles: but whether they reigned iointlie togither,
+ or seuerallie & apart either after other, it is not certeinlie
+ perceiued.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Porth the Saxon arriueth at Portesmouth, warre betweene Nazaleod king
+ of the Britains and the Saxons, the Britains are ouerthrowen and
+ slaine, the kingdome of the west Saxons beginneth, the compasse or
+ continent thereof, the meanes whereby it was inlarged._
+
+ THE ELEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Porth entred this land about the yeare of our Lord 501 as
+ _Matth. West._ noteth.]
+ Now will we breefelie discourse vpon the incidents which first
+ happened during the reigne of Vter Pendragon. We find that one Porth a
+ Saxon with his two sons Megla and Beda came on land at Portesmouth in
+ Sussex, about the beginning of the said Vters reigne, and slue a noble
+ yoong man of the Britains, and manie other of the meaner sort with
+ [Sidenote: _Harison_ supposeth the riuer to be called Ports, as for
+ the word mouth, is the fall of anie fresh riuer into the sea.]
+ him. Of this Porth the towne & hauen of Portesmouth tooke the name, as
+ some haue thought. Moreouer, about 40 yeares after the comming of the
+ Saxons into this land with their leader Hengist, one Nazaleod, a
+ mightie king amongst the Britains, assembled all the power he could
+ make to fight with Certicus king of the Westsaxons, who vnderstanding
+ of the great power or his enimies, required aid of Osca king of Kent,
+ also of Elle king of Sussex, and of Porth and his sonnes which were
+ latelie before arriued as ye haue heard. Certicus being then furnished
+ with a conuenient armie, diuided the same into two battels, reseruing
+ the one to himselfe, and the other he appointed to his sonne Kenrike.
+ King Nazaleod perceiuing that the wing which Certicus led, was of more
+ strength than the other which Kenrike gouerned, he set first vpon
+ Certicus, thinking that if he might distresse that part of the enimies
+ armie, he should easilie ouercome the other. Herevpon he gaue such a
+ fierce charge vpon that wing, that by verie force he opened the same,
+ and so ouerthrew the Saxons on that side, making great slaughter of
+ [Sidenote: The Britaines ouerthrowne.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ them as they were scattered. Which maner of dealing when Kenrike saw,
+ he made forward with all spéed to succour his father, and rushing in
+ amongst the Britains on their backs, he brake their armie in péeces,
+ and slue their king Nazaleod, and withall put his people to flight.
+ There died of the Britains that daie 5000 men, and the residue
+ escaped by fléeing as well as they might. In the sixt yeare after this
+ [Sidenote: Stuff and Wightgar.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ noteth the yeare of their arrivall to be
+ 514.]
+ battell, Stuff and Wightgar that were nephues to Certicus, came with
+ thrée ships, and landed at Certicesford, and ouerthrew a number of
+ Britains that came against them in order of battell, and so by the
+ comming of those his nephues being valiant and hardie capteins, the
+ part of Certicus became much stronger. Abut the same time Elle king of
+ the Southsaxons departed this life, after whome succéeded his sonne
+ Cissa, of whome we find little left in writing to be made account of.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Britains ouerthrowne by the Saxons.]
+ About the yeare of our Lord 519, and in the yeare after the comming of
+ the Saxons 71, which was in the 26 yeare of the emperour Anastasius,
+ the Britains fought with Certicus and his sonne Kenrike at
+ Certicesford, where the capteins of the Britains stood to it
+ manfullie: but in the end they were discomfited, and great slaughter
+ was made there of them by the Saxons, and greater had béene, if the
+ night comming on had not parted them, and so manie were saued.
+
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom of Westsaxons.]
+ From that day forward Certicus was reputed & taken for king of
+ Westsaxons, & so began the same kingdome at that time, which was (as
+ W. Harison noteth) in the yéere of Christ 519, after the building of
+ Rome 1270, of the world 4485, of the comming of the Saxons 70, of
+ Iustinus Anicius emperour of the east, the first and third of the
+ renowmed prince Patricius Arthurus then reigning ouer the Britains.
+ The said kingdome also conteined the countries of Wiltshire,
+ Summersetshire, Barkeshire, Dorsetshire, and Cornewall, hauing on the
+ east Hamshire, on the north the riuer of Thames, and on the south and
+ west the Ocean sea. Howbeit, at the first the kings of the Westsaxons
+ had not so large dominions, but they dailie wan ground vpon the
+ Britains, and so in the end by inlarging their confines, they came to
+ inioy all the foresaid countries, and the whole at the last.
+
+ [Sidenote: Certicesford.]
+ In the ninth yéere of the reigne of Certicus, he eftsoones fought with
+ the Saxons at Certicesford aforesaid, where great slaughter was made
+ on both parts. This Certicesford was in times past called Nazaleoy of
+ the late remembred Nazaleod king of the Britains. About this season at
+ sundrie times diuers great companies of the Saxons came ouer into
+ Britaine out of Germanie, and got possession of the countries of
+ Mercia and Eastangle: but as yet those of Mercia had no one king that
+ gouerned them, but were vnder certeine noble men that got possession
+ of diuers parts in that countrie, by means wherof great warres and
+ manie incounters insued, with a common waste of land both arable and
+ habitable, whiles each one being ambitiouslie minded, & heaping to
+ themselues such powers as they were able to make, by swoord and
+ bloudshed chose rather to haue their fortune decided, than by reason
+ to suppresse the rage of their vnrulie affections. For such is the
+ nature of men in gouernement, whether they be interessed to it by
+ succession, or possessed of it by vsurpation, or placed in it by
+ lawfull constitution, (vnlesse they be guided by some supernaturall
+ influence of diuine conceit) if they be more than one, they cannot
+ away with equalitie, for regiment admitteth no companion: but euerie
+ one séeketh to aduance himselfe to a singularitie of honour, wherein
+ he will not (to die for it) participate with another, which maie
+ easilie be obserued in this our historicall discourse.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The beginning of the kingdome of the Eastsaxons, what it conteined,
+ of Arthur king of Britaine, his twelue victories ouer the Saxons
+ against whome he mainteined continuall warre, why the Scots and Picts
+ enuied him his roialtie and empire, a league betwixt Arthur and Loth
+ king of the Picts, Howell king of little Britaine aideth Arthur
+ against Cheldrike king of Germanie, who taking the ouerthrow, is
+ slaine by the duke of Cornewall, the Picts are discomfited, the
+ Irishmen with their king put to flight, and the Scots subdued, Arthurs
+ sundrie conquests against diuers people, the vanitie of the British
+ writers noted._
+
+ THE TWELFE CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: ERCHENWIN.]
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom of the Eastsaxons.]
+ In those daies also the kingdome of the Eastsaxons began, the chéefe
+ citie whereof was London. It contained in effect so much as at this
+ present belongeth to the diocesse of London. One Erchenwin a Saxon was
+ the first king thereof, the which was sonne to one Offa, the sixt in
+ lineall descent from one Saxnot, from whom the kings of that countrie
+ fetched their originall. Harison noteth the exact yéere of the
+ erection of the kingdome of the Eastsaxons to begin with the end of
+ the eight of Cerdicus king of the Westsaxons, that is, the 527 of
+ Christ, and 78 after the comming of the Saxons. In the 13 yéere of the
+ reigne of Cerdicus, he with his sonne Kenrike, and other of the Saxon
+ capteins fought with the Britains in the Ile of Wight at
+ Witgarsbridge, where they slue a great number of Britains, and so
+ conquered the Ile, the which about four yéeres after was giuen by
+ Cerdicus vnto his nephues Stuffe and Witgar.
+
+ [Sidenote: ARTHUR.]
+ After the deceasse of Vter Pendragon (as we doo find in the British
+ histories) his sonne Arthur, a yoong towardlie gentleman, of the age
+ of 15 yéeres or thereabouts, began his reigne ouer the Britains in the
+ [Sidenote: 516.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ hath noted 518.]
+ yéere of our Lord 516, or as Matt. Westmin. saith 517, in the 28 yéere
+ of the emperour Anastasius, and in the third yéere of the reignes of
+ Childebert, Clothare, Clodamire, and Theodorike, brethren that were
+ kings of the Frenchmen. Of this Arthur manie things are written beyond
+ credit, for that there is no ancient author of authoritie that
+ confirmeth the same: but surelie as may be thought he was some
+ woorthie man, and by all likelihood a great enimie to the Saxons, by
+ reason whereof the Welshmen which are the verie Britains in déed, haue
+ him in famous remembrance. He fought (as the common report goeth of
+ him) 12 notable battels against the Saxons, & in euerie of them went
+ away with the victorie, but yet he could not driue them quite out of
+ the land, but that they kept still the countries which they had in
+ possession, as Kent, Sutherie, Norfolke, and others: howbeit some
+ writers testifie, that they held these countries as tributaries to
+ Arthur.
+
+ But truth it is (as diuers authors agrée) that he held continuall
+ warre against them, and also against the Picts, the which were allied
+ with the Saxons: for as in the Scotish histories is conteined, euen at
+ the first beginning of his reigne, the two kings of the Scots and
+ Picts séemed to enuie his aduancement to the crowne of Britaine,
+ bicause they had maried the two sisters of the two brethren, Aurelius
+ Ambrosius, and Vter Pendragon, that is to say, Loth king of Picts had
+ married Anne their eldest sister, and Conran king of Scots had in
+ mariage Alda their yoonger sister, so that bicause Arthur was begotten
+ out of wedlocke, they thought it stood with more reason, that the
+ kingdome of the Britains should haue descended vnto the sisters
+ sonnes, rather than to a bastard, namelie Loth the Pictish king, which
+ had issue by his wife Anna, sore repined at the matter.
+
+ Wherefore at the first, when he saw that by suit he could not
+ preuaile, he ioined in league with the Saxons, and aiding them against
+ Arthur, lost many of his men of warre being ouerthrowne in battell,
+ which he had sent vnto the succours of Colgerne the Saxon prince that
+ ruled as then in the north parts. But finallie a league was concluded
+ betwixt Arthur and the foresaid Loth king of Picts, vpon certeine
+ conditions, as in the Scotish historie is expressed, where ye may read
+ the same, with many other things touching the acts of Arthur, somewhat
+ in other order than our writers haue recorded.
+
+ ¶ The British authors declare, that Arthur (immediatlie after he had
+ receiued the crowne of Dubright bishop of Caerleon) went with his
+ power of Britains against the Saxons of Northumberland, which had to
+ their capteine (as before is said) one Colgrime or Colgerne, whome
+ Arthur discomfited and chased into the citie of Yorke, within which
+ [Sidenote: Yorke besieged.]
+ place Arthur besieged him, till at length the same Colgrime escaped
+ out of the citie, & leauing it in charge with his brother called
+ [Sidenote: Cheldrike commeth in aid of Colgrime.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._ saith but 700.]
+ Bladulfe, passed ouer into Germanie vnto Cheldrike king of that
+ countrie, of whom he obteined succor, so that the said Cheldrike made
+ prouision of men and ships, and came himselfe ouer into Scotland,
+ hauing in his companie fiftéene hundred sailes one with an other.
+
+ When Arthur was aduertised thereof, he raised his siege, and withdrew
+ to London, sending letters with all speed vnto Howell king of little
+ Britaine in France, that was his sisters sonne, requiring of him in
+ [Sidenote: Howell king of Britaine commeth ouer in aid of Arthur.]
+ most earnest wise his aid. Howell incontinentlie assembled his people,
+ to the number of fifteene thousand men, and taking the sea, landed
+ with them at Southhampton, where Arthur was readie to receiue him with
+ great ioy and gladnesse. From thence they drew northwards, where both
+ the hosts of Arthur and Howell being assembled togither, marched
+ forward to Lincolne, which citie Cheldrike did as then besiege. Here
+ [Sidenote: Cheldrike ouerthrowne in battell.]
+ Arthur and Howell assailed the Saxons with great force & no lesse
+ manhood, and at length after great slaughter made of the enimies, they
+ obteined the victorie, and chased Cheldrike (with the residue of the
+ Saxons that were left aliue) vnto a wood, where they compassed them
+ about within the same, in such wise, that in the ende they were
+ constreined to yéeld themselues, with condition that they might be
+ suffered to depart on foot to their ships, and so auoid the land,
+ leauing their horsse, armour, and other furniture vnto the Britains.
+
+ Héerevpon the Britains taking good hostages for assurance, permitted
+ the Saxons to go their waies, and so Cheldrike and his people got them
+ to their ships, in purpose to returne into their countrie: but being
+ on the sea, they were forced by wind to change their course, and
+ comming on the coasts of the west parts of Britaine, they arriued at
+ Totnesse, and contrarie to the couenanted articles of their last
+ composition with Arthur, inuaded the countrie anew, and taking such
+ armour as they could find, marched foorth in robbing and spoiling the
+ people, till they came to Bath, which towne the Britains kept and
+ defended against them, not suffering them by anie meanes to enter
+ [Sidenote: Bath besieged.]
+ there, wherevpon the Saxons inuironed it with a strong siege. Arthur
+ informed heereof, with all spéed hasted thither, and giuing the
+ enimies battell, slue the most part of Cheldrikes men.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Saxons ouerthrow Colgrime and Bladulfe.]
+ There were slaine both Colgrime and Bladulfe, howbeit Cheldrike
+ himselfe fled out of the field towards his ships, but being pursued by
+ [Sidenote: Cheldrike slaine by Cador duke of Cornwall. K. Howell
+ besieged by the Scots.]
+ Cador earle of Cornwall (that had with him tèn thousand men) by
+ Arthurs appointment, he was ouertaken and in flight slaine with all
+ his people. Arthur himselfe returned from this battell foughten at
+ Bath with all speed towards the marshes of Scotland, for that he had
+ receiued aduertisement, how the Scots had besieged Howell K. of
+ Britaine there, as he lay sicke. Also when Cador had accomplished his
+ enterprise and slaine Cheldrike, he returned with as much spéed as was
+ possible towards Arthur, & found him in Scotland, where he rescued
+ Howell, and afterwards pursued the Scots which fled before him by
+ heaps.
+
+ [Sidenote: Guillomer.]
+ About the same time, one Guillomer king of Ireland arriued in Scotland
+ with a mightie power of Irishmen (neere the place where Arthur lodged)
+ to helpe the Scots against the Britains: wherevpon Arthur turning his
+ forces towards the same Guillomer, vanquished him, and chased him into
+ Ireland. This doone, he continued in pursute of the Scots, till he
+ caused them to sue for pardon, and to submit them selues wholie to
+ him, and so receiuing them to mercie, & taking homage of them, he
+ [Sidenote: Guenhera.]
+ returned to Yorke, and shortlie after tooke to wife one Guenhera a
+ right beautifull ladie, that was néere kinswoman to Cador earle of
+ Cornwall.
+
+ [Sidenote: _W. Harison._]
+ [Sidenote: 525.]
+ In the yéere following, which some note to be 525, he went into
+ Ireland, and discomfiting king Guillomer in battell, he constreined
+ him to yéeld, and to acknowledge by dooing his fealtie to hold the
+ realme of Ireland of him. It is further remembred in those British
+ [Sidenote: Gothland.]
+ histories, that he subdued Gothland and Iseland, with all the Iles in
+ and about those seas. Also that he ouercame the Romans in the countrie
+ about Paris, with their capteine Lucius, and wasted the most part of
+ all France, and slue in singular combats certeine giants that were of
+ passing force and hugenesse of stature. And if he had not béene
+ reuoked and called home to resist his coosen Mordred, that was sonne
+ to Loth king of Pightland that rebelled in his countrie, he had passed
+ to Rome, intending to make himselfe emperor, and afterward to vanquish
+ the other emperor, who then ruled the empire. ¶ But for so much as
+ there is not anie approoued author who dooth speake of anie such
+ dooings, the Britains are thought to haue registered méere fables in
+ sted of true matters, vpon a vaine desire to aduance more than reason
+ would, this Arthur their noble champion, as the Frenchmen haue doone
+ their Rouland, and diuerse others.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Arthur is resisted by Mordred the usurper from arriuing in his owne
+ land, they ioine battell, Gawaine is slaine and his death lamented by
+ Arthur, Mordred taketh flight, he is slaine, and Arthur mortallie
+ wounded, his death, the place of his buriall, his bodie digged vp, his
+ bignesse coniecturable by his bones, a crosse found in his toome with
+ an inscription therevpon, his wife Guenhera buried with him, a rare
+ report of hir haire, Iohn Lelands epitaph in memorie of prince
+ Arthur._
+
+ THE XIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ King Arthur at his returne into Britaine, found that Mordred had
+ [Sidenote: Rather Cerdicke as _Leland_ thinketh.]
+ caused himselfe to be made king, & hauing alied himselfe with
+ Cheldrike a Saxon (not him whome Galfride, as ye haue heard, supposeth
+ to haue béene wounded & slaine before) was readie to resist his
+ landing, so that before he could come on land, he lost manie of his
+ men: but yet at length he repelled the enimies, and so tooke land at
+ Sandwich, where he first arriued, and ioining in battell with his
+ enimies, he discomfited them, but not without great losse of his
+ people: speciallie he sore lamented the death of Gawaine the brother
+ of Mordred, which like a faithfull gentleman, regarding more his
+ honour and loiall truth than néerenesse of bloud and coosenage, chose
+ rather to fight in the quarrell of his liege king and louing maister,
+ than to take part with his naturall brother in an vniust cause, and so
+ there in the battell was slaine, togither also with Angusseli, to whom
+ Arthur afore time had committed the gouernment of Scotland. Mordred
+ fled from this battell, and getting ships sailed westward, and
+ finallie landed in Cornwall.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gawaine buried at Douer.]
+ King Arthur caused the corps of Gawaine to be buried at Douer (as some
+ hold opinion:) but William Malmesburie supposeth, he was buried in
+ Wales, as after shall be shewed. The dead bodie of Angussell was
+ conueied into Scotland, and was there buried. When that Arthur had put
+ his enimies to flight, and had knowledge into what parts Mordred was
+ withdrawne, with all spéed he reinforced his armie with new supplies
+ of souldiers called out of diuerse parties, and with his whole
+ puissance hasted forward, not resting till he came néere to the place
+ where Mordred was incamped, with such an armie as he could assemble
+ togither out of all parties where he had anie friends. ¶ Héere (as it
+ appéereth by Iohn Leland, in his booke intituled, "The assertion of
+ Arthur") it may be douted in what place Mordred was incamped: but
+ Geffrey of Monmouth sheweth, that after Arthur had discomfited Mordred
+ in Kent at the first landing, it chanced so that Mordred escaped and
+ fled to Winchester, whither Arthur followed him, and there giuing him
+ battell the second time, did also put him to flight. And following him
+ from thence, fought eftsoones with him at a place called Camblane, or
+ Kemelene in Cornwall, or (as some authors haue) néere vnto
+ Glastenburie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Richard Turner._]
+ This battell was fought to such proofe, that finallie Mordred was
+ slaine, with the more part of his whole armie, and Arthur receiuing
+ diuers mortall wounds died of the same shortlie after, when he had
+ reigned ouer the Britains by the tearme of 26 yéeres. His corps was
+ buried at Glastenburie aforesaid, in the churchyard, betwixt two
+ pillers: where it was found in the daies of king Henrie the second,
+ about the yeere of our Lord 1191, which was in the last yéere of the
+ reigne of the same Henrie, more than six hundred yéeres after the
+ buriall thereof. He was laid 16 foot déepe vnder ground, for doubt
+ that his enimies the Saxons should haue found him. But those that
+ digged the ground there to find his bodie, after they had entered
+ about seuen foot déepe into the earth, they found a mightie broad
+ stone with a leaden crosse fastened to that part which laie downewards
+ toward the corps, conteining this inscription:
+
+   "Hîc iacet sepultus inclytus rex Arthurius in insula Aualoniæ."
+
+ This inscription was grauen on that side of the crosse which was next
+ to the stone: so that till the crosse was taken from the stone, it was
+ vnséene. His bodie was found, not inclosed within a toome of marble or
+ other stone curiouslie wrought, but within a great trée made hollowe
+ for the nonce like a trunke, the which being found and digged vp, was
+ opened, and therein were found the kings bones, of such maruellous
+ bignesse, that the shinbone of his leg being set on the ground,
+ reached vp to the middle thigh of a verie tall man: as a moonke of
+ that abbeie hath written, which did liue in those daies, and saw it. ¶
+ But Gyraldus Cambrensis (who also liued in those daies, and spake with
+ the abbat of the place, by whom the bones of this Arthur were then
+ found) affirmeth, that by report of the same abbat, he learned, that
+ the shinbone of the said Arthur being set vp by the leg of a verie
+ tall man (the which the abbat shewed to the same Gyraldus) came aboue
+ the knée of the same man the length of three fingers breadth, which is
+ a great deale more likelie than the other. Furthermore the skull of
+ his head was of a woonderfull largenesse, so that the space of his
+ forehead betwixt his two eies was a span broad. There appéered in his
+ head the signes and prints of ten wounds or more: all the which were
+ growne into one wem, except onelie that whereof it should séeme he
+ died, which being greater than the residue, appéered verie plaine.
+ Also in opening the toome of his wife quéene Gueneuer, that was buried
+ with him, they found the tresses of hir haire whole and perfect, and
+ finelie platted, of colour like to the burnished gold, which being
+ touched, immediatlie fell to dust. The abbat, which then was gouernour
+ [Sidenote: _Henricus Blecensis_ seu _Soliacensis._]
+ [Sidenote: _Io. Leland._]
+ of the house, was named Stephan, or Henrie de Blois, otherwise de
+ Sullie, nephue to king Henrie the second (by whose commandement he had
+ serched for the graue of Arthur) translated the bones as well of him
+ as of quéene Gueneuer, being so found, into the great church, and
+ there buried them in a faire double toome of marble, laieng the bodie
+ of the king at the head of the toome, and the bodie of the quéene at
+ [Sidenote: _Dauid Pow. pag._ 238, 239.]
+ his féet towards the west part. ¶ The writer of the historie of
+ Cambria now called Wales saith, that the bones of the said Arthur, and
+ Gueneuer his wife were found in the Ile of Aualon (that is, the Ile of
+ Alpes) without the abbeie of Glastenbury, fiftéene féet within the
+ ground, & that his graue was found by the meanes of a Bardh, whome the
+ king heard at Penbroke singing the acts of prince Arthur, and the
+ place of his buriall.
+
+ _Iohn Leland in his booke intituled Assertio Arthuri, hath for the
+ woorthie memorie of so noble a prince, honored him with a learned
+ epitaph, as heere followeth._
+
+   Saxonicas toties qui fudit Marte cruento
+   _Who vanquisht Saxon troops so oft, with battels bloudie broiles_,
+   Turmas, & peperit spolijs sibi nomen opimis,
+   _And purchast to himselfe a name with warlike wealthie spoiles_,
+   Fulmineo toties Pictos qui contudit ense,
+   _Who hath with shiuering shining swoord, the Picts so oft dismaid_,
+   Imposuítque iugum Scoti ceruicibus ingens:
+   _And eke vnweldie seruile yoke on necke of Scots hath laid:_
+   Qui tumidos Gallos, Germanos quíque feroces
+   _Who Frenchmen puft with pride, and who the Germans fierce in fight_
+   Perculit, & Dacos bello confregit aperto:
+   _Discomfited, and danted Danes with maine and martiall might:_
+   Denique Mordredum è medio qui sustulit illud
+   _Who of that murdring Mordred did the vitall breath expell_,
+   Monstrum, horrendum, ingens, dirum, sæuúmque tyrannum,
+   _That monster grislie, lothsome, huge, that diresome tyrant fell_,
+   Hoc iacet extinctus monumento Arthurius alto,
+   _Heere liuelesse Arthur lies intoomd, within this statelie hearse_,
+   Militiæ clarum decus, & virtutis alumnus:
+   _Of chiualrie the bright renowme, and vertues nursling fearse:_
+   Gloria nunc cuius terram circumuolat omnem,
+   _Whose glorie great now ouer all the world dooth compasse flie_,
+   Aetherijque petit sublimia tecta Tonantis.
+   _And of the airie thunder skales the loftie building hie_.
+   Vos igitur gentis proles generosa Britannæ,
+   _Therefore you noble progenie of Britaine line and race_,
+   Induperatori ter magno assurgite vestro,
+   _Arise vnto your emperour great, of thrice renowmed grace_,
+   Et tumulo sacro roseas inferte corollas,
+   _And cast vpon his sacred toome the roseall garlands gaie_,
+   Officij testes redolentia munera vestri.
+   _That fragrant smell may witnesse well, your duties you displaie_.
+
+ ¶ These verses I haue the more willinglie inserted, for that I had the
+ same deliuered to me turned into English by maister Nicholas
+ Roscarocke, both right aptlie yeelding the sense, and also properlie
+ answering the Latine, verse for verse.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Vpon what occasion the graue of king Arthur was sought for, the
+ follie of such discouered as beleeued that he should returne and
+ reigne againe as king in Britaine, whether it be a fiction or a
+ veritie that there was such an Arthur or no; discordance among writers
+ about the place of Gawains buriall and Arthurs death; of queene
+ Gueneuer the wife of king Arthur, hir beautie and dishonest life,
+ great disagreement among writers touching Arthur and his wiues to the
+ impeachment of the historie, of his life and death._
+
+ THE XIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The occasion that mooued king Henrie the second to cause his nephue
+ the foresaid abbat to search for the graue of king Arthur, was, for
+ that he vnderstood by a Welsh minstrell or Bardh (as they call him)
+ that could sing manie histories in the Welsh language of the acts of
+ the ancient Britains, that in the forsaid churchyard at Glastenburie,
+ betwixt the said two pillers the bodie of Arthur was to be found
+ sixtéene foot déepe vnder the ground. Gyraldus Cambrensis affirmeth,
+ that the trée in the which Arthurs bodie was found so inclosed, was an
+ oke, but other suppose that it was an alder trée, bicause that in the
+ same place a great number of that kind of trées doo grow, and also for
+ that it is not vnknowne, that an alder lieng vnder ground where
+ moisture is, will long continue without rotting.
+
+ ¶ By the finding thus of the bodie of Arthur buried (as before ye haue
+ heard) such as hitherto beleeued that he was not dead, but conueied
+ [Sidenote: As for example in a caue néere a water called pond perilous
+ at Salisburie, where he and his knights should sléepe armed, till an
+ other knight should be borne that should come and awake them.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes. lib._ 1. _de regibus Ang._]
+ awaie by the fairies into some pleasant place, where he should remaine
+ for a time, and then to returne againe, and reigne in as great
+ authoritie as euer he did before, might well perceiue themselues
+ deceiued in crediting so vaine a fable. But yet (where it might
+ otherwise be doubted, whether anie such Arthur was at all, as the
+ British histories mention, bicause neither Gyldas nor Beda in their
+ woorks speake anie thing of him) it may appéere, the circumstances
+ considered, that suerly such one there was of that name, hardie and
+ valiant in armes, though not in diuerse points so famous as some
+ writers paint him out. William Malmesburie a writer of good credit and
+ authoritie amongst the learned, hath these woords in his first booke
+ intituled "De regibus Anglorum," saieng: "But he being dead [meaning
+ Vortimer] the force of the Britains waxed féeble, their decaied hope
+ went backward apace: and euen then suerlie had they gon to
+ destruction, if Ambrosius (who alone of the Romans remained yet aliue,
+ and was king after Vortigerne) had not kept vnder and staied the
+ loftie barbarous people, that is to say the Saxons, by the notable aid
+ and assistance of the valiant Arthur."
+
+ This is the same Arthur, of whom the trifling tales of the Britains
+ euen to this day fantasticallie doo descant and report woonders: but
+ woorthie was he doubtlesse, of whom feined fables should not haue so
+ dreamed, but rather that true histories might haue set foorth his
+ woorthie praises, as he that did for a long season susteine and hold
+ vp his countrie that was readie to go to vtter ruine and decaie,
+ incouraging the bold harts of the Britains vnto the warre, and
+ finallie in the siege of Badon hill, he set vpon nine hundred of the
+ enimies, and with incredible slaughter did put them all to flight. On
+ the contrarie part, the English Saxons, although they were tossed with
+ sundrie haps of fortune, yet still they renewed their bands with new
+ supplies of their countriemen that came out of Germanie, and so with
+ bolder courage assailed their enimies, and by little and little
+ causing them to giue place, spread themselues ouer the whole Ile. For
+ although there were manie battels, in the which sometime the Saxons
+ and sometime the Britains got the better, yet the greater number of
+ Saxons that were slaine, the greater number of them still came ouer to
+ the succour of their countriemen, being called in and sent for out of
+ euerie quarter about them.
+
+ [Sidenote: Gawaine where he is buried.]
+ Héere is also to be noted, that where the British historie declareth,
+ that Gawaine or Gallowine being slaine in the battell fought betwixt
+ Arthur and Mordred in Kent, was buried at Douer, so that his bones
+ remained there to be shewed a long time after: yet by that which the
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm. lib._ 3. _de regib._]
+ foresaid William Malmesburie writeth in the third booke of his volume
+ intituled "De regibus Anglorum," the contrarie maie séeme true: his
+ woords are these. "Then (saith he) in the prouince of Wales, which is
+ called Rosse, the sepulture of Gallowine was found, who was nephue to
+ Arthur by his sister, not going out of kind from so woorthie an vncle.
+ He reigned in that part of Britaine which vnto this day is called
+ Walwichia, a knight for his high prowesse most highlie renowmed, but
+ expelled out of his kingdome by the brother and nephue of Hengist, of
+ whome in the first booke we haue made mention, first requiting his
+ banishment with great detriment and losse to those his enimies,
+ wherein he was partaker by iust desert of his vncles woorthie praise,
+ for that he staied (for a great manie yéeres) the destruction of his
+ countrie, which was now running headlong into vtter ruine and decaie.
+ But Arthurs graue no where appéereth: yet the others toome (as I haue
+ said) was found in the daies of William the conqueror, king of
+ England, vpon the sea side, and conteined in length fouretéene foot,
+ where he was (as some say) wounded by his enimies, and cast vp by
+ shipwracke. But other write, that he was slaine at a publike feast or
+ banket by his owne countriemen." Thus saith William Malmesburie.
+
+ ¶ But heere you must consider, that the said Malmesburie departed this
+ life about the beginning of the reigne of king Henrie the second,
+ certeine yéers before the bones of Arthur were found (as ye haue
+ heard.) But omitting this point as néedles to be controuerssed, &
+ letting all dissonant opinions of writers passe, as a matter of no
+ such moment that we should néed to sticke therein as in a glewpot; we
+ will procéed in the residue of such collections as we find
+ necessarilie pertinent to the continuation of this historie; and now
+ we will say somewhat of quéene Guenhera or Guenouer, the wife of the
+ foresaid king Arthur.
+
+ Some iudge that she tooke hir name of hir excellent beautie, bicause
+ Guinne or Guenne in the Welsh toong signifieth faire, so that she was
+ named Guennere or rather Guenlhean, euen (as you would say) the faire
+ or beautifull Elenor or Helen. She was brought vp in the house of one
+ Cador earle of Cornewall before Arthur maried hir: and as it appeareth
+ by writers, she was euill reported of, as noted of incontinencie &
+ breach of faith to hir husband, in maner as for the more part women of
+ excellent beautie hardlie escape the venemous blast of euill toongs,
+ and the sharpe assaults of the followers of Venus. The British
+ historie affirmeth, that she did not onelie abuse hir selfe by
+ vnlawfull companie with Mordred, but that also in Arthurs absence she
+ consented to take him to husband. It is likewise found recorded by an
+ old writer, that Arthur besieged on a time the marishes néere to
+ Glastenburie, for displeasure that he bare to a certeine lord called
+ Melua, who had rauished Gueneuer, and led hir into those marishes, and
+ there did kéepe hir. Hir corps notwithstanding (as before is recited)
+ was interred togither with Arthurs, so that it is thought she liued
+ not long after his deceasse.
+
+ Arthur had two wiues (as Gyraldus Cambrensis affirmeth) of which the
+ latter (saith he) was buried with him, and hir bones found with his in
+ one sepulchre, but yet so diuided, that two parts of the toome towards
+ the head were appointed to receiue the bones of the man, and the third
+ part towards the féet conteined the womans bones, apart by themselues.
+ Here is to be remembred, that Hector Boetius writeth otherwise of the
+ death of Arthur than before in this booke is mentioned, & also that
+ Gueneuer being taking prisoner by the Picts, was conueied into
+ Scotland, where finallie she died, and was there buried in Angus, as
+ in the Scotish chronicles further appeareth. And this may be true, if
+ he had thrée sundrie wiues, each of them bearing the name of Gueneuer,
+ as sir Iohn Price dooth auouch that he had. Now bicause of
+ contrarietie in writers touching the great acts atchiued by this
+ Arthur, and also for that some difference there is amongst them, about
+ the time in which he should reigne, manie haue doubted of the whole
+ historie which of him is written (as before ye haue heard.) ¶ But
+ others there be of a constant beléefe, who hold it for a grounded
+ [Sidenote: _Dauid Pow. pag._ 238, 239.]
+ truth, that such a prince there was; and among all other a late
+ writer, who falling into necessarie mention of prince Arthur, frameth
+ a spéech apologeticall in his and their behalfe that were princes of
+ the British bloud, discharging a short but yet a sharpe inuectiue
+ against William Paruus, Polydor Virgil, and their complices, whom he
+ accuseth of lieng toongs, enuious detraction, malicious slander,
+ reprochfull and venemous language, wilfull ignorance, dogged enuie,
+ and cankerd minds; for that they speake vnreuerentlie and contrarie to
+ the knowne truth concerning those thrisenoble princes. Which
+ defensitiue he would not haue deposed, but that he takes the monuments
+ of their memories for vndoubted verities.
+
+ The British histories and also the Scotish chronicles doo agrée, that
+ he liued in the daies of the emperour Iustinian, about the fiftéenth
+ [Sidenote: 542.]
+ yéere of whose reigne he died, which was in the yéere of our Lord 542,
+ as diuerse doo affirme. Howbeit some write farther from all
+ likelihood, that he was about the time of the emperor Zeno, who began
+ his reigne about the yéere of our Lord 474. The writer of the booke
+ [Sidenote: _Aurea historia._]
+ [Sidenote: _I. Leland._]
+ intituled "Aurea historia" affirmeth, that in the tenth yéere of
+ Cerdicus king of Westsaxons, Arthur the warriour rose against the
+ Britains. Also Diouionensis writeth, that Cerdicus fighting oftentimes
+ with Arthur, if he were ouercome in one moneth, he arose in an other
+ moneth more fierce and strong to giue battell than before. At length
+ Arthur wearied with irkesomnes, after the twelfth yéere of the comming
+ of Cerdicus, gaue vnto him vpon his homage doone and fealtie receiued,
+ the shires of Southampton and Somerset, the which countries Cerdicius
+ named Westsaxon. This Cerdicius or Cerdicius came into Britaine about
+ the yéere of our Lord 495. In the 24 yere after his comming hither,
+ that is to say, about the yéere of your Lord 519, he began his reigne
+ [Sidenote: Westsaxon.]
+ ouer the Westsaxons, and gouerned them as king by the space of 15
+ yéeres, as before ye haue heard. But to follow the course of our
+ chronicles accordinglie as we haue begun, we must allow of their
+ accounts herein as in other places, and so procéed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The decaie of christian religion and receiuing of the Pelagian
+ heresie in Britaine by what meanes they were procured and by whom
+ redressed: Constantine succeedeth Arthur in the kingdome, ciuill warre
+ about succession to the crowne, the chalengers are pursued and slaine,
+ Constantine is vnkindlie killed of his kinsman, a bitter and
+ reprochfull inuectiue of Gyldas against the British rulers of his
+ time, and namelie against Constantine, Conan that slue Constantine
+ reigneth in Britaine, his vertues and vices, his two yeeres regiment,
+ the seuere reprehensions of Gyldas uttered against Conan, discouering
+ the course of his life, and a secret prophesie of his death._
+
+ THE XV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In this meane while that the realme was disquieted with sore &
+ continuall warres betwixt the Britains and Saxons (as before ye haue
+ heard) the christian religion was not onelie abolished in places where
+ the Saxons got habitations, but also among the Britains the right
+ [Sidenote: The heresie of the Pelagians reuiued, _Hist. Mag._]
+ faith was brought into danger, by the remnant of the Pelagian heresie,
+ [Sidenote: Dubritius & Dauid lerned bishops.]
+ which began againe to be broched by diuers naughtie persons. But
+ Dubritius that was first bishop of Landaffe, and after archbishop of
+ Caerleon Arwiske, and his successour Dauid, with other learned men
+ earnestlie both by preaching and writing defended the contrarie cause,
+ to the confuting of those errors, and restablishing of the truth.
+
+ [Sidenote: CONSTANTINE.]
+ After the death of Arthur, his coosine Constantine the sonne of Cador,
+ duke or earle of Cornewall began his reigne ouer the Britains, in the
+ [Sidenote: 542.]
+ yere of our Lord 542, which was about the 15 yéere of the emperour
+ Iustinianus almost ended, the 29 of Childebert king of France, and the
+ first yéere well néere complet of the reigne of Totilas king of the
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Goths in Italie. Arthur when he perceiued that he shuld die, ordeined
+ this Constantine to succéed him, and so by the consent of the more
+ part of the Britains he was crowned king: but the sonnes of Mordred
+ sore repined thereat, as they that claimed the rule of the land by
+ iust title and claime of inheritance to them from their father
+ descended.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ciuill warre.]
+ Herevpon followed ciuill warre, so that diuers battels were striken
+ betwéene them and in the end the two brethren were constreined to
+ withdraw for refuge, the one to London, and the other to Winchester:
+ but Constantine pursuing them, first came to Winchester, and by force
+ entered the citie, and slue the one brother that was fled thither
+ within the church of saint Amphibalus: and after comming to London,
+ entered that citie also, and finding the other brother within a church
+ there, slue him in like maner as he had doone the other. And so hauing
+ dispatched his aduersaries, he thought to haue purchased to himselfe
+ [Sidenote: Aurelius Conanus.]
+ [Sidenote: Constantine slaine.]
+ safetie: but shortlie after, his owne kinsman, one Aurelius Conanus
+ arrered warre against him, who ioining with him in battell slue him in
+ the field, after he had reigned foure yéeres. His bodie was conueied
+ to Stonheng, and there buried beside his ancestour Vter Pendragon.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gyldas._]
+ Of this Constantine that seemeth to be ment, which Gyldas writeth in
+ his booke intituled "De excidio Britanniæ," where inueieng against the
+ rulers of the Britains in his time, he writeth thus: "Britaine hath
+ kings, but the same be tyrants; iudges it hath, but they be wicked,
+ oftentimes péeling and harming the innocent people, reuenging and
+ defending, but whom? such as be guiltie persons and robbers; hauing
+ manie wiues, but yet breaking wedlocke; oftentimes swearing, and yet
+ forswearing themselues; vowing, and for the more part lieng; warring,
+ but mainteining ciuill & vniust warres; pursuing indéed théeues that
+ are abroad in the countrie, and yet not onelie cherishing those that
+ sit euen at table with them, but also highlie rewarding them: giuing
+ almesse largelie, but on the other part heaping vp a mightie mount of
+ sinnes; sitting in the seat of sentence, but seldome séeking the rule
+ of righteous iudgement; despising the innocent and humble persons, and
+ exalting so farre as in them lieth, euen vp to the heauens, most
+ bloudie and proud murtherers, théeues and adulterers, yea the verie
+ professed enimies of God; if he would so permit: kéeping manie in
+ prison, whome they oppresse, in loding them with irons, through craft
+ rather to serue their owne purpose, than for anie gilt of the persons
+ so imprisoned: taking solemne oths before the altars, and shortlie
+ after, despising the same altars as vile and filthie stones.
+
+ "Of this hainous and wicked offense Constantine the tyrannicall whelpe
+ of the lionesse of Deuonshire is not ignorant, who this yeare, after
+ the receiuing of his dreadfull oth, whereby he bound himselfe that in
+ no wise he should hurt his subjects (God first, and then his oth, with
+ the companie of saints, and his mother being there present) did
+ notwithstanding in the reuerent laps of the two mothers, as the
+ church, and their carnall mother, vnder the coule of the holie abbat,
+ deuoure with sword and speare in stead of téeth, the tender sides, yea
+ and the entrailes of two children of noble and kinglie race, and
+ likewise of their two gouernours, yea and that (as I said) amongest
+ the sacred altars: the armies of which persons so slaine, not
+ stretched foorth to defend themselues with weapons (the which few in
+ those daies handled more valiantlie than they) but stretched foorth (I
+ saie) to God and to his altar in the day of iudgement, shall set vp
+ the reuerent ensignes of their patience and faith at the gates of the
+ citie of Christ, which so haue couered the seat of the celestiall
+ sacrifice, as it were with the red mantle of their cluttered bloud.
+
+ "These things he did not after anie good déeds doone by him deseruing
+ praise: for manie yeares before, ouercome with the often and
+ changeable filths of adulterie, & forsaking his lawfull wife contrarie
+ to the lawes of God, &c: he now brought foorth this crime of quelling
+ his owne kinsmen, and violating the church, but neither being loosed
+ from the snares of his former euills, he increaseth the new with the
+ old." ¶ Thus in effect hath Gyldas written of this Constantine, with
+ more: for turning his tale to him, he reproueth him of his faults, and
+ counselleth him to repent.
+
+ [Sidenote: CONANUS.]
+ After that Aurelius Conanus had slaine the foresad Constantine, as in
+ the British histories is mentioned, the same Conan was made king of
+ [Sidenote: 546.]
+ Britaine in the yeare of our Lord 546, in the 20 yeare of Iustinianus,
+ and in the 33 of the reigne of Childebert king of the Frenchmen. This
+ Aurelius Conanus (as is recorded by some writers) was of a noble
+ heart, frée and liberall, but giuen much to the maintenance of strife
+ and discord amongst his people, light of credit, and namelie had an
+ open eare to receiue and heare the reports of such as accused other.
+ Moreouer he was noted of crueltie, as he that tooke his vncle, who of
+ right should haue béene king, and kept him in prison, and not so
+ satisfied slue in tyrannous maner the two sons of his said vncle: But
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ writeth that he reigned 30. yeares.]
+ God would not suffer him long to inioy the rule of the land in such
+ vniust dealing, for he died after he had reigned the space of two
+ yeares, and left a sonne behind him called Vortiporus, which succéeded
+ him in the kingdome, as authors doo record. Of this Aurelius Conanus
+ Gyldas writeth, calling vnto him after he had made an end with his
+ predecessor Constantine, saieng in this wise: "And thou lions whelpe,
+ as saith the prophet, Aurelius Conanus what doost thou? Art thou not
+ swallowed vp in the filthie mire of murthering thy kinsmen, of
+ committing fornications and adulteries like to the other before
+ mentioned, if not more deadlie, as it were with the waues and surges
+ of the drenching seas ouerwhelming thée with hir vnmercifull rage?
+ Dooest thou not in hating the peace of thy countrie as a deadlie
+ serpent, and thirsting after ciuill wars and spoiles (oftentimes
+ vniustlie gotten) shut vp against thy soule the gates of celestiall
+ peace and refreshment? Thou being left alone as a withering trée in
+ the middle of a field, call to remembrance (I praie thée) the vaine
+ youthfull fantasie and ouertimelie death of thy fathers and thy
+ brethren. Shalt thou being set apart, and chosen foorth of all thy
+ linage for thy godlie deserts, be reserued to liue an hundred yeares,
+ or remaine on earth till thou be as old as Methusalem? No no." And
+ after these reprehensions, with further threatnings of Gods vengeance,
+ he exhorted him to amendment of life, and so proceedeth to talke with
+ Vortiporus, whome he nameth the king, or rather the tyrant of
+ Southwales, as after shall be rehearsed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The beginning of the kingdome of Brenitia, of whome the king of Kent,
+ Mertia, and west Saxons descended, Ida the Saxon commended, the
+ originall of the kingdome of Deira, the circuit and bounds therof, of
+ Ella the gouernour of the same, when the partition of the kingdome of
+ Northumberland chanced; Vortiporus reigneth ouer the Britains, he
+ vanquisheth the Saxons; Gyldas sharplie reprooueth Vortiporus for
+ manie greeuous offenses, and exhorteth him to amendement._
+
+ THE XVJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: IDA.]
+ [Sidenote: 547.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom of Brenitia began.]
+ In the yeare of the Lord 547, which was about the first yeare of the
+ reigne of Aurelius Conanus, the kingdome of Brenitia began vnder a
+ Saxon ruler there callèd Ida, & descended of Woden. For where the said
+ Woden had thrée sonnes, Weldecius, Withlegris, and Beldecius; of the
+ first, the kings of Kent were lineallie extracted: of the second, the
+ kings of Mertia: and of the third sonne came the kings of Westsaxon,
+ and also of him was this Ida descended, being the ninth in lineall
+ succession from the said Beldecius and the tenth from Woden. The same
+ Ida was vndoubtedlie a right noble personage, and changed first that
+ dukedome into a kingdome; where before that time the Saxons that ruled
+ there, were subiects vnto the kings of Kent. Whether he tooke vpon him
+ of his owne accord to vsurpe the kinglie title and roiall authoritie,
+ or whether that the same was giuen to him by consent of other, the
+ certeintie appeareth not. But sure it is, that he being a woorthie
+ prince, did not degenerate from his noble ancestors inuincible in
+ warre abroad and at home, qualifieng his kinglie seueritie with a
+ naturall kind of courteous humanitie. The bounds of his kingdome
+ called (as is said) Brenitia, began in the south at the riuer of Tine,
+ and ended in the north at the Forth in Scotland, in the British toong
+ called Werd.
+
+ [Sidenote: ELLA.]
+ [Sidenote: 561.]
+ [Sidenote: The beginning of the kingdom of Deria.]
+ About the same time, or rather about 14 yeares after, one Ella a Saxon
+ also reigned as king in Deira, which kingdome began at the said riuer
+ of Tine in the north, & ended at the riuer of Humber toward the south.
+ These two kingdomes were sometime gouerned by two seuerall kings, and
+ afterwards at other times they were ioined in one, and gouerned by one
+ onelie king, and named the kingdome of Northumberland, which in
+ processe of time was much inlarged, so that it included the shires of
+ Yorke, Notingham, Darbie, Lancaster, the bishoprike of Durham,
+ Copland, and other countries betwixt the east and the west seas, euen
+ [Sidenote: The riuer of Mersie.]
+ vnto the riuer of Mersie. The foresaid Ella was sonne to Iffus, being
+ descended from Woden, as the 12 in succession from him, though not by
+ right line as William Malmesburie hath noted. Ida (as the same
+ Malmesburie dooth testifie) reigned 14 yeares.
+
+ Now Ella who was successor to Ida (as he saith) reigned thirtie
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ yeares, and verie valiantlie inlarged his kingdome. But one author
+ writeth how Ida reigned but 12 yeares, and that he builded the castell
+ of Bamburge, first fensing it with pales, and after with a wall of
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ stone. The same Ida had by his wife six sonnes, begotten in lawfull
+ bed, Ada, Ebric, Theodoric, Athelric, Osmer, and Theofred. Moreouer he
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ begat of certeine concubines (which he kept) six bastard sonnes, Oga,
+ Aleric, Ettha, Osbale, Segor, and Segother. These came altogither into
+ this land, and arriued at Flemesburke with fortie ships, as Matthæus
+ Westmonasteriensis hath recorded. The partition of the kingdome of
+ Northumberland chanced after the deceasse of Ida, as the same author
+ signifieth: for Ada the sonne of the foresaid Ida succéeded his father
+ in the kingdome of Brenitia, reigning therein seuen yeares: and Ella
+ the sonne of Histria, a most valiant duke, began to gouerne Deira, as
+ both the said Matth. Westm. and others doo affirme.
+
+ [Sidenote: VORTIPORUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ noteth 578.]
+ Vortiporus the sonne of Aurelius Conanus succéeded his father, and
+ began to reigne ouer the Britains, in the yéere of our Lord 576, in
+ the 11, yeare of the emperour Flauius Anicius Iustinus, in the fourth
+ yeare of the reigne of Childeric king of France, and in the fourth
+ yeare of Clephis the Gothish king in Italie. This Vortiporus
+ vanquished the Saxons in battell, as the British histories make
+ mention, and valiantlie defended his land and subiects the Britains,
+ from the danger of them and other their allies. In the time of this
+ kings reigne, the foresaid Ella began to rule in the south part of the
+ kingdome of Northumberland called Deira, as before is mentioned,
+ according to the account of some authors, who also take this
+ Vortiporus to begin his reigne in the yeare 548. After that Vortiporus
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ noteth 3 yeares.]
+ had ruled the Britans the space of 4 yeares, he departed this life,
+ and left no issue behind him to succéed him in the kingdom.
+
+ Against this Vortiporus Gyldas also whetting his toong, beginneth with
+ him thus: "And why standest thou as one starke amazed? Thou (I say)
+ Vortiporus the tyrant of Southwales, like to the panther in maner and
+ wickednesse diuerslie spotted as it were with manie colors, with thy
+ hoarie head in thy throne, full of deceits, crafts and wiles, and
+ defiled euen from the lowest part of thy bodie to the crowne of thy
+ head, with diuers & sundrie murthers committed on thine owne kin, and
+ filthie adulteries, thus proouing a naughtie sonne of a good king, as
+ Manasses was to Ezechias. How chanceth it that the violent streames of
+ sinnes which thou swallowest vp like pleasant wine, or rather art
+ deuoured of them, (the end of thy life by little and little now
+ drawing néere) can not yet satisfie the? What meanest thou that with
+ fornication of all euills, as it were the full heape, thine owne wife
+ being put away, thou by hir honest death dooest oppresse thy soule
+ with a certeine burthen that can not be auoided, of thine vnshamefast
+ daughter? Consume not (I pray thée) the residue of thy daies to the
+ offense of God, &c." These and the like woords vttered he, exhorting
+ him to repentance, with admonitions taken out of the scriptures both
+ for his comfort and warning.
+
+ ¶ If the circumstance of this that Gyldas writeth of Vortiporus be
+ marked, it may be perceiued, that Geffrey of Monmouth, and also
+ Matthew of Westminster, the author of the floures of histories, are
+ deceiued, in that they take him to be the sonne of Aurelius Conanus:
+ and rather it may be gathered, that not onlie the same Aurelius
+ Conanus and Vortiporus, but also Constantinus, yea & Cuneglasus, and
+ Maglocunus, of the which he also intreateth (as partlie shall be
+ hereafter touched) liued and reigned all at one time in seuerall parts
+ of this Ile, and not as monarchs of the whole British nation, but as
+ rulers each of them in his quarter, after the maner as the state of
+ Ireland hath béene in times past before the countrie came vnder the
+ English subiection, if my coniecture herein doo not deceiue me.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Malgo reigneth ouer the Britains, the noble qualities wherewith he
+ was beautified by his filthie sinnes are blemished, Gyldas reproueth
+ Cuneglasus for making warre against God and man, and this Malgo for
+ his manifold offenses, the vile iniquities wherevnto the British
+ rulers were inclined, the valiantnesse of Kenrike king of the
+ Westsaxons, his victories against diuers people his enimies,
+ succession in the gouernment of the Westsaxons, Northumberland, and
+ Kentish Saxons; the first battell that was fought betwixt the Saxons
+ in this Iland, Cheuling with his Westsaxons encounter with the
+ Britains and get the vpper hand, three kings of the Britains slaine,
+ and their people spoiled of their lands, goods and liues._
+
+ THE XVIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: MALGO.]
+ [Sidenote: 580.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ hath noted 581.]
+ After the deceasse of Vortiporus, Malgo the nephue of Aurelius Conanus
+ (as some write) was made king of Britaine, & began his reigne ouer the
+ Britaines, in the yéere of our Lord 580, in the fiftéenth yéere of the
+ emperour Iustinian, and in the 37 yéere of the reigne of Childerike
+ king of the Frenchmen. This Malgo is reported to haue béene the
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ comeliest gentleman in beautie and shape of personage that was to be
+ found in those daies amongst all the Britains, and therewith of a bold
+ and hardie courage. He manfullie defended the country which he had in
+ gouernance from the malice of the Saxons, and subdued the out Iles, as
+ Orkenie and others. But notwithstanding the noble qualities with the
+ which his person was adorned, yet he spotted them all with the filthie
+ sinne of Sodomie, so that he fell into the hatred of almightie God,
+ and being pursued of the Saxons, receiued manie ouerthrowes at their
+ hands, as by the report of the English writers is gathered more at
+ large. Finallie, when he had reigned fiue yéeres and od moneths, he
+ departed this life.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._ counteth not past fiue yeres to his reigne
+ through other affirme that he reigned 35 yéeres.]
+ It séemeth that this Malgo is named by Gyldas, Maglocunus, the which
+ Gyldas (before he speaketh of him) inueieth against one Cuneglasus,
+ whome he reprooueth, for that he warred both against God and man:
+ against God with grieuous sinnes, as namelie adulterie, in forsaking
+ the companie of his lawfull wife, and kéeping to concubine a sister of
+ hirs, that had professed chastitie: & against man with materiall armor
+ and weapons, which he vsed to the destruction of his owne countrimen,
+ with whom he kept warres, and not against the enimies of the common
+ wealth.
+
+ From Cuneglasus he commeth to the foresaid Maglocunus, whome he nameth
+ the dragon of the Iles, and the expeller of manie tyrants, not onelie
+ out of their kingdoms, but also out of life, the last of whom he
+ treateth (as he himselfe saith) but the first in all mischéefe &
+ euill, greater than manie in power, and likewise in malice: verie
+ liberall in giuing, but more plentifull in sinne, strong and valiant
+ in arms, but stronger in destruction of his owne soule. And so
+ procéeding, chargeth him with the sinne of the Sodomits, & sore
+ blameth him, for that where it had pleased God to make him higher than
+ all other dukes of Britaine in kingdome and degrée, he did not shew
+ himselfe better, but contrarilie far woorse than they both in maners
+ and conditions. He declareth also a little after, that this Maglocune
+ in his yoong yéeres slue in battell his vncle being king, with the
+ most valiant souldiers in maner that he had. Also that where the said
+ Maglocune tooke vpon him the profession of a moonke, he after
+ renounced the same, and became a woorsse liuer than euer he was
+ before, abandoning his wife, and kéeping his brothers sonnes wife,
+ while hir husband yet liued.
+
+ Thus by that which Gyldas writeth of the kings and rulers of the
+ Britains, which liued in his daies, ye may perceiue that they were
+ giuen to all manner of wickednesse, and namelie to ciuill dissention,
+ rapine, adulterie, and fornication: so that it may be thought, that
+ GOD stirred vp the Saxons to be a scourge to them, and to worke his
+ iust vengeance vpon them for their wickednesses and abhominable
+ offenses dailie c[=o]mitted against his diuine maiestie, so that we
+ find recorded by writers, how that the Saxons in diuers conflicts
+ against the Britains had the better, and also tooke from them diuers
+ townes, as alreadie partly hath beene and also hereafter shall be
+ shewed.
+
+ It is furthermore to be remembred, that about the 14 yeere of the
+ Britaine king Conanus his reigne, which was about the end of the yere
+ [Sidenote: 559.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ of Christ 559, Kenrike king of the Westsaxons, departed this life,
+ after he had reigned xxv. yéeres complet. This Kenrike was a
+ victorious prince, and fought diuers battels against the Britains. In
+ the 18 yeere of his reigne which was the 551 of Christ, we find that
+ he fought against them, being come at that time vnto Salisburie, and
+ after great slaughter made on both parts, at length the victorie
+ remained with the Saxons, and the Britains were chased. Againe in the
+ two and twentith yéere of his reigne, and 555 yéere of Christ, the
+ same Kenrike and his sonne Cheuling fought with a great power of
+ Britains at Branburie.
+
+ The Britains were diuided into nine companies, three in the fore ward,
+ thrée in the battell, and thrée in the rere ward, with their horssemen
+ and archers, after the maner of the Romans. The Saxons being ranged in
+ one entire battell, valiantlie assailed them, and notwithstanding the
+ shot of the Britains, yet they brought the matter to the triall of
+ handblowes, till at length by the comming on of the night, the
+ victorie remained doubtfull: and no maruell is to be made therof
+ (saith Henrie archdeacon of Huntington) sith the Saxons were men of
+ huge stature, great force & valiant courage. The same yéere that
+ Kenrike deceassed, Ida the king of Northumberland also died: he was
+ (as ye haue heard) a right valiant prince, & inlarged the dominion of
+ the Saxons greatlie, he ouercame Loth king of the Picts in battell,
+ and Corran king of Scots.
+
+ [Sidenote: 560.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ Also about the yéere of Christ 560, Conanus (as yet gouerning the
+ Britains) Irmenrike king of Kent departed this life, of whome ye haue
+ heard before, & Ethelbert his sonne succéeded him 52 yéeres. Then
+ after that the foresaid thrée princes were dead (as before ye haue
+ heard) they had that succéeded them in their estates as here
+ followeth. After Kenrike, his sonne Ceaulinus or Cheuling succéeded in
+ gouernement of the Westsaxons: and after Ida, one Ella or Alla reigned
+ in Northumberland: after Irmenrike followed his sonne Ethelbert in
+ rule ouer the Kentish Saxons.
+
+ This Ethelbert, in processe of time grew to be a mightie prince, but
+ yet in the begining of his reigne he had but sorie successe against
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ some of his enimies: for hauing to doo with the foresaid Cheuling king
+ [Sidenote: Aliàs Wiphanduae.]
+ of Westsaxons, he was of him ouercome in battell at Wilbasdowne, where
+ he lost two of his dukes or cheefe capteins, beside other people. This
+ was the first battell that was fought betwixt the Saxons, one against
+ another within this land, after their first comming into the same. And
+ this chanced in the yere of our Lord 567, being the second yéere of
+ the emperour Iustinus.
+
+ [Sidenote: 570.]
+ [Sidenote: CUTHA.]
+ [Sidenote: Aileburie.]
+ About the yéere 570, Cutha the brother of king Cheuling fought with
+ the Britains at Bedford, vanquished them, & tooke from them 4 townes,
+ Liganbrough, Eglesbrough or Ailesburie, Besington, and Euesham. Also
+ [Sidenote: 581.]
+ about the yéere of our Lord 581, the foresaid king Cheuling
+ incountered with the Britains at a place called Diorth, and obteining
+ the vpper hand, tooke from them the cities of Bath, Glocester, and
+ Cirencester. At this battell fought at Diorth, were present thrée
+ kings of the Britains, whose names were these: Coinmagill, Candidan,
+ and Farimnagill, which were slaine there through the permission of
+ almightie God as then refusing his people, the which through their
+ heinous sinnes and great wickednesses, had most gréeuouslie offended
+ his high and diuine maiestie, as by Gyldas it may euidentlie appeare.
+ For they had declined from the lawes of the Lord, and were become
+ abhominable in his sight, euen from the prince to the poore man, from
+ the priest to the Leuit, so that not one estate among them walked
+ vprightlie, but contrarie to dutie was gone astray, by reason whereof
+ the righteous God had giuen them ouer as a prey to their enimies.
+
+ [Sidenote: His brother as _Matt. West._ saith.]
+ Also in the latter end of Malgos daies or about the first beginning of
+ the reigne of his successor Careticus, Cheuling and his sonne Cutwine
+ fought with the Britains at a place called Fechanley or Fedanley, or
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ (as some bookes haue) Frithenlie, where Cutwine was slaine, & the
+ Englishmen chased: but yet Cheuling repairing his armie, wan the
+ victorie, and chasing the Britains, tooke from them manie countries,
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ and wan great riches by the spoile. But Matth. West. saith, that the
+ victorie aboad with the Britains, and that the Saxons were chased
+ quite out of the field. The Scotish writers record, that their king
+ Aidan (who is noted to haue béene the 49 successiuelie possessing the
+ regiment of that land, partlie with griefe of hart for the death of
+ Columba a graue and wise gentleman, whome he tenderlie loued, and
+ partlie with age [for he was growne horieheaded, and had reigned 34
+ yéeres] ended his life) was there in aid of the Britains, and Brudeus
+ king of the Picts (betwixt whom and the said Aidan a sore battell was
+ fought) in aid of the Saxons: but the same writers name the place
+ Deglaston, where this battell was made, and the forces of both sides
+ by a sharpe incounter tried.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The begining of the kingdome of Mercia, the bounds of the same, the
+ heptarchie or seuen regiments of the Saxons, how they grew to that
+ perfection, and by whom they were reduced and drawne into a monarchie;
+ Careticus is created king of Britaine, the Saxons take occasion by the
+ ciuill dissentions of the Britains to make a full conquest of the
+ land, they procure forren power to further them in their enterprise,
+ Gurmundus king of the Africans arriueth in Britaine, the British king
+ is driuen to his hard shifts, the politike practise of Gurmundus in
+ taking Chichester & setting the towne on fire, he deliuereth the whole
+ land in possession to the Saxons, the English and Saxon kings put
+ Careticus to flight, the Britains haue onelie three prouinces left of
+ all their countrie which before they inhabited, their religion,
+ church, and commonwealth is in decaie, they are gouerned by three
+ kings, Cheulings death is conspired of his owne subiects._
+
+ THE XVIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CRIDA.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: This kingdome began in the yéere 585, as _Matt. Westm._
+ saith.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ About the same time also, and 585 of Christ, the kingdome of Mercia
+ began vnder one Crida, who was descended from Woden, and the tenth
+ from him by lineall extraction. The bounds of this kingdome were of
+ great distance, hauing on the east the sea vnto Humber, and so on the
+ north the said riuer of Humber, and after the riuer of Mercia, which
+ falleth into the west sea at the corner of Wirhall, and so comming
+ about to the riuer of Dee that passeth by Chester, the same riuer
+ bounded it on the west from Wales, and likewise Seuerne vp to Bristow:
+ on the south it had the riuer of Thames, till it came almost to
+ London. And in this sort it contained Lincolneshire, Notingamshire,
+ Derbishire, Chesshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Glocestershire,
+ Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertefordshire, Bedfordshire,
+ Huntingtonshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Warwikeshire.
+
+ ¶ Thus haue ye heard how the Saxons in processe of time remoouing the
+ Britains out of their seats, dailie wan ground of them, till at length
+ they got possession of the best part of this Ile, and erected within
+ the same seuen kingdoms, which were gouerned by seuen seuerall kings,
+ who continued vntill the kings of Westsaxon brought them all at length
+ into one monarchie, as after shall appéere. Matth. Westmin. reckoneth
+ eight kingdoms as thus; The kingdom of Kent, the kingdom of Sussex,
+ the kingdom of Essex, the kingdom of Eastangle, the kingdom of Mercia,
+ the kingdom of Westsex, and the kingdom of Northumberland, which was
+ diuided into two kingdoms, that is to say, into Deira and into
+ Bernicia: wherevnto W. Harison addeth the ninth in the first part of
+ his chronologie, and calleth it Wales.
+
+ [Sidenote: CARETICUS.]
+ After that Malgo or Maglocune was departed this life, one Careticus,
+ or (as some write him) Caretius, was made king of the Britains, and
+ [Sidenote: 586.]
+ began his reigne in the yéere of our Lord 586, which was in the third
+ yéere of the emperour Mauricius, and thirtéenth of Chilperike king of
+ France. This Careticus was a nourisher of ciuill warre and dissention
+ amongst his owne people the Britains, so that he was hated both of God
+ and man, as writers testifie. The Saxons vnderstanding that the
+ Britains were not of one mind, but diuided in partakings, so as one
+ was readie to deuoure an other, thought it good time for them to
+ aduance their conquests, and ceassed not to pursue the Britains by
+ force and continuall warre, till they had constreined them for refuge
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ [Sidenote: See more of this Gurmundus in Ireland.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulf. Cest._]
+ to withdraw into Wales. And as some haue written, the Saxons meaning
+ to make a full conquest of the land, sent ouer into Ireland, requiring
+ one Gurmundus a king of the Affricans to come ouer into Britaine to
+ helpe them against the Britains.
+
+ This Gurmundus appointing his brother Turgesius to pursue the conquest
+ of Ireland, came and arriued heere in Britaine, making such cruell
+ warre in aid of the Saxons against the Britains, that Careticus was
+ constreined to kéepe him within the citie of Chicester or Cirencester,
+ and was there besieged, and at length by continuall assalts and
+ skirmishes, when he had lost manie of his men, he was glad to forsake
+ that citie, and fled into Wales. This Gurmundus tooke Cirencester or
+ Chichester, and destroied it in most cruell maner. Some write, that he
+ tooke this citie by a policie of warre, in binding to the féet of
+ sparrowes which his people had caught, certeine clewes of thred or
+ matches, finelie wrought & tempered with matter readie to take fire,
+ so that the sparrowes being suffered to go out of hand, flue into the
+ towne to lodge themselues within their neasts which they had made in
+ stacks of corne, and eues of houses, so that the towne was thereby set
+ on fire, and then the Britains issuing foorth, fought with their
+ enimies, and were ouercome and discomfited.
+
+ But whilest the battell continued, Careticus stale away, and got him
+ into Wales. After this, the foresaid Gurmundus destroied this land
+ throughout in pitifull wise, and then deliuered it in possession to
+ the Saxons, the which thankfullie receiued it: and because they were
+ descended of those that first came ouer with Hengist, they changed the
+ name of the land, and called it Hengistland, accordinglie as the same
+ Hengist had in times past ordeined: the which name after for
+ shortnesse of spéech was somewhat altered, and so lastlie called
+ England, and the people Englishmen. But rather it may be thought, that
+ sith a great part of those people which came ouer into this land out
+ of Germanie with the said Hengist, and other capteins, were of those
+ Englishmen which inhabited Germanie, about the parts of Thoringhen,
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ they called this land England, after their name, when they had first
+ got habitation within it: and so both the land and people tooke name
+ of them, being called _Angli_, a long time before they entered into
+ this Ile, (as before is shewed out of Cornelius Tacitus and others.)
+ But now to returne where we left.
+
+ [Sidenote: It should séeme that this historie of Gurmundus is but some
+ fained tale except it may be that he was some Dane, Norwegian or
+ Germane.]
+ Of this Gurmundus the old English writers make no mention, nor also
+ anie ancient authors of forren parties: and yet saith the British
+ booke, that after he had conquered this land, and giuen it to the
+ Saxons, he passed ouer into France, and there destroied much of that
+ land, as an enimie to the faith of Christ. For which consideration he
+ was the more readie to come to the aid of the Saxons, who as yet had
+ not receiued the christian faith, but warred against the Britains, as
+ well to destroie the faith of Christ within this land, as to establish
+ to themselues continuall habitations in the same. There be, that
+ omitting to make mention of Gurmundus, write thus of the expelling of
+ the Britains out of this land at that time, when with their king
+ Careticus they got them into Wales.
+
+ [Sidenote: 586.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ In the yéere of Grace 586, Careticus a louer of ciuill warre succéeded
+ Malgo an enimie to God and to the Britains, whose inconstancie when
+ the English and Saxon kings perceiued, with one consent they rose
+ against him, and after manie battels chased him from citie to citie,
+ till at length incountering with him in a pight field, they droue him
+ beyond Seuerne into Wales. Héerevpon clerks and priests were driuen
+ out of their places with bright swoords brandishing in all parts, and
+ fire crackling in churches, wherewith the same were consumed. The
+ remnant of the Britains therefore withdrew into the west parts of the
+ land, that is to say, into Cornwall, and into Wales, out of which
+ countries they oftentimes brake out, and made insurrections vpon the
+ Saxons, the which in maner aforsaid got possession of the chiefest
+ parts of the land, leauing to the Britains onlie three prouinces, that
+ is to say, Cornwall, Southwales, and Northwales, which countries were
+ not easie to be woone, by reason of the thicke woods inuironed with
+ déepe mareshes and waters, and full of high craggie rocks and
+ mounteins.
+
+ The English and Saxon kings hauing thus remooued the Britains,
+ inlarged the bounds of their dominions. There reigned in that season
+ within this land, beside the Britaine kings, eight kings of the
+ English and Saxon nations, as Ethelbert in Kent, Cissa in Sussex,
+ Ceauline in Westsex, Creda or Crida in Mercia, Erkenwine in Essex,
+ Titila in Estangle, Elle in Deira, and Alfrid in Bernicia. In this
+ sort the Britains lost the possession of the more part of their
+ ancient seats, and the faith of Christ thereby was greatlie decaied:
+ for the churches were destroied; and the archbishops of Caerleon
+ Arwiske, London and Yorke withdrew togither with their cleargie into
+ the mounteins and woods within Wales, taking with them the reliks of
+ saints, doubting the same should be destroied by the enimies, and
+ themselues put to death if they should abide in their old habitations.
+ Manie also fled into Britaine Armorike with a great fléete of ships,
+ so that the whole church or congregation (as ye may call it) of the
+ two prouinces, Loegria and Northumberland, was left desolate in that
+ season, to the great hinderance and decaie of the christian religion.
+ Careticus was driuen into Wales (as before is rehearsed) about the
+ second or third yéere of his reigne, and there continued with his
+ Britains, the which ceassed not to indamage the Saxons from time to
+ time as occasion still serued.
+
+ But here is to be noted, that the Britains being thus remoued into
+ Wales and Cornwall, were gouerned afterwards by thrée kings, or rather
+ tyrants, the which ceased not with ciuill warre to seeke others
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ destruction, till finallie (as saith the British booke) they became
+ all subiect vnto Cadwallo, whome Beda nameth Cedwallo. In the meane
+ time, Ceaulinus or Cheuling king of the Westsaxons, through his owne
+ misgouernance and tyrannie, which towards his latter daies he
+ practised, did procure not onelie the Britains, but also his owne
+ subiects to conspire his death, so that ioining in battell with his
+ aduersaries at Wodensdic, in the 33 yeare of his reigne, his armie was
+ discomfited, and he himselfe constreined to depart into exile, and
+ shortlie after ended his life before he could find meanes to be
+ restored.
+
+ ¶ So that we haue here a mirror or liuelie view of a tyrant and a
+ king, wherein there is no lesse ods in the manner of their
+ gouernement, than there is repugnance in their names, or difference in
+ their states. For he seeth but little into the knowledge of toongs,
+ that vnderstandeth not what the office of a king should be, by the
+ composition of his name, the same sounding in Gréeke [Greek:
+ _basileus_], which being resolued is in effect [Greek: _basis
+ la[ou]_], that is, the foundation or stay of the people; from which
+ qualitie when he resulteth, he maketh shipwracke of that goodlie
+ title, and degenerateth into a tyrant, than the which violent and
+ inforced gouernement as there is none more perillous, so is it of all
+ other the least in continuance: this is prooued by historicall
+ obseruation through the course of this historie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Ceolric reigneth ouer the Westsaxons, the Saxons and Britains
+ incounter, Ethelbert king of Kent subdueth the Englishsaxons, he is
+ maried to the French kings daughter vpon cautions of religion, the
+ king imbraceth the gospell, Augustine the moonke and others were sent
+ into this Ile to preach the christian faith, the occasion that moued
+ Gregorie the great to send him, buieng and selling of boies, the
+ Englishmen called Angli commended, Ethelbert causeth Augustine and his
+ fellowes to come before him, they preach to the king and his traine,
+ he granteth them a conuenient seat and competent reliefe in
+ Canturburie, the maner of their going thither and their behauiour
+ there, the king and his people receiue the christian faith, and are
+ baptised._
+
+ THE XIX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CELRIC.]
+ Now after Cheuling, his nephue Celricus or Ceolric that was sonne vnto
+ Cutwine, the sonne of the foresaid Cheuling, reigned as king ouer the
+ Westsaxons fiue yeares & fiue moneths. In like manner the same yeare
+ died Ella or Alla king of Northumberland, after whome succéeded
+ Ethelricus the sonne of Ida, and reigned but fiue yeares, being a man
+ well growne in yeares before he came to be king. About thrée yeeres
+ after this, the Saxons & Britains fought a battell at Wodenesbourne,
+ where the Britains being ranged in good order, the Saxons set vpon
+ them boldlie indéed, but disorderedlie, so that the victorie remained
+ with the Britains. The Saxons the more valiant they had shewed
+ themselues in battell, before that time, so much the more slow and
+ vntowardlie did they shew themselues now in running awaie to saue
+ themselues, so that an huge number of them were slaine. Also about the
+ [Sidenote: 594.]
+ same time died Crida king of Mercia 594, after whome his sonne Wibbas
+ or Wipha succeeded. And after the deceasse of Ethelric, one Edelbert
+ or Edelfride surnamed the wild, succéeded in gouernement of the
+ Northumbers. But to returne to our purpose.
+
+ Ethelbert king of Kent, not discouraged with the euill chance which
+ happened in the beginning, but rather occasioned thereby to learne
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ more experience in feats of warre, prooued so perfect a maister
+ therein, that in processe of time he subdued by force of armes all
+ those English Saxons which lay betwixt the bounds of his countrie, and
+ the riuer of Humber. Also to haue friendship in forraine parts, he
+ procured a wife for himselfe of the French nation, named the ladie
+ Bertha, being king Cheriberts daughter of France; but with condition,
+ that he should permit hir to continue and vse the rites and lawes of
+ christian faith and religion, and to haue a bishop whose name was
+ Luidhard, appointed to come and remaine with hir here in this land for
+ hir better instruction in the lawes of the Lord. So that they two with
+ other of the French nation that came ouer with them remaining in the
+ court, and vsing to serue God in praiers and otherwise, according to
+ the custome of the christian religion, began vndoubtedlie to giue
+ light to the kings mind as yet darkned with the clouds of paganisme,
+ so as the bright beames of the celestiall cléerenes of vnderstanding
+ remooued the thicke mists of his vnbeléefe in tract of time, and
+ prepared his heart to the receiuing of the gospell, which after by
+ heauenlie prouidence was preached to him, by occasion, and in maner as
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 596.]
+ [Sidenote: 47 saith the same author.]
+ followeth. In the yeare of our Lord 596, which was about the 14 yeare
+ of the reigne of the emperour Mauricius, and after the comming of the
+ English Saxons into this land, about an 147 yeares almost complet, the
+ bishop of Rome, Gregorie the first of that name, and surnamed Magnus,
+ sent Augustinus a moonke, with certeine other learned men into this
+ Ile to preach the christian faith vnto the English Saxons, which
+ nation as yet had not receiued the gospell. And here we hold it
+ necessarie to shew how it is recorded by diuer writers, that the first
+ occasion whereby Gregorie was mooued thus to send Augustine into this
+ land, rose by this meanes.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ It chanced (whilest the same Gregorie was as yet but archdeacon of the
+ see of Rome) certeine yoong boies were brought thither to bee sold out
+ of Northumberland, according to the accustomable vse of that countrie,
+ in somuch that as we haue in our time séene (saith W. Mal.) the people
+ of that prouince haue not yet doubted to sell awaie their néere
+ kinsfolke for a small price. When those children which at that time
+ were brought from thence to Rome, had by reason of their excellent
+ beauties and comelie shape of lims and bodie, turned the eies in maner
+ [Sidenote: _Vita Gregorii._]
+ [Sidenote: _magni._]
+ of all the citizens to the beholding of them, it fortuned that
+ Gregorie also came amongst other to behold them, and when he
+ considered and well viewed their faire skins, their swéet visages, and
+ beautifull bushes of their bright and yeallow heares, he demanded out
+ of what region or land they came? Vnto whome answere was made, that
+ they were brought out of Britaine, the inhabitants of which countrie
+ were of the like beautifull aspect. Then he asked whether the men of
+ that countrie were christians, or as yet intangled with blind
+ heathenish errors? Wherevnto it was answered, that they were not
+ christened, but followed the religion of the Gentiles. Whereat
+ Gregorie fetching a déepe sigh, said: Ah, alas that the author of
+ darkenesse dooth as yet possesse men of so brightsome countenances,
+ and that with the grace of such faire shining visages, they beare
+ about minds void of inward grace.
+
+ "Moreouer he demanded by what name the people were called, whereto
+ answere was made, that they were called Angli, that is to say
+ Englishmen. Right woorthilie (saith he) for they haue angels faces,
+ and such as ought to be made fellow-heires with angels in heauen. Then
+ asked he the name of the prouince from whence they were brought, and
+ it was told him they were of Deira. It is well (said he) they are to
+ be deliuered "De ira dei," that is to say, from the ire and wrath of
+ God, and called to the mercie of Christ our Lord. What name (said he)
+ hath the king of that prouince? Wherevnto answere was made that he was
+ called Alla, wherevpon alluding to that name, he said, Alleluia ought
+ to be soong in those parts to the praise and honor of God the
+ creator."
+
+ [Sidenote: Pelagius the second.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ Herevpon comming to Benedict the first of that name (as then bishop of
+ Rome) he required him that some learned men might be sent into England
+ to preach the gospell vnto the Englishmen, offering himselfe to be one
+ of the number. But though Benedict was contented to grant his request,
+ [Sidenote: Pelagius.]
+ yet the Romans had him in such estimation, that they would not consent
+ that he should depart so farre from the citie, so that by them he was
+ at that time staied of that his godlie purpose. Howbeit when he came
+ to be bishop, he thought to performe it though not by himselfe, yet by
+ other: and so Augustine and his fellowes were sent by him about it (as
+ before is said.) By the way, as they were passing in their iournie,
+ such a sudden feare entred into their hearts, that (as some write)
+ [Sidenote: M. Fox.]
+ they returned all. Others write, that Augustine was sent backe to
+ Gregorie, to sue that they might be released of that voiage so
+ dangerous and vncerteine amongst such a barbarous people, whose
+ language they neither knew, nor whose rudenesse they were able to
+ resist. Then Gregorie with pithie perswasions confirming and
+ comforting him, sent him againe with letters vnto the bishop of Arles,
+ willing him to helpe and aid the said Austine and his companie in all
+ what so euer his néede required. Also other letters he directed by the
+ foresaid Austine vnto his fellowes, exhorting them to go forward
+ boldlie in the Lords woorke, as by the tenor of the said epistle here
+ following may appeare.
+
+   "_Gregorie the seruant of Gods servants, to the
+     seruants of our Lord._
+
+ "For as much as it is better not to take good things in hand, than
+ after they be begun, to thinke to reuolt backe from the same againe,
+ therefore now you may not nor cannot (dere children) but with all
+ feruent studie and labour must needs go forward in that good
+ businesse, which thorough the helpe of God you haue well begun.
+ Neither let the wearisomnesse of your iournie, nor the slanderous
+ toongs of men appall you, but that with all instance and feruencie ye
+ proceed and accomplish the thing which the Lord hath ordeined you to
+ take in hand, knowing that your great trauell shall be recompensed
+ with reward of greater glorie hereafter to come. Therefore as we send
+ here Austine to you againe, whome also we haue ordeined to be your
+ gouernour, so doo you humblie obey him in all things, knowing that it
+ shall be profitable for your soules what soeuer at his admonition ye
+ shall doo. Almightie God with his grace defend you, and grant me to
+ see in the eternall countrie the fruit of your labours, though heere I
+ cannot labour in the same fellowship with you togither. The Lord God
+ keepe you safe most deere and welbeloued children. Dated the tenth
+ before the kalends of August, in the reigne of our souereigne lord
+ Mauricius most vertuous emperor, the fourtenth of his empire."
+
+ Thus emboldned and comforted through the good woords and wholesome
+ exhortation of Gregorie, they set forward againe, and spéeding foorth
+ their iournie, first arriued at the Ile of Thanet in Kent in the
+ moneth of Iulie, being in number about fortie persons, of the which
+ diuerse were interpretors, whome they brought with them out of France.
+ These they sent vnto king Ethelbert, signifieng the occasion of their
+ comming, who hearing the messengers within a few daies after, went
+ into that Ile, and there abroad out of anie house sat downe, and
+ caused Augustine and his fellowes to come before him, for he would not
+ come vnder anie roofe with them, sore doubting to be bewitched by
+ them, being persuaded that they were practised in nigromancie. But
+ they comming to him, not by the power of the diuell (as they said) but
+ by the might and power of almightie God, bearing in stéed of a banner
+ [Sidenote: The seuenfold letanies of S. Gregorie were
+ not yet deuised.]
+ a crosse of siluer, and an image of our Lord and Sauiour painted in a
+ table, and thereto singing the letanies, made intercession vnto the
+ Lord for the euerlasting preseruation of themselues, and of all them
+ for whome and to whome they came.
+
+ Now when they being set downe by commandement of the king, had
+ preached the woord of life to him, and to all those that came thither
+ with him, he made them this answer, that their woords and promises
+ were good: but for as much as the same were new & vncerteine to him
+ that had béen brought vp in the contrarie doctrine, he could not
+ rashlie assent to their admonitions, & leaue that beléefe which he and
+ the English nation had so long a time obserued and kept: but (said he)
+ because ye haue trauelled farre, to the intent to make vs partakers of
+ those things which ye beléeue to be most true and perfect, we will
+ thus much graunt vnto you, that ye shall be receiued into this
+ countrie, and haue harbrough, with all things sufficient found vnto
+ you for your maintenance and sustentation: neither will we hinder you,
+ but that ye may by preaching associat and ioine as manie of our
+ subiects as you can vnto your law and beléefe. They had therefore
+ assigned vnto them a place to lodge in within the citie of
+ Canturburie, which was the head citie of all his dominion. It is said
+ that as they approched the citie according to their maner, they had a
+ crosse borne before them, with an image of our Lord Iesus Christ, and
+ they followed, singing this letanie, "Deprecamur te Domine in omni
+ misericordia tua, vt auferatur furor tuus & ira tua à ciuitate ista &
+ de domo sancta tua, quoniam peccauimus: Alleluia." _That is to say_,
+ We beseech thee Ô Lord in all thy mercie that thy furie and wrath may
+ be taken from this citie, and from thy holie house, for we haue
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ sinned. Praise be to thee Ô Lord.--After they were receiued into
+ Canturburie, they began to follow the trade of life which the apostles
+ vsed in the primitiue church, that is to say, exercising themselues in
+ continuall praier, watching, and preaching to as manie as they could,
+ despising all worldlie things, as not belonging to them, receiuing
+ onelie of them (whome they taught) things necessarie for the
+ sustenance of their life, & liuing in all points according to the
+ doctrine which they set forth, hauing their minds readie to suffer in
+ patience all aduersities what so euer, yea and death it selfe, for the
+ [Sidenote: The christian faith receiued of the Englishmen.]
+ confirming of that which they now preached. Herevpon, manie of the
+ English people beléeued and were baptised, hauing in great reuerence
+ the simplicitie of those men, and the swéetenesse of their heauenlie
+ doctrine. There was a church néere to the citie on the east part
+ thereof dedicated to the honor of saint Martine, and builded of old
+ time whilest the Romans as yet inhabited Britaine, in the which the
+ quéene, being (as we haue said) a christian, vsed to make hir praiers.
+ To this church Austine and his fellowes at their first comming
+ accustomed to resort, and there to sing, to praie, to saie masse, to
+ preach and to baptise, till at length the king being conuerted,
+ granted them licence to preach in euerie place, and to build and
+ restore churches where they thought good. After that the king being
+ persuaded by their doctrine, good examples giuing, and diuers miracles
+ shewed, was once baptised, the people in great numbers began to giue
+ eare vnto the preaching of the gospell, and renouncing their
+ [Sidenote: _Lib._ 7. _cap._ 26.]
+ heathenish beléefe, became christians, in so much that as Gregorie
+ remembreth, there were baptised ten thousand persons in one day, being
+ the feast of the natiuitie of our Sauiour 597, and the first
+ indiction.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ ¶ Some write how this should chance toward the latter end of
+ Augustines daies, after he was admitted to preach the gospell amongst
+ them that inhabited about Yorke (as some write) which affirme, that
+ the said number of ten thousand was baptised in the riuer of Suale,
+ which (as W. Harison saith) cannot be verified, because of the
+ indiction and death of Gregorie. But to procéed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Religion is not to be inforced but perswaded and preached, Augustine
+ is made archbishop of England, Gregorie informeth Augustine of
+ certeine ordinances to be made and obserued in the new English church,
+ as the reuenewes of the church to be diuided into foure parts, of
+ liturgie, of mariage, of ecclesiasticall discipline and ordeining of
+ bishops: trifling questions objected by Augustine to Gregorie, fellow
+ helpers are sent ouer to assist. Augustine in his ministerie, he
+ receiueth his pall, reformation must be doone by little and little,
+ not to glorie in miracles, the effect of Gregories letters to K.
+ Ethelbert after his conuersion to christianitie._
+
+ THE XX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 1. _cap._ 26. and 27.]
+ King Ethelbert reioised at the conuersion of his people, howbeit he
+ would not force anie man to be baptised, but onelie shewed by his
+ behauiour, that he fauored those that beléeued more than other, as
+ fellow citizens with him of the heauenlie kingdome: for he learned of
+ them that had instructed him in the faith, that the obedience due to
+ Christ ought not to be inforced, but to come of good will. Moreouer he
+ prouided for Augustine and his fellowes a conuenient place for their
+ habitation within the citie of Canturburie, and further gaue them
+ [Sidenote: Augustine ordeined archbishop of the English nation.]
+ necessarie reuenewes in possession for their maintenance. After that
+ the faith of Christ was thus receiued of the English men, Augustine
+ went into France, and there of the archbishop of Arles named Etherius
+ was ordeined archbishop of the English nation, according to the order
+ prescribed by Gregorie before the departure of the said Augustine from
+ Rome.
+
+ [Sidenote: Laurence a priest.]
+ After his returne into Britaine, he sent Laurence a priest, and Péeter
+ a moonke vnto Rome, to giue knowledge vnto Gregorie the bishop, how
+ the Englishmen had receiued the faith, and that he was ordeined
+ archbishop of the land, according to that he had commanded, if the
+ woorke prospered vnder his hand as it had doone. He also required to
+ haue Gregories aduice touching certéine ordinances to be made and
+ obserued in the new church of England. Wherevpon Gregorie, sending
+ backe the messengers, wrote an answere vnto all his demands. And first
+ touching the conuersation of archbishops with the clergie, and in what
+ sort the church goods ought to be imploied, he declared that the
+ ancient custome of the apostolike see was to giue commandement vnto
+ [Sidenote: The reuenewes of the church to be diuided into 4. parts.]
+ bishops ordeined, that the profits and reuenewes of their benefices
+ ought to be diuided into foure parts, whereof the first should be
+ appointed to the bishop and his familie for the maintenance of
+ hospitalitie: the second should be assigned to the clergie: the third
+ giuen to the poore: and the fourth imploied vpon repairing of temples.
+
+ [Sidenote: Liturgie.]
+ And whereas in the church of Rome one custome in saieng masse or the
+ [Sidenote: Church seruice.]
+ liturgie was obserued, and another custome in France; concerning such
+ church seruice, Gregorie aduised Austine that if he found anie thing
+ either in the church of Rome, either in the church of France, or in
+ anie other church which might most please the almightie God, he should
+ diligentlie choose it out, and instruct the church of England (now
+ being new) according to that forme which he should gather foorth of
+ the said churches: for the things are not loued for the places sake,
+ but the places for the things sake. Also for punishing of such as had
+ [Sidenote: Such as did steale.]
+ stolen things out of churches, so néere as might be, the offender
+ should be chastised in charitie, so as he might know his fault, and
+ (if it were possible) restore the thing taken away.
+
+ [Sidenote: Mariages.]
+ And touching degrées in mariage, Englishmen might take to their wiues,
+ women that touched them in the third and fourth degrée without
+ reprehension, and if any vnlawfull mariages were found amongst the
+ Englishmen, as if the sonne had maried the fathers wife, or the
+ brother the brothers wife, they ought to be warned in anie wise to
+ absteine, and vnderstand it to be a gréeuous sinne: yet should they
+ not for that thing be depriued of the communion of the bodie and bloud
+ of our Lord, least those things might séeme to be punished in them
+ wherein they had offended (before their conuersion to the christian
+ [Sidenote: Discipline of the church.]
+ faith) by ignorance; for at this season the church (saith he)
+ correcteth some things of a feruent earnestnesse, suffreth some things
+ of a gentle mildnes, and dissembleth some things of a prudent
+ consideration, and so beareth and winketh at the same, that oftentimes
+ the euill which she abhorreth by such bearing and dissembling, is
+ restrained and reformed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ordeining of bishops.]
+ Moreouer touching the ordeining of bishops, he would they should be so
+ placed, that the distance of place might not be a let, but that when a
+ bishop should be consecrated, there might be thrée or foure present.
+ Also touching the bishops of France, he willed Augustine in no wise to
+ intermeddle with them, otherwise than by exhortation and good
+ admonition to be giuen, but not to presume anie thing by authoritie,
+ sith the archbishop of Arles had receiued the pall in times past,
+ whose authoritie he might not diminish, least he should séeme to put
+ his sickle into another mans haruest. But as for the bishops of
+ Britaine, he committed them vnto him, that the vnlearned might be
+ taught, the weake with wholesome persuasions strengthened, and the
+ [Sidenote: Women with child.]
+ froward by authoritie reformed. Moreouer, that a woman with child
+ might be baptised, and she that was deliuered after 33 daies of a
+ manchild, and after 46 daies of a womanchild, should be purified, but
+ yet might she enter the church before, if she would.
+
+ [Sidenote: Matters in question about trifles.]
+
+   The residue of Augustines demands consisted in these points, to wit:
+
+   1  Within what space a child should be christened after
+   it was borne, for doubt to be preuented by death?
+
+   2  Within what time a man might companie with his wife
+   after she was brought to bed?
+
+   3  Whether a woman, hauing hir floures, might enter the
+   church, or receiue the communion?
+
+   4  Whether a man hauing had companie with his wife, might
+   enter the church, or receiue the communion before he was washed with
+   water?
+
+   5  Whether after pollusion by night in dreames, a man might
+   receiue the communion: or if he were a priest, whether he might say
+   masse?
+
+ To these questions Gregorie maketh answere at full in the booke and
+ place before cited, which for bréefenesse we passe ouer. He sent also
+ at that time with the messengers aforesaid, at their returne into
+ England, diuers learned men to helpe Augustine in the haruest of
+ [Sidenote: Assistance to Augustine.]
+ [Sidenote: The pall.]
+ the Lord. The names of the chiefest were these, Melitus, Iustus,
+ Paulinus, and Ruffinianus. He sent allso the pall, which is the
+ ornament of an archbishop, with vessels and apparell which should be
+ vsed in churches by the archbishop and other ministers. He sent also
+ with the pall other letters to Augustine, to let him vnderstand what
+ number of bishops he would haue him to ordeine within this land. Also
+ after that Melitus, and the other before mentioned persons were
+ departed from Rome, he sent a letter vnto the same Melitus, being yet
+ on his way toward Britaine, touching further matter concerning the
+ [Sidenote: Bearing with them that had newlie receiued the faith,
+ whereof superstition grew and increased.]
+ churches of England, wherein he confesseth that manie things are
+ permitted to be vsed of the people latelie brought from the errors of
+ gentilitie, in keeping feasts on the dedication daies, which haue
+ resemblance with the old superstitious rites of the Pagan religion.
+ For to hard and obstinate minds (saith he) it is not possible to cut
+ away all things at once, for he that coueteth to the highest place,
+ goeth vp by steps and not by leaps.
+
+ [Sidenote: Miracles.]
+ At the same time Gregorie did send letters vnto Augustine touching the
+ miracles, which by report he vnderstood were shewed by the same
+ Augustine, counselling him in no wise to glorie in the same, but
+ rather in reioising to feare, and consider that God gaue him the gift
+ to worke such signes for the wealth of them to whom he was sent to
+ preach the gospell: he aduised him therefore to beware of vaine-glorie
+ and presumption, for the disciples of the truth (saith he) haue no
+ ioy, but onlie that which is common with all men, of which there is no
+ end, for not euerie one that is elect worketh miracles, but euerie of
+ the elect haue their names written in heauen. These letters, with the
+ other which Gregorie sent at this time vnto Augustine, were dated the
+ tenth day of the kalends of Iulie, in the yéere of our Lord 602, which
+ was the 19 yeere of the emperour Mauricius. Moreouer he sent most
+ [Sidenote: 602.]
+ courteous letters by these messengers to king Ethelbert, in the which
+ he greatlie commended him, in that he had receiued the christian
+ faith, and exhorted him to continue in that most holie state of life,
+ whereby he might worthilie looke for reward at the hands of almightie
+ God.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _What reparations and foundations Augustine finished for clergimen to
+ the supportation of the church, the building of Paules in London and
+ saint Peters in Westminster vncerteine, a prouinciall councell called
+ by Augustine, he restoreth a blind man to his sight, the Britains are
+ hardlie weaned from their old custome of beliefe, an heremits opinion
+ of Augustine, he requireth three things to be obserued of the
+ Britains, he ordeineth bishops at London and Rochester; Sabert
+ reigneth ouer the Eastsaxons, Augustine dieth and is buried._
+
+ THE XXJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Thus farre we haue waded in the forme and maner of conuerting the
+ English nation to christianitie, by the labours of Augustine and his
+ coadiutors: now therefore (that we may orderlie procéed) it remaineth
+ that we say somewhat of the acts and déeds of the said Augustine; of
+ whom we read, that after he was established archbishop, and had his
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ sée appointed him at Canturburie, he restored another church in that
+ citie which had béene erected there in times past by certeine of the
+ Romans that were christians, and did dedicate the same now to the
+ honour of Christ our Sauiour. He also began the foundation of a
+ monasterie without that citie, standing toward the east, in the which
+ by his exhortation, king Ethelbert built a church euen from the
+ ground, which was dedicated vnto the holie apostles Peter and Paule,
+ in the which the bodie of the said Augustine was buried, and likewise
+ the bodies of all the archbishops of Canturburie and kings of Kent a
+ [Sidenote: One Peter was the first Abbat.]
+ long time after. This abbie was called saint Austins after his name,
+ one Peter being the first abbat thereof. The church there was not
+ consecrated by Augustine, but by his successor Laurence, after he was
+ dead.
+
+ Moreouer, king Ethelbert at the motion of Augustine built a church in
+ the citie of London (which he latelie had conquered) and dedicated it
+ vnto saint Paule; but whether he builded or restored this church of
+ saint Paule it may be doubted, for there be diuers opinions of the
+ building thereof. Some haue written that it was first builded by king
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ Lud (as before is mentioned.) Other againe write, that it was builded
+ afterward by Sigebert king of the Eastsaxons. Also king Ethelbert
+ builded the church of saint Andrews in Rochester. It is likewise
+ remembred by writers, that the same king Ethelbert procured a citizen
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ of London to build a church to S. Peter without the citie of London
+ toward the west, in a place then called Thorney, that is to say, the
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: Westminster church builded.]
+ Ile of thorns, and now called Westminster: though others haue written
+ that it was built by Lucias king of Britaine, or rather by Sibert king
+ of the Eastsaxons. This church was either newlie built, or greatlie
+ inlarged by king Edward surnamed the Confessor, and after that, the
+ third Henrie king of England did make there a beautifull monasterie,
+ and verie richlie indowed the same with great possessions and
+ sumptuous iewels. The place was ouergrowne with vnderwoods, as thornes
+ and brambles, before that the church was begun to be builded there in
+ this king Ethelberts daies. ¶ Thus the faith of Christ being once
+ begun to be receiued of the English men, tooke woonderfull increase
+ within a short time.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Sigebertus.]
+ [Sidenote: ann. 19 Mauricij imperatoris.]
+ [Sidenote: A synod.]
+ [Sidenote: Ausines oke.]
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid. lib._ 8. _cap._ 4.]
+ In the meane season by the helpe of king Ethelbert, Augustine caused a
+ councell to be called at a place in the confines of the Westsaxons,
+ which place long after was called Austines oke, where he procured the
+ bishops or doctors of the prouinces of the Britains to come before
+ him. Among the Britains or the Welshmen, christianitie as yet remained
+ in force, which from the apostles time had neuer failed in that
+ nation. When Augustine came into this land, he found in their
+ prouinces seuen bishops sées, and an archbishops sée, wherein sat
+ verie godlie & right religious prelats, and manie abbats, in the which
+ the Lords flocke kept their right order: but because they differed in
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 2. _ca._ 2.]
+ obseruing the feast of Easter, and other rites from the vse of the
+ Romane church, Augustine thought it necessarie to mooue them to agrée
+ with him in vnitie of the same, but after long disputation and
+ reasoning of those matters, they could not be induced to giue their
+ assent in that behalfe. Augustine to prooue his opinion good, wrought
+ a miracle in restoring sight to one of the Saxon nation that was
+ blind.
+
+ The Britains that were present, mooued with this miracle, confessed
+ that it was the right waie of iustice and righteousnesse which
+ Augustine taught; but yet they said that they might not forsake their
+ ancient customs without consent and licence of their nation. Wherevpon
+ [Sidenote: Another synod.]
+ they required another synod to be holden, whereat a greater number of
+ them might be present. This being granted, there came (as it is
+ reported) seuen bishops of the Britains, and a great number of learned
+ [Sidenote: The monasterie of Bangor.]
+ [Sidenote: Abbat Dionoth.]
+ men, speciallie of the famous monasterie of Bangor, whereof in those
+ daies one Dionoth was abbat, who as they went towards that councell,
+ came first to a certeine wise man, which liued amongst them an
+ heremits life, and asked his aduise, whether they ought to forsake
+ their traditions at the preaching of Augustine or not: who made this
+ answer; "If he be the man of God, follow him." Then said they; "How
+ shall we prooue whether he be so or not?" Then said he: "The Lord
+ [Sidenote: The answer of a godlie man touching Austine the Englishmens
+ apostle.]
+ saith, Take vp my yoke and learne of me, for I am méeke & humble in
+ hart: if Augustine be humble and meeke in hart, it is to be beléeued
+ that he also beareth the yoke of Christ, and offereth it to you to
+ beare; but if he be not méeke but proud, it is certeine that he is not
+ of GOD, nor his woord to be regarded." "And how shall we sée and
+ perceiue that (said they?)" "Find meanes (said he) that he maie first
+ come to the place of the synod with those of his side, and if he arise
+ to receiue you at your comming, then know that he is the seruant of
+ God, and obey him; but if he despise you, and arise not towards you,
+ whereas you be more in number, let him be despised of you."
+
+ They did as he commanded, and it chanced, that when they came, they
+ found Augustine sitting in his chaire: whome when they beheld,
+ straightwaies they conceiued indignation, and noting him of pride,
+ laboured to reprooue all his saiengs. He told them that they vsed
+ [Sidenote: Thrée things required by Augustine of the Britains to be
+ observed.]
+ manie things contrarie to the custom of the vniuersall church, and yet
+ if in thrée things they would obeie him, that is to say, in kéeping
+ the feast of Easter in due time, in ministring baptisme according to
+ the custome of the Romane church, & in preaching to the Englishmen the
+ woord of life with him & his fellowes, then would he be contented to
+ suffer all other things patientlie which they did, though the same
+ were contrarie to the maners and customs of the Romane iurisdiction.
+ But they flatlie denied to doo anie of those things, and gaue a plaine
+ answer that they would not receiue him for their archbishop: for
+ laieng their heads togither, thus they thought, If he refuse now to
+ arise vnto vs, how much the more will he contemne vs if we should
+ [Sidenote: Augustine threatneth.]
+ become subiect to him? Vnto whom (as it is said) Augustine in
+ threatening wise told them afore hand, that if they would not receiue
+ peace with their brethren, they should receiue warre of the enimies; &
+ if they would not preach to the Englishmen the waie of life, they
+ should suffer punishment by death at the hands of them: which thing in
+ [Sidenote: 604.]
+ [Sidenote: Bishops ordeined at London and Rochester.]
+ deed after came to passe, as in place conuenient shall be expressed.
+ After this in the yéere of our Lord 604, the archbishop Augustine
+ ordeined two bishops, that is to say, Melitus at London, that he might
+ preach the woord of God to the Eastsaxons, which were diuided from
+ them of Kent by the riuer of Thames, and Iustus in the citie of
+ Rochester within the limits of Kent.
+
+ [Sidenote: SABERT.]
+ At that time Sabert reigned ouer the Eastsaxons, but he was subiect
+ vnto Ethelbert king of Kent, whose nephue he was also by his sister
+ Ricula that was married vnto king Sledda that succéeded after
+ Erchenwine the first king of the Eastsaxons, and begat on hir this
+ Sabert that receiued the faith. After that Augustine had ordeined
+ Melitus to be bishop of London, as before is said, king Ethelbert
+ builded (as some write) the church of saint Paule within the same
+ citie, where the same Melitus and his successors might keepe their
+ sée. And also for the like purpose he builded the church of saint
+ Andrew the apostle at Rochester, that Iustus and his successors might
+ haue their sée in that place, according to Augustines institution: he
+ bestowed great gifts vpon both those churches, endowing them with
+ lands and possessions verie bountifullie, to the vse of them that
+ should be attendant in the same with the bishops.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cestren._]
+ Finallie, Augustine after he had gouerned as archbishop the church of
+ Canturburie by the space of 12 yéeres currant, departed this life the
+ fiue and twentieth of Maie, and was buried first without the citie
+ néere to the church of the apostles Peter and Paule (whereof mention
+ is made before) bicause the same church as yet was not finished nor
+ dedicated; but after it was dedicated, his bodie was brought into the
+ church, and reuerentlie buried in the north Ile there. He ordeined in
+ his life time Laurence to be his successor in the sée of Canturburie,
+ of whome ye shall heare hereafter. ¶ Thus haue ye heard in what maner
+ the Englishmen were first brought from the worshipping of false gods,
+ and baptised in the name of the liuing God by the foresaid Augustine
+ (as we find in Beda and other writers.) Now we will returne to other
+ dooings chancing in the meane time amongst the people of this Ile.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Ceowlfe or Ceoloulph gouerneth the Westsaxons, Ceorlus king of
+ Mercia, Edelfride king of the Northumbers, and Edan king of the Scots
+ ioine in battell, Edan is discomfited, Edelfride subdueth the citizens
+ of Chester, the deuout moonks of Bangor praie for safetie from the
+ swoord of the enimie, twelue hundred of them are slaine, Edelfride
+ entreth the citie of Chester, the Britains assembling their power
+ vnder three capteins incounter with Edelfride, slaie manie of his
+ souldiers, and put him to flight, warres betweene Edelfride and
+ Redwald king of the Eastangles about Edwine the sonne of king Elle,
+ Edelfride is slaine, Ceowlfe king of the Westsaxons dieth._
+
+ THE XXIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 34.]
+ After the deceasse of Chelricus king of the Westsaxons, we find that
+ Ceowlfe or Ceoloulph succéeded in gouernment of that kingdome, and
+ reigned twelue yéeres. He began his reigne (as should appéere by some
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 607.]
+ writers) about the yeere of our Lord 597, and spent his time for the
+ more part in warres, not giuing place to idlenesse, but séeking either
+ to defend or inlarge the confines of his dominion. He was the sonne of
+ Cutha, which was the sonne of Kenrike, which was the sonne of Certike.
+ After Wibba or Wipha king of Mercia (who, nothing inferiour to his
+ father, did not onelie defend his kingdome, but also inlarge it, by
+ [Sidenote: Ceorlus king of Mercia.]
+ subduing the Britains on ech side) one Ceorlus succéeded in that
+ kingdome, being not his sonne but his kinsman. This Ceorlus began his
+ [Sidenote: 594.]
+ reigne about the yéere of our Lord 594, as Matth. West. recordeth.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Edelferd.]
+ Ye haue heard that Edelferd, which otherwise is called also by writers
+ Edelfride, surnamed the wild, gouerned still the Northumbers, which
+ Edelferd did more damage to the Britains than anie one other king of
+ the English nation. None of them destroied their countries more than
+ he did: neither did anie prince make more of the Britains tributaries,
+ or inhabited more of their countries with English people than he.
+ Héerevpon Edan king of those Scots which inhabited Britaine, being
+ therewith mooued to see Edelfride prosper thus in his conquests, came
+ against him with a mightie armie: but ioining in battell with
+ Edelfride and his power, at a place called Degsastane, or Degsastone,
+ or Deglaston, he lost the most part of his people, and with the
+ residue that were left aliue, he escaped by flight. This was a sore
+ foughten battell, with much bloudshed on both parties. For
+ notwithstanding that the victorie remained with the Northumbers,
+ Theobaldus the brother of Edelferd was slaine, with all that part of
+ [Sidenote: 603.]
+ the English host which he gouerned: and it was fought in the yéere of
+ our Lord 603, in the 19 yeere of the reigne of the foresaid Edelferd,
+ and in the sixt yéere of Ceowlfe king of the Westsaxons, and in the
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 1. _cap._ 34.]
+ first yéere of the emperor Phocas, or rather in the last yéere of his
+ predecessor Mauricius. From that day, till the daies of Beda, not one
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Sée in Scotland.]
+ of the Scotish kings durst presume to enter into Britaine againe to
+ giue battell against the English nation, as Beda himselfe writeth. But
+ the Scotish writers make other report of this matter, as in the
+ historie of Scotland ye maie find recorded.
+
+ The Britains that dwelt about Chester, through their stoutnesse
+ prouoked the aforesaid Edelferd king of the Northumbers vnto warre:
+ wherevpon to tame their loftie stomachs, he assembled an armie & came
+ forward to besiege the citie of Chester, then called of the Britains
+ [Sidenote: Chester as yet in possession of the Britains.]
+ [Sidenote: _I. Leland._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Carleon ardour deué. The citizens coueting rather to suffer all things
+ than a siege, and hauing a trust in their great multitude of people,
+ came foorth to giue batell abroad in the fields, whome he compassing
+ about with ambushes, got within his danger, and easilie discomfited.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ It chanced that he had espied before the battell ioined (as Beda
+ saith) where a great number of the British priests were got aside into
+ a place somewhat out of danger, that they might there make their
+ intercession to God for the good spéed of their people, being then
+ readie to giue battell to the Northumbers. Manie of them were of that
+ [Sidenote: The number of moonks in the monasterie of Bangor.]
+ famous monasterie of Bangor, in the which it is said, that there was
+ such a number of moonks, that where they were diuided into seuen
+ seuerall parts, with their seuerall gouernors appointed to haue rule
+ ouer them, euerie of those parts conteined at the least thrée hundred
+ persons, the which liued altogither by the labour of their hands.
+ Manie therefore of those moonks hauing kept a solemne fast for thrée
+ daies togither, were come to the armie with other to make praier,
+ [Sidenote: Brocmale.]
+ hauing for their defender one Brocmale or Broemael, earle (or consull
+ as some call him) of Chester, which should preserue them (being giuen
+ to praier) from the edge of the enimies swoord.
+
+ King Edelferd hauing (as is said) espied these men, asked what they
+ were, and what their intent was; and being informed of the whole
+ circumstance and cause of their being there, he said; "Then if they
+ call to their God for his assistance against vs, suerlie though they
+ beare no armour, yet doo they fight against vs, being busied in praier
+ for our destruction." Wherevpon he commanded the first onset to be
+ [Sidenote: The Britains discomfited & slaine.]
+ giuen them, and after slue downe the residue of the British armie, not
+ without great losse of his owne people. Of those moonks and priests
+ which came to praie (as before is mentioned) there died at that
+ battell about the number of 12 hundred, so that fiftie of them onelie
+ escaped by flight. Brocmale, or Broemael at the first approch of the
+ enimies, turning his backe with his companie, left them (whom he
+ should haue defended) to be murthered through the enimies swoord. Thus
+ was the prophesie of Augustine fulfilled, though he was long before
+ departed this life (as Beda saith.)
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ ¶ Héere is to be noted, if this battell was fought in the seuenth
+ yéere of Ceowlfe king of Westsaxon (as some haue written) and that
+ Augustine liued 12 yéeres after his entrance into the gouernment of
+ the sée of Canturburie (as some write) it is euident that he liued
+ foure yéeres after this slaughter made of the British priests and
+ moonks by Edelferd (as before is recited.) For Ceowlfe began his
+ reigne (as before is mentioned) about the yéere of our Lord 596, and
+ in the seuenth yeere of his reigne the battell was fought at
+ [Sidenote: _W. Harison._]
+ hauing for their defender the Scots, which chanced in the yéere of our
+ Lord 604, as Beda himselfe recordeth. A late chronographer running
+ vpon this matter, and preciselie setting downe his collection, saith
+ that Athelbright, or Edelfride, K. of the Northumbers, & Ethelbert K.
+ of Kent, hauing Augustine in their companie, in the eight yéere after
+ his arriuall, made warre vpon such Britains as refused to obserue the
+ canons of the late councell mentioned 603, and killed 1200 moonks of
+ the monasterie of Bangor, which laboured earnestlie, and in the sweat
+ of their browes, thereby to get their liuings, &c. Verelie Galf. Mon.
+ writeth, that Ethelbert king of Kent (after he saw the Britains to
+ disdaine and denie their subiection vnto Augustine, by whome he was
+ conuerted to the christian faith) stirred vp Edelferd king of the
+ [Sidenote: _Acts and monuments, pag._ 160.]
+ Northumbers to warre against the Britains. But heereof Maister Fox
+ doubteth, and therefore saith, that of vncerteine things he hath
+ nothing certeinlie to saie, much lesse to iudge. But now to the matter
+ where we left.
+
+ After that king Edelferd had made slaughter of the Britains (as before
+ is rehearsed) he entred the citie of Chester, and from thence marched
+ towards Bangor. The Britains in the meane time had assembled their
+ [Sidenote: Blederike duke of Cornwall, Margadud king of Southwales,
+ Cadwane k. of Northwales.]
+ power vnder thrée capteins, that is to say, Blederike duke of
+ Cornewall, Margadud king of Southwales, and Cadwane king of
+ Northwales. These ioining in battell with Edelferd, slue 10066 of his
+ souldiers, and constreined him to flée out of the field for safegard
+ of his life, after he had receiued manie wounds. On the part of the
+ Britains the forsaid Blederike, which was chiefe capteine of the field
+ [Sidenote: _Galf. Mon._]
+ in that battell, chanced to be slaine. Thus saith Gal. Mon.
+
+ But the ancient writers of the English kings (as Beda, William
+ Malmesburie, and Henrie Huntington), make no mention of this last
+ battell and victorie obteined by the Britains in maner as aboue is
+ expressed in Galfrids booke. But contrarilie we find, that Edelferd
+ hauing such good successe in his businesse abroad as he could wish,
+ [Sidenote: Edwine the sonne of king Alla banished.]
+ vpon purpose to auoid danger at home, banished Edwine the sonne of
+ Alla or Elle, a yoong gentleman of great towardnesse, latelie come to
+ the kingdome of the Northumbers by the death of his father. But this
+ Edwine in time of his exile, being long tossed from place to place,
+ and finding no stedfast friendship now in time of his aduersitie, at
+ length came to Redwald, that was king at that time of the Eastangles,
+ the third from Vffa, and successor to Titullus, which Titullus did
+ [Sidenote: 592.]
+ succéed next after the said Vffa, the first king of Eastangles (as
+ before is mentioned.) This Redwald did verie honourablie interteine
+ [Sidenote: Edelferd.]
+ Edwine, insomuch that Edelferd being informed thereof, was highlie
+ displeased, and sent ambassadors vnto Redwald, to require him either
+ to deliuer Edwine into his hands, or else if he refused so to doo, to
+ declare and denounce vnto him open warres.
+
+ Redwald incouraged by his wife (that counselled him in no wise to
+ betraie his friend, to whome he had giuen his faith, for the menaces
+ of his enimie) assembled foorthwith an armie, and at the sudden
+ comming vpon Edelferd, assaulted him yer he could haue time to
+ [Sidenote: 542.]
+ assemble his people togither. But yet the said Edelferd, though he
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ was beset and brought in danger at vnwares, died not vnreuenged: for
+ putting himselfe in defense with such power as he could then get
+ togither, he boldlie incountred the enimies, and giuing battell, slue
+ [Sidenote: Ethelferd slaine.]
+ Remerius the sonne of Redwald, and after was slaine himselfe, hauing
+ reigned ouer the Northumbers about 22 yéeres. This battell was fought
+ néere to the water of Idle.
+
+ The said Edelferd had issue by his wife Acca, the daughter of Alla,
+ and sister to Edwine, two sonnes, Oswald being about two yéeres of
+ age, and Oswin about foure yéeres, the which (their father being thus
+ slaine) were by helpe of their gouernours conueied awaie into Scotland
+ with all spéed that might be made. Ceowlfe king of the Westsaxons,
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 34.]
+ after he had reigned the space of 12 yeeres, departed this life, who
+ in his time had mainteined great warre against manie of his
+ neighbours, the which for briefenesse I passe ouer. One great battell
+ [Sidenote: The Southsaxons susteine the greater losse.]
+ he fought against them of Sussex, in which the armies on both sides
+ sustained great damage, but the greater losse fell to the Southsaxons.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cinegiscus and his sonne Richelinus reigne iointlie ouer the
+ Westsaxons, they fight with the Britains; the indeuour of Laurence
+ archbishop of Canturburie in setting religion at large, and seeking a
+ vniformitie in catholike orders, he and his fellow-bishops write to
+ the cleargie of Britaine and Scotland for a reformation, Melitus
+ bishop of London goeth to Rome, the cause why, and what he brought at
+ his returns from pope Boniface._
+
+ THE XXIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CINEGISCUS.]
+ After the foresaid Ceowlfe reigned Cinegiscus, or Kingils, which was
+ the sonne of Ceola, which was the sonne of Cutha or Cutwin, which was
+ the sonne of Kenricke, which was the sonne of king Certicke. In the
+ fourth yéere of his reigne, he receiued into fellowship with him in
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._ saith that Onichelinus was the brother of
+ Cinegiscus.]
+ gouernance of the kingdome his sonne Richelinus, or Onichelinus, and
+ so they reigned iointlie togither in great loue and concord (a thing
+ [Sidenote: Beandune or Beanton.]
+ seldome séene or heard of.) They fought with the Britains at Beandune,
+ where at the first approch of the battels togither, the Britains fled,
+ but too late, for there died of them that were ouertaken 2062.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 2. _cap._ 4.]
+ In this meane time, Laurence archbishop of Canturburie, who succéeded
+ next after Augustine, admitted thereto by him in his life time (as
+ before is said) did his indeuour to augment and bring to perfection
+ the church of England, the foundation whereof was latelie laid by his
+ predecessor the foresaid Augustine: who studied not onelie for the
+ increase of this new church, which was gathered of the English people,
+ but also he was busie to imploie his pastorlike cure vpon the people
+ that were of the old inhabitants of Britaine, and likewise of the
+ Scots that remained in Ireland. For when he had learned that the Scots
+ there, in semblable wise as the Britains in their countrie, led not
+ their liues in manie points according to the ecclesiasticall rules, as
+ well in obseruing the feast of Easter contrarie to the vse of the
+ Romane church, as in other things, he wrote vnto those Scots letters
+ exhortatorie, requiring them most instantlie to an vnitie of catholike
+ orders as might be agréeable with the church of Christ, spred and
+ dispersed through the world. These letters were not written onelie in
+ his owne name, but iointlie togither in the name of the bishops
+ Melitius and Iustus, (as followeth.)
+
+ "_To our deare brethren the bishops and abbats through all Scotland,
+ Laurence, Melitus and Iustus bishops, the seruants of the seruants of
+ God wish health._
+
+ "WHEREAS the apostolike see (according to hir maner) had sent vs to
+ preach vnto the heathen people in these west parts, as otherwise
+ throgh the world, and that it chanced to vs to enter into this Ile
+ which is called Britaine, before we knew & vnderstood the state of
+ things, we had in great reuerence both the Scots & Britains, which
+ beléeued, bicause (as we tooke the matter) they walked according to
+ the custome of the vniuersall church: but after we had knowledge of
+ the Britains, we iudged the Scots to be better. But we haue learned by
+ bishop Daganus comming into this Ile, and by Columbanus the abbat
+ comming into France, that the Scots nothing differ in their
+ conuersation from the Britains: for bishop Daganus comming vnto vs,
+ would neither eat with vs, no nor yet come within the house where we
+ did eat."
+
+ The said Laurence also with his fellow-bishops, did write to the
+ Britains other letters woorthie of his degrée, dooing what he could to
+ confirme them in the vnitie of the Romane church: but it profited
+ litle, as appeareth by that which Beda writeth. About the same time
+ Melitus the bishop of London went to Rome, to common with pope
+ Boniface, for necessarie causes touching the church of England, and
+ was present at a synod holden by the same pope at that season, for
+ ordinances to be made touching the state of religious men, and sate in
+ the same synod, that with subscribing he might also by his authoritie
+ confirme that which was there orderlie decréed. This synod was holden
+ the third kalends of March, in the last yéere of the emperour Phocas,
+ which was about the yeere after the birth of our Sauiour 610. Melitus
+ at his returne brought with him from the pope, decrees commanded by
+ the said pope to be obserued in the English church, with letters also
+ directed to archbishop Laurence, and to king Ethelbert.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cadwan is made king of the Britains in the citie of Chester, he
+ leuieth a power against Ethelfred king of the Northumbers, couenants
+ of peace passe betwixt them vpon condition, the death of Ethelbert
+ king of Kent, where he and his wife were buried, of his lawes; Eadbald
+ succeedeth Ethelbert in the Kentish kingdome, his lewd and vnholie
+ life, he is an enimie to religion; he is plagued with madnesse; Hebert
+ king of the Eastsaxons dieth, his thre sonnes refuse to be baptised,
+ they fall to idolatrie and hate the professours of the truth, their
+ irreligious talke and vndutifull behauiour to bishop Melitus, he and
+ his fellow Iustus passe ouer into France, the three sonnes of Hebert
+ are slaine of the Westsaxons in battell, the Estsaxons by their
+ idolatrie prouoke archbishop Laurence to forsake the land, he is
+ warned in a vision to tarie, whereof he certifieth king Eadbald, who
+ furthering christianitie, sendeth for Melitus and Iustus, the one is
+ restored to his see, the other reiected, Melitus dieth, Iustus is made
+ archbishop of Canturburie, the christian faith increaseth._
+
+ THE XXIIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CADWAN king of Britaine.]
+ After that the Britains had c[=o]tinued about the space almost of 24
+ yéeres without anie one speciall gouernour, being led by sundrie
+ rulers, euer sithens that Careticus was constreined to flée ouer
+ Seuerne, and fought oftentimes not onelie against the Saxons, but also
+ [Sidenote: 613.]
+ one of them against another, at length in the yéere of our Lord 613,
+ they assembled in the citie of Chester, and there elected Cadwan that
+ before was ruler of Northwales, to haue the souereigne rule &
+ gouernement ouer all their nation, and so the said Cadwan began to
+ reigne as king of Britaine in the said yéere 613. But some authors
+ say, that this was in the yéere 609, in which yéere Careticus the
+ British king departed this life. And then after his deceasse the
+ Britains or Welshmen (whether we shall call them) chose Cadwan to
+ gouerne them in the foresaid yéere 609, which was in the 7 yéere of
+ the emperour Phocas, and the 21 of the second Lotharius king of
+ France, and in the 13 yéere of Kilwoolfe king of the Westsaxons.
+
+ This Cadwan being established king, shortlie after assembled a power
+ of Britains, and went against the foresaid Ethelfred king of
+ Northumberland, who being thereof aduertised, did associate to him the
+ most part of the Saxon princes, and came foorth with his armie to méet
+ Cadwan in the field. Herevpon as they were readie to haue tried the
+ matter by battell, certeine of their friends trauelled so betwixt them
+ for peace, that in the end they brought them to agréement, so that
+ [Sidenote: _Gal. Mon._]
+ Ethelfred should kéepe in quiet possession those his countries beyond
+ the riuer of Humber, and Cadwan should hold all that which of right
+ belonged to the Britains on the southside of the same riuer. This
+ couenant with other touching their agréement was confirmed with oths
+ solemnelie taken, and pledges therewith deliuered, so that afterwards
+ they continued in good and quiet peace, without vexing one an other.
+
+ What chanced afterward to Ethelfred, ye haue before heard rehersed,
+ which for that it soundeth more like to a truth than that which
+ followeth in the British booke, we omit to make further rehersall,
+ passing forward to other dooings which fell in the meane season,
+ whilest this Cadwan had gouernement of the Britains, reigning as king
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Hard._]
+ ouer them the tearme of 22 or (as some say) but 13 yéeres, and
+ finallie was slaine by the Northumbers, as before hath béene, and also
+ after shall be shewed.
+
+ In the 8 yéere after that Cadwan began to reigne, Ethelbert king of
+ Kent departed this life, in the 21 yéere after the comming of
+ Augustine with his fellowes to preach the faith of Christ here in this
+ realme: and after that Ethelbert had reigned ouer the prouince of Kent
+ the tearme of 56 yéeres (as Beda saith, but there are that haue noted
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda li._ 2. _cap._ 5.]
+ thrée yéers lesse) he departed this world, as aboue is signified, in
+ the yeere of our Lord 617, on the 24 day of Februarie, and was buried
+ in the Ile of saint Martine, within the church of the apostles Peter
+ and Paule, without the citie of Canturburie, where his wife quéene
+ Bartha was also buried, and the foresaid archbishop Augustine that
+ first conuerted him to the faith.
+
+ Amongst other things, this king Ethelbert with the aduise of his
+ councell ordeined diuers lawes and statutes, according to the which
+ decrées of iudgements should passe: those decrées he caused to be
+ written in the English toong, which remained and were in force vnto
+ the daies of Beda, as he declareth. And first it was expressed in
+ those lawes, what amends he should make that stole anie thing that
+ belonged to the church, to the bishop, or to anie ecclesiasticall
+ person, willing by all means to defend them whose doctrine he had
+ receiued.
+
+ [Sidenote: EADBALD.]
+ After the deceasse of Etthelbert, his sonne Eadbald succéeded in the
+ gouernment of his kingdome of Kent, the which was a great hinderer of
+ the increase of the new church amongst the Englishmen in those
+ parties: for he did not onelie refuse to be baptised himselfe, but
+ also vsed such kind of fornication, as hath not béene heard (as the
+ apostle saith) amongst the Gentiles, for he tooke to wife his mother
+ [Sidenote: The princes example occasion of euill.]
+ in law, that had béene wife to his father. By which two euill
+ examples, manie tooke occasion to returne to their heathenish
+ religion, the which whilest his father reigned, either for the prince
+ his pleasure, or for feare to offend him, did professe the christian
+ faith. But Eadbald escaped not woorthie punishment to him sent from
+ the liuing God for his euill deserts, insomuch that he was vexed with
+ a certeine kind of madnesse, and taken with an vncleane spirit.
+
+ The foresaid storme or vnquiet troubling of the christian
+ congregation, was afterwards greatlie increased also by the death of
+ Sabert or Sebert king of the Eastsaxons, who was conuerted to the
+ faith of Christ, and baptized by Melitus bishop of London (as before
+ is mentioned) & departing this life to go to a better in the
+ blissefull kingdome of heauen, he left behind him thrée sonnes as true
+ successours in the estate of his earthlie kingdome, which sonnes
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda li._ 2. _cap._ 5.]
+ [Sidenote: Serred, Seward, and Sigebert, the sonnes of Sabert.]
+ baptised. Their names were Serred, Seward, & Sigebert, men of an ill
+ mind, & such as in whome no vertue remained, no feare of God, nor anie
+ respect of religion, but speciallie hating the professours of the
+ christian faith. For after their father was dead, they began to fall
+ to their old idolatrie, which in his life time they séemed to haue
+ giuen ouer, insomuch that now they openlie worshipped idols, and gaue
+ libertie to their subiects to do the like.
+
+ And when the bishop Melitus, at the solemnizing of masse in the
+ church, distributed the eucharisticall bread vnto the people, they
+ asked him (as it is said) wherfore he did not deliuer of that bright
+ white bread vnto them also, as well as he had béene accustomed to doo
+ to their father Saba (for so they vsed to call him.) Vnto whome the
+ bishop made this answer: "If you will be washed in that wholesome
+ fountaine, wherein your father was washed, ye may be partakers of that
+ holie bread whereof he was partaker, but if you despise the washpoole
+ of life, ye may by no meanes tast the bread of saluation." But they
+ offended herewith, replied in this wise: "We will not enter into that
+ fountaine, for we know we haue no néed thereof: but yet neuerthelesse
+ we will be refreshed with that bread."
+
+ After this, when they had beene earnestlie and manie times told, that
+ vnlesse they would be baptised, they might not be partakers of the
+ sacred oblation: at length in great displeasure they told him, that if
+ he would not consent vnto them in so small a matter, there should be
+ no place for him within the bounds of their dominion, and so he was
+ constrained to depart. Wherevpon he being expelled, resorted into
+ Kent, there to take aduise with his fellow-bishops, Laurence and
+ Iustus, what was to be doone in this so weightie a matter. Who
+ finallie resolued vpon this point, that it should be better for them
+ to returne into their countrie, where with frée minds they might serue
+ almightie God, rather than to remaine amongest people that rebelled
+ against the faith, without hope to doo good amongest them. Wherefore
+ Melitus and Iustus did depart first, and went ouer into France,
+ minding there to abide till they might sée what the end would be. But
+ shortlie after, those brethren the kings of Essex, which had expelled
+ their bishop in maner aboue said, suffered woorthilie for their wicked
+ dooings. For going forth to battell against the Westsaxons, they were
+ [Sidenote: The sonne of king Sebert slaine.]
+ ouerthrowen and slaine altogither with all their armie, by the two
+ kings Kinigils and Quichelme. But neuerthelesse, albeit the authors of
+ the mischiefe were thus taken awaie, yet the people of that countrie
+ would not be reduced againe from their diuelish woorshipping of false
+ gods, being eftsoones fallen thereto in that season by the
+ incouragement and perilous example of their rulers. Wherefore the
+ archbishop Laurence was in mind also to follow his fellowes Melitus
+ and Iustus: but when he minded to set forward, he was warned in a
+ dreame, and cruellie scourged (as hath béene reported by the apostle
+ saint Peter, who reprooued him) for that he would so vncharitablie
+ forsake his flocke, & leaue it in danger without a shepherd to kéepe
+ the woolfe from the fold.
+
+ The archbishop imboldned by this vision, and also repenting him of his
+ determination, came to king Eadbald, and shewed to him his stripes,
+ and the maner of his dreame. The king being herewith put in great
+ feare, renounced his heathenish worshipping of idols, and was
+ baptised, and as much as in him laie, from thenceforth succoured the
+ congregation of the christians, and aduanced the church to his power.
+ He sent also into France, and called home the bishops Melitus and
+ Iustus, so that Iustus was restored to his sée of Rochester.
+
+ But the Eastsaxons would not receiue Melitus to his sée at London, but
+ continued in their wicked mawmetrie, in obeieng a bishop of their
+ pagan law, whom they had erected for that purpose. Neither was king
+ Eadbald of that authoritie and power in those parties, as his father
+ was before, whereby he might constreine them to receiue their lawfull
+ bishop. But suerlie the said king Eadbald with his people, after he
+ was once conuerted againe, gaue himselfe wholie to obeie the lawes of
+ GOD, and amongt other déeds of godlie zeale, he builded a church to
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 2.]
+ our ladie at Canturburie, within the monasterie of saint Peter,
+ afterwards called saint Agnes. This church was consecrated by Melitus,
+ who after the death of Laurence succéeded in gouernance of the
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _ca._ 8.]
+ archbishops sée of Canturburie. After Melitus, who departed this life
+ in the yeare of our Lord 624, Iustus that before was bishop of
+ Rochester, was made archbishop of Canturburie, and ordeined one
+ Romanus to the sée of Rochester. About that time, the people of the
+ north parts beyond Humber receiued the faith, by occasion (as after
+ shall appéere.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edwin reigneth ouer the Northumbers, his great power and reputation,
+ a marriage betweene him and Ethelburga the sister of king Eadbald vpon
+ religious couenants, the traitorous attempts of murtherous Eumerus
+ against him, his wife Ethelburga is deliuered of a daughter, he
+ assalteth the Westsaxons, and discomfiteth them, Boniface the fift
+ writeth to him to desist from his idolatrie, and to his ladie to
+ persist in true christianitie; the vision of Edwin when he was a
+ banished man in the court of Redwald king of the Eastangles, whereby
+ he was informed of his great exaltation and conuersion to christian
+ religion._
+
+ THE XXV CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Ye haue heard how Edelfred the king of Northumberland was slaine in
+ battell neere to the water of Idel by Redwald king of the Eastangles,
+ in fauour of Edwin whom the said Edelfred had confined out of his
+ dominion, 24 yéeres before. The foresaid Redwald therefore hauing
+ obteined that victorie, found meanes to place Edwin in gouernement of
+ that kingdome of the Northumbers, hauing a title thereto as sonne to
+ [Sidenote: EDWIN.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _ca._ 5.]
+ Alla or Elle, sometime king of Northumberland. This Edwin prooued a
+ right valiant prince, & grew to be of more power than anie other king
+ in the daies of the English nation: not onelie ruling ouer a great
+ part of the countries inhabited with English men, but also with
+ Britains, who inhabited not onelie in Wales, but in part of Chesshire,
+ Lancashire, Cumberland, and alongst by the west sea-coast in Galloway,
+ and so foorth euen vnto Dunbritaine in Scotland: which I haue thought
+ good to note, that it may appeare in what countries Cadwallo bare
+ rule, of whome so often mention is made in this part of the historie.
+ But as concerning Edwin, his reputation was such, as not onelie the
+ English men, Britains and Scots, but also the Iles of Orknie, and
+ [Sidenote: _W. Malm._ taketh Meuania to be Anglesey.]
+ those of Man, and others the west Iles of ancient time called Meuaniæ,
+ had him in reuerence, and feared his mightie power, so as they durst
+ not attempt anie exploit to offend him.
+
+ It chanced that shortlie after, king Redwald had aduanced him to the
+ kingdom of Northumberland, to wit, about 6 yeares, the same Redwald
+ deceassed, which made greatlie for the more augmentation of Edwins
+ power. For the people of the Eastangles, which (whilest Edwin remained
+ amongst them as a banished man) had conceiued a good opinion of him
+ for his approoued valiancie and noble courage, offered themselues to
+ [Sidenote: Carpwaldus.]
+ be wholie at his commandement. But Edwin suffering Carpwald or Erpwald
+ the sonne of Redwald to inioie the bare title and name of the king of
+ that countrie, ruled all things at his owne will and pleasure. Neither
+ was there anie prouince within Britaine that did not obeie him, or was
+ not readie to doo him seruice (the kingdome of Kent onelie excepted)
+ for he suffered the Kentishmen to liue in quiet, because he began to
+ haue a liking to the sister of king Eadbald, namelie the ladie
+ Ethelburga, otherwise called Tate or Tace.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _cap._ 9.]
+ He made request therefore by sending ambassadours to hir brother, to
+ haue the said ladie in marriage, and at length obteined hir, with
+ condition that she being a christian woman, might not onelie vse the
+ christian religion, but also that all those, whether men or women,
+ priests or ministers, which came with hir, might haue licence to doo
+ the same, without trouble or impeachment of anie maner of person.
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _cap._ 9.]
+ [Sidenote: 625.]
+ Herevpon she being sent vnto him, there was appointed to go with hir
+ (besides manie other) one Pauline, which was consecrated bishop by the
+ archbishop Iustus the 21 of Iulie, in the yeare of our Lord 625, who
+ at his comming into Northumberland thus in companie with Ethelburga,
+ trauelled earnestlie in his office, both to preserue hir and such
+ christians in the faith of Christ, as were appointed to giue their
+ attendance on hir, least they should chance to fall: and also sought
+ to win some of the Pagans (if it were possible) vnto the same faith,
+ though at the first he little profited in that matter.
+
+ In the yeare following, there came a murtherer vnto the court of king
+ Edwin, as then soiourning in a palace which stood vpon the side of the
+ riuer of Dorwent, being sent from Quichelme king of the Westsaxons, to
+ the intent to murther Edwin, because he had of late sore damnified the
+ countries of the Westsaxons. This murtherer was called Eumerus, &
+ [Sidenote: Other say an axe, as _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Emmerus.]
+ caried vnder his coate a short double edged woodknife inuenomed of
+ purpose, that if the king being but a little hurt therewith, should
+ not die of the wound, yet he should not escape the danger of the
+ poison. This Eumerus on Easter mondaie came to the king, and making
+ foorth to him as it had béene to haue declared some message from his
+ maister, when he had espied his time, drew his weapon, and offered to
+ strike the king. But one of the kings seruants named Lilla, perceiuing
+ this, stept betwixt the king and the blow. Howbeit the murtherer set
+ the stripe forward with such force, that the knife running through the
+ bodie of Lilla wounded also the king a little: and before this
+ murtherer could be beaten downe, he slue another of the kings
+ seruants, a knight that attended vpon him, called Fordher.
+
+ [Sidenote: Eaufled borne.]
+ The same night Ethelburga was deliuered of a daughter named Eaufled,
+ for the which when king Edwin gaue thanks vnto his gods, in the
+ presence of bishop Pauline, the bishop did admonish him, rather to
+ giue thanks vnto the true and onelie God, by whose goodnesse it came
+ to passe that the queene was safelie and without danger deliuered. The
+ king giuing good eare vnto the bishops wholesome admonition, promised
+ at that present to become a Christian, if he might reuenge his
+ injuries receiued at the hands of the Westsaxons. And to assure
+ Pauline that his promise should take place, he gaue vnto him his new
+ borne daughter to be made holie to the Lord, that is to say, baptised.
+ The bishop receiuing hir, on Whitsundaie next following baptised hir,
+ with twelue other of the kings houshold, she being the first of the
+ English Northumbers that was so washed in the founteine of
+ regeneration.
+
+ In the meane time K. Edwin being recouered of his hurt, assembled an
+ armie, and went against the Westsaxons, with whome incountring in
+ battell, he either slue or brought to his subiection all them that had
+ conspired his death, and so returned as a conquerour into his
+ countrie. But yet he delaied time in performance of his promise to
+ become a Christian: howbeit he had left his dooing of sacrifice to
+ idols, euer since he made promise to be baptised. He was a sage
+ prince, and before he would alter his religion, he politikelie thought
+ good to heare matters touching both his old religion, and the
+ Christian religion throughlie examined.
+
+ Now whilest he thus hoong in doubt vnto whether part he should
+ incline, there came letters to him from pope Boniface the fift of that
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _cap._ 10.]
+ name, exhorting him by sundrie kinds of gentle perswasions, to turne
+ to the worshipping of the true and liuing God, and to renounce
+ worshipping of mawmets and idols. The pope wrote also to quéene
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _cap._ 11.]
+ Ethelburga, praieng hir to continue in hir good purpose, and by all
+ meanes possible to doo what might be doone for the conuerting of hir
+ [Sidenote: A vision.]
+ husband vnto the faith of Christ. But the thing that most mooued the
+ king, was a vision which sometime he had while he remained as a
+ banished man in the court of Redwald king of the Eastangles, as thus.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. cap._ 12.]
+ After that king Ethelfred was informed that the foresaid Redwald had
+ receiued Edwin, he ceased not by his ambassadours to moue Redwald
+ either to deliuer Edwin into his hands, or to make him awaie. At
+ length by often sending, & promises made of large summes of monie,
+ mixed with threatnings, he obteined a grant of his sute, so that it
+ was determined that Edwin should either be murthered, or else
+ deliuered into his enimies hands. One of Edwins friends hauing
+ intelligence hereof, in the night season came to Edwins chamber, and
+ leading him abroad, told him the whole practise, and what was purposed
+ against him, offering to helpe him out of the countrie, if he would so
+ [Sidenote: The honorable consideration of Edwin.]
+ aduenture to escape. Edwin being woonderouslie amazed, thanked his
+ friend, but refused to depart the countrie, sith he had no iust cause
+ outwardlie giuen to play such a slipper part, choosing rather to
+ ieopard his life with honour, than to giue men cause to thinke that he
+ had first broken promise with such a prince as Redwald was, to whome
+ he had giuen his faith.
+
+ Herevpon his friend departing from him, left him sitting without the
+ doores: where after he had reuolued manie things in his mind, and
+ thought long vpon this matter, at length he perceiued one to come
+ towards him vnknowne, and in strange apparell, séeming to him in
+ euerie point a stranger, at which sight (for that he could not imagine
+ who it should be) Edwin was much afraid: but the man comming to him
+ saluted him, and asked of him what he made there at that time of the
+ night when other were at rest. Edwin on the other part asked what he
+ had to doo therewith, and whether he vsed to lie abroad in the night,
+ or within house? Who answering said; Thinke not Edwin that I am
+ ignorant of thy heauinesse, of thy watchings, and this thy solitarie
+ sitting here without doores. For I know who thou art, wherefore thou
+ art thus pensiue, and what euils thou fearest to be towards thée at
+ hand. But tell me, what wouldest thou giue him, that could deliuer
+ thée out of this heauinesse, and perswade Redwald that he should
+ neither doo thée hurt, nor deliuer thée to thine enimies? Here with
+ when Edwin said that he would gladlie giue all that in him might lie
+ to such a one in reward: The other said; What wouldst thou giue then,
+ if he should promise in good sooth that (all thine enimies being
+ destroied) thou shouldest be king, and that thou shouldest passe in
+ power all the kings which haue reigned in the English nation before
+ thy time? Edwin being better come to himselfe by such demandes, did
+ not sticke to promise that he would requite his friendship with
+ woorthie thanks.
+
+ Then replied he to his words and said; If he that shall prophesie to
+ thée this good hap to come, shall also be able to informe thee in such
+ counsell for thy health and life, as neuer anie of thy forefathers or
+ kinsfolke yet haue heard, wouldest thou obey him, and also consent to
+ receiue his wholesome aduertisement? Wherevnto without further
+ deliberation Edwin promised, that he would in all points follow the
+ instruction of him that should deliuer him out of so manie and great
+ calamities, and bring him to the rule of a kingdome. Which answere
+ being got, this person that thus talked with him, laid his hand vpon
+ his head, saieng: When this therefore shall chance to thée, be not
+ forgetfull of this time, nor of this communication, and those things
+ that thou now dooest promise, sée thou performe. And therewith he
+ vanished awaie. So that Edwin might well perceiue it was no man but a
+ vision that thus had appeared vnto him.
+
+ [¶ This vnaccustomed course it pleased God to vse for the conuersion
+ of the king (to whose example it was no doubt but the people and
+ inferiour sort would generallie be conformed) who otherwise had
+ continued in paganisme and blind ignorance both of Gods truth and true
+ christianitie. And it maie be that there was in him, as in other kings
+ his predecessors, a settled perswasion in gentilish error, so that
+ neither by admonition nor preaching (though the same had procéeded
+ from the mouth of one allotted to that ministerie) he was to be
+ reuoked from the infidelitie and misbeléefe wherein he was nuzzeled
+ and trained vp. For it is the nature of all men, to be addicted to the
+ obseruation of such rites and customes as haue béene established and
+ left in force by their progenitors, and sooner to stand vnto a desire
+ and earnest purpose of adding somewhat to their elders corrupt
+ constitutions, and irreligious course of conuersation, than to be
+ inclinable to anie article or point tending to innouation: so
+ inflexible is the posteritie to swarue from the traditions of
+ antiquitie, stand the same vpon neuer so grosse and palpable
+ absurdities.]
+
+ Edwin still reioising in the foresaid comfortable talke, but
+ thoughtfull in mind what he should be, or from whence he came that had
+ talked in this sort with him; behold his friend returned that first
+ had brought him foorth of his chamber, and declared vnto him good
+ newes, how the king by perswasion of the quéene had altered his
+ determination, and minded to mainteine his quarell to the vttermost of
+ his power: and so he did in déed. For with all diligence he raised an
+ armie, and went against Ethelfrid, vanquished him in battell, and
+ placed Edwin in the kingdome (as before ye haue heard.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _King Edwin is put in mind of his vision by Pauline who sawe the same
+ in spirit, he is licenced to preach the gospell, bishop Coifi
+ destroieth the idols, Edwin and his people receiue the Christian
+ faith, his two sonnes Osfride and Eadfride become conuerts, Redwald
+ king of the Eastangles is baptised, he serueth God and the diuell,
+ Sibert receiueth the faith, Felix bishop of Burgongne commeth ouer to
+ Honorius archbishop of Canturburie, he preacheth to the Eastangles,
+ the Northumbers and Lincolnshiremen are conuerted manie are baptised
+ in the riuer of Trent; king Edwins iustice how effectuall and
+ commendable, his care for the common-wealth, his prouidence for the
+ refection of trauellers, pope Honorius confirmeth Pauline archbishop
+ of Yorke, the tenor of his letters touching the mutuall election of
+ the archbishop of Canturburie and Yorke, if either of them happened to
+ suruiue other, his letters to the Scots touching the keeping of Easter
+ and avoiding the Pelagian heresie, Cadwallo king of Britaine rebelleth
+ against Edwin, Penda king of Mercia enuieth his good estate, Cadwallo
+ and Penda inuade Northumberland, Edwin and his sonne Osfride are
+ slaine, Penda putteth his other sonne Eadfride cruellie to death._
+
+ THE XXVJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Notwithstanding the former vision, king Edwin deferred time yer he
+ would receiue the Christian faith, in somuch that Pauline vpon a daie
+ came vnto him as he sat musing what he were best to doo, and laid his
+ hand vpon his head, asking him if he knew that signe. Whereat when the
+ king would haue fallen downe at his féet, he lifted him vp, and as it
+ were in familiar wise thus said vnto him: "Behold, by the assistance
+ of Gods fauour thou hast escaped the hands of thine enimies, whome
+ thou stoodst in feare of: behold through his bountious liberalitie,
+ thou hast obteined the kingdome which thou diddest desire, remember
+ then that thou delaie no time to performe the third thing that thou
+ diddest promise, in receiuing his faith, and kéeping his
+ commandements, which deliuering thée from worldlie aduersities, hath
+ thus aduanced thée to the honor of a king: and if from henceforth thou
+ wilt obey his will, which by my mouth hée setteth and preacheth to
+ thée and others, he will deliuer thée from euerlasting torments, and
+ make thée partaker with him in his celestiall kingdome." It is to be
+ thought that the vision which the king had in times past receiued, was
+ in spirit reuealed vnto Pauline, wherevpon without delaie of time, he
+ put him in remembrance of it in maner as aboue is mentioned.
+
+ The king hauing heard his words, answered, that he would and ought to
+ receiue the faith which he taught, but first he would conferre with
+ his nobles, and if they would agrée to doo the like, then would they
+ be baptised altogither at one time. Pauline satisfied herewith, Edwin
+ [Sidenote: Edwin consulteth with his nobles.]
+ did as he had promised, calling togither the wisest men of his realme,
+ and of them asked the question what they thought of this diuinitie,
+ which was preached vnto them by Pauline, vnto whome his chiefe bishop
+ [Sidenote: The answere of an heathen bishop.]
+ named Coifi, incontinentlie made this answer; that Suerlie the
+ religion which they had hitherto followed was nothing worth. "For
+ saith he, there is none of thy people that hath more reuerentlie
+ woorshipped our gods than I haue doone, and yet be there manie that
+ haue receiued far greater benefits at thy hands than I haue doone: and
+ therefore if our gods were of anie power, then would they rather helpe
+ me to high honor and dignitie than others. Therefore if it maie be
+ found that this new religion is better & more auailable than our old,
+ let vs with spéed imbrace the same."
+
+ Finallie, when other of the kings councell & men of high authoritie
+ gaue their consents, that this doctrine which Pauline taught ought to
+ be receiued, if therein appeered more certeintie of saluation than
+ [Sidenote: Pauline licenced to preach the gospell.]
+ could be found in the other: at length the king gaue licence to
+ Pauline openlie to preach the gospell, and renouncing his worshipping
+ of false gods, professed the Christian faith. And when he demanded of
+ his bishop Coifi who should first deface the altars of their idols,
+ and the tabernacles wherewith they were compassed about? He answered,
+ that himselfe would doo it. "For what is more méet (saith he) than
+ that I, which thorough foolishnesse haue worshipped them, should now
+ for example sake destroie the same, thorough wisedome giuen me from
+ the true and liuing God?" And streightwaies throwing awaie the
+ superstition of vanitie, required armour and weapon of the king, with
+ a stoned horsse, vpon the which he being mounted, rode foorth to
+ destroie the idols.
+
+ This was a strange sight to the people: for it was not lawfull for the
+ bishop of their law to put on armour, or to ride on anie beast, except
+ it were a mare. He hauing therefore a swoord gird to him, tooke a
+ speare in his hand, and riding on the kings horsse, went to the place
+ where the idols stood. The common people that beheld him had thought
+ he had béene starke mad, and out of his wits: but he without longer
+ deliberation, incontinentlie vpon his comming to the temple, began to
+ deface the same, and in contempt threw his speare against it, &
+ reioising greatlie in the knowledge of the worshipping of the true
+ God, commanded his companie to destroie & burne downe the same temple
+ with all the altars. This place where the idols were sometime
+ worshipped was not farre from Yorke, towards the east part of the
+ riuer of Derwent, and is called Gotmundin Gaham, where the foresaid
+ bishop by the inspiration of God defaced and destroied those altars,
+ which he himselfe had hallowed.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Edwin with his people receive the christian faith.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 2. _cap._ 14.]
+ [Sidenote: 627.]
+ King Edwin therefore with all the nobilitie, and a great number of his
+ people, receiued the faith and were baptised, in the yéere of our Lord
+ 627, in the tenth yéere of his reigne, and about the 178 yéere after
+ the first comming of the Englishmen into this land. He was baptised at
+ Yorke on Easter daie (which fell that yéere the day before the Ides of
+ Aprill) in the church of S. Peter the apostle, which he had caused to
+ be erected and built vp of timber vpon the sudden for that purpose,
+ and afterwards began the foundation of the same church in stone-woorke
+ of a larger compasse, comprehending within it that oratorie which he
+ had first caused to be built: but before he could finish the woorke,
+ he was slaine (as after shall be shewed) leauing it to be performed of
+ his successor Oswald.
+
+ Pauline continued from thencefoorth during the kings life, which was
+ six yéeres after, in preaching the gospell in that prouince,
+ conuerting an innumerable number of people to the faith of Christ,
+ among whom were Osfride and Eadfride the two sonnes of Edwin, whom he
+ begot in time of his banishment of his wife Quinburga, the daughter of
+ Cearlus king of Mercia. Also afterwards he begot children on his
+ [Sidenote: Ediltrudis.]
+ second wife Ethelburga, that is to say, a sonne called Edilhimus, and
+ a daughter named Ediltrudis, and another sonne called Bustfrea, of the
+ which the two first died in their cradels, and were buried in the
+ church at Yorke. To be briefe: by the kings assistance & fauour shewed
+ vnto Pauline in the woorke of the Lord, great multitudes of people
+ dailie receiued the faith, and were baptised of Pauline in manie
+ places, but speciallie in the riuer of Gleuie within the prouince of
+ Bernicia, and also in Swale in the prouince of Deira: for as yet in
+ the beginning thus of the church in those countries, no temples or
+ fonts could be builded or erected in so short a time.
+
+ Of such great zeale was Edwin (as it is reported) towards the setting
+ [Sidenote: This chanced in the yéere 632, as _Matt. West._ saith.]
+ foorth of Gods truth, that he persuaded Carpwald the sonne of Redwald
+ king of the Eastangles to abandon the superstitious worshipping of
+ idols, and to receiue the faith of Christ with all his whole prouince.
+ [Sidenote: Redwald king of Eastangles baptised.]
+ His father Redwald was baptised in Kent long before this time, but in
+ vaine: for returning home, through counsell of his wife and other
+ wicked persons, he was seduced, and being turned from the sincere
+ puritie of faith, his last dooings were woorse than his first, so that
+ according to the maner of the old Samaritans, he would séeme both to
+ [Sidenote: Redwald would serve God and the diuell.]
+ serue the true God and his false gods, (whom before time he had
+ serued) and in one selfe church had at one time both the sacraments of
+ Christ ministred at one altar, and sacrifice made vnto diuels at
+ another.
+
+ But Carpwald within a while after he had receiued the faith, was
+ slaine by one of his owne countrimen that was an ethnike, called
+ Richbert, and then after his death, that prouince for the tearme of
+ [Sidenote: Sibert or Sigibert.]
+ thrée yeeres was wrapped eftsoones in errour, till Sibert or Sigibert,
+ the brother of Carpwald, a most christian prince, and verie well
+ learned, obteined the rule of that kingdome, who whilest he liued a
+ banished man in France during his brothers life time, was baptised
+ there, and became a christian: and when he came to be king, he caused
+ all his prouince to be partaker of the same fountaine of life, wherein
+ he had beene dipped himselfe.
+
+ Vnto this godlie purpose also, a bishop of the parties of Burgoigne
+ named Felix was a great furtherer, who comming ouer vnto the
+ archbishop of Canturburie Honorius that was successor vnto Iustus, and
+ declaring vnto him his earnest desire, was sent by the same archbishop
+ to preach the woord of life vnto the Eastangles, which he did with
+ such good successe, that he conuerted the whole countrie to the faith
+ [Sidenote: A bishop ordained at Dunwhich.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 1. _cap._ 16.]
+ of Iesus Christ, and placed the sée of his bishoprike at Dunwich,
+ ending the course of his life there in peace after he had continued in
+ that his bishoplike office the space of 17 yéeres. Moreouer Pauline,
+ after that he had conuerted the Northumbers, preached the woord of God
+ vnto them of Lindsey, which is a part of Lincolnshire: and first he
+ [Sidenote: This chanced in the yéere 628, as _Matth. West._ saith.]
+ persuaded one Blecca the gouernour of the citie of Lincolne to turne
+ vnto Christ, togither with all his familie. In that citie he also
+ builded a church of stone woorke. Thus Pauline trauelled in the woorke
+ of the Lord, the same being greatlie furthered by the helpe of Edwin,
+ in whose presence he baptised a great number of people in the riuer of
+ Trent, néere to a towne, which in the old English toong was called
+ _Tio vulfingacester._ This Pauline had with him a deacon named Iames,
+ the which shewed himselfe verie diligent in the ministerie, and
+ profited greatlie therein.
+
+ But now to returne to king Edwin, who was a prince verelie of woorthie
+ fame, and for the politike ordering of his countries and obseruing of
+ iustice, deserued highlie to be commended: for in his time all robbers
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ by the high waie were so banished out of his dominions, that a woman
+ with hir new borne child alone, without other companie, might haue
+ trauelled from sea to sea, and not haue incountred with anie creature
+ that durst once haue offered hir iniurie. He was also verie carefull
+ [Sidenote: _Math. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 2. _cap._ 16.]
+ for the aduancement of the commoditie & common wealth of his people,
+ insomuch that where there were any swéet and cleare water-springs, he
+ caused postes to be set vp, and iron dishes to be fastened thereto
+ with chaines, that waifaring men might haue the same readie at hand to
+ drinke with: and there was none so hardie as to touch the same but for
+ that vse. He vsed wheresoeuer he went within the cities or elsewhere
+ abroad, to haue a banner borne before him, in token of iustice to be
+ ministred by his roiall authoritie.
+
+ In the meane season, pope Honorius the fift, hearing that the
+ Northumbers had receiued the faith (as before is mentioned) at the
+ preaching of Pauline, sent vnto the said Pauline the pall, confirming
+ him archbishop in the sée of Yorke. He sent also letters of
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib_ 2. _cap._ 17.]
+ exhortation vnto king Edwin, to kindle him the more with fatherlie
+ aduise to continue and procéed in the waie of vnderstanding, into the
+ which he was entered. At the same time also, bicause Iustus the
+ archbishop of Canturburie was dead, and one Honorius elected to that
+ sée, pope Honorius sent to the said elect archbishop of Canturburie
+ [Sidenote: A decrée concerning the archbishops of Canturburie
+ and Yorke.]
+ his pall, with letters, wherein was conteined a decrée by him made,
+ that when either the archbishop of Canturburie or Yorke chanced to
+ depart this life, he that suruiued should haue authoritie to ordeine
+ another in place of him that was deceassed, that they should not néed
+ to wearie themselues with going to Rome, being so farre distant from
+ them. The copie of which letter is registred in the ecclesiasticall
+ historie of Beda, bearing date the third Ides of Iune, in the yéere of
+ [Sidenote: 633.]
+ 633. The same pope sent letters also to the Scotish people, exhorting
+ [Sidenote: The feast of Easter.]
+ our Lord them to celebrate the feast of Easter in such due time as
+ other churches of the christian world obserued. And also bicause the
+ [Sidenote: The heresie of the Pelagians.]
+ heresie of the Pelagians began to renew againe amongst them (as he was
+ informed) he admonished them to beware thereof, and by all meanes to
+ auoid it. For he knew that to the office of a pastor it is
+ necessarilie incident, not onelie to exhort, teach, and shew his
+ sheepe the waies to a christian life, but also stronglie to withstand
+ all such vniust meanes, as might hinder their procéeding in the truth
+ of religion. For as poison is vnto the bodie, that is heresie vnto
+ veritie. And as the bodie by poison is disabled from all naturall
+ faculties, and vtterlie extinguished, vnlesse by present meanes the
+ force thereof be vanquished: so truth and veritie by errors and
+ heresies is manie times choked and recouereth, but neuer strangled.
+
+ But now that the kingdome of Northumberland flourished (as before is
+ partlie touched) in happie state vnder the prosperous reigne of Edwin,
+ at length, after he had gouerned it the space of 17 yeeres,
+ [Sidenote: Cadwallin, or Cadwallo king of Britaine.]
+ Cadwalline, or Cadwallo, king of Britaine, who succeeded Cadwane, as
+ Gal. Mon. saith, rebelled against him. For so it commeth to passe,
+ that nothing can be so sure confirmed by mans power, but the same by
+ [Sidenote: Penda king of Mercia.]
+ the like power may be againe destroied. Penda king of Mercia enuieng
+ the prosperous procéedings of Edwin, procured Cadwallo to mooue this
+ rebellion against Edwin: and ioining his power with Cadwallo, they
+ inuaded the countrie of Northumberland iointlie togither. Edwin
+ heereof aduertised, gathered his people, & came to incounter them, so
+ that both armies met at a place called Hatfield, where was fought a
+ [Sidenote: King Edwin slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ verie sore and bloudie battell. But in the end Edwin was slaine with
+ one of his sonnes named Osfride, and his armie beaten downe and
+ dispersed. Also there was slaine on Edwins part, Eodbald king of
+ Orkenie. Moreouer there was an other of Edwins sonnes named Eadfride
+ constreined of necessitie to giue himselfe into the hands of Penda,
+ and was after by him cruellie put to death, contrarie to his promised
+ faith in king Oswalds daies that succéeded Edwin. Thus did king Edwin
+ end his life in that battell, fought at Hatfield aforesaid, on the
+ fourth ides of October, in the yere of our Lord 633, he being then
+ about the age of 47 yéeres and vpwards.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The crueltie of Penda and Cadwallo after their victorie, the Britains
+ make no account of religion, Archbishop Pauline with queen Ethelburga
+ flie out of Northumberland into Kent, honorable personages accompanie
+ him thither, Romanus bishop of Rochester drowned, Pauline vndertaketh
+ the charge of that see; Osrilie is king of Deira, and Eaufride king of
+ Bernicia, both kings become apostatas, and fall fr[=o] christianitie
+ to paganisme, then are both slaine within lesse than a yeeres space;
+ Oswald is created king of Northumberland, his chiefs practise in feats
+ of armes, Cadwallo king of Britaine hath him in contempt, Oswalds
+ superstitious deuotion and intercession to God against his enimies;
+ both kings ioine battell; Cadwallo is slaine, Penda king of Mercia his
+ notable vertues linked with foule vices, he maketh warre on whome he
+ will without exception._
+
+ THE XXVIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ CADWALLO and Penda hauing obteined the victorie aforsaid, vsed it most
+ cruellie. For one of the capteins was a pagan, and the other wanting
+ all ciuilitie, shewed himselfe more cruell than anie pagan could haue
+ doone. So that Penda being a worshipper of false gods with his people
+ of Mercia, and Cadwallo hauing no respect to the Christian religion
+ [Sidenote: The crueltie of Penda and Cadwallo.]
+ which latelie was begun amongst the Northumbers, made hauocke in all
+ places where they came, not sparing man, woman nor child: and so
+ continued in their furious outrage a long time in passing through the
+ countrie, to the great decay and calamitie of the Christian
+ congregations in those parties. And still the christian Britains were
+ lesse mercifull than Penda his heathenish souldiers. For euen vnto the
+ daies of Beda (as he affirmeth) the Britains made no account of the
+ faith or religion of the Englishmen, nor would communicate with them
+ more than with the pagans, bicause they differed in rites from their
+ accustomed traditions.
+
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop Pauline flieth into Kent.]
+ When the countrie of the Northumbers was brought into this miserable
+ case by the enimies inuasion, the archbishop Pauline taking with him
+ the quéene Ethelburga, whom he had brought thither, returned now
+ againe with hir by water into Kent, where he was receiued of the
+ archbishop Honorius, and king Eadbald. He came thither in the conduct
+ of one Bassus a valiant man of warre, hauing with him Eaufred the
+ daughter, and Vulfrea the sonne of Edwin, & also Iffi the sonne of
+ Osfride Edwins sonne, whom their mother after for feare of the kings
+ Edbold and Oswold did send into France where they died. The church of
+ Rochester at that time was destitute of a bishop, by the death of
+ Romanus, who being sent to Rome vnto pope Honorius, was drowned by the
+ way in the Italian seas. Wherevpon at the request of archbishop
+ Honorius, and king Eadbald, Pauline tooke vpon him the charge of that
+ sée, and held it till he died.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _ca._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: OSRIKE KING OF DEIRA.]
+ After it was knowne that Edwin was slaine in battell (as before ye
+ haue heard) Osrike the sonne of his vncle Elfrike tooke vpon him the
+ rule of the kingdome of Deira, which had receiued the sacrament of
+ baptisme by the preaching and vertuous instruction of Pauline. But the
+ [Sidenote: Eaufrid king of Bernicia.]
+ other kingdome of Northumberland called Bernicia, Eaufride the son of
+ Edelferd or Edelfride, tooke vpon him to gouerne. This Eaufride during
+ the time of Edwins reigne, had continued in Scotland, and there being
+ conuerted to the Christian faith was baptised. But both these princes,
+ after they had obteined possession of their earthlie kingdoms, did
+ forget the care of the heauenlie kingdome, so that they returned to
+ their old kind of idolatrie. But almightie God did not long suffer
+ this their vnthankefulnesse without iust punishment: for first in the
+ next summer, when Osrike had rashlie besieged Cadwallo king of the
+ Britains, within a certeine towne, Cadwallo brake foorth vpon him, and
+ finding him vnprouided to make resistance, slue him with all his
+ [Sidenote: The two kings of Northumberland slaine.]
+ armie. Now after this, whilest Cadwallo not like a conqueror gouerned
+ the prouinces of the Northumbers, but like a tyrant wasted and
+ destroied them, in sleaing the people in tragicall maner, he also slue
+ Eaufride, the which with twelue men of warre came vndiscréetlie vnto
+ him to sue for peace: and thus within lesse than twelue moneths space
+ both these runagate kings were dispatched.
+
+ [Sidenote: OSWALD began his reigne in the yeare 635.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 3.]
+ Then Oswald the sonne of Edelfred, and brother to the foresaid
+ Eaufride was created king of the Northumbers, the sixt in number from
+ Ida. This Oswald after that his father was slaine, liued as a banished
+ person a long time within Scotland, where he was baptised, and
+ professed the Christian religion, and passed the flower of his youth
+ in good exercises, both of mind & bodie. Amongst other things he
+ practised the vnderstanding of warlike knowledge, minding so to vse it
+ as it might stand him in stead to defend himselfe from iniurie of the
+ enimies that should prouoke him, and not otherwise. Herevp[=o]
+ Cadwallo king of the Britains made in maner no account of him: for by
+ reason that he had atchiued such great victories against the
+ Englishmen, and hauing slaine their two kings (as before is expressed)
+ he ceassed not to proceed in his tyrannicall dooings, reputing the
+ English people for slouthfull, and not apt to the warre, boasting that
+ he was borne to their destruction. Thus being set vp in pride of
+ courage, he feared no perils, but boldlie (without considering at all
+ the skilfull knowledge which Oswald had sufficientlie learned in
+ feates of war) tooke vpon him to assaile the foresaid Oswald, that had
+ brought an armie against him, and was encamped in a plaine field néere
+ vnto the wall which the Romans had builded in times past against the
+ inuasion of Scots and Picts.
+
+ Cadwallo streight prouoked Oswald to trie the matter by battell, but
+ Oswald forbare the first day, and caused a crosse to be erected in the
+ same place where he was incamped, in full hope that it should be an
+ ensigne or trophie of his victorie, causing all souldiers to make
+ their praiers to God, that in time of such necessitie it might please
+ him to succour them that worship him. It is said, that the crosse
+ being made, and the hole digged wherein it should be set, he tooke the
+ crosse in his owne hands, and putting the foot thereof into that hole,
+ so held it till his souldiers had filled the hole, and rammed it vp:
+ and then caused all the souldiers to knéele downe vpon their knées,
+ and to make intercession to the true and liuing God for his assistance
+ against the proud enimie, with whom they should fight in a iust
+ quarell for the preseruation of their people and countrie.
+
+ After this, on the next morning he boldlie gaue battell to his
+ enimies, so that a sore and cruell fight insued betwixt them. At
+ length Oswald perceiued that the Britains began somwhat to faint, and
+ therfore caused his people to renew their force, and more lustilie to
+ preasse forward, so that first he put that most cruell enimie to
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ flight, and after pursuing the chase ouertooke him, and slue him with
+ the most part of all his huge and mightie armie, at a place called
+ Denisborne, but the place where he caused the crosse to be erected he
+ named Heuenfield. Thus Cadwallo the most cruell enimie of the English
+ name ended his life: he was terrible both in nature and countenance,
+ for the which cause they say the Britains did afterwards set vp his
+ image, that the same might be a terror to the enimies when they should
+ behold it.
+
+ ¶ But here is to be remembred by the British historie of Gal. Mon. it
+ should appeare that Cadwallo was not slaine at all, but reigned
+ victoriouslie for the space of 48 yéeres, and then departed this life,
+ as in place afterwards it shall appéere. But for that the contrarietie
+ in writers in such points may sooner be perceiued than reformed, to
+ the satisfieng of mens fansies which are variable, we will leaue
+ euerie man to his libertie to thinke as séemeth him good, noting now
+ and then the diuersitie of such writers, as occasion serueth.
+
+ [Sidenote: PENDA.]
+ [Sidenote: 636.]
+ PENDA the sonne of Wilba succéeded in the gouernement of the kingdome
+ of Mercia after Ciarlus, and began his reigne in the yéere of our Lord
+ 636. He was fiftie yéeres of age before he came to be king, and
+ reigned 30 yeres, he was a prince right hardie and aduenturous, not
+ fearing to ieopard his person in place of danger, assured and readie
+ of remembrance in time of greatest perill. His bodie could not be
+ ouercome with anie trauell, nor his mind vanquished with greatnesse of
+ businesse. But these his vertues were matched with notable vices, as
+ first with such bitternesse of maners as had not béene heard of,
+ crueltie of nature, lacke of courtesie, great vnstedfastnesse in
+ performing of woord and promise, and of vnmeasurable hatred toward the
+ christian religion.
+
+ Now vpon confidence in these his great vertues and vices from that
+ time he was made king (as though the whole Ile had bene due to him) he
+ thought not good to let anie occasion passe that was offered to make
+ war, as wel against his friends & confederats, as also against his
+ owne sworne enimies. Part of his dooings ye haue heard, and more shall
+ appeare hereafter. ¶ Of the kings of the Eastsaxons & Eastangles ye
+ haue heard before: of whom in places conuenient ye shall find further
+ mention also, and so likewise of the kings of the Southsaxons: but
+ bicause their kingdom continued not past fiue successions, litle
+ remembrance of them is made by writers.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cadwallo king of Britain, diuers deeds of his as the British writers
+ haue recorded them, wherevpon discord arose betweene Cadwallo & Edwin,
+ who for two yeres space were linked in friendship, Cadwallo vanquisht,
+ his flight, of Pelitus the Spanish wizard, Cadwallo ouerthroweth Penda
+ and his power besieging Excester, he arreareth battell against the
+ Northumbers, and killeth Edwin their king, he seeketh to expell the
+ Saxons out of the land, Penda slaieth Oswald, whose brother and
+ successor Osunus by gifts and submission obteineth peace, whom Penda
+ spitefullie attempting to kill is killed himselfe, Cadwallo dieth, a
+ brasen image on horssebacke set vp in his memoriall, saint Martins at
+ Ludgate builded._
+
+ THE XXVIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CADWALLO, OR CADWALLINE.]
+ CADWALLO or Cadwalline, (for we find him so named) began his reigne
+ [Sidenote: 635.]
+ ouer the Britains, in the yéere of our Lord 635, in the yéere of the
+ reigne of the emperour Heracleus 35, and in the 13 yere of Dagobert K.
+ of France. Of this man ye haue heard partlie before touching his
+ dealings and warres against the Northumbers, and other of the English
+ nation: but forsomuch as diuers other things are reported of him by
+ the British writers, we haue thought good in this place to rehearse
+ the same in part, as in Gal. Mon. we find writen, leauing the credit
+ still with the author, sith the truth thereof may be the more
+ suspected, bicause other authors of good authoritie, as Beda, Henrie
+ Huntington, William Malmesburie, and others séeme greatlie to disagrée
+ from him herein. But thus it is written.
+
+ [Sidenote: Edwin was not sonne to Ethelfred, but to Alla, or Elle, as
+ in other places plainlie appeareth.]
+ This Cadwallo and Edwin the sonne of Ethelfred, as Galfride saith,
+ were brought vp in France, being sent thither vnto Salomon king of
+ Britaine, by king Cadwane, when they were verie yoong. Now after their
+ returne into this land, when they were made kings, Cadwallo of the
+ Britains, & Edwin of the Northumbers, there continued for the space of
+ two yéeres great friendship betwixt them, till at length Edwin
+ required of Cadwallo that he might weare a crowne, and celebrate
+ appointed solemnities within his dominion of Northumberland, as well
+ as Cadwallo did in his countrie. Cadwallo taking aduice in this
+ matter, at length by persuasion of his nephue Brian, denied to grant
+ vnto Edwin his request, wherewith Edwin tooke such displeasure, that
+ he sent woord vnto Cadwallo, that he would be crowned without his
+ leaue or licence, sith he would not willinglie grant it. Wherto
+ Cadwallo answered, that if he so did, he would cut off his head vnder
+ his diademe, if he presumed to weare anie within the confines of
+ Britaine. Hereof discord arising betwixt these two princes, they began
+ to make fierce and cruell warre either of them against the other, and
+ [Sidenote: Cadwallo vanquished by Edwin.]
+ [Sidenote: Cadwallo flieth the land.]
+ at length ioining in batell with their maine forces, Cadwallo lost the
+ field, with many thousands of his men, and being chased fled into
+ Scotland, and from thence got ouer into Ireland, and finally passed
+ the seas into Britaine Armorike, where, of his coosin king Salomon he
+ was courteouslie receiued, and at length obteined of him 10000 men to
+ go with him backe into his countrie, to assist him in recouerie of his
+ lands & dominions, the which in the meane time were cruellie spoiled,
+ wasted and haried by king Edwin.
+
+ At the same time Brian the nephue of Cadwallo, whom he had sent into
+ Britaine as little before to slea a certeine wizard or southsaier,
+ whom king Edwin had gotten out of Spaine named Pelitus, that by
+ disclosing the purpose of Cadwallo vnto Edwin, greatlie hindered
+ Cadwallos enterprises, had fortified the citie of Excester, mening to
+ defend it till the comming of Cadwallo, wherevpon Penda king of Mercia
+ besieged that citie with a mightie army, purposing to take it, and
+ Brian within it. Cadwallo then aduertised hereof, immediatlie after
+ his arriuall hasted to Excester, and diuiding his people in 4 parts,
+ set vpon his enimies, tooke Penda, and ouerthrew his whole armie.
+ Penda hauing no other shift to escape, submitted himselfe wholie vnto
+ Cadwallo, promising to become his liegeman, to fight against the
+ Saxons in his quarrell. Penda being thus subdued, Cadwallo called his
+ nobles togither which had bene dispersed abroad a long season, & with
+ all spéed went against Edwin king of Northumberland, and slue him in
+ battell at Hatfield (as before is mentioned) with his son Osfride, and
+ Eodbold king of the Iles of Orknie, which was come thither to his aid.
+
+ ¶ By this it should appeare, that Fabian hath gathered amisse in the
+ account of the reignes of the British kings: for it appeareth by Beda
+ [Sidenote: 634.]
+ and others, that Edwin was slaine in the yéere of our Lord 634. And
+ where Fabian (as before is said) attributeth that act & diuers other
+ vnto Cadwan the father of this Cadwallo: yet both Gal. Mon. and Beda
+ with the most part of all other writers signifie that it was done by
+ Cadwallo. Harding assigneth but 13 yéeres to the reigne of Cadwan, and
+ declareth that he died in the yéere of our Lord 616, in the which (as
+ he saith) Cadwallo began his reigne, which opinion of his séemeth best
+ to agrée with that which is written by other authors. But to returne
+ to the other dooings of Cadwallo, as we find them recorded in the
+ British storie. After he had got this victorie against the
+ Northumbers, he cruellie pursued the Saxons, as though he ment so
+ farre as in him lay, to destroie the whole race of them out of the
+ coasts of all Britaine: and sending Penda against king Oswald that
+ succéeded Edwin, though at the first Penda receiued the ouerthrow at
+ Heauenfield, yet afterwards Cadwallo himselfe highly displeased with
+ that chance, pursued Oswald, and fought with him at a place called
+ [Sidenote: Oswald slaine.]
+ Bourne, where Penda slue the said Oswald. Wherevpon his brother Osunus
+ succéeding in gouernment of the Northumbers, sought the fauour of
+ Cadwallo now ruling as king ouer all Britaine, and at length by great
+ gifts of gold and siluer, and vpon his humble submission, obteined
+ [Sidenote: Oswie.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 654.]
+ peace, till at length vpon spite, Penda king of Mercia obteined
+ licence of Cadwallo to make warres against the said Osunus, in the
+ which (as it hapned) Penda himselfe was slaine. Then Cadwallo after
+ two yéeres granted that Vlfridus the sonne of Penda should succeed in
+ Mercia.
+
+ Thus Cadwallo ruled things at his appointment within this land. And
+ [Sidenote: 678.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 676.]
+ finallie when he had reigned 48 yéeres, he departed this life the 22
+ of Nouember. His bodie being embalmed and dressed with swéet
+ confections, was put into a brasen image by maruelous art melted and
+ cast, which image being set on a brazen horsse of excellent beautie,
+ the Britains set vp aloft vpon the west gate of London called Ludgate,
+ in signe of his conquests, and for a terror to the Saxons. Moreouer
+ the church of S. Martin vnderneath the same gate, was by the Britains
+ then builded. Thus haue the Britains made mention of their valiant
+ prince Cadwallo, but diuerse thinke that much of this historie is but
+ fables, bicause of the manifest varieng both from Beda and other
+ autentike writers (as before I haue said.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The true storie of the forenamed king Oswald, his desire to restore
+ christian religion, Cormans preaching taking small effect among the
+ Northumbers, persuadeth him to depart into his owne countrie, he
+ slandereth them before the Scotish clergie, Aidan a godlie man telleth
+ the cause of the peoples not profiting by Cormans preaching, Aidan
+ commeth into England to instruct the people in the faith, he varieth
+ in the obseruation of Easter from the English churches custome, the
+ Northumbers haue him & his doctrine in reuerence, Oswalds earnest
+ zeale to further religion by Aidans preaching and ministerie, 15000
+ baptised within 7 daies; Oswald hath the Britains, Scots, Picts, &
+ English at his commandement, his commendable deed of christian
+ charitie, the Westsaxons conuerted to the faith by the preaching of
+ Birinus, king Kinigils is baptised, he maketh Birinus bishop of
+ Dorcester, Penda king of Mercia maketh war against the christian kings
+ of the Westsaxons, both sides after a bloudie battell fall to
+ agrement, Ercombert the first English king that destroied idols
+ throughout the whole land, he ordeineth Lent; why English men became
+ moonks, and English women nunnes in monasteries beyond the seas; why
+ Penda king of Mercia enuieth vertuous king Oswald, he is assaulted,
+ slaine in battell, and canonized a saint after his death._
+
+ THE XXIX CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now will we (after all these differing discourses of the British
+ chronologers) approch and draw as néere as we can to the truth of the
+ historie touching Oswald king of the Northumbers, of whom we find,
+ [Sidenote: Oswald meaneth to be thankefull to God for his benefits.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda li._ 3. _cap._ 3. 5. 6.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ that after he had tasted of Gods high fauour extended to himwards, in
+ vanquishing his enimies, as one minding to be thankefull therefore, he
+ was desirous to restore the christian faith through his whole
+ kingdome, sore lamenting the decay thereof within the same, and
+ therefore euen in the beginning of his reigne, he sent vnto Donwald
+ the Scotish king (with whome he had béene brought vp in the time of
+ his banishment the space of 18 yéeres) requiring him to haue some
+ learned Scotishman sent vnto him, skilfull in preaching the word of
+ life, that with godly sermons and wholesome instructions, he might
+ conuert the people of Northumberland vnto the true and liuing God,
+ promising to interteine him with such prouision as apperteined.
+
+ [Sidenote: Corman.]
+ At his instance, there was sent vnto him one Corman, a clerke
+ singularlie well learned, and of great grauitie in behauiour: but for
+ that he wanted such facilitie, and plaine vtterance by waie of gentle
+ persuading, as is requisite in him that shall instruct the simple,
+ onelie setting foorth in his sermons high mysteries, and matters of
+ such profound knowledge, as the verie learned might scarselie perceiue
+ the perfect sense and meaning of his talke, his trauell came to small
+ effect, so that after a yéeres remaining there, he returned into his
+ countrie, declaring amongst his brethren of the cleargie, that the
+ people of Northumberland was a froward, stubborne and stiffe-harted
+ generation, whose minds he could not frame by anie good meanes of
+ persuasion to receiue the christian faith: so that he iudged it lost
+ labour to spend more time amongst them, being so vnthankfull and
+ intractable a people, as no good might be doone vnto them.
+
+ Amongst other learned and vertuous prelats of the Scots, there chanced
+ [Sidenote: Aidan.]
+ one to be there present at the same time called Aidan, a man of so
+ perfect life, that (as Beda writeth) he taught no otherwise than he
+ liued, hauing no regard to the cares of this world, but whatsoeuer was
+ giuen him by kings or men of wealth and riches, that he fréelie
+ bestowed vpon the poore, exhorting other to doo the like. This Aidan
+ hearing Cormans woords, perceiued anon that the fault was not so much
+ in the people as in the teacher, and therefore declared, that (as he
+ thought) although it were so that the people of Northumberland gaue no
+ such attentiue eare vnto the preaching of that reuerend prelate
+ Corman, as his godlie expectation was they should haue doone, yet
+ might it be that his vttering of ouer manie mysticall articles amongst
+ them, farre aboue the capacitie of the vnderstanding of simple men,
+ was the cause why they so lightlie regarded his diuine instructions,
+ [Sidenote: S. Paules counsell.]
+ whereas if he had (according to the counsell of Saint Paule) at the
+ first ministred vnto their tender vnderstandings, onelie milke,
+ without harder nourishments, he might happilie haue woone a farre
+ greater number of them vnto the receiuing of the faith, and so haue
+ framed them by little and little to haue digested stronger food. And
+ therefore he thought it necessarie in discharge of their duties
+ towards God, and to satisfie the earnest zeale of king Oswald, that
+ some one amongst them might be appointed to go againe into
+ Northumberland, to trie by procéeding in this maner afore alledged,
+ what profit would thereof insue.
+
+ The bishops hearing the opinion of Aidan, and therewith knowing
+ Cormans maner of preaching, iudged the matter to be as Aidan had
+ declared, and therevpon not onelie allowed his woords, but also willed
+ him to take the iournie vpon him, sith they knew none so able with
+ [Sidenote: Aidan commeth into England to preach the gospell.]
+ effect to accomplish their wished desires in that behalfe. Aidan, for
+ that he would not seeme to refuse to take that in hand which he
+ himselfe had motioned, was contented to satisfie their request, and so
+ set forward towards Northumberland, and comming thither, was ioifullie
+ receiued of king Oswald, who appointed him the Ile of Lindesfarne,
+ wherein to place the see of his new bishoprike.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda li._ 3. _ca._ 3.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ This Aidan in one point varied from the vse of the new begun church of
+ England, that is to say, touching the time of obseruing the feast of
+ Easter, in like maner as all the bishops of the Scots and Picts
+ inhabiting within Britaine in those daies did, following therein (as
+ they tooke it) the doctrine of the holie and praise-woorthie father
+ Anatholius. But the Scots that inhabited the south parts of Ireland,
+ alreadie were agréed to obserue that feast, according to the rules of
+ the church of Rome. Howbeit Aidan being thus come into Northumberland,
+ applied himselfe so earnestlie in praier and preaching, that the
+ people had him within short while in woonderfull estimation, chiefelie
+ for that he tempered his preachings with such swéet and pleasant
+ matter, that all men had a great desire to heare him, insomuch that
+ sometime he was glad to preach abroad in churchyards, bicause the
+ audience was more than could haue roome in the church.
+
+ One thing was a great hinderance to him, that he had not the perfect
+ knowledge of the Saxon toong. But Oswald himselfe was a great helpe to
+ him in that matter, who being desirous of nothing so much, as to haue
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Oswald an interpretor to the preacher.]
+ the faith of Christ rooted in the harts of his subiects, vsed as an
+ interpreter to report vnto the people in their Saxon toong, such whole
+ sermons as Aidan vttered in his mother toong. For Oswald hauing béene
+ brought vp (as ye haue hard) in Scotland during the time of his
+ banishment, was as readie in the Scotish, as he was in the Saxon
+ toong. The people then seeing the kings earnest desire in furthering
+ the doctrine set foorth by Aidan, were the more inclined to heare it:
+ so that it was a maruellous matter to note, what numbers of people
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ dailie offred themselues to be baptised, insomuch that within the
+ space of seuen daies (as is left in writing) he christened 15 thousand
+ persons, of the which no small part forsaking the world, betooke
+ themselues to a solitarie kind of life.
+
+ Thus by his earnest trauell in continuall preaching and setting foorth
+ the gospell in that countrie, it came to passe in the end, that the
+ faith was generallie receiued of all the people, and such zeale to
+ aduance the glorie of the christian religion dailie increased amongst
+ [Sidenote: Oswalds zeale to aduance religion.]
+ them, that no where could be found greater. Heerevpon were no small
+ number of churches built in all places abroad in those parties by
+ procurement of the king, all men liberallie consenting (according to
+ the rate of their substance) to be contributorie towards the charges.
+ By this meanes the kingdome of the Northumbers flourished, as well in
+ fame of increase in religion, as also in ciuill policie and prudent
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 5. _ca._ 6.]
+ [Sidenote: Oswald had in estimation with his neighbours.]
+ ordinances: insomuch that (as Beda writeth) Oswald atteined to such
+ power, that all the nations and prouinces within Britaine, which were
+ diuided into foure toongs (that is to say) Britains, Picts, Scots, and
+ Englishmen, were at his commandement. But yet he was not lifted vp in
+ anie pride or presumption, but shewed himselfe maruellous courteous
+ and gentle, and verie liberall to poore people and strangers.
+
+ It is said, that he being set at the table vpon an Ester day, & hauing
+ bishop Aidan at diner then with him, his almoner came in as the bishop
+ was about to say grace, and declared to the king that there was a
+ great multitude of poore folks set before the gates to looke for the
+ kings almes. The king héerewith tooke a siluer dish, which was set on
+ the table before him with meate, & commanded the same meate
+ streightwaies to be distributed amongst the poore, & the dish broken
+ into small péeces, and diuided amongst them: for which act he was
+ highlie commended of the bishop, as he well deserued. By the good
+ policie and diligent trauell of this king, the prouinces of Deira and
+ Bernicia, which hitherto had béene at variance, were brought to peace
+ and made one.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _ca._ 7.]
+ [Sidenote: Birinus conuerteth the Westsaxons to the christian faith.]
+ About the same time, the Westsaxons were conuerted to the christian
+ faith, by the preaching of one Birinus a bishop, who came into this
+ land at the exhortation of pope Honorius, to set foorth the gospell
+ vnto those people which as yet were not baptised. By whose diligent
+ [Sidenote: Kinigils king of Westsaxon becommeth a christian.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ trauell in the Lords haruest, Kingils or Kinigils, one of the kings of
+ that countrie receiued the faith, and was baptised about the fiue &
+ twentith yéere of his reigne. K. Oswald that should haue had his
+ daughter in mariage, was present the same time, who first yer he
+ became a sonne in law, was made a godfather vnto Kinigils (that should
+ be his father in law) by receiuing him at the fontstone, in that his
+ second birth of regeneration. To this Birinus, who was an Italian,
+ king Kinigils (now that he was become a conuert or christian)
+ [Sidenote: Dorcester ordeined a bishops sée.]
+ appointed and assigned the citie of Dorcester, situat by the Thames,
+ distant from Oxford about seuen miles, to be the sée of his
+ bishoprike, where he procured churches to be built, and by his earnest
+ trauell & setting foorth the woord of life, conuerted much people to
+ the right beliefe. In the yéere following, Quichelmus the other king
+ of the Westsaxons, and sonne to Kinigils was also christened, and died
+ the same yéere, and so Cinigilsus or Kinigils reigned alone.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ In this meane while Penda king of Mercia that succéeded next after
+ Ciarlus, being a man giuen to séeke trouble in one place or other,
+ [Sidenote: This chancéd in the yéere 620, as _Matth. West._ saith.]
+ leauied warre against the kings of Westsaxon, Kinigils and Quichelmus,
+ the which gathering their power, gaue him battell at Cirenchester,
+ where both the parties fought it out to the vttermost, as though they
+ had forsworne to giue place one to another, insomuch that they
+ continued in fight and making of cruell slaughter till the night
+ parted them in sunder. And in the morning, when they saw that if they
+ shuld buckle togither againe, the one part should vtterlie destroie
+ the other, they fell to agréement in moderating ech others demands.
+
+ [Sidenote: 640.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 7.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ After this, in the yéere of our Lord 640, Eadbald king of Kent
+ departed this life, after he had reigned 24 yéeres, leauing his
+ kingdome to his sonne Ercombert. This Ercombert was the first of the
+ English kings, which tooke order for the vtter destroieng of all idols
+ throughout his whole kingdome. He also by his roiall authoritie
+ [Sidenote: Lent first ordeined to be kept in England.]
+ commanded the fast of fortie daies in the Lent season to be kept and
+ obserued, appointing woorthie and competent punishment against the
+ [Sidenote: Segburga.]
+ [Sidenote: Aimoinus.]
+ transgressors of that commandement. He had by his wife Segburga, that
+ was daughter vnto Anna king of the Eastangles, a daughter named
+ Eartongatha, a professed nunne within the monasterie of Briege or Cala
+ in France: for in those daies, bicause there were not manie
+ monasteries builded within this land, a great number of Englishmen,
+ that tooke vpon them the profession of a religious life, got them ouer
+ vnto abbeies in France, and there professed themselues moonks: and
+ manie there were which sent their daughters ouer to be professed nuns
+ within the nunneries there, and speciallie at Briege, Cala, and
+ Andelie: amongst other, there were Sedrike the lawfull daughter, and
+ Edelburgh the bastard daughter of the said king Anna, both which in
+ processe of time were made abbesses of the said monasterie of Briege.
+
+ Ye haue heard alreadie, how Oswald king of Northumberland bare
+ himselfe in all points like a most woorthie prince, not ceasing to
+ releeue the necessitie of the poore, aduancing the good, and reforming
+ the euill, whereby he wan to himselfe excéeding praise and
+ commendation of all good men, and still his fame increased for his
+ vertuous dooings; namelie, for the ardent zeale he had to the
+ aduancing of the christian faith. Herevpon Penda king of Mercia,
+ enuieng the prosperous procéedings of Oswald, as he that could neuer
+ abide the good report of other mens well-dooings, began to imagine how
+ [Sidenote: Penda inuadeth the Northumbers.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 9.]
+ to destroie him, and to conquere his kingdome, that he might ioine it
+ to his owne. At length he inuaded his countrie by open warre, met with
+ him in the field at a place called Maserfield, and there in sharpe and
+ [Sidenote: King Oswald slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._ saith 644.]
+ cruell fight Oswald was slaine on the fift day of August, in the yeare
+ of our Lord 642, and in the 38 yeare of his age, after he had reigned
+ the tearme of eight or nine yeares after some, which account that
+ yeare vnto his reigne, in the which his predecessors Osrike and
+ Eaufride reigned, whome they number not amongest kings, because of
+ their wicked apostasie and renouncing of the faith which before they
+ had professed. Such was the end of that vertuous prince king Oswald,
+ being cruellie slaine by that wicked tyrant Penda. Afterwards, for the
+ opinion conceiued of his holinesse, the foresaid Oswald was canonized
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ a saint, and had in great worship of the people, being the first of
+ the English nation that approoued his vertue by miracles shewed after
+ his departure out of this life.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Oswie succeedeth Oswald in the kingdome of Northumberland, he is sore
+ vexed by Penda, Oswie and Oswin are partners in gouernement, they fall
+ at strife, Oswin is betræied into the hands of Oswie and slaine, a
+ commendation of his personage and goodlie qualities, bishop Aidan
+ dieth; Cenwalch king of the Westsaxons, Penda maketh warre against him
+ for putting away his wife, his flight, he becommeth a christian and
+ recouereth his kingdome, Bishop Agilbert commeth into Westsaxon, and
+ afterwards departing (upon occasion) is made bishop of Paris, Wini
+ buieth the bishoprike of London; Sigibert king of the Eastangles, the
+ vniuersitie of Cambridge founded by him, he resigneth his kingdome and
+ becometh a moonke, he and his kinsman Egric are slaine in a skirmish
+ against Penda king of Mercia._
+
+ THE XXX CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: OSWIE King of Northumberland.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda li._ 3. _ca._ 14.]
+ After that king Oswald was slaine, his brother Oswie (being about 30
+ yeares of age) tooke vpon him the rule of the kingdome of
+ Northumberland, gouerning the same with great trouble for the space of
+ 28 yeares, being sore vexed by the foresaid Penda king of Mercia and
+ his people, which as yet were pagans. In the first yeare of his
+ [Sidenote: 644.]
+ reigne, which was in the yeare of our Lord 644. Pauline the bishop of
+ Rochester which had beene also archbishop of Yorke departed this life,
+ and then one Thamar an Englishman of the parties of Kent was ordeined
+ bishop of Rochester by Honorius the archbishop of Canturburie. King
+ Oswie had one Oswin partener with him in gouernment of the Northumbers
+ in the first beginning of his reigne, which was sonne to Osrike, so
+ [Sidenote: Bernicia.]
+ that Oswie gouerned in Bernicia, and Oswin in Deira, continuing in
+ perfect friendship for a season, till at length, through the counsell
+ of wicked persons, that coueted nothing so much as to sowe discord and
+ variance betwixt princes, they fell at debate, and so began to make
+ warres one against an other, so that finallie when they were at point
+ to haue tried their quarrell in open battell, Oswin perceiuing that he
+ had not an armie of sufficient force to incounter with Oswie, brake vp
+ his campe at Wilfaresdowne, ten mile by west the towne of Cataracton,
+ and after withdrew himselfe onelie with one seruant named Condhere
+ vnto the house of earle Hunwald, whome he tooke to haue béene his
+ trustie friend: but contrarie to his expectation, the said Hunwald did
+ betraie him vnto Oswie, who by his captaine Edelwine slue the said
+ Oswin and his seruant the forsaid Condhere, in a place called
+ Ingethling, the 13 kalends of September, in the ninth yeare of his
+ [Sidenote: 651.]
+ reigne, which was after the birth of our Sauiour 651.
+
+ This Oswin was a goodlie gentleman of person, tall, and beautifull,
+ and verie gentle of spéech, ciuill in manners, and verie liberall both
+ to high & low, so that he was beloued of all. Such a one he was, to be
+ breefe, as bishop Aidan gessed that he should not long continue in
+ life, for that the Northumbers were not woorthie of so good and
+ vertuous a gouernour. Such humblenesse and obedience he perceiued to
+ rest in him towards the law of the Lord, in taking that which was told
+ him for his better instruction in good part, that he said, he neuer
+ saw before that time an humble king. The same Aidan liued not past 12
+ daies after the death of the said Oswin, whome he so much loued,
+ departing this world the last daie of August, in the seuenteenth yeare
+ after he was ordeined bishop. His bodie was buried in the Ile of
+ Lindesferne. After Aidan, one Finan was made bishop in his place, a
+ Scotishman also, and of the Ile of Hui, from whence his predecessor
+ the foresaid Aidan came, being first a man of religion professed in
+ the monasterie there (as some writers doo report.)
+
+ [Sidenote: CENWALCH.]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 643.]
+ In the meane time, after that Kinigils or Cinigilsus king of the
+ Westsaxons had reigned 31 yeares, he departed this life Anno 643,
+ leauing his kingdome to his sonne Cenwalch or Chenwald, who held the
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ same kingdome the tearme of 30 yeares, or 31 (as some write) in manner
+ as his father had doone before him. In the third, or (as others saie)
+ in the fift yeare of his reigne, Penda king of Mercia made sharpe
+ warre against him, because he had put awaie his wife the sister of the
+ said Penda, and in this warre Chenwald was ouercome in battell, &
+ driuen out of his countrie, so that he fled vnto Anna king of the
+ Eastangles, with whome he remained the space of a yeare, or (as other
+ say) thrée yeares, to his great good hap: for before he was growen to
+ be an enimie to the christian religion, but now by the wholesome
+ admonitions and sharpe rebukes of king Anna, he became a christian,
+ and receiued his wife againe into his companie, according to the
+ prescript of Gods law, and (to be bréefe) in all things shewed
+ himselfe a new man, imbracing vertue, & auoiding vice, so that
+ shortlie after (through the helpe of God) he recouered againe his
+ kingdome.
+
+ [Sidenote: Agilbertus a bishop.]
+ Now when he was established in the same, there came a bishop named
+ Agilbertus out of Ireland, a Frenchman borne (but hauing remained in
+ Ireland a long time) to reade the scriptures. This Agilbert comming
+ into the prouince of the Westsaxons, was gladlie receiued of king
+ Chenwald, at whose desire he tooke vpon him to exercise the roome of a
+ bishop there: but afterwards, when the said king admitted another
+ bishop named Wini, which had béene ordeined in France, and knew the
+ toong better than Agilbert, as he that was borne in England: Agilbert
+ offended, for that the king had admitted him without making him of
+ anie counsell therein, returned into France, and there was made bishop
+ of Paris: within a few yeares after, the foresaid Wini was expelled
+ also by king Chenwald, who got him into Mercia vnto king Vulfhere, of
+ whome he bought the bishoprike of London, which he held during his
+ life, and so the countrie of Westsaxon remained long without a bishop,
+ till at length the said Agilbert at the request of king Chenwald sent
+ to him Elutherius that was his nephue.
+
+ [Sidenote: SIGIBERT.]
+ Ye haue heard that after Carpwald, his brother Sigibert succéeded in
+ rule of the Eastangles, a man of great vertue and woorthinesse, who
+ whilest he remained in France as a banished man, being constrained to
+ flée his countrie vpon displeasure that king Redwald bare him, was
+ baptised there, and after returning into his countrie, and obteining
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 4.]
+ at length the kingdome, those things which he had séene well ordered
+ in France, he studied to follow the example of the same at home, and
+ herevpon considering with himselfe that nothing could more aduance the
+ state of the common-wealth of his countrie than learning & knowledge
+ in the toongs, began the foundation of certeine schooles, and namelie
+ [Sidenote: The vniuersitié of Cambridge founded by king Sigibert.]
+ at Cambridge, where children might haue places where to be instructed
+ and brought vp in learning vnder appointed teachers, that there might
+ be greater numbers of learned men trained vp than before time had
+ béene within this land, to the furtherance of true religion and
+ vertue.
+
+ So that England hath good cause to haue in thankfull remembrance this
+ noble prince king Sigibert, for all those hir learned men which haue
+ bin brought vp & come foorth of that famous vniuersitie of Cambridge,
+ the first foundation or rather renouation whereof was thus begun by
+ [Sidenote: _Bale_ saith 636.]
+ him about the yeare of our Lord 630. At length when this worthie king
+ began to grow in age, he considered with himselfe how hard a matter,
+ and how painefull an office it was to gouerne a realme as apperteined
+ to the dutie of a good king, wherevpon he determined to leaue the
+ charge thereof to other of more conuenient yéeres, and to liue from
+ [Sidenote: Sigibert resigneth his kingdome to Egricus.]
+ thencefoorth a priuat kind of life, and so resigning the
+ administration vnto his kinsman Egricus, he became a moonke, and led
+ the rest of his life in a certeine abbeie.
+
+ Shortlie after it so came to passe that Penda king of Mercia (that
+ cruell ethnike tyrant) made sore warres vpon Egricus, whervpon the
+ people of Eastangles compelled Sigibert to come foorth of his
+ monasterie, & to go with them into the field against Penda. Sigibert
+ being thus constreined against his will, would not put on armour or
+ beare anie other kind of weapon, than onelie a wand in his hand in
+ steed of a scepter, and so the armie of the Eastangles in hope of good
+ spéed by the presence of Sigibert, ioined in battell with their
+ enimies, but the Eastangles were finallie vanquished, and the more
+ [Sidenote: Sigibert and Egricus slaine.]
+ part of them slaine, togither with Sigibert and his coosen Egricus
+ their king. This happened in the yere after the birth of our Sauiour
+ [Sidenote: 652.]
+ (as some haue noted) 652.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Baleus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 19.]
+ [Sidenote: Fuersus.]
+ In the daies whilest Sigibert as yet ruled the Eastangles, there came
+ out of Ireland a deuout person named Furseus, who comming into the
+ countrie of the Eastangles, was gladlie receiued of king Sigibert, by
+ whose helpe afterwards he builded the abbeie of Cumbreburge, in the
+ which Sigibert (as some haue written) when he renounced his kingdome,
+ was professed a moonke. Of this Furseus manie things are written, the
+ which for briefenesse we ouerpasse. After that Felix the bishop of the
+ Eastangles was dead, one Thomas was ordeined in his place, who after
+ he had béene bishop fiue yéeres, died, and then one Beretgils was
+ ordeined in his roome by Honorius the archbishop of Canturburie. The
+ said Honorius himselfe when he had run the race of his naturall life,
+ [Sidenote: 653.]
+ deceassed also the last of September in the yéere of our Lord 653.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Anna king of Eastangles is slaine by Penda king of Mercia, his
+ brother succeeding him is slaine also by Oswie king of Northumberland,
+ the Mercians or Middleangles receiue the faith vnder vertuous Peda
+ their prince, he requesteth Alchfled the king of Northumberlands
+ daughter in mariage, he is baptised by bishop Finnan, by whose meanes
+ the Eastsaxons imbraced christian religion vnder Sigibert their king,
+ he is murthered of two brethren that were his kinsmen vpon a conceiued
+ hatred against him for his good and christian life, how dangerous it
+ is to keepe companie with an excommunicate person, the authoritie of a
+ bishop._
+
+ THE XXXJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Anna.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ After Egricus succeeded Anna the sonne of Enus in the kingdome of
+ Eastangle, and is likewise slaine by Penda king of Mercia, with the
+ most part of his armie, as he gaue battell vnto the said Penda that
+ inuaded his countrie. He left behind him manie children, but his
+ [Sidenote: Edelhere K. of Eastangle.]
+ brother Edelhere succéeded him in gouernment of the kingdome, who was
+ slaine by Oswie the king of Northumberland, togither with the foresaid
+ Penda, and woorthilie, sith he would aid that tyrant which had slaine
+ his kinsman and his brother that were predecessors with him in his
+ kingdome. After this, when the sée of Canturburie had béene vacant by
+ [Sidenote: Deus dedit.]
+ the space of one whole yéere and six moneths, one Deus dedit of the
+ countrie of the Westsaxons, was elected and consecrated by Ithamar the
+ bishop of Rochester, on the 7 kalends of Aprill. He gouerned the
+ church of Canturburie by the tearme of nine yéeres, foure moneths, and
+ two daies. When he was departed this life, the foresaid Ithamar
+ consecrated for him one Damianus of the countrie of Sussex.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda hist. eccle. lib._ 3. _cap._ 21.]
+ [Sidenote: 653.]
+ About this time, the people of Mercia commonlie called Middleangles,
+ [Sidenote: Peda or Peada king of Middleangles.]
+ receiued the christian faith vnder their king named Peda or Peada, the
+ sonne of Penda king of Mercia, who being a towardlie yoong gentleman,
+ and woorthie to haue the guiding of a kingdome, his father Penda
+ aduanced him to the rule of that kingdome of the Middleangles during
+ his owne life. [¶ Héere maie you note, that the kingdome of the
+ Middleangles was one, and the kingdome of Mercia another, though most
+ commonlie the same were gouerned by one king.] This yoong Peda came to
+ Oswie king of Northumberland, requiring of him to haue his daughter
+ Alchfled in mariage: but when he was informed that he might not haue
+ hir except he would become a christian, then vpon hearing the gospell
+ preached, with the promise of the celestiall ioies and immortalitie,
+ by the resurrection of the flesh in the life to come, he said that
+ whether he had king Oswies daughter to wife or not, he would suerlie
+ be baptised, and chieflie he was persuaded therevnto by his kinsman
+ Alchfrid, who had in mariage his sister the daughter of Penda name
+ Cimburgh.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ad murum.]
+ Wherefore he was baptised by bishop Finnan, with all those which came
+ thither with him at a place called At the wall, and taking with him
+ foure priests which were thought méete to teach and baptise his
+ people, he returned with great ioy into his owne countrie. The names
+ of those priests were as followeth, Cedda, Adda, Betti, and Diuna, of
+ the which, the last was a Scot by nation, and the other were
+ Englishmen. These priests comming into the prouince of the
+ Middleangles, preached the woord, and were well heard, so that dailie
+ a great number of the nobilitie & communaltie renouncing the filthie
+ dregs of idolatrie, were christned. Neither did king Penda forbid the
+ preaching of the gospell within his prouince of Mercia, but rather
+ hated and despised those whome he knew to haue professed themselues
+ [Sidenote: The saieng of king Penda.]
+ christians, and yet shewed not the woorks of faith, saieng, that
+ "Those were wretches and not to be regarded, which would not obeie
+ their God in whome they beléeued." This alteration of things began,
+ about two yéeres before the death of king Penda.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 22.]
+ About the same time, the Eastsaxons at the instance of Oswie king of
+ Northumberland, receiued eftsoones the faith which they had renounced,
+ when they banished their bishop Melitus. Ye haue heard that Serred,
+ Siward, and Sigibert brethren, and the sonnes of king Sabert (which
+ brethren occasioned the reuolting of that prouince from the faith of
+ Christ) were slaine in battell by the kings of Westsaxon, after whome
+ succéeded Sigibert surnamed the little sonne to the middlemost brother
+ Siward, as some write. This Sigibert the litle left the kingdome to an
+ other Sigibert that was sonne to one Sigebald the brother of king
+ Sabert, which second Sigibert reigned as king in that prouince of the
+ Eastsaxons, being a most especiall friend of king Oswie, so that
+ oftentimes he repaired into Northumberland to visit him, whervpon king
+ Oswie ceassed not most earnestlie at times conuenient to exhort him to
+ receiue the faith of Iesus Christ, and in the end by such effectuall
+ [Sidenote: King Sigibert receiued the faith.]
+ persuasions as he vsed, Sigibert gaue credit to his woords, and so
+ being conuerted, receiued the sacrament of baptisme by the hands of
+ bishop Finnan, at the kings house called, At the wall, so named,
+ bicause it was built néere to the wall which the Romans had made
+ ouerthwart the Ile, as is often before remembred, being twelue miles
+ distant from the east sea.
+
+ [Sidenote: This was about the yéere 649, as
+ _Matth. West._ hath noted.]
+ King Sigibert hauing now receiued the Christian faith, when he should
+ returne into his countrie, required king Oswie to appoint him certeine
+ instructors and teachers which might conuert his people to the faith
+ of Christ. King Oswie desirous to satisfie his request, sent vnto the
+ prouince of the Middleangles, calling from thence that vertuous man
+ [Sidenote: Cedda.]
+ Cedda, and assigning vnto him another priest to be his associat, sent
+ them vnto the prouince of the Eastsaxons, there to preach the
+ christian faith vnto the people. And when they had preached & taught
+ through the whole countrie, to the great increase and inlarging of the
+ church of Christ, it chanced on a time that Cedda returned home into
+ Northumberland to conferre of certeine things with bishop Finnan which
+ [Sidenote: Ced or Cedda bishop of the Eastsaxons.]
+ kept his sée at Lindesferne, where vnderstanding by Cedda the great
+ fruits which it had pleased God to prosper vnder his hands, in
+ aduancing the faith among the Eastsaxons, he called to him two other
+ bishops, and there ordeined the foresaid Cedda bishop of the
+ Eastsaxons.
+
+ Héerevpon, the same Cedda returned vnto his cure, went forward with
+ more authoritie to performe the woorke of the Lord, & building
+ churches in diuerse places, ordeined priests and deacons which might
+ helpe him in preaching, and in the ministerie of baptising, speciallie
+ [Sidenote: Tilberie.]
+ in the citie of Ithancester vpon the riuer of Pent, and likewise in
+ Tileburge on the riuer of Thames. Whilest Ced was thus busie to the
+ great comfort and ioy of the king and all his people, in the setting
+ forward of the christian religion with great increase dailie
+ procéeding, it chanced thorough the instigation of the deuill, the
+ common enimie of mankind, that king Sigibert was murthered by two of
+ his owne kinsmen who were brethren, the which when they were examined
+ of the cause that should mooue them to that wicked fact, they had
+ nothing to alledge, but that they did it bicause they had conceiued an
+ hatred against the king, for that he was too fauourable towards his
+ enimies, and would with great mildnesse of mind forgiue iniuries
+ committed against him: such was the kings fault for the which he was
+ murthered, bicause he obserued the commandements of the gospell with a
+ deuout hart.
+
+ Notwithstanding, in this his innocent death, his offense was punished,
+ wherein he had suerlie transgressed the lawes of the church. For
+ whereas one of them which slue him kept a wife, whome he had
+ vnlawfullie maried, and refused to put hir away at the bishops
+ admonition, he was by the bishop excommunicated, and all other of the
+ christian congregation commanded to absteine from his companie. This
+ notwithstanding, the king being desired of him came to his house to a
+ banket, and in his comming from thence met with the bishop, whome when
+ the king beheld, he waxed afraid, and alighted from his horsse, and
+ fell downe at his féet, beséeching him of pardon for his offense. The
+ bishop, which also was on horssebacke likewise alighted, and touching
+ the king with his rod which he had in his hand, as one something
+ [Sidenote: The authoritie of a bishop.]
+ displeased, and protesting as in the authoritie of a bishop, spake
+ these words; "Bicause (saith he) thou wouldst not absteine from
+ entring the house of that wicked person being accurssed, thou shalt
+ die in the same house:" and so it came to passe.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Suidhelme king of the Eastsaxons, he is baptised, the bishoplike
+ exercises of Ced in his natiue countrie of Northumberland; Ediswald K.
+ of Deira reuerenceth him, the kings deuout mind to further and inlarge
+ religion; the maner of consecrating a place appointed for a holie vse;
+ the old order of fasting in Lent, bishop Ced dieth; warre betweene
+ Oswie and Penda, Oswie maketh a vow to dedicate his daughter a
+ perpetuall virgine to God if he got the victorie, he obteineth his
+ request and performeth his vow, she liueth, dieth, and is buried in a
+ monasterie, the benefit insuing Oswies conquest ouer his enimies, the
+ first second and third bishops of Mercia, the victorious proceeding of
+ king Oswie; prince Peado his kinsman murthered of his wife._
+
+ THE XXXIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: SUIDHELME. _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 22.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ After Sigbert succeeded Suidhelme in the kingdome of the Eastsaxons,
+ he was the son of Sexbald, and baptised of Ced in the prouince of the
+ Eastangles, at a place of the kings there called Rendlessham. Ediswald
+ king of the Eastangles (the brother of king Anna) was his godfather at
+ the fontstone. Ced the bishop of the Eastsaxons vsed oftentimes to
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 3. _cap._ 23.]
+ visit his countrie of Northumberland where he was borne, and by
+ preaching exhorted the people to godlie life. Whervpon it chanced that
+ king Ediswald the son of king Oswald which reigned in the parties of
+ Deira, mooued with the fame of his vertuous trade of liuing, had him
+ in great reuerence: and therefore vpon a good zeale and great
+ deuotion, willed him to choose foorth some plot of ground where he
+ might build a monasterie, in the which the king himselfe and others
+ might praie, heare sermons the oftener, and haue place where to burie
+ the dead. The bishop consenting to the kings mind, at length espied a
+ place amongst high and desert mounteins, where he began the foundation
+ of a monasterie, afterwards called Lestinghem.
+
+ Wherefore meaning first of all to purge the place with praier &
+ fasting, he asked leaue of the king that he might remaine there all
+ the Lent, which was at hand, and so continuing in that place for that
+ [Sidenote: The maner of the old fast.]
+ time, fasted euerie daie (sundaie excepted) from the morning vntill
+ euening, according to the maner, nor receiued anie thing then but
+ onlie a little bread, and a hens eg, with a little milke mixt with
+ water: for he said that this was the custome of them of whome he had
+ learned the forme of his regular order, that they should consecrate
+ those places vnto the Lord with praier and fasting, which they latelie
+ had receiued to make in the same either church or monasterie.
+
+ And when there remained ten daies of Lent yet to come, he was sent for
+ to the king: wherefore he appointed a brother which he had, being also
+ a priest named Cimbill, to supplie his roome, that his begun religious
+ woorke should not be hindered for the kings businesse. Now when the
+ time was accomplished, he ordeined a monasterie there, appointing the
+ [Sidenote: Lindisferne holie Iland.]
+ moonks of the same to liue after the rules of them of Lindesferne
+ where he was brought vp. Finallie this bishop Ced comming vnto this
+ monasterie afterwards by chance in time of a sicknesse, died there,
+ and left that monasterie to the gouernance of another brother which he
+ had named Ceadda, that was after a bishop, as afterwards shall be
+ shewed. There were foure brethren of them, and all priests, Ced,
+ Cimbill, Ceulin, and Ceadda, of the which Ced and Ceadda were bishops,
+ as before is said.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 24.]
+ About the same time, Oswie king of Northumberland was sore oppressed
+ by the warres of Penda king of Mercia, so that he made great offers of
+ high gifts, and great rewards vnto the said Penda for peace, but Penda
+ refused the same, as he that meant vtterlie to haue destroied the
+ whole nation of Oswies people, so that Oswie turning himselfe to seeke
+ [Sidenote: War betwéene king Oswie & king Penda.]
+ helpe at the hands of the almightie, said: If the pagan refuse to
+ receiue the gifts which we offer, let us make offer vnto him that
+ knoweth how to accept them: and so binding himselfe by vow, promised
+ that if he might obtein victorie, he would offer his daughter to be
+ dedicate to the Lord in perpetuall virginitie: and further would giue
+ twelue manors, lordships or farmes to the building of monasteries: and
+ so with a small armie he put himselfe in hazard of battell.
+
+ It is said that Penda had thirtie companies of men of warre, furnished
+ with thirtie noble capteins or coronels, against whome came Oswie with
+ his sonne Alchfrid, hauing but a small armie, but confirmed yet with
+ hope in Christ Iesus. His other son Ecgfrid remained in hostage at
+ that time with quéene Cinnise. Edilwald the sonne of Oswald that
+ gouerned Deira, & ought to haue aided Oswie, was on the part of Penda
+ against his countrie, and against his vncle, but in time of the fight
+ he withdrew himselfe aside, to behold what chance would follow. The
+ [Sidenote: The victorie of the Northumbers.]
+ battell being begun, the thirtie pagan capteins were ouerthrowne and
+ put to flight, and those that came to aid Penda were almost all
+ slaine, among whome was Edilhere king of the Eastangles, that reigned
+ after his brother Anna, and was the procurer of this warre. This
+ battell was fought néere to the water of Inwet, the which being risen
+ as then by reason of great raine, drowned more of the enimies than
+ died of the Northumbers swoords.
+
+ After that Oswie had obteined this victorie, he performed promise in
+ bestowing his daughter to the profession of virginitie, and also gaue
+ the twelue manors, whereof six were in Deira, and six in Bernicia,
+ [Sidenote: Elfled.]
+ containing euerie of them ten housholds a péece. Elfled also king
+ [Sidenote: Herteshey saith _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Hilda.]
+ Oswies daughter was professed in the monasterie of Herthew, where one
+ Hilda was abbesse, which Hilda purchasing a lordship of ten housholds
+ in Streanshall, now called Whitbie, builded a monasterie there, in the
+ which first the said Elfled was a nouice, and after a ruler, till at
+ length being of the age of fortie yéeres she departed this life, and
+ was buried there, and so likewise was hir mother Eufled, and hir
+ grandfather Edwin, with manie other high estates within the church of
+ saint Peter the apostle. The victorie aboue mentioned got by king
+ [Sidenote: Loides.]
+ Oswie in the countrie of Loides on the 17 kalends of December, & in
+ the thirtenth yéere of his reigne, happened to the great commoditie
+ and gaine of both the people, for by the same he deliuered his
+ countrie of Northumberland from the cruell destruction made in the
+ same by the pagan people of Mercia, and conuerted those pagans
+ themselues, and the countries néere adioining to them wholie vnto the
+ faith of Iesus Christ.
+
+ [Sidenote: The first bishop of Mercia.]
+ The first bishop in the prouince of Mercia, and also of Lindesferne
+ and the Middleangles was one Diuma, who died amongst the Middleangles.
+ The second was Cellach, the which leauing his bishoprike returned into
+ Scotland, for they were both of the nation of the Scots. The third was
+ an Englishman named Trumhere, but instructed and ordeined of the
+ Scots. He was abbat of the monasterie of Ingethlingum, being builded
+ in that place where king Oswin was slaine (as before is mentioned.)
+ For quéene Eufled that was his kinswoman got of hir husband king Oswie
+ a place there for the foresaid Trumhere to build that abbeie vpon.
+
+ [Sidenote: The victorious procéeding of king Oswie.]
+ King Oswie hauing slaine king Penda, gouerned the people of Mercia,
+ and also other of the south prouinces, & subdued a great part of the
+ Pictish nation to the English dominion. About the same time king Oswie
+ gaue vnto Peada the son of king Penda (bicause he was his kinsman) the
+ [Sidenote: Southmercia.]
+ countrie of the Southmercies, conteining 5000 housholds, and separated
+ [Sidenote: Northmercia.]
+ [Sidenote: 659.]
+ from the Northmercies by the riuer Trent. The countrie of the
+ Northmercies conteined in those daies 7000 housholds. But Peada in the
+ next spring was wickedlie murthered through the treason of his wicked
+ wife (as was said) in the feast of Easter.
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The dukes of Mercia rebell against Oswie, recouer their owne bounds,
+ and create Wulfhere their king; Cenwald king of the Westsaxons
+ fighteth with the Britaines and preuaileth, he is vanquished by
+ Wulfhere; Adelwold king of Sussex hath the Ile of Wight giuen him, and
+ why; succession of Edelher, Edelwald, and Aldulfe in the kingdome of
+ Eastangles; Colman a Scot first made bishop of Northumberland,
+ controuersie about the obseruation of Easter, about bald crownes or
+ shauing the haire, superstition punished by God, Ceadda bishop of
+ Yorke, his course of life and diligence in his office commended;
+ Egbert king of Kent, the see of Canturburie void, the preferment
+ thereto refused, Theodore a moonke supplieth the roome at the popes
+ appointment, all the English clergie obey him as their head, his
+ visitation and reformation, singing vsed in churches, Theodore and
+ Adrian woorthilie praised, English men happie, glasiers first brought
+ into this Iland._
+
+ THE XXXIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 24.]
+ After three yeeres were complet, next ensuing the death of king Penda,
+ the dukes of the countrie of Mercia, Immin, Eaba, and Eadbert rebelled
+ against king Oswie, aduancing one Wulfhere a yoong gentleman the sonne
+ of Peda, and brother to Peada, whom they had kept in secret to be
+ their king, and expelling the lieutenants of king Oswie, they
+ recouered both their owne confines and libertie withall, and so liuing
+ in fréedome with their owne naturall king the foresaid Vulfhere, they
+ also continued with glad hearts in seruice of the celestiall king our
+ God and Sauior.
+
+ [Sidenote: VULFHERE.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 24.]
+ This Vulfhere gouerned the Mercies seuentéene yeares, the which
+ Mercies (during the reigne of the said Vulfhere) had foure bishops
+ successiuelie gouerning the church of that prouince one after another,
+ as the aboue mentioned Trumhere, Iaroman, Ceadda, and Winfrid, as
+ hereafter shall more at large appeare.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ About the beginning of king Vulfheres reigne, that is to say, in the
+ seuentéenth yeare of the reigne of Chenwald king of the Westsaxons,
+ the same Chenwald fought with the Britains at Pennum, where the
+ Britains being assembled in great number, proudlie incountred with the
+ Englishmen, and at the first put them to the woorst, but when the
+ Englishmen would in no wise giue ouer, but did sticke to their tackle,
+ [Sidenote: The Britains put to flight by Chenwald.]
+ at length the Britains were put to flight, so that the posteritie of
+ Brute receiued that day an incurable wound. But within thrée yeares
+ after, that is, in the ninetéenth yeare of the reigne of the said
+ Chenwald, he had not the like lucke in battell against the foresaid
+ Vulfhere king of Mercia, as he had before against the Britains, for
+ [Sidenote: Chenwald vanquished by Vulfhere.]
+ the said Vulfhere vanquishing him in the field, passed through this
+ countrie with a great armie vnto the Ile of Wight, which he conquered,
+ [Sidenote: Adelwold of Sussex.]
+ and deliuered it vnto Adelwold king of Sussex, as a gift at that time,
+ when he receiued him at the fontstone after he had conuerted him to
+ the faith. He gaue vnto Adelwold that Ile, to the end he should cause
+ the people there to receiue the faith and religion of Christ. Now
+ after that Edelhere king of Eastangles was slaine, as before is
+ mentioned, his brother Edelwald succéeded him in that kingdome,
+ reigning as king thereof by the space of nine yeares. Then after
+ Edelwald succéeded Aldulfe the son of Edelhere in gouernment of that
+ kingdome, and reigned 25 yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 24.]
+ After Finan bishop of the Northumbers that held his see at
+ [Sidenote: Colman ordeined bishop.]
+ Lindesferne, as Aidan did before him, one Colman was ordeined bishop,
+ a Scot borne, and an earnest obseruer of the customes vsed amongest
+ them of his nation, so that when the controuersie began to be reuiued
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 25.]
+ for the holding of the feast of Easter, he would by no meanes yéeld to
+ them that would haue perswaded him to haue followed the rite of the
+ Romane church. There was a great disputation kept about this matter,
+ and other things, as shauing or cutting of heares, and such like in
+ the monasterie of Whitbie, at the which king Oswie and his sonne
+ Alcfrid were present, where Colman for his part alledged the custome
+ of Iohn the euangelist, and of Anatholius; and the contrarie side
+ brought in proofe of their opinion, the custome of Peter and Paule. At
+ length, when bishop Colman perceiued that his doctrine was not so much
+ regarded, as he thought of reason it ought to haue béene, he returned
+ into Scotland with those, which taking part with him, refused to
+ obserue the feast of Easter according to the custome of the church of
+ [Sidenote: Controuersie about shauing of crownes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 6.]
+ [Sidenote: 664.]
+ Rome, nor would haue their crownes shauen, about which point no small
+ reasoning had béene kept. This disputation was holden in the yeare of
+ our Lord 664, and in the yeare of the reigne of king Oswie 22, and 30
+ yeare after the Scotishmen began first to beare the office of bishops
+ within Northumberland, which was (as W. Harison saith) 624. For Aidan
+ gouerned 17 yeares, Finan 10 yeares, & Colman 3 yeares. After that
+ [Sidenote: Tuda ordeined bishop.]
+ Colman was returned into his countrie, one Tuda that had béene brought
+ vp amongest the Southerne Scots, and ordeined bishop by them,
+ succéeded in his roome, hauing his crowne shauen, and obseruing the
+ feast of Easter according to the custome of the prouince and rite of
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 27.]
+ [Sidenote: An eclipse. Punishment of God for yelding to superstition.]
+ the Romane church. ¶ The same yeare, there chanced a great eclipse of
+ the sunne, the third of Maie about 10 of the clocke in the day. A
+ great dearth and mortalitie insued, both in all the parties of this
+ our Britaine, and likewise in Ireland. Amongest other, the foresaid
+ bishop Tuda died, and was buried in the abbeie of Pegnalech. After
+ this Tuda, succéeded in gouernement of the church of Lindesferne,
+ [Sidenote: Wilfrid bishop.]
+ otherwise called Holie Iland, one Wilfrid, which was sent by king
+ Alcfrid into France, to be ordeined there.
+
+ About the same time king Oswie, the father of king Alcfrid, mooued
+ [Sidenote: _Cap._ 28.]
+ with the good example of his sonne, sent Ceadda, the brother of Ced
+ sometime bishop of the Eastsaxons into Kent, to be ordeined bishop of
+ Yorke, but at his comming into Kent he found that Deus dedit the
+ archbishop of Canturburie was dead, and none other as yet ordeined in
+ [Sidenote: Ceadda ordeined archbishop of Yorke.]
+ his place, so that Ceadda repaired into the prouince of the
+ Westsaxons, where he was ordeined by bishop Wini, who tooke two other
+ bishops of the British nation vnto him to be his associats, which vsed
+ to obserue the feast of Easter contrarie to the custome of the Romane
+ church. But there was no other shift, sith none other bishop was then
+ canonicallie ordeined in the prouince of the Westsaxons in those
+ daies, this Wini onlie excepted, and therefore was he constreined to
+ take such as he might get and prouide.
+
+ After that Ceadda was thus ordeined, he began forthwith to follow the
+ true rules of the church, liued right chastlie, shewed himselfe humble
+ and continent, applied his studie to reading, and trauelled abroad on
+ foot and not on horssebacke through the countries, townes, and
+ villages, to preach the word of God. He was the disciple of Aidan, and
+ coueted by his example, and also by the example of Ced, to instruct
+ his hearers with the like dooings & maners as he had knowen them to
+ doo. Wilfrid also being consecrated bishop, and returned into England,
+ indeuored to plant the orders of the Romane church in the churches of
+ England, whereby it came to passe, that the Scots which inhabited
+ amongst the Englishmen, were constreined either to follow the same, or
+ else to returne into their owne countrie.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EGBERT king of Kent.]
+ In this meane time, king Ercombert being departed this life, after he
+ had gouerned the Kentishmen by the space of twentie yeares, his sonne
+ Egbert succéeded him in the kingdome, and reigned nine yeares. There
+ is little remembrance of his dooings, which in that short time were
+ not much notable, except ye will ascribe the comming into this land of
+ the archbishop Theodorus, and the abbat Adrian vnto his glorie, which
+ chanced in his time. For in the yeare of the great eclipse and sore
+ mortalitie that insued, it chanced that both king Ercombert, & the
+ archbishop Deus dedit departed this life, so that the see of
+ Canturburie was void a certeine time, in so much that king Egbert, who
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 9.]
+ succéeded his father Ercombert, togither with king Oswie, did send one
+ [Sidenote: Wighart.]
+ Wighart a priest of good reputation for his excellent knowledge in the
+ scriptures, vnto Rome, with great gifts and rich vessels of gold and
+ siluer, to be presented vnto the pope, requiring him that he would
+ ordeine the foresaid Wighart archbishop of Canturburie, to haue rule
+ of the English church. But this Wighart comming vnto Rome, and
+ declaring his message vnto Vitalianus then gouerning the church of
+ Rome, immediatlie after he died of the pestilence (that then reigned
+ in that citie) with all those that came with him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 4 _cap._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Adrian._]
+ The pope then taking aduice whome he might ordeine vnto the sée of
+ Canturburie, being thus destitute of an archbishop, appointed a moonke
+ named Adrian to take that office vpon him, but Adrian excused himselfe
+ as not sufficient for such a roome, and required the pope to appoint
+ one Andrew a moonke also, wherevnto the pope consented. But when
+ Andrew was preuented by death, eftsoones Adrian should haue béene made
+ archbishop, but that he named one Theodore an other moonke that abode
+ as then in Rome, but was borne in the citie of Tharsus in Cilicia,
+ verie well learned both in the Greeke and Latine, and being of
+ reuerend yeares, as of 76. This Theodore by the presentment of Adrian,
+ was appointed to be ordeined archbishop of Canturburie, with
+ condition, that Adrian should neuerthelesse attend vpon him into
+ England, both for that he had béene twise before this time in France,
+ and so knew the coasts; and againe, for that he might assist him in
+ all things, and looke well to the matter, that Theodore should not
+ bring into the church of England anie rite or custome of the Gréekes,
+ contrarie to the vse of the Romane church. Theodore being first
+ ordeined subdeacon, tarried foure moneths till his heare was growen,
+ that he might haue his crowne shauen after the maner of Peter. For he
+ was rounded or shauen after the maner of the East church, which was as
+ they persuaded themselues, according to the vse of saint Paule the
+ [Sidenote: Theodore ordeined archbishop of Canturburie.]
+ [Sidenote: 668.]
+ apostle. And so at length was this Theodore ordeined archbishop of
+ Canturburie by pope Vitalianus in the yeare of our Lord 668, the sixt
+ kalends of June, and with Adrian sent into Britaine.
+
+ These with their retinue came to France, and being come thither,
+ shortlie after king Egbert had knowledge thereof: wherevpon with all
+ conuenient spéed he sent ouer one of his nobles named Redfrid to bring
+ the archbishop into England, and so he did: but Adrian was staied for
+ a time, because he was suspected to haue had some commission from the
+ emperour to haue practised with the Englishmen, for the disquieting of
+ the realme of France. Howbeit, after it was perceiued that this
+ suspicion was grounded on no truth, he was also suffered to follow the
+ archbishop, and so comming vnto Canturburie, he was made abbat of the
+ monasterie of saint Augustines. The archbishop Theodore came thus vnto
+ his church of Canturburie in the second yeare after his consecration,
+ about the second kalends of June, being sundaie. He gouerned the same
+ church also 21 yeares and 16 daies, and was the first archbishop to
+ whome all the churches of England did acknowledge their obeisance.
+
+ Being accompanied with the foresaid Adrian, he visited all the parts
+ of this land, ordeined bishops and ministers in churches where he
+ thought conuenient, and reformed the same churches as séemed to him
+ néedfull, as well in other things which he misliked, as also in
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ causing them to obserue the feast of Easter, according to the right
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ and vsage of the church of Rome. Ceadda that was bishop of Yorke,
+ because he was not lawfullie ordeined, as he himselfe confessed, was
+ remoued from the sée of Yorke, and Wilfrid was therevnto restored, so
+ that Ceadda (though he were not disgraded of his degrée of bishop)
+ liued yet a priuat kind of life, till he was admitted bishop of
+ Mercia, as after shall be shewed. Also whereas before time there was
+ in maner no singing in the English churches, except it were in Kent,
+ [Sidenote: Singing in churches brought in vse.]
+ now they began in euerie church to vse singing of diuine seruice after
+ the rite of the church of Rome. The archbishop Theodore finding the
+ [Sidenote: Putta bishop of Rochester.]
+ church of Rochester void by the death of the last bishop named Damian,
+ ordeined one Putta a simple man in worldlie matters, but well
+ instructed in ecclesiasticall discipline, and namelie well séene in
+ song and musicke to be vsed in the church after the maner as he had
+ learned of pope Gregories disciples.
+
+ [Sidenote: The worthie praise of Theodore and Adrian.]
+ To be bréefe, the archbishop Theodore, and the abbat Adrian deserued
+ great commendation in this, that whereas they were notablie well
+ learned themselues in the Greeke and the Latine toongs, and also had
+ good knowledge as well in the liberall arts, as in the scripture, they
+ tooke great paines to traine vp scholers in knowledge of the same, so
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen happy and why.]
+ that the Englishmen had not seene more happie times than in those
+ daies, hauing as then kings of great puissance, so as strangers stood
+ in feare of them; and againe, those that coueted learning, had
+ instructors at hand to teach them, by reason whereof diuers being
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ giuen to studie, prooued excellent both in knowledge of the Gréeke and
+ Latine. There came in companie of the said archbishop from Rome, an
+ [Sidenote: Benedict or Benet surnamed Biscop.]
+ English man named Benedict Biscop, which had taken vpon him the habit
+ of a moonke in Italie, and now returning into his countrie, builded
+ two abbeis, the one named Wiremouth, because it was placed at the
+ mouth of the riuer of Wire, and the other Girwie, distant from
+ Wiremouth about fiue miles, and from the towne of Newcastle foure
+ [Sidenote: 670.]
+ miles, situated neere to the mouth of Tine. Wiremouth was built in the
+ yeare 670, and Girwie in the yeare 673. There were a 600 moonks found
+ [Sidenote: Glasiers first brought into England.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ in those two houses, and gouerned vnder one abbat. The said Benedict
+ was the first that brought glasiers, painters, and other such curious
+ craftsmen into England. He went fiue times to Rome, and came againe.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Sighere and Sebbie associats reigne ouer the Eastsaxons, the one
+ falleth from, the other cleaueth to the faith, Vulfhere king of Mercia
+ sendeth bishop Iaroman to redresss that apostasie of the prince and
+ the people, Cead bishop of Mercia, the king of that countrie hath him
+ in hie reputation, Egfrid king of Northumberland, a synod of bishops
+ holden at Herford, articles propounded out of the canons by Theodore
+ archbishop of Canturburie, Bisi unable to discharge his episcopall
+ office, a remedie therefore; Kenwalke of a very euill prince becometh
+ a verie good ruler, his wife gouerneth the kingdome after his death,
+ Escuius succeedeth hir in the roome, of Thunnir a murtherer king
+ Egberts principall vicegerent, bishop Winfrid deposed for
+ disobedience, Sebbie king of the Eastsaxons a professed moonke, his
+ death._
+
+ THE XXXIIIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ About the same time, after that Suidhelme king of the Eastsaxons was
+ dead, Sighere the son of Sigbert the little, and Sebbie the son of
+ Suward succéeded him in gouernement of that kingdome, albeit they were
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 3. _cap._ 30.]
+ subiect vnto Vulfhere the king of Mercia. Sighere in that time, when
+ the great mortalitie reigned, renounced the faith of Christ, with that
+ part of the people which he had in gouernement, for both the same
+ Sighere and others of his chiefest lords, and also part of his commons
+ louing this life, and not regarding the life to come, began to repaire
+ their idolish churches, and fell to the worshipping of idols, as
+ though thereby they should haue beene defended from that mortalitie.
+ But his associat Sebbie with great deuotion continued stedfast in the
+ faith which he had receiued.
+
+ King Vulfhere being informed of Seghers apostasie, and how the people
+ in his part of the prouince of Eastsaxons were departed from the
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Iaruman or Iaroman.]
+ faith, sent thither bishop Iaruman or Iaroman, that was successour
+ vnto Trumhere, which vsed such diligence and godlie meanes, that he
+ reduced the said king and all his people vnto the right beliefe, so as
+ the idolish synagogs were destroied, and the idols also with their
+ altars quite beaten downe, the Christian churches againe set open, and
+ the name of Christ eftsoones called vpon amongest the people, coueting
+ now rather to die in him with hope of resurrection in the world to
+ come, than to liue in the seruice of idols, spotted with the filth of
+ errors and false beleefe. And thus when bishop Iaroman had
+ accomplished the thing for the which he was sent, he returned into
+ Mercia.
+
+ After this, when the said Iaroman was departed this life, king
+ Vulfhere sent vnto the archbishop Theodorus, requiring him to prouide
+ the prouince of the Mercies of a new bishop. Theodorus not minding to
+ ordeine anie new bishop at that time, required Oswie king of
+ Northumberland, that Bishop Cead might come into Mercia to exercise
+ the office of bishop there. This Cead liued as it were a priuat life
+ at that time in his monasterie of Lestingham, for Wilfrid held the
+ bishoprike of Yorke, extending his authoritie ouer all Northumberland
+ & amongest the Picts also, so farre as king Oswies dominion stretched.
+ Therefore Cead hauing licence to go into Mercia, was gladlie receiued
+ of king Vulfhere, and well enterteined, in so much that the said king
+ gaue vnto him lands and possessions conteining 50 families or
+ housholds to build a monasterie in a certeine place within the
+ countrie of Lindsey called Etbearne. But the sée of his bishoprike was
+ assigned to him at Lichfield in Staffordshire, where he made him a
+ house néere to the church, in the which he with 7 or 8 other of his
+ brethren in religion vsed in an oratorie there to praie and reade, so
+ often as they had leasure from labour and businesse of the world.
+ Finallie, after he had gouerned the church of Mercia by the space of
+ two yeares and an halfe, he departed this life, hauing 7 daies warning
+ giuen him (as it is reported) from aboue, before he should die, after
+ a miraculous maner, which because in the iudgement of the most it may
+ séeme méere fabulous, we will omit and passe ouer. His bodie was first
+ buried in the church of our ladie, but after that the church of saint
+ Peter the apostle were builded, his bones were translated into the
+ same.
+
+ [Sidenote: 671.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ In the yeare of our Lord 671, which was the second yeare after that
+ Theodorus the archbishop came into this land, Oswie king of
+ Northumberland was attacked with a grieuous sicknesse, and died
+ thereof the 15 kalends of March, in the 58 yeare of his age, after he
+ had reigned 28 yeares complet.
+
+ [Sidenote: EGFRID.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 4. _cap._ 5.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 673.]
+ After Oswie, his sonne Egfrid succéeded in rule of the kingdome of
+ Northumberland, in the third yeare of whose reigne, that is to say, in
+ the yeare of our Lord 673, Theodorus the archbishop of Canturburie
+ [Sidenote: A synod holden at Herford.]
+ kept a synod at Herford, the first session whereof began the 24 of
+ September, all the bishops of this land being present either in person
+ or by their deputies, as Bisi bishop of Estangle, Wilfrid of
+ Northumberland by his deputie Putta bishop of Rochester, Eleutherius
+ bishop of Westsaxon, and Wilfrid bishop of Mercia. In the presence of
+ [Sidenote: Articles proponed by Theodore.]
+ these prelats, the archbishop shewed a booke, wherein he had noted ten
+ chapters or articles taken out of the booke of the canons, requiring
+ that the same might be receiued.
+
+   1 The first chapter was, that the feast of Easter should be kept
+   on the sundaie following the fourtéenth day of the first moneth.
+
+   2 The second, that no bishop should intermedle in an others
+   diocesse, but be contented with the cure of his flocke committed
+   to him.
+
+   3 The third, that no bishop should disquiet in anie thing anie
+   monasterie consecrated to God, nor take by violence anie goods
+   that belonged vnto the same.
+
+   4 The fourth, that bishops being moonks should not go from
+   monasterie to monasterie, except by sufferance and permission of
+   their abbats, & should continue in the same obedience wherein
+   they stood before.
+
+   5 The fift, that none of the cleargie should depart from his
+   bishop to run into anie other diocesse, nor comming from anie
+   other place should be admitted, except he brought letters of
+   testimonie with him. But if anie such chanced to be receiued, if
+   he refused to returne, being sent for home, both he and his
+   receiuer should be excommunicated.
+
+   6 The sixt, that bishops and other of the cleargie being
+   strangers shold hold them content with the benefit of
+   hospitalitie, & should not take in hand anie priestlie office,
+   without licence of the bishop, in whose diocesse he chanced so
+   to be remaining.
+
+   7 The seuenth, that twice in the yeare a synod should be kept,
+   but because of diuers impediments herein, it was thought good to
+   them all, that in the kalends of August a synod should be kept
+   once in the yeare, at a certeine place called Cloofeshough.
+
+   8 The eighth chapter was, that no one bishop should by ambition
+   séeke to be preferred aboue another, but that euerie one should
+   know the time and order of his consecration.
+
+   9 The ninth, that as the number of the christians increased, so
+   should there be more bishops ordeined.
+
+   10 The tenth was touching mariages, that none should contract
+   matrimonie with anie person, but with such as it should be
+   lawfull for him by the orders of the church: none should match
+   with their kinsfolke, no man should forsake his wife, except (as
+   the gospell teacheth) for cause of fornication. But if anie man
+   did put awaie his wife which he had lawfullie married, if he
+   would be accounted a true Christian, he might not be coopled
+   with an other, but so remaine, or else be reconciled to his owne
+   wife.
+
+ These articles, being intreated of and concluded, were confirmed with
+ the subscribing of all their hands, so as all those that did go
+ against the same, should be disgraded of their priesthood, and
+ separated from the companie of them all.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bisi bishop of the Eastangles.]
+ The forsaid Bisi that was bishop of the Eastangles, and present at
+ this synod, was sucessor unto Bonifacius, which Bonifacius held that
+ sée 17 yéeres, and then departing this life, Bisi was made bishop of
+ that prouince, and ordeined by the archbishop Theodore. This Bisi at
+ length was so visited with sicknesse, that he was not able to exercise
+ the ministration, so that two bishops were then & there elected and
+ consecrated for him, the one named Aecci, and the other Baldwin.
+
+ [Sidenote: 672.]
+ In this meane while, that is, about the yéere of our Lord 672, or
+ in the beginning of 673, as Harison noteth, Kenwalch king of the
+ Westsaxons departed this life, after he had reigned  30 yéeres. This
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West. de reg. lib._ 1.]
+ Kenwalch was such a prince, as in the beginning he was to be compared
+ with the woorst kind of rulers, but in the middest and later end of
+ his reigne, to be matched with the best. His godlie zeale borne
+ towards the aduancing of the christian religion well appéered in the
+ building of the church at Winchester, where the bishops sée of all
+ that prouince was then placed. His wife Segburga ruled the kingdome of
+ Westsaxons after him, a woman of stoutnesse inough to haue atchiued
+ acts of woorthie remembrance, but being preuented by death yer she had
+ reigned one whole yéere, she could not shew anie full proofe of hir
+ noble courage. I remember that Matth. West. maketh other report
+ heereof, declaring that the nobilitie remooued hir from the
+ gouernment. But I rather follow William Malmesburie in this matter.
+
+ [Sidenote: Escuinus.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ To procéed, after Segburga was departed this life, or deposed (if you
+ will néeds haue it so) Escuinus or Elcuinus, whose grandfather called
+ Cuthgislo, the brother of K. Kinigils, succéeding in gouernment of the
+ Westsaxons, reigned about the space of two yéeres: and after his
+ deceasse, one Centiuinus or Centwine tooke vpon him the rule, and
+ continued therein the space of nine yeeres. But Beda saith that these
+ two ruled at one time, and diuided the kingdom betwixt them. Elcuinus
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ fought against Vulfhere king of Mercia, a great number of men being
+ slaine on both parties, though Vulfhere yet had after a maner the
+ vpper hand, as some haue written.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib. & ca. supr. dict._]
+ In the same yéere that the synod was holden at Herford, that is to
+ say, in the yéere of our Lord 673, Egbert the king of Kent departed
+ [Sidenote: Io. Lothaire.]
+ this life in Iulie, and left the kingdome to his brother Lothaire,
+ which held the same eleuen yéeres, & seuen moneths. Some haue written
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. de reg. lib._ 1.]
+ that king Egbert by the suggestion of one Thunnir, who had the chiefe
+ [Sidenote: Thunnir.]
+ [Sidenote: A vile murther.]
+ rule of the kingdome vnder him, suffered the same Thunnir in
+ lamentable maner to kill the two innocent sonnes of Ermenredus the
+ brother of king Ercombert, that was father vnto King Egbert, for doubt
+ least they being towardlie yoong gentlemen, might in time grow so into
+ fauour with the people, that it should be easie for them to depriue
+ both Egbert, and his issue of the kingdome. Also, that they were
+ priuilie put to death, and secretlie buried at the first, but the
+ place of their buriall immediatlie being shewed after a miraculous
+ maner, their bodies long after in the daies of king Egilred the sonne
+ of king Edgar, were taken vp, & conueied vnto Ramsey, and there
+ buried. And although Egbert being giltie of the death of those his
+ coosens, did sore repent him, for that he vnderstood they died
+ giltlesse, yet his brother Lothaire was thought to be punished for
+ that offense, as after shall be shewed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Winfrid deposed.]
+ [Sidenote: Sexvulfe ordeined bishop of the Mercies.]
+ [Sidenote: 685, as _Matth. Westm._ saith.]
+ Winfrid bishop of the Mercies, for his disobedience in some point was
+ depriued by archbishop Theodore, and one Sexvulfe that was the builder
+ and also the abbat of the monasterie Meidhamsted, otherwise called
+ Peterborough, was ordeined and consecrated in his place. About the
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Erkenwald.]
+ same time, Erkenwald was ordeined bishop of the Eastsaxons, and
+ appointed to hold his sée in the citie of London. This Erkenwald was
+ reputed to be a man of great holinesse and vertue. Before he was made
+ bishop, he builded two abbeies, the one of moonks at Chertsey in
+ Southerie, where he himselfe was abbat, and the other of nuns at
+ [Sidenote: Ethelburga.]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgraue._]
+ Berking, within the prouince of the Eastsaxons, where he placed his
+ sister Ethelburga, a woman also highlie estéemed for hir deuout kind
+ of life. She was first brought vp and instructed in the rules of hir
+ profession by one Hildelitha a nun of the parties beyond the seas,
+ whome Erkenwald procured to come ouer for that purpose.
+
+ [Sidenote: Waldhere.]
+ [Sidenote: Sebbie king of Eastsaxons.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 4. _cap._ 16.]
+ After Erkenwald, one Waldhere was made bishop of London, in whose
+ daies Sebbie king of the Eastsaxons, after he had reigned thirtie
+ yéeres, being now vexed with a gréeuous sicknesse, professed himselfe
+ a moonke: which thing he would haue doone long before, if his wife had
+ not kept him backe. He died shortlie after within the citie of London,
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ and was buried in the church of saint Paule. King Sighere, which in
+ the beginning reigned with him, and gouerned a part of the Eastsaxons,
+ was departed this life before, so that in his latter time, the
+ foresaid Sebbie had the gouernment of the whole prouince of the
+ Eastsaxons, and left the same to his sonnes Sighard and Sewfred. About
+ [Sidenote: 675.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: But other affirme that he reigned 17 yéeres.]
+ the yéere of our Lord 675, Vulfhere king of Mercia departed this life,
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Peada or rather Weada.]
+ after he had reigned (as some say) 19 yéeres, but (as other affirme)
+ he reigned but 17 yéeres. Howbeit they which reckon 19, include the
+ time that passed after the slaughter of Penda, wherein Oswie and Peada
+ held the aforesaid kingdome.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edilred king of Mercia inuadeth the kingdome of Kent, and maketh
+ great waste without resistance of Lothaire the king thereof, Putta of
+ a bishop becommeth a poore curat and teacheth musicke, Wilfred deposed
+ from his bishoprike by king Egfrid vpon displeasure, he preacheth the
+ gospell in Sussex by the licence of king Edilwalke, no raine in Sussex
+ for the space of three yeeres, the woord and sacraments bring
+ blessings with them; bishop Wilfrid the first teacher to catch fish
+ with nets, the people haue him in great reuerence, a great and bloudie
+ battell betweene Egfrid & king Edilred, they are reconciled by the
+ meanes of archbishop Theodore; a synod holden at Hatfield, the clergie
+ subscribe to certeine articles, of Hilda the famous abbesse of
+ Whitbie._
+
+ THE XXXV CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDILRED.]
+ After Vulfhere, his brother Edilred or Ethelred succéeded in
+ gouernment of the kingdome of Mercia. This Edilred inuaded the
+ [Sidenote: 677.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ kingdome of Kent with a mightie armie, in the yéere of our Lord 677,
+ destroieng the countrie afore him, not sparing churches nor abbeies,
+ but spoiling the same without respect, as well as other common places.
+ King Lothaire durst not appéere in the field to giue him battell, so
+ that Edilred went thorough the countrie, destroied the citie of
+ Rochester, and with great riches gotten by the spoile he returned
+ home. Putta the bishop of Rochester, after that his church was spoiled
+ and defaced by the enimies, went to Sexvulfe bishop of Mercia, and
+ there obteining of him a small cure, and a portion of ground, remained
+ in that countrie, not once labouring to restore his church of
+ Rochester to the former state, but went about in Mercia to teach song,
+ and instruct such as would learne musicke, wheresoeuer he was
+ required, or could get intertainment.
+
+ Heerevpon the archbishop Theodore consecrated one William bishop of
+ Rochester in place of Putta, and after, when the said William
+ constreined by pouertie, left that church, Theodore placed one
+ [Sidenote: 678.]
+ [Sidenote: A blasing star.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 4 _ca._ 12.]
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Wifrid banished.]
+ Gebmound in his stéed. In the yéere of our Lord 678, in the moneth of
+ August, a blasing starre appéered, with a long bright beame like to a
+ piller. It was séene euerie morning for the space of thrée moneths
+ togither. The same Egfrid king of Northumberland, banished bishop
+ Wilfrid vpon displeasure taken with him, out of his sée, and then were
+ two bishops ordeined in his place, to gouerne the church of the
+ Northumbers, the one named Bosa at Yorke, and the other called Eata at
+ [Sidenote: Hagustald.]
+ [Sidenote: Hexham.]
+ [Sidenote: Eadhidus.]
+ [Sidenote: Lindesferne.]
+ [Sidenote: Holie Iland.]
+ Hagustald or Lindesferne. Also one Eadhidus was ordeined about the
+ same time bishop of Lindsey, the which prouince king Egfrid had of
+ late conquered and taken from Vulfhere the late king of Mercia, whome
+ he ouercame in battell, and droue him out of that countrie. The said
+ thrée bishops were consecrated at Yorke by the archbishop of
+ Canturburie Theodorus, the which within thrée yéeres after ordained
+ two bishops more in that prouince of the Northumbers, that is to say,
+ Tumbert at Hagustald, Eata that was appointed to remaine at
+ Lindesferne, & Trumuine was ordeined to haue the cure of the prouince
+ of those Picts which as then were vnder the English dominion. Also
+ bicause Edilred king of Mercia recouered the countrie of Lindsey, and
+ ioined it to his dominion, bishop Eadhedus comming from thence, was
+ [Sidenote: The church of Rippon.]
+ appointed to gouerne the church of Rippon.
+
+ After that bishop Wilfrid was expelled out of his diocesse and
+ prouince of the Northumbers, he went to Rome, and returning from
+ thence, came into the kingdome of the Southsaxons, the which
+ conteining seuen thousand housholds or families, as yet was not
+ [Sidenote: Wilfrid by licence of king Edilwalke preacheth the gospel
+ to them of Sussex.]
+ conuerted to the christian faith. Wherefore the said Wilfrid began
+ there to preach the gospell with licence of king Edilwalke, who (as
+ before is mentioned) was conuerted and baptised in Mercia by the
+ procurement of king Wolfher, that then became his godfather, and gaue
+ him at the same time the Ile of Wight, and the prouince of the people
+ ancientlie called Meanuari, which he had woon from the Westsaxons.
+ Bishop Wilfrid then by king Edilwalke his furtherance and helpe
+ baptised the chiefest lords and gentlemen of that prouince. But
+ certein priests baptised the residue of the people, either then or in
+ the time following.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lacke of raine.]
+ ¶ It chanced that for the space of thrée yéeres (as it is said) before
+ the comming thither of bishop Wilfrid, there had fallen no raine from
+ the aire within that prouince of the Southsaxons, so that the people
+ were brought into great miserie by reson of famine, which through want
+ of necessarie fruits of the earth sore afflicted the whole countrie,
+ insomuch that no small numbers threw themselues hedlong into the sea,
+ despairing of life in such lacke of necessarie vittels. But as God
+ would, the same day that Wilfrid began to minister the sacrament of
+ baptisme, there came downe swéet and plentifull showers of raine, so
+ watering the earth, that thereby great store of all fruits
+ plentifullie tooke root, and yéelded full increase in growth, to the
+ great comfort and reliefe of all the people, which before were in
+ maner starued and lost through want of food.
+
+ [Sidenote: Catching of fish with nets.]
+ Bishop Wilfrid also taught them in that countrie the maner how to
+ catch fish with nets, where before that time, they had no great skill
+ in anie kind of fishing, except it were in catching éeles. Hereby the
+ said bishop grew there in great estimation with the people, so that
+ his words were the better credited amongst them, for that through him
+ they receiued so great benefits, God by such meanes working in the
+ peoples hearts a desire to come to the vnderstanding of his lawes. The
+ king also gaue vnto Wilfrid a place called Sealesew, compassed about
+ on each side (except on the west halfe) with the sea, conteining 87
+ housholds or families, where he built an abbeie, and baptised all his
+ tenants there, amounting to the number of 250 bondmen and bondwomen,
+ [Sidenote: Bondmen made trulie free.]
+ whome he made frée both in bodie and soule: for he did not onelie
+ baptise them, but also infranchised them of all bodilie seruitude and
+ bondage.
+
+ In this meane while manie things happened in other parts of this land,
+ and first in the yeere after the appéering of the blasing starre
+ before mentioned, a mightie battell was fought betwixt the said Egfrid
+ and Edilred king of Mercia, néere to the riuer of Trent, where Alswine
+ the brother of king Egfrid was slaine, with manie other of the
+ Northumbers, so that king Egfrid was constreined to returne home with
+ losse. The archbishop of Canturburie Theodorus perceiuing that great
+ warre and effusion of bloud was like to follow therevpon, trauelled so
+ in the matter betwixt them, that they were made friends, and Egfrid
+ had a péece of monie in recompense of his losses. The foresaid battell
+ [Sidenote: 679.]
+ was fought in the yéere of our Lord 679, and in the yeere following,
+ [Sidenote: 680.]
+ that is to say, in the yéere of our Lord 680, which was also in the
+ tenth yéere of the reigne of Egfrid king of Northumberland, the sixt
+ yéere of Edelred king of Mercia, the 17 of Aldvulfe king of
+ Eastangles, and in the 7 of Lother king of Kent.
+
+ [Sidenote: A synod at Hatfield.]
+ The archbishop of Canturburie Theodorus held another synod at
+ Hatfield, about the 15 kalends of October, in the which all the
+ [Sidenote: Articles subscribed.]
+ clergie there present subscribed to certeine articles touching the
+ beléefe of the trinitie of persons, in vnitie of the Godhead of the
+ like substance, and also of the same vnitie in trinitie, according to
+ the true faith of the church of God. Moreouer, they acknowledged by
+ the like subscription, the fiue generall councels, of Nice, of
+ Constantinople the first, of Ephesus, of Calcedon, and of
+ Constantinople the second, with the synod also holden at Rome in the
+ daies of Martin bishop of Rome about the yéere of the emperour
+ Constantine. At this synod holden at Hatfield, was present one Iohn
+ the archchanter of S. Peters church at Rome, sent into this land of
+ purpose to bring from hence a certificat vnto pope Agatho of the
+ agréement of the English church in matters of faith, with other
+ churches of the christian world: but the foresaid archchanter died by
+ the way in France, as he returned homewards, and was buried at Towers
+ in Towraine.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: The abbesse Hilda.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ The same yéere that famous woman Hilda abbesse of Whitbie departed
+ this life, or (as other say) fiue yéeres after, hauing first beene
+ deteined long with gréeuous sickenesse. She was the daughter of one
+ Herrericus the nephue of king Edwin, and conuerted to the faith of
+ Christ at the preaching of bishop Pauline, and afterwards instructed
+ by bishop Aidan, she professed hirselfe a nun, applieng hir whole
+ studie to the reading of the scriptures, to praier, & other godlie
+ exercises. She builded the abbeie of Whitbie, wherein were placed both
+ men and women, with such an equalitie in all things, that there was no
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ rich person amongst them, nor anie that wanted things necessarie. She
+ departed this life on the 15 kalends of December, being 66 yéeres of
+ age. As some haue written she argued stoutlie on bishop Colmans part,
+ at the disputation holden in the monasterie of Whitbie, in the yéere
+ [Sidenote: _Henrie Hunt._]
+ of Grace 664, whereof ye haue heard before. About the yéere of our
+ Lord 682, that is to say, in the seuenth yere of Centwine or
+ [Sidenote: The Britains discomfited.]
+ Centiuinus king of Westsaxons, the same Centwine fought with the
+ Britains, and ouercame them in battell, pursuing them with fire and
+ sword vnto the sea side.
+
+ ¶ Thus (at this time as also at diuerse other times) they were
+ discomfited and put to flight, being a people allotted and shared out
+ as it were to suffer many an ouerthrow, and abide manie a sharpe and
+ shamefull repulse at the hands of their enimies, who conuerted the
+ distresse of that people to their profit, and tooke pleasure in the
+ extreamitie of the miseries wherein they were plunged, as may be
+ obserued by the pitifull alteration of their state vnder diuers
+ gouernours, and speciallie vnder the Danish dominion, who kept them in
+ [Sidenote: _Gorop. in Gota danica lib._ 7. _pag._ 759.]
+ no lesse vile seruitude than Pharao did the Hebrues at the making of
+ bricke & chopping of straw. So that some thinke this land to be
+ corruptlie named Britania, but ought rather to be called Bridania,
+ that is, _Libera Dania, siue regio in qua Dani liberè viuant_, for
+ they liued as lords in the land, & did (for the time being) what they
+ listed. But of this matter more shall be spoken hereafter in place
+ conuenient.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cadwallader king of Britaine, the people are brought into great
+ miserie, and he forced to flee the land, he dieth at Rome, the British
+ writers noted of error, Ceadwalla king of the Westsaxons, the kingdome
+ is diuided; the valorous mind of Ceadwalla, he is forced to forsake
+ his countrie, he vanquisheth and killeth Edilwalke king of the
+ Westsaxons, his returne into his kingdome with reuenge vpon Berthun
+ duke of Sussex and other his heauie friends, his vow if he might
+ conquer the Ile of Wight, his bountifull offer to bishop Wilfrid, the
+ Ile of Wight receiueth the faith; Ceadwalla inuadeth Kent, of a
+ barbarous warriour he becommeth a religious christian, his vertues,
+ his death and buriall at Rome; Egfrid king of Northumberland inuadeth
+ Ireland, he is slaine by Brudeus king of the Picts; the neglect of
+ good counsell is dangerous; Etheldreda a wife and a widow (hauing
+ vowed chastitie) liued a virgine 12 yeeres with hir husband Egfride,
+ she was called saint Auderie of Elie._
+
+ THE XXXVJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CADWALLADER.]
+ But now to returne vnto that which is found in the British histories,
+ by the tenor wherof it should appeare, that when their king Cadwallo
+ was dead, his son Cadwallader succéeded him in gouernement of the
+ [Sidenote: 676 saith _Matth. West._]
+ Britains, in the yéere of our Lord 678, which was about the 10 yéere
+ of the emperour Constantius Paganotus, and in the 13 yéere of the
+ [Sidenote: _Galfrid._]
+ reigne of Childericus king of France. This Cadwallader, being the
+ sonne of Cadwallo, was begot by him of the halfe sister of Penda king
+ of Mercia, for one father begot them both, but of two sundrie mothers,
+ for she had to mother a ladie descended of the noble blood of the
+ Westsaxons, and was maried vnto Cadwallo when the peace was made
+ betwixt him and hir brother the said Penda. After that Cadwallader had
+ reigned the space of 12 yéers (as Geffrey of Monmouth saith) or (as
+ others write) but 3 yéeres, the Britains were brought into such
+ miserie through ciuill discord, and also by such great and extreme
+ [Sidenote: Cadwallader constreined to forsake the land.]
+ famine as then reigned through all the land, that Cadwallader was
+ constreined with the chéefest part of his people to forsake their
+ natiue countrie, and by sea to get them ouer into Britaine Armorike,
+ there to séeke reliefe by vittels for the sustentation of their
+ languishing bodies.
+
+ ¶ Long processe is made by the British writers of this departure of
+ Cadwallader, & of the Britains out of this land, and how Cadwallader
+ was about to haue returned againe, but that he was admonished by a
+ dreame to the contrarie, the which bicause it séemeth but fabulous, we
+ passe ouer. At length he went to Rome, and there was confirmed in the
+ christian religion by pope Sergius, where shortlie after he fell
+ [Sidenote: 689.]
+ sicke, and died the 12 kalends of May, in the yeere of our Lord 689.
+ But herein appeareth the error of the British writers in taking one
+ for another, by reason of resemblance of names, for where Ceadwalla
+ king of the Westsaxons about that time mooued of a religious deuotion,
+ after he was conuerted to the faith, went vnto Rome, and was there
+ baptised, or else confirmed of the foresaid pope Sergius, and shortlie
+ after departed this life in that citie in the foresaid yéere of 689 or
+ therabouts. The Welshmen count him to be their Cadwallader: which to
+ be true is verie vnlike by that which may be gathered out of the
+ learned writings of diuers good and approoued authors.
+
+ [Sidenote: CEADWALLA.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ This Ceadwalla king of the Westsaxons succeeded after Centwine or
+ Centiuinus, which Centwine reigned nine yéeres, though it should
+ appeare by that which is written by authors of good credit, that
+ during two of those yéeres at the least, the kingdome of Westsaxons
+ was diuided betwixt him and Elcuinus or Escuinus, so that he should
+ not reigne past seuen yeeres alone.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulf. Cest._]
+ But now to Ceadwalla, whome some take to be all one with Cadwallader,
+ we find that he was lineallie descended from Cutha or Cutwine, the
+ brother of Ceauline or Keuling king of Westsaxons, as sonne to Kenbert
+ or Kenbright that was sonne to Ceadda the sonne of the foresaid Cutha
+ or Cutwin. Thus being extract of the noble house of the kings of
+ Westsaxons, he prooued in his youth a personage of great towardnesse,
+ and such a one as no small hope was of him conceiued: he would let no
+ occasion passe wherein he might exercise his force, to shew proofe of
+ his high valiancie, so that in the end with his woorthie attempts
+ shewed therein, he purchased to himselfe the enuie of those that ruled
+ [Sidenote: Ceadwalla driuen to depart out of his countrie.]
+ in his countrie, by reason whereof he was banished in a conspiracie
+ made against him. Wherevpon he tooke occasion as it were in reuenge of
+ such vnthankfulnesse to withdraw out of his countrie, leading with him
+ all the principall youth of the same, the which either pitieng his
+ present estate, or mooued with pleasure taken in his valiant dooings,
+ followed him at his going into exile.
+
+ The first brunt of his furious attempts after he was out of his
+ countrie, Edilwalke the king of the Southsaxons tasted, who in defense
+ of himselfe comming to trie battell with Ceadwalla, was slaine with
+ the most part of all his armie. Ceadwalla then perceiuing the valiant
+ courages of his souldiers, filled with good hope of this happie
+ atchiued victorie, returned with good and prosperous spéed into his
+ owne countrie, and that yer he was looked for, and earnestlie pursuing
+ his aduersaries, droue them out of the kingdome, and taking vpon him
+ to rule the same as king, reigned two yéeres, during the which he
+ atchiued diuers notable enterprises.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 4. _cap._ 15.]
+ And first, whereas Berthun and Authun dukes of Sussex & subiects vnto
+ the late king Edilwalke, had both expelled him out of that countrie,
+ after he had slaine the said Edilwalke, and also taken vpon them the
+ rule of that kingdome, hauing now atteined to the gouernement of the
+ [Sidenote: Berthun a duke of Sussex slaine.]
+ Westsaxons, he inuaded the countrie of Sussex againe, and slue Berthun
+ in battell, bringing that countrie into more bondage than before. He
+ also set vpon the Ile of Wight, and well-néere destroied all the
+ inhabitants, meaning to inhabit it with his owne people. Hee bound
+ [Sidenote: Caedwalla his vow. The Ile of Wight conquered.]
+ himselfe also by vow, although as yet he was not baptised, that if he
+ might conquer it, he would giue a fourth part thereof vnto the Lord.
+ And in performance of that vow, he offered vnto bishop Wilfride (who
+ then chanced to be present) when he had taken that Ile, so much therof
+ as conteined 300 housholds or families, where the whole consisted in
+ 1200 housholds. Wilfrid receiuing thankefullie the gift, deliuered the
+ same vnto one of his clearks named Bernewine that was his sisters
+ sonne, appointing to him also a priest named Hildila, the which should
+ minister the word and the sacrament of baptisme vnto all those that
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Wight receiueth the faith.]
+ would receiue the same. Thus was the Ile of Wight brought to the faith
+ of Christ last of all other the parties of this our Britaine, after
+ that the same faith had failed here by the comming of the Saxons.
+
+ Moreouer, king Ceadwalla inuaded the kingdome of Kent, where he lost
+ his brother Mollo, as after shall appéere, but yet he reuenged his
+ death with great slaughter made of the inhabitants in that countrie.
+ Finallie, this worthie prince Ceadwalla, turning himselfe from the
+ desire of warre and bloudshed, became right courteous, gentle and
+ liberall towards all men, so that ye could not haue wished more
+ vertuous manners to rest in one as yet not christened. And shortlie
+ after, willing to be admitted into the fellowship of the christians
+ (of whose religion he had taken good tast) he went to Rome, where of
+ pope Sergius he was baptised, and named Peter, and shortlie after
+ surprised with sickenesse, he died, and was buried there within the
+ [Sidenote: 689.]
+ church of saint Peter in the yeere of our Lord 689.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 4. _cap._ 26.]
+ [Sidenote: Ireland inuaded by the Northumbers.]
+ In the meane while, that is to say, in the yeere of our Lord 684,
+ Egfride king of Northumberland sent an armie vnder the guiding of a
+ capteine named Bertus into Ireland, the which wasted that countrie,
+ sparing neither church nor monasterie, sore indamaging the people of
+ that countrie, which had euer beene friends vnto the English nation,
+ and deserued nothing lesse than so to be inuaded and spoiled at their
+ hands. The Irish men defended themselues to their power, beséeching
+ God with manie a salt teare, that he would reuenge their cause in
+ punishing of such extreme iniuries. And though cursers may not inherit
+ the kingdome of heauen, yet they ceased not to curse, hoping the
+ sooner that those which with good cause were thus accursed, should
+ woorthilie be punished for their offenses by God, & so (peraduenture)
+ [Sidenote: King Egfride slain by Brudeus king of the Picts.]
+ it fell out. For in the yeere following, the said Egfride had lead an
+ armie into Pictland against Brudeus king of the Picts, and being
+ trained into straits within hils and craggie mounteins, he was slaine
+ with the most part of all his armie, in the yeere of his age 40, and
+ of his reigne 15, vpon the 13 kalends of June.
+
+ There were diuers of Egfrides friends, and namelie Cutberd (whome he
+ had aduanced the same yéere vnto the bishops sée of Lindesferne) that
+ aduised him in no wise, either to haue taken this warre in hand
+ against the Picts, or the other against them of Ireland, but he would
+ not be counselled, the punishment appointed for his sinnes being such,
+ that he might not giue eare to his faithfull friends that aduised him
+ [Sidenote: These Britains were those vndouttedlie y't dwelt in the
+ northwest parts of this Ile, and is not ment onlie by them of Wales.]
+ for the best. From that time foorth, the hope and power of the English
+ people began to decaie. For not onelie the Picts recouered that part
+ of their countrie which the Englishmen had held before in their
+ possession, but also the Scots that inhabited within this Ile, and
+ likewise some part of the Britains tooke vpon them libertie, which
+ they kept and mainteined a long time after, as Beda confesseth.
+
+ Egfride died without issue, & left no children behind him. He had to
+ wife one Ethelreda or Etheldrida, daughter vnto Anna king of the
+ Eastangles, which liued with hir husband the forsaid Egfride twelue
+ yéeres in perfect virginitie (as is supposed) contrarie to the purpose
+ of hir husband, if he might haue persuaded hir to the contrarie, but
+ finallie he was contented that she should kéepe hir first vow of
+ [Sidenote: Ethelreda.]
+ chastitie which she had made. She was both widow and virgine when he
+ maried hir, being first coupled in wedlocke with one Eunbert a noble
+ [Sidenote: Giruij.]
+ man, and a ruler in the south parts of the countrie, where the people
+ called Giruij inhabited, which is the same where the fennes lie in the
+ confines of Lincolnshire, Norffolke, Huntingtonshire, &
+ Cambridgeshire, howbeit he liued with hir but a small while. After she
+ had obteined licence to depart from the court, she got hir first into
+ Coldingham abbeie, and there was professed a nun. Then she went to
+ Elie, and there restored the monasterie, and was made abbesse of the
+ place, in the which after she had gouerned seuen yeeres, she departed
+ this life, and was there buried. This same was she which commonlie is
+ called saint Audrie of Elie, had in great reuerence for the opinion
+ conceiued of hir great vertue and puritie of life.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Alfride (the bastard) king of Northumberland, his life and death,
+ Iohn archbishop of Canturburie resigneth his see, Lother king of Kent
+ dieth of a wound, Edrike getteth the regiment thereof but not without
+ bloudshed, Ceadwalla wasteth Kent being at strife in it selfe, his
+ brother Mollo burned to death; Withred made king of Kent, he
+ vanquisheth his enimies, Inas king of Westsaxons is made his friend,
+ Suebhard and Nidred vsurpers of the Kentish kingdome, the age and
+ death of Theodore archbishop of Canturburie, Brightwald the first
+ archbishop of the English nation; the end of the British regiment, and
+ how long the greatest part of this Iland was vnder their gouernement._
+
+ THE XXXVIJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ After that king Egfride was slaine (as before is mentioned) his
+ [Sidenote: ALFRIDE.]
+ [Sidenote: 685.]
+ brother Alfride was made king of Northumberland. This Alfride was the
+ bastard sonne of king Oswie, and in his brothers daies (either
+ willinglie, or by violent means constreined) he liued as a banished
+ man in Ireland, where applieng himselfe to studie, he became an
+ excellent philosopher. And therfore being iudged to be better able to
+ haue the rule of a kingdome, he was receiued by the Northumbers, and
+ made king, gouerning his subiects the space of 20 yeares and more,
+ with great wisedome and policie, but not with such large bounds as his
+ ancestors had doone: for the Picts (as before is mentioned) had cut
+ off one péece of the north part of the ancient limits of that
+ [Sidenote: 698.]
+ kingdome. About the 13 yeare of his reigne, that is to say, in the
+ yeare of our Lord 698, one of his capteins named earle Berthred, or
+ Bertus, was slaine in battell by the Picts, whose confins he had as
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ then inuaded. The curse of the Irish men, whose countrie in the daies
+ of king Egfrid he had cruellie wasted (as before is mentioned) was
+ thought at this time to take place. Finallie king Alfride, after he
+ [Sidenote: 705.]
+ had reigned 20 yeares & od months, departed this life, in the yeare of
+ our Lord 705.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ In the beginning of king Alfrids daies, Eata the bishop of Hexham
+ being dead, one Iohn a man of great holinesse was admitted bishop, and
+ after that, bishop Wilfrid was restored, when he had remained a long
+ [Sidenote: Iohn archbishop of Yorke.]
+ time in exile. The said Iohn was remoued to the church of Yorke, the
+ same being then void by the death of the archbishop Bosa. At length
+ [Sidenote: He resigneth his sée.]
+ the foresaid Iohn wearied with the cares of publike affaires resigned
+ his sée, and got him to Beuerley, where he liued a solitarie life for
+ [Sidenote: 721.]
+ the space of foure yeares, and then died, about the yeare of our Lord
+ 721, king Osrike as then reigning in Northumberland. He continued
+ bishop for the space of 24 yeares, and builded a church, and founded a
+ colledge of priests at Beuerley aforsaid, in which church he lieth
+ buried.
+
+ [Sidenote: 686 saith _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Lother king of Kent dieth of a wound.]
+ The same yeare, or in the yeare after that king Egfrid was slaine,
+ Lother king of Kent departed this life, the 8 Ides of Februarie, of a
+ wound by him receiued in a battell which he fought against the
+ Southsaxons, the which came in aid of Edrike, that was sonne vnto his
+ brother Egbert, and had mainteined warre against his vncle the said
+ Lother, euen from the beginning of his reigne, till finallie he was
+ now in the said battell striken thorough the bodie with a dart, and so
+ died thereof, after he had reigned 11 yeares, and seuen moneths. It
+ was thought that he was disquieted with continuall warres and
+ troubles, and finallie brought to his end before the naturall course
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ of his time, for a punishment of his wicked consent giuen to the
+ putting to death of his cousins Ethelbert & Ethelbrit, as appeared, in
+ that when they were reported to be martyrs, because it was knowen they
+ died innocentlie, he mocked them and made but a iest at it, although
+ his brother in acknowledging his fault, repented him thereof, and gaue
+ [Sidenote: _Capgraue_ saith, their sister.]
+ in recompense to their mother a part of the Ile of Thanet to the
+ building of a monasterie.
+
+ [Sidenote: EDRICKE.]
+ The foresaid Edricke (after Lother was dead) got the dominion of Kent,
+ and ruled as king thereof, but not without ciuill warre, insomuch that
+ before he had reigned the full terme of two yeares, he was slaine in
+ the same warre. Then Ceadwalla king of the Westsaxons being thereof
+ aduertised, supposing the time now to be come that would serue his
+ purpose, as one still coueting to worke the Kentishmen all the
+ displeasure he could, entred with an armie into their countrie, and
+ began to waste and spoile the same on ech side, till finallie the
+ Kentishmen assembled themselues togither, gaue battell to their
+ enimies, and put them to flight. Mollo brother to Ceadwalla was driuen
+ from his companie, and constrained to take an house for his refuge:
+ but his enimies that pursued him set fire thereon, and burned both the
+ [Sidenote: Mollo brother to king Ceadwalla burnt to death.]
+ house and Mollo within it to ashes. Yet did not Ceadwalla herewith
+ depart out of the countrie, but to wreake his wrath, and to reuenge
+ the griefe which he tooke for the death of his brother, he wasted and
+ destroied a great part of Kent yer he returned home, and left (as it
+ were) an occasion to his successor also to pursue the quarell with
+ reuenging. Wherein we sée the cankerd nature of man, speciallie in a
+ case of wrong or displeasure; which we are so far from tollerating &
+ forgiuing, that if with tooth and naile we be not permitted to take
+ vengeance, our hearts will breake with a full conceit of wrath. But
+ the law of nature teacheth vs otherwise to be affected, namelie,
+
+   ------ per te nulli vnquam iniuria fiat,
+   Sed verbis alijsque modis fuge lædere quenquam,
+   Quod tibi nolles, alijs fecisse caueto,
+   Quódque tibi velles, alijs præstare studeto;
+   Hæc est naturæ lex optima, quam nisi ad vnguem
+   Seruabis, non ipse Deo (mihi crede) placebis,
+   Póstque obitum infoelix non aurea sydera adibis.
+
+ Which lesson taught by nature, and commanded of God, if these men had
+ followed (as they minded nothing lesse in the fier of their furie)
+ they would haue béene content with a competent reuenge, and not in
+ such outragious maner with fier and sword haue afflicted one another,
+ nor (which is more than tigerlike crueltie) haue ministred occasion to
+ posterities to reuenge wrongs giuen and taken of their ancestors. But
+ we will let this passe without further discourse, meaning hereafter in
+ due place to declare the processe.
+
+ The Kentishmen being destitute of a king, after that diuers had
+ coueted the place, and sought to atteine thereto, as well by force as
+ otherwise, to the great disquieting of that prouince for the space of
+ 6 yeares togither, at length in the 7 yeare after Edricks death,
+ Withred an other of the sonnes of king Egbert, hauing with diligent
+ trauell ouercome enuie at home, & with monie redéemed peace abroad,
+ [Sidenote: Withred is made king of Kent.]
+ was with great hope conceiued of his worthinesse made king of Kent,
+ the 11 of Nouember, & 205 after the death of Hengist, he reigned 33
+ yeares, not deceiuing his subiects of their good conceiued opinion of
+ him: for ouercomming all his aduersaries which were readie to leuie
+ ciuill warre against him, he also purchased peace of Inas king of the
+ Westsaxons, which ment to haue made him warre, till with monie he was
+ made his friend.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 5.]
+ [Sidenote: Suebhard and Nidred kings by vsurpation and not by
+ succession, as _Henr. Hunt._ writeth.]
+ A little before that Withred was confirmed in the kingdome of Kent,
+ there reigned two kings in that countrie, Suebhard and Nidred, or
+ rather the same Withred, if the printed copie of Bedas booke intituled
+ "Ecclesiastica historia gentis Anglorum" haue not that name corrupted:
+ for where he sheweth that the archbishop Theodorus being of the age of
+ 88 yeares, departed this life in the yeare of our Lord 690, in the
+ next chapter he declareth, that in the yeare 692, the first daie of
+ Iulie one Brightwald was chosen to succéed in the archbishops sée of
+ Canturburie, Withredus and Suebhardus as then reigning in Kent: but
+ whether Withredus gouerned as then with Suebhardus, or that some other
+ named Nidred, it forceth not: for certeine it is by the agréement of
+ other writers, that till Withred obteined the whole rule, there was
+ great strife and contention moued about the gouernement, and diuers
+ [Sidenote: Brightwald the first archbishop of the English nation.]
+ there were that sought and fought for it. But this ought to be noted,
+ that the forenamed Brightwald was the eight archbishop in number, and
+ first of the English nation that sat in the sée of Canturburie: for
+ the other seuen that were predecessors to him, were strangers borne,
+ and sent hither from Rome.
+
+ ¶ Here endeth the line and gouernement of the Britains, now called
+ Welshmen, which tooke that name of their duke or leader Wallo or
+ Gallo; or else of a queene of Wales named Gales or Wales. But
+ howsoeuer that name fell first vnto them, now they are called
+ Welshmen, which sometime were called Britains or Brutons, and
+ descended first of the Troians, and after of Brute, and lastlie of
+ Mulmucius Dunwallo: albeit they were mingled with sundrie other
+ nations, as Romans, Picts, &c. And now they be called English that in
+ their beginning were named Saxons or Angles. To conclude therefore
+ with this gouernement, so manie times intercepted by forren power, it
+ appeareth by course of histories treating of these matters, that the
+ last yeare of Cadwallader was the yeare of our Lord 686, which makes
+ the yere of the world 4647. So that (as Fabian saith) the Britains had
+ the greater part of this land in rule (reckoning from Brute till this
+ time) 1822 yeares. Which terme being expired, the whole dominion of
+ this realme was Saxonish.
+
+   _Thus farre the interrupted regiment of the Britains, ending at
+   the fift booke._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE SIXT BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Inas king of the Westsaxons, the whole monarchie of the realme
+ falleth into their hands, Inas for a summe of monie granteth peace to
+ the Kentishmen, whom he was purposed to haue destroied, he & his
+ coosen Nun fight with Gerent king of the Britains, and Cheolred king
+ of Mercia, and Ealdbright king of Southsaxons, the end of their
+ kingdoms, Inas giueth ouer his roialtie, goeth in pilgrimage to Rome,
+ and there dieth; his lawes written in the Saxon toong; of what
+ buildings he was the founder, queene Ethelburgas deuise to persuade
+ Inas to forsake the world, he was the first procurer of Peter pence to
+ be paid to Rome; king Ethelred, king Kenred, and king Offa become
+ moonks; the setting vp of images in this land authorised by a vision;
+ king Ethelbalds exploits, he is slaine of his owne subiects by the
+ suggestion of Bernred the vsurper, Boniface his letter of commendation
+ to king Ethelbald, nuns kept for concubines, their pilgrimage._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: INAS.]
+ [Sidenote: 689.]
+ After that Ceadwalla, late K. of the Westsaxons was gone to Rome,
+ where he departed this life (as afore is shewed) his coosen Inas or
+ Ine was made king of the Westsaxons, begining his reigne in the yéere
+ of our Lord 689, in the third yeere of the emperor Iustinianus the
+ third, the 11 yéere of the reigne of Theodoricus K. of France, and
+ about the second yéere of the reigne of Eugenius king of Scots. Now
+ [Sidenote: The Britains ceasse to reigne in this land.]
+ because the rule of the Britains commonlie called Welshmen, ceassed in
+ this realme, as by confession of their owne writers it appéereth, and
+ that in the end the whole monarchie of the same realme came to the
+ hands of the kings of Westsaxons, we haue thought méet to refer things
+ generall vnto the reignes of the same kings, as before we did in the
+ Britaine kings, reseruing the particular dooings to the kings of the
+ other prouinces or kingdoms, as the same haue fallen out, and shall
+ come to hand.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ This Inas, whome some (mistaking N for V) doo wrongfullie name Iue or
+ Iewe, prooued a right excellent prince, he was descended of the
+ ancient linage of the kings of the Westsaxons, as sonne to one Kenred,
+ that was sonne to Ceolwald the son of Cutha or Cutwine, that was sonne
+ to Kenricke the sonne of Certicus, the first king of Westsaxons. But
+ he was admitted to the kingdome more for the valiant prowes knowne to
+ rest in his woorthie person, than for the successiue ofspring of which
+ he was descended. The first voiage that he made, was against the
+ Kentishmen, on whome he purposed to reuenge the death of his coosen
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Mollo, the griefe whereof as yet he kept in fresh memorie. But when
+ the Kentishmen perceiued, that to resist him by force, they were
+ nothing able, they attempted by monie to buy their peace, and so
+ obteined their purpose, vpon paiment made to him of thirtie thousand
+ marks of siluer.
+
+ [Sidenote: Anno 708 as is noted by _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ After this, about the 21 yéere of his reigne, king Inas and his coosen
+ Nun fought with Gerent king of the Britains. In the beginning of the
+ battell, one Higelbald a noble man of the Westsaxons part was slaine,
+ but in the end Gerent with his Britains was chased. In the 26 yéere of
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 718]
+ his reigne; the same Inas fought a mightie battell against Cheolred
+ king of Mercia, at Wodenessburie, with doubtfull victorie, for it
+ could not well be iudged whether part susteined greater losse. In the
+ 36 yéere of his reigne, king Inas inuaded the Southsaxons with a
+ mightie armie, and slue in battell Ealdbright or Aldinius king of the
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 722.]
+ [Sidenote: The end of the kingdome of the Southsaxons.]
+ Southsaxons, and ioined that kingdome vnto the kingdome of the
+ Westsaxons: so that from thencefoorth the kingdome of those
+ Southsaxons ceassed, after they had reigned in that kingdome by the
+ space of five kings successiuelie, that is to say, Ella, Cissa,
+ Ethelwalke, Berutius, and this last Aldinius or Ealdbright.
+
+ Finallie, when Inas had reigned 37 yéeres, and 10 or 11 od moneths, he
+ renounced the rule of his kingdome, togither with all worldlie pompe,
+ [Sidenote: Inas went to Rome and there died.]
+ and went vnto Rome as a poore pilgrime, and there ended his life: but
+ before this, during the time of his reigne, he shewed himselfe verie
+ deuout and zealous towards the aduancement of the christian religion.
+ He made and ordeined also good & wholesome lawes for the amendment of
+ maners in the people, which are yet extant and to be read, written in
+ the Saxon toong, and translated into the Latine in times past, and now
+ latelie againe by William Lambert gentleman, and printed by Iohn Day,
+ in the yéere 1568, togither with the lawes and statutes of other kings
+ before the conquest, as to the learned maie appéere.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Moreouer, king Ine builded the monasterie of Glastenburie, where
+ Ioseph of Arimathea in times past builded an oratorie or chappell (as
+ before is recited) when he with other christians came into this land
+ in the daies of Aruiragus, & taught the gospell heere to the Britains,
+ conuerting manie of them to the faith. Moreouer, king Ine or Inas
+ builded the church of Welles, dedicating it vnto saint Andrew, where
+ afterwards a bishops sée was placed, which at length was translated
+ [Sidenote: _Ethelburga._]
+ vnto Salisburie. He had to wife one Ethelburga, a woman of noble
+ linage, who had béene earnest with him a long time to persuade him to
+ forsake the world: but she could by no meanes bring hir purpose to
+ passe, till vpon a time the king and she had lodged at a manor place
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ in the countrie, where all prouision had béene made for the receiuing
+ of them and their traine in most sumptuous maner that might be, as
+ well in rich furniture of houshold, as also in costlie viands, and all
+ other things needfull, or that might serue for pleasure, and when they
+ were departed, the quéene the foresaid Ethelburga caused the keeper of
+ [Sidenote: The deuise of quéene Ethelburga to persuade hir husband to
+ forsake the world.]
+ that house to remooue all the bedding, hangings, and other such things
+ as had béen brought thither and ordeined for the beautifull setting
+ foorth of the house, and in place thereof to bring ordure, straw, &
+ such like filth, as well into the chambers and hall, as into all the
+ houses of office, and that doone, to laie a sow with pigs in the place
+ where before the kings bed had stood. Héerevpon when she had knowledge
+ that euerie thing was ordered according to hir appointment, she
+ persuaded the king to returne thither againe, feining occasions great
+ and necessarie.
+
+ Now when he was returned to that house, which before séemed to the eie
+ a palace of most pleasure, and now finding it in such a filthie state
+ as might loath the stomach of anie man to behold the same, she tooke
+ occasion therevpon to persuade him to the consideration of the vaine
+ pleasures of this world, which in a moment turne to naught, togither
+ with the corruption of the flesh, being a filthie lumpe of claie,
+ after it should once be disolued by death: and in fine, where before
+ she had spent much labour to mooue him to renounce the world, though
+ all in vaine, yet now the beholding of that change in his pleasant
+ palace, wherein so late he had taken great delight, wrought such an
+ alteration in his mind, that hir woords lastlie tooke effect: so that
+ he resigned the kingdome to his coosen Ethelard, and went himselfe to
+ Rome (as aboue is mentioned) and his wife became a nun in the abbeie
+ of Barking, where she was made abbesse, and finallie there ended hir
+ [Sidenote: Peter pence.]
+ life. This Inas was the first that caused the monie called Peter
+ pence, to be paid vnto the bishop of Rome, which was for euerie
+ houshold within his dominion a penie.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Ethelred becommeth a moonk.]
+ In this meane time Edilred or Ethelred, hauing gouerned the kingdome
+ of Mercia by the tearme of 29 yéeres, became a moonke in the abbeie of
+ Bardenie, and after was made abbat of that house. He had to wife one
+ [Sidenote: Ostrida.]
+ Ostrida the sister of Egfride king of Northumberland, by whome he had
+ a sonne named Ceolred. But he appointed Kenred the sonne of his
+ [Sidenote: _Beda in Epit._]
+ brother Vulfher to succéed him in the kingdome. The said Ostrida was
+ cruellie slaine by the treason of hir husbands subiects, about the
+ [Sidenote: 697.]
+ yéere of our Lord 697.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Kenred.]
+ And as for Kenred, he was a prince of great vertue, deuout towards
+ God, a furtherer of the commonwealth of his countrie, and passed his
+ life in great sinceritie of maners. In the fift yéere of his reigne,
+ he renounced the world, and went to Rome, togither with Offa king of
+ the Eastsaxons, where he was made a moonke: and finallie died there,
+ [Sidenote: 711.]
+ in the yéere of our Lord 711. By the aid and furtherance of this
+ [Sidenote: _Nauclerus._]
+ [Sidenote: Egwin bishop of Worcester.]
+ Kenred, a moonke of saint Benets order (called Egwin) builded the
+ abbeie of Eueshame, who afterwards was made bishop of Worcester.
+
+ [Sidenote: A fabulous and trifling deuise.]
+ ¶ We find recorded by writers, that this Egwin had warning giuen him
+ by visions (as he constantlie affirmed before pope Constantine) to set
+ vp an image of our ladie in his church. Wherevpon the pope approuing
+ the testifications of this bishop by his buls, writ to Brightwald
+ archbishop of Canturburie, to assemble a synod, and by authoritie
+ thereof to establish the vse of images, charging the kings of this
+ land to be present at the same synod, vpon paine of excommunication.
+ [Sidenote: _Bale._]
+ [Sidenote: 712.]
+ This synod was holden about the yéere of our Lord 712, in the daies of
+ Inas king of Westsaxons, and of Ceolred king of Mercia successor to
+ the foresaid Kenred.
+
+ After Kenred succéeded Ceolred, the sonne of his vncle Edilred, & died
+ in the 8 yeere of his reigne, and was buried at Lichfield. Then
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ succéeded Ethelbaldus that was descended of Eopa the brother of king
+ Penda, as the fourth from him by lineall succession. This man gouerned
+ a long time without anie notable trouble: some warres he had, and sped
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cestren._]
+ diuerslie. In the 18 yéere of his reigne, he besieged Sommerton and
+ wan it. He also inuaded Northumberland, and got there great riches by
+ spoile and pillage, which he brought from thence without anie battell
+ offered to him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ He ouercame the Welshmen in battell, being then at quiet, and ioined
+ as confederats with Cuthred K. of Westsaxons. But in the 37 yéere of
+ [Sidenote: Bereford.]
+ [Sidenote: 755.]
+ his reigne, he was ouercome in battell at Bereford by the same
+ Cuthred, with whome he was fallen at variance, and within foure yéeres
+ after, that is to say, in the 41 yéere of his reigne he was slaine in
+ [Sidenote: Thrée miles from Tamworth.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 758.]
+ battell at Secandon, or Sekenton, by his owne subiects, which arreared
+ warres against him, by the procurement and leading of one Bernred, who
+ after he had slaine his naturall prince, tooke vpon him the kingdome:
+ but he prospered not long, being slaine by Offa that succéeded him in
+ rule of the kingdome of Mercia, as after shall be shewed. The bodie of
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Ethelbald was buried at Ripton.
+
+ [Sidenote: The historie of Magd.]
+ Bonifacius the archbishop of Mentiz or Moguntz, hauing assembled a
+ councell with other bishops and doctors, deuised a letter, and sent it
+ vnto this Ethelbald, commending him for his good deuotion and charitie
+ in almes-giuing to the reliefe of the poore, and also for his vpright
+ dealing in administration of iustice, to the punishment of robbers and
+ such like misdooers: but in that he absteined from mariage, and
+ wallowed in filthie lecherie with diuerse women, and namelie with
+ nuns, they sore blamed him, and withall declared in what infamie the
+ whole English nation in those daies remained by common report in other
+ countries for their licentious liuing in sinfull fornication, and
+ namelie the most part of the noble men of Mercia by his euill example
+ did forsake their wiues, and defloured other women which they kept in
+ [Sidenote: Nuns kept for concubines.]
+ adulterie, as nuns and others. Moreouer, he shewed how that such euill
+ women, as well nuns as other, vsed to make awaie in secret wise their
+ children which they bare out of wedlocke, and so filled the graues
+ with dead bodies, and hell with damned soules. The same Bonifacius in
+ an other epistle wich he wrote vnto Cutbert the archbishop of
+ [Sidenote: Pilgrimage of nuns.]
+ Canturburie, counselled him not to permit the English nuns to wander
+ abroad so often on pilgrimage, bicause there were few cities either in
+ France or Lombardie, wherein might not be found English women, that
+ liued wantonlie in fornication and whordome.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Offa king of the Eastsaxons with other go to Rome, he is shauen and
+ becommeth a moonke, succession in the kingdome of the Eastsaxons and
+ Eastangles, Osred king of Northumberland hath carnall knowledge with
+ nuns, he is slaine in battell, Osrike renouncing his kingdome
+ becommeth a moonke, bishop Wilfrid twise restored to his see,
+ Westsaxonie diuided in two diocesses, bishop Aldhelme a founder of
+ religious houses; Ethelard succeedeth Inas in regiment, two blasing
+ starres seene at once, and what insued, the king dieth: the successiue
+ reigne of Wichtreds three sonnes ouer Kent, what prouinces were
+ gouerned by bishops; of what puissance Ethelbald king of Mercia was,
+ Egbert archbishop of Yorke aduanceth his see; a notable remembrance of
+ that excellent man Beda, his death._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Kings of the Eastsaxons.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda lib._ 5. _cap._ 20.]
+ [Sidenote: Offa king of Eastsaxons.]
+ In this meane time Sighard and Seufred, kings of the Eastsaxons, being
+ departed this life, one Offa that was sonne to Sigerius succéeded in
+ gouernment of that kingdome, a man of great towardnesse, and of right
+ comelie countenance: but after he had ruled a certeine time, being
+ mooued with a religious deuotion, he went to Rome in companie of
+ Kenred king of Mercia, and of one Egwine bishop of Worcester, and
+ being there shauen into the order of moonks, so continued till he
+ [Sidenote: King Selred.]
+ died. After him one Selred the sonne of Sigbert the good, ruled the
+ Eastsaxons the tearme of 38 yéeres. After Aldulfe the king of
+ [Sidenote: 688.]
+ Eastangles departed this fraile life, which chanced about the yéere of
+ our Lord 688, his brother Elcwold or Akwold succéeded him, and reigned
+ about twelue yéeres. After whose decease one Beorne was made king of
+ Eastangles, and reigned about 26 yéeres. In this meane while, that is
+ [Sidenote: 705.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Osred king of Northumberland.]
+ to say, in the yeere of our Lord 705, Alfride king of Northumberland
+ being dead, his sonne Osred, a child of 8 yéeres of age succeeded him
+ in the kingdome, and reigned 11 yéeres, spending his time when he came
+ to ripe yeeres in filthie abusing his bodie with nuns, and other
+ religious women.
+
+ About the seuenth yéere of his reigne, that is to say, in the yéere of
+ our Lord 711, one of his capteins named earle Berthfride fought with
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Picts ouerthrowne by the Northumbers.]
+ the Picts, betwixt two places called Heue and Cere, and obteining the
+ victorie, slue an huge number of the enimies. At length king Osred by
+ the traitorous means of his coosens that arreared warre against him,
+ [Sidenote: King Osred slaine in batell.]
+ was slaine in battell, and so ended his reigne, leauing to those that
+ procured his death the like fortune in time to come. For Kenred
+ reigning two yéeres, and Osricke ten yeeres, were famous onelie in
+ this, that being worthilie punished for shedding the bloud of their
+ naturall prince and souereigne lord, they finished their liues with
+ dishonourable deaths, as they had well deserued. Osricke before his
+ [Sidenote: 729.]
+ death, which chanced in the yéere of our Lord 729, appointed Ceolwolfe
+ the brother of his predecessor Kenred, to succeed him in the kingdome,
+ which he did, reigning as king of the Northumbers by the space of 8
+ yéeres currant, and then renouncing his kingdom, became a moonke in
+ the Ile of Lindesferne.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: Acca bishop of Hexham.]
+ In this meane while, bishop Wilfride being dead, one Acca that was his
+ chapline was made bishop of Hexham. The said Wilfride had béene bishop
+ by the space of 45 yéeres: but he liued a long time in exile. For
+ first being archbishop of Yorke, and exercising his iurisdiction ouer
+ all the north parts, he was after banished by king Egbert, and againe
+ restored to the sée of Hexham in the second yeere of king Alfride, and
+ within fiue yéeres after eftsoones banished by the same Alfride, and
+ the second time restored by his successor king Osred, in the fourth
+ yeere of whose reigne, being the yéere after the incarnation of our
+ Sauiour 709, he departed this life, and was buried at Rippon.
+ Moreouer, after Iohn the archbishop of Yorke had resigned, one
+ Wilfride surnamed the second was made archbishop of that sée: which
+ Wilfride was chapline to the said Iohn, and gouerned that sée by the
+ [Sidenote: 710.]
+ space of fiftéene yéeres, and then died. About the yéere of our Lord
+ 710, the abbat Adrian which came into this land with Theodore the
+ archbishop of Canturburie (as before ye haue heard) departed this
+ life, about 39 yéeres after his comming thither.
+
+ [Sidenote: Two bishops sées.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Daniell.]
+ Also Inas the king of Westsaxons, about the 20 yeere of his reigne,
+ diuided the prouince of the Westsaxons into two bishops sées, whereas
+ before they had but one. Daniell was ordeined to gouerne the one of
+ those sees, being placed at Winchester, hauing vnder him Sussex,
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Aldhelme.]
+ Southerie and Hamshire. And Aldhelme was appointed to Shireburne,
+ hauing vnder him, Barkeshire, Wiltshire, Sommersetshire, Dorsetshire,
+ Deuonshire, and Cornwall. This Aldhelme was a learned man, and was
+ [Sidenote: The abbeie of Malmesburie.]
+ first made abbat of Malmesburie, in the yéere of our Lord 675 by
+ Eleutherius then bishop of the Westsaxons, by whose diligence that
+ abbeie was greatlie aduanced, being afore that time founded by one
+ Medulfe a Scotish man, but of so small reuenues afore Aldhelms time,
+ that the moonks were scarse able to liue thereon. Also the same
+ Aldhelme was a great furtherer vnto king Inas in the building of
+ Glastenburie.
+
+ [Sidenote: ETHELARD.]
+ [Sidenote: 728.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith 727.]
+ ETHELARD, the coosen of king Inas, to whome the same Inas resigned his
+ kingdome, began to gouerne the Westsaxons in the yéere of our Lord
+ 728, or rather 27, which was in the 11 yéere of the emperor Leo
+ Isaurus, in the second yeere of Theodorus king of France, and about
+ the 8 or 9 yéere of Mordacke king of the Scots. In the first yéere of
+ Ethelards reigne, he was disquieted with ciuill warre, which one
+ Oswald a noble man, descended of the roiall bloud of the Westsaxon
+ kings, procured against him: but in the end, when he perceiued that
+ the kings power was too strong for him, he fled out of the countrie,
+ leauing it thereby in rest.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 729.]
+ [Sidenote: Blasing stars.]
+ In the yéere 729, in the moneth of Ianuarie there appeered two comets
+ or blasing starres, verie terrible to behold, the one rising in the
+ morning before the rising of the sunne, and the other after the
+ setting thereof: so that the one came before the breake of the day,
+ and the other before the closing of the night, stretching foorth their
+ fierie brands toward the north; and they appeered thus euerie morning
+ and euening for the space of a fortnight togither, menacing as it were
+ some great destruction or common mishap to follow. The Saracens
+ shortlie after entred France, and were ouerthrowne. Finallie, when
+ king Ethelard had reigned the terme of fouretéene yeeres currant, he
+ departed this life.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Now when Wichtred king of Kent had gouerned the Kentishmen by the
+ space of 33 yéeres, with great commendation for the good orders which
+ he caused to be obserued amongst them, as well concerning matters
+ ecclesiasticall as temporal, he departed this life, leauing behind him
+ thrée sonnes, who successiuelie reigned as heires to him one after
+ another (that is to say) Edbert 23 yéeres, Ethelbert 11 yeeres
+ currant, and Alrike 34 yeeres, the which three princes following the
+ steps of their father in the obseruance of politike orders &
+ commendable lawes, vsed for the more part their fathers good lucke and
+ [Sidenote: _Beda. lib._ 5. _cap._ 24.]
+ fortune, except that in Ethelberts time the citie of Canturburie was
+ burned by casuall fire, and Alrike lost a battell against them of
+ Mercia, whereby the glorie of their times was somewhat blemished: for
+ so it came to passe, that whatsoseur chanced euill, was kept still in
+ memorie, and the good haps that came forward, were soone forgotten and
+ put out of remembrance.
+
+ [Sidenote: 731.]
+ In the yéere of our Lord 731, Betrwald archbishop of Canturburie
+ departed this life in the fift ides of Ianuarie, after he had gouerned
+ that see by the space of 27 yéeres, 6 moneths, and 14 daies: in whose
+ place the same yéere one Tacwine was ordeined archbishop, that before
+ was a priest in the monasterie of Bruidon within the prouince of
+ Mercia. He was consecrated in the citie of Canturburie, by the
+ reuerend fathers Daniell bishop of Winchester, Ingwald bishop of
+ London, Aldwin bishop of Lichfield, and Aldwulfe bishop of Rochester,
+ the tenth day of Iune being sundaie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Bishops what parishes they governed.]
+ ¶ As touching the state of the English church for ecclesiasticall
+ gouernours, certeine it is, that the same was as hereafter followeth.
+ The prouince of Canturburie was gouerned touching the ecclesiasticall
+ state by archbishop Tacwine, and bishop Aldwulfe. The prouince of the
+ Eastsaxons by bishop Ingwald. The prouince of Eastangles by bishop
+ Eadbertus and Hadulacus, the one kéeping his sée at Elsham, and the
+ other at Dunwich. The prouince of the Westsaxons was gouerned by the
+ foresaid Daniell and by Forthere, who succéeded next after Aldhelme in
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ the sée of Shereburne. This Forthere in the yéere of our Lord 738,
+ left his bishoprike, and went to Rome in companie of the quéene of the
+ Westsaxons. Many as well kings as bishops, noble and vnnoble, priests
+ and laiemen, togither with women, vsed to make such iournies thither
+ in those daies. The prouince of Mercia was ruled by the foresaid
+ Aldwine bishop of Lichfield, and one bishop Walstod holding his sée at
+ Herford gouerned those people that inhabited beyond the riuer of
+ Sauerne toward the west. The prouince of Wiccies, that is, Worcester,
+ one Wilfride gouerned. The Southsaxons and the Ile of Wight were vnder
+ the bishop of Winchester. In the prouince of the Northumbers were
+ foure bishops, that is to say, Wilfride archbishop of Yorke, Edilwald
+ bishop of Lindisferne, Acca bishop of Hexham, and Pecthelmus bishop of
+ Whiterne, otherwise called Candida Casa, he was the first that
+ gouerned that church after the same was made a bishops sée. And thus
+ stood the state of the English church for ecclesiasticall gouernors in
+ that season.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ethelbald K. of Mercia, of what puissance he was.]
+ And as for temporall gouernement, king Ceolvulfe had the souereigne
+ dominion ouer all the Northumbers: but all the prouinces on the
+ southside of Humber, with their kings and rulers, were subiect vnto
+ Edilbald or Ethelbald king of Mercia. The nation of the Picts were in
+ league with the English men, and gladlie became partakers of the
+ catholike faith and veritie of the vniuersall church. Those Scots
+ which inhabited Britaine, contenting themselues with their owne
+ bounds, went not about to practise anie deceitfull traines nor
+ fraudulent deuises against the Englishmen. The Britains otherwise
+ called Welshmen, though for the more part of a peculiar hatred they
+ did impugne the English nation, & the obseruance of the feast of Ester
+ appointed by the whole catholike church, yet (both diuine and humane
+ force vtterlie resisting them) they were not able in neither behalfe
+ to atteine to their wished intentions, as they which though they were
+ partlie frée, yet in some point remained still as thrall and mancipate
+ to the subiection of the Englishmen: who (saith Beda) now in the
+ acceptable time of peace and quietnesse, manie amongst them of
+ Northumberland, laieng armour and weapon aside, applied themselues to
+ the reading of holie scriptures, more desirous to be professed in
+ religious houses, than to exercise feates of warre: but what will come
+ therof (saith he) the age that followeth shall sée and behold. With
+ these words dooth Beda end his historie, continued till the yéere of
+ our Lord 731, which was from the comming of the Englishmen into this
+ land, about 285 yéeres, according to his account.
+
+ [Sidenote: 732.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ In the yéere following, that is to say 732, in place of Wilfrid the
+ second, Egbert was ordeined bishop of Yorke. This Egbert was brother
+ vnto an other Egbert, who as then was king of Northumberland, by whose
+ helpe he greatlie aduanced the see of Yorke, and recouered the pall:
+ so that where all the other bishops that held the same sée before him
+ sith Paulins daies, wanted the pall, and so were counted simplie but
+ particular bishops: now was he intituled by the name of archbishop. He
+ also got togither a great number of good books, which he bestowed in a
+ [Sidenote: 733.]
+ librarie at Yorke. ¶ In the yéere 733, on the 18 kalends of September,
+ the sunne suffered a great eclipse about three of the clocke in the
+ after noone, in somuch that the earth seemed to be couered with a
+ blacke and horrible penthouse.
+
+ [Sidenote: 735.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda_ departed this life.]
+ In the yéere 735, that reuerend and profound learned man Beda departed
+ this life, being 82 yéeres of age, vpon Ascension day, which was the 7
+ kalends of Iune, and 26 of Maie, as Matt. Westm. hath diligentlie
+ obserued. W. Harison addeth hitherto, that it is to be read in an old
+ epistle of Cutbert moonke of the same house vnto Cuthwine, that the
+ said Beda lieng in his death-bed, translated the gospell of saint Iohn
+ into English, and commanded his brethren to be diligent in reading and
+ contemplation of good bookes, and not to exercise themselues with
+ fables and friuolous matters. Finallie he was buried in the abbeie of
+ Geruie, distant fiue miles from Wiremouth, an abbeie also in the north
+ parts, not far from Newcastell (as is before remembred.) He was
+ brought vp in those two abbeies, and was scholar to John of Beuerley.
+ How throughlie he was séene in all kinds of good literature, the
+ bookes which hée wrote doo manifestlie beare witnesse. His judgement
+ also was so much estéemed ouer all, that Sergius the bishop of Rome
+ wrote vnto Celfride the abbat of Wiremouth, requiring him to send Beda
+ vnto the court of Rome for the deciding of certein questions mooued
+ there, which without his opinion might séeme to rest doubtful. But
+ whether he went thither or not we can not affirme: but as it is
+ thought by men worthie of credit, he neuer went out of this land, but
+ continued for the most part of his life in the abbeies of Geruie and
+ Wiremouth, first vnder Benet the first abbat and founder of the same
+ abbeies, and after vnder the said Celfride, in whose time he receiued
+ orders of priesthood at the hands of bishop Iohn, surnamed of
+ Beuerley: so that it may be maruelled that a man, borne in the
+ vttermost corner of the world, should proue so excellent in all
+ knowledge and learning, that his fame should so spread ouer the whole
+ [Sidenote: _Crantzius._]
+ earth, and went neuer out of his natiue countrie to séeke it. But who
+ that marketh in reading old histories the state of abbeies and
+ monasteries in those daies, shall well perceiue that they were ordered
+ after the maner of our schooles or colleges, hauing in them diuerse
+ learned men, that attended onelie to teach & bring vp youth in
+ knowledge of good learning, or else to go abroad and preach the word
+ of God in townes and villages adjoining.
+
+ [Sidenote: 735.]
+ The same yéere died archbishop Tacuine, and in the yéere following,
+ that is to say 735, Nothelmus was ordeined archbishop of Canturburie
+ in his place, and Egbert the archbishop of Yorke the same yéere got
+ his pall from Rome, and so was confirmed archbishop, and ordeined two
+ bishops, Fruidberd, and Fruidwald. But some refer it to the yéere 744.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cuthred king of the Westsaxons, he is greatlie troubled by Ethelbald
+ king of Mercia, they are pacified; Kenric king Cuthreds sonne slaine,
+ earle Adelme rebelleth against him whom the king pardoneth; Cuthred
+ fighteth with Ethelbald at Hereford, he hath the victorie, he falleth
+ sicke and dieth; Sigebert succedeth him in the kingdome, he is cruell
+ to his people, he is expelled from his roiall estate, murther reuenged
+ with murther, succession in the kingdome of Eastangles, kings change
+ their crownes for moonks cowles; the Britaines subiect to the king of
+ Northumberland and the king of Picts, the moone eclipsed._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CUTHRED.]
+ After the decease of Ethelard king of Westsaxons, his coosine Cuthred
+ was made king and gouernour of those people, reigning the tearme of
+ [Sidenote: 740.]
+ 16 yéeres. He began his reigne in the yeere of our Lord 740, in the
+ twentie fourth yere of the emperour Leo Isaurus, in the 14 yéere of
+ the reigne of the second Theodorus Cala K. of France, and about the 6
+ yéere of Ethfine king of Scots. This Cuthred had much to doo against
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ Edilbald king of Mercia, who one while with stirring his owne subiects
+ the Westsaxons to rebellion, an other while with open warre, and
+ sometime by secret craft and subtill practises sought to disquiet him.
+ Howbeit, in the fourth yeere of his reigne, a peace was concluded
+ betwixt them, and then ioining their powers togither, they went
+ against the Welshmen, & gaue them a great ouerthrow, as before is
+ [Sidenote: Kenric the kings sonne slaine.]
+ partlie touched. In the 9 yeere of this Cuthreds reigne, his sonne
+ Kenric was slaine in a seditious tumult amongst his men of warre, a
+ gentleman yoong in yeeres, but of a stout courage, and verie forward,
+ [Sidenote: 749.]
+ wherby (as was thought) he came the sooner to his wofull end.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 751.]
+ In the 11 yeere of his reigne, Cuthred had wars against one of his
+ earls called Adelme, who raising a commotion against him, aduentured
+ to giue battell though he had the smaller number of men, and yet was
+ at point to haue gone away with victorie, if by a wound at that
+ instant receiued, his periurie had not béene punished, and the kings
+ iust cause aduanced to triumph ouer his aduersarie, whom yet by way of
+ [Sidenote: 752.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ reconciliation he pardoned. In the 13 yeere of his reigne, king
+ Cuthred being not well able to susteine the proud exactions and hard
+ dooings of Edilbald king of Mercia, raised his power, and encountered
+ with the same Edilbald at Hereford, hauing before him the said earle
+ Adelme, in whose valiant prowesse he put great hope to atteine
+ victorie: neither was he deceiued, for by the stout conduct and noble
+ courage of the said Adelme, the loftie pride of king Edelbald was
+ [Sidenote: K. Edilbald put to flight.]
+ abated, so that he was there put to flight, and all his armie
+ discomfited, after sore and terrible fight continued and mainteined
+ euen to the vttermost point. In the 24 yeere of his reigne, this
+ Cuthred fought eftsoones with the Welshmen, and obteined the vpper
+ hand, without anie great losse of his people: for the enimies were
+ easilie put to flight and chased, to their owne destruction. In the
+ yeere after, king Cuthred fell sicke, and in the 16 yéere of his
+ reigne he departed this life, after so manie great victories got
+ against his enimies.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: SIGIBERT.]
+ [Sidenote: 755.]
+ After him succéeded one Sigibert, a cruell and vnmercifull prince at
+ home, but yet a coward abroad. This Sigbert or Sigibert began his
+ reigne in the yeare of our Lord 755, verie néere ended. He intreated
+ his subjects verie euill, setting law and reason at naught. He could
+ not abide to heare his faults told him, and therefore he cruellie put
+ to death an earle named Cumbra, which was of his councell, and
+ faithfullie admonished him to reforme his euill dooings: wherevpon the
+ rest of his nobles assembled themselues togither with a great
+ multitude of people, and expelled him out of his estate in the
+ beginning of the second, or (as some say) the first yeare of his
+ reigne. Then Sigibert, as he was fearefull of nature; fearing to be
+ apprehended, got him into the wood called as then Andredeswald, and
+ there hid himselfe, but by chance a swineheard that belonged to the
+ late earle Cumbra at Priuets-floud found him out, and perceiuing what
+ he was, slue him in reuenge of his maisters death.
+
+ ¶ Lo here you may sée how the righteous iustice of God rewardeth
+ wicked dooings in this world with worthie recompense, as well as in
+ the world to come, appointing euill princes sometimes to reigne for
+ the punishment of the people, according as they deserue, permitting
+ some of them to haue gouernement a long time, that both the froward
+ nations may suffer long for their sins, and that such wicked princes
+ may in an other world tast the more bitter torments. Againe, other he
+ taketh out of the waie, that the people may be deliuered from
+ oppression, and also that the naughtie ruler for his misdemeanour may
+ spéedilie receiue due punishment.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Ethelred.]
+ [Sidenote: 738.]
+ After Beorne king of Eastangles one Ethelred succéeded in gouernment
+ of that kingdome a man noted to be of good and vertuous qualities, in
+ that he brought vp his sonne Ethelred (which succéeded him) so in the
+ feare of the Lord, that he prooued a right godlie prince. This
+ Ethelbert reigned (as writers say) the terme of 52 yeares.
+
+ [Sidenote: Egbert king of Northumberland.]
+ [Sidenote: 758.]
+ After that Ceolvulfe king of Northumberland was become a moonke in the
+ abbie of Lindesferne, his vncles sonne Egbert (by order taken by the
+ said Ceolvulfe) succeeded him in the kingdome, and gouerned the same
+ right woorthilie for the terme of 24 yeares, and then became a moonke,
+ by the example both of his predecessor the forsaid Ceolvulfe, and also
+ [Sidenote: Changing of crownes for moonkes cowles.]
+ [Sidenote: 756.]
+ of diuers other kings in those daies, so that he was the eight king
+ who in this land had changed a kings crowne for a moonks cowle (as
+ Simon Dunel. writeth.)
+
+ This Egbert (in the 18 yeare of his reigne) and Vngust king of Picts
+ came to the citie of Alcluid with their armies, and there receiued the
+ Britains into their subiection, the first-day of August: but the tenth
+ day of the same month, the armie which he led from Ouan vnto
+ Newbourgh, was for the more part lost and destroied. ¶ The same yeare
+ on the 8 kalends of December, the moone being as then in hir full,
+ appeared to be of a bloudie colour, but at length she came to hir
+ accustomed shew, after a maruellous meanes, for a starre which
+ followed hir, passed by hir, & went before hir, the like dist[=a]ce as
+ it kept in following hir before she lost hir vsuall light.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Offa king of Mercia, his manhood and victories against the Kentishmen
+ and Westsaxons, he killeth Egilbert king of Eastangles by a policie or
+ subtill deuise of profered curtesie, he inuadeth his kingdome, and
+ possesseth it, the archbishops see of Canturburie remoued to
+ Lichfield; archbishop Lambert laboring to defend his prerogatiue is
+ depriued by king Offa, he seizeth vpon churches and religious houses;
+ mistrusting his estate, he alieth himselfe with other princes; he
+ maketh amends for the wrongs that he had doone to churches and
+ religious houses, he goeth to Rome, maketh his realme tributarie to
+ the said see, Peter pence paid, he falleth sicke and dieth, places to
+ this day bearing his name in memorie of him, the short reigne of his
+ sonne._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: OFFA.]
+ [Sidenote: 758.]
+ After that Offa had slaine Bernred the vsurper of the kingdome of
+ Mercia (as before is mentioned) the same Offa tooke vppon him the
+ gouernment of that kingdome 758, a man of such stoutnesse of stomach,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ that he thought he should be able to bring to passe all things
+ whatsoeuer he conceiued in his mind. He reigned 39 yeares. His dooings
+ were great and maruellous, and such as some times his vertues
+ surpassed his vices, and sometime againe his vices seemed to ouermatch
+ [Sidenote: The victories of king Offa.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 779.]
+ his vertues. He ouercame the Kentishmen in a great battell at
+ Otteford, and the Northumbers also were by him vanquished, and in
+ battell put to flight. With Kenvulfe king of Westsaxons he fought in
+ open battell, and obteined a noble victorie, with small losse of his
+ people, although the same Kenwulfe was a right valiant prince, and a
+ good capteine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Falsehood in fellowship.]
+ Againe, perceiuing that to procéed with craft, should sooner aduance
+ his purpose, than to vse open force against Egilbert king of
+ Eastangles, vnder faire promises to giue vnto him his daughter in
+ mariage, he allured him to come into Mercia, and receiuing him into
+ his palace, caused his head to be striken off, and after by wrongfull
+ meanes inuaded his kingdome, and got it into his possession: yet he
+ caused the bones of the first martyr of this land saint Albane (by a
+ miraculous meanes brought to light) to be taken vp, and put in a rich
+ shrine adorned with gold and stone, building a goodlie church of
+ excellent woorkmanship, and founding a monasterie in that place in
+ honor of the same saint, which he indowed with great possessions. He
+
+ [Sidenote: The archbishops sée remoued from Canturburie to Lichfield.]
+ [Sidenote: 785.]
+ remoued the archbishops see from Canturburie vnto Lichfield, thereby
+ to aduance his kingdome of Mercia, as well in dignitie & preheminence
+ of spirituall power as temporall. He made great suit to bring his
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ purpose to passe in the court of Rome, and at length by great gifts
+ and rewards obteined it at the hands of pope Adrian the first, then
+ gouerning the Romane sée. And so Eadulfus then bishop of Lichfield was
+ adorned with the pall, and taken for archbishop, hauing all those
+ bishops within the limits of king Offa his dominion suffragans vnto
+ him; namelie, Denebertus bishop of Worcester, Werebertus bishop of
+ Chester, Eadulfus bishop of Dorcester, Wilnardus bishop of Hereford,
+ Halard bishop of Elsham, and Cedferth bishop of Donwich. There
+ remained onelie to the archbishop of Canturburie, the bishops of
+ London, Winchester, Rochester, and Shireburne.
+
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop Lambert defended his cause.]
+ This separation continued all the life time of the archbishop Lambert,
+ although he trauelled earnestlie to mainteine his prerogatiue. Now,
+ for that he still defended his cause, and would not reuolt from his
+ will, Offa depriued him of all his possessions & reuenues that he held
+ or inioied within anie part of his dominions. Neither was Offa
+ satisfied herewith, but he also tooke into his hands the possessions
+ of manie other churches, and fléeced the house of Malmesburie of a
+ part of hir reuenues. Because of these & other his hard dooings,
+ [Sidenote: Offa alieth himselfe with other princes.]
+ doubting the malice of his enimies, he procured the friendship of
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ forren princes. Vnto Brightricke king of the Westsaxons he gaue his
+ daughter Ethelburga in mariage. And sending diuers ambassadours ouer
+ vnto Charles the great, that was both emperor & king of France, he
+ purchased his friendship at length, although before there had depended
+ [Sidenote: The intercourse of merchants staied.]
+ a péece of displeasure betwixt them, insomuch that the intercourse for
+ trade of merchandize was staied for a time. One of the ambassadours
+ that was sent vnto the said Charles (as is reported) was that famous
+ [Sidenote: Alcwine an Englishman.]
+ clearke Albine or Alcwine, by whose persuasion the same Charles
+ erected two vniuersities, as in place due and conuenient may more
+ largelie appeare.
+
+ Finallie king Offa (as it were for a meane to appease Gods wrath,
+ which he doubted to be iustlie conceiued towards him for his sinnes
+ and wickednesse) granted the tenth part of all his goods vnto
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ churchmen, and to poore people. He also indowed the church of Hereford
+ with great reuenues, and (as some write) he builded the abbeie of
+ Bath, placing moonkes in the same, of the order of saint Benet, as
+ before he had doone at saint Albons. Moreouer he went vnto Rome, about
+ [Sidenote: 775.]
+ the yeare of our Lord 775, and there following the example of Inas
+ king of the Westsaxons, made his realme subiect by way of tribute vnto
+ [Sidenote: Peter pence, or Rome Scot.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: 797.]
+ the church of Rome, appointing that euerie house within the limits of
+ his dominions, should yearelie pay vnto the apostolike see one pennie,
+ which paiment was after named, Rome Scot, and Peter pence. After his
+ returne from Rome, perceiuing himselfe to draw into yeares, he caused
+ [Sidenote: Offa departed this life.]
+ his sonne Egfrid to be ordeined king in his life time: and shortlie
+ after departing out of this world, left the kingdome vnto him, after
+ he had gouerned it by the space of 39 yeares.
+
+ Amongst other the dooings of this Offa, which suerlie were great and
+ maruellous, this may not passe with silence, that he caused a mightie
+ great ditch to be cast betwixt the marshes of his countrie, and the
+ Welsh confines, to diuide thereby the bounds of their dominions. This
+ [Sidenote: Offditch.]
+ ditch was called Offditch euer after, and stretched from the south
+ side by Bristow, vnder the mountaines of Wales, running northward ouer
+ the riuers of Seuerne and Dée, vnto the verie mouth of Dee, where that
+ riuer falleth into the sea. He likewise builded a church in
+ Warwikeshire, whereof the towne there taketh name, and is called
+ [Sidenote: Egfrid king of Mercia.]
+ Offchurch euen to this day. Egfrid taking vpon him the rule, began to
+ follow the approoued good dooings of his father, and first restored
+ vnto the churches their ancient priuileges, which his father sometimes
+ had taken from them. Great hope was conceiued of his further good
+ procéeding, but death cut off the same, taking him out of this life,
+ after he had reigned the space of foure moneths, not for his owne
+ offenses (as was thought) but rather for that his father had caused so
+ much bloud to be spilt for the confirming of him in the kingdome,
+ which so small a time he now inioied.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Osulph king of Northumberland traitorouslie murthered, Edilwald
+ succeedeth him, the reward of rebellion, a great mortalitie of foules
+ fishes and fruits, moonkes licenced to drinke wine, great wast by
+ fire, Edelred king of Northumberland is driuen out of his countrie by
+ two dukes of the same, Ethelbert king of the Eastangles commended for
+ his vertues, Alfred the daughter of king Mercia is affianced to him,
+ tokens of missehaps towards him, his destruction intended by queene
+ Quendred, hir platforme of the practise to kill him, Offa inuadeth
+ Ethelberts kingdome, Alfred his betrothed wife taketh his death
+ greuouslie, and becommeth a nun, the decaie of the kingdome of
+ Eastangles, succession in the regiment of the Westsaxons, the end of
+ the gouernement of the Eastsaxons, prince Algar is smitten blind for
+ seeking to rauish virgine Friswide, and at hir praiers restored to his
+ sight._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EADBERT king of Northumberland.]
+ When Eadbert or Egbert K. of Northumberland was become a moonke, his
+ sonne Osulphus succéeded him: but after he had reigned onelie one
+ yeare, he was traitorouslie murthered by his owne seruants at
+ [Sidenote: 758.]
+ Mikilwongton, on the 9 kalends of August. Then succéeded one Moll,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Edilwold king of Northumberland.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ otherwise called Edilwold or Edilwald, but not immediatlie, for he
+ began not his reigne till the nones of August in the yeare following,
+ which was after the birth of our sauiour 759.
+
+ This man prooued right valiant in gouernement of his subiects. He slue
+ in battell an earle of his countrie named Oswin, who arrearing warre
+ against him, fought with him in a pitcht field at Eadwines Cliue, and
+ receiued the worthie reward of rebellion.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 764.]
+ This chanced in the third yeare of his reigne, and shortlie after,
+ that is to say, in the yeare of our Lord 764, there fell such a
+ maruellous great snow, and therwith so extreame a frost, as the like
+ had not béene heard of, continuing from the beginning of the winter,
+ almost till the middest of the spring, with the rigour whereof, trees
+ and fruits withered awaie, and lost their liuelie shape and growth:
+ and not onelie feathered foules, but also beasts on the land, & fishes
+ in the sea died in great numbers. The same yeare died Ceolwulf then
+ king of Northumberland, vnto whome Beda did dedicate his booke of
+ histories of the English nation. After that he was become a moonke in
+ [Sidenote: Moonks licenced to drinke wine.]
+ the monasterie of Lindesferne, the moonks of that house had licence to
+ drinke wine, or ale, whereas before they might not drinke anie other
+ thing than milke, or water, by the ancient rule prescribed them of the
+ bishop Aidan first founder of the place. The same yeare sundrie
+ cities, townes, and monasteries were defaced and sore wasted with fier
+ chancing on the sudden, as Stretehu, Giwento, Anwicke, London, Yorke,
+ Doncaster, &c.
+
+ After that Moll had reigned 6 yeares, he resigned his kingdome. But
+ other write that he reigned 11 yeares, and was in the end slaine by
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Altred began his reigne in the yeare 765 as _Sim. Dun._
+ saith.]
+ treason of his successor Altred. This Altred reigned ten years ouer
+ the Northumbers, and was then expelled out of his kingdome by his owne
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Ethelbert.]
+ subiects. Then was Ethelbert, named also Edelred, the sonne of the
+ foresaid Moll, made king of Northumberland, and in the fift yeare of
+ his reigne, he was driuen out of his kingdome by two dukes of his
+ countrie named Edelbald and Herebert, who mouing warre against him,
+ had slaine first Aldulfe the sonne of Bosa the generall of his armie
+ at Kingescliffe; and after Kinewulfe and Egga, other two of his dukes,
+ at Helatherne in a sore foughten field: so that Ethelbert despairing
+ of all recouerie, was constrained to get him out of the countrie. And
+ thus was the kingdome of Northumberland brought into a miserable
+ state, by the ambitious working of the princes and nobles of the same.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgraue._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: and others.]
+ [Sidenote: Ethelbert king of Eastangles.]
+ After that Ethelbert king of Eastangles was dead, his sonne Ethelbert
+ succéeded him, a prince of great towardnesse, and so vertuouslie
+ brought vp by his fathers circumspect care and diligence, that he
+ vtterlie abhorred vice, and delighted onelie in vertue and commendable
+ exercises, for the better atteining to knowledge and vnderstanding of
+ good sciences. There remaine manie sundrie saiengs & dooings of him,
+ manifestlie bearing witnesse that there could not be a man more
+ honorable, thankefull, courteous or gentle. Amongest other he had this
+ [Sidenote: The saieng of king Ethelbert.]
+ saieng oftentimes in his mouth, that the greater that men were, the
+ more humble they ought to beare themselues: for the Lord putteth proud
+ and mightie men from their seates, and exalteth the humble and méeke.
+
+ Moreouer he did not onelie shew himselfe wise in words, but desired
+ also to excell in staiednesse of maners, and continencie of life.
+ Whereby he wan to him the hearts of his people, who perceiuing that he
+ was nothing delighted in the companie of women, and therefore minded
+ not mariage, they of a singular loue and fauour towards him, required
+ that he should in anie wise yet take a wife, that he might haue issue
+ to succéed him. At length the matter being referred to his councell,
+ he was persuaded to follow their aduises. And so Alfreda the daughter
+ of Offa king of Mercia was affianced to him: so that he himselfe
+ appointed (as meanes to procure more fauour at his father in lawes
+ hands) to go fetch the bride from hir fathers house.
+
+ Manie strange things that happened to him in taking vpon him this
+ iournie, put him in great doubt of that which should follow. He was no
+ [Sidenote: Tokens of mishap to follow.]
+ sooner mounted on his horsse, but that (as séemed to him) the earth
+ shooke vnder him: againe, as he was in his iournie, about the mid-time
+ of the day, such a darke mist compassed him on ech side, that he could
+ not sée nor discerne for a certeine time anie thing about him at all:
+ lastlie, as he laie one night asléepe, he thought he saw in a dreame
+ the roofe of his owne palace fall downe to the ground. But though with
+ these things he was brought into great feare, yet he kept on his
+ [Sidenote: The innocent mistrustfull of no euill.]
+ iournie, as he that mistrusted no deceit, measuring other mens maners
+ by his owne. King Offa right honourablie receiued him: but his wife
+ named Quendred, a wise woman, but therewith wicked, conceiued a
+ malicious deuise in hir hart, & streightwaies went about to persuade
+ hir husband to put it in execution, which was to murther king
+ Ethelbert, and after to take into his hands his kingdome.
+
+ Offa at the first was offended with his wife for this motion, but in
+ the end, through the importunate request of the woman, he consented to
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgr._]
+ [Sidenote: Winnebert.]
+ hir mind. The order of the murther was committed vnto one Winnebert,
+ that had serued both the said Ethelbert & his father before time, the
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._ saith 771.]
+ which feining as though he had béene sent from Offa to will Ethelbert
+ [Sidenote: Offa conquereth Eastangles.]
+ to come vnto him in the night season, slue him that once mistrusted
+ not anie such treason. Offa hauing thus dispatched Ethelbert, inuaded
+ his kingdome, and conquered it.
+
+ But when the bride Alfreda vnderstood the death of hir liked make and
+ bridegrome, abhorring the fact, she curssed father and mother, and as
+ it were inspired with the spirit of prophesie, pronounced that
+ woorthie punishment would shortlie fall on hir wicked mother for hir
+ heinous crime committed in persuading so detestable a déed: and
+ according to hir woords it came to passe, for hir mother died
+ [Sidenote: Alfreda a nun.]
+ [Sidenote: _Beda._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ miserablie within three moneths after. The maid Alfreda refusing the
+ world, professed hirselfe a nun at Crowland, the which place began to
+ wax famous about the yéere of our Lord 695, by the meanes of one
+ Gutlake, a man esteemed of great vertue and holinesse, which chose to
+ himselfe an habitation there, and departing this life about the yéere
+ of our Lord 714, was buried in that place, where afterwards an abbeie
+ of moonks was builded of saint Benets order. The bodie of K. Ethelbert
+ at length was buried at Hereford, though first it was committed to
+ buriall in a vile place, néere to the banke of a riuer called Lug.
+
+ The kingdome of Eastangles from thencefoorth was brought so into
+ decaie, that it remained subiect one while vnto them of Mercia, an
+ other while vnto the Westsaxons, and somewhile vnto them of Kent, till
+ that Edmund surnamed the martyr got the gouernment thereof (as after
+ shall appéere.) After that Selred king of the Eastsaxons had gouerned
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ the tearme of 38 yéeres, he was slaine, but in what maner, writers
+ haue not expressed. After him succéeded one Swithed or Swithred, the
+ 11 and last in number that particularlie gouerned those people. He was
+ finallie expelled by Egbert K. of Westsaxons, the same yéere that the
+ said Egbert ouercame the Kentishmen (as after shall be shewed) and so
+ the kings of that kingdome of the Eastsaxons ceassed and tooke end.
+
+ [Sidenote: Friswide a virgine.]
+ ¶ About this time, there was a maid in Oxford named Friswide, daughter
+ to a certeine duke or noble man called Didanus, with whome one Algar a
+ prince in those parties fell in loue, and would haue rauished hir, but
+ God the reuenger of sinnes was at hand (as the storie saith.) For when
+ Algar followed the maid that fled before him, she getting into the
+ towne, the gate was shut against him, and his sight also was suddenlie
+ taken from him. But the maid by hir praiers pacified Gods wrath
+ towards him, so that his sight was againe restored to him. But whether
+ this be a fable or a true tale, héereof grew the report, that the
+ kings of this realme long times after were afraid to enter into the
+ citie of Oxford. So easilie is the mind of man turned to superstition
+ (as saith Polydor.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Kinewulfe king of Westsaxons, his conquest ouer the Britains, his
+ securitie and negligence, he is slaine by conspirators, inquisition
+ for Kineard the principall procurer of that mischiefe, he is slaine in
+ fight; legats from the pope to the kings and archbishops of this land
+ about reformation in the church, a councell holden at Mercia; iudge
+ Bearne burnt to death for crueltie, Alfwold reigneth ouer
+ Northumberland, his owne subiects murther him; a booke of articles
+ sent by Charles king of France into Britaine quite contrarie to the
+ christian faith, Albinus writeth against it; great waste by tempests
+ of wind and rage of fire._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: KINEWULF.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 756.]
+ After that the Westsaxons had depriued their vnprofitable king
+ Sigibert, they aduanced Kinewulfe, or Cinevulfus, the which began his
+ reigne about the yéere of our Lord 756, which was in the 16 yéere of
+ the emperor Constantinus, surnamed Copronimos, in the 6 yéere of the
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._ saith 755.]
+ reigne of Pipin king of France, and about the 22 yéere of Ethfine king
+ of Scots. This Kinewulfe prooued a right woorthie and valiant prince,
+ [Sidenote: The Britains vanquished.]
+ and was descended of the right line of Cerdicus. He obteined great
+ victories against the Britains or Welshmen, but at Bensington or
+ Benton he lost a battell against Offa king of Mercia, in the 24 yéere
+ of his reigne: and from that time forward tasting manie displeasures,
+ at length through his owne follie came vnto a shamefull end. For
+ whereas he had reigned a long time neither slouthfullie nor
+ presumptuouslie, yet now as it were aduanced with the glorie of things
+ passed, he either thought that nothing could go against him, or else
+ doubted the suertie of their state whom he should leaue behind him,
+ and therefore he confined one Kineard the brother of Sigibert, whose
+ fame he perceiued to increase more than he would haue wished.
+
+ This Kineard dissembling the matter, as he that could giue place to
+ time, got him out of the countrie, and after by a secret conspiracie
+ assembled togither a knot of vngratious companie, and returning
+ priuilie into the countrie againe, watched his time, till he espied
+ that the king with a small number of his seruants was come vnto the
+ house of a noble woman, whome he kept a paramour at Merton, wherevpon
+ the said Kineard vpon the sudden beset the house round about. The king
+ perceiuing himselfe thus besieged of his enimies, at the first caused
+ the doores to be shut, supposing either by curteous woords to appease
+ his enimies, or with his princelie authoritie to put them in feare.
+
+ But when he saw that by neither meane he could doo good, in a great
+ chafe he brake foorth of the house vpon Kineard, and went verie néere
+ to haue killed him: but being compassed about with multitude of
+ enimies, whilest he stood at defense, thinking it a dishonour for him
+ [Sidenote: Kinewulfe slaine by conspirators.]
+ to flée, he was beaten downe and slaine, togither with those few of
+ his seruants which he had there with him, who chose rather to die in
+ séeking reuenge of their maisters death than by cowardise to yéeld
+ themselues into the murtherers hands. There escaped none except one
+ Welshman or Britaine, an hostage, who was neuerthelesse sore wounded
+ and hurt.
+
+ The brute of such an heinous act was streightwaies blowne ouer all,
+ and brought with speed to the eares of the noble men and peeres of the
+ realme, which were not farre off the place where this slaughter had
+ béene committed. Amongst other, one Osrike, for his age and wisedome
+ accounted of most authoritie, exhorted the residue that in no wise
+ they should suffer the death of their souereigne lord to passe
+ vnpunished vnto their perpetuall shame and reproofe. Wherevpon in all
+ hast they ran to the place where they knew to find Kineard, who at the
+ first began to please his cause, to make large promises, to pretend
+ coosenage, and so foorth: but when he perceiued all that he could say
+ or doo might not preuaile, he incouraged his companie to shew
+ themselues valiant, and to resist their enimies to the vttermost of
+ their powers. Heerevpon followed a doubtfull fight, the one part
+ striuing to saue their liues, and the other to atteine honour, and
+ punish the slaughter of their souereigne lord. At length the victorie
+ rested on the side where the right was, so that the wicked murtherer
+ after he had fought a while, at length was slaine, togither with
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ fourescore and eight of his mates. The kings bodie was buried at
+ Winchester, & the murtherers at Repingdon. Such was the end of king
+ Kinewulfe, after he had reigned the tearme of 31 yéeres.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Eccle. hist._]
+ [Sidenote: _Magd._]
+ [Sidenote: 786.]
+ In the yeere of our Lord 786, pope Adrian sent two legats into
+ England, Gregorie, or (as some copies haue) George bishop of Ostia,
+ and Theophylactus bishop of Tuderto, with letters commendatorie vnto
+ Offa king of Mercia, Alfwold king of Northumberland, Ieanbright or
+ Lambert archbishop of Canturburie, and Eaubald archbishop of Yorke.
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Legats from the pope.]
+ These legats were gladlie receiued, not onlie by the foresaid kings
+ and archbishops, but also of all other the high estates, aswell
+ spirituall as temporall of the land, & namelie of Kinewulfe king of
+ the Westsaxons, which repaired vnto king Offa to take counsell with
+ him for reformation of such articles as were conteined in the popes
+ letters.
+
+ [Sidenote: Twentie articles which the legats had to propone.]
+ There were twentie seuerall articles which they had to propone on the
+ popes behalfe, as touching the receiuing of the faith or articles
+ established by the Nicene councell, and obeieng of the other generall
+ councels, with instructions concerning baptisme and kéeping of synods
+ yéerelie, for the examination of priests and ministers, and reforming
+ of naughtie liuers. Moreouer touching discretion to be vsed in
+ admitting of gouernors in monasteries, and curats or priests to the
+ ministerie in churches: and further for the behauior of priests in
+ wearing their apparell, namelie that they should not presume to come
+ to the altar bare legged, lest their dishonestie might be discouered.
+ And that in no wise the chalice or paten were made of the horne of an
+ oxe, bicause the same is bloudie of nature: nor the host of a crust,
+ but of pure bread. Also whereas bishops vsed to sit in councels to
+ iudge in secular causes, they were now forbidden so to doo.
+
+ Manie other things were as meanes of reformation articled, both for
+ spirituall causes, and also concerning ciuill ordinances, as disabling
+ children to be heirs to the parents, which by them were not begot in
+ [Sidenote: Nuns concubines.]
+ lawfull matrimonie but on concubines, whether they were nunnes or
+ secular women. Also of paiment of tithes, performing of vowes,
+ auoiding of vndecent apparell, and abolishing of all maner of
+ heathenish vsages and customes that sounded contrarie to the order of
+ christanitie, as
+
+ [Sidenote: Curtailing of horsses.]
+ curtailing of horsses, and eating of horsses flesh. These things with
+ manie other expressed in 20 principall articles (as we haue said) were
+ first concluded to be receiued by the church of the Northumbers in a
+ councell holden there, and subscribed by Alfwold king of the
+ Northumbers, by Delberike bishop of Hexham, by Eubald archbishop of
+ Yorke, Higwald bishop of Lindisferne, Edelbert bishop of Whiterne,
+ Aldulfe bishop of Mieth, Ethelwine also another bishop by his
+ deputies, with a number of other of the clergie; and lords also of the
+ temporaltie, as duke Alrike, duke Segwulfe, abbat Alebericke, and
+ abbat Erhard. After this confirmation had of the Northumbers, there
+ was also a councell holden in Mercia at Cealtide, in the which these
+ persons subscribed, Iambert or Lambert archbishop of Canturburie, Offa
+ king of Mercia, Hughbright bishop of Lichfield, Edeulfe bishop of
+ Faron, with Vnwone bishop of Ligor, and nine other bishops, besides
+ abbats; and thrée dukes, as Brorda, Farwald, and Bercoald, with earle
+ Othbald.
+
+ But now to returne backe to speake of other dooings, as in other parts
+ [Sidenote: 764.]
+ of this land they fell out. About the yéere of our Lord 764, the sée
+ of Canturburie being void, one Iambert or Lambert was elected
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._ saith 780.]
+ archbishop there, and in the yéere 766, the archbishop of Yorke Egbert
+ departed this life, in whose place one Adelbert succéeded. About the
+ 25 yéere of Kenwulf king of Westsaxons, the Northumbers hauing to
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ their capteine two noble men, Osbald and Ethelherard, burned one of
+ their iudges named Bearne, bicause he was more cruell in iudgement (as
+ they tooke the matter) than reason required. In which vengeance
+ executed vpon the cruell iudge (if he were so seuere as this attempt
+ of the two noble men dooth offer the readers to suspect) all such of
+ his liuerie & calling are taught lenitie & mildnes, wherwith they
+ should leuen the rigor of the lawe. For
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ouid. lib._ 2. _de art. am._]
+
+     -------- capit indulgentia mentes,
+     Asperitas odium sæuáque bella mouet.
+   Odimus accipitrem, quia viuit semper in armis,
+     Er pauidum solitos in pecus ire lupos.
+   At caret insidijs hominum, quia mitis hirundo est,
+     Quásque colat turres Chaonîs ales habet.
+
+ At the same time, one Aswald or Alfewald reigned ouer the Northumbers,
+ being admitted K. after that Ethelbert was expelled, and when the same
+ [Sidenote: He began his reigne _ann._ 779, as saith _Simon Dun._ and
+ reigned but ten yéeres.]
+ Alfwald had reigned 10, or (as some say) 11 yéeres, he was
+ traitorouslie and without all guilt made away; the chéefe conspirator
+ was named Siga. The same Alfwald was a iust prince, and woorthilie
+ gouerned the Northumbers to his high praise and commendation. He was
+ murthered by his owne people (as before ye haue heard) the 23 of
+ September, in the yéere of our Lord 788, and was buried at Hexham.
+
+ [Sidenote: 788.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 792.]
+ In the yéere 792, Charles king of France sent a booke into Britaine,
+ which was sent vnto him from Constantinople, conteining certeine
+ articles agreed vpon in a synod (wherein were present aboue the number
+ of thrée hundred bishops) quite contrarie and disagréeing from the
+ true faith, namelie in this, that images ought to be worshipped, which
+ the church of God vtterlie abhorreth. Against this booke Albinus that
+ famous clearke wrote a treatise confirmed with places taken out of
+ holie scripture, which treatise, with the booke in name of all the
+ bishops and princes of Britaine, he presented vnto the king of France.
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dunel._]
+ [Sidenote: 800.]
+ ¶ In the yéere 800, on Christmasse éeuen chanced a maruellous tempest
+ of wind, which ouerthrew whole cities and townes in diuerse places,
+ and trees in great number, beside other harmes which it did, as by
+ death of cattell, &c. In the yeere following a great part of London
+ was consumed by fire.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Britricus K. of the Westsaxons, his inclination, Egbert being of the
+ bloud roiall is banished the land, & why; crosses of bloudie colour
+ and drops of bloud fell from heauen, what they did prognosticate; the
+ first Danes that arriued on the English coasts, and the cause of their
+ comming; firie dragons flieng in the aire foretokens of famine and
+ warre; Britricus is poisoned of his wife Ethelburga, hir ill
+ qualities; why the kings of the Westsaxons decreed that their wiues
+ should not be called queenes, the miserable end of Ethelburga; Kenulfe
+ king of Mercia, his vertues, he restoreth the archbishops see to
+ Canturburie which was translated to Lichfield, he inuadeth Kent,
+ taketh the king prisoner in the field, and bountifullie setteth him at
+ libertie, the great ioy of the people therevpon; his rare liberalitie
+ to churchmen, his death and buriall._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: BRITRICUS.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith 787.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._ saith 786.]
+ After Kenwulfe, one Britricus or Brightrike was ordeined king of
+ Westsaxons, and began his reigne in the yéere of our Lord 787, which
+ was about the 8 yéere of the gouernment of the empresse Eirene with
+ hir son Constantinus, and about the second yeere of the reigne of
+ Achaius K. of Scots. This Brightrike was descended of the line of
+ Cerdicus the first king of Westsaxons, the 16 in number from him. He
+ was a man of nature quiet & temperate, more desirous of peace than of
+ warre, and therefore he stood in doubt of the noble valiancie of one
+ Egbert, which after succéeded him in the kingdome. The linage of
+ Cerdicus was in that season so confounded and mingled, that euerie one
+ as he grew in greatest power, stroue to be king and supreame
+ gouernour. But speciallie Egbertus was knowne to be one that coueted
+ that place, as he that was of the bloud roiall, and a man of great
+ [Sidenote: Egbert banished.]
+ courage. King Brightrike therefore to liue in more safetie, banished
+ him the land, and appointed him to go into France. Egbert
+ vnderstanding certeinlie that this his departure into a forreine
+ countrie should aduance him in time, obeied the kings pleasure.
+
+ [Sidenote: A strange woonder.]
+ About the third yéere of Brightrikes reigne, there fell vpon mens
+ garments, as they walked abroad, crosses of bloudie colour, and bloud
+ fell from heauen as drops of raine. Some tooke this woonder for a
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Danes.]
+ signification of the persecution that followed by the Danes: for
+ shortlie after, in the yeere insuing, there arriued thrée Danish ships
+ vpon the English coasts, against whome the lieutenant of the parties
+ adjoining made foorth, to apprehend those that were come on land,
+ howbeit aduenturing himselfe ouer rashlie amongst them, he was slaine:
+ but afterwards when the Danes perceiued that the people of the
+ countries about began to assemble, and were comming against them, they
+ fled to their ships, and left their prey and spoile behind them for
+ that time. These were the first Danes that arriued here in this land,
+ being onelie sent (as was perceiued after) to view the countrie and
+ coasts of the same, to vnderstand how with a greater power they might
+ be able to inuade it, as shortlie after they did, and warred so with
+ the Englishmen, that they got a great part of the land, and held it in
+ their owne possession. In the tenth yéere of king Brightrikes reigne,
+ there were séene in the aire firie dragons flieng, which betokened (as
+ [Sidenote: Famin & war signified.]
+ was thought) two grieuous plagues that followed. First a great dearth
+ and famine: and secondlie a cruell war of the Danes, which shortlie
+ followed, as ye shall heare.
+
+ Finallie, after that Brightrike had reigned the space of 16 yéeres, he
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Cest. lib._ 5. _cap._ 25.]
+ [Sidenote: Brightrike departed this life.]
+ departed this life, and was buried at Warham. Some write that he was
+ poisoned by his wife Ethelburga daughter vnto Offa king of Mercia (as
+ before ye haue heard) and he maried hir in the fourth yere of his
+ reigne. She is noted by writers to haue bin a verie euill woman,
+ proud, and high-minded as Lucifer, and therewith disdainful. She bare
+ [Sidenote: Ethelburga hir conditions and wicked nature.]
+ hir the more statelie, by reason of hir fathers great fame and
+ magnificence: whome she hated she would accuse to hir husband, and so
+ put them in danger of their liues. And if she might not so wreake hir
+ rancour, she would not sticke to poison them.
+
+ It happened one day, as she meant to haue poisoned a yoong gentleman,
+ against whome she had a quarell, the king chanced to tast of that cup,
+ and died thereof (as before ye haue heard.) Hir purpose indeed was not
+ to haue poisoned the king, but onelie the yoong gentleman, the which
+ drinking after the king, died also, the poison was so strong and
+ [Sidenote: A decrée of the kings of the Westsaxons against their
+ wiues.]
+ vehement. For hir heinous crime it is said that the kings of the
+ Westsaxons would not suffer their wiues to be called quéenes, nor
+ permit them to sit with them in open places (where their maiesties
+ should bée shewed) manie yéeres after. Ethelburga fearing punishment,
+ fled into France with great riches and treasure, & was well cherished
+ in the court of king Charles at the first, but after she was thrust
+ [Sidenote: The end of Ethelburga.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ into an abbeie, and demeaned hirselfe so lewdlie there, in keeping
+ companie with one of hir owne countriemen, that she was banished the
+ house, and after died in great miserie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Kenulfe.]
+ Egbert king of Mercia departing this life, after he had reigned foure
+ moneths, ordeined his coosine Kenulfe to succeed in his place, which
+ Kenulfe was come of the line of Penda king of Mercia, as rightlie
+ descended from his brother Kenwalke. This Kenulfe for his noble
+ courage, wisdome, and vpright dealing, was woorthie to be compared
+ with the best princes that haue reigned. His vertues passed his fame:
+ nothing he did that enuie could with iust cause reprooue. At home he
+ shewed himselfe godlie and religious, in warre he became victorious,
+ [Sidenote: The archbishops sée restored to Canturburie.]
+ he restored the archbishops sée againe to Canturburie, wherein his
+ humblenes was to be praised, that made no account of worldlie honour
+ in his prouince, so that the order of the ancient canons might be
+ obserued. He had wars left him as it were by succession from his
+ predecessour Offa against them of Kent, and thervpon entring that
+ countrie with a mightie armie, wasted and spoiled the same, and
+ encountering in battell with king Edbert or Ethelbert, otherwise
+ [Sidenote: The king of Kent taken prisoner.]
+ called Prenne, ouerthrew his armie, and tooke him prisoner in the
+ field, but afterwards he released him to his great praise and
+ commendation. For whereas he builded a church at Winchcombe, vpon the
+ day of the dedication thereof, he led the Kentish king as then his
+ prisoner, vp to the high altar, and there set him at libertie,
+ declaring thereby a great proofe of his good nature.
+
+ There were present at that sight, Cuthred whom he had made king of
+ Kent in place of Ethelbert, or Edbert, with 13 bishops, and 10 dukes.
+ The noise that was made of the people in reioising at the kings
+ bountious liberalitie was maruellous. For not onelie he thus restored
+ [Sidenote: Kenulfs liberalitie towards churchmen which was not
+ forgotten by them in their histories.]
+ the Kentish king to libertie, but also bestowed great rewards vpon all
+ the prelates and noble men that were come to the feast, euerie priest
+ had a peece of gold, and euerie moonke a shilling. Also he dealt and
+ gaue away great gifts amongst the people, and founded in that place an
+ abbeie, indowing the same with great possessions. Finallie, after he
+ had reigned 24 yéeres, he departed this life, and appointed his
+ buriall to be in the same abbeie of Winchcombe, leauing behind him a
+ sonne named Kenelme, who succeeded his father in the kingdome, but was
+ soone murthered by his vnnaturall sister Quendred, the 17 of Iulie, as
+ hereafter shall be shewed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Osrike king of Northumberland leaueth the kingdome to Edelbert
+ reuoked out of exile, king Alfwalds sons miserablie slaine, Osred is
+ put to death, Ethelbert putteth away his wife and marieth another, his
+ people rise against him therefore and kill him, Oswald succeeding him
+ is driuen out of the land; Ardulfe king of Northumberland, duke Wade
+ raiseth warre against him and is discomfited; duke Aldred is slaine; a
+ sore battell fought in Northumberland, the English men aflict one
+ another with ciuill warres; king Ardulfe deposed from his estate; the
+ regiment of the Northumbers refused as dangerous and deadlie by
+ destinie, what befell them in lieu of their disloialtie; the Danes
+ inuade their land and are vanquished; the roiall race of the Kentish
+ kings decaieth, the state of that kingdome; the primasie restored to
+ the see of Canturburie, Egbert (after the death of Britricus) is sent
+ for to vndertake the gouernement of the Westsaxons, his linage._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: OSRED.]
+ [Sidenote: 788.]
+ When Aswald king of Northumberland was made away, his brother Osred
+ the sonne of Alred tooke vpon him the rule of that kingdom anno 788,
+ and within one yeere was expelled, and left the kingdome to Ethelbert
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ or Edelred as then reuoked out of exile, in which he had remained for
+ the space of 12 yéeres, and now being restored, he continued in
+ gouernement of the Northumbers 4 yéeres, or (as some say) 7 yéeres; in
+ [Sidenote: Duke Ardulf taken and wounded.]
+ the second yéere whereof duke Eardulfe was taken and led to Ripon, and
+ there without the gate of the monasterie wounded (as was thought) to
+ death by the said king, but the moonks taking his bodie, and laieng it
+ in a tent without the church, after midnight he was found aliue in the
+ church.
+
+ Moreouer, about the same time the sonnes of king Alfwald were by force
+ drawne out of the citie of Yorke, but first by a wile they were
+ trained out of the head church where they had taken sanctuarie, and so
+ at length miserablie slaine by king Ethelbert in Wonwaldremere, one of
+ [Sidenote: 792.]
+ them was named Alfus, & the other Alfwin. In the yéere of our Lord
+ 792, Osred vpon trust of the others and promises of diuerse noble men,
+ secretly returned into Northumberland, but his owne souldiers forsooke
+ him, and so was he taken, and by king Ethelberts commandment put to
+ death at Cunbridge on the 14 day of September.
+
+ The same yéere king Ethelbert maried the ladie Alfled the daughter of
+ Offa king of Mercia, forsaking his former wife which he had, & hauing
+ no iust cause of diuorce giuen on hir part, wherby his people tooke
+ such displeasure against him, that finallie after he had reigned now
+ this second time 4 yéeres, or (as other say) seuen yéeres, he could
+ not auoid the destinie of his predecessors, but was miserablie killed
+ by his owne subiects at Cobre, the 18 of Aprill. After whome, one
+ Oswald a noble man was ordeined king, and within 27 or 28 daies after
+ [Sidenote: Holie Iland.]
+ was expelled, and constreined to flie first into the Ile of
+ Lindesferne, and from thence vnto the king of the Picts.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ardulfe.]
+ Then Ardulfe that was a duke and sonne to one Arnulfe was reuoked out
+ of exile, made king, & consecrated also at Yorke by the archbishop
+ [Sidenote: 796.]
+ Cumhald, and thrée other bishops, the 25 of June, in the yéere 796.
+ About two yeeres after, to wit, in the yéere 798 one duke Wade, and
+ other conspirators which had beene also partakers in the murthering of
+ king Ethelbert, raised warre against king Ardulfe, and fought a
+ [Sidenote: Walalege.]
+ battell with him at Walleg, but king Ardulfe got the vpper hand,
+ and chased Wade and other his enimies out of the field. In the yéere
+ [Sidenote: 799.]
+ 799, duke Aldred that had murthered Ethelbert or Athelred king of
+ Northumberland, was slaine by another duke called Chorthmond in
+ reuenge of the death of his maister the said Ethelbert. Shortlie
+ after, about the same time that Brightrike king of Westsaxons departed
+ this life, there was a sore battell foughten in Northumberland at
+ Wellehare, in the which Alricke the sonne of Herbert, and manie other
+ with him were slaine: but to rehearse all the battels with their
+ successes and issues, it should be too tedious and irkesome to the
+ readers, for the English people being naturallie hard and high-minded,
+ continuallie scourged each other with
+
+ [Sidenote: The English men afflicted each other with ciuill warre.]
+ intestine warres. About six or seuen yéeres after this battell, king
+ Ardulfe was expelled out of the state.
+
+ ¶ Thus ye may consider in what plight things stood in Northumberland,
+ by the often seditions, tumults and changings of gouernors, so that
+ there be which haue written, how after the death of king Ethelbert,
+ otherwise called Edelred, diuers bishops and other of the chiefest
+ nobles of the countrie disdaining such traitorous prince-killings,
+ ciuill seditions, and iniurious dealings, as it were put in dailie
+ practise amongst the Northumbers, departed out of their natiue borders
+ into voluntarie exile, and that from thencefoorth there was not anie
+ of the nobilitie that durst take vpon him the kinglie gouernement
+ amongst them, fearing the fatall prerogatiue thereof, as if it had
+ béene Scians horsse, whose rider came euer to some euill end. But yet
+ by that which is héeretofore shewed out of Simon Dunelm, it is
+ euident, that there reigned kings ouer the Northumbers, but in what
+ authoritie and power to command, it may be doubted.
+
+ Howbeit this is certeine, that the sundrie murtherings and banishments
+ of their kings and dukes giue vs greatlie to gesse, that there was but
+ sorie obedience vsed in the countrie, whereby for no small space of
+ time that kingdome remained without an head gouernor, being set open
+ to the prey and iniurie of them that were borderers vnto it, and
+ likewise vnto strangers. For the Danes, which in those daies were
+ [Sidenote: This chanced in the yéere of our Lord 700, as _Simon Dun._
+ saith.]
+ great rouers, had landed before in the north parts, & spoiled the
+ abbeie of Lindesferne otherwise called holie Iland, and perceiuing the
+ fruitfulnesse of the countrie, and easinesse for their people to
+ inuade it (bicause that through their priuate quarelling there was
+ little publike resistance to be looked for) at their comming home,
+ entised their countriemen to make voiages into England, and so landing
+ [Sidenote: The Danes inuade Northumberland.]
+ in Northumberland did much hurt, and obtained a great part of the
+ countrie in manner without resistance, bicause there was no ruler
+ there able to raise anie power of men by publike authoritie to
+ incounter with the common enimies, whereby the countrie was brought
+ into great miserie, partlie with war of the Danes, and ciuill
+ dissention amongest the nobles and people themselues, no man being of
+ authoritie (I say) able to reforme such misorders. Yet we find that
+ the nobles and capteines of the countrie assembling togither at one
+ [Sidenote: The Danes vanquished.]
+ [Sidenote: This was in anno 794 as _Simon Dun._ saith.]
+ time against the Danes that were landed about Tinmouth, constreined
+ them by sharpe fight to flée backe to their ships, and tooke certeine
+ of them in the field, whose heads they stroke off there vpon the
+ shore. The other that got to their ships, suffered great losse of men,
+ and likewise of their vessels by tempest.
+
+ ¶ Here then we are taught that the safest way to mainteine a
+ monarchie, is when all degrées liue in loialtie. And that it is
+ necessarie there should be one supereminent, vnto whome all the
+ residue should stoope: this fraile bodie of ours may giue vs
+ sufficient instruction. For reason ruleth in the mind as souereigne,
+ and hath subiect vnto it all the affections and inward motions, yea
+ the naturall actions are directed by hir gouernement: whereto if the
+ will be obedient there cannot créepe in anie outrage or disorder. Such
+ should be the sole regiment of a king in his kingdome; otherwise he
+ may be called "Rex á regendo, as Mons a mouendo." For there is not a
+ greater enimie to that estate, than to admit participants in roialtie,
+ which as it is a readie way to cause a subuersion of a monarchie; so
+ it is the shortest cut ouer to a disordered anarchie. But to procéed
+ in the historie.
+
+ After that Alrike (the last of king Witchreds sonnes, which reigned in
+ Kent successiuelie after their father) was dead, the noble ofspring of
+ the kings there so decaied, and began to vade awaie, that euerie one
+ which either by flattering had got rithes togither, or by seditious
+ partaking was had in estimation, sought to haue the gouernement, and
+ to vsurp the title of king, abusing by vnworthie means the honor and
+ [Sidenote: Edelbert.]
+ dignitie of so high an office. Amongest others, one Edbert or
+ Edelbert, surnamed also Prenne, gouerned the Kentishmen for the space
+ of two yeares, and was in the end vanquished by them of Mercia, and
+ taken prisoner, as before is said: so that for a time he liued in
+ captiuitie; and although afterwards he was set at libertie, yet was he
+ not receiued againe to the kingdome, so that it is vncerteine what end
+ he made. Cuthred that was appointed by Kinevulfe the king of Mercia,
+ to reigne in place of the same Edbert or Edelbert, continued in the
+ gouernement eight yéeres as king, rather by name than by act,
+ inheriting his predecessors euill hap and calamitie, through factions
+ and ciuill discord.
+
+ [Sidenote: Lambert.]
+ After that Iambrith or Lambert the archbishop of Canturburie was
+ departed this life, one Edelred was ordeined in his place, vnto whome
+ the primasie was restored, which in his predecessors time was taken
+ awaie by Offa king of Mercia, as before is recited. Also after the
+ death of Eubald archbishop of Yorke, another of the same name called
+ Eubald the second was admitted to succeed in that sée. After that
+ Brightrike the king of Westsaxons was departed this life, messengers
+ were sent with all spéed into France, to giue knowledge thereof vnto
+ Egbert, which as before is shewed, was constreined by the said
+ Brightrike to depart the countrie. At the first, he withdrew vnto Offa
+ king of Mercia, with whome he remained for a time, till at length
+ (through suit made by Brightrike) he perceiued he might not longer
+ continue there without danger to be deliuered into his enimies hands;
+ and so, Offa winking at the matter, he departed out of his countrie,
+ and got him ouer into France. But being now aduertised of Brightriks
+ death, and required by earnest letters sent from his friends to come
+ and receiue the gouernement of the kingdome, he returned with all
+ conuenient spéed into his countrie, and was receiued immediatlie for
+ [Sidenote: Egbert receiued a king of Westsaxons His linage.]
+ king, by the generall consent of the Westsaxons, as well in respect of
+ the good hope which they had conceiued of his woorthie qualities and
+ aptnesse to haue gouernement, as of his roiall linage, being lineallie
+ descended from Inigils the brother of king Inas, as sonne to
+ Alkemound, that was the sonne of one Eaffa, which Eaffa was sonne to
+ Ope the sonne of the foresaid Inigils.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Egbert reigneth ouer the Westsaxons, his practise or exercise in the
+ time of his exile, his martiall exploits against the Cornishmen and
+ Welshmen, Bernulfe king of Mercia taketh indignation at Egbert for the
+ inlarging of his roiall authoritie, they fight a sore battell, Egbert
+ ouercommeth, great ods betweene their souldiers, bishop Alstan a
+ warriour; Kent, Essex, Southerie, Sussex, and Eastangles subiect to
+ Egbert; he killeth Bernulfe K. of Mercia, and conquereth the whole
+ kingdome, Whitlafe the king thereof becommeth his tributarie, the
+ Northumbers submit themselues to Egbert, he conquereth Northwales and
+ the citie of Chester, he is crowned supreme gouernour of the whole
+ land, when this Ile was called England, the Danes inuade the land,
+ they discomfit Egberts host, the Welshmen ioine with the Danes against
+ Egbert, they are both vanquished, Egbert dieth._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EGBERT.]
+ [Sidenote: 802 as _Simon Dunel._]
+ [Sidenote: and _M.W._ hath noted but 801.]
+ This Egbert began his reigne in the yeare of our Lord 800, which was
+ the 4 yeare almost ended, after that the emperour Eirine began the
+ second time to rule the empire, and in the 24 yeare of the reigne of
+ Charles the great king of France, which also was in the same yeare
+ after he was made emperour of the west, and about the second yeare of
+ Conwall king of Scots. Whilest this Egbert remained in exile, he
+ turned his aduersaries into an occasion of his valiancie, as it had
+ béene a grindstone to grind awaie and remoue the rust of sluggish
+ slouthfulnes, in so much that hawnting the wars in France, in seruice
+ of Charles the great, he atteined to great knowledge and experience,
+ both in matters appertaining to the wars, and likewise to the well
+ ordering of the common wealth in time of peace. The first wars that he
+ tooke in hand, after he had atteined to the kingdome, was against the
+ Cornishmen, a remnant of the old Britains, whome he shortlie ouercame
+ and subdued. Then he thought good to tame the vnquiet Welshmen, the
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ which still were readie to moue rebellion against the Englishmen, as
+ they that being vanquished, would not yet seeme to be subdued,
+ wherefore about the 14 yeare of his reigne, he inuaded the countrie of
+ Wales, and went through the same from east to west, not finding anie
+ person that durst resist him.
+
+ King Egbert hauing ouercome his enimies of Wales and Cornewall, began
+ to grow in authoritie aboue all the other rulers within this land, in
+ somuch that euerie of them began to feare their owne estate, but
+ [Sidenote: Bernulf king of Mercia.]
+ namelie Bernulfe king of Mercia sore stomached the matter, as he that
+ was wise, and of a loftie courage, and yet doubted to haue to doo with
+ Egbert, who was knowen also to be a man both skilfull and valiant. At
+ length yet considering with himselfe, that if his chance should be to
+ speed well, so much the more should his praise be increased, he
+ determined to attempt the fortune of warre, and therevpon intimated
+ the same vnto Egbert, who supposing it should be a dishonor vnto him
+ to giue place, boldlie prepared to méete Bernulfe in the field.
+ [Sidenote: A battell fought at Ellendon.]
+ Herevpon they incountred togither at Ellendon, & fought a sore
+ battell, in the which a huge number of men were slaine, what on the
+ one part, and on the other but in the end the victorie remained with
+ [Sidenote: Egbert won the victorie.]
+ Egbert, although he had not the like host for number vnto Bernulfe,
+ but he was a politike prince, and of great experience, hauing chosen
+ his souldiers of nimble, leane, and hartie men; where Bernulfs
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 826.]
+ souldiers (through long ease) were cowardlie persons, and ouercharged
+ with flesh. The battell was fought in the yeare of our Lord 826.
+
+ King Egbert hauing got this victorie, was aduanced into such hope,
+ that he persuaded himselfe to be able without great adoo to ouercome
+ the residue of his neighbours, whose estates he saw plainlie sore
+ weakened and fallen into great decaie. Herevpon before all other, he
+ determined to assaile Edelvulfe king of Kent, whome he knew to be a
+ man in no estimation amongest his subiects. A competent armie
+ [Sidenote: Alstan bishop of Shireborn a warrior.]
+ therefore being leuied, he appointed his sonne Ethelwulfe & Alstan
+ bishop of Shireborne, with earle Walhard to haue the conduct therof,
+ and sent them with the same into Kent, where they wrought such
+ maisteries, that they chased both the king and all other that would
+ not submit themselues, out of the countrie, constreining them to passe
+ [Sidenote: The conquests of the Westsaxons.]
+ ouer the Thames. And herewith the Westsaxons following the victorie,
+ brought vnder subiection of king Egbert the countries of Kent, Essex,
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ Southerie, and Sussex. The Eastangles also about the same time
+ receiued king Egbert for their souereigne Lord, and comforted by his
+ setting on against Bernulfe king of Mercia, inuaded the confines of
+ his kingdome, in reuenge of displeasures which he had doone to them
+ latelie before, by inuading their countrie, and as it came to passe,
+ [Sidenote: Bernulf king of Mercia slaine.]
+ incountring with the said Bernulfe which came against them to defend
+ his countrie, they slue him in the field.
+
+ Thus their minds on both parts being kindled into further wrath, the
+ Eastangles eftsoones in the yeare following fought with them of
+ Mercia, and ouercame them againe, and slue their king Ludicenus, who
+ succéeded Bernulfe in that kingdome, with 5 of his earles. The state
+ of the kingdome of Mercia being weakened, Egbert conceiued an assured
+ hope of good successe, & in the 27 yeare of his reigne, made an open
+ inuasion into the countrie, and chasing Whitlafe king of Mercia (that
+ succéeded Ludicenus) out of his estate, conquered the whole kingdome
+ of the Mercies. But yet in the yéere next following, or in the third
+ yeare after, he restored it againe to Whitlafe, with condition, that
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ he should inioy the same as tributarie to him, and acknowledge him for
+ his supreme gouernour. The same yeare that Bernulfe king of Mercia was
+ slaine by the Eastangles, there was a sore battell foughten at
+ [Sidenote: These were the Cornish men as is to be supposed.]
+ Gauelford, betwixt them of Deuonshire, and the Britains, in the which
+ manie thousands died on both parts.
+
+ King Egbert hauing conquered all the English people inhabiting on the
+ south side of Humber, led foorth his armie against them of
+ Northumberland: but the Northumbers being not onelie vexed with ciuill
+ sedition, but also with the often inuasion of Danes, perceiued not
+ [Sidenote: King Egbert inuadeth Northumberland.]
+ [Sidenote: The Northumbers submit themselues to king Egbert.]
+ how they should be able to resist the power of king Egbert: and
+ therefore vpon good aduisement taken in the matter, they resolued to
+ submit themselues, and therevpon sent ambassadors to him to offer
+ their submission, committing themselues wholie vnto his protection.
+ King Egbert gladlie receiued them, and promised to defend them from
+ all forren enimies. Thus the kingdome of Northumberland was brought
+ vnder subiection to the kings of the Westsaxons, after the state had
+ béen sore weakened with contention and ciuill discord that had
+ continued amongst the nobles of the countrie, for the space of manie
+ yeeres, beside the inuasion made by outward enimies, to the gréeuous
+ damage of the people.
+
+ After that king Egbert had finished his businesse in Northumberland,
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: Northwales and the citie of Chester conquered by Egbert.]
+ he turned his power towards the countrie of Northwales, and subdued
+ the same, with the citie of Chester, which till those daies, the
+ Britains or Welshmen had kept in their possession. When king Egbert
+ had obteined these victories, and made such conquests as before is
+ mentioned, of the people héere in this land, he caused a councell to
+ be assembled at Winchester, and there by aduise of the high estates,
+ he was crowned king, as souereigne gouernour and supreame lord of the
+ whole land. It is also recorded, that he caused a commission to be
+ directed foorth into all parts of the realme, to giue commandement,
+ that from thence forward all the people inhabiting within this land,
+ should be called English men, and not Saxons, and likewise the land
+ [Sidenote: The name of this ile when it was changed.]
+ should be called England by one generall name, though it should
+ appéere (as before is mentioned) that it was so called shortlie after
+ the first time that the Angles and Saxons got possession thereof.
+
+ Now was king Egbert setled in good quiet, and his dominions reduced
+ [Sidenote: The Danes.]
+ out of the troubles of warre, when suddenlie newes came, that the
+ Danes with a nauie of 35 ships, were arriued on the English coasts,
+ and began to make sore warre in the land. K. Egbert being thereof
+ aduertised, with all conuenient spéed got togither an armie, and went
+ foorth to giue battell to the enimies. Heerevpon incountring with
+ them, there was a sore foughten field betwixt them, which continued
+ with great slaughter on both sides, till the night came on, and then
+ by chance of warre the Englishmen, which before were at point to haue
+ [Sidenote: The Englishmen discomfited by Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 834.]
+ gone awaie with victorie, were vanquished and put to flight, yet king
+ Egbert by couert of the night escaped his enimies hands: but two of
+ his chiefe capteins Dudda and Osmond, with two bishops, to wit,
+ Herferd of Winchester, and Vigferd of Shireborne, were slaine in that
+ battell, which was foughten at Carrum, about the 834 of Christ, and 34
+ yéere of king Egberts reigne.
+
+ In the yeere following, the Danes with their nauie came into
+ Westwales, and there the Welshmen ioining with them, rose against king
+ [Sidenote: Danes and Welshmen vanquished.]
+ [Sidenote: 836.]
+ Egbert, but he with prosperous fortune vanquished and slue both the
+ Danes and Welshmen, and that in great number, at a place called
+ Hengistenton. The next yéere after also, which was 836, he ouerthrew
+ another armie of Danes which came against him, as one autor writeth.
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Egbert departeth this life.]
+ [Sidenote: 837.]
+ Finallie, when king Egbert had reigned the tearme of 36 yéeres and
+ seuen moneths with great glorie for the inlarging of his kingdome with
+ wide bounds, which when he receiued was but of small compasse, he
+ departed this life, leauing to his issue matter of woorthie praise to
+ mainteine that with order which he with painefull diligence had ioined
+ togither. His bodie was buried at Winchester, and he left behind him
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ two sonnes Ethelwulfe, otherwise named Athaulfe and Adelstan. The
+ first he appointed to succéed him in the kingdome of Westsaxons, and
+ Adelstan he ordeined to haue the gouernment of Kent, Sussex, and
+ Essex.
+
+ ¶ Héere we sée the paterne of a fortunate prince in all his affaires,
+ as well forren as domesticall, wherein is first to be obserued the
+ order of his education in his tender yéeres, which agreeing well with
+ a princes nature, could not but in the progresse of his age bring
+ great matters to passe, his manifold victories are an argument that as
+ he lacked no policie, so he had prowesse inough to incounter with his
+ enimies, to whome he gaue manie a fowle discomfiture. But among all
+ other notes of his skill and hope of happie successe in his martiall
+ affaires, was the good choise that he made of seruiceable souldiers,
+ being such as knew how to get the victorie, and hauing gotten it, were
+ not vntaught to vse it to their benefit, by their warinesse and
+ héedtaking; for
+
+   Sæpiùs incautæ nocuit victoria turbæ.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The kingdome of Kent annexed to the kingdome of the Westsaxons, the
+ end of the kingdome of Kent and Essex; Kenelme king of Mercia
+ murthered by the meanes of his owne sister Quendred, the order of hir
+ wicked practise; his death prophesied or foreshewed by a signe, the
+ kings of Mercia put by their roialtie one after another, the kingdome
+ of Britaine beginneth to be a monarchie; Ethelwulfe king of the
+ Westsaxons, he marrieth his butlers daughter, his disposition; the
+ fourth destruction of this land by forren enimies, the Danes sought
+ the ruine of this Ile, how long they afflicted and troubled the same;
+ two notable bishops and verie seruiceable to king Ethelwulfe in warre,
+ the Danes discomfited, the Englishmen chased, Ethelwulfs great
+ victorie ouer the Danes, a great slaughter of them at Tenet, king
+ Ethelwulfs deuotion and liberalitie to churches, Peter pence paid to
+ Rome, he marieth the ladie Iudith, his two sonnes conspire (vpon
+ occasion of breaking a law) to depose him, king Ethelwulfe dieth, his
+ foure sonnes by his first wife Osburga, how he bequeathed his
+ kingdoms._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ When Cuthred K. of Kent had reigned 8 yeeres, as before is mentioned,
+ he was constreined to giue place vnto one Baldred, that tooke vpon him
+ the gouernment, & reigned the space of 18 yéeres, without anie great
+ authoritie, for his subiects regarded him but sorilie, so that in the
+ end, when his countrie was inuaded by the Westsaxons, he was easilie
+ constreined to depart into exile. And thus was the kingdome of Kent
+ annexed to the kingdome of the Westsaxons, after the same kingdome had
+ continued in gouernment of kings created of the same nation for the
+ space of 382 yéers, that is to say, from the yéere of our Lord 464,
+ [Sidenote: The end of the kingdome of Kent.]
+ [Sidenote: 827.]
+ vnto the yéere 827. Suithred or Suthred king of Essex was vanquished
+ and expelled out of his kingdome by Egbert king of Westsaxons (as
+ before ye maie read) in the same yéere that the Kentishmen were
+ subdued by the said Egbert, or else verie shortlie after. This
+ [Sidenote: The end of the kingdome of Essex.]
+ kingdome continued 281 yeeres, from the yéere 614, vnto the yeere 795,
+ as by the table of the Heptarchie set foorth by Alexander Neuill
+ appéereth. After the deceasse of Kenwulfe king of Mercia, his sonne
+ Kenelme a child of the age of seuen yéeres was admitted king, about
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 821.]
+ the yeere of our Lord 821. He had two sisters, Quendred and Burgenild,
+ [Sidenote: The wickedness of Quendred.]
+ of the which the one (that is to say) Quendred, of a malicious mind,
+ mooued through ambition, enuied hir brothers aduancement, and sought
+ to make him awaie, so that in the end she corrupted the gouernour of
+ his person one Ashbert, with great rewards and high promises
+ persuading him to dispatch hir innocent brother out of life, that she
+ might reigne in his place. Ashbert one day vnder a colour to haue the
+ yoong king foorth on hunting, led him into a thicke wood, and there
+ cut off the head from his bodie, an impe by reason of his tender
+ [Sidenote: King Kenelm murthered.]
+ yéeres and innocent age, vnto the world void of gilt, and yet thus
+ traitorouslie murthered without cause or crime: he was afterwards
+ reputed for a martyr.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Sée legenda aurea. fol._ 165. in the life of S. Kenelme.]
+ There hath gone a tale that his death should be signified at Rome, and
+ the place where the murther was committed, by a strange manner: for
+ (as they say) a white doue came and lighted vpon the altar of saint
+ Peter, bearing a scroll in hir bill, which she let fall on the same
+ altar, in which scroll among other things this was conteined, "In
+ clenc kou bath, Kenelme kinbarne lieth vnder thorne, heaued bereaued:"
+ that is, at Clenc in a cow pasture, Kenelme the kings child lieth
+ beheaded vnder a thorne. This tale I rehearse, not for anie credit I
+ thinke it woorthie of, but onelie for that it séemeth to note the
+ place where the yoong prince innocentlie lost his life.
+
+ [Sidenote: Ceolwulfe K. of Mercia 823.]
+ After that Kenelme was thus made awaie, his vncle Ceolwulfe the
+ brother of king Kenulfe was created king of Mercia, and in the second
+ yéere of his reigne was expelled by Bernwulfe. Bernwulfe in the third
+ yéere of his reigne, was vanquished and put to flight in battell by
+ Egbert king of Westsaxons, and shortlie after slaine of the
+ Eastangles, as before ye haue heard. Then one Ludicenus or Ludicanus
+ was created king of Mercia, and within two yeeres after came to the
+ like end that happened to his predecessor before him, as he went about
+ to reuenge his death, so that the kingdome of Britaine began now to
+ réele from their owne estate, and leane to an alteration, which grew
+ in the end to the erection of a perfect monarchie, and finall
+ subuersion of their particular estates and regiments. After Ludicenus,
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ [Sidenote: 728.]
+ succeeded Wightlafe, who first being vanquisht by Egbert king of
+ Westsaxons, was afterwards restored to the kingdome by the same
+ Egbert, and reigned 13 yeeres, whereof twelue at the least were vnder
+ tribute which he paied to the said Egbert and to his sonne, as to his
+ souereignes and supreame gouernours. The kingdome of Northumberland
+ was brought in subjection to the kings of Westsaxons, as before is
+ [Sidenote: 828.]
+ mentioned, in the yéere of our Lord 828, and in the yéere of the
+ reigne of king Egbert 28, but yet héere it tooke not end, as after
+ shall appéere.
+
+ [Sidenote: ETHELWULFUS]
+ ETHELWULFUS, otherwise called by some writers Athaulfus, began his
+ reigne ouer the Westsaxons in the yéere 837, which was in the 24 yéere
+ of the emperor Ludouicus Pius that was also K. of France, in the tenth
+ yéere of Theophilus the emperor of the East, & about the third yéere
+ of Kenneth, the second of that name king of Scots. This Ethelwulfe
+ minding in his youth to haue béene a priest, entered into the orders
+ as subdeacon, and as some write, he was bishop of Winchester: but
+ [Sidenote: _Henrie Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ howsoeuer the matter stood, or whether he was or not, sure it is, that
+ shortlie after he was absolued of his vowes by authoritie of pope Leo,
+ and then maried a proper gentlewoman named Osburga, which was his
+ butlers daughter. He was of nature courteous, and rather desirous to
+ liue in quiet rest, than to be troubled with the gouernment of manie
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ countries, so that contenting himselfe with the kingdome of
+ Westsaxons, he permitted his brother Adelstan to inioy the residue of
+ the countries which his father had subdued, as Kent and Essex, with
+ other. He aided Burthred the king of Mercia against the Welshmen, and
+ greatlie aduanced his estimation, by giuing vnto him his daughter in
+ mariage.
+
+ [Sidenote: Foure especiall destructions of this land.]
+ But now the fourth destruction which chanced to this land by forren
+ enimies, was at hand: for the people of Denmarke, Norway, and other of
+ those northeast regions, which in that season were great rouers by
+ sea, had tasted the wealth of this land by such spoiles and preies as
+ they had taken in the same, so that perceiuing they could not purchase
+ more profit anie where else, they set their minds to inuade the same
+ on ech side, as they had partlie begun in the daies of the late kings
+ Brightrike and Egbert. The persecution vsed by these Danes séemed more
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ gréeuous, than anie of the other persecutions, either before or
+ sithens that time: for the Romans hauing quicklie subdued the land,
+ gouerned it noblie without seeking the subuersion thereof. The Scots
+ and Picts onelie inuaded the north parts. And the Saxons seeking the
+ conquest of the land, when they had once got it, they kept it, and did
+ what they could, to better and aduance it to a flourishing estate.
+
+ The Normans likewise hauing made a conquest, granted both life,
+ libertie, and ancient lawes to the former inhabitants: but the Danes
+ long time and often assailing the land on euerie side, now inuading it
+ in this place, and now in that, did not at the first so much couet to
+ [Sidenote: The Danes sought the destruction of this land.]
+ conquer it, as to spoile it, nor to beare rule in it, as to waste and
+ destroie it: who if they were at anie time, ouercome, the victors were
+ nothing the more in quiet: for a new nauie, and a greater armie was
+ readie to make some new inuasion, neither did they enter all at one
+ place, nor at once, but one companie on the east side, and an other in
+ the west, or in the north and south coasts, in such sort, that the
+ Englishmen knew not whether they should first go to make resistance
+ against them.
+
+ [Sidenote: How long the persecution of the Danes lasted.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ This mischiefe began chieflie in the daies of this king Ethelwulfe,
+ but it continued about the space of two hundred yeeres, as by the
+ sequele of this booke it shall appéere. King Ethelwulfe was not so
+ much giuen to ease, but that vpon occasion for defense of his countrie
+ and subiects, he was readie to take order for the beating backe of the
+ enimies, as occasion serued, and speciallie chose such to be of his
+ counsell, as were men of great experience and wisedome. Amongst other,
+ [Sidenote: Two notable bishops in Ethelwulfs daies.]
+ there were two notable prelats, Suithune bishop of Winchester, and
+ Adelstan bishop of Shireborne, who were readie euer to giue him good
+ aduise. Suithune was not so much expert in worldlie matters as
+ Adelstan was, & therefore chieflie counselled the king in things
+ apperteining to his soules health: but Adelstan tooke in hand to order
+ matters apperteining to the state of the commonwealth, as prouiding of
+ monie, and furnishing foorth of men to withstand the Danes, so that by
+ him manie things were both boldlie begun, and happilie atchiued, as by
+ writers hath béene recorded. He gouerned the sée of Shireborne the
+ space of 50 yéeres, by the good counsell and faithfull aduise of those
+ two prelats.
+
+ King Ethelwulfe gouerned his subiects verie politikelie, and by
+ himselfe and his capteins oftentimes put the Danes to flight, though
+ as chance of warre falleth out, he also receiued at their hands great
+ losses, and sundrie sore detriments. In the first yéere of his reigne,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ the Danes arriued at Hampton, with 33 ships, against whome he sent
+ earle Wulhard with part of his armie, the which giuing battell to the
+ [Sidenote: Danes discomfited.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ enimies, made great slaughter of them, and obteined a noble victorie.
+ He sent also earle Adelhelme with the Dorsetshire men against an other
+ number of the Danes, which were landed at Portesmouth, but after long
+ fight, the said Adelhelme was slaine, and the Danes obteined the
+ victorie. In the yéere following, earle Herbert fought against the
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen put to flight.]
+ [Sidenote: They are eftsoones vanquished.]
+ Danes at Merseware, and was there slaine, and his men chased. The same
+ yeere, a great armie of Danes passing by the east parts of the land,
+ as through Lindsey, Eastangle, and Kent, slue and murthered an huge
+ number of people. The next yéere after this, they entered further into
+ the land, and about Canturburie, Rochester, and London, did much
+ mischiefe.
+
+ King Ethelwulfe in the fift yéere of his reigne, with a part of his
+ [Sidenote: Carrum.]
+ armie incountred with the Danes at Carrum, the which were arriued in
+ those parties with 30 ships, hauing their full fraught of men, so that
+ for so small a number of vessels, there was a great power of men of
+ warre, in so much that they obteined the victorie at that time, and
+ [Sidenote: The Danes wan the victorie in battell.]
+ [Sidenote: Danes are vanquished.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 851.]
+ put the king to the woorse. About the tenth yéere of king Ethelwulfs
+ reigne, one of his capteins called Ernwulfe, and bishop Adelstan, with
+ the Summersetshire men, and an other capteine called Osred, with the
+ Dorsetshire men, fought against the Danes, at a place called
+ Pedredesmuth, and vanquished them with great triumph. In the sixtéenth
+ yeere of his reigne, king Ethelwulfe and his sonne Edelbald hauing
+ [Sidenote: Ocley.]
+ assembled all their powers togither, gaue battell at Ocley, to an huge
+ [Sidenote: Two hundred and fiftie ships saith _Hen. Hunt._]
+ host of Danes, the which with foure hundred and fiftie ships had
+ arriued at Thames mouth, and destroied the famous cities of London and
+ Canturburie, and also had chased Brightwulfe king of Mercia in
+ battell, and being now entered into Southerie, were incountered by
+ king Ethelwulfe at Ocley aforesaid, & after sore fight and incredible
+ slaughter made on both sides, in the end, the victorie by the power of
+ God was giuen to those that beléeued on him, and the losse rested with
+ great confusion to the miscreants.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes eftsoones vanquished. Danes ouercome by sea.]
+ Thus king Ethelwulfe obteined a glorious victorie in so mightie a
+ battell, as a greater had not beene lightlie heard of to chance within
+ the English dominions. The same yeere also Athelstan king of Kent and
+ duke Ealhere fought by sea with the Danes, and tooke 9 of their ships,
+ and chased the residue. Moreouer, one earle Ceorle hauing with him the
+ [Sidenote: The Deuonshire men vanquish the Danes.]
+ power of Deuonshire, fought with the Danes at Winleshore, and got the
+ victorie. This yéere was verie luckie to the English nation, but yet
+ the armie of the Danes lodged all the winter season in the Ile of
+ Tenet. And this was the first time that they remained héere all the
+ winter, vsing afore time but to come and make an inuasion in one place
+ or other, and immediatlie to returne home with the prey.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 852.]
+ In the 18 yeere of king Ethelwulfes reigne, he aided Burthred king of
+ Mercia against the Welshmen (as before is mentioned) and gaue to him
+ his daughter in marriage, the solemnization whereof was kept at
+ Chipnham. The same yéere king Ethelwulfe sent his sonne Alured as then
+ but fiue yeeres of age to Rome, where he was consecrated K. by pope
+ Leo the fourth, and was receiued of him as if he had beene his owne
+ sonne. Duke Ealhere or Eachere with the Kentishmen, and one Huda or
+ rather Wada, with the men of Southerie, fought against the armie of
+ [Sidenote: Great slaughter of Danes at Tenet.]
+ Danes at Tenet, where great slaughter was made on both sides, the
+ Englishmen preuailing in the beginning, but in the end, both their
+ foresaid dukes or leaders died in that battell, beside manie other
+ that were slaine and drowned.
+
+ In the 19 yéere of his reigne, king Ethelwulfe ordeined that the
+ tenths or tithes of all lands due to be paid to the church, should be
+ frée from all tribute, duties, or seruices regall. And afterwards,
+ with great deuotion he went to Rome, where he was receiued with great
+ honour, and taried there one whole yéere: he tooke with him his sonne
+ Alured, who had béene there before as ye haue heard. He repaired the
+ [Sidenote: The Saxons schoole.]
+ Saxons schoole, which Offa king of Mercia had sometime founded in that
+ citie, and latelie had béene sore decaied by fire. He confirmed the
+ grant of Peter pence, to the intent that no Englishmen from
+ [Sidenote: King Ethelwulfs liberalitie to churches.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Mancusæ.]
+ thence-foorth should doo penance in bounds as he saw some there to doo
+ before his face. It is also written, that he should acquit all the
+ churches of his realme of paieng tribute to his coffers (as before ye
+ haue heard) & moreouer couenanted to send vnto Rome euerie yéere three
+ hundred marks, that is to say, one hundred marks to saint Peters
+ church, an other hundred marks to saint Paules light, and the third
+ hundred marks to the Pope.
+
+ [Sidenote: The ladie Iudith.]
+ In his returne thorough France, he married the ladie Iudith, daughter
+ to Charles the bald, then K. of France, and bringing hir with him into
+ his countrie, placed hir by him in a chaire of estate, with which déed
+ he offended so the minds of his subiects, bicause it was against the
+ order taken before him, for the offense of Ethelburga, that his sonne
+ Ethelbald and Adelstan bishop of Shireborne, with Enwulfe earle of
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Summerset, conspired to depose him from his kinglie authoritie; but by
+ mediation of friends, the matter was taken vp, and so ordered, that
+ the kingdome was diuided betwixt the father and the sonne, with such
+ parcialitie, that the sonne had the better part lieng westward, and
+ the father was constreined to content himselfe with the east part
+ being the woorst.
+
+ [Sidenote: 857.]
+ Of this trouble of Ethelwulfe some write otherwise, after this manner
+ word for word. ¶ Ethelwulfe king of the Westsaxons being returned from
+ Rome & the parties beyond the seas, was prohibited the entrance into
+ his realme by Adelstane bishop of Shireborne, and Ethelbald his eldest
+ sonne; pretending outwardlie the coronation of Alfride, the mariage of
+ Iudith the French kings daughter, and open eating with hir at the
+ table, to be the onelie cause of this their manifest rebellion.
+ Whereby he séemeth to inferre, that this reuolting of Adelstane and
+ his son, should procéed of the ambitious desire of Ethelbald to
+ reigne, and likelie inough, or else this vnequall partition should
+ neuer haue béene made.
+
+ But howsoeuer the matter stood, king Ethelwulfe liued not long after
+ his returne from Rome, but departed this life, after he had ruled the
+ kingdome of the Westsaxons the space of 20 yéeres and od moneths. His
+ bodie was buried at Winchester. He left behind him foure sonnes,
+ Ethelbald, Ethelbert or Ethelbright, Ethelred, and Alsred or Alured,
+ which was begotten of his first wife Osburga. A little before his
+ [Sidenote: Onelie Westsex saith _Matt. Westm._ and _Sim. Dunel._
+ saith that Ethelbright had Sussex also, and so dooth _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
+ death he made his testament and last will, appointing his sonne
+ Ethelbald to succéed him in the whole regiment of his kingdoms of
+ Westsex and Sussex, which he held by inheritance: but the kingdoms of
+ Kent and Essex he assigned to his son Ethelbright. About the same time
+ also the Danes soiourned all the winter season in the Ile of Shepie.
+
+ ¶ The old Saxons doo bring the genealogie of this Ethelwulfe to Adam,
+ after this maner following.
+
+   Ethelwulfe the sonne of Egbert,
+   the son of Alcmund,
+   the son of Eaffa,
+   the son of Eoppa,
+   the son of Ingils,
+   the son of Kenred,
+   the son of Coelwald,
+   the son of Cudwine,
+   the son of Ceawlin,
+   the son of Kenric,
+   the son of Cerdic,
+   the son of Eslie,
+   the son of Gewise,
+   the son of Wingie,
+   the son of Freawin,
+   the son of Fridagare,
+   the son of Brendie,
+   the son of Beldegie,
+   the son of Woden,
+   the son of Frethelwold,
+   the son of Freolaffe,
+   the son of Frethewolfe,
+   the son of Finnie,
+   the son of Godulfe,
+   the son of *Geta,
+   the son of Teathwie,
+   the son of Beame,
+   the son of Sceldie,
+   the son of Seafe,
+   the son of Heremod,
+   the son of Itermod,
+   the son of Hordie,
+   the son of Wale,
+   the son of Bedwie,
+   the son of Sem,
+   the son of Noah,
+   and so foorth to Adam, as you
+ [Sidenote: _*De quo Sedulius in car. pasch._]
+ shall find it by retrogradation from the 32 verse vnto the first of
+ the fift chapter of Genesis. Which genealogicall recapitulation in
+ their nationall families and tribes, other people also haue obserued;
+ as the Spaniards, who reckon their descent from Hesperus, before the
+ Gothes and Moors ouerran their land; the Italians from Aeneas, before
+ they were mingled with the Vandals and Lumbards; the Saxons from
+ Woden, before they were mixed with the Danes and Normans; the
+ Frenchmen at this day from the Thracians; the Germans from the
+ children of Gwiston;
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Castor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Parker._]
+ [Sidenote: A kings son and heire a bishop.]
+ and other people from their farre fetcht ancestrie. To conclude, of
+ this Ethelwulfe it is written, that he was so well learned & deuout,
+ that the clerks of the church of Winchester did chuse him in his youth
+ to be bishop, which function he vndertooke, and was bishop of the said
+ see by the space of seuen yéeres before he was king.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Bertwolfe king of Mercia tributarie to the Westsaxons, the fame of
+ Modwen an Irish virgine, she was a great builder of monasteries, she
+ had the gift of healing diseases, Ethelbald and Ethelbright diuide
+ their fathers kingdome betwixt them, Ethelbald marieth his mother, he
+ dieth, Winchester destroied by the Danes, they plaied the
+ trucebreakers and did much mischiefe in Kent, Ethelbright dieth;
+ Ethelred king of the Westsaxons, his commendable qualities, his
+ regiment was full of trouble, he fought against the Danes nine times
+ in one yere with happie successe, the kings of Mercia fall from their
+ fealtie and allegiance to Ethelred; Hungar & Vbba two Danish capteines
+ with their power lie in Eastangle, Osbright and Ella kings of
+ Northumberland slaine of the Danes in battell, they set Yorke on fire,
+ a commendation of bishop Adelstan, his departure out of this life._
+
+ THE ELEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Bertwolfe. of Mercia.]
+ After Wightlafe king of Mercia, one Bertwolfe reigned as tributarie
+ vnto the Westsaxons, the space of 13 yeeres, about the end of which
+ tearme he was chased out of his countrie by the Danes, and then one
+ Burthred was made king of that kingdome, which maried Ethelswida the
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith the daughter.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulf. Cest._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgraue._]
+ sister of Ethelwolfe king of Westsaxons. In this season, one Modwen a
+ virgine in Ireland was greatlie renowmed in the world, vnto whome the
+ forenamed king Ethelwolfe sent his sonne Alfred to be cured of a
+ disease, that was thought incurable: but by hir meanes he recouered
+ health, and therefore when hir monasterie was destroied in Ireland,
+ Modwen came ouer into England, vnto whom king Ethelwolfe gaue land to
+ build two abbeies, and also deliuered vnto hir his sister Edith to be
+ professed a nun. Modwen herevpon built two monasteries, one at
+ Pouleswoorth, ioining to the bounds of Arderne, wherein she placed the
+ foresaid Edith, with Osith and Athea: the other, whether it was a
+ monasterie or cell, she founded in Strenshall or Trentsall, where she
+ hir selfe remained solitarie a certeine time in praier, and other
+ vertuous exercises. And (as it is reported) she went thrice to Rome,
+ and finallie died, being 130 yéeres of age. Hir bodie was first buried
+ in an Iland compassed about with the riuer of Trent called Andresey,
+ taking that name of a church or chappell of saint Andrew, which she
+ had built in the same Iland, and dwelled therein for the space of
+ seuen yéeres. Manie monasteries she builded, both in England (as
+ partlie aboue is mentioned) and also in Scotland, as at Striueling,
+ Edenbrough; and in Ireland, at Celestline, and elsewhere.
+
+ [Sidenote: ETHELBALD AND ETHELBRIGHT.]
+ [Sidenote: 857.]
+ ETHELBALD and ETHELBRIGHT diuiding their fathers kingdom betwixt them,
+ began to reigne, Ethelbald ouer the Westsaxons and the Southsaxons,
+ and Ethelbright ouer them of Kent and Essex, in the yéere of our Lord
+ 857, which was in the second yéere of the emperor Lewes the second, &
+ the 17 of Charles surnamed Caluus or the bald king of France, and
+ about the first yéere of Donald the fift of that name king of Scots.
+ [Sidenote: The vnlawful mariage of Ethelbald.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ The said Ethelbald greatlie to his reproch tooke to wife his mother in
+ law quéene Iudith, or rather (as some write) his owne mother, whom his
+ father had kept as concubine. He liued not past fiue yéeres in
+ gouernement of the kingdome, but was taken out of this life to the
+ great sorrow of his subiects whome he ruled right worthilie, and so as
+ they had him in great loue and estimation. Then his brother
+ Ethelbright tooke on him the rule of the whole gouernment, as well
+ ouer the Westsaxons & them of Sussex, as ouer the Kentishmen and them
+ of Essex.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Winchester destroied by Danes.]
+ In his daies the Danes came on land, and destroid the citie of
+ Winchester: but duke Osrike with them of Hamshire, and duke Adelwolfe
+ [Sidenote: Danes vanquished.]
+ with the Barkeshire men gaue the enimies battell, & vanquishing them,
+ slue of them a great number. In the fift yeere of Ethelbrights reigne,
+ a nauie of Danes arriued in the Ile of Tenet, vnto whome when the
+ Kentishmen had promised a summe of monie to haue a truce granted for a
+ time, the Danes one night, before the tearme of that truce was
+ expired, brake foorth and wasted all the east part of Kent: wherevpon
+ the Kentishmen assembled togither, made towardes those trucebreakers,
+ and caused them to depart out of the countrie. The same yéere, after
+ that Ethelbright had ruled well and peaceably the Westsaxons fiue
+ yeeres, and the Kentishmen ten yéeres, he ended his life, and was
+ buried at Shireborne, as his brother Ethelbald was before him.
+
+ [Sidenote: ETHELRED.]
+ [Sidenote: 867.]
+ After Ethelbright succéeded his brother ETHELRED, and began his reigne
+ ouer the Westsaxons and the more part of the English people, in the
+ yéere of our Lord 867, and in the 12 yéere of the emperour Lewes, in
+ the 27 yéere of the reigne of Charles Caluus king of France, and about
+ the 6 yéere of Constantine the second king of Scots. Touching this
+ Ethelred, he was in time of peace a most courteous prince, and one
+ that by all kind of meanes sought to win the hearts of the people: but
+ abroad in the warres he was sharpe and sterne, as he that vnderstood
+ what apperteined to good order, so that he would suffer no offense to
+ escape vnpunished. By which meanes he was famous both in peace and
+ warre: but he neither liued any long time in the gouernement, nor yet
+ was suffered to passe the short space that he reigned in rest and
+ quietnesse.
+
+ [Sidenote: Foure yéeres six moneths saith _Harison._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Ethelred fought with the Danes nine times in one yéere.]
+ For whereas he reigned not past six yeeres, he was continuallie during
+ that tearme vexed with the inuasion of the Danes, and speciallie
+ towards the latter end, insomuch that (as hath béene reported of
+ writers) he fought with them nine times in one yéere: and although
+ with diuers and variable fortune, yet for the more part he went away
+ with the victorie. Beside that, he oftentimes lay in wait for their
+ forragers, and such as straied abroad to rob and spoile the countrie,
+ whom he met withall and ouerthrew. There were slaine in his time nine
+ earles of those Danes, and one king, beside other of the meaner sort
+ without number.
+
+ But here is to be vnderstood, that in this meane time, whilest
+ Ethelred was busied in warre to resist the inuasions of the Danes in
+ the south and west parts of this land, the kings and rulers of Mercia
+ and Northumberland taking occasion therof, began to withdraw their
+ [Sidenote: The kings of Mercia and Northumberland neglect their
+ duties.]
+ couenanted subiection from the Westsaxons, and tooke vpon them as it
+ were the absolute gouernment and rule of their countries, without
+ respect to aid one another, but rather were contented to susteine the
+ enimies within their dominions, than to preuent the iniurie with
+ dutifull assistance to those, whom by allegiance they were bound to
+ serue and obeie.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes grow in puisance.]
+ By reason hereof, the Danes without resistance grew into greater power
+ amongst them, whilest the inhabitants were still put in feare each day
+ more than other, and euerie late gotten victorie by the enimies by the
+ increase of prisoners, ministred occasion of some other conquest to
+ follow. Euen about the beginning of Ethelreds reigne, there arriued
+ vpon the English coasts an huge armie of the Danes, vnder the conduct
+ [Sidenote: Hungar and Vbba.]
+ of two renowmed capteins Hungar and Vbba, men of maruellous strength
+ and valiancie, but both of them passing cruell of nature. They lay all
+ the winter season in Estangle, compounding with them of the countrie
+ for truce vpon certeine conditions, sparing for a time to shew their
+ force for quietnesse sake.
+
+ In the second yéere of king Ethelred, the said capteins came with
+ their armies into Yorkshire, finding the country vnprouided of
+ necessarie defense bicause of the ciuill discord that reigned among
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: King Osbright deposed and Ella placed.]
+ the Northumbers, the which had latelie expelled king Osbright, that
+ had the gouernement of those parts, and placed one Ella in his roome:
+ howbeit now they were constreined to reuoke him home againe, and
+ sought to accord him and Ella. But it was long yer that might be
+ brought to passe, notwithstanding yet at length they were made
+ friends, by reason of this inuasion attempted by forren enimies, and
+ then raising their powers they came to Yorke, where the Danes, hauing
+ wasted the countrie euen to the riuer of Tine, were lodged.
+
+ The English host entring the citie, began to fight with the Danes, by
+ reason whereof a sore battell insued betwixt them: but in the end the
+ [Sidenote: Osbright and Ella kings of Northumberland slaine.]
+ two kings Osbright and Ella were slaine, and a great number of the
+ Northumbers, what within the citie, and what without lost their liues
+ at that time, the residue were constreined to take truce with the
+ [Sidenote: It must be vpon the 10 kalends of Aprill, or else it will
+ not concurre with Palmsunday.]
+ [Sidenote: Sée _Mat. West._]
+ Danes. This battell was fought the 21 day of March being in Lent, on
+ the Friday before Palmsunday, in the yere 657.
+
+ ¶ Some haue written otherwise of this battell, reporting that the
+ Northumbers calling home king Osbright (whome before they had
+ banished) incountred with the Danes in the field, without the walles
+ of Yorke, but they were easilie beaten backe, and chased into the
+ [Sidenote: Yorke burnt by Danes.]
+ citie, the which by the Danes pursuing the victorie, was set on fier
+ and burnt, togither with the king and people that were fled into it
+ for succour. How soeuer it came about, certeine it is, that the Danes
+ got the victorie, and now hauing subdued the Northumbers, appointed
+ one Egbert to reigne ouer them as king, vnder their protection, which
+ Egbert reigned in that sort six yeares ouer those which inhabited
+ beyond the riuer of Tine. In the same yeare, Adelstane bishop of
+ Shireborne departed this life, hauing gouerned that sée the terme of
+ [Sidenote: The commendation of Adelstan bishop of Shirborne.]
+ 50 yeares. This Adelstane was a man of high wisedome, and one that had
+ borne no small rule in the kingdome of the Westsaxons, as hereby it
+ may be coniectured, that when king Ethelwulfe returned from Rome, he
+ would not suffer him to be admitted king, because he had doone in
+ certeine points contrarie to the ordinances and lawes of the same
+ kingdome, wherevpon by this bishops means Ethelbald the sonne of the
+ same king Ethelwulfe was established king, and so continued till by
+ agréement the kingdome was diuided betwixt them, as before is
+ mentioned. Finallie, he greatlie inriched the sée of Shireborne, and
+ [Sidenote: Bishop Adelstan couetous.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ yet though he was feruentlie set on couetousnesse, he was
+ neuerthelesse verie free and liberall in gifts: which contrarie
+ extremities so ill matched, though in him (the time wherein he liued
+ being considered) they might seeme somewhat tollerable; yet simplie &
+ in truth they were vtterlie repugnant to the law of the spirit, which
+ biddeth that none should doo euill that good may come thereof. Against
+ which precept because Adelstane could not but offend in the heat of
+ his couetousnes, which is termed the root of all mischiefe, though he
+ was excéeding bountifull and large in distributing the wealth he had
+ gréedilie gotten togither, he must néeds incur reprehension. But this
+ is so much the lesse to be imputed vnto him as a fault, by how much he
+ was ignorant what (by the rule of equitie and conscience) was
+ requirable in a christian man, or one of his vocation.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Burthred king of Mercia with aid beseegeth the Danes in Notingham,
+ Basreeg and Halden two Danish kings with their powers inuade the
+ Westsaxons, they are incountred by Ethelwulfe earle of Barkeshire;
+ King Ethelred giueth them and their cheefe guides a sore discomfiture;
+ what Polydor Virgil recordeth touching one Iuarus king of the Danes,
+ and the warres that Ethelred had with them, his death; Edmund king of
+ Eastangles giueth battell to the Danes, he yeeldeth himselfe, and for
+ christian religion sake is by them most cruellie murthered, the
+ kingdome of the Eastangles endeth, Guthrun a Dane gouerneth the whole
+ countrie, K. Osbright rauisheth the wife of one Bearne a noble man, a
+ bloodie battell insueth therevpon, wherein Osbright and Ella are
+ slaine._
+
+ THE TWELFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: BURTHRED king of Mercia.]
+ In the yeare following, that is to say, in the third yéere of
+ Ethelreds reigne, he with his brother Alured went to aid Burthred king
+ of Mercia, against the two foresaid Danish capteines Hungar and Vbba,
+ the which were entred into Mercia, and had woon the towne for the
+ winter season. Wherevpon the foresaid Ethelred and Burthred with their
+ [Sidenote: Danes besieged in Notingham.]
+ powers came to Notingham, and besieged the Danes within it. The Danes
+ perceiuing themselues in danger, made suite for a truce & abstinence
+ from war, which they obteined, and then departed backe to Yorke, where
+ they soiourned the most part of all that yeare.
+
+ In the sixt yeare of king Ethelreds reigne, a new armie of great force
+ and power came into the countrie of the Westsaxons vnder two leaders
+ [Sidenote: Basreeg and Halden.]
+ or kings of the Danes, Basréeg and Halden. They lodged at Reding with
+ their maine armie, and within thrée daies after the earle of
+ [Sidenote: Edelwulfe, erle of Barkshire fought at Englefield with the
+ Danes.]
+ Berrockshire Edelwulfe fought at Englefield with two earles of those
+ Danes, vanquished them, and slue the one of those earles, whose name
+ was Sidroc. After this king Ethelred and his brother Alured came with
+ a great host vnto Reding, and there gaue battell vnto the armie of
+ Danes, so that an huge number of people died on both parts, but the
+ Danes had the victorie.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes wan the victory at Reading.]
+ After this also king Ethelred and his brother Alured fought againe
+ with those Danes at Aschdon, where the armies on both sides were
+ diuided into two parts, so that the two Danish kings lead the one part
+ of their armie, & certeine of their earles lead the other part.
+ Likewise on the English side king Ethelred was placed with one part of
+ the host against the Danish kings, and Alured with the other part was
+ appointed to incounter with the earles. Herevpon they being on both
+ parts readie to giue battell, the euening comming on caused them to
+ deferre it till the morow. And so earlie in the morning when the
+ armies should ioine, king Ethelred staied in his tent to heare diuine
+ seruice, whilest his brother vpon a forward courage hasted to
+ incounter his enimies, the which receiued him so sharplie, and with so
+ cruell fight, that at length, the Englishmen were at point to haue
+ turned their backs. But herewith came king Ethelred and manfullie
+ ended the battell, staied his people from running away, and so
+ encouraged them, and discouraged the enimies, that by the power of God
+ [Sidenote: The Danes discomfited.]
+ (whom as was thought in the morning he had serued) the Danes finallie
+ were chased and put to flight, losing one of their kings (that is to
+ say) Basreeg or Osreeg, and 5 earles, Sidroc the elder, and Sidroc the
+ yoonger, Osberne, Freine, and Harold. This battell was sore foughten,
+ and continued till night, with the slaughter of manie thousands of
+ Danes. About 14 daies after, king Ethelred and his brother Alured
+ fought eftsoones with the Danish armie at Basing, where the Danes had
+ [Sidenote: A battell at Merton.]
+ the victorie. Also two moneths after this they likewise fought with
+ the Danes at Merton. And there the Danes, after they had béene put to
+ the woorse, & pursued in chase a long time, yet at length they also
+ [Sidenote: He was bishop of Shireborne as _Matt. West._ saith.]
+ got the victorie, in which battell Edmund bishop of Shireborne was
+ slaine, and manie other that were men of woorthie fame and good
+ account.
+
+ In the summer following, a mightie host of the Danes came to Reading,
+ [Sidenote: _Polyd. Virg._]
+ [Sidenote: Iuarus.]
+ and there soiourned for a time. ¶ These things agrée not with that
+ which Polydor Virgil hath written of these warres which king Ethelred
+ had with the Danes: for he maketh mention of one Iuarus a king of the
+ Danes, who landed (as he writeth) at the mouth of Humber, and like a
+ stout enimie inuaded the countrie adioining. Against whome Ethelred
+ with his brother Alured came with an armie, and incountring the Danes,
+ fought with them by the space of a whole day togither, and was in
+ danger to haue béene put to the woorse, but that the night seuered
+ them asunder. In the morning they ioined againe: but the death of
+ Iuarus, who chanced to be slaine in the beginning of the battell,
+ [Sidenote: Danes put to flight.]
+ discouraged the Danes, so that they were easilie put to flight, of
+ whome (before they could get out of danger) a great number were
+ slaine. But after that they had recouered themselues togither, and
+ found but a conuenient place where to pitch their campe, they chose to
+ [Sidenote: Agnerus and Hubba.]
+ their capteines Agnerus, and Hubba, two brethren, which indeuored
+ themselues by all meanes possible to repaire their armie: so that
+ within 15 daies after, the Danes eftsoones fought with the Englishmen,
+ and gaue them such an ouerthrow, that little wanted of making an end
+ of all incounters to be attempted after by the Englishmen.
+
+ But yet within a few daies after this, as the Danes attended their
+ market to spoile the countrie and range somewhat licentiouslie abroad,
+ they fell within the danger of such ambushes as were laid for them by
+ king Ethelred, that no small slaughter was made of them, but yet not
+ without some losse of the Englishmen. Amongest others, Ethelred
+ himselfe receiued a wound, whereof he shortlie after died. Thus saith
+ Polydor touching the warres which king Ethelred had with the Danes,
+ who yet confesseth (as the trueth is) that such authors as he herein
+ followed, varie much from that which the Danish writers doo record of
+ these matters, and namelie touching the dooings of Iuarus, as in the
+ Danish historie you may sée more at large.
+
+ But now to our purpose touching the death of king Ethelred, whether by
+ reason of hurt receiued in fight against the Danes (as Polydor saith)
+ or otherwise, certeine it is, that Ethelred anon after Easter departed
+ [Sidenote: Winborne abbeie.]
+ this life, in the sixt yeare of his reigne, and was buried at Winborne
+ [Sidenote: Agnerus.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: 870.]
+ [Sidenote: Edmund K. of the Eastangles.]
+ abbey. In the daies of this Ethelred, the foresaid Danish capteins,
+ Hungar, otherwise called Agnerus, and Hubba returning from the north
+ parts into the countrie of the Eastangles, came vnto Thetford, whereof
+ Edmund, who reigned as king in that season ouer the Eastangles, being
+ aduertised, raised an armie of men, and went foorth to giue battell
+ vnto this armie of the Danes. But he with his people was chased out of
+ [Sidenote: Framingham castell.]
+ the field, and fled to the castell of Framingham, where being
+ enuironed with a siege by his enimies, he yéelded himselfe vnto them.
+ And because he would not renounce the christian faith, they bound him
+ [Sidenote: King Edmund shot to death.]
+ to a trée, and shot arrowes at him till he died: and afterwards cut
+ off his head from his bodie, and threw the same into a thicke groue of
+ bushes. But afterwards his friends tooke the bodie with the head, and
+ [Sidenote: Eglesdon.]
+ buried the same at Eglesdon: where afterward also a faire monasterie
+ was builded by one bishop Aswin, and changing the name of the place,
+ it was after called saint Edmundsburie. Thus was king Edmund put to
+ death by the cruell Danes for his constant confessing the name of
+ Christ, in the 16 yeare of his reigne, and so ceased the kingdome of
+ Eastangles. For after that the Danes had thus slaine that blessed man,
+ they conquered all the countrie, & wasted it, so that through their
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Eastangles without a gouernour.]
+ tyrannie it remained without anie gouernor by the space of nine
+ [Sidenote: Guthrun a Dane king of Eastangles.]
+ yeares, and then they appointed a king to rule ouer it, whose name was
+ Guthrun, one of their owne nation, who gouerned both the Eastangles
+ and the Eastsaxons.
+
+ Ye haue heard how the Danes slue Osrike and Ella kings of
+ Northumberland. After which victorie by them obteined, they did much
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ hurt in the north parts of this land, and amongest other cruell deeds,
+ they destroied the citie of Acluid, which was a famous citie in the
+ time of the old Saxons, as by Beda and other writers dooth manifestlie
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ appeare. Here is to be remembred, that some writers rehearse the cause
+ to be this. Osbright or Osrike king of Northumberland rauished the
+ wife of one Berne that was a noble man of the countrie about Yorke,
+ who tooke such great despight thereat, that he fled out of the land,
+ and went into Denmarke, and there complained vnto the king of Denmarke
+ his coosin of the iniurie doone to him by king Osbright. Wherevpon the
+ king of Denmarke, glad to haue so iust a quarell against them of
+ Northumberland, furnished foorth an armie, and sent the same by sea
+ (vnder the leading of his two brethren Hungar and Hubba) into
+ Northumberland, where they slue first the said king Osbright, and
+ after king Ella, at a place besides Yorke, which vnto this day is
+ called Ellas croft, taking that name of the said Ella, being there
+ slaine in defense of his countrie against the Danes. Which Ella (as we
+ find registred by writers) was elected king by such of the
+ Northumbers, as in fauour of Berne had refused to be subiect vnto
+ Osbright.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Alfred ruleth ouer the Westsaxons and the greatest part of England,
+ the Danes afflict him with sore warre, and cruellie make wast of his
+ kingdome, they lie at London a whole winter, they inuade Mercia, the
+ king whereof (Burthred by name) forsaketh his countrie and goeth to
+ Rome, his death and buriall; Halden king of the Danes diuideth
+ Northumberland among his people; Alfred incountreth with the Danes
+ vpon the sea, they sweare to him that they will depart out of his
+ kingdome, they breake the truce which was made betwixt him and them,
+ he giueth them battell, and (besides a great discomfiture) killeth
+ manie of their capteines, the Danes and English fight neere Abington,
+ the victorie vncerteine, seuen foughten fieldes betwixt them in one
+ yeare, the Danes soiourne at London._
+
+ THE XIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: ALURED OR ALFRED.]
+ [Sidenote: 871. as _Mat. West._ & _Sim. Dunelmen._ doo note it.]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ After the decease of king Ethelred, his brother Alured or Alfred
+ succéeded him, and began his reigne ouer the Westsaxons, and other the
+ more part of the people of England, in the yeare of our Lord 872,
+ which was in the 19 yeare of the emperour Lewes the second, and 32
+ yeare of the reigne of Charles the bald, king of France, and about the
+ eleuenth yeare of Constantine the second king of Scotland. Although
+ this Alured was consecrated king in his fathers life time by pope Leo
+ (as before ye haue heard) yet was he not admitted king at home, till
+ after the decease of his thrée elder brethren: for he being the
+ yoongest, was kept backe from the gouernement, though he were for his
+ wisdome and policie most highlie estéemed and had in all honour.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alured persecuted by Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ In the beginning of his reigne he was wrapped in manie great troubles
+ and miseries, speciallie by the persecution of the Danes, which made
+ sore and greeuous wars in sundrie parts of this land, destroieng the
+ same in most cruell wise. About a moneth after he was made king, he
+ [Sidenote: The Danes obteine the victorie.]
+ gaue battell to the Danes of Wilton, hauing with him no great number
+ of people, so that although in the beginning the Danes that day were
+ put to the woorse, yet in the end they obteined the victorie. Shortlie
+ after, a truce was taken betwixt the Danes and the Westsaxons. And the
+ Danes that had lien at Reading, remoued from thence vnto London, where
+ [Sidenote: The Danes wintered at London.]
+ [Sidenote: 874.]
+ they lay all the winter season. In the second yeare of Alured his
+ reigne, the Danish king Halden led the same armie from London into
+ Lindseie, and there lodged all that winter at Torkseie. In the yeare
+ [Sidenote: Repton.]
+ following, the same Halden inuaded Mercia, and wintered at Ripindon.
+ There were come to him thrée other leaders of Danes which our writers
+ name to be kings, Godrun, Esketell, & Ammond, so that their power was
+ [Sidenote: Burthred king of Mercia.]
+ greatlie increased. Burthred king of Mercia which had gouerned that
+ countrie by the space of 22 yéeres, was not able to withstand the
+ puissance of those enimies: wherevpon he was constreined to auoid the
+ countrie, and went to Rome, where he departed this life, and was
+ buried in the church of our ladie, néere to the English schoole.
+
+ [Sidenote: 875.]
+ In the fourth yeare of king Alured the armie of the Danes diuided it
+ selfe into two parts, so that king Halden with one part thereof went
+ [Sidenote: The Danes went into Northumberland.]
+ into Northumberland, and lay in the winter, season néere to the riuer
+ of Tine, where hee diuided the countrie amongest his men, and remained
+ there for the space of two yeares, and oftentimes fetched thither
+ booties and preis out of the countrie of the Picts. The other part of
+ [Sidenote: The Danes at Cambridge.]
+ [Sidenote: 876.]
+ the Danish armie with the thrée foresaid kings or leaders came vnto
+ Cambridge, and remained there a whole yeare. In the same yeare king
+ Alured fought by sea with 7 ships of Danes, tooke one of them, &
+ chased the residue. In the yeare next insuing, the Danes came into the
+ countrie of the Westsaxons, and king Alured tooke truce with them
+ [Sidenote: The Danes tooke an oth.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ againe, and they sware to him (which they had not vsed to doo to anie
+ afore that time) that they would depart the countrie. Their armie by
+ sea sailing from Warham toward Excester, susteined great losse by
+ tempest, for there perished 120 ships at Swanewicke.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes went to Excester.]
+ Moreouer the armie of the Danes by land went to Excester in breach of
+ the truce, and king Alured followed them, but could not ouertake them
+ till they came to Excester, and there he approched them in such wise,
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ that they were glad to deliuer pledges for performance of such
+ couenants as were accorded betwixt him and them. And so then they
+ departed out of the countrie, and drew into Mercia. But shortlie
+ after, when they had the whole gouernment of the land, from Thames
+ northward, they thought it not good to suffer king Alured to continue
+ in rest with the residue of the countries beyond Thames. And therefore
+ the thrée foresaid rulers of Danes, Godrun, Esketell, and Ammond,
+ [Sidenote: 877.]
+ inuading the countrie of Westsaxons came to Chipnam, distant 17 miles
+ from Bristow, & there pitched their tents.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ King Alured aduertised hereof, hasted thither, and lodging with his
+ armie néere to the enimies, prouoked them to battell. The Danes
+ perceiuing that either they must fight for their liues, or die with
+ shame, boldlie came foorth, and gaue battell. The Englishmen rashlie
+ incountered with them, and though they were ouermatched in number, yet
+ with such violence they gaue the onset, that the enimies at the first
+ were abashed at their hardie assaults. But when as it was perceiued
+ that their slender ranks were not able to resist the thicke leghers of
+ the enimies, they began to shrinke & looke backe one vpon an other,
+ and so of force were constrained to retire: and therewithal did cast
+ themselues into a ring, which though it séemed to be the best way that
+ could be deuised for their safetie, yet by the great force and number
+ of their enimies on each side assailing them, they were so thronged
+ togither on heaps, that they had no roome to stir their weapons. Which
+ disaduantage notwithstanding, they slue a great number of the Danes,
+ [Sidenote: Hubba slaine.]
+ and amongest other, Hubba the brother of Agner, with manie other of
+ the Danish capteins. At length the Englishmen hauing valiantlie
+ foughten a long time with the enimies, which had compassed them about,
+ at last brake out and got them to their campe. To be briefe, this
+ [Sidenote: The victorie doubtful.]
+ battell was foughten with so equall fortune, that no man knew to
+ whether part the victorie ought to be ascribed. But after they were
+ once seuered, they tooke care to cure their hurt men, and to burie the
+ dead bodies, namelie the Danes interred the bodie of their capteine
+ Hubba with great funerall pompe and solemnitie: which doone, they held
+ [Sidenote: Abington.]
+ out their iournie till they came to Abington, whither the English
+ armie shortlie after came also, and incamped fast by the enimies.
+
+ In this meane while, the rumor was spread abroad that king Alured had
+ béene discomfited by the Danes, bicause that in the last battell he
+ withdrew to his campe. This turned greatlie to his aduantage: for
+ thereby a great number of Englishmen hasted to come to his succour.
+ [Sidenote: The Danes and Englishmen fight néer to Abington.]
+ On the morrow after his comming to Abington, he brought his armie
+ readie to fight into the field: neither were the enimies slacke, on
+ their parts to receiue the battell, and so the two armies ioined and
+ fought verie sore on both sides: so that it séemed the Englishmen men
+ had not to doo with those Danes, which had béene diuerse times before
+ discomfited and put to flight, but rather with some new people fresh
+ and lustie. But neither the one part nor the other was minded to giue
+ ouer: in so much that the horssemen alighting on foot, and putting
+ their horsses from them, entered the battell amongst the footmen, and
+ thus they continued with equall aduantage till night came on, which
+ parted the affraie, being one of the sorest foughten fields that had
+ [Sidenote: Vncerteine victorie.]
+ [Sidenote: Thus farre _Polydor._]
+ beene heard of in those daies. To whether partie a man might iustlie
+ attribute the victorie, it was vtterlie vncerteine, with so like losse
+ & gaine the matter was tried & ended betwixt them. With the semblable
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ chance of danger and glorie seuen times that yéere did the English and
+ Danes incounter in battell, as writers haue recorded. At length, when
+ [Sidenote: A peace agreed vpon.]
+ their powers on both parts were sore diminished, they agréed vpon a
+ peace, with these conditions, that the Danes should not attempt anie
+ further warre against the Englishmen, nor bring into this land anie
+ new supplie of souldiers out of Denmarke. But this peace by those
+ peacemakers was violated and broken, in so much as they ment nothing
+ lesse than to fall from the conceiued hope which they had of bearing
+ rule in this land, and of inriching themselues with the goods,
+ possessions, rents and reuenues of the inhabitants. The same yéere the
+ [Sidenote: The Danes sojourned at London.]
+ Danes soiorned in the winter season at London, according as they had
+ doone often times before.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Rollo a noble man of Denmarke with a fresh power entreth England, and
+ beginneth to waste it, king Alured giueth him batell, Rollo saileth
+ ouer into France; who first inhabited Normandie, and whereof it tooke
+ that name; the Danes breake the peace which was made betwixt them and
+ Alured, he is driuen to his shifts by their inuasions into his
+ kingdome, a vision appeereth to him and his mother; king Alured
+ disguising himselfe like a minstrell entereth the Danish campe,
+ marketh their behauiour unsuspected, assalteth them on the sudden with
+ a fresh power, and killeth manie of them at aduantage; the Deuonshire
+ men giue the Danes battell vnder the conduct of Haldens brother, and
+ are discomfited; Alured fighteth with them at Edanton, they giue him
+ hostages, Gurthrun their king is baptised and named Adelstan, a league
+ concluded betwixt both the kings, the bounds of Alureds kingdome._
+
+ THE XIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Ann. 876. saith _Simon Dun._]
+ About the same time, or shortlie after, there came into England one
+ Rollo, a noble man of Denmarke or Norway, with a great armie, and
+ (notwithstanding the peace concluded betweene the Englishmen and the
+ Danes) began to waste and destroy the countrie. King Alured hearing
+ these newes, with all spéed thought best in the beginning to stop such
+ a common mischiefe, and immediatlie assembling his people, went
+ against the enimies, and gaue them battell, in the which there died a
+ great number of men on both sides, but the greater losse fell to Rollo
+ his armie. Yet Matthew Westmin. saith that the Englishmen were put to
+ flight. After this, it chanced that Rollo being warned in a dreame,
+ left England, & sailed ouer into France, where he found fortune so
+ [Sidenote: 30 yéeres after this he was baptised.]
+ fauourable to him, that he obteined in that region for him and his
+ people a countrie, the which was afterwards named Normandie, of those
+ northerne people which then began to inhabit the same, as in the
+ histories of France you maie sée more at large.
+
+ The Danes which had concluded peace with king Alured (as before you
+ haue heard) shortlie after vpon the first occasion, brake the same,
+ and by often inuasions which they made into the countrie of
+ Westsaxons, brought the matter to that passe, that there remained to
+ [Sidenote: King Alured driuen to his shifts.]
+ king Alured but onlie the three countries of Hamshire, Wiltshire, &
+ Summersetshire, in so much that he was constreined for a time to kéepe
+ himselfe close within the fennes and maresh grounds of Summersetshire,
+ with such small companies as he had about him, constreined to get
+ their liuing with fishing, hunting, and other such shifts. He remained
+ [Sidenote: Edlingsey.]
+ for the most part within an Ile called Edlingsey, that is to say, the
+ Iland of noble men, enuironed about with fennes and mareshes.
+
+ [Sidenote: A vision if it be true.]
+ Whiles he was thus shut vp within this Iland, he was by dreame
+ aduertised of better hap shortlie to follow: for as it hath béene
+ said, saint Cuthbert appéered to him as he laie in sléepe, and
+ comforted him, declaring to him, that within a while fortune should so
+ turne, that he should recouer againe his kingdome to the confusion of
+ his enimies. And to assure him that this should prooue true, he told
+ him that his men which were gone abroad to catch fish, should bring
+ home great plentie, although the season was against them, by reason
+ that the waters were frosen, and that a cold rime fell that morning,
+ to the hinderance of their purpose. His mother also at that time being
+ in sleepe, saw the like vision. And as they had dreamed, so it came to
+ passe: for being awakened out of their sleepe, in came his men with so
+ great foison of fish, that the same might haue sufficed a great armie
+ of men, for the vittelling of them at that season.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Alured disguiseth himselfe.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ Shortlie after, king Alured tooke vpon him the habit of a minstrell,
+ and going foorth of his closure, repaired to the campe of the Danish
+ king, onelie accompanied with one trustie seruant, and tarrieng there
+ certeine daies togither, was suffered to go into euerie part, and
+ plaie on his instrument, as well afore the king as others, so that
+ there was no secret, but that he vnderstood it. Now when he had séene
+ and learned the demeanour of his enimies, he returned againe to his
+ people at Edlingsey, and there declared to his nobles what he had
+ séene and heard, what negligence was amongst the enimies, and how
+ easie a matter it should be for him to indamage them. Wherevpon they
+ conceiuing a maruellous good hope, and imboldened with his words, a
+ power was assembled togither, and spies sent foorth to learne and
+ bring woord where the Danes lodged: which being doone, and certificat
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 877.]
+ made accordinglie, king Alured comming vpon them on the sudden, slue
+ of them a great number, hauing them at great aduantage.
+
+ [Sidenote: 878.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ About the same time the brother of king Halden came with thirtie and
+ three ships out of Wales into the countrie of Westsaxons, on the coast
+ of Deuonshire, where the Deuonshire men gaue him battell, and slue him
+ with 840 persons of his retinue. Other write, that Halden himselfe was
+ present at this conflict, with Inguare, otherwise called Hungar, and
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ that they were both slaine there, with twelue hundred of their
+ companie (before a certeine castell called Kinwith) receiuing as they
+ had deserued for their cruell dealing latelie by them practised in the
+ parties of Southwales, where they had wasted all afore them with fire
+ and swoord, not sparing abbeies more than other common buildings.
+
+ King Alured being with that good lucke the more comforted, builded a
+ [Sidenote: Athelney.]
+ fortresse in the Ile of Edlingsey, afterwards called Athelney, and
+ breaking out oftentimes vpon the enimies, distressed them at sundrie
+ times with the aid of the Summersetshire men, which were at hand.
+ About the seuenth wéeke after Easter, in the seuenth yéere of his
+ reigne, king Alured went to Eglerighston, on the east part of Selwood,
+ where there came to him the people of Summersetshire, Wiltshire, &
+ [Sidenote: Edantdune.]
+ [Sidenote: This battell should séeme the same that _Polydor_ speaketh
+ fought at Abingdon.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Pike._]
+ of Hamshire, reioising greatlie to sée him abroad. From thence he went
+ to Edanton, & there fought against the armie of the Danes, and chased
+ them vnto their strength, where he remained afore them the space of
+ fouretéene daies. Then the armie of the Danes deliuered him hostages
+ and couenants to depart out of his dominions, and that their king
+ [Sidenote: Gurthrun or Gurmund baptised, and named Adelstan is made
+ king of Eastangle.]
+ should be baptised, which was accomplished: for Gurthrun, whome some
+ name Gurmond, a prince or king amongst these Danes, came to Alured and
+ was baptised, king Alured receiuing him at the fontstone, named him
+ Adelstan, and gaue to him the countrie of Eastangle, which he gouerned
+ (or rather spoiled) by the space of twelue yéeres.
+
+ Diuerse other of the Danish nobilitie to the number of thirtie (as
+ Simon Dunelmensis saith) came at the same time in companie of their
+ king Gurthrun, and were likewise baptised, on whòme king Alured
+ bestowed manie rich gifts. At the same time (as is to be thought) was
+ the league concluded betwixt king Alured and the said Gurthrun or
+ Gurmond, in which the bounds of king Alureds kingdome are set foorth
+ thus: "First therefore let the bounds or marshes of our dominion
+ stretch vnto the riuer of Thames, and from thence to the water of Lée,
+ euen vnto the head of the same water, and so foorth streight vnto
+ Bedford: and finallie going alongst by the riuer of Ouse, let them end
+ at Watlingstréet."
+
+ This league being made with the aduise of the same sage personages as
+ well English as those that inhabited within east England, is set
+ foorth in maister Lamberts booke of the old English lawes, in the end
+ of those lawes or ordinances which were established by the same king
+ Alured, as in the same booke ye may sée more at large.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Th' English called diuers people Danes whom the French named Normans,
+ whervpon that generall name was giuen them; Gurmo Anglicus K. of
+ Denmark, whose father Frotto was baptised in England; the Danes
+ besiege Rochester, Alfred putteth them to flight, recouereth London
+ out of their hands, and committeth it to the custodie of duke Eldred
+ his sonne in law; he assaulteth Hasting a capteine of the Danes,
+ causeth him to take an oth, his two sonnes are baptised; he goeth
+ foorth to spoile Alfreds countrie, his wife, children, and goods, &c:
+ are taken, and fauourablie giuen him againe; the Danes besiege
+ Excester, they flie to their ships, gaine with great losse, they are
+ vanquished by the Londoners, the death of Alfred, his issue male and
+ female._
+
+ THE XV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Here is to be noted, that writers name diuerse of the Danish capteins,
+ kings (of which no mention is made in the Danish chronicles) to reigne
+ in those parties. But true it is, that in those daies, not onelie the
+ Danish people, but also other of those northeast countries or regions,
+ as Swedeners, Norwegians, the Wondens, and such other (which the
+ English people called by one generall name Danes, and the Frenchmen
+ Normans) vsed to roaue on the seas, and to inuade forren regions, as
+ England, France, Flanders, and others, as in conuenient places ye may
+ find, as well in our histories, as also in the writers of the French
+ histories, and likewise in the chronicles of those north regions. The
+ [Sidenote: Gurmo.]
+ writers verelie of the Danish chronicles make mention of one Gurmo,
+ whome they name Anglicus, bicause he was borne here in England, which
+ succeeded his father Frotto in gouernement of the kingdome of
+ Denmarke, which Frotto receiued baptisme in England, as their stories
+ tell.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 878.]
+ In the eight yéere of king Alfred his reigne, the armie of the Danes
+ wintered at Cirencester, and the same yéere an other armie of
+ strangers called Wincigi laie at Fulham, and in the yéere following
+ departed foorth of England, and went into France, and the armie of
+ [Sidenote: 879.]
+ king Godrun or Gurmo departed from Cirencester, and came into
+ Eastangle, and there diuiding the countrie amongst them, began to
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ inhabit the same. In the 14 yéere of king Alfred his reigne, part of
+ [Sidenote: Rochester beseiged.]
+ [Sidenote: 885.]
+ the Danish armie which was gone ouer into France, returned into
+ England and besieged Rochester. But when Alfred approched to the
+ reskue, the enimies fled to their ships, and passed ouer the sea
+ againe. King Alfred sent a nauie of his ships well furnished with men
+ of warre into Eastangle, the which at the mouth of the riuer called
+ Sture, incountering with 16 ships of the Danes, set vpon them, and
+ ouercame them in fight: but as they returned with their prises, they
+ incountered with another mightie armie of the enimies, and fighting
+ with them were ouercome and vanquished.
+
+ [Sidenote: 889.]
+ [Sidenote: London recouered out of the hands of the Danes.]
+ In the yeere following, king Alfred besieged the citie of London, the
+ Danes that were within fled from thence, and the Englishmen that were
+ inhabitants thereof gladlie receiued him, reioising that there was
+ such a prince bred of their nation, that was of power able to reduce
+ them into libertie. This citie being at that season the chiefe of all
+ Mercia, he deliuered into the kéeping of duke Eldred, which had maried
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Ethelfleda.]
+ [Sidenote: Colwolphas.]
+ his daughter Ethelfleda, & held a great portion of Mercia, which
+ Colwolphus before time possesed by the grant of the Danes, after they
+ had subdued K. Burthred (as before is said.) About the 21 yere of K.
+ Alfred, an armie of those Danes & Normans, which had béene in France,
+ [Sidenote: Limer, now Rother.]
+ [Sidenote: Andredeslegia.]
+ [Sidenote: A castell built at Appledore.]
+ [Sidenote: 893.]
+ returned into England, and arriued in the hauen or riuer of Limene in
+ the east part of Kent, néere to the great wood called Andredesley,
+ which did conteine in times past 120 miles in length, and thirtie in
+ breadth. These Danes landing with their people builded a castle at
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: At Milton.]
+ [Sidenote: Hasting the capteine of the Danes besieged.]
+ [Sidenote: He receiueth an oth.]
+ Appledore. In the meane time came Hasting with 80 ships into the
+ Thames, and builded a castle at Middleton, but he was constreined by
+ siege which king Alfred planted about him, to receiue an oth that he
+ should not in any wise annoie the dominion of king Alfred, who vpon
+ his promise to depart, gaue great gifts as well to him as to his wife
+ and children. One of his sonnes also king Alfred held at the
+ fontstone, and to the other duke Aldred was god father. For (as it
+ were to win credit, and to auoid present danger) Hasting sent vnto
+ Alfred these his two sonnes, signifieng that if it stood with his
+ pleasure, he could be content that they should be baptised. But
+ [Sidenote: Beanfield saith _M. West._]
+ neuerthelesse this Hasting was euer most vntrue of word and déed, he
+ builded a castle at Beamfield. And as he was going foorth to spoile
+ and wast the kings countries, Alfred tooke that castle, with his wife,
+ [Sidenote: This enterprise was atchiued by Etheldred duke of Mercia in
+ the absence of the king, as _Matth. West._ hath noted.]
+ children, ships and goods, which he got togither of such spoiles as he
+ had abroad: but he restored vnto Hasting his wife and children,
+ bicause he was their godfather.
+
+ Shortlie after, newes came that a great number of other ships of Danes
+ [Sidenote: Excester besieged.]
+ were come out of Northumberland, and had besieged Excester. Whilest
+ king Alfred went then against them, the other armie which lay at
+ Appledore inuaded Essex, and built a castell in that countrie, and
+ after went into the borders of Wales, and builded another castell
+ [Sidenote: Seuerne.]
+ neere vnto the riuer of Seuerne: but being driuen out of that
+ countrie, they returned againe into Essex. Those that had besieged
+ Excester, vpon knowledge had of king Alfreds comming, fled to their
+ ships, and so remaining on the sea, roaued abroad, séeking preies.
+ Besides this, other armies there were sent foorth, which comming out
+ [Sidenote: Chester taken by Danes.]
+ of Northumberland tooke the citie of Chester, but there they were so
+ [Sidenote: Great famine.]
+ beset about with their enimies, that they were constreined to eate
+ their horsses. At length, in the 24 yéere of king Alfred, they left
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ that citie, and fetcht a compas about Northwales, and so meaning to
+ saile round about the coast to come into Northumberland, they arriued
+ in Essex, and in the winter following drew their ships by the Thames
+ [Sidenote: The water of Luie, now Lée.]
+ into the water of Luie. That armie of Danes which had besieged
+ Excester, tooke preies about Chichester, and was met with, so that
+ they lost manie of their men, and also diuerse of their ships.
+
+ In the yéere following, the other armie which had brought the ships
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ into the riuer Luie, began to build a castell néere to the same riuer,
+ twentie miles distant from London: but the Londoners came thither, and
+ [Sidenote: The Londoners victors against the Danes.]
+ giuing battell to the Danes, slue foure of the chiefe capteins. But by
+ Simon Dunel. and Matt. Westm. it should seeme, that the Londoners were
+ at this time put to flight, and that foure of the kings barons were
+ slaine in fight. Howbeit Henrie Hunt. hath written as before I haue
+ recited; and further saith, that when the Danes fled for their refuge
+ to the castell, king Alfred caused the water of Luie to be diuided
+ into thrée chanels, so that the Danes should not bring backe their
+ ships out of the place where they laie at anchor. When the Danes
+ perceiued this, they left their ships behind them, and went into the
+ [Sidenote: Quathbridge or Wakebridge.]
+ borders of Wales, where at Cartbridge vpon Seuerne they built another
+ castell, and lay there all the winter following, hauing left their
+ wiues and children in the countrie of Eastangles. King Alfred pursued
+ them, but the Londoners tooke the enimies ships, and brought some of
+ them to the citie, and the rest they burnt.
+
+ Thus for the space of thrée yéeres after the arriuing of the maine
+ armie of the Danes in the hauen of Luie, they sore indamaged the
+ English people, although the Danes themselues susteined more losse at
+ the Englishmens hands than they did to them with all pilfering and
+ [Sidenote: The Danish armie diuided into parts.]
+ spoiling. In the fourth yéere after their comming, the armie was
+ diuided, so that one part of them went into Northumberland, part of
+ them remained in the countrie of Eastangles, & another part went into
+ France. Also certeine of their ships came vpon the coast of the
+ Westsaxons, oftentimes setting their men on land to rob and spoile the
+ countrie. But king Alfred tooke order in the best wise he might for
+ defense of his countrie and people, and caused certeine mightie
+ vessels to be builded, which he appointed foorth to incounter with the
+ enimies ships.
+
+ [Sidenote: The death of king Alfred.]
+ Thus like a worthie prince and politike gouernor, he preuented each
+ way to resist the force of his enimies, and to safegard his subiects.
+ Finallie after he had reigned 29 yéeres and an halfe, he departed this
+ life the 28 day of October. His bodie was buried at Winchester: he
+ [Sidenote: His issue.]
+ left behind him issue by his wife Ethelwitha the daughter vnto earle
+ Ethelred of Mercia, two sonnes, Edward surnamed the elder, which
+ [Sidenote: Elfleda.]
+ succéeded him, and Adelwold: also thrée daughters, Elfleda or
+ Ethelfleda, Ethelgeda or Edgiua, and Ethelwitha.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _How Elfleda king Alfreds daughter (being maried) contemned fleshlie
+ pleasure; the praise of Alfred for his good qualities, his lawes for
+ the redresse of théeues, his diuiding of countries into hundreds and
+ tithings, of what monasteries he was founder, he began the foundation
+ of the vniuersitie of Oxford, which is not so ancient as Cambridge by
+ 265 yéeres; king Alfred was learned, his zeale to traine his people to
+ lead an honest life, what learned men were about him, the pitifull
+ murthering of Iohn Scot by his owne scholers, how Alfred diuided the
+ 24 houres of the day and the night for his necessarie purposes, his
+ last will and bequests; the end of the kingdome of Mercia, the Danes
+ haue it in their hands, and dispose it as they list, Eastangle and
+ Northumberland are subiect vnto them, the Northumbers expell Egbert
+ their king, his death; the Danes make Guthred king of Northumberland,
+ priuileges granted to S. Cuthberts shrine; the death of Guthred, and
+ who succéeded him in the seat roiall._
+
+ THE XVJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ In the end of the former chapter we shewed what children Alfred had,
+ their number & names, among whome we made report of Elfleda, who (as
+ you haue heard) was maried vnto duke Edelred. This gentlewoman left a
+ notable example behind hir of despising fleshlie plesure, for bearing
+ hir husband one child, and sore handled before she could be deliuered,
+ [Sidenote: The notable saieng of Elfleda.]
+ she euer after forbare to companie with hir husband, saieng that it
+ was great foolishnesse to vse such pleasure which therwith should
+ bring so great griefe.
+
+ To speake sufficientlie of the woorthie praise due to so noble a
+ prince as Alfred was, might require eloquence, learning, and a large
+ volume. He was of person comelie and beautifull, and better beloued of
+ his father and mother than his other brethren. And although he was (as
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ before is touched) greatly disquieted with the inuasion of forren
+ enimies, yet did he both manfullie from time to time indeuour himselfe
+ to repell them, and also attempted to sée his subiects gouerned in
+ [Sidenote: King Alfred his lawes.]
+ good and vpright iustice. And albeit that good lawes amongst the
+ clinking noise of armor are oftentimes put to silence, yet he
+ perceiuing how his people were gréeued with theeues and robbers, which
+ in time of warre grew and increased, deuised good statutes and
+ wholsome ordinances for punishing of such offenders.
+
+ Amongst other things he ordeined that the countries should be diuided
+ into hundreds and tithings, that is to say, quarters conteining a
+ certeine number of towneships adioining togither, so that euerie
+ Englishman liuing vnder prescript of lawes, should haue both his
+ hundred and tithing; that if anie man were accused of anie offense, he
+ should find suertie for his good demeanor: and if he could not find
+ such as would answer for him, then should he tast extremitie of the
+ lawes. And if anie man that was giltie fled before he found suertie,
+ or after: all the inhabitants of the hundred or tithing where he
+ dwelt, shuld be put to their fine. By this deuise he brought his
+ countrie into good tranquillitie, so that he caused bracelets of gold
+ to be hanged vp aloft on hils where anie common waies lay, to sée if
+ anie durst be so hardie to take them away by stealth. He was a
+ liberall prince namely in relieuing of the poore. To churches he
+ confirmed such priuileges as his father had granted before him, and he
+ also sent rewards by way of deuotion vnto Rome, and to the bodie of
+ saint Thomas in India. Sighelmus the bishop of Shireborne bare the
+ same, and brought from thence rich stones, and swéet oiles of
+ inestimable valure. From Rome also he brought a péece of the holy
+ crosse which pope Martinus did send for a present vnto king Alfred.
+
+ [Sidenote: Foundation of monastaries.]
+ Moreouer king Alfred founded three goodlie monasteries, one at
+ Edlingsey, where he liued sometime when the Danes had bereaued him
+ almost of all his kingdome, which was after called Athelney, distant
+ from Taunton in Sumersetshire about fiue miles: the second he builded
+ at Winchester, called the new minster: and the third at Shaftesburie,
+ which was an house of nuns, where he made his daughter Ethelgeda or
+ Edgiua abbesse. But the foundation of the vniuersitie of Oxford passed
+ all the residue of his buildings, which he began by the good
+ exhortation and aduise of Neotus an abbat, in those daies highlie
+ estéemed for his vertue and lerning with Alfred. This worke he tooke
+ in hand about the 23 yéere of his reigne, which was in the yéere of
+ [Sidenote: 895.]
+ our Lord 895. So that the vniuersitie of Cambridge was founded before
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: The vniuersitie of Oxford erected.]
+ this other of Oxford about 265 yéeres, as Polydor gathereth. For
+ Sigebert king of the Eastangles began to erect that vniuersitie at
+ Cambridge about the yéere of our Lord 630.
+
+ King Alfred was learned himselfe, and giuen much to studie, insomuch
+ that beside diuerse good lawes which he translated into the English
+ toong, gathered togither and published, he also translated diuerse
+ other bookes out of Latine into English, as _Orosius, Pastorale
+ Gregorij, Beda de gestis Anglorum, Boetius de consolatione
+ philosophiæ_, and the booke of Psalmes; but this he finished not,
+ being preuented by death. So this worthie prince minded well toward
+ the common wealth of his people, in that season when learning was
+ little estéemed amongst the west nations, did studie by all meanes
+ [Sidenote: The vertuous zeale of Alured to bring his people to an
+ honest trade of life.]
+ possible to instruct his subiects in the trade of leading an honest
+ life, and to incourage them generallie to imbrace learning. He would
+ not suffer anie to beare office in the court, except he were lerned:
+ and yet he himselfe was twelue yéeres of age before he could read a
+ [Sidenote: He is persuaded by his mother, to applie himselfe to
+ learning.]
+ word on the booke, and was then trained by his mothers persuasion to
+ studie, promising him a goodlie booke which she had in hir hands, if
+ he would learne to read it.
+
+ Herevpon going to his booke in sport, he so earnestlie set his mind
+ thereto, that within a small time he profited maruellouslie, and
+ became such a fauorer of learned men, that he delighted most in their
+ companie, to haue conference with them, and allured diuerse to come
+ [Sidenote: Asserius Meuenensis.]
+ [Sidenote: Werefridus.]
+ [Sidenote: Iohn Scot.]
+ vnto him out of other countries, as Asserius Meneuensis bishop of
+ Shirborne, & Werefridus the bishop of Worcester, who by his
+ commandement translated the bookes of Gregories dialogs into English.
+ Also I. Scot, who whiles he was in France translated the book of
+ Dionysius Ariopagita, intituled _Hierarchia_, out of Gréeke into
+ Latine, and after was schoolemaister in the abbeie of Malmesburie, and
+ there murthered by his scholars with penkniues. He had diuerse other
+ about him, both Englishmen & strangers, as Pleimond afterward
+ [Sidenote: Grimbald.]
+ archbishop of Canturburie, Grimbald gouernor of the new monasterie at
+ Winchester, with others.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alured diuides the time for his necessarie vses.]
+ But to conclude with this noble prince king Alured, he was so carefull
+ in his office, that he diuided the 24 houres which conteine the day
+ and night, in thrée parts, so that eight houres he spent in writing,
+ reading, and making his praiers, other eight he emploied in relieuing
+ his bodie with meat, drinke and sléepe, and the other eight he
+ bestowed in dispatching of businesse concerning the gouernement of the
+ realme. He had in his chapell a candle of 24 parts, whereof euerie one
+ lasted an houre: so that the sexton, to whome that charge was
+ committed, by burning of this candle warned the king euar how the time
+ [Sidenote: His last will and testament.]
+ passed away. A little before his death, he ordeined his last will and
+ testament, bequeathing halfe the portion of all his goods iustlie
+ gotten, vnto such monasteries as he had founded. All his rents and
+ reuenues he diuided into two equall parts, and the first part he
+ diuided into thrée, bestowing the first vpon his seruants in houshold,
+ the second to such labourers and workemen as he kept in his works of
+ sundrie new buildings, the third part he gaue to strangers. The second
+ whole part of his reuenues was so diuided, that the first portion
+ thereof was dispersed amongst the poore people of his countrie, the
+ second to monasteries, the third to the finding of poore scholers, and
+ the fourth part to churches beyond the sea. He was diligent in
+ inquirie how the iudges of his land behaued themselues in their
+ iudgements, and was a sharpe corrector of them which transgressed in
+ that behalfe. To be briefe, he liued so as he was had in great fauour
+ of his neighbours, & highlie honored among strangers. He maried his
+ daughter Ethelswida or rather Elstride vnto Baldwine earle of
+ Flanders, of whome he had two sonnes Arnulfe and Adulfe, the first
+ succéeding in the erledome of Flanders, and the yoonger was made earle
+ of Bullogne.
+
+ The bodie of king Alured was first buried in the bishops church: but
+ afterwards, because the Canons raised a fond tale that the same should
+ walke a nights, his sonne king Edward remoued it into the new
+ monasterie which he in his life time had founded. Finallie, in memorie
+ of him a certeine learned clarke made an epitath in Latine, which for
+ the woorthinesse thereof is likewise (verse for verse, and in a maner
+ word for word) translated by Abraham Fleming into English, whose no
+ litle labor hath béene diligentlie imploied in supplieng sundrie
+ insufficiences found in this huge volume.
+
+
+   NOBILITAS innata tibi probitatis honorem
+   _Nobilitie by birth to the (ó Alfred strong in armes)_
+   (Armipotens Alfrede) dedit, probitásque laborem,
+   _Of goodnes hath the honor giuen, and honor toilesome harmes,_
+   Perpetuúmque labor nomen, cui mixta dolori
+   _And toilesome harmes an endlesse name, whose ioies were alwaies
+           mext_
+   Gaudia semper erant, spes semper mixta timori.
+   _With sorow, and whose hope with feare was euermore perplext._
+   Si modò victor eras, ad crastina bella pauebas,
+   _If this day thou wert conqueror, the next daies warre thou dredst,_
+   Si modò victus eras, in crastina bella parabas,
+   _If this day thou wert conquered, to next daies war thou spedst,_
+   Cui vestes sudore iugi, cui sica cruore,
+   _Whose clothing wet with dailie swet, whose blade with bloudie
+           stainte,_
+   Tincta iugi, quantum sit onus regnare probârunt,
+   _Do proue how great a burthen tis in roialtie to raine,_
+   Non fuit immensi quisquam per climata mundi,
+   _There hath not beene in anie part of all the world so wide,_
+   Cui tot in aduersis vel respirare liceret,
+   _One that was able breath to take, and troubles such abide,_
+   Nec tamen aut ferro contritus ponere ferrum,
+   _And yet with weapons wearie would not weapons lay aside,_
+   Aut gladio potuit vitæ finisse labores:
+   _Or with the sword the toilesomnesse of life by death diuide._
+   Iam post transactos regni vitæque labores,
+   _Now after labours past of realme and life (which he did spend)_
+   Christus ei fit vera quies sceptrúmque perenne.
+   _Christ is to him true quietnesse and scepter void of end._
+
+
+ In the daies of the foresaid king Alured, the kingdome of Mercia tooke
+ end. For after that the Danes had expelled king Burthred, when he had
+ reigned 22 yeares, he went to Rome, and there died, his wife also
+ Ethelswida, the daughter of king Athulfe that was sonne to king Egbert
+ followed him, and died in Pauia in Lumbardie. The Danes hauing got the
+ [Sidenote: Cewulfe.]
+ countrie into their possession, made one Cewulfe K. thereof, whome
+ they bound with an oth and deliuerie of pledges, that he should not
+ longer kéepe the state with their pleasure, and further should be
+ readie at all times to aid them with such power as he should be able
+ to make. This Cewulfe was the seruant of king Burthred. Within foure
+ yeares after the Danes returned, and tooke one part of that kingdome
+ into their owne hands, and left the residue vnto Cewulfe. But within a
+ few yeares after, king Alured obteined that part of Mercia which
+ Cewulfe ruled, as he did all the rest of this land, except those
+ parcels which the Danes held, as Northumberland, the countries of the
+ Eastangles, some part of Mercia, and other.
+
+ The yeare, in the which king Alured thus obteined all the dominion of
+ that part of Mercia, which Cewulfe had in gouernance, was after the
+ [Sidenote: 886.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ birth of our Sauiour 886, so that the foresaid kingdome continued the
+ space of 302 yeares vnder 22 kings, from Crida to this last Cewulfe.
+ But there be that account the continuance of this kingdome, onelie
+ from the beginning of Penda, vnto the last yeare of Burthred, by which
+ reckoning it stood not past 270 yeares vnder 18, or rather 17 kings,
+ counting the last Cewulfe for none, who began his reigne vnder the
+ subiection of the Danes, about the yeare of our Lord 874, where Penda
+ began his reigne 604.
+
+ The Eastangles and the Northumbers in these dales were vnder
+ subiection of the Danes, as partlie may be perceiued by that which
+ before is rehearsed. After Guthrun that gouerned the Eastangles by the
+ [Sidenote: Guthrun K. of the eastangles died 890.]
+ terme of 12 yeares, one Edhirike or Edrike had the rule in those
+ parts, a Dane also, and reigned 14 yeares, and was at length bereued
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ of his gouernement by king Edward the sonne of king Alured, as after
+ shall appeare. But now, although that the Northumbers were brought
+ greatlie vnder foot by the Danes, yet could they not forget their old
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ accustomed maner to stirre tumults and rebellion against their
+ [Sidenote: 872.]
+ [Sidenote: Egbert king of Northumberland expelled from his kingdome.]
+ gouernours, insomuch that in the yeare 872, they expelled not onelie
+ Egbert, whome the Danes had appointed king ouer one part of the
+ countrie (as before you haue heard) but also their archbishop
+ [Sidenote: Egbert departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: Riesig.]
+ Wilfehere. In the yeare following, the same Egbert departed this life,
+ after whome one Rigsig or Ricsige succéeded as king, and the
+ archbishop Wolfehere was restored home.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes winter in Lindsie.]
+ [Sidenote: 975.]
+ In the same yeare the armie of Danes which had wintered at London,
+ came from thence into Northumberland, and wintered in Lindseie, at a
+ place called Torkseie, and went the next yeare into Mercia. And in the
+ yeare 975, a part of them returned into Northumberland, as before ye
+ [Sidenote: Riesig departed this life.]
+ haue heard. In the yeare following, Riesig the king of Northumberland
+ departed this life: after whome an other Egbert succéeded. And in the
+ [Sidenote: 983.]
+ yeare 983, the armie of the Danes meaning to inhabit in
+ Northumberland, and to settle themselues there, chose Guthrid the
+ sonne of one Hardicnute to their king, whome they had sometime sold to
+ a certeine widow at Witingham. But now by the aduise of an abbat
+ called Aldred, they redéemed his libertie, and ordeined him king to
+ rule both Danes and Englishmen in that countrie. It was said, that the
+ same Aldred being abbat of holie Iland, was warned in a vision by S.
+ Cuthberd, to giue counsell both to the Danes and Englishmen, to make
+ [Sidenote: Guthred ordeined king of Northumberland.]
+ the same Guthrid king. This chanced about the 13 yeare of the reigne
+ of Alured king of Westsaxons.
+
+ [Sidenote: The bishops see remoued fr[=o] holie iland to Chester in
+ the stréet.]
+ When Guthrid was established king, he caused the bishops sée to be
+ remoued from holie Iland vnto Chester in the stréet, and for an
+ augmentation of the reuenues and iurisdiction belonging thereto, he
+ assigned and gaue vnto saint Cuthbert all that countrie which lieth
+ betwixt the riuers of Teise and Tine. ¶ Which christian act of the
+ king, liuing in a time of palpable blindnesse and mistie superstition,
+ may notwithstanding be a light to the great men and péeres of this age
+ (who pretend religion with zeale, and professe (in shew) the truth
+ with feruencie) not to impouerish the patrimonie of the church to
+ inrich themselues and their posteritie, not to pull from bishoprikes
+ their ancient reuenues to make their owne greater, not to alienate
+ ecclesiasticall liuings into temporall commodities, not to seeke the
+ conuersion of college lands into their priuat possessions; not to
+ intend the subuersion of cathedrall churches to fill their owne
+ cofers, not to ferret out concealed lands for the supporte of their
+ owne priuat lordlines; not to destroy whole towneships for the
+ erection of one statelie manour; not to take and pale in the commons
+ to inlarge their seueralles; but like good and gratious
+ common-wealth-men, in all things to preferre the peoples publike
+ profit before their owne gaine and glorie, before their owne pompe and
+ pleasure, before the satisfieng of their owne inordinate desires.
+
+ [Sidenote: Priuiledges granted to S. Cuthberts shrine.]
+ Moreouer, this priuiledge was granted vnto saint Cuthberts shrine:
+ that whosoeuer fled vnto the same for succour and safegard, should not
+ be touched or troubled in anie wise for the space of thirtie, & seuen
+ daies. And this freedome was confirmed not onelie by king Guthrid, but
+ also by king Alured. Finallie king Guthrid departed this life in the
+
+ [Sidenote: 894.]
+ yeare of our Lord 894, after he had ruled the Northumbers with much
+ crueltie (as some say) by the terme of 11 yeares, or somewhat more. He
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ is named by some writers Gurmond, and also Gurmo, & thought to be the
+ same whome king Alured caused to be baptised. Whereas other affirme,
+ that Guthrid, who ruled the Eastangles, was he that Alured receiued at
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Sithrike.]
+ the fontstone: William Malmesburie taketh them to be but one man,
+ which is not like to be true. After this Guthrid or Gurmo his sonne
+ Sithrike succeeded, and after him other of that line, till king
+ Adelstane depriued them of the dominion, and tooke it into his owne
+ hands.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edward succeedeth his father Alured in regiment, he is disquieted by
+ his brother Adelwold a man of a defiled life, he flieth to the Danes
+ and is of them receiued, king Edwards prouision against the irruptions
+ and forraies of the Danes, Adelwold with a nauie of Danes entreth
+ Eastangles, the Essex men submit themselues, he inuadeth Mercia, and
+ maketh great wast, the Kentishmens disobedience preiudiciall to
+ themselues, they and the Danes haue a great conflict, king Edward
+ concludeth a truce with them, he maketh a great slaughter of them by
+ his Westsaxons and Mercians, what lands came to king Edward by the
+ death of Edred duke of Mercia, he recouereth diuers places out of the
+ Danes hands, and giueth them manie a foile, what castels he builded,
+ he inuadeth Eastangles, putteth Ericke a Danish king therof to flight,
+ his owne subiects murther him for his crueltie, his kingdome returneth
+ to the right of king Edward with other lands by him thereto annexed,
+ his sister Elfleda gouerned the countrie of Mercia during hir life._
+
+ THE XVIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDWARD THE ELDER.]
+ [Sidenote: 901.]
+ After the deceasse of Alured, his sonne Edward surnamed the elder
+ began his reigne ouer the more part of England, in the yeare of our
+ Lord 901, which was in the second yeare of the emperor Lewes, in the
+ eight yeare of the reigne of Charles surnamed Simplex king of France,
+ and about the eight yeare or Donald king of Scotland. He was
+ consecrated after the maner of other kings his ancestors by Athelred
+ the archbishop of Canturburie. This Edward was not so learned as his
+ father, but in princelie power more high and honorable, for he ioined
+ the kingdome of Eastangles and Mercia with other vnto his dominion, as
+ after shall be shewed, and vanquished the Danes, Scots, and Welshmen,
+ to his great glorie and high commendation.
+
+ In the beginning of his reigne he was disquieted by his brother
+ [Sidenote: Winborne.]
+ Adelwold, which tooke the towne of Winborne besides Bath, and maried a
+ nun there, whome he had defloured, & attempted manie things against
+ his brother. Wherevpon the king came to Bath, and though Adelwold
+ shewed a countenance as if he would haue abidden the chance of warre
+ within
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Adelwold fleeth to the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Winborne, yet he stole awaie in the night, and fled into
+ Northumberland, where he was ioifullie receiued of the Danes. The king
+ tooke his wife being left behind, and restored hir to the house from
+ whence she was taken. ¶ Some haue written, that this Adelwold or
+ Ethelwold was not brother vnto king Edward, but his vncles sonne.
+
+ After this, king Edward prouiding for the suertie of his subiects
+ against the forraies, which the Danes vsed to make, fortified diuers
+ cities and townes, and stuffed them with great garrisons of souldiers,
+ to defend the inhabitants, and to expell the enimies. And suerlie the
+ [Sidenote: The English nation practised in wars go commonlie awaie
+ with the victorie.]
+ Englishmen were so invred with warres in those daies, that the people
+ being aduertised of the inuasion of the enimies in anie part of their
+ countrie, would assemble oftentimes without knowledge of king or
+ capteine, and setting vpon the enimies, went commonlie awaie with
+ victorie, by reason that they ouermatched them both in number and
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ practise. So were the enimies despised of the English souldiers, and
+ laughed to scorne of the king for their foolish attempts. Yet in the
+ third yeare of king Edwards reigne, Adelwold his brother came with a
+ nauie of Danes into the parties of the Eastangles, and euen at the
+ [Sidenote: Essex yéelded to Adelwold.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ first the Essex men yeelded themselues vnto him. In the yéere
+ following he inuaded the countrie of Mercia with a great armie,
+ wasting and spoiling the same vnto Crikelade, and there passing ouer
+ the Thames, rode foorth till he came to Basingstoke, or (as some
+ [Sidenote: Brittenden.]
+ bookes haue) Brittenden, harieng the countrie on each side, and so
+ returned backe vnto Eastangles with great ioy and triumph.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ King Edward awakened héerewith assembled his people, and followed the
+ enimies, wasting all the countries betwixt the riuer of Ouse and saint
+ Edmunds ditch. And when he should returne, he gaue commandement that
+ no man should staie behind him, but come backe togither for doubt to
+ [Sidenote: The Kentishmen disobeing the kings commandement, are
+ surprised by the enimies.]
+ [Sidenote: Adelwold king Edwards brother.]
+ be forelaid by the enimies. The Kentishmen notwithstanding this
+ ordinance and commandement, remained behind, although the king sent
+ seuen messengers for them. The Danes awaiting their aduantage, came
+ togither, and fiercelie fought with the Kentishmen, which a long time
+ valiantlie defended themselues. But in the end the Danes obtained the
+ victorie, although they lost more people there than the Kentishmen
+ did: and amongst other, there were slaine the foresaid Adelwold, and
+ diuerse of the chiefe capteins amongst the Danes. Likewise of the
+ English side, there died two dukes, Siwolfe & Singlem or Sigbelme,
+ with sundrie other men of name, both temporall and also spirituall
+ lords and abbats. In the fift yéere of his reigne, king Edward
+ concluded a truce with the Danes of Eastangle and Northumberland at
+ Itingford. But in the yéere following, he sent an armie against them
+ of Northumberland, which slue manie of the Danes, and tooke great
+ [Sidenote: Fortie daies saith _Simon Dun._]
+ booties both of people and cattell, remaining in the countrie the
+ space of fiue weekes.
+
+ The yéere next insuing, the Danes with a great armie entered into
+ Mercia, to rob & spoile the countrie, against whome king Edward sent a
+ mightie host, assembled togither of the Westsaxons & them of Mercia,
+ which set vpon the Danes, as they were returning homeward, and slue of
+ them an huge multitude, togither with their chiefe capteins and
+ leaders, as king Halden, and king Eolwils, earle Vter, earle Scurfa,
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ and diuerse other. In the yéere 912, or (as Simon Dunel. saith) 908,
+ the duke of Mercia Edred or Etheldred departed this life, and then
+ king Edward seized into his hands the cities of London and Oxford, and
+ all that part of Mercia which he held. But afterwards he suffered his
+ sister Elfleda to inioy the most part thereof, except the said cities
+ of London and Oxford, which he still reteined in his owne hand. This
+ Elfleda was wife to the said duke Edred or Etheldred, as before you
+ haue heard: of whose woorthie acts more shall be said heereafter.
+
+ In the ninth yéere of his reigne, king Edward built a castell at
+ [Sidenote: Wightham.]
+ Hertford, and likewise he builded a towne in Essex at Wightham, and
+ lay himselfe in the meane time at Maldon, otherwise Meauldun, bringing
+ a great part of the countrie vnder his subiection, which before was
+ subiect to the Danes. In the yéere following, the armie of the Danes
+ [Sidenote: Chester, or rather Leicester, as I thinke.]
+ departed from Northampton and Chester in breach of the former truce,
+ and slue a great number of men at Hochnerton in Oxfordshire. And
+ shortlie after their returne home, an other companie of them went
+ [Sidenote: Digetune.]
+ foorth, and came to Leighton, where the people of the countrie being
+ assembled togither, fought with them & put them to flight, taking from
+ them all the spoile which they had got, and also their horsses.
+
+ In the 11 yéere of king Edward, a fleet of Danes compassed about the
+ west parts, & came to the mouth of Seuerne, and so tooke preies in
+ Wales: they also tooke prisoner a Welsh bishop named Camelgaret, at
+ [Sidenote: Irchenfield.]
+ Irchenfield, whome they led to their ships: but king Edward redéemed
+ him out of their hands, paieng them fortie pounds for his ransome.
+ After that the armie of Danes went foorth to spoile the countrie about
+ Irchenfield, but the people of Chester, Hereford, and other townes and
+ countries thereabout assembled togither, and giuing battell to the
+ enimies, put them to flight, and slue one of their noble men called
+ earle Rehald, and Geolcil the brother of earle Vter, with a great part
+ [Sidenote: Danes discomfited.]
+ of their armie, & draue the residue into a castell, which they
+ besieged till the Danes within it gaue hostages, and couenanted to
+ depart out of the kings land. The king caused the coasts about Seuerne
+ to be watched, that they should not breake into his countrie: but yet
+ they stale twise into the borders: neuerthelesse they were chased and
+ slaine as manie as could not swim, and so get to their ships. Then
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Stepen.]
+ [Sidenote: Deomedun.]
+ they remained in the Ile of Stepen, in great miserie for lacke of
+ vittels, bicause they could not go abroad to get anie. At length they
+ [Sidenote: Danes saile into Ireland.]
+ departed into Northwales, and from thence sailed into Ireland.
+
+ The same yéere king Edward came to Buckingham with an armie, and there
+ taried a whole moneth, building two castels, the one vpon the one side
+ of the water of Ouse, and the other vpon the other side of the same
+ [Sidenote: Turketillus an earle.]
+ riuer. He also subdued Turketillus an earle of the Danes that dwelt in
+ that countrie, with all the residue of the noble men and barons of the
+ shires of Bedford and Northampton. In the 12 yéere of king Edwards
+ reigne, the Kentishmen and Danes fought togither at Holme: but whether
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ partie had the victorie, writers haue not declared. Simon Dunelm.
+ speaketh of a battell which the citizens of Canturburie fought against
+ a number of Danish rouers at Holme, where the Danes were put to
+ flight, but that should be (as he noteth) 8 yéeres before this
+ supposed time, as in the yéere 904, which was about the third yéere of
+ king Edwards reigne.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Anno_ 911.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ After this, other of the Danes assembled themselues togither, and in
+ Staffordshire at a place called Tottenhall fought with the Englishmen,
+ and after great slaughter made on both parties, the Danes were
+ ouercome: and so likewise were they shortlie after at Woodfield or
+ Wodenfield. And thus king Edward put the Danes to the woorse in each
+ place commonlie where he came, and hearing that those in
+ Northumberland ment to breake the peace: he inuaded the countrie, and
+ so afflicted the same, that the Danes which were inhabitants there,
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Ericke king of Eastangles.]
+ gladlie continued in rest and peace. But in this meane time, Ericke
+ the king of those Danes which held the countrie of Eastangle, was
+ about to procure new warre, and to allure other of the Danes to ioine
+ with him against the Englishmen, that with common agréement they might
+ set vpon the English nation, and vtterlie subdue them.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Edward inuadeth the countrie of the Eastangles.]
+ King Edward hauing intelligence héereof, purposed to preuent him, and
+ therevpon entering with an armie into his countrie, cruellie wasted
+ and spoiled the same. King Ericke hauing alreadie his people in armor
+ through displeasure conceiued heereof, and desire to be reuenged,
+ hasted foorth to incounter his enimies: and so they met in the field,
+ and fiercelie assailed ech other. But as the battell was rashlie begun
+ [Sidenote: Ericke put to flight.]
+ on king Ericks side, so was the end verie harmefull to him: for with
+ small adoo, after great losse on both sides, he was vanquished and put
+ to flight.
+
+ After his comming home, bicause of his great ouerthrow and fowle
+ discomfiture, he began to gouerne his people with more rigor & sharper
+ dealing than before time he had vsed. Whereby he prouoked the malice
+ of the Eastangles so highlie against him, that they fell vpon him and
+ murthered him: yet did they not gaine so much hereby as they looked to
+ haue doone: for shortlie after, they being brought low, and not able
+ to defend their countrie, were compelled to submit themselues vnto
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom of the Eastangles subdued by K. Edward.]
+ king Edward. And so was that kingdome ioined vnto the other dominions
+ of the same king Edward, who shortlie after annexed the kingdome of
+ Mercia vnto other of his dominions, immediatlie vpon the death of his
+ sister Elfleda, whom he permitted to rule that land all hir life.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Elfleda the sister of king Edward highlie commended for government,
+ what a necessarie staie she was vnto him in hir life time, what townes
+ she builded and repared, hir warlike exploits against the Danes, hir
+ death and buriall; the greatest part of Britaine in K. Edwards
+ dominion, he is a great builder and reparer of townes, his death, the
+ dreame of his wife Egina, and the issue of the same, what children
+ king Edward had by his wiues, and how they were emploied, the decay of
+ the church by the meanes of troubles procured by the Danes, England
+ first curssed and why; a prouinciall councell summoned for the reliefe
+ of the churches ruine, Pleimond archbishop of Canturburie sent to
+ Rome, bishops ordeined in sundrie prouinces; dissention among writers
+ what pope should denounce the foresaid cursse; a succession of
+ archbishops in the see of Canturburie, one brother killeth another._
+
+ THE XVIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Not without good reason did king Edward permit vnto his sister Elfleda
+ the gouernment of Mercia, during hir life time: for by hir wise and
+ politike order vsed in all hir dooings, he was greatlie furthered &
+ assisted; but speciallie in reparing and building of townes & castels,
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ wherein she shewed hir noble magnificence, in so much that during hir
+ government, which continued about eight yéeres, it is recorded by
+ writers, that she did build and repare these towns, whose names here
+ [Sidenote: Tamwoorth was by hir repared, anno 914.]
+ [Sidenote: Eadsburie and Warwike.]
+ [Sidenote: 915.]
+ insue: Tamwoorth beside Lichfield, Stafford, Warwike, Shrewsburie,
+ Watersburie or Weddesburie, Elilsburie or rather Eadsburie, in the
+ forrest of De la mere besides Chester, Brimsburie bridge vpon Seuerne,
+ Rouncorne at the mouth of the riuer Mercia with other. Moreouer, by
+ [Sidenote: Chester repared, 905.]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ hir helpe the citie of Chester, which by Danes had beene greatlie
+ defaced, was newlie repared, fortified with walls and turrets, and
+ greatlie inlarged. So that the castell which stood without the walls
+ before that time, was now brought within compasse of the new wall.
+
+ Moreouer she boldlie assalted hir enimies which went about to trouble
+ the state of the countrie, as the Welshmen and Danes. She sent an
+ [Sidenote: Quéene of the Welshmen taken.]
+ [Sidenote: Brecenamere.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 918.]
+ [Sidenote: Darbie won from the Danes.]
+ armie into Wales, and tooke the towne of Brecknocke with the queene of
+ the Welshmen at Bricenamere. Also she wan from the Danes the towne of
+ Darbie, and the countrie adioining. In this enterprise she put hir
+ owne person in great aduenture: for a great multitude of Danes that
+ were withdrawen into Darbie, valiantlie defended the gates and
+ entries, in so much that they slue foure of hir chiefe men of warre,
+ which were named wardens of hir person, euen fast by hir at the verie
+ entrie of the gates. But this notwithstanding, with valiant fight hir
+ people entered, and so the towne was woon: she got diuerse other
+ places out of their hands, & constreined them of Yorkeshire to agree
+ with hir, so that some of them promised to become hir subiects: some
+ vowed to aid hir, and some sware to be at hir commandement.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Anno Christie_ 919.]
+ Finallie, this martiall ladie and manlie Elfleda, the supporter of hir
+ countriemen, and terrour of the enimies, departed this life at
+ Tamwoorth about the 12 of Iune, in the 18 or rather 19 yéere of hir
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ brother king Edwards reigne, as by Matth. West. it should appeere. But
+ Simon Dunelm. writeth, that she deceassed in the yeere of Christ 915,
+ which should be about the 14 yéere of king Edwards reigne. Hir bodie
+ was conueied to Glocester, and there buried within the monasterie of
+ S. Peter, which hir husband and she in their life time had builded,
+ and translated thither the bones of saint Oswill from Bardona. The
+ [Sidenote: _Ranul._]
+ same monasterie was after destroied by Danes. But Aldredus the
+ archbishop of Yorke, who was also bishop of Worcester, repared an
+ other in the same citie, that was after the chiefe abbeie there.
+ Finallie, in memorie of the said Elfleds magnanimitie and valorous
+ mind, this epitaph was fixed on hir toome.
+
+
+   _O Elfleda potens, ô terror virgo virorum,
+     O Elfleda potens, nomine digna viri.
+   Te quóque splendidior fecit natura puellam,
+     Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri.
+   Te mutare decet sed solum nomina sexus,_
+     _Tu regina potens rexque trophea parans.
+   Iam nec Cæsareos tantum mirere triumphos,
+     Cæsare splendidior virgo virago, vale._
+
+ [Sidenote: Translated by _Abraham Fleming._]
+
+   O puissant Elfled, ô thou maid
+     of men the dread and feare,
+   O puissant Elfled woorthie maid
+     the name of man to beare.
+   A noble nature hath thee made
+     a maiden mild to bee,
+   Thy vertue also hath procurde
+     a manlie name to thee.
+   It dooth but onelie thee become,
+     of sex to change the name,
+   A puissant queene, a king art thou
+     preparing trophes of fame.
+   Now maruell not so much at Cæsars
+     triumphs [trim to vieu;]
+   O manlike maiden more renowmd
+     than Cæsar was, adieu.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: This Alfwen was sister to Edelfled, as _H. Hunt._ saith.]
+ After the deceasse of Elfleda, king Edward tooke the dominion of
+ Mercia (as before we haue said) into his owne hands, and so disherited
+ his néece Alfwen or Elswen, the daughter of Elfleda, taking hir awaie
+ with him into the countrie of Westsaxons. By this meanes he so
+ amplified the bounds of his kingdome, that he had the most part of all
+ [Sidenote: Stratcluid or Stretcled, a kingdome in Wales.]
+ this Iland of Britaine at his commandement: for the kings of the
+ Welshmen; namelie the king of Stretcled, and of the Scots,
+ acknowledging him to be their chiefe souereigne lord, and the Danes in
+ Northumberland were kept so short, that they durst attempt nothing
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward a great builder and reparer of townes.]
+ [Sidenote: Notingham bridge built.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ against him in his latter daies: so that he had time to applie the
+ building and reparing of cities, townes, and castels, wherein he so
+ much delighted. He builded a new towne at Notingham on the southside
+ of Trent, and made a bridge ouer that riuer betwixt the old towne and
+ [Sidenote: Manchester repared.]
+ [Sidenote: Anno 816.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ the new. He also repared Manchester beyond the riuer of Mercia in
+ Lancashire, accounted as then in the south end of Northumberland, and
+ he built a towne of ancient writers called Thilwall, neere to the same
+ riuer of Mercia, and placed therein a garrison of souldiers: diuerse
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ other townes and castels he built, as two at Buckingham on either side
+ of the water of Ouse (as before is shewed) and also one at the mouth
+ of the riuer of Auon. He likewise built or new repared the townes of
+ Tocetor and Wigmore, with diuerse other, as one at Glademuth, about
+ the last yéere of his reigne. Some also he destroied which séemed to
+ serue the enimies turne for harborough, as a castell at Temnesford,
+ which the Danes builded and fortified.
+
+ At length, after that this noble prince king Edward had reigned
+ somewhat aboue the tearme of 23 yéeres, he was taken out of this life
+ at Faringdon: his bodie was conueied from thence vnto Winchester, and
+ there buried in the new abbeie. He had thrée wiues, or (as some haue
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ written) but two, affirming that Edgiua was not his wife, but his
+ concubine, of whome he begat his eldest sonne Adelstan, who succéeded
+ [Sidenote: A dreame.]
+ him in the kingdome. This Edgiua (as hath béene reported) dreamed on a
+ time that there rose a moone out of hir bellie, which with the bright
+ shine thereof gaue light ouer all England: and telling hir dreame to
+ an ancient gentlewoman, who coniecturing by the dreame that which
+ followed, tooke care of hir, and caused hir to be brought vp in good
+ manners and like a gentlewoman, though she were borne but of base
+ parentage.
+
+ Heerevpon when she came to ripe yéeres, king Edward by chance comming
+ to the place where she was remaining, vpon the first sight was
+ streight rauished with hir beautie (which in déed excelled) that she
+ could not rest till he had his pleasure of hir, and so begot of hir
+ the foresaid Adelstan: by hir he had also a daughter that was maried
+ vnto Sithrike a Dane and K. of Northumberland. The Scotish writers
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ name hir Beatrice, but our writers name hir Editha. His second or
+ rather his first wife (if he were not maried to Eguina mother to
+ Adelstan) was called Elfleda or Elfrida, daughter to one earle
+ [Sidenote: The issue of K. Edward.]
+ Ethelme, by whom he had issue; to wit, two sonnes Ethelward and Edwin,
+ which immediatlie departed this life after their father; and six
+ daughters, Elfleda, Edgiua, Ethelhilda, Ethilda, Edgitha, and Elfgiua.
+ Elfleda became a nun, and Ethelhilda also liued in perpetuall
+ virginitie, but yet in a laie habit.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alias Edgiua.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Edgitha was maried to Charles king of France, surnamed Simplex. And
+ Ethilda by helpe of hir brother Adelstan was bestowed vpon Hugh sonne
+ to Robert earle of Paris, for hir singular beautie most highlie
+ estéemed: sith nature in hir had shewed as it were hir whole cunning,
+ in perfecting hir with all gifts and properties of a comelie
+ personage. Edgiua and Elgiua were sent by their brother Adelstan into
+ Germanie, vnto the emperor Henrie, who bestowed one of them vpon his
+ sonne Otho, that was after emperor, the first of that name; and the
+ other vpon a duke inhabiting about the Alpes: by his last wife named
+ Edgiua, he had also two sonnes, Edmund & Eldred, the which both
+ reigned after their brother Adestan successiuelie. Also he had by hir
+ two daughters, Edburge that was made a nun, and Edgiue a ladie of
+ excellent beautie, whom hir brother Adelstan gaue in mariage vnto
+ Lewes king of Aquitaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Whilest this land was in continuall trouble of warres against the
+ Danes, as before is touched, small regard was had to the state of the
+ church, in somuch that the whole countrie of the Westsaxons by the
+ space of seuen yéeres togither (in the daies of this king Edward)
+ remained without anie bishop, to take order in matters apperteining to
+ [Sidenote: England first accurssed.]
+ the church. Wherevpon the pope had accurssed the English people,
+ bicause they suffred the bishops sees to be vacant so long a time.
+ [Sidenote: Anno 903.]
+ King Edward to auoid the cursse, assembled a prouinciall councell,
+ 905, in the which the archbishop of Canturburie Pleimond was
+ president. Wherein it was ordeined, that whereas the prouince of
+ Westsaxons in times past had but two bishops, now it should be diuided
+ into fiue diocesses, euerie of them to haue a peculiar bishop.
+
+ When all things were ordered and concluded in this synod (as was
+ thought requisite) the archbishop was sent to Rome with rich presents,
+ to appease the popes displeasure. When the pope had heard what order
+ the king had taken, he was contented therewith. And so the archbishop
+ returned into his countrie, and in one day at Canturburie ordeined
+ seuen bishops, as fiue to the prouince of Westsaxons, that is to say,
+ [Sidenote: Winchester.]
+ [Sidenote: Cornewall.]
+ [Sidenote: Shireborne.]
+ [Sidenote: Welles.]
+ [Sidenote: Kirton.]
+ [Sidenote: Mercia.]
+ Fridestane to the sée of Winchester, Adelstan to S. German in
+ Cornwall, Werstan to Shireborne, Adelme to Welles, and Edulfe to
+ Kirton. Also to the prouince of Sussex he ordeined one Bernegus, and
+ to Dorchester for the prouince of Mercia one Cenulfus.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._ saith that pope Formosus pronounced this
+ cursse.]
+ [Sidenote: 904.]
+ ¶ Heere ye must note, that where William Malme. Polychro. and other
+ doo affirme, that pope Formosus did accursse king Edward and the
+ English nation, for suffering the bishops sees to be vacant, it can
+ not stand with the agreement or the time, vnlesse that the cursse
+ pronounced by Formosus for this matter long afore was not regarded,
+ vntill Edward had respect thereto. For the same Formosus began to
+ gouerne the Romane see about the yéere of our Lord 892, and liued in
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ the papasie not past six yéeres, so that he was dead before king
+ Edward came to the crowne. But how so euer this matter maie fall out,
+ this ye haue to consider: although that Pleimond was sent vnto Rome to
+ aduertise the pope what the king had decréed & doone, in the ordeining
+ of bishops to their seuerall sées, as before ye haue heard, yet (as
+ maister Fox hath noted) the gouernance and direction of the church
+ depended chieflie vpon the kings of this land in those daies, as it
+ manifestlie appeereth, as well by the decrees of king Alfred, as of
+ this king Edward, whose authoritie in the election of bishops (as
+ before ye haue heard) seemed then alone to be sufficient.
+
+ Moreouer, I thinke it good to aduertise you in this place, that this
+ Pleimond archbishop of Canturburie (of whome ye haue heard before) was
+ the 19 in number from Augustine the first archbishop there: for after
+ Brightwold that was the 8 in number, and first of the English nation
+ that gouerned the sée, succeeded Taduin, that sat three yeeres,
+ Notelin fiue yéeres, Cuthbert 18 yéeres, Brethwin thrée yéeres,
+ Lambert 27 yéeres, Adelard 13 yéeres, Wilfred 28 yéeres, Theologildus
+ or Pleogildus 3 yéeres, Celuotus or Chelutus 10 yéeres. Then succéeded
+ Aldred, of whome king Edward receiued the crowne, and he was
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ predecessor to Pleimond. A litle before the death of king Edward,
+ Sithrike the king of Northumberland killed his brother Nigellus, and
+ then king Reinold conquered the citie of Yorke.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Adelstane succeedeth his father Edward in the kingdome, Alfred
+ practising by treason to keepe him from the gouernement, sanke downe
+ suddenlie as he was taking his oth for his purgation; the cause why
+ Alfred opposed himselfe against Adelstane, whose praise is notable,
+ what he did to satisfie the expectation of his people, ladie Beatrice
+ king Edwards daughter maried to Sithrike a Danish gouernor of the
+ Northumbers, by whose meanes Edwin king Edwards brother was drowned,
+ practises of treason, the ladie Beatrice strangelie put to death by
+ hir stepsons for being of counsell to poison hir husband Sithrike, hir
+ death reuenged vpon the tormentors by hir father king Edward, and how
+ chronographers varie in the report of this historie._
+
+ THE XIX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: ADELSTAN.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: 924.]
+ ADELSTANE the eldest sonne of king Edward began his reigne ouer the
+ more part of all England, the yeere of our Lord 924, which was in the
+ 6 yere of the emperour Henrie the first, in the 31 yéere of the reigne
+ of Charles surnamed Simplex king of France, three moneths after the
+ burning of Pauie, & about the 22 or 23 yéere of Constantine the third,
+ king of Scotland. This Adelstane was crowned and consecrated king at
+ Kingstone vpon Thames, of Aldelme the archbishop of Canturburie, who
+ succéeded Pleimond. He was the 24 king in number from Cerdicus or
+ Cerdike the first king of the Westsaxons. There were in the beginning
+ [Sidenote: Alfred striueth in vaine to kéepe Adelstane from the
+ gouernment.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: See more hereof in the acts and monuments set foorth by _M.
+ Fox_, vol. 1. leafe 195.]
+ some that set themselues against him, as one Alfred a noble man, which
+ practised by treason to haue kept him from the gouernement: but he was
+ apprehended yer he could bring his purpose to passe, and sent to Rome
+ there to trie himselfe giltie or not giltie. And as he tooke his oth
+ for his purgation before the altar of saint Peter, he suddenlie fell
+ downe to the earth, so that his seruants tooke him vp, and bare him
+ into the English schoole or hospitall, where the third night after he
+ died.
+
+ Pope Iohn the tenth sent vnto king Adelstane, to know if he would that
+ his bodie should be laid in Christian buriall or not. The king at the
+ contemplation of Alfreds friends and kinsfolks, signified to the pope
+ that he was contented that his bodie should be interred amongst other
+ christians. His lands being forfeited were giuen by the king vnto God
+ and saint Peter. The cause that mooued Alfred and other his complices
+ against the king, was (as some haue alledged) his bastardie. But
+ whether that allegation were true or but a slander, this is certeine,
+ that except that steine of his honor, there was nothing in this
+ Adelstane worthie of blame: so that he darkened all the glorious fame
+ of his predecessors, both in vertuous conditions and victorious
+ triumphs. Such difference is there to haue that in thy selfe wherein
+ to excell, rather than to stand vpon the woorthinesse of thine
+ ancestors, sith that can not rightlie be called a mans owne.
+
+ After that king Adelstane was established in the estate, he indeuored
+ himselfe to answer the expectation of his people; which hoped for
+ [Sidenote: _Anno_ 925.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ great wealth to insue by his noble and prudent gouernance. First
+ therfore meaning to prouide for the suertie of his countrie, he
+ concluded a peace with Sithrike king of the Northumbers, vnto whome
+ (as ye haue heard) he gaue one of his sisters named Editha in mariage.
+ Sithrike liued not past one yéere after he had so maried hir. And then
+ Adelstane brought the prouince of the Northumbers vnto his subiection,
+ expelling one Aldulph out of the same that rebelled against him. There
+ be that write, that Godfrie and Aulafe the sonnes of Sithrike
+ succéeding their father in the gouernement of Northumberland, by
+ practising to mooue warre against king Adelstane, occasioned him to
+ inuade their countrie, and to chase them out of the same, so that
+ Aulafe fled into Ireland, & Godfrie into Scotland: but other write,
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ that Godfrie was the father of Reignold which wan Yorke, after that
+ Sithrike had slaine his brother Nigellus, as before is mentioned.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hect. Boetius._]
+ [Sidenote: The Scotish writers varie from our English authors.]
+ [Sidenote: Beatrice daughter to K. Edward as the Scotish writers say.]
+ [Sidenote: Edwin was not brother to K. Edward but son to him.]
+ ¶ The Scotish chronicles varie in report of these matters from the
+ English writers: whose chronicles affirme, that in the life time of
+ king Edward, his daughter Beatrice was giuen in mariage to Sithrike,
+ the gouernor of the Danes in Northumberland, with condition that if
+ anie male were procreated in that mariage, the same should inherit the
+ dominions of king Edward after his decease. King Edward had a brother
+ (as they say) named Edwin, a iolie gentleman, and of great estimation
+ amongst the Englishmen. He by Sithrikes procurement was sent into
+ Flanders in a ship that leaked, and so was drowned, to the great
+ reioising of all the Danes, least if he had suruiued his brother, he
+ would haue made some businesse for the crowne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Adelstane flieth the realme.]
+ About the same time Adelstane a base sonne of K. Edward fled the
+ realme, for doubt to be made away by some like traitorous practise of
+ the Danes. Shortlie after, king Edward vnderstanding that Sithrike
+ went about some mischiefe toward him, persuaded his daughter to poison
+ hir husband the said Sithrike. Then Aulafe or Aualassus, and Godfrie
+ the sonnes of Sithrike, finding out by diligent examination, that
+ Beatrice was of counsell in poisoning hir husband, they caused hir to
+ [Sidenote: Beatrice put to death by hir stepsons.]
+ be apprehended and put to death on this wise. She was set naked vpon a
+ smithes cold anuill or stithie, and therewith hard rosted egs being
+ taken out of the hot imbers were put vnder hir armepits, and hir armes
+ fast bound to hir bodie with a cord, and so in that state she remained
+ till hir life passed from hir. King Edward in reuenge of his daughters
+ death mooued warre against the two brethren, Aulafe and Godfrie, and
+ in battell finallie vanquished them, but was slaine in the same
+ battell himselfe.
+
+ Thus haue the Scotish chronicles recorded of these matters, as an
+ induction to the warres which followed betwixt the Scots and Danes as
+ confederates against king Adelstane: but the truth thereof we leaue to
+ the readers owne iudgement. For in our English writers we find no such
+ matter, but that a daughter of king Edward named Edgitha or Editha,
+ after hir fathers deceasse was by hir brother king Adelstane, about
+ the first yéere of his reigne, giuen in mariage (as before ye haue
+ heard) vnto the foresaid Sithrike king of Northumberland, that was
+ descended of the Danish bloud, who for the loue of the yoong ladie,
+ renounced his heathenish religion and became a christian; but shortlie
+ after, forsaking both his wife and the christian faith, he set vp
+ againe the worshipping of idols, and within a while after, as an
+ [Sidenote: Editha a virgine.]
+ apostata miserablie ended his life. Whervpon the yoong ladie, hir
+ virginitie being preserued, and hir bodie vndefiled (as they write)
+ passed the residue of hir daies at Polleswoorth in Warwikeshire,
+ spending hir time (as the same writers affirme) in fasting, watching,
+ praieng, and dooing of almesdéedes, and so at length departed out of
+ this world. Thus our writers differ from the Scotish historie, both in
+ name and maner of end as concerning the daughter of king Edward that
+ was coupled in mariage with Sithrike.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Adelstane subdueth Constantine king of Scots, Howell king of Wales,
+ and Wulferth king of Northwales, the Scots possesse a great part of
+ the north countries, Adelstane conquereth the Scots for aiding Godfrie
+ his enimie; a miracle declaring that the Scots ought to obey the king
+ of England; king Adelstane banisheth his brother Edwin, he is for a
+ conspiracie drowned in the sea, Adelstane repenteth him of his rigour
+ (in respect of that misfortune) against his brother; Aulafe sometimes
+ king of Northumberland inuadeth England, he disguiseth himselfe like a
+ minstrell and surueieth the English campe unsuspected, he is
+ discouered after his departure, be assaileth the English campe,
+ Adelstane being comforted with a miracle discomfiteth his enimies, he
+ maketh them of Northwales his tributaries, be subdueth the Cornishmen,
+ his death; the description of his person, his vertues, of what abbeis
+ & monasteries he was founder, his estimation in forren realmes, what
+ pretious presents were sent him from other princes, and how he
+ bestowed them; a remembrance of Guy the erle of Warwike._
+
+ THE XX. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ After that king Adelstane had subdued them of Northumberland, he was
+ aduertised, that not onelie Constantine king of Scots, but also
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Huduale or Howell K. of Wales went about a priuie conspiracie against
+ him. Herevpon with all conuenient spéed assembling his power, he went
+ against them, and with like good fortune subdued them both, and also
+ Vimer or Wulferth K. of Northwales, so that they were constreined to
+ submit themselues vnto him, who shortlie after moued with pitie in
+ considering their sudden fall, restored them all three to their former
+ estates, but so as they should acknowledge themselues to gouerne vnder
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: The noble saieng of king Adelstane.]
+ [Sidenote: 926.]
+ him, pronouncing withall this notable saieng, that More honorable it
+ was to make a king, than to be a king.
+
+ Ye must vnderstand, that (as it appeareth in the Scotish chronicles)
+ the Scotishmen in time of wars that the Danes gaue the English nation,
+ got a part of Cumberland and other the north countries into their
+ possession, and so by reason of their néere adioining vnto the
+ confines of the English kings, there chanced occasions of warre
+ betwixt them, as well in the daies of king Edward, as of this
+ Adelstane his sonne, although in déed the Danes held the more part of
+ the north countries, till that this Adelstane conquered the same out
+ of their hands, and ioined it vnto other of his dominions,
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ constreining as well the Danes (of whome the more part of the
+ inhabitants then consisted) as also the Englishmen, to obey him as
+ their king and gouernour. Godfrie (as is said) being fled to the
+ Scots, did so much preuaile there by earnest sute made to king
+ Constantine, that he got a power of men, and entring with the same
+ into Northumberland, besiged the citie of Duresme, soliciting the
+ citizens to receiue him, which they would gladlie haue doone, if they
+ had not perceiued how he was not of power able to resist the puissance
+ of king Adelstane: and therefore doubting to be punished for their
+ offenses if they reuolted, they kept the enimies out. King Adelstane
+ [Sidenote: 934.]
+ being sore moued against the king of Scots, that thus aided his
+ enimies, raised an armie, and went northward, purposing to reuenge
+ that iniurie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ At his comming into Yorkshire, he turned out of the way, to visit the
+ place where saint Iohn of Beuerlie was buried, and there offered his
+ knife, promising that if he returned with victorie, he would redéeme
+ the same with a woorthie price: and so proceeded and went forwards on
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ his iournie, and entring Scotland, wasted the countrie by land vnto
+ Dunfoader and Wertermore, and his nauie by sea destroied the coasts
+ alongst the shore, euen to Catnesse, and so he brought the king of
+ [Sidenote: The Scots subdued.]
+ Scots and other his enimies to subiection at his pleasure,
+ constreining the same K. of Scots to deliuer him his son in hostage.
+
+ [Sidenote: A token shewed miraculouslie that the Scots ought to be
+ subiect to the kings of England.]
+ It is said, that being in his iournie néere vnto the towne of Dunbar,
+ he praied vnto God, that at the instance of saint Iohn of Beuerlie, it
+ would please him to grant, that he might shew some open token, whereby
+ it should appeare to all them that then liued, and should hereafter
+ succeéd, that the Scots ought to be subiect vnto the kings of England.
+ Herewith, the king with his sword smote vpon a great stone standing
+ néere to the castle of Dunbar, and with the stroke, there appeared a
+ clift in the same stone to the length of an elme, which remained to be
+ shewed as a witnesse of that thing manie yeares after. At his comming
+ backe to Beuerlie, he redéemed his knife with a large price, as before
+ he had promised.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ [Sidenote: 934.]
+ After this was Edwin the kings brother accused of some conspiracie by
+ him begun against the king, wherevpon he was banished the land, and
+ sent out in an old rotten vessell without rower or mariner, onelie
+ accompanied with one esquier, so that being lanched foorth from the
+ shore, through despaire Edwin leapt into the sea, and drowned
+ himselfe, but the esquier that was with him recouered his bodie, and
+ brought it to land at Withsand besides Canturburie. But Iames Maier in
+ the annales of Flanders saieth, that he was drowned by fortune of the
+ seas in a small vessell, and being cast vp into a créeke on the coast
+ of Picardie, was found by Adolfe earle of Bullongne that was his
+ coosin germane, and honorablie buried by the same Adolfe in the church
+ of Bertine. In consideration of which déed of pietie and dutie of
+ mindfull consanguinitie, the king of England both hartilie thanked
+ [Sidenote: Repentance too late.]
+ earle Adolfe, and bestowed great gifts vpon the church where his
+ brother was thus buried. For verelie king Adelstane after his
+ displeasure was asswaged, and hearing of this miserable end of his
+ brother, sore repented himselfe of his rigour so extended towards him,
+ in so much that he could neuer abide the man that had giuen the
+ information against him, which was his cupbearer, so that on a time as
+ the said cupbearer serued him at the table, and came towards him with
+ a cup of wine, one of his féet chanced to slide, but he recouered
+ himselfe with the helpe of the other foot, saieng, "One brother yet
+ hath holpen & succored the other:" which words cost him his life. For
+ the king remembring that by his accusation he had lost his brother
+ that might haue béene an aid to him, caused this said cupbearer to be
+ straight put to death.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ In this meane while, Aulafe the sonne of Sitherike, late king of
+ Northumberland (who is also named by writers to be king of the
+ Irishmen, and of manie Ilands) assembled a great power of Danes,
+ Irishmen, Scots, and other people of the out Iles, and imbarked them
+ in 615 ships and craiers, with the which he arriued in the mouth of
+ Humber, and there comming on land, began to inuade the countrie. This
+ [Sidenote: 937.]
+ Aulafe had maried the daughter of Constantine king of Scots, by whose
+ procurement, notwithstanding his late submission, Aulafe tooke in
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ hand this iournie. King Adelstane aduertised of his enimies arriuall,
+ gathered his people, and with all conuenient spéed hasted towards
+ them, and approching néerer vnto them, pitcht downe his field at a
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ place called by some Brimesburie, by others Brimesford, and also
+ Brunaubright, and by the Scotish writers Browmingfield.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: Aulafe disguised, cometh to view the English camp.]
+ When knowledge hereof was had in the enimies campe, Aulafe enterprised
+ a maruelous exploit, for taking with him an harpe, he came into the
+ English campe, offring himselfe disguised as a minstrell, to shew some
+ part of his cunning in musicke vpon his instrument: and so being
+ suffered to passe from tent to tent, and admitted also to plaie afore
+ the king, surueied the whole state and order of the armie. This doone,
+ he returned, meaning by a cammisado to set vpon the kings tent. But
+ one that had serued as a souldier sometime vnder Aulafe, chanced by
+ marking his demeanour to know him, and after he was gone, vttered to
+ the king what he knew. The king séemed to be displeased, in that he
+ had not told him so much before Aulafs departure: but in excusing
+ himselfe, the souldier said: "Ye must remember (if it like your grace)
+ that the same faith which I haue giuen vnto you, I sometime owght vnto
+ Aulafe, therfore if I should haue betraied him now, you might well
+ stand in doubt least I should hereafter doo the like to you: but if
+ you will follow mine aduise, remoue your tent, least happilie he
+ assaile you vnwares." The king did so, and as it chanced in the night
+ [Sidenote: Aulafe assaileth the English camp.]
+ following, Aulafe came to assaile the English campe, and by fortune
+ comming to the place where the kings tent stood before, he found a
+ bishop lodged, which with his companie was come the same day to the
+ armie, and had pitcht vp his tent in that place from whence the king
+ was remoued: and so was the same bishop, and most part of his men
+ there slaine, which slaughter executed, Aulafe passed forward, and
+ came to the kings tent, who in this meane time, by reason of the
+ alarum raised, was got vp, and taking to him his sword in that sudden
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ fright, by chance it fell out of the scabbard, so that he could not
+ find it, but calling to God and S. Aldelme (as saith Polychron.) his
+ sword was restored to the scabbard againe. The king comforted with
+ that miracle, boldlie preased foorth vpon his enimies, and so
+ valiantlie resisted them, that in the end he put them to flight, and
+ chased them all that morning and day following, so that he slue of
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: The enimies discomfited.]
+ them an huge number. Some haue written, that Constantine king of Scots
+ was slaine at this ouerthrow, and fiue other small kings or rulers,
+ with 12 dukes, and welnéere all the armie of those strange nations
+ which Aulafe had gathered togither. But the Scotish chronicles
+ affirme, that Constantine was not there himselfe, but sent his sonne
+ Malcolme, which yet escaped sore hurt and wounded from the battell, as
+ in the same chronicles ye may sée more at large.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ When K. Adelstane had thus vanquished his enimies in the north parties
+ of England, he went against them of Northwales, whose rulers and
+ princes he caused to come before him at Hereford, and there handled
+ them in such sort, that they couenanted to pay him yeerlie in lieu of
+ [Sidenote: Tribute.]
+ [Sidenote: The Cornish men subdued.]
+ a tribute 20 pounds of gold, 300 pounds of siluer, and 25 head of
+ neate, with hawks and hownds a certeine number. After this, he subdued
+ the Cornishmen: and whereas till those daies they inhabited the citie
+ of Excester, mingled amongest the Englishmen, so that the one nation
+ was as strong within that citie as the other, he rid them quite out of
+ [Sidenote: Excester repaired.]
+ [Sidenote: 940.]
+ the same, and repared the walles, and fortified them with ditches and
+ turrets as the maner then was, and so remoued the Cornish men further
+ into the west parts of the countrie, that he made Tamer water to be
+ the confines betwéene the Englishmen and them. Finallie the noble
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: The decease of king Adelstane.]
+ prince king Adelstane departed out of this world, the 26 day of
+ October, after he had reigned the tearme of 16 yeares. His bodie was
+ buried at Malmesburie.
+
+ [Sidenote: The description of king Adelstane.]
+ He was of such a stature, as exceeded not the common sort of men,
+ stooping somewhat, and yellowe haired, for his valiancie ioined with
+ courtesie beloued of all men, yet sharpe against rebels, and of
+ inuincible constancie: his great deuotion toward the church appeared
+ in the building, adorning & indowing of monasteries and abbeis. He
+ built one at Wilton within the diocesse of Salisburie, and an other at
+ Michelnie in Summersetshire. But besides these foundations, there were
+ few famous monasteries within this land, but that he adorned the same
+ either with some new péece of building, iewels, bookes, or portion of
+ [Sidenote: Wolstan archbishop of Yorke.]
+ [Sidenote: His estimation in forain realmes.]
+ lands. He had in excéeding fauour Wolstan archbishop of Yorke that
+ liued in his daies, for whose sake he greatlie inriched that
+ bishoprike. His fame spread ouer all the parties of Europe, so that
+ sundrie princes thought themselues happie if they might haue his
+ friendship, either by affinitie or otherwise: by meanes whereof, he
+ bestowed his sisters so highlie in mariage as before ye haue heard. He
+ receiued manie noble and rich presents from diuers princes, as from
+ Hugh king of France, horsses and sundrie rich iewels, with certeine
+ relikes: as Constantines sword, in the hilt whereof was set one of the
+ nailes wherewith Christ was fastened to the crosse, the speare of
+ Charles the great, which was thought to be the same wherewith the side
+ of our sauiour was pearced, the banner of saint Maurice, with a part
+ of the holie crosse, and likewise a part of the thorned crowne: yet
+ Mandeuile saw the one halfe of this crowne in France, and the other at
+ Constantinople, almost 400 yeares after this time, as he writeth. Of
+ these iewels king Adelstane gaue part to the abbie of saint Swithon at
+ Winchester, and part to the abbie of Malmesburie. Moreouer, the king
+ of Norwaie sent vnto him a goodlie ship of fine woorkmanship, with
+ gilt sterne and purple sailes, furnished round about the decke within
+ [Sidenote: _Harding._]
+ with a rowe of gilt pauises. ¶ In the daies of this Adelstane reigned
+ that right worthie Guy earle of Warwike, who (as some writers haue
+ recorded) fought with a mightie giant of the Danes in a singular
+ combat, and vanquished him.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edmund succeedeth Adelstane in the kingdome, the Danes of
+ Northumberland rebell against him, a peace concluded betwene Aulafe
+ their king and king Edmund vpon conditions, Aulafe dieth, another of
+ that name succeedeth him; king Edmund subdueth the Danes, and
+ compelleth them to receiue the christian faith, Reinold and Aulafe are
+ baptised, they violate their fealtie vowed to king Edmund, they are
+ put to perpetuall exile; why king Edmund wasted all Northumberland,
+ caused the eies of king Dunmails sonnes to be put out, and assigned
+ the said countrie to Malcolme king of Scots; the Scotish chroniclers
+ error in peruerting the time & order of the English kings, king
+ Edmunds lawes, by what misfortune he came to his end, how his death
+ was foreshewed to Dunstane in a vision, a tale of the vertue of the
+ crosse, Dunstane reproueth duke Elstane, his dreame, and how the
+ interpretation thereof came to passe._
+
+ THE XXJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDMUND.]
+ After that Adelstane was departed this life, without leauing issue
+ behind to succéed him in the kingdome, his brother Edmund, sonne of
+ Edward the elder, borne of his last wife Edgiue, tooke vpon him the
+ gouernement of this land, and began his reigne in the yeare of our
+ Lord 940, which was in the fift yeare of the emperor Otho the 1, in
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 940.]
+ the 13 of Lewes surnamed Transmarinus king of France, and about the 38
+ yeare of Constantine the third king of Scotland. The Danes of
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Northumberland rebelled against this Edmund, and ordeined Aulafe to be
+ their king, whom they had called out of Ireland. Some write that this
+ Aulafe, which now in the beginning of Edmunds reigne came into
+ Northumberland, was king of Norwaie, & hauing a great power of men
+ with him, marched foorth towards the south parts of this land, in
+ purpose to subdue the whole: but king Edmund raised a mightie armie,
+ and incountred with his enimies at Leicester. Howbeit, yer the matter
+ came to the vttermost triall of battell, through the earnest sute of
+ [Sidenote: A peace concluded.]
+ [Sidenote: 941.]
+ the archbishop of Canturburie and Yorke Odo and Wolstan, a peace was
+ concluded; so as Edmund should inioy all that part of the land which
+ lieth from Watlingstréet southward, & Aulafe should inioy the other
+ part as it lieth from the same street northward. Then Aulafe tooke to
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Aulafe deceaseth.]
+ [Sidenote: Another Aulafe taketh upon him to rule.]
+ wife the ladie Alditha, daughter to earle Ormus, by whose counsell and
+ assistance he had thus obtained the vpper hand. But this Aulafe in the
+ yeare following, after he had destroied the church of saint Balter,
+ and burned Tinningham, departed this life. Then the other Aulafe that
+ was sonne to king Sithrike, tooke vpon him to gouerne the Northumbers.
+ [Sidenote: 942.]
+ After this, in the yeare 942, king Edmund assembling an armie, first
+ subdued those Danes which had got into their possession the cities and
+ towns of Lincolne, Leicester, Darbie, Stafford, and Notingham,
+ constreining them to receiue the christian faith, and reduced all the
+ countries euen vnto Humber vnder his subiection. This doone, Aulafe
+ and Reinold the sonne of Gurmo, who (as you haue heard) subdued Yorke,
+ [Sidenote: Gurmo or Godfrey.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ as a meane the sooner to obteine peace, offered to become christians,
+ & to submit themselues vnto him: wherevpon he receiued them to his
+ peace. There be that write, that this Aulafe is not that Aulafe which
+ was sonne to king Sithrike, but rather that the other was he with whom
+ king Edmund made partition of the realme: but they agree, that this
+ second Aulafe was a Dane also, & being conuerted to the faith as well
+ through constraint of the kings puissance, as through the preaching of
+ the gospell, was baptised, king Edmund being godfather both vnto him,
+ and vnto the foresaid Reinold, to Aulafe at the verie fontstone, and
+ to Reinold at his confirmation at the bishops hands. Neuerthelesse,
+ [Sidenote: 944.]
+ their wicked natures could not rest in quiet, so that they brake both
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ promise to God, and to their prince, and were therefore in the yeare
+ next following driuen both out of the countrie, and punished by
+ perpetuall exile. And so king Edmund adioined Northumberland, without
+ admitting anie other immediat gouernor, vnto his owne estate.
+
+ [Sidenote: Leolin king of Southwales aided king Edmund in this
+ enterprise.]
+ [Sidenote: 946.]
+ Moreouer, he wasted and spoiled whole Cumberland, because he could not
+ reduce the people of that countrie vnto due obeisance, and conformable
+ subiection. The two sonnes of Dunmaile king of that prouince he
+ apprehended, and caused their eies to be put out. Herewith vpon
+ consideration either of such aid as he had receiued of the Scots at
+ that time, or some other friendlie respect, he assigned the said
+ countrie of Cumberland vnto Malcolme king of Scots, to hold the same
+ by fealtie of him and his successors. The Scotish chronicles,
+ peruerting the time and order of the acts and doings of the English
+ kings which reigned about this season, affirme, that by couenants of
+ peace concluded betwixt Malcolme king of Scotland, and Adelstan king
+ of England, it was agréed, that Cumberland should remaine to the
+ Scots: as in their chronicles you may find at full expressed. And
+ againe, that Indulfe, who succéeded Malcolme in the kingdome of
+ Scotland, aided king Edmund against Aulafe, whom the same chronicles
+ name Aualassus, but the time which they attribute vnto the reignes of
+ their kings, will not alow the same to stand. For by account of their
+ writers, king Malcolme began not his reigne till after the deceasse of
+ king Adelstan, who departed this life in the yeare 940. And Malcolme
+ succéeded Constantine the third in the yeare 944, which was about the
+ third yeare of king Edmunds reigne, and after Malcolme (that reigned
+ 15 yeares) succeeded Indulfe in the yeare 959. The like discordance
+ precedeth and followeth in their writers, as to the diligent reader,
+ in conferring their chronicles with ours, manifestlie appeareth. We
+ therefore (to satisfie the desirous to vnderstand and sée the
+ diuersitie of writers) haue for the more part in their chronicles left
+ the same as we found it.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: The lawes of king Edmund.]
+ But now to the other dooings of king Edmund: it is recorded, that he
+ ordeined diuers good and wholsome lawes, verie profitable and
+ necessarie for the commonwealth, which lawes with diuers other of like
+ antiquitie are forgot and blotted out by rust of time, the consumer of
+ things woorthie of long remembrance (as saith Polydor:) but sithens
+ his time they haue béene recouered for the more part, & by maister
+ William Lambert turned into Latine, & were imprinted by Iohn Day, in
+ the yeare 1568, as before I haue said. Finallie, this prince king
+ [Sidenote: Five yeares and 7 months hath _Si. Dun._]
+ Edmund, after he had reigned sixe yeares and a halfe, he came to his
+ end by great misfortune. For (as some say) it chanced, that espieng
+ where one of his seruants was in danger to be slaine amongest his
+ enimies that were about him with drawen swords, as he stepped in to
+ haue holpen his seruant, he was slaine at a place called Pulcher
+ church, or (as other haue) Michelsbourgh.
+
+ [Sidenote: Pridecire saith _Si. Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 946.]
+ Other say, that kéeping a great feast at the aforesaid place on the
+ day of saint Augustine the English apostle (which is the 26 of Maie,
+ and as that yeare came about, it fell on the tuesday) as he was set at
+ the table, he espied where a common robber was placed neere vnto him,
+ whome sometime he had banished the land, and now being returned
+ without licence, he presumed to come into the kings presence,
+ wherewith the king was so moued with high disdaine, that he suddenlie
+ arose from the table, and flew vpon the théefe, and catching him by
+ the heare of the head, threw him vnder his féet, wherewith the théefe,
+ hauing fast hold on the king, brought him downe vpon him also, and
+ with his knife stroke him into the bellie, in such wise, that the
+ kings bowels fell out of his chest, and there presentlie died. The
+ theefe was hewen in péeces by the kings seruants, but yet he slue and
+ hurt diuers before they could dispatch him. This chance was
+ lamentable, namelie to the English people, which by the ouertimelie
+ death of their king, in whome appeared manie euident tokens of great
+ excellencie, lost the hope which they had conceiued of great wealth to
+ increase by his prudent and most princelie gouernement. His bodie was
+ buried at Glastenburie where Dunstane was then abbat.
+
+ There be that write, that the death of king Edmund was signified
+ aforehand to Dunstane, who about the same time attending vpon the same
+ [Sidenote: _Capgraue._]
+ [Sidenote: A vaine tale.]
+ king, as he remooued from one place to an other, chanced to accompanie
+ himselfe with a noble man, one duke Elstane, and as they rode
+ togither, behold suddenlie Dunstane saw in the waie before him, where
+ the kings musicians rode, the diuell running and leaping amongst the
+ same musicians after a reioising maner, whome after he had beheld a
+ good while, he said to the duke; Is it possible that you may see that
+ which I sée? The duke answered that he saw nothing otherwise than he
+ ought to sée. Then said Dunstane, Blesse your eies with the signe of
+ [Sidenote: Crossing bringeth sight of the diuels, and crossing driueth
+ them away.]
+ the crosse, and trie whether you can see that I sée. And when he had
+ doone as Dunstane appointed him, he saw also the féend in likenesse of
+ a little short euill fauoured Aethiopian dansing and leaping, whereby
+ they gathered that some euill hap was towards some of the companie:
+ but when they had crossed and blessed them, the foule spirit vanished
+ out of their sight.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane an interpreter of dreames.]
+ Now after they had talked of this vision, and made an end of their
+ talke touching the same, the duke required of Dunstane to interpret a
+ dreame which he had of late in sléepe, and that was this: He thought
+ that he saw in a vision the king with all his nobles sit in his dining
+ chamber at meate, and as they were there making merrie togither, the
+ king chanced to fall into a dead sléepe, and all the noble men, and
+ those of his councell that were about him were changed into robucks
+ [Sidenote: Dunstan séeth the diuell often, but now he was become a
+ waiter at the table when Dunstane sat with the king.]
+ and goats. Dunstane quicklie declared that this dreame signified the
+ kings death, and the changing of the nobles into dum and insensible
+ beasts betokened that the princes & gouernors of the realme should
+ decline from the waie of truth, and wander as foolish beasts without a
+ guide to rule them. Also the night after this talke when the king was
+ set at supper, Dunstane saw the same spirit, or some other, walke vp
+ and downe amongst them that waited at the table, and within thrée
+ daies after, the king was slaine, as before ye haue heard.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edred succedeth his brother Edmund in the realme of England, the
+ Northumbers rebell against him, they and the Scots sweare to be his
+ true subiects, they breake their oth and ioine with Aulafe the Dane,
+ who returneth into Northumberland, and is made king thereof, the
+ people expell him and erect Hericius in his roome, king Edred taketh
+ reuenge on the Northumbers for their disloialtie, the rereward of his
+ armie is assalted by an host of his enimies issuing out of Yorke, the
+ Northumbers submit themselues, and put awaie Hericius their king,
+ Wolstane archbishop of Yorke punished for his disloialtie, whereto
+ Edred applied himselfe after the appeasing of ciuill tumults, his
+ death and buriall, a speciall signe of Edreds loue to Dunstane abbat
+ of Glastenburie, his practise of cousenage touching king Edreds
+ treasure._
+
+ THE XXIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDRED.]
+ [Sidenote: 946.]
+ EDRED the brother of Edmund, and sonne to Edward the elder and to
+ Edgiue his last wife, began his reigne ouer the realme of England in
+ the yéere of our Lord 946, or (as other say) 997, which was in the
+ twelfe yéere of the emperor Otho the first, and in the 21 yéere of the
+ reigne of Lewes K. of France, & about the third or fourth yéere of
+ Malcolme the first of that name, king of Scotland. He was crowned and
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ annointed the 16 day of August by Odo the archbishop of Canturburie at
+ Kingstone vpon Thames. In the first yéere of his reigne, the
+ [Sidenote: The Northumbers rebell and are subdued.]
+ Northumbers rebelled against him, wherevpon he raised an armie,
+ inuaded their countrie, and subdued them by force. This doone, he went
+ forward into Scotland: but the Scots without shewing anie resistance
+ submitted themselues vnto him, and so both Scots and Northumbers
+ receiued an oth to be true vnto him, which they obserued but a small
+ while, for he was no sooner returned into the south parts, but that
+ Aulafe which had beene chased out of the countrie by king Edmund, as
+ [Sidenote: Aulafe returned into Northumberland.]
+ before ye haue heard, returned into Northumberland with a great nauie
+ of ships, and was ioifullie receiued of the inhabitants, and restored
+ againe to the kingdome, which he held by the space of foure yéeres,
+ and then by the accustomed disloialtie of the Northumbers he was by
+ [Sidenote: Hirke or Hericius.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: The disloialtie of the Northumbers punished.]
+ them expelled, and then they set vp one Hirke or Hericius the sonne of
+ one Harrold to reigne ouer them, who held not the estate anie long
+ time. For in the third yeere of his reigne, Edred in the reuenge of
+ such disloiall dealings in the Northumbers, destroied the countrie
+ with fire & swoord, sleaing the most part of the inhabitants. He burnt
+ the abbeie of Rippon, which was kept against him.
+
+ As he was returning homeward, an host of enimies brake out of Yorke,
+ and setting vpon the rereward of the kings armie at a place called
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Easterford.]
+ Easterford, made great slaughter of the same. Wherefore the king in
+ his rage ment to haue begun a new spoile and destruction, but the
+ Northumbers humbled themselues so vnto him, that putting awaie their
+ forsaid king Hirke or Hericius, and offering great rewards and gifts
+ to buy their peace, they obteined pardon. But bicause that Wolstane
+ the archbishop of Yorke was of counsell with his countriemen in
+ reuolting from king Edred, and aduancing of Hericius, king Edred tooke
+ him and kept him in prison a long time after, but at length in respect
+ of the reuerence which he bare to his calling, he set him at libertie,
+ and pardoned him his offense. Matth. Westm. reciteth an other cause of
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop of Yorke imprisoned.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 951.]
+ Wolstans imprisonment, as thus. In the yéere of Grace, saith he, 951,
+ king Edred put the archbishop of Yorke in close prison, bicause of
+ often complaints exhibited against him, as he which had commanded
+ manie townesmen of Theadford to be put to death, in reuenge of the
+ abbat Aldelme by them vniustlie slaine and murthered.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ After this, when Edred had appeased all ciuill tumults and dissentions
+ within his land, he applied him selfe to the aduancing of religion,
+ wholie following the mind of Dunstane, by whose exhortation he
+ suffered patientlie manie torments of the bodie, and exercised
+ himselfe in praier and other deuout studies. This Edred in his latter
+ daies being greatlie addicted to deuotion & religious priests, at the
+ request of his mother Edgiua, restored the abbeie of Abington which
+ was built first by king Inas, but in these daies sore decaied and
+ [Sidenote: Edredus departeth this life.]
+ fallen into ruine. Finallie, after he had reigned nine yéeres and a
+ halfe, he departed this life to the great gréeuance of men, and
+ reioising of angels (as it is written) and was buried at Winchester in
+ the cathedrall church there. ¶ Heere is to be noted, that the foresaid
+ Edred, when he came first to the crowne, vpon a singular and most
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane in fauour.]
+ especiall fauour which he bare towards Dunstane the abbat of
+ Glastenburie, committed vnto him the chiefest part of all his
+ treasure, as charters of lands with other monuments, and such ancient
+ princelie iewels as belonged to the former kings, with other such as
+ he got of his owne, willing him to lay the same in safe kéeping within
+ his monasterie of Glastenburie.
+
+ Afterward, when king Edred perceiued himselfe to be in danger of death
+ by force of that sickenesse, which in déed made an end of his life, he
+ sent into all parties to such as had anie of his treasure in kéeping,
+ to bring the same vnto him with all spéed, that he might dispose
+ [Sidenote: But was not this a deuise thereby to deteine the treasure?
+ for I doo not read that he deliuered it out of his hands.]
+ thereof before his departure out of this life, as he should sée cause.
+ Dunstane tooke such things as he had vnder his hands, & hasted forward
+ to deliuer the same vnto the king, and to visit him in that time of
+ his sickenesse according to his dutie: but as he was vpon the waie, a
+ voice spake to him from heauen, saieng; Behold king Edred is now
+ departed in peace. At the hearing of this voice, the horsse whereon
+ Dunstane rode fell downe and died, being not able to abide the
+ presence of the angell that thus spake to Dunstane. And when he came
+ to the court, he vnderstood that the king died the same houre in which
+ [Sidenote: An angell, or as some think a woorse creature.]
+ it was told him by the angell, as before ye haue heard.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edwin succeedeth Edred in the kingdome of England, his beastlie and
+ incestuous carnalite with a kinswoman of his on the verie day of his
+ coronation, he is reproued of Dunstane and giueth ouer the
+ gentlewomans companie, Dunstane is banished for rebuking king Edwin
+ for his unlawfull lust and lewd life, the diuell reioised at his
+ exile, what reuenging mischiefs the king did for displeasure sake
+ against the said Dunstane in exile, the middle part of England
+ rebelleth against king Edwin, and erecteth his brother Edgar in roiall
+ roome ouer them, he taketh thought and dieth; Edgar succeedeth him, he
+ is a fauourer of moonks, his prouision for defense of his realme, his
+ policie and discretion in gouernment, what kings he bound by oth to be
+ true vnto him, eight princes row his barge in signe of submission, the
+ vicious inconueniences that grew among the Englishmen vpon his
+ fauouring of the Danes, a restraint of excessiue quaffing; Dunstane is
+ made bishop of Worcester and Ethelwold bishop of Wincester; iustice in
+ Edgars time seuerelie executed, theft punished with death, a tribute
+ of woolfs skins paid him out of Wales, and the benefit of that
+ tribute._
+
+ THE XXIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDWIN.]
+ [Sidenote: 955.]
+ After the deceasse of Edred, his nephue Edwin the eldest sonne of king
+ Edmund was made king of England, and began his reigne ouer the same in
+ the yéere of our Lord 955, & in the 20 yéere of the emperor Otho the
+ first, in the 28 and last yéere of the reigne of Lewes king of France,
+ and about the twelfe yeere of Malcolme the first of that name, king of
+ Scotland. He was consecrated at Kingston vpon Thames by Odo the
+ archbishop of Canturburie. On the verie day of his coronation, as the
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ lords were set in councell about weightie matters touching the
+ gouernment of the realme, he rose from the place, gat him into a
+ chamber with one of his néere kinswomen, and there had to doo with
+ hir, without anie respect or regard had to his roiall estate and
+ princelie dignitie. Dunstane latelie before named abbat of
+ Glastenburie, did not onlie without feare of displeasure reprooue the
+ K. for such shamefull abusing of his bodie, but also caused the
+ archbishop of Canturburie to constreine him to forsake that woman whom
+ vnlawfullie he kept.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgrave._]
+ There be that write, that there were two women, both mother and
+ daughter, whome king Edward kept as concubines: for the mother being
+ of noble parentage, sought to satisfie the kings lust, in hope that
+ either he would take hir or hir daughter vnto wife. And therefore
+ perceiuing that Dunstane was sore against such wanton pastime as the
+ king vsed in their companie, she so wrought, that Dunstane was through
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane banished the realme.]
+ hir earnest trauell banished the land. This is also reported, that
+ when he should depart the realme, the diuell was heard in the west end
+ of the church, taking vp a great laughter after his roring maner, as
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane séeth not the diuell.]
+ though he should shew himselfe glad and ioifull at Dunstanes going
+ into exile. But Dunstane perceiuing his behauiour, spake to him, and
+ said: Well thou aduersarie, doo not so greatly reioise at the matter,
+ for thou dooest not now so much reioise at my departure, but by Gods
+ grace thou shalt be as sorrowfull for my returne.
+
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane departed into exile.]
+ Thus was Dunstane banished by king Edwine, so that he was compelled to
+ passe ouer into Flanders, where he remained for a time within a
+ monasterie at Gant, finding much friendship at the hands of the
+ gouernor of that countrie. Also the more to wreake his wrath, the king
+ spoiled manie religious houses of their goods, and droue out the
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Edwine displaceth monks and putteth secular preists in
+ their roomes.]
+ monks, placing secular priests in their roomes, as namelie at
+ Malmesburie, where yet the house was not empaired, but rather inriched
+ in lands and ornaments by the kings liberalitie, and the industrious
+ meanes of the same priests, which tooke vp the bones of saint Aldelme,
+ [Sidenote: Rebellion raised against king Edwine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ and put the same into a shrine. At length the inhabitants of the
+ middle part of England, euen from Humber to Thames rebelled against
+ him, and elected his brother Edgar, to haue the gouernement ouer them,
+ wherwith king Edwine tooke such griefe, for that he saw no meane at
+ hand how to remedie the matter, that shortlie after, when he had
+ [Sidenote: Edwin departeth this life.]
+ reigned somewhat more than foure yéeres, he died, and his bodie was
+ buried at Winchester in the new abbeie.
+
+ [Sidenote: EDGAR.]
+ [Sidenote: 959.]
+ EDGAR the second sonne of Edmund late king of England, after the
+ decease of his elder brother the foresaid Edwine, began his reigne
+ ouer this realme of England in the yeere of our Lord God 959, in the
+ 22 yéere of the emperour Otho the first, in the fourth yéere of the
+ reigne of Lotharius king of France, 510 almost ended after the comming
+ of the Saxons, 124 after the arriuall of the Danes, and in the last
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ yéere of Malcolme king of Scotland. He was crowned & consecrated at
+ Bath, or (as some say) at Kingstone vpon Thames by Odo the archbishop
+ of Canturburie, being as then not past 16 yéeres of age, when he was
+ thus admitted king. He was no lesse indued with commendable gifts of
+ [Sidenote: Edgar a fauorer of moonks.]
+ mind, than with strength and force of bodie. He was a great fauorer of
+ moonks, and speciallie had Dunstane in high estimation. Aboue all
+ things in this world he regarded peace, and studied dailie how to
+ preserue the same, to the commoditie and aduancement of his subiects.
+
+ [Sidenote: The diligent prouision of K. Edgar for defense of the
+ realme.]
+ When he had established things in good quiet, and set an order in
+ matters as seemed to him best for the peaceable gouernement of his
+ people, he prepared a great nauie of ships, diuiding them in thrée
+ parts, he appointed euerie part to a quarter of the realme, to waft
+ about the coast, that no forren enimie should approch the land, but
+ that they might be incountered and put backe, before they could take
+ land. And euerie yéere after Easter, he vsed to giue order, that his
+ ships should assemble togither in their due places: and then would he
+ with the east nauie saile to the west parts of his realme, and sending
+ those ships backe, he would with the west nauie saile into the north
+ parts; and with the north nauie come backe againe into the east. This
+ custome he vsed, that he might scowre the seas of all pirats &
+ theeues. In the winter season and spring time, he would ride through
+ the prouinces of his realme, searching out how the iudges and great
+ lords demeaned themselues in the administration of iustice, sharpelie
+ punishing those that were found guiltie of extortion, or had done
+ otherwise in anie point than dutie required. In all things he vsed
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ such politike discretion, that neither was he put in danger by treason
+ of his subiects, nor molested by forren enimies.
+
+ He caused diuerse kings to bind themselues by oth to be true and
+ faithfull vnto him, as Kinadius or rather Induf king of Scotland,
+ [Sidenote: Mascutius.]
+ Malcolme king of Cumberland, Mascutius an archpirat, or (as we may
+ [Sidenote: Kings of Welshmen.]
+ call him) a maister rouer, and also all the kings of the Welshmen, as
+ Duffnall, Girffith, Duvall, Iacob, and Iudithill, all which came to
+ his court, and by their solemne othes receiued, sware to be at his
+ commandement. And for the more manifest testimonie therof, he hauing
+ them with him at Chester, caused them to enter into a barge vpon the
+ [Sidenote: King Edgar roweth on the water of Dée.]
+ water of Dée, and placing himselfe in the forepart of the barge, at
+ the helme, he caused those eight high princes to row the barge vp and
+ downe the water, shewing thereby his princelie prerogatiue and roial
+ magnificence, in that he might vse the seruice of so manie kings that
+ were his subiects. And therevpon he said (as hath bin reported) that
+ then might his successours account themselues kings of England, when
+ they inioied such prerogatiue of high and supreme honor.
+
+ The fame of this noble prince was spred ouer all, as well on this side
+ the sea as beyond, insomuch that great resort of strangers chanced in
+ his daies, which came euer into this land to serue him, and to sée the
+ state of his court, as Saxons and other, yea and also Danes, which
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: King Edgar fauoureth Danes.]
+ became verie familiar with him. He fauored in déed the Danes (as hath
+ béene said) more than stood with the commoditie of his subiects, for
+ scarse was anie stréet in England, but Danes had their dwelling in the
+ same among the Englishmen, whereby came great harme: for whereas the
+ Danes by nature were great drinkers, the Englishmen by continuall
+ [Sidenote: English learned to quaffe of the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ conuersation with them learned the same vice. King Edgar to reforme in
+ part such excessiue quaffing as then began to grow in vse, caused by
+ the procurement of Dunstane, nailes to be set in cups of a certeine
+ measure, marked for the purpose, that none should drinke more than was
+ assigned by such measured cups. Englishmen also learned of the Saxons,
+ [Sidenote: Englishmen learne other vices of strangers.]
+ Flemings, and other strangers, their peculiar kind of vices, as of the
+ Saxons a disordered fiercenesse of mind, or the Flemings a féeble
+ tendernesse of bodie: where before they reioised in their owne
+ simplicitie, and estéemed not the lewd and vnprofitable manners of
+ strangers.
+
+ Dunstane was made bishop of Worcester, and had also the administration
+ of the sée of London committed vnto him. He was in such fauor with the
+ [Sidenote: Ethelwold made bishop of Winchester.]
+ king, that he ruled most things at his pleasure. Ethelwold, which
+ being first a moonke of Glastenburie, and after abbat of Abington, was
+ likewise made bishop of Winchester, and might doo verie much with the
+ [Sidenote: Oswald.]
+ [Sidenote: Floriacum.]
+ king. Also Oswald, which had beene a moonke in the abbeie of Florie in
+ France, and after was made bishop of Worcester, and from thence
+ remooued to the sée of Yorke, was highlie in fauor with this king, so
+ that by these thrée prelates he was most counselled. Iustice in his
+ [Sidenote: Moonks must néeds write much in praise of Edgar who had men
+ of their cote in such estimati[=o].]
+ daies was strictlie obserued, for although he were courteous and
+ gentle towards his friends, yet was he sharpe and hard to offenders,
+ so that no person of what estate or degree soeuer he was escaped
+ worthie punishment, if he did transgresse the lawes and ordinances of
+ the realme. There was no priuie theefe nor common robber that durst
+ lay hands vpon other mens goods, but he might looke to make amends
+ with losse of his life, if he were knowne to be giltie. For how might
+ men that did offend, thinke to escape his hands, which deuised waies
+ how to rid the countrie of all wild rauening beasts, that liued vpon
+ sucking the bloud of others? For as it is said, he appointed Iudweall
+ [Sidenote: A tribute instituted of woolf-skins.]
+ or Ludweall king of Wales to present him thrée hundred woolues
+ yéerelie in name of a tribute, but after thrée yéeres space, there was
+ not a woolfe to be found, and so that tribute ceased in the fourth
+ yéere after it began to be paid.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The death of Alfred king Edgars wife (or concubine) causeth him to
+ fall into a fowle offense, an example teaching men to take heed how
+ they put others in trust to woo for them; earle Ethelwold cooseneth
+ the king of his wife, the danger of beholding a womans beautie with
+ lustfull eies; king Edgar killeth earle Ethelwold to marrie faire
+ Alfred his wife; the bloudie and unnaturall speach of Ethelwolds base
+ sonne: examples of king Edgars great incontinencie and lewd life;
+ Dunstane putteth the king to penance for his vnchastitie, the Welshmen
+ rebell against him and are corrected, king Edgars vision before his
+ death, of what religious buildings he was founder, his example a spur
+ to others to doo the like, moonks esteemed and secular priests little
+ regarded, king Edgars deformed reformation, his vices, stature, and
+ bodilie qualities, he offereth to fight hand to hand with Kinadius
+ king of Scots vpon occasion of words euill taken, Kinadius submitteth
+ himselfe and is pardoned; his wiues and children, the good state of
+ the realme in king Edgars time, the amplenesse of his dominions._
+
+ THE XXIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Osborne_ and _Capgraue_ hold that she was not his wife but
+ a nun.]
+ In this meane time, Alfred the wife of king Edgar (as some say) or
+ rather (as others write) his concubine died, of whome he had begot a
+ sonne named Edward. The death of this woman caused the king to commit
+ an heinous offense. For albeit at the same time the fame went, that
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Horger.]
+ Horgerius duke of Cornewall, or rather Deuonshire, had a daughter
+ named Alfred, a damosell of excellent beautie, whome Edgar minding to
+ haue in mariage, appointed one of his noble men called earle
+ Ethelwold, to go with all speed into Cornewall or Deuonshire, to sée
+ if the yoong ladies beautie answered the report that went of hir, and
+ so to breake the matter to hir father in his behalfe: yet Ethelwold
+ being a yong iollie gentleman, tooke his iournie into Cornewall, and
+ comming to the duke, was well receiued, and had a sight of his
+ daughter, with whose beautie he was streight rauished so far in loue,
+ [Sidenote: Erle Ethelwold deceiueth the king of his wife.]
+ that not regarding the kings pleasure, who had sent him thither, he
+ began to purchase the good will of both father and daughter for
+ himselfe, and did so much that he obteined the same in déed. Herevpon
+ returning to the king, he informed him that the damosell was not of
+ such beautie and comelie personage, as might be thought woorthie to
+ match in mariage with his maiestie.
+
+ Shortlie after perceiuing the kings mind by his wrongfull misreport to
+ be turned, and nothing bent that way, he began to sue to him that he
+ might with his fauour marie the same damosell: which the king granted,
+ as one that cared not for hir, bicause of the credit which he gaue to
+ Ethelwolds words. And so by this meanes Ethelwold obteined Alfred in
+ mariage, which was to his owne destruction, as the case fell out. For
+ when the fame of hir passing beautie did spread ouer all the realme,
+ now that she was maried and came more abroad in sight of the people,
+ the king chanced to heare thereof, and desirous to sée hir, deuised
+ vnder colour of hunting to come vnto the house of Ethelwold, and so
+ did: where he had no sooner set his eie vpon hir, but he was so farre
+ wrapped in the chaine of burning concupiscence, that to obteine his
+ [Sidenote: King Edgar séeketh the destruction of earle Ethelwold.]
+ purpose, he shortlie after contriued Ethelwolds death, and maried his
+ wife.
+
+ Some say, that the woman kindled the brand of purpose: for when it was
+ knowne, that the king would sée hir, Ethelwold willed hir in no wise
+ to trim vp hir selfe, but rather to disfigure hir in fowle garments,
+ and some euil fauored attire, that hir natiue beautie should not
+ appeare: but she perceiuing how the matter went, of spite set out hir
+ selfe to the vttermost, so that the king vpon the first sight of hir,
+ became so farre inamored of hir beautie, that taking hir husband
+ [Sidenote: King Edgar a murtherer.]
+ foorth with him on hunting into a forrest or wood then called
+ Warlewood, & after Horewood, not shewing that he meant him anie hurt,
+ till at length he had got him within the thicke of the wood, where he
+ suddenlie stroke him through with his dart. Now as his bastard son
+ came to the place, the king asked him how he liked the maner of
+ hunting, wherto he answered; "Verie well if it like your grace, for
+ that that liketh you, ought not to displease me." With which answer
+ the king was so pacified, that he indeuored by pretending his fauor
+ towards the sonne, to extenuat the tyrannicall murther of the father.
+ Then did the king marie the countesse Alfred, and of hir begat two
+ sonnes, Edmund which died yoong, and Etheldred or Egelred.
+
+ Besides this cruell act wrought by king Edgar, for the satisfieng of
+ his fleshlie lust, he also plaied another part greatlie to the staine
+ of his honor, mooued also by wanton loue, with a yoong damosell named
+ Wilfrid, for after that she had (to auoid the danger of him) either
+ professed hir selfe a nun, or else for colour (as the most part of
+ writers agrée) got hirselfe into a nunrie, and clad hir in a nuns
+ wéed, he tooke hir foorth of hir cloister, and lay by hir sundrie
+ times, and begat on hir a daughter named Edith, who comming to
+ [Sidenote: His licentious life & incontinencie.]
+ conuenient age, was made a nun. A third example of his incontinencie
+ is written by authors, and that is this. It chanced on a time that he
+ lodged one night at Andeuer, and hauing a mind to a lords daughter
+ there, he commanded that she should bee brought to his bed. But the
+ mother of the gentlewoman would not that hir daughter should be
+ defloured: and therefore in the darke of the night brought one of hir
+ maidseruants, and laid hir in the kings bed, she being both faire,
+ proper, and pleasant.
+
+ In the morning when the day began to appeare, she made hast to arise:
+ and being asked of the king why she so hasted; That I may go to my
+ daies worke if it please your grace (quoth she.) Herewith she being
+ staied by the king, as it were against hir will, she fell downe on hir
+ knées, and required of him that she might be made frée, in guerdon of
+ hir nights worke. For (saith she) it is not for your honor, that the
+ woman which hath tasted the pleasure of the kings bodie should anie
+ more suffer seruitude vnder the rule and appointment of a sharpe and
+ rough mistresse.
+
+ The king then being mooued in his spirits, laughed at the matter,
+ though not from the heart, as he that tooke great indignation at the
+ dooings of the dutchesse, and pitied the case of the poore wench. But
+ yet in fine (turning earnest to a iest) he pardoned all the parties,
+ and aduanced the wench to high honor, farre aboue those that had rule
+ of hir afore, so that she ruled them (willed they nilled they:) for he
+ vsed hir as his paramour, till he maried the foresaid Alfred.
+
+ For these youthfull parts, & namelie for the rauishing of Wilfride
+ (which though she were no nun, yet the offense seemed heinous, for
+ that he should not once touch anie woman shadowed vnder that habit) he
+ greatlie displeased Dunstane, so that by him he was put to his seuen
+ [Sidenote: Note the déep hypocrisie of Dunstane.]
+ yéeres penance, and kept from the crowne till the 12 yeere of his
+ reigne or more. For some write that he was not crowned nor annointed
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian_ out of _Guido de Columna._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ king, till the 30 yéere of his age, which should be about the 13 or 14
+ yeere of his reigne by that account, sith he entred into the rule of
+ the kingdome about the 16 yeere of his age. In déed one author
+ witnesseth, that he was consecrated at Bath on a Whitsunday, the 13
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranul. Hig._]
+ yéere of his reigne, and that by Dunstane archbishop of Canturburie,
+ and Oswold archbishop of Yorke. But some which suppose that he was
+ consecrated king immediatlie vpon the death of Edridus, affirme that
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ he was crowned and annointed king by the archbishop Odo, Dunstane as
+ then remaining in exile, from whence he was immediatlie reuoked by
+ Edgar, and first made bishop of Worcester (as hath beene said) and
+ after the decease of Odo was aduanced to be archbishop of Canturburie.
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ But by some writers it appeareth, that Dunstane was reuoked out of
+ exile immediatlie vpon partition of the realme betwixt Edwin and
+ Edgar, which chanced in the yéere 957, by the rebellion of the people
+ of Mercia, & others (as before ye haue heard:) and that in the yéere
+ following the archbishop Odo died, after whome succéeded Alfin bishop
+ of Winchester, who also died the same yéere that king Edward
+ deceassed, as he went to fetch his pall from Rome, and then
+ Brighthelme bishop of Dorchester was elected archbishop. But bicause
+ he was not able to discharge so great an office, by K. Edgars
+ commandement he was forced to giue place to Dunstane.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: The Welshmen rebel and are chastised.]
+ Toward the latter end of king Edgars daies, the Welshmen mooued some
+ rebellion against him. Wherevpon he assembled an armie, and entering
+ the countrie of Glamorgan, did much hurt in the same, chastising the
+ inhabitants verie sharpelie for their rebellious attempts. Amongst
+ other spoiles taken in those parties at that time by the men of war,
+ the bell of saint Ellutus was taken away, and hanged about a horsses
+ necke, and (as hath béene reported) in the after noone, it chanced
+ that king Edgar laid him downe to rest, wherevpon in sleepe there
+ appeared one vnto him, and smote him on the breast with a speare. By
+ reason of which vision he caused all things that had beene taken away
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: King Edgar departeth this life.]
+ to be restored againe. But within nine daies after the king died.
+ Whether anie such thing chanced, or that he had anie such vision it
+ forceth not. But truth it is, that in the 37 yeere of his age, after
+ he had reigned 16 yéeres and two moneths he departed this life, the 8
+ day of Iulie, and was buried at Glastenburie.
+
+ [Sidenote: Wherefore Edgar is praised of some writers.]
+ This Edgar is highlie renowmed of writers for such princelie qualities
+ as appeared in him, but chieflie for that he was so beneficiall to the
+ church, namelie to moonks, the aduancement of whome he greatlie
+ sought, both in building abbeies new from the ground, in reparing
+ those that were decaied: also by inriching them with great reuenues,
+ and in conuerting collegiat churches into monasteries, remoouing
+ secular priests, and bringing in moonks in their places. There passed
+ no one yéere of his reigne, wherin he founded not one abbeie or other.
+ The abbeie of Glastenburie which his father had begun he finished. The
+ abbeie of Abington also he accomplished and set in good order. The
+ abbeies of Peterborough & Thornie he established. The nunrie of Wilton
+ he founded and richlie endowed, where his daughter Editha was
+ professed, and at length became abbesse there. To be briefe, he
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ builded (as the chronicles record) to the number of 40 abbeies and
+ monasteries, in some of which he placed moonks, and in some nuns. By
+ his example in those daies, other nobles, as also prelates, & some of
+ the laitie, did begin the foundation of sundrie abbeies and
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ monasteries: as Adelwold bishop of Winchester builded the abbeie of
+ Elie, and (as some say) Peterborough & Thornie, though they were
+ established by the king (as before is mentioned.) Also earle Ailewin,
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ at the exhortation of the same bishop Adelwold, builded the abbeie of
+ Ramsey, though some attribute the dooing thereof vnto Oswald the
+ archbishop of Yorke, and some to king Edward the elder.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Moonks estéemed & secular priests little regarded.]
+ To conclude, the religious orders of moonks and nuns in these daies
+ florished, and the state of secular priests was smallie regarded,
+ insomuch that they were constreined to auoid out of diuerse colleges,
+ and to leaue the same vnto moonks, as at Worcester and Winchester,
+ wherein the new monasterie, bicause the kings liued not in such sort
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _lib._ 6. _cap._ 9.]
+ as was then thought requisite, the prebends were taken from them and
+ giuen to vicars. But when the vicars were thought to vse themselues no
+ better, but rather worse than the other before them, they were
+ likewise put out, and moonks placed in their roomes by authoritie of
+ pope John the 13. This reformation, or rather deformation was vsed by
+ king Edgar in many other places of the realme.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Tho. Eliot._]
+ He was (as appeareth by diuers writers) namelie in his beginning,
+ cruell against his owne people, and wanton in lusting after yoong
+ [Sidenote: Edgar small of stature but strong and hardie.]
+ women (as you haue heard before.) Of stature & proportion of bodie he
+ was but small and low, but yet nature had inclosed within so little a
+ personage such strength, that he durst incounter and combat with him
+ that was thought most strong, onelie doubting this, least he which
+ should haue to doo with him should stand in feare of him. And as it
+ chanced at a great feast (where oftentimes men vse their toongs more
+ [Sidenote: Kenneth king of Scots.]
+ liberallie than néedeth) Kenneth the king of Scots cast out certeine
+ words in this maner: "It may (saith hée) séeme a maruell that so manie
+ countries and prouinces should be subiect to such a little sillie
+ bodie as Edgar is." These words being borne awaie by a iester or
+ minstrell, and afterwards vttered to Edgar with great reproch, he
+ wiselie dissembled the matter for a time, although he kept the
+ remembrance thereof inclosed within his breast: and vpon occasion, at
+ length feigned to go on hunting, taking the king of Scots forth with
+ him: and hauing caused one of his seruants to conuey two swords into a
+ place within the forrest by him appointed in secret wise, of purpose
+ he withdrew from the residue of his companie, and there accompanied
+ onelie with the Scotish king, came to the place where the swords were
+ laid; and there taking the one of them, deliuered the other to the
+ [Sidenote: The noble courage of king Edgar.]
+ Scotish king, willing him now to assaie his strength, that they might
+ shew by proofe whether of them ought to be subiect to the other;
+ "Start not, but trie it with me (saith he:) for it is a shame for a
+ king to be full of brags at bankets, and not to be readie to fight
+ when triall should be made abroad." The Scotish king herewith being
+ astonied and maruellouslie abashed, fell downe at his féet, and with
+ much humilitie confessed his fault, & desired pardon for the same,
+ which vpon such his humble submission king Edward easilie granted.
+
+
+ This noble prince had two wiues, Egelfrida or Elfrida, surnamed the
+ white, the daughter of a mightie duke named Ordiner, by whome he had
+ issue a sonne named Edward that succéeded him. His second wife was
+ called Alfreda the daughter of Orgar duke of Deuon or Cornewall (as
+ some saie) by whome he had issue Edmund that died before his father,
+ and Egelred which afterwards was king. Also he had issue a base
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ daughter named Editha, begotten of his concubine Wilfrid (as before ye
+ haue heard.) The state of the realme in king Edgars daies was in good
+ point, for both the earth gaue hir increase verie plentiouslie, the
+ elements shewed themselues verie fauorable, according to the course of
+ times: peace was mainteined, and no inuasion by forraine enimies
+ attempted. For Edgar had not onelie all the whole Ile of Britaine in
+ subiection, but also was ruler & souereigne lord ouer all the kings of
+ the out Iles that lie within the seas about all the coasts of the same
+ Britaine euen vnto the realme of Norwaie. He brought also a great part
+ [Sidenote: Ireland subiect to king Edgar.]
+ of Ireland vnder his subiection, with the citie of Dublin, as by
+ authentike recordes it dooth and may appeare.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Contention amongest the peeres and states about succession to the
+ crowne, the moonkes remoued and the canons and secular priests
+ restored by Alfer duke of Mercia and his adherents, a blasing starre
+ with the euents insuing the same, the rood of Winchester speaketh, a
+ prettie shift of moonks to defeat the priests of their possessions,
+ the controuersie betweene the moonks and the priests ended by a
+ miracle of archbishop Dunstane, great hope that Edward would tread his
+ fathers steps, the reuerent loue he bare his stepmother queene Alfred
+ and hir sonne Egelred, hir diuelish purpose to murther Edward hir
+ step-sonne accomplished, his obscure funerall in respect of pompe, but
+ famous by meanes of miracles wrought by and about his sepulture,
+ queene Alfred repenting hir of the said prepensed murther, dooth
+ penance, and imploieth hir substance in good woorkes as satisfactorie
+ for hir sinnes, king Edwards bodie remoued, and solemnlie buried by
+ Alfer duke of Mercia, who was eaten up with lice for being against the
+ said Edwards aduancement to the crowne, queene Alfreds offense by no
+ meanes excusable._
+
+ THE XXV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDWARD.]
+ [Sidenote: Some write that the father king Edgar appointed Edward to
+ succeed him.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capg._]
+ After the deceasse of king Edgar, there was some strife and contention
+ amongst the lords & péeres of the realme about the succession of the
+ crowne: for Alfred the mother of Egelredus or Ethelredus, and diuers
+ other of hir opinion, would gladlie haue aduanced the same Egelredus
+ to the rule: but the archbishop Dunstan taking in his hands the baner
+ of the crucifix, presented his elder brother Edward vnto the lords as
+ they were assembled togither, and there pronounced him king,
+ notwithstanding that both queene Alfred and hir friends, namelie Alfer
+ the duke of Mercia were sore against him, especiallie for that he was
+ begot in vnlawfull bed of Elfleda the nun, for which offense he did
+ seuen yeares penance, and not for lieng with Wilfrid (as maister Fox
+ [Sidenote: Alfer duke of Mercia and other immediately upon Edgars
+ death before the crowne was established, renounced the moonks and
+ restored the canons.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ thinketh.) But Dunstane iudging (as is to be thought) that Edward was
+ more fit for their behoofe to continue the world in the former course
+ as Edgar had left it, than his brother Egelred (whose mother and such
+ as tooke part with hir vnder hir sonnes authoritie were likelie inough
+ to turne all vpside downe) vsed the matter so, that with helpe of
+ Oswald the archbishop of Yorke, and other bishops, abbats, and
+ certeine of the nobilitie, as the earle of Essex and such like, he
+ preuailed in his purpose, so that (as before is said) the said Edward,
+ being the second of that name which gouerned this land before the
+ [Sidenote: 975.]
+ conquest, was admitted king, and began his reigne ouer England in the
+ yeare of our Lord 975, in the third yeare of the emperour Otho the
+ second, in the 20 yeare of the reigne of Lothar king of France, and
+ about the fourth yeare of Cumelerne king of Scotland. He was
+ consecrated by archb. Dunstane at Kingston vpon Thames, to the great
+ griefe of his mother in law Alfred and hir friends. ¶ About the
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ beginning of his reigne a blasing starre was seene, signifieng (as was
+ thought) the miserable haps that followed. And first there insued
+ barrennesse of ground, and thereby famine amongest the people, and
+ morraine of cattell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Alfer or Elfer, duke of Mercia.]
+ Also duke Alfer or Elfer of Mercia, and other noble men destroyed the
+ abbies which king Edgar and bishop Adelwold had builded within the
+ limits of Mercia. The priests or canons, which had béene expelled in
+ Edgars time out of the prebends and benefices, began to complaine of
+ the wrongs that were doone to them, in that they had beene put out of
+ possession from their liuings, alleging it to be a great offense and
+ miserable case, that a stranger should come and remoue an old
+ inhabitant, for such maner of dooing could not please God, not yet be
+ allowed of anie good man, which ought of reason to doubt least the
+ same should hap to him which he might sée to haue béene another mans
+ vndooing. About this matter was hard hold, for manie of the temporall
+ lords, and namelie the same Alfer, iudged that the priests had wrong.
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capg._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ In so much that they remoued the moonks out of their places, and
+ brought into the monasteries secular priests with their wiues. But
+ Edelwin duke of the Eastangles, & Alfred his brother, with Brightnoth
+ or Brightnode earle of Essex, withstood this dooing, & gathering an
+ armie, with great valiancie mainteined the moonks in their houses,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ within the countrie of Eastangles. Herevpon were councels holden, as
+ at Winchester, at Kirthling in Eastangle, and at Calne.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ At Winchester, when the matter was brought to that passe that the
+ priests were like to haue had their purpose, an image of the rood that
+ stood there in the refectorie where they sat in councell, vttered
+ [Sidenote: A pretie shift of the moonks to disappoint the priests.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ certeine woords in this wise; God forbid it should be so, God forbid
+ it should be so: ye iudged well once, but ye may not change well
+ againe. As though (saith Polydor Virgil) the moonks had more right,
+ which had bereft other men of their possessions, than the priests
+ which required restitution of their owne. But (saith he) bicause the
+ image of Christ hanging on the crosse was thought to speake these
+ words, such credit was giuen thereto, as it had béene an oracle, that
+ the priests had their sute dashed, and all the trouble was ceassed. So
+ the moonks held those possessions, howsoeuer they came to them, by the
+ helpe of God, or rather (as saith the same Polydor) by the helpe of
+ man. For there were euen then diuers that thought this to be rather an
+ oracle of Phebus than of God, that is to say, not published by Gods
+ power, but by the fraud and craftie deceit of men.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ The matter therefore was not so quieted, but that vpon new trouble an
+ other councell was had at a manour house belonging to the king, called
+ Calne, where they that were appointed to haue the hearing of the
+ matter, sat in an vpper loft. The king by reason of his yoong yéeres
+ was spared, so that he came not there. Héere as they were busied in
+ arguing the matter, either part laieng for himselfe what could be
+ said, Dunstane was sore reuiled, and had sundrie reproches laid
+ against him: but suddenlie euen in the verie heat of their
+ communication, the ioists of the loft failed, and downe came all the
+ [Sidenote: Dunstane by woorking miracles had his will, when arguments
+ failed.]
+ companie, so that manie were slaine and hurt, but Dunstane alone
+ standing vpon one of the ioists that fell not, escaped safe and sound.
+ And so this miracle with the other made an end of the controuersie
+ betwéene the priests and moonks, all the English people following the
+ mind of the archbishop Dunstane, who by meanes thereof had his will.
+
+ In this meane while, king Edward ruling himselfe by good counsell of
+ such as were thought discréet and sage persons, gaue great hope to the
+ world that he would walke in his fathers vertuous steps, as alreadie
+ he well began, and bearing alwaie a reuerence to his mother in law,
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malms._]
+ and a brotherlie loue to hir sonne Egelred, vsed himselfe as became
+ him towards them both. Afterward by chance as he was hunting in a
+ forrest néere the castell of Corfe, where his mother in law and his
+ brother the said Egelred then soiourned, when all his companie were
+ spred abroad in following the game, so that he was left alone, he
+ tooke the waie streight vnto his mother in lawes house, to visit hir
+ [Sidenote: The wicked purpose of quéene Alfred.]
+ and his brother. The quéene hearing that he was come, was verie glad
+ thereof, for that she had occasion offered to woorke that which she
+ had of long time before imagined, that was, to slea the king hir sonne
+ in law, that hir owne sonne might inioy the garland. Wherefore she
+ required him to alight, which he in no wise would yéeld vnto, but said
+ that he had stolne from his companie, and was onelie come to see hir
+ and his brother, and to drinke with them, and therefore would returne
+ to the forrest againe to sée some more sport.
+
+ [Sidenote: The shameful murther of K. Edward.]
+ The queene perceiuing that he would not alight, caused drinke to be
+ fetched, and as he had the cup at his mouth, by hir appointment, one
+ of hir seruants stroke him into the bodie with a knife, wherevpon
+ féeling himselfe wounded, he set spurres to the horsse thinking to
+ gallop awaie, and so to get to his companie. But being hurt to the
+ death, he fell from his horsse, so as one of his féet was fastened in
+ the stirrup, by reason whereof his horsse drew him foorth through
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ woods and launds, & the bloud which gushed out of the wound shewed
+ token of his death to such as followed him, and the waie to the place
+ where the horsse had left him. That place was called Corphes gate or
+ Corfes gate. His bodie being found was buried without anie solemne
+ funeralls at Warham. For they which enuied that he should inioy the
+ crowne, enuied also the buriall of his bodie within the church: but
+ the memorie of his fame could not so secretlie be buried with the
+ [Sidenote: Miracles.]
+ bodie, as they imagined. For sundrie miracles shewed at the place
+ where his bodie was interred, made the same famous (as diuerse haue
+ reported) for there was sight restored to the blind, health to the
+ sicke, and hearing to the deafe, which are easilier to be told than
+ beleeued.
+
+ Queene Alfred also would haue ridden to the place where he laie,
+ mooued with repentance (as hath beene said) but the horsse wherevpon
+ she rode would not come neere the graue, for anie thing that could be
+ doone to him. Neither by changing the said horsse could the matter be
+ holpen: for euen the same thing happened to the other horsses.
+ Heerevpon the woman perceiued hir great offense towards God for
+ murthering the innocent, and did so repent hir afterward for the same,
+ that besides the chastising of hir bodie in fasting, and other kind of
+ [Sidenote: Building of abbeies in those daies was thought to be a full
+ satisfaction for all manner of sinnes.]
+ penance, she imploied all hir substance and patrimonie on the poore,
+ and in building and reparing of churches and monasteries. She founded
+ two houses of nuns (as is said) the one at Warwell, the other at
+ Ambresburie, and finallie professed hirselfe a nun in one of them,
+ that is to say, at Warwell, which house she builded (as some affirme)
+ in remembrance of hir first husband that was slaine there by king
+ Edgar for hir sake (as before is mentioned.)
+
+ The bodie of this Edward the second, and surnamed the martyr, after
+ that it had remained thrée yéeres at Warham where it was first buried,
+ was remooued vnto Shaftesburie, and with great reuerence buried there
+ [Sidenote: Elferus.]
+ by the forenamed Alfer or Elfer, duke of Mercia, who also did sore
+ repent himselfe, in that he had beene against the aduancement of the
+ said king Edward (as ye haue heard.) But yet did not he escape
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ woorthie punishment: for within one yéere after, he was eaten to death
+ with lice (if the historie be true.) King Edward came to his death
+ after he had reigned thrée yéeres, or (as other write) thrée yéeres
+ and eight moneths. ¶ Whatsoeuer hath béene reported by writers of the
+ murther committed on the person of this king Edward, sure it is that
+ if he were base begotten (as by writers of no meane credit it should
+ appéere he was in déed) great occasion vndoubtedlie was giuen vnto
+ quéene Alfred to seeke reuenge for the wrongfull keeping backe of hir
+ son Egelred from his rightfull succession to the crowne: but whether
+ that Edward was legitimate or not, she might yet haue deuised some
+ other lawfull meane to haue come by hir purpose, and not so to haue
+ procured the murther of the young prince in such vnlawfull maner. For
+ hir dooing therein can neither be woorthilie allowed, nor throughlie
+ excused, although those that occasioned the mischiefe by aduancing hir
+ stepsonne to an other mans right, deserued most blame in this matter.
+
+
+   _Thus farre the sixt booke comprising the first arriuall of the
+   Danes in this land, which was in king Britricus his reigne, pag.
+   652, at which time the most miserable state of England tooke
+   beginning._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE SEVENTH BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Egelred succeedeth Edward the martyr in the kingdoms of England, the
+ decaie of the realme in his reigne, Dunstane refusing to consecrate
+ him is therevnto inforced, Dunstans prophesies of the English people
+ and Egelred their king, his slouth and idlenes accompanied with other
+ vices, the Danes arriue on the coasts of Kent and make spoile of manie
+ places; warre betwixt the king and the bishop of Rochester, archbishop
+ Dunstans bitter denunciation against the king because he would not be
+ pacified with the bishop of Rochester without moneie; Dunstans
+ parentage, his strange trance, and what a woonderfull thing he did
+ during the time it lasted, his education and bringing vp, with what
+ good qualities he was indued, an incredible tale of his harpe, how he
+ was reuoked from louing and lusting after women whereto he was
+ addicted, his terrible dreame of a rough beare, what preferments he
+ obteined by his skill in the expounding of dreames._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EGELRED.]
+ In the former booke was discoursed the troubled state of this land by
+ the manifold and mutinous inuasions of the Danes; who though they
+ sought to ingrosse the rule of euerie part and parcell therof into
+ their hands; yet being resisted by the valiantnesse of the gouernors
+ supported with the aid of their people, they were disappointed of
+ their expectation, and receiued manie a dishonorable or rather
+ reprochfull repulse at their aduersaries hands. Much mischiefe
+ doubtlesse they did, and more had doone, if they had not béene met
+ withall in like measure of extremitie as they offred, to the offense
+ and ouerthrow of great multitudes. Their first entrance into this land
+ is controuersed among writers, some saieng that it was in the daies of
+ king Britricus, other some affirming that it was in the time of king
+ Egbert, &c: about which point (sith it is a matter of no great moment)
+ we count it labour lost to vse manie woords: onelie this by the waie
+ is notewoorthie, that the Danes had an vnperfect or rather a lame and
+ limping rule in this land, so long as the gouernors were watchfull,
+ diligent, politike at home, and warlike abroad. But when these kind of
+ kings discontinued, and that the raines of the regiment fell into the
+ hands of a pezzant not a puissant prince, a man euill qualified,
+ dissolute, slacke and licentious, not regarding the dignitie of his
+ owne person, nor fauoring the good estate of the people; the Danes who
+ before were coursed from coast to coast, and pursued from place to
+ place, as more willing to leaue the land, than desirous to tarrie in
+ the same; tooke occasion of stomach and courage to reenter this Ile, &
+ waxing more bold and confident, more desperate and venturous, spared
+ no force, omitted no opportunitie, let slip no aduantage that they
+ might possiblie take, to put in practise and fullie to accomplish
+ their long conceiued purpose.
+
+ Now bicause the Danes in the former kings daies were reencountred (and
+ that renowmedlie) so often as they did encounter, and séeking the
+ totall regiment, were dispossessed of their partile principalitie,
+ which by warlike violence they obteined; and for that the Saxons were
+ interessed in the land, and these but violent incrochers, vnable to
+ kéepe that which they came to by constreint; we haue thought it
+ conuenient to comprise the troubled estate of that time in the sixt
+ booke; the rather for the necessarie consequence of matters then in
+ motion: and héere déeme it not amisse, at so great and shamefull
+ loosenesse (speciallie in a prince) ministring hart and courage to the
+ enimie, to begin the seuenth booke. Wherin is expressed the chiefest
+ time of their flourishing estate in this land; if in tumults, vprores,
+ battels, and bloudshed, such a kind of estate may possiblie be found.
+ For héere the Danes lord it, heere they take vpon them like
+ souereignes, & héere (if at anie time they had absolute authoritie)
+ they did what they might in the highest degrée: as shall be declared
+ in the vnfortunate affaires of vngratious Egelred or Etheldred, the
+ sonne of king Edgar, and of his last wife queene Alfred, who was
+ ordeined king in place of his brother Edward, after the same Edward
+ was dispatched out of the waie, and began his reigne ouer this realme
+ [Sidenote: 979.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ of England, in the yéere of our Lord 979, which was in the seuenth
+ yéere of the emperor Otho the second, in the 24 of Lothaire K. of
+ France, and about the second or third yeere of Kenneth the third of
+ that name king of Scotland.
+
+ This Egelred or Etheldred was the 30 in number from Cerdicus the first
+ king of the Westsaxons: through his negligent gouernment, the state of
+ the commonwealth fell into such decaie (as writers doo report) that
+ vnder him it may be said, how the kingdome was come to the vttermost
+ point or period of old and féeble age, which is the next degrée to the
+ graue. For wheras, whilest the realme was diuided at the first by the
+ Saxons into sundrie dominions, it grew at length (as it were
+ increasing from youthfull yeeres) to one absolute monarchie, which
+ passed vnder the late remembred princes, Egbert, Adelstane, Edgar, and
+ others, so that in their daies it might be said, how it was growne to
+ mans state, but now vnder this Egelred, through famine, pestilence,
+ and warres, the state thereof was so shaken, turned vpside downe, and
+ weakened on ech part, that rightlie might the season be likened vnto
+ the old broken yéeres of mans life, which through féeblenesse is not
+ able to helpe it selfe. Dunstane archbishop of Canturburie was thought
+ to haue foreséene this thing, and therfore refused to annoint Egelred
+ king, which by the murther of his brother should atteine to the
+ gouernment: but at length he was compelled vnto it, and so he
+ consecrated him at Kingston vpon Thames, as the maner then was, on the
+ 24 day of Aprill, assisted by Oswald archbishop of Yorke, and ten
+ other bishops.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ But (as hath béene reported) Dunstane then said that the English
+ people should suffer condigne punishment generallie, with losse of
+ ancient liberties, which before that time they had inioied. Dunstane
+ also long before prophesied of the slouthfulnesse that should remaine
+ in this Egelred. For at what time he ministred the sacrament of
+ baptisme to him; shortlie after he came into this world, he defiled
+ the font with the ordure of his wombe (as hath beene said:) whervpon
+ Dunstane being troubled in mind, "By the Lord (saith he) and his
+ blessed mother, this child shall prooue to be a slouthfull person." It
+ hath beene written also, that when he was but ten yeeres of age, and
+ heard that his brother Edward was slaine, he so offended his mother
+ with wéeping, bicause she could not still him, that hauing no rod at
+ hand, she tooke tapers or sizes that stood before hir, and beat him so
+ sore with them, that she had almost killed him, whereby he could neuer
+ after abide to haue anie such candels lighted before him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ This Egelred (as writers say) was nothing giuen to warlike
+ enterprises, but was slouthfull, a louer of idlenesse, and delighting
+ in riotous lusts, which being knowne to all men, caused him to be
+ euill spoken of amongst his owne people, and nothing feared amongst
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: 980.]
+ strangers. Heerevpon the Danes that exercised rouing on the seas,
+ began to conceiue a boldnesse of courage to disquiet and molest the
+ sea-coasts of the realme, in so much that in the second yéere of this
+ Egelreds reigne, they came with seuen ships on the English coasts of
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Kent, and spoiled the Ile of Tenet, the towne of Southampton, and in
+ the yeere following they destroied S. Petroks abbeie in Cornwall,
+ Porthland in Deuonshire, and diuerse other places by the sea side,
+ speciallie in Deuonshire & Cornwall. Also a great part of Cheshire was
+ destroied by pirats of Norway.
+
+ [Sidenote: 982.]
+ [Sidenote: 983.]
+ [Sidenote: Alfer or Elfer duke of Mercia departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: Alfrike or Elfrike duke of Mercia.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ The same yéere by casualtie of fire, a great part of the citie of
+ London was burnt. In the yeere of our Lord 983, Alfer duke of Mercia
+ departed this life, who was coosen to king Edgar, & his sonne Alfrike
+ tooke vpon him the rule of that dukedome, and within thrée yéeres
+ after was banished the land. About the eight yéere of his reigne,
+ Egelred maried one Elgina or Ethelgina, daughter of earle Egbert. In
+ the ninth yeere of his reigne, vpon occasion of strife betwéene him
+ and the bishop of Rochester, he made warre against the same bishop,
+ wasted his lordships, and besieged the citie of Rochester, till
+ Dunstan procured the bishops peace with paiment of an hundred pounds
+ in gold. And bicause the K. would not agrée with the bishop without
+ moneie at the onelie request of Dunstane, the said Dunstane did send
+ him woord, that sithens he made more account of gold than of God, more
+ of monie than of S. Andrew, patrone of the church of Rochester, and
+ more of couetousnesse than of him being the archbishop, the mischiefs
+ which the Lord had threatned would shortlie fall and come to passe,
+ but the same should not chance whilest he was aliue, who died in the
+ yéere following, on the 25 of Maie, being saturdaie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Vita Dunstani._]
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Capgr._]
+ [Sidenote: _Osborne._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ Of this Dunstane manie things are recorded by writers, that he should
+ be of such holinesse and vertue, that God wrought manie miracles by
+ him, both whilest he liued heere on earth, and also after his
+ deceasse. He was borne in Westsaxon, his father was named Heorstan,
+ and his mother Cinifride, who in his youth set him to schoole, where
+ he so profited, that he excelled all his equals in age. Afterward he
+ fell sicke of an ague, which vexed him so sore that it draue him into
+ a frensie: and therefore his parents appointed him to the cure and
+ charge of a certeine woman, where his disease grew so on him, that he
+ fell in a trance, as though he had béene dead, and after that he
+ suddenlie arose, & by chance caught a staffe in his hand, and ran vp
+ and downe through hils and dales, and laid about him as though he had
+ béene afraid of mad dogs. The next night (as it is said) he gat him to
+ the top of the church (by the helpe of certeine ladders that stood
+ there for woorkemen to mend the roofe) and there ran vp and downe
+ verie dangerouslie, but in the end came safelie downe, and laid him to
+ sléepe betwéene two men that watched the church that night, & when he
+ awaked, he maruelled how he came there. Finallie, recouering his
+ disease, his parents made him a priest, and placed him in the abbeie
+ of Glastenburie, where he gaue himselfe to the reading of scriptures
+ and knowledge of vertue. But as well his kinsmen as certeine other did
+ raise a report of him, that he gaue not himselfe so much to the
+ reading of scriptures, as to charming, coniuring and sorcerie, which
+ he vtterlie denied: howbeit learned he was in déed, & could doo manie
+ pretie things both in handie woorke and other deuises: he had good
+ skill in musicke and delighted much therein. At length he grew in such
+ fauour, that he was aduanced into the seruice of king Adelstane.
+
+ Vpon a time, as he came to a gentlewomans house with his harpe, and
+ hoong the same on the wall, while he shaped a priests stole, the harpe
+ suddenlie began to plaie a psalme, which draue the whole houshold in
+ such feare, that they ran out and said, he was too cunning, and knew
+ more than was expedient: wherevpon he was accused of necromancie, and
+ so banished out of the court. After this he began to haue a liking to
+ women, and when Elfeagus then bishop of Winchester and his coosen,
+ persuaded him to become a moonke, he refused it, for he rather wished
+ to haue maried a yoong damesell, whose pleasant companie he dailie
+ inioied. But being soone after striken with such a swelling disease in
+ his bellie, that all his bodie was brought into such state, as though
+ he had béene infected with a foule leprosie, he bethought him selfe,
+ and vpon his recouerie sent to the bishop, who immediatlie shore him a
+ moonke, in which life he liued in so great opinion of holinesse, as he
+ in time became abbat of Glastenburie: where on a time as he was in his
+ praiers before the altar of S. George, he fell asléepe: and imagining
+ in his dreame, that an vglie rough beare came towards him with open
+ mouth, and set his forefeet vpon his shoulders readie to deuoure him,
+ he suddenlie wakening for feare, caught his walking staffe which he
+ commonlie went with, and laid about him, that all the church rang
+ [Sidenote: _Polychron._]
+ thereof, to the great woonder of such as stood by. The common tale of
+ his plucking the diuell by the nose with a paire of pinsors, for
+ tempting him with women, while he was making a chalice: the great loue
+ that the ladie Elfleda néere kinswoman to king Adelstane bare him to
+ hir dieng day, with a great manie of other such like matters, I leaue
+ as friuolous, and wholie impertinent to our purpose: onelie this I
+ read, that through declaring of his dreames and visions, he obteined
+ in the time of king Edgar, first the bishoprike of Worcester, after of
+ London, & last of all the archbishoprike of Canturburie. But leauing
+ Dunstane and the fond deuises depending vpon the commemoration of his
+ life, we will now returne to the dooings of Egelred, and speake of
+ such things in the next chapter as chanced in his time.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Danes inuade England on each side, they are vanquished by the
+ English, Goda earle of Deuonshire slaine; the Danes in a battell
+ fought at Maldon kill Brightnod earle of Essex and the most of his
+ armie, ten thousand pounds paid to them by composition that they
+ should not trouble the English subjects, they cease their crueltie for
+ a time, but within a while after fall to their bloudie bias, the
+ English people despaire to resist them, Egelred addresseth a nauie
+ against the Danes vnder the erles Alfrike and Turold, Alfrike
+ traitorouslie taketh part with the Danes, his ship and souldiers are
+ taken, his sonne Algar is punished for his fathers offense, the Danes
+ make great wast in many parts of this Iland, they besiege London and
+ are repelled with dishonor, they driue king Egelred to buy peace of
+ them for _16000_ pounds; Aulafe king of Norwey is honorablie
+ interteined of Egelred, to whome he promiseth at his baptisme neuer to
+ make warre against England, the great zeale of people in setting
+ forward the building of Durham towne and the minster._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ [Sidenote: The Danes inuade this land.]
+ Shortlie after the decease of Dunstane, the Danes inuaded this realme
+ on each side, wasting and spoiling the countrie in most miserable
+ wise. They arriued in so manie places at once, that the Englishmen
+ could not well deuise whither to go to encounter first with them. Some
+ [Sidenote: _Alias_ Wecederport.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ of them spoiled a place or towne called Wichport, and from thence
+ passing further into the countrie, were met with by the Englishmen,
+ who giuing them battell, lost their capteine Goda: but yet they got
+ [Sidenote: Danes vanquished.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ the victorie, and beat the Danes out of the field, and so that part of
+ the Danish armie was brought to confusion. Simon Dunel. saith, that
+ the Englishmen in déed wan the field here, but not without great
+ [Sidenote: Goda earle of Deuonshire slain.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ losse. For besides Goda (who by report of the same author was Earle of
+ Deuonshire) there died an other valiant man of warre named Strenwold.
+ In the yeere 991, Brightnod earle of Essex, at Maldon gaue battell to
+ an armie of Danes (which vnder their leaders Iustine and Guthmond had
+ spoiled Gipswich) and was there ouercome and slaine with the most part
+ of his people, and so the Danes obteined in that place the victorie.
+
+ [Sidenote: 991.]
+ In the same yéere, and in the 13 yeere of, king Egelreds reigne, when
+ the land was on each side sore afflicted, wasted and haried by the
+ Danes, which couered the same as they had béene grashoppers: by the
+ aduise of the archbishop of Canturburie Siricius (which was the second
+ of that sée after Dunstane) a composition was taken with the Danes, so
+ [Sidenote: Ten thousand pounds paid to the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: Danegilt.]
+ that for the sum of ten thousand pounds to be paied to them by the
+ king, they should couenant not to trouble his subjects anie further.
+ This monie was called Danegilt or Dane monie, and was leuied of the
+ people. Although other take that to be Danegilt, which was giuen vnto
+ such Danes as king Egelred afterwards reteined in his seruice, to
+ defend the land from other Danes and enimies that sought to inuade his
+ dominions. But by what name so euer this monie (which the Danes now
+ receiued) was called, true it is that herevpon they ceassed from their
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 992.]
+ most cruell inuasions for a time. But shortlie after they had
+ refreshed themselues, and recouered new strength, they began to play
+ their old parts againe, dooing the like mischéefe by their semblable
+ inuasions, as they had vsed before. By reason hereof such feare came
+ vpon the English people, that they despaired to be able to resist the
+ enimies.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: A nauie set forth.]
+ The king yet caused a nauie to be set foorth at London, whereof he
+ appointed earle Alfrike (whome before he had banished) to be high
+ admerall, ioining with him earle Turold. This nauie did set forward
+ from London toward the enimies, who hauing warning giuen them from
+ Alfrike, escaped away without hurt. Shortly after a greater nauie of
+ the Danes came, and incountered with the kings fléet, so that a great
+ number of the Londoners were slaine, and all the kings ships taken:
+ [Sidenote: Alfrike a traitour to his countrie.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ for Alfrike like a traitor turned to the Danes side. ¶ Matt. West.
+ maketh other report of this matter, declaring that Alfrike in déed
+ being one of the chiefe capteins of the fléet, aduertised them by
+ forewarning of the danger that was toward them, and that when they
+ should come to ioining, the same Alfrike like a traitor fled to the
+ Danes, and after vpon necessitie being put to flight escaped away with
+ them: but the other capteins of the kings fléet, as Theodred, Elstan,
+ and Escwen, pursued the Danes, tooke one of their ships, and slue all
+ those that were found therein. The Londoners also (as the same Matt.
+ West, saith) met with the nauie of the Danish rouers as they fled
+ away, and slue a great number, and also tooke the ship of the traitor
+ Alfrike with his souldiers & armor, but he himselfe escaped, though
+ with much paine, hauing plaied the like traitorous part once before,
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: The son punished for his fathers offense.]
+ [Sidenote: 993.]
+ and yet was reconciled to the kings fauor againe. Vpon this mischiefe
+ wrought by the father, the king now tooke his sonne Algar, and caused
+ his eies to be put out.
+
+ About the same time was Bambrough destroied by the Danes, which
+ arriued after in Humber, and wasted the countrie of Lindsey and
+ Yorkeshire, on either side that riuer. And when the Englishmen were
+ assembled to giue them battell, before they ioined, the capteines of
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ the English armie, Frena, Godwin, and Fredegist, that were Danes by
+ their fathers side began to flie away, and escaped, so giuing the
+ occasion of the ouerthrow that lighted on their people. But by some
+ writers it should appéere, that after the Danes had destroied all the
+ north parts, as they spred abroad without order and good arraie, the
+ [Sidenote: Aulafe king of Norway, & Swein king of Denmarke were
+ capteins of this fléet, as saith _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 994.]
+ people of the countrie fell vpon them, and slue some of them, and
+ chased the residue. Other of the Danes with a nauie of 94 ships
+ entered the Thames, and besieged London about our ladie daie in
+ September. They gaue a verie sore assault to the citie, and assaied to
+ set it on fire: but the citizens so valiantlie defended themselues,
+ that the Danes were beaten backe and repelled, greatlie to their
+ losse, so that they were constreined to depart thence with dishonor.
+ Then they fell to and wasted the countries of Essex, Kent, Sussex, and
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: The king compounded with the Danes for monie.]
+ Hamshire, and ceassed not till they had inforced the king to compound
+ with them for 16 thousand pounds, which he was glad to pay to haue
+ peace with them.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Aufale king of Norwey baptised.]
+ [Sidenote: His promise.]
+ Moreouer, whereas they wintered that yéere at Southampton, the king
+ procured Aulafe king of the Norwegians to come vnto Andeuer (where at
+ that time he lay) vpon pledges receiued of the king for his safe
+ returne. Elphegus bishop of Winchester, and duke Ethelwold were
+ appointed by king Egelred to bring Aulafe vnto him in most honorable
+ maner. The same time was Aulafe baptised, king Egelred receiuing him
+ at the fontstone, and so he promised neuer after to make anie war
+ within this land. And receiuing great gifts of the king, he returned
+ into his countrie, and kept his promise faithfullie: but the euils
+ tooke not so an end, for other of the Danes sprang vp, as they had
+ béene the heads of the serpent Hydra, some of them euer being readie
+ to trouble the quiet state of the English nation.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Iohn Leland._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 995.]
+ About this season, that is to say, in the yéere of our Lord 995,
+ bishop Aldaine which was fled from Chester in the stréet (otherwise
+ called Cunecester) with the bodie of saint Cuthbert for feare of the
+ inuasion of Danes, vnto Rippon, brought the same bodie now vnto
+ [Sidenote: The church of Durham builded.]
+ there began the foundation of a church; so that the sée of that
+ bishoprike was from thencefoorth there established, and the woods were
+ there cut downe, which before that time couered and ouergrew that
+ [Sidenote: Earle Vthred.]
+ place, wherevpon it began first to be inhabited. Earle Vthred, who
+ gouerned that countrie, greatlie furthered the bishop in this worke,
+ so that all the people inhabiting betweene the riuers of Coquid and
+ [Sidenote: Durham town and minster builded.]
+ Theis, came togither to rid the woods, and to helpe forwards the
+ building of the church and towne there.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The Danes inuading the west parts of this land make great hauocke by
+ fire and sword, they arriue at Rochester, and conquer the Kentishmen
+ in field, king Egelred ouercommeth the Danes that inhabited Cumberland
+ and wasteth the countrie, the Summersetshire men are foiled; the
+ miserable state of the realme in those daies; the English bloud mixed
+ with the Danes and Britaines, and what inconueniencies grew thervpon,
+ the disordered gouernement of king Egelred, sicknesses vexing the
+ people, treason in the nobles, the tribute paid to the Danes
+ vnmercifillie inhansed, the realme brought to beggerie; king Egelred
+ by politike persuasion and counsell marrieth Emma the duke of
+ Normandies daughter, vpon what occasion the Normans pretended a title
+ to the crowne of England, they conquer the whole land, what order king
+ Egelred tooke to kill all the Danes within his kingdoms, and what rule
+ they bare in this realme yer they were murdered, the thraldome of the
+ English people under them, whereof the word Lordane sprang._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+ [Sidenote: 997.]
+ [Sidenote: The Danes inuade the west parts of this land.]
+ In the nineenth yere of king Egelreds reigne, the Danes sailed about
+ Cornewall, and comming into the Seuerne sea, they robbed & tooke
+ preies in the coasts of Deuonshire & Southwales, and landing at
+ Wicheport, they burned vp the countrie, and came about vnto
+ Penwithstréet on the south coast, and so arriuing in the mouth of
+ Tamer water, came vnto Lidford, and there wasted all afore them with
+ force of fire. They burned, amongst other places, the monasterie of
+ [Sidenote: Tauestocke.]
+ saint Ordulfe at Essingstocke. After this they came into Dorcetshire,
+ and passed through the countrie with flame and fire, not finding anie
+ that offered to resist them. The same yéere also they soiourned in the
+ [Sidenote: 998.]
+ [Sidenote: 999.]
+ [Sidenote: The Danes arriue in the Thames.]
+ Ile of Wight, and liued vpon spoiles & preies which they tooke in
+ Hampshire and Sussex. At length they came into the Thames, and so by
+ the riuer of Medwey arriued at Rochester. The Kentishmen assembled
+ togither and fought with the Danes, but they were ouercome, and so
+ left the field to the Danes. After this, the same Danes sailed into
+ Normandie, and king Egelred went into Cumberland, where the Danes
+ [Sidenote: 1000.]
+ inhabited in great numbers, whome he ouercame with sore warre, and
+ wasted almost all Cumberland, taking great spoiles in the same. About
+ the same time, or shortlie after, the Danes with their nauie,
+ [Sidenote: 1001.]
+ [Sidenote: Exmouth.]
+ returning out of Normandie, came vnto Exmouth, and there assaulted the
+ castell, but they were repelled by them that kept it. After this they
+ spread abroad ouer all the countrie, exercising their accustomed trade
+ of destroieng all before them with fire and sword. The men of
+ [Sidenote: Pentho.]
+ Summersetshire fought with them at Pentho, but the Danes got the vpper
+ hand.
+
+ Thus the state of the realme in those daies was verie miserable, for
+ there wanted worthie chieftains to rule the people, and to chastise
+ them when they did amisse. There was no trust in the noble men, for
+ euerie one impugned others dooing, and yet would not deuise which way
+ [Sidenote: Disagréement with councellors what fruit it bringeth.]
+ to deale with better likelihood. When they assembled in councell, and
+ should haue occupied their heads in deuising remedies for the
+ mischiefe of the common wealth, they turned their purpose vnto
+ altercation, about such strifes, contentions and quarels as each one
+ against other, and suffered the generall case to lie still in the
+ dust. And if at anie time there was anie good conclusion agreed vpon,
+ for the withstanding of the enimie, & reléefe of the common wealth,
+ anon should the enimie be aduertised thereof by such as were of
+ aliance or consanguinitie to them. For (as Caxton, Polychr. and others
+ say) the English bloud was so mixed with that of the Danes and
+ Britains, who were like enimies to the Englishmen, that there was
+ almost few of the nobilitie and commons, which had not on the one side
+ a parent of some of them.
+
+ Whereby it came to passe, that neither the secret purposes of the king
+ could be concealed till they might take due effect; neither their
+ assemblies proue quiet without quarelling and taking of parts. Manie
+ also being sent foorth with their powers one way (whilest the king
+ went to make resistance another) did reuolt to his enimies, and turned
+ their swords against him (as you haue heard of Elfrike and his
+ complices, and shall read of manie others) so that it was no maruell
+ that Egelred sped no better, and yet was he as valiant as anie of his
+ predecessors, although the moonks fauour him not in their writings,
+ because he demanded aid of them toward his warres, and was nothing
+ fauorable to their lewd hypocrisie. But what is a king if his subiects
+ be not loiall? What is a realme, if the common wealth be diuided? By
+ peace & concord, of small beginnings great and famous kingdomes haue
+ oft times procéeded; whereas by discord the greatest kingdoms haue
+ oftner bene brought to ruine. And so it proued here, for whilest
+ priuat quarels are pursued, the generall affaires are vtterlie
+ neglected: and whilest ech nation séeketh to preferre hir owne
+ aliance, the Iland it selfe is like to become a desert.
+
+ But to procéed with our monasticall writers: certes they lay all the
+ fault in the king, saieng that he was a man giuen to no good exercise,
+ he delighted in fleshlie lustes and riotous bankettings and still
+ sought waies how to gather of his subiects what might be got, as well
+ [Sidenote: The misgouernement of the king.]
+ by vnlawfull meanes as otherwise. For he would for feined or for verie
+ small & light causes disherit his natiue subiects, and cause them to
+ redéeme their owne possessions for great summes of monie. Besides
+ [Sidenote: Sicknesse vexeth the people.]
+ these oppressions, diuers kinds of sicknesses vexed the people also,
+ as the bloodie flix, and hot burning agues which then raged through
+ the land, so that manie died thereof. By such manner of meanes
+ [Sidenote: Treason in the nobilitie.]
+ therefore, what through the misgouernance of the king, the treason and
+ disloialtie of the nobilitie, the lacke of good order and due
+ correction amongst the people, and by such other scourges and mishaps
+ as afflicted the English nation in that season, the land was brought
+ into great ruine, so that, where by strength the enimie could not be
+ kept off, there was now no hope but to appease them with monie. By
+ [Sidenote: The inhancing of the tribute paid to the Danes.]
+ reason hereof from time of the first agréement with the Danes for 10
+ thousand pounds tribute, it was inhanced to 16000 pounds, (as you haue
+ heard) & after that to 20000 pounds, then to 24000 pounds, & so to
+ 30000 pounds, & lastlie to 40000 pounds, till at length the relme was
+ [Sidenote: The death of quéene Elgina.]
+ emptied in maner of all that monie and coine that could be found in
+ it. In this meane time died Elgina or Ethelgina the quéene. Shortlie
+ [Sidenote: Emma.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ after it was deuised that the king should be a suter vnto Richard duke
+ of Normandie, for his sister Emma, a ladie of such excellent beautie,
+ that she was named the floure of Normandie. This sute was begun and
+ [Sidenote: 1002.]
+ [Sidenote: Emma daughter of R. duke of Normandie maried to K. Edgar.]
+ tooke such good successe, that the king obteined his purpose. And so
+ in the yeare of our Lord 1002, which was about the 24 yeare of king
+ Egelreds reigne, he maried the said Emma with great solemnitie.
+
+ This mariage was thought to be right necessarie, honorable, and
+ profitable for the realme of England, because of the great puissance
+ of the Norman princes in those daies: but as things afterward came to
+ passe, it turned to the subuersion of the whole English state: for by
+ such affinitie and dealing as happened hereby betwixt the Normans and
+ Englishmen, occasion in the end was ministred to the same Normans to
+ pretend a title to the crowne of England, in prosecuting of which
+ title, they obteined and made the whole conquest of the land, as after
+ shall appeare. Egelred being greatlie aduanced (as he thought) by
+ reason of his mariage, deuised vpon presumption thereof, to cause all
+ the Danes within the land to be murthered in one day. Herevpon he sent
+ priuie commissioners to all cities, burrowes and townes within his
+ dominions, commanding the rulers and officers in the same, to kill all
+ such Danes as remained within their liberties, at a certeine day
+ [Sidenote: 1012.]
+ [Sidenote: The 18 of Nouember.]
+ [Sidenote: The murder of the Danes.]
+ prefixed, being saint Brices day, in the yeare 1012, and in the 34
+ yeare of king Egelreds reigne. Herevpon (as sundrie writers agree) in
+ one day & houre this murther began, and was according to the
+ commission and iniunction executed. But where it first began, the same
+ is vncerteine: some say at Wellowin in Herefordshire, some at a place
+ [Sidenote: Hownhill, or Houndhill, a place within Merchington parish
+ beside the forest of Néedwood, somewhat more than two miles from
+ Vtoxcester.]
+ in Staffordshire called Hownhill, & others in other places, but
+ whersoeuer it began, the dooers repented it after.
+
+ [Sidenote: The miserable state of this realme vnder the thraldome of
+ the Danes.]
+ But now yer we procéed anie further, we will shew what rule the Danes
+ kept here in this realme before they were thus murthered, as in some
+ bookes we find recorded. Whereas it is shewed that the Danes compelled
+ the husbandmen to til the ground & doo all maner of labour and toile
+ to be doone about husbandrie: the Danes liued vpon the fruit and
+ gaines that came thereof, and kept the husbandmens wiues, their
+ daughters, maids and seruants, vsing and abusing them at their
+ pleasures. And when the husbandmen came home, then could they scarse
+ haue such sustenance of meats and drinkes as fell for seruants to
+ haue: so that the Danes had all their commandements, eating and
+ drinking of the best, where the sillie man that was the owner, could
+ hardlie come to his fill of the worst. Besides this, the common people
+ were so oppressed by the Danes, that for feare and dread they called
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ them in euerie such house where anie of them soiourned, Lord Dane. And
+ if an Englishman and a Dane chanced to méet at anie bridge or streight
+ passage, the Englishman must staie till the Lord Dane were passed. But
+ in processe of time, after the Danes were voided the land, this word
+ Lord Dane was in derision and despight of the Danes turned by
+ [Sidenote: Lordane whereof the word came.]
+ Englishmen into a name of reproch, as Lordane, which till these our
+ daies is not forgotten. For when the people in manie parts of this
+ realme will note and signifie anie great idle lubber that will not
+ labour nor take paine for his liuing, they will call him Lordane. Thus
+ did the Danes vse the Englishmen in most vile manner, and kept them in
+ such seruile thraldome as cannot be sufficientlie vttered.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A fresh power of Danes inuade England to reuenge the slaughter of
+ their countrimen that inhabited this Ile, the west parts betraied into
+ their hands by the conspiracie of a Norman that was in gouernement,
+ earle Edrike feined himselfe sicke when king Egelred sent vnto him to
+ leuie a power against the Danes, and betraieth his people to the
+ enimies; Sweine king of Denmarke arriueth on the coast of Northfolke,
+ and maketh pitifull spoile by fire and sword; the truce taken betweene
+ him and Vikillus is violated, and what reuengement followeth; king
+ Sweine forced by famine returneth into his owne countrie, he arriueth
+ againe at Sandwich, why king Egelred was vnable to preuaile against
+ him, the Danes ouerrun all places where they come and make cruell
+ waste, king Egelred paieth him great summes of monie for peace; the
+ mischiefes that light vpon a land by placing a traitorous stranger in
+ gouernement, how manie acres a hide of land conteineth, Egelreds order
+ taken for ships and armour, why his great fleet did him little
+ pleasure; a fresh host of Danes vnder three capteines arriue at
+ Sandwich, the citizens of Canturburie for monie purchase safetie, the
+ faithlesse deeling of Edrike against king Egelred for the enimies
+ aduantage, what places the Danes ouerran and wasted._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Vpon knowledge giuen into Denmarke of the cruell murder of the Danes
+ here in England, truth it is, that the people of the countrie were
+ greatlie kindled in malice, and set in such a furious rage against the
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: The Danes returne to inuade England.]
+ [Sidenote: Excester taken.]
+ [Sidenote: 1002.]
+ Englishmen, that with all spéed they made foorth a nauie full fraught
+ with men of warre, the which in the yeare following came swarming
+ about the coasts of England, and landing in the west countrie, tooke
+ [Sidenote: Hugh a Norman conspireth with the Danes.]
+ the citie of Excester, and gat there a rich spoile. One Hugh a Norman
+ borne, whome quéene Emma had placed in those parties as gouernour or
+ shirife there, conspired with the Danes, so that all the countrie was
+ ouerrun and wasted.
+
+ The king hearing that the Danes were thus landed, and spoiled the west
+ parts of the realme, he sent vnto Edricus to assemble a power to
+ withstand the enimies. Herevpon the people of Hampshire and Wiltshire
+ rose and got togither: but when the armies should ioine, earle Edricus
+ [Sidenote: The counterfait sicknesse of duke Edrike.]
+ surnamed de Streona feigned himselfe sicke, and so betraied his
+ people, of whome he had the conduct: for they perceiuing the want in
+ their leader, were discouraged, and so fled. The Danes followed them
+ [Sidenote: Wilton spoiled.]
+ vnto Wilton, which towne they rifled and ouercame. From thence they
+ went to Salisburie, and so taking their pleasure there, returned to
+ their ships, because (as some write) they were aduertised that the
+ king was comming towards them with an huge armie. In the yeare next
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 1004.]
+ insuing, that is to saie 1004, which was about the 24 yeare of
+ [Sidenote: Swein king of Denmarke.]
+ K. Egelreds reigne, Sweine or Swanus, king of Denmarke, with a mightie
+ nauie of ships came on the coast of Northfolke, and there landing with
+ [Sidenote: Norwich taken by the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: Thetford burnt.]
+ his people, made toward Norwich, and comming thither tooke that citie,
+ and spoiled it. Then went he vnto Thetford, and when he had taken and
+ [Sidenote: Vikillus or Wilfeketell gouernour of Norffolke.]
+ rifled that towne, he burnt it, notwithstanding a truce taken by
+ Vikillus or Wilfketell gouernor of those parties with the same king
+ Swaine after the taking of Norwich. In reuenge therefore of such
+ breach of truce, the same Vikillus, or Wilfeketell, with such power as
+ he could raise, assaulted the host of Danes as they returned to their
+ ships, and slue a great number of them, but was not able to mainteine
+ the fight, for his enimies ouermatched him in number of men. And so he
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ was constrained in the end to giue backe: and the enimies kept on
+ their waies to their ships.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1005.]
+ [Sidenote: Swaine returned into Denmarke.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ In the yeare following king Swaine returned into Denmarke with all his
+ fléet, partlie constrained so to doo (as some write) by reason of the
+ great famin & want of necessarie sustenance, which in that yeare sore
+ [Sidenote: 1006.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Swaine returned into England.]
+ oppressed this land. In the yeare of our Lord 1006, king Swaine
+ returned againe into England with a mightie & huge nauie, arriuing at
+ Sandwich, and spoiled all the countrie néere vnto the sea side. King
+ Egelred raised all his power against him, and all the haruest time
+ laie abroad in the field to resist the Danes, which according to their
+ woonted maner spared not to exercise their vnmercifull crueltie, in
+ wasting and spoiling the land with fire and sword, pilfering and
+ taking of preies in euerie part where they came. Neither could king
+ Egelred remedie the matter, because the enimies still conueied
+ themselues with their ships into some contrarie quarter, from the
+ place where they knew him to be, so that his trauell was in vaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes winter in the Ile of Wight.]
+ [Sidenote: They inuade Hampshire, Barkeshire, &c.]
+ About the beginning of winter they remained in the Ile of Wight, & in
+ the time of Christmasse they landed in Hampshire, and passing through
+ that countrie into Barkeshire, they came to Reading, and from thence
+ to Wallingford, and so to Coleseie, and then approching to Essington,
+ came to Achikelmeslawe, and in euerie place wheresoeuer they came,
+ they made cleane worke. For that which they could not carie with them,
+ they consumed with fire, burning vp their innes and sleaing their
+ hoasts. In returning backe, the people of the west countrie gaue them
+ battell, but preuailed not, so that they did but inrich their enimies
+ [Sidenote: Winchester.]
+ with the spoile of their bodies. They came by the gates of Winchester
+ as it were in maner of triumph, with vittels and spoiles which they
+ had fetched fiftie miles from the sea side. In the meane time king
+ Egelred lay about Shrewsburie sore troubled with the newes hereof, and
+ [Sidenote: 1007.]
+ in the yeare next insuing, by the aduise of his councell he gaue to
+ [Sidenote: 36000 pound saith _Si. Dun._]
+ king Swaine for the redeeming of peace 30000 pounds.
+
+ [Sidenote: Edrike de Streona made duke or earle of Mercia.]
+ In the same yeare K. Egelred created the traitor Edrike earle of
+ Mercia, who although he had maried Edgiua the kings daughter, was yet
+ noted to be one of those which disclosed the secrets of the realme,
+ and the determinations of the councell vnto the enimies. But he was
+ such a craftie dissembler, so greatlie prouided of sleight to
+ dissemble and cloake his falshood, that the king being too much abused
+ by him, had him in singular fauour, whereas he vpon a malicious
+ purpose studied dailie how to bring the realme into vtter destruction,
+ aduertising the enimies from time to time how the state of things
+ stood, whereby they came to knowlege when they should giue place, and
+ when they might safelie come forward. Moreouer, being sent vnto them
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ oftentimes as a commissioner to treat for peace, he persuaded them to
+ warre. But such was the pleasure of God, to haue him and such other of
+ like sort aduanced to honor in this season, when by his diuine
+ prouidence he meant to punish the people of this realme for their
+ wickednesse and sinnes, whereby they had iustlie prouoked his wrath
+ and high displeasure.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: An hundred acres is an hide of land.]
+ [Sidenote: 1008.]
+ In the 30 yeare of king Egelreds reigne, which fell in the yeare of
+ our Lord 1008, he tooke order that of euerie thrée hundred and ten
+ hides of land within this realme, there should one ship be builded,
+ and of euerie eight hides a complet armor furnished. In the yeare
+ following, the kings whole fléet was brought togither at Sandwich, and
+ such souldiers came thither as were appointed to go to sea in the same
+ fléet. There had not béene séene the like number of ships so trimlie
+ [Sidenote: Provision for ships and armour.]
+ rigged and furnished in all points, in anie kings daies before. But no
+ great profitable péece of seruice was wrought by them: for the king
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ had about that time banished a noble yoong man of Sussex called
+ Wilnot, who getting togither twentie sailes, laie vpon the coasts
+ taking prices where he could get them. Brithrike the brother of earle
+ Edrike, being desirous to win honor, tooke forth foure score of the
+ said ships, and promised to bring in the enimie dead or aliue. But as
+ he was sailing forward on the seas, a sore tempest with an outragious
+ wind rose with such violence, that his ships were cast vpon the shore:
+ and Wilnot comming vpon them, set them on fire, and so burned them
+ euerie one. The residue of the ships, when newes came to them of this
+ mishap, returned backe to London; and then was the armie dispersed,
+ and so all the cost and trauell of the Englishmen proued in vaine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Danes land at Sandwich.]
+ [Sidenote: 1009.]
+ After this, in the haruest time a new armie of Danes, vnder the
+ conduct of thrée capteines, Turkill, Henning, and Aulafe landed at
+ Sandwich, and from thence passed forth to Canturburie, and had taken
+ the citie but that the citizens gaue them a 1000 pounds to depart from
+ [Sidenote: 3000 pound saith _Sim. Dun._]
+ thence, and to leaue the countrie in peace. Then went the Danes to the
+ [Sidenote: Sussex and Hampshire spoiled.]
+ Ile of Wight, and afterwards landed and spoiled the countrie of Sussex
+ and Hampshire. King Egelred assembled the whole power of all his
+ subiects, and comming to giue them battell, had made an end of their
+ cruell harieng the countrie with the slaughter of them all, if earle
+ Edrike with forged tales (deuised onelie to put him in feare) had not
+ [Sidenote: The Danes returne into Kent.]
+ dissuaded him from giuing battell. The Danes by that meanes returning
+ in safetie, immediatlie after the feast of saint Martine, returned
+ into Kent, and lodged with their nauie in the winter following in the
+ Thames, and oftentimes assaulting the citie of London, were still
+ beaten backe to their losse.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1010.]
+ [Sidenote: Oxford burnt.]
+ After the feast of Christmasse they passed through the countrie and
+ woods of Chilterne vnto Oxford, which towne they burned, and then
+ returning backe they fell to wasting of the countrie on both sides the
+ Thames. But hearing that an armie was assembled at London to giue them
+ battell; that part of their host which kept on the northside of the
+ [Sidenote: Stanes.]
+ riuer, passed the same riuer at Stanes, and so ioining with their
+ fellowes marched foorth through Southerie, and comming backe to their
+ ships in Kent, fell in hand to repare & amend their ships that were in
+ anie wise decaied. Then after Easter, the Danes sailing about the
+ [Sidenote: Gipswich in Suffolke.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ coast, arriued at Gipswich in Suffolke, on the Ascension day of our
+ Lord: and inuading the countrie, gaue battell at a place called
+ Wigmere or Rigmere, vnto Vikill or Wilfeketell leader of the English
+ host in those parties, on the fift of Maie. The men of Northfolke and
+ Suffolke fled at the first onset giuen: but the Cambridgeshire men
+ sticked to it valiantlie, winning thereby perpetuall fame and
+ commendation. There was no mindfulnesse amongest them of running
+ awaie, so that a great number of the nobilitie and other were beaten
+ [Sidenote: Capat formicæ.]
+ downe and slaine, till at length one Turketell Mireneheued, that had a
+ Dane to his father, first began to take his flight, and deserued
+ thereby an euerlasting reproch.
+
+ The Danes obteining the vpper hand, for the space of thrée moneths
+ togither went vp and downe the countries, & wasted those parties of
+ the realme, that is to say, Northfolke, and Suffolke, with the borders
+ of Lincolnshire, Huntingtonshire, and Cambridgeshire where the fens
+ are, gaining excéeding riches by the spoile of great and wealthie
+ abbies and churches which had their situation within the compasse of
+ [Sidenote: Thetford.]
+ [Sidenote: Cambridge.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ the same fens. They also destroied Thetford, and burnt Cambridge, and
+ from thence passed through the pleasant mountaine-countrie of Belsham,
+ cruellie murdering the people without respect of age, degrée or sex.
+ After this also they entred into Essex. and so came backe to their
+ [Sidenote: The Danes arrive in the Thames.]
+ [Sidenote: 1011.]
+ ships, which were then arriued in the Thames. But they rested not anie
+ long time in quiet, as people that minded nothing but the destruction
+ of this realme. So as soone after, when they had somwhat refreshed
+ them, they set forward againe into the countrie, passing through
+ Buckinghamshire, & so into Bedfordshire. And about saint Andrewes
+ [Sidenote: Northampton burnt by Danes.]
+ tide they turned towards Northampton, & comming thither set fire on
+ that towne. Then turning through the west countrie, with fire & sword
+ they wasted and destroied a great part thereof, & namelie Wiltshire,
+ with other parties. And finallie about the feast of Christmas they
+ came againe to their ships. Thus had the Danes wasted the most part of
+ [Sidenote: How manie shires the Danes wasted.]
+ 16 or 17 shires within this realme, as Northfolke, Suffolke,
+ Cambridgeshire, Essex, Middlesex, Hartfordshire, Oxfordshire,
+ Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire, with a part of Huntingtonshire, and
+ also a great portion of Northamptonshire. This was doone in the
+ countries that lie on the northside of the riuer of Thames. On the
+ southside of the same riuer, they spoiled and wasted Kent, Southerie,
+ Sussex, Barkeshire, Hampshire, and (as is before said) a great part of
+ Wiltshire.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _King Egelred offereth the Danes great summes of moneie to desist from
+ destroieng his countrie, their unspeakable crueltie,
+ bloudthirstinesse, and insatiable spoiling of Canturburie betraied by
+ a churchman; their merciles murthering of Elphegus archbishop of
+ Canturburie, Turkillus the Dane chiefe lord of Norfolke and Suffolke,
+ a peace concluded betweene the Danes and the English vpon hard
+ conditions; Gunthildis a beautifull Danish ladie and hir husband
+ slaine, hir courage to the death._
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: The king sendeth to the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ The king and the peeres of the realme, vnderstanding of the Danes
+ dealing in such merciles maner (as is aboue mentioned) but not knowing
+ how to redresse the matter, sent ambassadors vnto the Danes, offering
+ them great summes of moneie to leaue off such cruell wasting and
+ spoiling of the land. The Danes were contented to reteine the moneie,
+ but yet could not absteine from their cruell dooings, neither was
+ their greedie thirst of bloud and spoile satisfied with the wasting
+ and destroieng of so manie countries and places as they had passed
+ [Sidenote: 1011.]
+ [Sidenote: Canturburie wonne by Danes.]
+ through. Wherevpon, in the yeere of our Lord 1011, about the feast of
+ S. Matthew in September, they laid siege to the citie of Canturburie,
+ which of the citizens was valiantlie defended by the space of twentie
+ daies. In the end of which terme it was taken by the enimies, through
+ the treason of a deacon named Almaricus, whome the archbishop Elphegus
+ had before that time preserued from death. The Danes exercised passing
+ great crueltie in the winning of that citie (as by sundrie authors it
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian ex Antonino._]
+ dooth and maie appéere.) For they slue of men, women, and children,
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop Elphegus taken.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ aboue the number of eight thousand. They tooke the archbishop Elphegus
+ with an other bishop named Godwine; also abbat Lefwin and Alseword the
+ kings bailife there. They spared no degrée, in somuch that they slue
+ and tooke 900 priests, and other men of religion. And when they had
+ [Sidenote: _Antoninus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Vincentius._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Lamb. ex Asserio Meneuensi, & alijs._]
+ taken their pleasure of the citie, they set it on fire, and so
+ returned to their ships. There be some which write that they tithed
+ the people after an inuerted order, slaieng all by nines through the
+ whole multitude, and reserued the tenth: so that of all the moonks
+ there were but foure saued, and of the laie people 4800, whereby it
+ followeth that there died 43200 persons. Whereby is gathered that the
+ citie of Canturburie, and the countrie thereabouts (the people whereof
+ belike fled thither for succor) was at that time verie well inhabited,
+ so as there haue not wanted (saith maister Lambert) which affirme that
+ it had then more people than London it selfe.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1112.]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ But now to our purpose. In the yéere next insuing, vpon the Saturday
+ in Easter wéeke, after that the bishop Elphegus had béene kept
+ prisoner with them the space of six or seuen moneths, they cruellie in
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop Elphegus murthered.]
+ a rage led him foorth into the fields, and dashed out his braines with
+ stones, bicause he would not redéeme his libertie with thrée thousand
+ pounds, which they demanded to haue beene leuied of his farmers and
+ tenants. This cruell murther was commited at Gréenewich foure miles
+ distant from London, the 19 of Aprill, where he lay a certeine time
+ [Sidenote: Miracles.]
+ vnburied, but at length through miracles shewed (as they say, for
+ miracles are all wrought now by dead men, and not by the liuing) the
+ [Sidenote: Elphegus buried in London.]
+ Danes permitted that his bodie might be caried to London, and there
+ was it buried in the church of S. Paule, where it rested for the space
+ of ten yeeres, till king Cnute or Knought had the gouernment of this
+ [Sidenote: Translated to Canturburie.]
+ land, by whose appointment it was remooued to Canturburie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malms._]
+ [Sidenote: Turkillus held Norffolk and Suffolke.]
+ Turkillus the leader of those Danes by whome the archbishop Elphegus
+ was thus murthered, held Northfolke and Suffolke vnder his subiection,
+ & so continued in those parties as chiefe lord and gouernor. But the
+ residue of the Danes at length, compounding with the Englishmen for a
+ [Sidenote: 48 thousand pound as saith _Sim. Dun._ and _M. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ tribute to be paid to them of eight thousand pounds, spred abroad in
+ the countrie, soiorning in cities, townes and villages, where they
+ might find most conuenient harbour. Moreouer, fortie of their ships,
+ or rather (as some write) 45 were reteined to serue the king,
+ promising to defend the realme; with condition, that the souldiers and
+ mariners should haue prouision of meate and drinke, with apparell
+ found them at the kings charges. As one autor hath gathered, Swaine
+ king of Denmarke was in England at the concluding of this peace, which
+ being confirmed with solemne othes and sufficient hostages, he
+ departed into Denmarke.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ The same author bringeth the generall slaughter of Danes vpon S.
+ Brices day, to haue chanced in the yéere after the conclusion of this
+ [Sidenote: Gunthildis the sister of K. Swaine murthered.]
+ agreement, that is to say, in the yeere 1012, at what time Gunthildis
+ the sister of king Swaine was slaine, with hir husband & hir sonne, by
+ the commandement of the false traitor Edrike. But bicause all other
+ authors agree that the murther of Danes was executed about ten yeeres
+ before this supposed time: we haue made rehearsall thereof in that
+ place. Howbeit, for the death of Gunthildis, it maie be, that she
+ became hostage either in the yéere 1007, at what time king Egelred
+ paied thirtie thousand pounds vnto king Swaine to haue peace (as
+ before you haue heard) or else might she be deliuered in hostage, in
+ the yéere 1011, when the last agréement was made with the Danes (as
+ aboue is mentioned.) But when or at what time soeuer she became
+ hostage, this we find of hir, that she came hither into England with
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ hir husband Palingus, a mightie earle, and receiued baptisme héere.
+ Wherevpon she earnestlie trauelled in treatie of a peace betwixt hir
+ brother and king Egelred: which being brought to passe chieflie by hir
+ sute, she was contented to become an hostage for performance thereof
+ (as before is recited.) And after by the commandement of earle Edrike
+ she was put to death, pronouncing that the shedding of hir bloud would
+ cause all England one day sore to rue. She was a verie beautifull
+ ladie, and tooke hir death without all feare, not once changing
+ countenance, though she saw hir husband and hir onelie sonne (a yoong
+ gentleman of much towardnesse) first murthered before hir face.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Turkillus the Danish capteine telleth king Swaine the faults of the
+ king, nobles, & commons of this realme, he inuadeth England, the
+ Northumbers and others submit themselues to him, Danes receiued into
+ seruice vnder Egelred, London assalted by Swaine, the citizens behaue
+ themselues stoutlie, and giue the Danish host a shamefull repulse,
+ Ethelmere earle of Deuonshire and his people submit themselues to
+ Swaine, he returneth into Denmarke, commeth back againe into England
+ with a fresh power, is incountred withall of the Englishmen, whose
+ king Egelred is discomfited, his oration to his souldiers touching the
+ present reliefe of their distressed land, their resolution and full
+ purpose in this their perplexitie, king Egelred is minded to giue
+ place to Swaine, he sendeth his wife and children ouer into Normandie,
+ the Londoners yeeld vp their state to Swaine, Egelred saileth oner
+ into Normandie, leauing his land to the enimie._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+ [Sidenote: Turkillus discloseth the secrets of the Realme to K.
+ Swaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Now had Turkillus in the meanetime aduertised king Swaine in what
+ state things stood here within the realme: how king Egelred was
+ negligent, onlie attending to the lusts & pleasures of the flesh: how
+ the noble men were vnfaithfull, and the commons weake and feeble
+ through want of good and trustie leaders. Howbeit, some write, that
+ Turkillus as well as other of the Danes which remained héere in
+ England, was in league with king Egelred, in somuch that he was with
+ him in London, to helpe and defend the citie against Swaine when he
+ came to assalt it (as after shall appéere.) Which if it be true, a
+ doubt may rise whether Swaine receiued anie aduertisement from
+ Turkillus to mooue him the rather to inuade the realme: but such
+ aduertisements might come from him before that he was accorded with
+ Egelred.
+
+ [Sidenote: Swaine prepareth an armie to inuade England.]
+ Swaine therefore as a valiant prince, desirous both to reuenge his
+ sisters death, and win honor, prepared an huge armie, and a great
+ number of ships, with the which he made towards England, and first
+ [Sidenote: He landeth at Sandwich.]
+ [Sidenote: 1013.]
+ [Sidenote: Gainsbourgh.]
+ comming to Sandwich, taried there a small while, and taking eftsoones
+ the sea, compassed about the coasts of Eastangles, and arriuing in the
+ mouth of Humber, sailed vp the water, and entering into the riuer of
+ Trent, he landed at Gainesbourgh, purposing to inuade the Northumbers.
+ But as men brought into great feare, for that they had béene subiect
+ to the Danes in times past, and thinking therefore not to reuolt to
+ the enimie, but rather to their old acquaintance, if they should
+ [Sidenote: The Northumbers yéeld to Swaine.]
+ [Sidenote: The people of Lindsey yéeld themselues to him.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ themselues to the Danes, streightwaies offered to become subiect vnto
+ Swaine, togither with their duke named Wighthred. Also the people of
+ Lindsey and all those of the northside of Watlingstréet yéelded
+ themselues vnto him, and delivered pledges. Then he appointed his
+ sonne Cnutus to haue the kéeping of those pledges, and to remaine vpon
+ the safegard of his ships, whiles he himselfe passed forward into the
+ [Sidenote: South Mercia.]
+ countrie. Then marched he forward to subdue them of south Mercia: and
+ so came to Oxford & to Winchester, making the countries subiect to him
+ throughout wheresoeuer he came.
+
+ With this prosperous successe Swaine being greatlie incouraged,
+ prepared to go vnto London, where king Egelred as then remained,
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dunel._]
+ hauing with him Turkillus the Dane, which was reteined in wages with
+ other of the Danes (as by report of some authors it maie appeare) and
+ were now readie to defend the citie against their countriemen in
+ support of king Egelred, togither with the citizens. Swaine, bicause
+ he would not step so farre out of the way as to go to the next bridge,
+ lost a great number of his men as he passed through the Thames. At his
+ [Sidenote: Swaine assaulteth London.]
+ comming to London, he began to assault the citie verie fiercelie, in
+ hope either to put his enimie in such feare that he should despaire of
+ all reliefe and comfort, or at the least trie what he was able to doo.
+ The Londoners on the other part, although they were brought in some
+ feare by this sudden attempt of the enimies, yet considering with
+ themselues, that the hazard of all the whole state of the realme was
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ annexed to theirs, sith their citie was the chiefe and metropolitane
+ of all the kingdome, they valiantlie stood in defense of themselues,
+ and of their king that was present there with them, beating backe the
+ enimies, chasing them from the walles, and otherwise dooing their best
+ to kéepe them off. At length, although the Danes did most valiantlie
+ assault the citie, yet the Englishmen to defend their prince from all
+ iniurie of enimies, did not shrinke, but boldlie sallied foorth at the
+ gates in heapes togither, and incountered with their aduersaries, and
+ began to fight with them verie fiercelie.
+
+ Swaine whilest he went about to kéepe his men in order, as one most
+ desirous to reteine the victorie now almost gotten, was compassed so
+ about with the Londoners on each side, that after he had lost a great
+ number of his men, he was constreined for his safegard to breake out
+ through the midst of his enimies weapons, and was glad that he might
+ so escape: and so with the residue of his armie ceassed not to iournie
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Erle of Deuonshire as saith _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ day and night till he came to Bath, where Ethelmere an earle of great
+ power in those west parts of the realme submitted himselfe with all
+ his people vnto him, who shortlie after neuerthelesse (as some write)
+ was compelled through want of vittels to release the tribute latelie
+ couenanted to be paied vnto him for a certeine summe of monie, which
+ [Sidenote: Swaine returneth into Denmarke.]
+ when hée had receiued, he returned into Denmarke, meaning shortlie to
+ returne againe with a greater power.
+
+ King Egelred supposed that by the paiment of that monie he should haue
+ béene rid out of all troubles, of warre with the Danes. But the nobles
+ of the realme thought otherwise, and therefore willed him to prepare
+ [Sidenote: Swaine returneth into England to make warre.]
+ an armie with all speéd that might be made. Swaine taried not long (to
+ proue the doubt of the noble men to be grounded of foreknowledge) but
+ that with swift spéed he returned againe into England, and immediatlie
+ vpon his arriuall was an armie of Englishmen assembled and led against
+ him into the field. Herevpon they ioined in battell, which was sore
+ foughten for a time, till at length by reason of diuerse Englishmen
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred discomfited in battell.]
+ that turned to the enimies side, the discomfiture fell with such
+ slaughter vpon the English host, that king Egelred well perceiued the
+ state of his regall gouernement to bée brought into vtter danger.
+ Wherevpon after the losse of this field, he assembled the rest of his
+ people that were escaped, and spake vnto them after this manner.
+
+
+   _The oration of king Egelred to the remanent of his souldiers._
+
+ "I shuld for euer be put to silence, if there wanted in vs the vertue
+ of a fatherlie mind, in giuing good aduise & counsel for the well
+ ordering and due administration of things in the common wealth, or if
+ there lacked courage or might in our souldiers and men of warre to
+ defend our countrie. Trulie to die in defense of the countrie where we
+ are borne, I confesse it a woorthie thing, and I for my part am readie
+ to take vpon me to enter into the midst of the enimies in defense of
+ my kingdome. But here I see our countrie and the whole English nation
+ to be at a point to fall into vtter ruine. We are ouercome of the
+ Danes, not with weapon or force of armes; but with treason wrought by
+ our owne people: we did at the first prepare a nauie against the
+ enimies, the which that false traitour Elfrike betraid into their
+ hands. Againe, oftentimes haue we giuen battell with euill successe,
+ and onelie through the fault of our owne people that haue beene false
+ and disloiall: whereby we haue bin constreined to agree with the
+ enimies vpon dishonorable conditions, euen as necessitie required,
+ which to ouercome, resteth onelie in God. Such kind of agreement hath
+ beene made in deed to our destruction, sith the enimies haue not
+ sticked to breake it (they being such a wicked kind of people as
+ neither regard God nor man) contrarie to right and reason, and beside
+ all our hope & expectation. So that the matter is come now to this
+ passe, that we haue not cause onlie to feare the losse of our
+ gouernement, but least the name of the whole English nation be
+ destroied for euer. Therefore sithens the enimies are at hand, and as
+ it were ouer our heads, you to whom my commandement hath euer bene had
+ in good regard, prouide, take counsell, and see to succor the state of
+ your countrie now readie to decay and to fall into irrecouerable
+ ruine."
+
+ Herevpon they fell in consultation, euerie one alledging and bringing
+ foorth his opinion as seemed to him best: but it appeared they had the
+ woolfe by the eare, for they wist not which way to turne them. If they
+ should giue battell, it was to be doubted least through treason among
+ themselues, the armie should be betraied into the enimies hands, the
+ which would not faile to execute all kind of crueltie in the slaughter
+ of the whole nation. And if they stood not valiantlie to shew
+ themselues readie to defend their countrie, there was no shift but
+ yeeld themselues. Which though it were a thing reprochfull and
+ dishonorable, yet should it be lesse euill, as they tooke the matter,
+ for thereby might manie be preserued from death, and in time to come,
+ be able to recouer the libertie of their countrie, when occasion
+ should be offered. This point was allowed of them all, and so in the
+ end they rested vpon that resolution.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred determineth to give place vnto Swaine.]
+ [Sidenote: He sendeth his wife and sonnes ouer into Normandie.]
+ [Sidenote: Richard duke of Normandie.]
+ King Egelred therefore determined to commit himselfe into the hands of
+ his brother in law Richard duke of Normandie, whose sister (as ye haue
+ heard) he had maried. But bicause he would not doo this vnaduisedlie,
+ first he sent ouer his wife quéene Emma, with his sonnes which he had
+ begotten of hir, Alfred and Edward, that by their interteinment he
+ might vnderstand how he should be welcome. Duke Richard receiued his
+ sister and his nephues verie ioifullie, and promised to aid his
+ brother king Egelred in defense of his kingdome. But in this meane
+ while had Swaine conquered the more part of all England, and brought
+ (by little and little) that which remained vnder his subiection. The
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Turkill.]
+ [Sidenote: 1014.]
+ people through feare submitting themselues on each hand, king Egelred
+ in this meane time (for the Londoners had submitted themselues to
+ Swaine) was first withdrawne vnto Gréenwich, and there remained for a
+ time with the nauie of the Danes, which was vnder the gouernement of
+ earle Turkill, and from thence sailed into the Ile of Wight, and there
+ remained a great part of the winter, and finallie after Christmas
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred passeth into Normandie.]
+ himselfe sailed into Normandie, and was of his brother in law
+ ioifullie receiued & greatlie comforted in that his time of
+ necessitie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Swaine king of Denmarke is reputed king of this land, he oppresseth
+ the English people cruellie, and spoileth religious houses, the
+ strange and miraculous slaughter of Swaine vaunting of his victories;
+ the Danish chronicles write parciallie of him and his end, Cnute
+ succeedeth his father Swaine in regiment, the Englishmen send king
+ Egelred woord of Swaines death, Edward king Egelreds eldest sonne
+ commeth ouer into England to know the state of the countrie and people
+ of certeintie; Egelred with his power returneth into England; what
+ meanes Cnute made to establish himselfe king of this land, and to be
+ well thought of among the English people, Egelred burneth vp
+ Gainesbrough, and killeth the inhabitants therof for their
+ disloialtie; Cnutes flight to Sandwich, his cruel decree against the
+ English pledges, he returneth into Denmarke, why Turkillus the Danish
+ capteine with his power compounded with the Englishmen to tarrie in
+ this land, his faithlesse seruice to Egelred, his drift to make the
+ whole realme subiect to the Danish thraldome._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ SWAINE hauing now got the whole rule of the land, was reputed full
+ king, and so commanded that his armie should be prouided of wages and
+ vittels to be taken vp & leuied through the realme. In like maner
+ Turkill commanded that to his armie lodged at Gréenewich, wages and
+ vittels sufficient should be deliuered, for the finding, releeuing,
+ [Sidenote: Swaine handleth the Englishmen hardlie.]
+ succouring, and susteining thereof. Swaine vsed the victorie verie
+ cruellie against the Englishmen, oppressing them on each hand; to the
+ intent that them being brought low he might gouerne in more suertie.
+ The yéere in which he obteined the rule thus of this realme, and that
+ king Egelred was constreined to flie into Normandie, was in the 35
+ yeere of the same Egelred his reigne, and after the birth of our Lord
+ 1014. Swaine being once established in the gouernment, did not onelie
+ vse much crueltie in oppressing the laitie, but also stretched foorth
+ his hand to the church, and to the ministers in the same, fléecing
+ them and spoiling both churches and ministers, without anie remorse of
+ conscience, insomuch that hauing a quarell against the inhabitants
+ within the precinct of S. Edmunds land in Suffolke, he did not onelie
+ harrie the countrie, but also rifled and spoiled the abbeie of Burie,
+ where the bodie of saint Edmund rested.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: S. Edmund fighteth for the wealth, but not for the
+ slaughter of his people.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 1015.]
+ Wherevpon shortlie after, as he was at Gainesbrough or Thetford (as
+ some say) and there in his iollitie talked with his Nobles of his good
+ successe in conquering of this land, he was suddenlie striken with a
+ knife, as it is reported, miraculouslie, for no man wist how or by
+ whome: and within thrée daies after, to wit, on the third of Februarie
+ he ended his life with grieuous paine and torment in yelling and
+ roring, by reason of his extreame anguish beyond all measure. There
+ hath sproong a pleasant tale among the posteritie of that age, how he
+ should be wounded with the same knife which king Edmund in his life
+ [Sidenote: _Albertus Crantz._]
+ [Sidenote: _Saxo Grammaticus._]
+ time vsed to weare. Thus haue some of our writers reported, but the
+ Danish chronicles report a farre more happie end which should chance
+ to this Swaine, than is before mentioned out of our writers: for the
+ said chronicles report, that after he had subdued England, he tooke
+ order with king Egelred, whome they name amisse Adelstane, that he
+ should not ordeine any other successor, but onlie the said Swaine.
+ Then after this, he returned into Denmarke, where vsing himselfe like
+ a right godlie prince, at length he there ended his life, being a
+ verie old man.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Canute or Cnute.]
+ Notwithstanding all this, when or howsoeuer he died, immediatlie after
+ his deceasse the Danes elected his sonne Cnute or Knought to succeed
+ in his dominions. But the Englishmen of nothing more desirous than to
+ shake off the yoke of Danish thraldome besides their necks &
+ shoulders, streightwaies vpon knowledge had of Swaines death, with all
+ [Sidenote: Eglered sent for home.]
+ spéed aduertised king Egelred thereof, and that they were readie to
+ receiue and assist him if he would make hast to come ouer to deliuer
+ his countrie out of the hands of strangers. These newes were right
+ ioiful vnto Egelred, who burning in desire to be reuenged on them that
+ had expelled him out of his kingdome, made no longer tariance to set
+ [Sidenote: Edmund K. Egelreds eldest sonne.]
+ that enterprise forward. But yet doubting the inconstancie of the
+ people, he sent his elder son (named Edmund) to trie the minds of
+ them, and to vnderstand whether they were constant or wauering in that
+ which they had promised.
+
+ The yoong gentleman hasting ouer into England, and with diligent
+ inquirie perceiuing how they were bent, returned with like spéed as he
+ came into Normandie againe, declaring to his father, that all things
+ were in safetie if he would make hast. King Egelred then conceiued
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred returneth into England.]
+ an assured hope to recouer his kingdom, aided with his brother in laws
+ power, and trusting vpon the assistance of the Englishmen, returned
+ into England in the time of Lent. His returne was ioifull and most
+ acceptable to the English people, as to those that abhorred the rule
+ [Sidenote: Canutes endeuor to establish himselfe in the kingdome.]
+ of the Danes, which was most sharpe and bitter to them, although Cnute
+ did what he could by bountifulnesse and courteous dealings to haue
+ reteined them vnder his obeisance.
+
+ And of an intent to procure Gods fauour in the well ordering of things
+ for the administration in the common wealth, he sought first to
+ appease his wrath, and also to make amends to saint Edmund for his
+ fathers offense committed (as was thought) against him: insomuch that
+ [Sidenote: S. Edmunds ditch.]
+ after he had obteined the kingdome, he caused a great ditch to be cast
+ round about the land of saint Edmund, and granted manie fréedoms to
+ the inhabitants, acquiting them of certeine taskes and paiments, vnto
+ the which other of their neighbours were contributarie. He also
+ builded a church on the place where saint Edmund was buried, and
+ ordeined an house of moonks there, or rather remooued the canons or
+ secular priests that were there afore, and put moonks in their roomes.
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ He offered vp also his crowne vnto the same S. Edmund, and redéemed it
+ againe with a great summe of monie, which maner of dooing grew into an
+ vse vnto other kings that followed him. He adorned the church there
+ with manie rich iewels, and indowed the monasterie with great
+ possessions.
+
+ But these things were not done now at the first, but after that he was
+ established in the kingdome. For in the meane time, after that king
+ Egelred was returned out of Normandie, Cnute as then soiourning at
+ Gainesbrough, remained there till the feast of Easter, and made
+ agréement with them of Lindsey, so that finding him horsses, they
+ should altogither go foorth to spoile their neighbors. King Egelred
+ aduertised thereof, sped him thither with a mightie host, and with
+ great crueltie burned vp the countrie, and slue the more part of the
+ [Sidenote: Canute driven to forsake the land.]
+ inhabitants, bicause they had taken part with his enimies. Cnute as
+ then was not of power able to resist Egelred, and therefore taking his
+ ships which lay in Humber, fled from thence, & sailed about the coast,
+ [Sidenote: He was driuen thither by force of contrarie winds as should
+ appeare by _Matth. West._]
+ till he came to Sandwich, and there sore gréeued in his mind to
+ remember what mischéefe was fallen and chanced to his friends and
+ [Sidenote: The cruell decrée of Cnute against the English pledges.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ subiects of Lindsey, onelie for his cause; he commanded that such
+ pledges as had béene deliuered to his father by certeine noble men of
+ this realme, for assurance of their fidelities, should haue their
+ noses slit, and their eares stuffed, or (as some write) their hands
+ and noses cut off.
+
+ [Sidenote: This Turkill was reteined in seruice with Egelred, as I
+ thinke.]
+ When this cruell act according to his commandement was doone, taking
+ the sea, he sailed into Denmarke: but yet tooke not all the Danes with
+ him which his father brought thither. For earle Turkill perceiuing the
+ wealthinesse of the land, compounded with the Englishmen, and chose
+ rather to remaine in a region replenished with all riches, than to
+ returne home into his owne countrie that wanted such commodities as
+ were here to be had. And yet (as some thought) he did not forsake his
+ souereigne lord Cnute for anie euill meaning towards him, but rather
+ to aid him (when time serued) to recouer the possession of England
+ againe, as it afterwards well appeared. For notwithstanding that he
+ was now reteined by K. Egelred with fortie ships, and the flower of
+ all the Danes that were men of warre, so that Cnute returned but with
+ 60 ships into his countrie: yet shortlie after, erle Turkill with 9 of
+ those ships sailed into Denmarke, submitted himselfe vnto Cnute,
+ counselled him to returne into England, and promised him the
+ [Sidenote: _Encomium Emmæ._]
+ assistance of the residue of those Danish ships which yet remained in
+ England, being to the number of thirtie, with all the souldiers and
+ mariners that to them belonged. To conclude, he did so much by his
+ earnest persuasions, that Cnute (through aid of his brother Harrold
+ king of Denmarke) got togither a nauie of two hundred ships, so
+ roially decked, furnished, and appointed, both for braue shew and
+ necessarie furniture of all maner of weapons, armor & munition, as it
+ is strange to consider that which is written by them that liued in
+ those daies, and tooke in hand to register the dooings of that time.
+ Howbeit to let this pompe of Cnutes fléete passe, which (no doubt) was
+ right roiall, consider a little and looke backe to Turkill, though a
+ sworne seruant to king Egelred, how he did direct all his drift to the
+ aduancement of Cnute, and his owne commoditie, cloking his purposed
+ treacherie with pretended amitie, as shall appeare hereafter by his
+ deadlie hostilitie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A great waste by an inundation or inbreaking of the sea, a tribute of
+ 30000 pounds to the Danes, king Egelred holdeth a councell at Oxford,
+ where he causeth two noble men of the Danes to be murdered by treason,
+ Edmund the kings eldest sonne marieth one of their wiues, and seizeth
+ vpon his predecessors lands; Cnute the Danish king returneth into
+ England, the Danish and English armies encounter, both susteine losse;
+ Cnute maketh waste of certeine shires, Edmund preuenteth Edriks
+ purposed treason, Edrike de Streona flieth to the Danes, the
+ Westernemen yeeld to Cnute; Mercia refuseth to be subiect vnto him,
+ Warwikeshire wasted by the Danes; Egelred assembleth an armie against
+ them in vaine; Edmund & Vtred with ioined forces lay waste such
+ countries and people as became subiect to Cnute; his policie to
+ preuent their purpose, through what countries he passed, Vtred
+ submitteth himselfe to Cnute, and deliuereth pledges, he is put to
+ death and his lands álienated, Cnute pursueth Edmund to London, and
+ prepareth to besiege the citie, the death and buriall of Egelred, his
+ wiues, what issue he had by them, his unfortunatnesse, and to what
+ affections and vices he was inclined, his too late and bootlesse
+ seeking to releeue his decaied kingdome._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ But now to returne to our purpose, and to shew what chanced in England
+ [Sidenote: 1015.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ after the departure of Cnute. In the same yeare to the forsaid
+ accustomed mischiefes an vnwoonted misaduenture happened: for the sea
+ rose with such high spring-tides, that ouerflowing the countries next
+ adioining, diuers villages with the inhabitants were drowned and
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ destroied. Also to increase the peoples miserie, king Egelred
+ commanded, that 30000 pounds should be leuied to paie the tribute due
+ to the Danes which lay at Gréenewich. This yeare also king Egelred
+ [Sidenote: A councell at Oxford.]
+ [Sidenote: Sigeferd and Morcad murdered.]
+ held a councell at Oxford, at the which a great number of noble men
+ were present, both Danes and Englishmen, and there did the king cause
+ Sigeferd and Morcad two noble personages of the Danes to be murdered
+ within his owne chamber, by the traitorous practise of Edrike de
+ Streona, which accused them of some conspiracie. But the quarell was
+ onelie as men supposed, for that the king had a desire to their goods
+ and possessions. Their seruants tooke in hand to haue reuenged the
+ death of their maisters, but were beaten backe, wherevpon they fled
+ into the steeple of saint Friswids church, and kept the same, till
+ fire was set vpon the place, and so they were burned to death. The
+ wife of Sigeferd was taken, & sent to Malmsburie, being a woman of
+ high fame and great worthinesse, wherevpon the kings eldest sonne
+ named Edmund, tooke occasion vpon pretense of other businesse to go
+ [Sidenote: Edmund the kings eldest sonne marrieth the widow of
+ Sigeferd.]
+ thither, and there to sée hir, with whome he fell so far in loue, that
+ he tooke and maried hir. That doone, he required to haue hir husbands
+ lands and possessions, which were an earles liuing, and lay in
+ Northumberland. And when the king refused to graunt his request, he
+ went thither, and seized the same possessions and lands into his
+ hands, without hauing anie commission so to doo, finding the farmers
+ and tenants there readie to receiue him for their lord.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cnute returneth into England.]
+ Whilest these things were a dooing, Cnute hauing made his prouision of
+ ships and men, with all necessarie furniture (as before ye haue heard)
+ for his returne into England, set forward with full purpose, either to
+ [Sidenote: _Encomium Emmæ._]
+ recouer the realme out of Egelreds hands, or to die in the quarrell.
+ Herevpon he landed at Sandwich, and first earle Turkill obteined
+ licence to go against the Englishmen that were assembled to resist the
+ Danes, and finding them at a place called Scorastan, he gaue them the
+ ouerthrow, got a great bootie, and returned therewith to the ships.
+ After this, Edrike gouernor of Norwaie made a rode likewise into an
+ other part of the countrie, & with a rich spoile, and manie prisoners,
+ returned vnto the nauie. After this iournie atchiued thus by Edrike,
+ Cnute commanded that they should not waste the countrie anie more, but
+ gaue order to prepare all things readie to besiege London: but before
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ he attempted that enterprise, as others write, he marched foorth into
+ Kent, or rather sailing round about that countrie, tooke his iournie
+ westward, & came to Fromundham, and after departing from thence,
+ wasted Dorsetshire, Summersetshire, & Wiltshire.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred sicke.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ King Egelred in this meane time lay sicke at Cossam; and his sonne
+ Edmund had got togither a mightie hoast, howbeit yer he came to ioine
+ battell with his enimies, he was aduertised, that earle Edrike went
+ about to betraie him, and therefore he withdrew with the armie into a
+ [Sidenote: Edrike de Streona fléeth to the Danes.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: The west countrie The people of Mercia would not yéeld.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 1016.]
+ place of suertie. But Edrike to make his tratorous purpose manifest to
+ the whole world, fled to the enimies with fortie of the kings ships,
+ fraught with Danish souldiers. Herevpon, all the west countrie
+ submitted it selfe vnto Cnute, who receiued pledges of the chiefe
+ lords and nobles, and then set forward to subdue them of Mercia. The
+ people of that countrie would not yéeld, but determined to defend the
+ quarrell and title of king Egelred, so long as they might haue anie
+ capteine that would stand with them, and helpe to order them. In the
+ yeare 1016, in Christmas, Cnute and earle Edrike passed the Thames at
+ Kirkelade, & entring into Mercia, cruellie began with fire and sword
+ [Sidenote: Warwikeshire wasted by the Danes.]
+ to waste and destroie the countrie, and namelie Warwikeshire.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred recovered of his sicknesse.]
+ [Sidenote: He assembleth an armie in vaine.]
+ In the meane time was king Egelred recouered of his sicknesse, and
+ sent summons foorth to raise all his power, appointing euerie man to
+ resort vnto him, that he might incounter the enimies and giue them
+ battell. But yet when his people were assembled, he was warned to take
+ héed vnto himselfe, and in anie wise to beware how he gaue battell,
+ for his owne subiects were purposed to betraie him. Herevpon the armie
+ brake vp, & king Egelred withdrew to London, there to abide his
+ enimies within the walles, with whom in the field he doubted to trie
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Edmund king Egelreds sonne.]
+ the battell. His sonne Edmund got him to Vtred, an earle of great
+ power, inhabiting beyond Humber, and persuading him to ioine his
+ forces with his, forth they went to waste those countries that were
+ become subiect to Cnute, as Staffordshire, Leicestershire, and
+ Shropshire, not sparing to exercise great crueltie vpon the
+ inhabitants, as a punishment for their reuolting, that others might
+ take example thereby.
+
+ [Sidenote: Cnute, what countries he passed through.]
+ But Cnute perceiuing whereabout they went, politikelie deuised to
+ frustrate their purpose, and with dooing of like hurt in all places
+ where he came, passed through Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire,
+ Huntingtonshire, and so through the fens came to Stamford, and then
+ entred into Lincolnshire, and from thence into Notinghamshire, & so
+ into Yorkeshire, not sparing to doo what mischiefe might be deuised in
+ all places where he came. Vtred aduertised hereof, was constreined to
+ depart home to saue his owne countrie from present destruction, and
+ therefore comming backe into Northumberland, & perceiuing himselfe not
+ able to resist the puissant force of his enimies, was constreined to
+ [Sidenote: Earle Vtred deliuered pledges to Cnute.]
+ [Sidenote: _Aliùs_ Egricus.]
+ deliuer pledges, and submit himselfe vnto Cnute. But yet was he not
+ hereby warranted from danger, for shortlie after he was taken, and put
+ to death, and then were his lands giuen vnto one Iricke or Iricius,
+ whome afterward Cnute did banish out of the realme, because that he
+ did attempt to chalenge like authoritie to him in all points as Cnute
+ himselfe had. After that Cnute had subdued the Northumbers, he pursued
+ Edmund, till he heard that he had taken London for his refuge, and
+ staied there with his father. Then did Cnute take his ships, and came
+ [Sidenote: Cnute prepareth to besiege London.]
+ about to the coasts of Kent, preparing to besiege the citie of London.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Egelred departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ In the meane time, king Egelred sore worne with long sicknesse,
+ departed this life on the 23 of Aprill, being saint Georges day, or
+ (as others say) on saint Gregories day, being the 12 of March, but I
+ take this to be an error growen, by mistaking the feast-day of saint
+ [Sidenote: He is buried in the church of S. Paul at London.]
+ Gregorie for saint George. He reigned the tearme of 37 yeares, or
+ little lesse. His bodie was buried in the church of saint Pauls, in
+ the north Ile besids the quéere, as by a memoriall there on the wall
+ it maie appeare. He had two wiues (as before is mentioned.) By Elgina
+ his first wife he had issue thrée sonnes, Edmund, Edwine, and
+ Adelstane; besides one daughter named Egiua. By his second wife Emma,
+ daughter to Richard the first of that name, duke of Normandie, and
+ sister to Richard the second, he had two sonnes, Alfrid and Edward.
+
+ This Egelred (as you haue heard) had euill successe in his warres
+ against the Danes, and besides the calamitie that fell thereby to his
+ people, manie other miseries oppressed this land in his daies, not so
+ much through his lacke of courage and slouthfull negligence, as by
+ [Sidenote: The pride of king Egelred alienated the harts of his
+ people.]
+ reason of his presumptuous pride, whereby he alienated the hearts of
+ his people from him. His affections he could not rule, but was led by
+ them without order of reason, for he did not onlie disherit diuerse of
+ his owne English subiects without apparant cause of offense by plaine
+ forged cauillations; and also caused all the Danes to be murdered
+ through his realme in one day, by some light suspicion of their euill
+ meanings: but also gaue himselfe to lecherous lusts, in abusing his
+ bodie with naughtie strumpets, forsaking the bed of his owne lawfull
+ wife, to the great infamie & shame of that high degrée of maiestie,
+ which by his kinglie office he bare and susteined. To conclude, he was
+ from his tender youth more apt to idle rest, than to the exercise of
+ warres; more giuen to pleasures of the bodie, than to anie vertues of
+ the mind: although that toward his latter end, being growen into age,
+ and taught by long experience of worldlie affaires, and proofe of
+ passed miseries, he sought (though in vaine) to haue recouered the
+ decaied state of his common wealth and countrie.
+
+ ¶ In this Egelreds time, and (as it is recorded by a British
+ chronographer) in the yéere of our Lord 984, one Cadwalhon, the second
+ sonne of Ieuaf tooke in hand the gouernance of Northwales, and first
+ made warre with Ionauall his coosen, the sonne of Meyric, and right
+ heire to the land, and slue him, but Edwall the yoongest brother
+ escaped awaie priuilie. The yéere following, Meredith the sonne of
+ Owen king or prince of Southwales, with all his power entered into
+ Northwales, and in fight slue Cadwalhon the sonne of Ieuaf, and Meyric
+ his brother, and conquered the land to himselfe. Wherein a man maie
+ [Sidenote: Sée the historie of Cambria pag. 62, 63.]
+ sée how God punished the wrong, which Iago and Ieuaf the sonnes of
+ Edwall Voell did to their eldest brother Meyric, who was first
+ disherited, and afterward his eies put out, and one of his sonnes
+ slaine. For first Ieuaf was imprisoned by Iago; then Iago with his
+ sonne Constantine, by Howell the son of Ieuaf: and afterward the said
+ Howell, with his brethren Cadwalhon and Meyric, were slaine and
+ spoiled of all their lands.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edmund Ironside succedeth his father in the kingdome, the
+ spiritualtie favouring Cnute would haue him to be king, the Londoners
+ are his backe friends, they receiue Edmund their king honorablie and
+ ioifullie, Cnute is proclaimed king at Southampton, manie of the
+ states cleaue vnto him, he besiegeth London by water and land, the
+ citizens giue him the foile, he incountreth with king Edmund and is
+ discomfited, two battels fought betweene the Danes and English with
+ equall fortune and like successe, the traitorous stratagem of Edrike
+ the Dane, king Edmund aduisedlie defeateth Edriks trecherie, 20000 of
+ both armies slaine, Cnute marching towards London is pursued of
+ Edmund, the Danes are repelled, incountred, and vanquished; queene
+ Emma prouideth for the safetie of hir sonnes; the Danes seeke a
+ pacification with Edmund, thereby more easilie to betraie him; Cnute
+ with his armie lieth neere Rochester, king Edmund pursueth them, both
+ armies haue a long and a sore conflict, the Danes discomfited, and
+ manie of them slaine; Cnute with his power assemble at Essex and there
+ make waste, king Edmund pursuith them, Edrike traitorouslie reuolteth
+ from the English to succour the Danes, king Edmund is forced to get
+ him out of the field, the Englishmen put to their hard shifts and
+ slaine by heapes; what noble personages were killed in this battell,
+ of two dead bodies latelie found in the place where this hot and
+ heauie skirmish was fought._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDMUND IRONSIDE.]
+ After that king Egelred was dead, his eldest sonne Edmund surnamed
+ Ironside was proclaimed king by the Londoners and others, hauing the
+ assistance of some lords of the realme, although the more part, and
+ [Sidenote: The kingdom goeth where the spiritualtie fauoreth.]
+ speciallie those of the spiritualtie fauoured Cnute, bicause they had
+ aforetime sworne fealtie to his father. Some write, that Cnute had
+ planted his siege both by water and land verie stronglie about the
+ citie of London, before Egelred departed this life, and immediatlie
+ vpon his deceasse was receiued into the citie; but the armie that was
+ within the citie, not consenting vnto the surrender made by the
+ citizens, departed the night before the day on the which Cnute by
+ appointment should enter, and in companie of Edmund Ironside (whome
+ they had chosen to be their king and gouernour) they prepared to
+ increase their numbers with new supplies, meaning eftsoones to trie
+ [Sidenote: The author of the booke intitled _Encomium Emmæ_ saith that
+ it was reported that Edmund offered the combate unto Cnute at this his
+ going from the citie but Cnute refused it.]
+ the fortune of battell against the Danish power. Cnute perceiuing the
+ most part of all the realme to be thus against him, and hauing no
+ great confidence in the loialtie of the Londoners, tooke order to
+ leauie monie for the paiment of his men of warre and mariners that
+ belonged to his nauie, left the citie, and imbarking himselfe, sailed
+ to the Ile of Shepie, and there remained all the winter. In which
+ meane while, Edmund Ironside came to London, where he was ioifullie
+ receiued of the citizens, and continuing there till the spring of the
+ yeere, made himselfe strong against the enimies.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1016.]
+ This Edmund for his noble courage, strength of bodie, and notable
+ patience to indure and suffer all such hardnesse and paines as is
+ requisite in a man of warre, was surnamed Ironside, & began his reigne
+ in the yéere of our Lord 1016, in the sixtéenth yéere of the emperor
+ Henrie the second surnamed Claudius, in the twentieth yéere of the
+ reigne of Robert king of France, & about the sixt yéere of Malcolme
+ the second king of the Scots. After that king Edmund had receiued the
+ crowne in the citie of London by the hands of the archbishop of Yorke,
+ he assembled togither such a power as he could make, and with the same
+ marched foorth towards the west parts, and made the countrie subiect
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ to him. In the meane time was Cnute proclaimed and ordeined king at
+ Southampton by the bishops and abbats, and diuerse lords also of the
+ temporaltie there tógither assembled, vnto whome he sware to be their
+ good and faithfull souereigne, and that he would sée iustice trulie
+ and vprightlie ministred.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: London besieged.]
+ After he had ended his businesse at Southampton, he drew with his
+ people towards London, and comming thither, besieged the citie both by
+ water and land, causing a great trench to be cast about it, so that no
+ man might either get in or come foorth. Manie great assalts he caused
+ to be giuen vnto the citie, but the Londoners and others within so
+ valiantlie defended the wals and gates, that the enimies got small
+ aduantage, and at length were constreined to depart with losse. Cnute
+ then perceiuing that he might not haue his purpose there, withdrew
+ [Sidenote: Cnute at Gillingham in Dorsetshire put to flight.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ westward, and besides Gillingham in Dorsetshire, incountred with K.
+ Edmund in the Rogation weeke, and after sore & sharpe battell was put
+ to the woorse, and constreined to forsake the field by the high
+ prowesse & manhood of the said Edmund. King Cnute the same night,
+ after the armies were seuered, departed towards Winchester, so to get
+ himselfe out of danger. Shortlie after, king Edmund hearing that an
+
+ [Sidenote: Salisburie besieged.]
+ other armie of the Danes had besieged Salisburie, marched thither to
+ succour them within, and immediatlie Cnute followed him, so that at a
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: A battel with equall fortune.]
+ place in Worcestershire called Scorastan, on the foure and twentith of
+ June, they incountred togither, and fought a verie cruell battell,
+ which at length the night parted with equall fortune. And likewise on
+ [Sidenote: An other battel with like successes.]
+ the next day they buckled togither againe, and fought with like
+ successe as they had doone the day before, for towards euening they
+ gaue ouer well wearied, and not knowing to whome the victorie ought to
+ be ascribed.
+
+ [Sidenote: Edrike de Streona his treason.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Writers haue reported, that this second day, when duke Edrike
+ perceiued the Englishmen to be at point to haue got the vpper hand, he
+ withdrew aside, and hauing by chance slaine a common souldier called
+ Osmear, which in visage much resembled king Edmund, whose head he cut
+ off, held it vp, & shaking his swoord bloudie with the slaughter,
+ cried to the Englishmen; "Flée ye wretches, flee and get awaie, for
+ your king is dead, behold heere his head which I hold in my hands."
+ Héerewith had the Englishmen fled immediatlie, if king Edmund aduised
+ of this stratagem, had not quicklie got him to an high ground where
+ his men might seé him aliue and lustie. Héerewith also the traitor
+ Edrike escaped hardlie the danger of death, the Englishmen shot so
+ egerlie at him. At length, as is said, the night parting them in
+ sunder, they withdrew the one armie from the other, as it had béene by
+ consent. The third day they remained in armor, but yet absteining from
+ battell, sate still, in taking meate and drinke to relieue their
+ [Sidenote: Twentie thousand dead bodies.]
+ wearied bodies, and after gathered in heapes the dead carcases that
+ had béene slaine in the former fight, the number of which on either
+ partie reckoned, rose to the point of twentie thousand and aboue.
+
+ [Sidenote: The armies dislodged.]
+ In the night following, Cnute remooued his campe in secret wise, and
+ marched towards London, which citie in a maner remained besieged by
+ the nauie of the Danes. King Edmund in the morning when the light had
+ discouered the departure of his enimies, followed them by the tract,
+ and comming to London with small adoo remooued the siege, and entered
+ [Sidenote: The Danes ouercome at Brentford.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Caxton._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ the citie like a conqueror. Shortlie after he fought with the Danes at
+ Brentford, and gaue them a great ouerthrow. In this meane while queene
+ Emma the widow of king Egelred, doubting the fortune of the warre,
+ sent hir two sonnes Alfred and Edward ouer into Normandie vnto hir
+ brother duke Richard, or rather fled thither hirselfe with them (as
+ some write.)
+
+ Moreouer, earle Edrike, perceiuing the great manhood of king Edmund,
+ began to feare, least in the end he should subdue and vanquish the
+ Danes, wherefore he sought meanes to conclude a peace, and take such
+ order with him as might stand with both their contentations, which yer
+ long he brought about. This was doone (as you shall heare) by the
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ consent of Cnute (as some write) to the intent that Edrike being put
+ in trust with king Edmund, might the more easilie deuise waies how to
+ betraie him. But Cnute disappointed of his purpose at London, and
+ fetching a great bootie and preie out of the countries next adjoining,
+ repared to his ships, to sée what order was amongst them, which a
+ little before were withdrawen into the riuer that passeth by Rochester
+ [Sidenote: The river of Medwaie.]
+ called Medwaie. Héere Cnute remained certeine daies, both to assemble
+ a greater power, and also to hearken and learne what his enimies ment
+ to doo, the which he easilie vnderstood.
+
+ [Sidenote: King Edmund's diligence.]
+ King Edmund, who hated nothing woorse than to linger his businesse,
+ assembled his people, and marching forward toward his enimies,
+ approched néere vnto them, & pitcht downe his tents not farre from his
+ enimies campe, exhorting his people to remember their passed
+ victories, and to doo their good willes, at length by one battell so
+ to ouerthrow them, that they might make an end of the warre, and
+ dispatch them cleerelie out of the realme. With these and the like
+ woords he did so incourage his souldiers, that they disdaining thus to
+ haue the enimies dailie prouoke them, and to put them to trouble, with
+ eger minds and fierce courages offered battell to the Danes, which
+ Cnute had prepared to receiue whensoeuer the Englishmen approched: and
+ heerewith bringing his men into araie, he came foorth to méet his
+ [Sidenote: The battell is begun.]
+ enimies. Then was the battell begun with great earnestnesse on both
+ sides, & continued foure houres, till at length the Danes began
+ somewhat to shrinke, which when Cnute perceiued, he commanded his
+ horssemen to come forward into the forepart of his dawnted host.
+
+ [Sidenote: The Danes put to flight.]
+ But whilest one part of the Danes gaue backe with feare, and the other
+ came slowlie forward, the arraie of the whole armie was broken, & then
+ [Sidenote: The number of Danes slaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ without respect of shame they fled amaine, so that there died that day
+ of Cnutes side foure thousand and fiue hundred men; and of king
+ Edmunds side, not past six hundred, and those were footmen. This
+ battell was fought as should appéere by diuerse writers, at Okefort or
+ Oteford. It was thought, that if king Edmund had pursued the victorie
+ and followed in chase of his enimies in such wise as he safelie might
+ haue doone, he had made that day an end of the warres: but he was
+ [Sidenote: Edriks counsell.]
+ counselled by Edrike (as some write) in no condition to follow them,
+ but to staie and giue time to his people to refresh their wearie
+ bodies. Then Cnute with his armie passed ouer the Thames into Essex,
+ and there assembled all his power togither, and began to spoile and
+ waste the countrie on each hand. King Edmund aduertised thereof,
+ hasted foorth to succour his people, and at Ashdone in Essex three
+ miles from Saffron Walden, gaue battell to Cnute, where after sore and
+ cruell fight continued with great slaughter on both sides a long time,
+ duke Edrike fled to the comfort of the Danes, and to the discomfort of
+ the Englishmen.
+
+ Héerevpon king Edmund was constreined in the end to depart out of the
+ field, hauing first doone all that could be wished in a woorthie
+ chieftaine, both by woords to incourage his men, & by deeds to shew
+ them good example; so that at one time the Danes were at point to haue
+ giuen backe, but that Cnute aduised thereof, rushed into the left wing
+ where most danger was, and so relieued his people there, that finallie
+ the Englishmen, both wearied with long fight, and also discouraged
+ with the running awaie of some of their companie, were constreined to
+ giue ouer, and by flight to séeke their safegard, so that king Edmund
+ might not by anie meanes bring them againe into order. Héerevpon all
+ the waies and passages being forelaid and stopped by the enimies, the
+ [Sidenote: [*_Sic._]]
+ Englishmen wanting both carriage* to make longer resistance, and
+ perceiuing no hope to rest in fléeing, were beaten downe and slaine in
+ heapes, so that few escaped from that dreadfull and bloudie battell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Noble men slaine at the battell of Ashdone.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ There died on king Edmunds side, duke Edmund, duke Alfrike, and duke
+ Goodwine, with earle Vlfekettell or Vrchell of Eastangle, and duke
+ Aileward, that was sonne to Ardelwine late duke of Eastangle; and to
+ be briefe, all the floure of the English nobilitie. There were also
+ slaine at this battell manie renowmed persons of the spiritualtie, as
+ the bishop of Lincolne, and the abbat of Ramsey, with others: king
+ [Sidenote: King Edmund withdraweth into Glocestershire.]
+ Edmund escaping awaie, got him into Glocestershire, and there began to
+ raise a new armie. In the place where this field was fought, are yet
+ seuen or eight hils, wherein the carcases of them that were slaine at
+ the same field were buried: and one being digged downe of late, there
+ were found two bodies in a coffin of stone, of which the one laie with
+ his head towards the others féet, and manie chaines of iron, (like to
+ the water-chains of the bits of horsses) were found in the same hill.
+ But now to the matter.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _London & other great cities & townes submit themselues to Cnute, he
+ hasteth after Edmund with his power, both their armies being readie to
+ incounter by occasion are staied, the oration of a capteine in the
+ hearing of both hosts; the title and right of the realme of England is
+ put to the triall of combat betweene Cnute and Edmund, Cnute is
+ ouermatched, his woords to king Edmund, both kings are pacified and
+ their armies accorded, the realme diuided betwixt Cnute and Edmund,
+ king Edmund traitorouslie slaine, the dissonant report of writers
+ touching the maners of his death, and both the kings dealing about the
+ partition of the realme, Cnute causeth Edrike to be slaine for
+ procuring king Edmunds death, wherein the reward of treason is noted;
+ how long king Edmund reigned, and where he was buried, the eclipsed
+ state of England after his death, and in whose time it recouered some
+ part of its brightnesse._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+ In the meane while that Edmund was busie to leauie a new armie in
+ Glocester, and other parties of Mercia, Cnute hauing got so great a
+ victorie (as before is mentioned) receiued into his obeisance, not
+ onelie the citie of London, but also manie other cities and townes of
+ great name, and shortlie after hasted forward to pursue his enimie
+ king Edmund, who was readie with a mightie host to trie the vttermost
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ chance of battell if they should eftsoones ioine. Héerevpon, both the
+ armies being readie to giue the onset, the one in sight of the other
+ at a place called Dearehurst, neere to the riuer of Seuerne, by the
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ drift of duke Edrike, who then at length began to shew some token of
+ good meaning, the two kings came to a communication, and in the end
+ concluded an agreement, as some haue written, without anie more adoo.
+ Others write, that when both the armies were at point to haue ioined,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._ saith this was Edrike.]
+ one of the capteins (but whether he were a Dane or an Englishman, it
+ is not certeinlie told) stood vp in such a place, as he might be heard
+ of both the princes, & boldlie vttered his mind in forme following.
+
+   _The oration of a capteine in the audience of the English and Danish
+   armie._
+
+ "We haue, most woorthie capteins, fought long inough one against
+ another, there hath beene but too much bloud shed betweene both the
+ nations, and the valiancie of the souldiers on both sides is
+ sufficientlie seene by triall, & either of your manhoods likewise, and
+ yet can you beare neither good nor euill fortune. If one of you win
+ the battell, he pursueth him that is ouercome; and if he chance to be
+ vanquished, he resteth not till he haue recouered new strength to
+ fight eftsoones with him that is victor. What should you meane by this
+ your inuincible courage? At what marke shooteth your greedie desire to
+ beare rule, and your excessive thirst to atteine honour? If you fight
+ for a kingdome, diuide it betwéene you two, which sometime was
+ sufficient for seuen kings: but if you couet to winne fame and
+ glorious renowme, and for the same are driuen to try the hazard
+ whether ye shall command or obeie, deuise the waie whereby ye may
+ without so great slaughter, and without such pitifull bloudshed of
+ both your guiltlesse peoples, trie whether of you is most woorthie to
+ be preferred."
+
+ [Sidenote: The two kings appoint to try the matter by a combat.]
+ [Sidenote: Oldney.]
+ Thus made he an end, and the two princes allowed well of his last
+ motion, and so order was taken, that they should fight togither in a
+ singular combat within a litle Iland inclosed with the riuer of
+ Seuerne called Oldney, with condition, that whether of them chanced to
+ be victor, should be king, and the other to resigne his title for euer
+ into his hands. The two princes entering into the place appointed, in
+ faire armour, began the battell in sight of both their armies ranged
+ in goodlie order on either side the riuer, with doubtfull minds, and
+ nothing ioifull, as they that wauered betwixt hope and feare. The two
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ champions manfullie assailed either other, without sparing. First,
+ they went to it on horssebacke, and after on foot. Cnute was a man of
+ [Sidenote: Cnute of what stature he was.]
+ a meane stature, but yet strong and hardie, so that receiuing a great
+ blow by the hand of his aduersarie, which caused him somewhat to
+ stagger; yet recouered himselfe, and boldly stept forward to be
+ reuenged. But perceiuing he could not find aduantage, and that he was
+ [Sidenote: Cnute ouermatched.]
+ [Sidenote: Cnutes woords to Edmund.]
+ rather too weake, and shrewdlie ouermatched, he spake to Edmund with a
+ lowd voice on this wise: "What necessitie (saith he) ought thus to
+ mooue vs, most valiant prince, that for the obteining of a kingdome,
+ we should thus put our liues in danger? Better were it that laieng
+ armour and malice aside, we should condescend to some reasonable
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ agreement. Let vs become sworne brethren, and part the kingdome
+ betwixt vs: and let vs deale so friendlie, that thou maist vse my
+ things as thine owne, and I thine as though they were mine." King
+ Edmund with those woords of his aduersarie was so pacified, that
+ immediatlie he cast awaie his swoord, and comming to Cnute, ioined
+ hands with him. Both the armies by their example did the like, which
+ looked for the same fortune to fall on their countries, which should
+ [Sidenote: They make vp the matter betwixt themselves.]
+ happen to their princes by the successe of that one battell. After
+ this, there was an agréement deuised betwixt them, so that a partition
+ of the realme was made, and that part that lieth fore against France,
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ was assigned to Edmund, and the other fell to Cnute. There be that
+ write, how the offer was made by king Edmund for the auoiding of more
+ bloudshed, that the two princes should trie the matter thus togither
+ in a singular combat. But Cnute refused the combat, bicause (as he
+ alledged) the match was not equall. For although he was able to match
+ Edmund in boldnesse of stomach, yet was he farre too weake to deale
+ with a man of such strength as Edmund was knowne to be. But sith they
+ did pretend title to the realme by due and good direct meanes, he
+ thought it most conuenient that the kingdome should be diuided betwixt
+ them. This motion was allowed of both the armies, so that king Edmund
+ was of force constreined to be contented therewith.
+
+ ¶ Thus our common writers haue recorded of this agréement, but if I
+ should not be thought presumptuous, in taking vpon me to reprooue, or
+ rather but to mistrust that which hath béene receiued for a true
+ narration in this matter, I would rather giue credit vnto that which
+ [Sidenote: _Encomium Emmæ._]
+ the author of the booke intituled "Encomium Emmæ," dooth report in
+ this behalfe. Which is that through persuasion of Edrike de Streona,
+ king Edmund immediatelie after the battell fought at Ashdone, sent
+ ambassadors vnto Cnute to offer vnto him peace, with halfe the realme
+ of England, that is to say, the north parts, with condition that king
+ Edmund might quietlie inioy the south parts, and therevpon haue
+ pledges deliuered interchangeablie on either side.
+
+ Cnute hauing heard the effect of this message, staied to make answer
+ till he heard what his councell would aduise him to doo in this
+ behalfe: and vpon good deliberation taken in the matter, considering
+ that he had lost no small number of people in the former battell, and
+ that being farre out of his countrie, he could not well haue anie new
+ supplie, where the Englishmen although they had likewise lost verie
+ manie of their men of warre, yet being in their owne countrie, it
+ should be an easie matter for them to restore their decaid number, it
+ was thought expedient by the whole consent of all the Danish capteins,
+ that the offer of king Edmund should be accepted.
+
+ Herevpon Cnute calling the ambassadors before him againe, declared
+ vnto them, that he was contented to conclude a peace vpon such
+ conditions as they had offered: but yet with this addition, that their
+ king whatsoeuer he should be, should paie Cnutes souldiers their
+ wages, with monie to be leuied of that part of the kingdome which the
+ English king should possesse. "For (this saith he) I haue vndertaken
+ to sée them paid, and otherwise I will not grant to anie peace." The
+ league and agréement therefore being concluded in this sort, pledges
+ were deliuered and receiued on both parties, and the armies
+ [Sidenote: This is alleged touching the partiti[=o] of the kingdome.]
+ discharged. But God (saith mine author) being mindfull of his old
+ doctrine, that Euerie kingdome diuided in it selfe cannot long stand,
+ shortlie after tooke Edmund out of this life: and by such meanes
+ séemed to take pitie of the English kingdome, lest if both the kings
+ should haue continued in life togither, they should haue liued in
+ danger. And incontinentlie herevpon was Cnute chosen and receiued for
+ absolute king of all the whole realme of England. Thus hath he written
+ that liued in those daies, whose credit thereby is much aduanced.
+
+ Howbeit the common report of writers touching the death of Edmund
+ varieth from this, who doo affirme, that after Cnute and Edmund were
+ made friends, the serpent of enuie and false conspiracie burnt so in
+ the hearts of some traitorous persons, that within a while after king
+ [Sidenote: K. Edmund traitorouslie slaine at Oxford.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Edmund was slaine at Oxford, as he sat on a priuie to doo the
+ necessaries of nature. The common report hath gone, that earle Edrike
+ was the procurer of this villanous act, and that (as some write) his
+ sonne did it. But the author that wrote "Encomium Emmæ," writing of
+ the death of Edmund, hath these words (immediatlie after he had first
+ declared in what sort the two princes were agréed, and had made
+ partition of the realme betwixt them:) But God (saith he) being
+ [Sidenote: This is alleged againe for the proofe of Edmunds natural
+ death.]
+ mindfull of his old doctrine, that Euerie kingdome diuided in it selfe
+ can not long stand, shortlie after tooke Edmund out of this life: and
+ by such meanes séemed to take pitie vpon the English kingdome, least
+ if both the kings should haue continued in life togither, they should
+ both haue liued in great danger, and the realme in trouble. With this
+ agreeth also Simon Dunel. who saith, that king Edmund died of naturall
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ sicknesse, by course of kind at London, about the feast of saint
+ Andrew next insuing the late mentioned agreement.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ranul. Hig._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ And this should séeme true: for whereas these authors which report,
+ that earle Edrike was the procurer of his death, doo also write, that
+ when he knew the act to be done, he hasted vnto Cnute, and declared
+ vnto him what he had brought to passe for his aduancement to the
+ gouernment of the whole realme. Wherevpon Cnute, abhorring such a
+ detestable fact, said vnto him: "Bicause thou hast for my sake, made
+ away the worthiest bodie of the world, I shall raise thy head aboue
+ all the lords of England," and so caused him to be put to death. Thus
+ haue some bookes. Howbeit this report agreeth not with other writers,
+ which declare how Cnute aduanced Edrike in the beginning of his reigne
+ [Sidenote: Some thinke that he was duke of Mercia before, and now had
+ Essex adioined thereto.]
+ vnto high honor, and made him gouernor of Mercia, and vsed his
+ counsell in manie things after the death of king Edmund, as in
+ banishing Edwin, the brother of king Edmund, with his sonnes also,
+ Edmund and Edward.
+
+ [Sidenote: Diuerse and discordant reports of Edmunds death.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ But for that there is such discordance and variable report amongst
+ writers touching the death of king Edmund, and some fables inuented
+ thereof (as the manner is) we will let the residue of their reports
+ passe; sith certeine it is, that to his end he came, after he had
+ reigned about the space of one yéere, and so much more as is betwéene
+ the moneth of Iune and the latter end of Nouember. His bodie was
+ buried at Glastenburie, neere his vncle Edgar. With this Edmund,
+ surnamed Ironside, fell the glorious maiestie of the English kingdome,
+ the which afterward as it had beene an aged bodie being sore decaied
+ and weakened by the Danes, that now got possession of the whole, yet
+ somewhat recouered after the space of 26 yéers vnder king Edward,
+ surnamed the Confessor: and shortlie therevpon as it had béene falne
+ into a resiluation, came to extreame ruine by the inuasion and
+ conquest of the Normans: as after by Gods good helpe and fauorable
+ assistance it shall appeare. So that it would make a diligent and
+ marking reader both muse and moorne, to see how variable the state of
+ this kingdome hath béene, & thereby to fall into a consideration of
+ the frailtie and vncerteintie of this mortall life, which is no more
+ frée from securitie, than a ship on the sea in tempestuous weather.
+ For as the casualties wherewith our life is inclosed and beset with
+ round about, are manifold; so also are they miserable, so also are
+ they sudden, so also are they vnauoidable. And true it is, that the
+ life of man is in the hands of God, and the state of kingdoms dooth
+ also belong vnto him, either to continue or discontinue. But to the
+ processe of the matter.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cnute vndertaketh the totall regiment of this land, he assembleth a
+ councell at London, the nobles doo him homage, be diuideth the realme
+ into foure parts to be gouerned by his assignes; Edwin and Edward the
+ sonnes of Edmund are banished, their good fortune by honorable
+ mariages, King Cnute marieth queene Emma the widow of Egelred, the
+ wise and politike conditions wherevpon this mariage was concluded, the
+ English bloud restored to the crowne and the Danes excluded, queene
+ Emma praised for hir high wisedome in choosing an enimie to hir
+ husband; Cnute dismisseth the Danish armie into Denmarke; Edrike de
+ Streona bewraieth his former trecherie, and procureth his owne death
+ through rashnesse and follie, the discordant report of writers
+ touching the maner & cause of his death, what noble men were executed
+ with him, and banished out of England, Cnute a monarch._
+
+ THE XJ CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: CANUTE, KNOUGHT OR CNUTE.]
+ CANUTE, or Cnute, whome the English chronicles doo name Knought, after
+ the death of king Edmund, tooke vpon him the whole rule ouer all the
+ [Sidenote: 1017.]
+ realme of England, in the yéere of our Lord 1017, in the seuentéenth
+ yeere of the emperour Henrie the second, surnamed Claudus, in the
+ twentith yéere of the reigne of Robert king of France, and about the 7
+ yeere of Malcolme king of Scotland. Cnute shortlie after the death of
+ king Edmund, assembled a councell at London, in the which he caused
+ all the nobles of the realme to doo him homage, in receiuing an oth of
+ loiall obeisance. He diuided the realme into foure parts, assigning
+ Northumberland vnto the rule of Irke or Iricius, Mercia vnto Edrike,
+ and Eastangle vnto Turkill, and reseruing the west part to his owne
+ gouernance. He banished (as before is said) Edwin, the brother of king
+ Edmund; but such as were suspected to be culpable of Edmunds death, he
+ caused to be put to execution: whereby it should appeere, that Edrike
+ was not then in anie wise detected or once thought to be giltie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: King of churles.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ The said Edwin afterwards returned, and was then reconciled to the
+ kings fauor (as some write) but shortlie after traitorouslie slaine by
+ his owne seruants. He was called the king of churles. Others write,
+ that he came secretlie into the realme after he had béene banished,
+ and kéeping himselfe closelie out of sight, at length ended his life,
+ and was buried at Tauestocke. Moreouer, Edwin and Edward the sonnes of
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ king Edmund were banished the land, and sent first vnto Sweno king of
+ Norweie to haue bin made away: but Sweno vpon remorse of conscience
+ sent them into Hungarie, where they found great fauor at the hands of
+ king Salomon, insomuch that Edwin maried the daughter of the same
+ Salomon, but had no issue by hir. Edward was aduanced to marie with
+ Agatha, daughter of the emperour Henrie, and by hir had issue two
+ sonnes, Edmund and Edgar surnamed Edeling, and as many daughters,
+ Margaret and Christine, of the which in place conuenient more shall be
+ said.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: King Cnute maried to quéene Emma the widow of Egelred,
+ in Iulie, anno. 1017.]
+ When king Cnute had established things, as he thought stood most for
+ his suertie, he called to his remembrance, that he had no issue but
+ two bastard sonnes Harold and Sweno, begotten of his concubine Alwine.
+ Wherefore he sent ouer to Richard duke of Normandie, requiring to haue
+ quéene Emma, the widow of king Egelred in mariage, and so obteined
+ hir, not a little to the woonder of manie, which thought a great
+ ouersight both in the woman and in hir brother, that would satisfie
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ the request of Cnute herein, considering he had béene such a mortall
+ enimie to hir former husband. But duke Richard did not onelie consent,
+ that his said sister should be maried vnto Cnute, but also he himselfe
+ tooke to wife the ladie Hestritha, sister to the said Cnute.
+
+ ¶ Here ye haue to vnderstand, that this mariage was not made without
+ [Sidenote: The couenants made at the mariage betwixt Cnute and Emma.]
+ great consideration & large couenants granted on the part of king
+ Cnute: for before he could obteine queene Emma to his wife, it was
+ fullie condescended & agréed, that after Cnuts decease, the crowne of
+ England should remaine to the issue borne of this mariage betwixt hir
+ & Cnute, which couenant although it was not performed immediatlie
+ after the deceasse of king Cnute, yet in the end it tooke place, so as
+ the right séemed to be deferred, and not to be taken away nor
+ abolished: for immediatlie vpon Harolds death that had vsurped,
+ Hardicnute succéeded as right heire to the crowne, by force of the
+ agréement made at the time of the mariage solemnized betwixt his
+ father and mother, and being once established in the kingdome, he
+ ordeined his brother Edward to succéed him, whereby the Danes were
+ vtterlie excluded from all right that they had to pretend vnto the
+ [Sidenote: The English bloud restored.]
+ [Sidenote: The praise of quéene Emma for hir wisdome.]
+ crowne of this land, and the English bloud restored thereto, chieflie
+ by that gratious conclusion of this mariage betwixt king Cnute and
+ quéene Emma. For the which no small praise was thought to be due vnto
+ the said quéene, sith by hir politike gouernement, in making hir match
+ so beneficiall to hir selfe and hir line, the crowne was thus
+ recouered out of the hands of the Danes, and restored againe in time
+ [Sidenote: _Encomium Emmæ._]
+ to the right heire, as by an auncient treatise which some haue
+ intituled "Encomium Emmæ," and was written in those daies, it dooth
+ and may appeare. Which booke although there be but few copies thereof
+ abroad, giueth vndoubtedlie great light to the historie of that time.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ But now to our purpose. Cnute the same yeare in which he was thus
+ maried, through persuasion of his wife quéene Emma, sent awaie the
+ Danish nauie and armie home into Denmarke, giuing to them fourescore
+ and two thousand pounds of siluer, which was leuied throughout this
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: 1018.]
+ land for their wages. In the yeare 1018, Edrike de Streona earle of
+ Mercia was ouerthrowen in his owne turne: for being called before the
+ king into his priuie chamber, and there in reasoning the matter about
+ some quarrell that was picked to him, he began verie presumptuouslie
+ to vpbraid the king of such pleasures as he had before time doone vnto
+ him; "I did (said he) for the loue which I bare towards you, forsake
+ my souereigne lord king Edmund, and at length for your sake slue him."
+ At which words Cnute began to change countenance, as one maruellouslie
+ abashed, and straightwaies gaue sentence against Edrike in this wise;
+ "Thou art woorthie (saith he) of death, and die thou shalt, which art
+ guiltie of treason both towards God and me, sith that thou hast slaine
+ thine own souereigne lord, and my déere alied brother. Thy bloud
+ therefore be vpon thine owne head, sith thy toong hath vttered thy
+ treason." And immediatlie he caused his throat to be cut, and his
+ bodie to be throwen out at the chamber window into the riuer of
+ [Sidenote: Edrike put to death.]
+ Thames. ¶ But others say, that hands were laid vpon him in the verie
+ same chamber or closet where he murdered the king, & straightwaies to
+ preuent all causes of tumults & hurlieburlies, he was put to death
+ with terrible torments of fierbrands & links; which execution hauing
+ passed vpon him, a second succeeded; for both his féet were bound
+ together, and his bodie drawne through the streets of the citie, & in
+ fine cast into a common ditch called Houndsditch; for that the
+ citizens threw their dead dogs and stinking carrion with other filth
+ into it, accounting him worthie of a worse rather than of a better
+ buriall. In such hatred was treason had, being a vice which the verie
+ infidels and grosse pagans abhorred, else would they not haue said,
+ _Proditionem amo, proditorem odi_; Treason I loue, but a traitor I
+ hate. This was the end of Edrike, surnamed de Stratten or Streona, a
+ man of great infamie for his craftie dissimulation, falshood and
+ treason, vsed by him to the ouerthrow of the English estate, as
+ partlie before is touched.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Encomium Emmæ._]
+ But there be that concerning the cause of this Edriks death, séeme
+ partlie to disagrée from that which before is recited, declaring that
+ Cnute standing in some doubt to be betraied through the treason of
+ Edrike, sought occasion how to rid him and others (whome he
+ mistrusted) out of the way. And therefore on a day when Edrike craued
+ some preferment at Cnuts hands, & said that he had deserued to be well
+ thought of, sith by his flight from the battell at Ashendon, the
+ victorie therby inclined to Cnutes part: Cnute hearing him speake
+ these words, made this answere: "And canst thou (quoth he) be true to
+ me, that through fraudulent meanes diddest deceiue thy soùereigne lord
+ and maister? But I will reward thée according to thy deserts, so as
+ from henceforth thou shalt not deceiue anie other," and so forthwith
+ commanded Erike one of his chiefe capteines to dispatch him, who
+ incontinentlie cut off his head with his axe or halbert. Verelie Simon
+ Dunelmensis saith, that K. Cnute vnderstanding in what sort both king
+ Egelred, and his sonne king Edmund Ironside had béene betraied by the
+ said Edrike, stood in great doubt to be likewise deceiued by him, and
+ therefore was glad to haue some pretended quarell, to dispatch both
+ him and others, whome he likewise mistrusted, as it well appeared. For
+ at the same time there were put to death with Edrike earle Norman the
+ sonne of earle Leofwin, and brother to earle Leofrike: also Adelward
+ the sonne of earle Agelmare and Brightrike the sonne of Alfegus
+ gouernor of Deuonshire, without all guilt or cause (as some write.)
+ And in place of Norman, his brother Leofrike was made earle of Mercia
+ by the king, and had in great fauour. This Leofrike is commonlie also
+ by writers named earle of Chester. After this, Cnute likewise banished
+ Iric and Turkill, two Danes, the one (as before is recited) gouernor
+ of Northumberland, and the other of Northfolke and Suffolke or
+ Eastangle.
+
+ Then rested the whole rule of the realme in the kings hands, wherevpon
+ he studied to preserue the people in peace, and ordeined lawes,
+ according to the which both Danes and Englishmen should be gouerned in
+ equall state and degrée. Diuers great lords whome he found vnfaithfull
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Lords put to death.]
+ or rather suspected, he put to death (as before ye haue heard) beside
+ [Sidenote: A taxe raised.]
+ such as he banished out of the realme. He raised a tax or tribute of
+ the people, amounting to the summe of fourescore & two thousand
+ pounds, besides 11000 pounds, which the Londoners paid towards the
+ maintenance of the Danish armie. But whereas these things chaunced not
+ all at one time, but in sundrie seasons, we will returne somewhat
+ backe to declare what other exploits were atchiued in the meane time
+ by Cnute, not onelie in England, but also in Denmarke, and elsewhere:
+ admonishing the reader in the processe of the discourse following,
+ that much excellent matter is comprehended, whereout (if the same be
+ studiouslie read and diligentlie considered) no small profit is to be
+ reaped, both for the augmentation of his owne knowledge and others
+ that be studious.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Cnute saileth into Denmarke to subdue the Vandals, earle Goodwins
+ good seruice with the English against the said Vandals, and what
+ benefit accrewed vnto the Englishmen by the said good seruice, he
+ returneth into England after the discomfiture of the enimie, he
+ saileth ouer againe into Denmarke and incountreth with the Sweideners,
+ the occasion of this warre or incounter taken by Olauus, his hard hap,
+ vnluckie fortune, and wofull death wrought by the hands of his owne
+ vnnaturall subiects; Cnuts confidence in the Englishmen, his deuout
+ voiage to Rome, his returne into England, his subduing of the Scots,
+ his death and interrement._
+
+ THE TWELFTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: 1019.]
+ [Sidenote: King Cnute passeth into Denmarke.]
+ In the third yeare of his reigne Cnute sailed with an armie of
+ Englishmen and Danes into Denmarke, to subdue the Vandals there, which
+ then sore annoied and warred against his subiects of Denmarke. Earle
+ [Sidenote: Earle Goodwin his seruice in Denmarke.]
+ Goodwine, which had the souereigne conduct of the Englishmen, the
+ night before the day appointed for the battell got him forth of the
+ campe with his people, and suddenlie assailing the Vandals in their
+ lodgings, easilie distressed them, sleaing a great number of them, and
+ chasing the residue. In the morning earlie, when as Cnute heard that
+ the Englishmen were gone foorth of their lodgings, he supposed that
+ they were either fled awaie, or else turned to take part with the
+ enimies. But as he approched to the enimies campe, he vnderstood how
+ the mater went; for he found nothing there but bloud, dead bodies, and
+ [Sidenote: Cnute had the Englishmen in estimation for their good
+ service.]
+ the spoile. For which good seruice, Cnute had the Englishmen in more
+ estimation euer after, and highlie rewarded their leader the same
+ earle Goodwine. When Cnute had ordered all things in Denmarke, as was
+ thought behoofefull, he returned againe into England: and within a few
+ daies after, he was aduertised that the Swedeners made warre against
+ his subiects of Denmarke, vnder the leding of two great princes, Vlfe
+ [Sidenote: 1028.]
+ [Sidenote: Cnute passeth againe into Denmarke.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malm._]
+ and Vlafe. Wherefore to defend his dominions in those parts, he passed
+ againe with an armie into Denmarke, incountred with his enimies, and
+ receiued a sore ouerthrow, loosing a great number both of Danes and
+ Englishmen. But gathering togither a new force of men, he set againe
+ vpon his enimies, and ouercame them, constreining the two foresaid
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ princes to agrée vpon reasonable conditions of peace. Matth. West.
+ recounteth, that at this time earle Goodwine and the Englishmen
+ wrought the enterprise aboue mentioned, of assaulting the enimies
+ campe in the night season, after Cnute had first lost in the day
+ before no small number of his people: and that then the foresaid
+ [Sidenote: _Albertus Crantz._]
+ princes or kings, as he nameth them Vlfus and Aulafus, which latter he
+ calleth Eiglafe, were constrained to agrée vpon a peace. The Danish
+ chronicles alledge, that the occasion of this warre rose hereof. This
+ Olauus aided Cnute (as the same writers report) against king Edmund
+ and the Englishmen. But when the peace should be made betwéene Cnute
+ and Edmund, there was no consideration had of Olauus: whereas through
+ him the Danes chieflie obteined the victorie. Herevpon Olauus was sore
+ offended in his mind against Cnute, and now vpon occasion sought to be
+ reuenged. But what soeuer the cause was of this warre betwixt these
+ two princes, the end was thus: that Olauus was expelled out of his
+ kingdome, and constreined to flée to Gerithaslaus a duke in the
+ parties of Eastland, and afterward returning into Norwaie, was slaine
+ by such of his subiects as tooke part with Cnute, in manner as in the
+ historie of Norwaie, appeareth more at large, with the contrarietie
+ [Sidenote: Magnus Olauus.]
+ found in the writings of them which haue recorded the histories of
+ those north regions.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ But here is to be remembred, that the fame and glorie of the English
+ nation was greatlie aduanced in these warres, as well against the
+ Swedeners as the Norwegians, so that Cnute began to loue and trust the
+ Englishmen much better than it was to be thought he would euer haue
+ [Sidenote: Other say, that he went forth of Denmarke to Rome.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Anno 1031.]
+ [Sidenote: 1032.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 1033.]
+ doone. Shortlie after that Cnute was returned into England, that is to
+ say (as some haue) in the 15 yeare of his reigne, he went to Rome to
+ performe his vow which he had made to visit the places where the
+ apostles Peter and Paule had their buriall, where he was honorablie
+ receiued of pope Iohn the 20 that then held the sée. When he had doone
+ his deuotion there, he returned into England. In the yeare following,
+ [Sidenote: Scots subdued.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Anno 1035.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: The death of king Cnute.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Alb. Crantz._]
+ he made a iournie against the Scots, which as then had rebelled; but
+ by the princelie power of Cnute they were subdued and brought againe
+ to obedience: so that not onelie king Malcolme, but also two other
+ kings Melbeath and Ieohmare became his subiects. Finallie after that
+ this noble prince king Cnute had reigned the tearme of 20 yeares
+ currant, after the death of Ethelred, he died at Shaftsburie, as the
+ English writers affirme, on the 12 of Nouember, and was buried at
+ Winchester. But the Danish chronicles record that he died in
+ Normandie, and was buried at Rome (as in the same chronicles ye may
+ reade more at large.)
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The trespuissance of Cnute, the amplenesse of his dominions, the good
+ and charitable fruits of his voiage to Rome redounding to the common
+ benefit of all trauellers from England thither, with what great
+ personages he had conference, and the honour that was doone him there,
+ his intollerable pride in commanding the waters of the flouds not to
+ rise, he humbleth himselfe and confesseth Christ Iesus to be king of
+ kings, he refuseth to weare the crowne during his life, he reproueth a
+ gentleman flatterer, his issue legitimate and illegitimate, his
+ inclination in his latter yeares, what religious places he erected,
+ repaired, and inriched; what notable men he fauoured and reuerenced,
+ his lawes; and that in causes as well ecclesiasticall as temporall he
+ had cheefe and sole gouernement in this land, whereby the popes
+ vsurped title of vniuersall supremasie is impeached._
+
+ THE XIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: The large dominion of K. Cnute.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Alb. Crantz._]
+ This Cnute was the mightiest prince that euer reigned ouer the English
+ people: for he had the souereigne rule ouer all Denmark, England,
+ Norwaie, Scotland, and part of Sweiden. Amongest other of his roiall
+ acts, he caused such tolles and tallages as were demanded of way-goers
+ at bridges and stréets in the high way betwixt England and Rome to be
+ diminished to the halfes, and againe got also a moderation to be had
+ in the paiment of the archbishops fees of his realme, which was leuied
+ of them in the court of Rome when they should receiue their palles, as
+ may appeare by a letter which he himselfe being at Rome, directed to
+ the bishops and other of the nobles of England. In the which it also
+ appeareth, that besides the roiall interteinment, which he had at Rome
+ of pope Iohn, he had conference there with the emperour Conrad, with
+ Rafe the king of Burgongne, and manie other great princes and noble
+ men, which were present there at that time: all which at his request,
+ [Sidenote: Grants made to the benefit of Englishmen, at the instance
+ of king Cnute.]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ in fauour of those Englishmen that should trauell vnto Rome, granted
+ (as we haue said) to diminish such duties as were gathered of
+ passingers.
+
+ He receiued there manie great gifts of the emperour, and was highlie
+ honored of him, and likewise of the pope, and of all other the high
+ princes at that time present at Rome: so that when he came home (as
+ some write) he did grow greatlie into pride, insomuch that being néere
+ [Sidenote: He caused his chaire to be set there, as _Matth. West._
+ saith.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ to the Thames, or rather (as other write) vpon the sea strand, néere
+ to Southhampton, and perceiuing the water to rise by reason of the
+ tide, he cast off his gowne, and wrapping it round togither, threw it
+ on the sands verie neere the increasing water, and sat him downe vpon
+ it, speaking these or the like words to the sea: "Thou art (saith he)
+ within the compasse of my dominion, and the ground whereon I sit is
+ mine, and thou knowest that no wight dare disobeie my commandements; I
+ therefore doo now command thée not to rise vpon my ground, nor to
+ presume to wet anie part of thy souereigne lord and gouernour." But
+ the sea kéeping hir course, rose still higher and higher, and
+ ouerflowed not onelie the kings féet, but also flashed vp vnto his
+ legs and knees. Wherewith the king started suddenlie vp, and withdrew
+ [Sidenote: The saieng of king Cnute.]
+ from it, saieng withall to his nobles that were about him: "Behold you
+ noble men, you call me king, which can not so much as staie by my
+ commandement this small portion of water. But know ye for certeine,
+ that there is no king but the father onelie of our Lord Iesus Christ,
+ [Sidenote: Zealouslie inough, if it had bin according to true
+ knowledge.]
+ with whome he reigneth, & at whose becke all things are gouerned. Let
+ vs therefore honor him, let vs confesse and professe him to be the
+ ruler of heauen, earth, and sea, and besides him none other."
+
+ From thence he went to Winchester, and there with his owne hands set
+ his crowne vpon the head of the image of the crucifix, which stood
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ there in the church of the apostles Peter and Paule, and from
+ thenceforth he would neuer weare that crowne nor anie other. Some
+ write that he spake not the former words to the sea vpon anie
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ presumptuousnesse of mind, but onelie vpon occasion of the vaine
+ title, which in his commendation one of his gentlemen gaue him by way
+ of flatterie (as he rightlie tooke it) for he called him the most
+ mightiest king of all kings, which ruled most at large both men, sea,
+
+ [Sidenote: Flatterie reproued.]
+ and land. Therefore to reprooue the fond flatterie of such vaine
+ persons, he deuised and practised the déed before mentioned, thereby
+ both to reprooue such flatterers, and also that men might be
+ admonished to consider the omnipotencie of almightie God. He had issue
+ by his wife quéene Emma, a sonne named by the English chronicles
+ Hardiknought, but by the Danish writers Canute or Knute: also a
+ daughter named Gonilda, that was after maried to Henrie the sonne of
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Conrad, which also was afterwards emperour, and named Henrie the
+ [Sidenote: _Alb. Cranz._]
+ third. By his concubine Alwine that was daughter to Alselme, whome
+ some name earle of Hampton, he had two bastard sonnes, Harold and
+ Sweno. He was much giuen in his latter daies to vertue, as he that
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ considered how perfect felicitie rested onelie in godlines and true
+ deuotion to serue the heauenlie king and gouernour of all things.
+
+ He repared in his time manie churches, abbeies and houses of religion,
+ which by occasion of warres had béene sore defaced by him and his
+ father, but speciallie he did great cost vpon the abbeie of saint
+ Edmund, in the towne of Burie, as partlie before is mentioned. He also
+ [Sidenote: Which is supposed to be Barclow: for Ashdone it selfe
+ is halfe a mile from thence.]
+ [Sidenote: 1020.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ built two abbeies from the foundation, as saint Benets in Norffolke,
+ seuen miles distant from Norwich, and an other in Norwaie. He did also
+ build a church at Ashdone in Essex, where he obteined the victorie of
+ king Edmund, and was present at the hallowing or consecration therof
+ with a great multitude of the lords and nobles of the realme, both
+ English and Danes. He also holpe with his owne hands to remooue the
+ bodie of the holie archbishop Elphegus, when the same was translated
+ from London to Canturburie. The roiall and most rich iewels which he &
+ his wife quéene Emma gaue vnto the church of Winchester, might make
+ the beholders to woonder at such their exceeding and bountifull
+ munificence.
+
+ Thus did Cnute striue to reforme all such things as he and his
+ ancestors had doone amisse, and to wipe awaie the spot of euill
+ dooing, as suerlie to the outward sight of the world he did in deed;
+ he had the archbishop of Canturburie Achelnotus in singular
+ [Sidenote: Leofrike earle of Chester.]
+ reputation, and vsed his counsell in matters of importance. He also
+ highlie fauoured Leofrike earle of Chester, so that the same Leofrike
+ bare great rule in ordering of things touching the state of the common
+ [Sidenote: King Cnutes lawes.]
+ wealth vnder him as one of his chiefe councellors. Diuerse lawes and
+ statutes he made for the gouernment of the common wealth, partlie
+ agréeable with the lawes of king Edgar, and other the kings that were
+ his predecessors, and partlie tempered according to his owne liking,
+ and as was thought to him most expedient: among the which there be
+ diuerse that concerne causes as well ecclesiasticall as temporall.
+ Whereby (as maister Fox hath noted) it maie be gathered, that the
+ gouernment of spirituall matters did depend then not vpon the bishop
+ of Rome, but rather apperteined vnto the lawfull authoritie of the
+ temporall prince, no lesse than matters and causes temporall. But of
+ these lawes & statutes enacted by king Cnute, ye may read more as ye
+ find them set foorth in the before remembred booke of maister William
+ Lambert, which for briefenesse we héere omit.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Variance amongest the peeres of the realme about the roiall
+ succession, the kingdome is diuided betwixt Harold the bastard sonne
+ and Hardicnute the lawfullie begotten son of king Cnute late
+ deceassed, Harold hath the totall regiment, the authoritie of earle
+ Goodwine gardian to the queenes sonnes, Harold is proclaimed king, why
+ Elnothus did stoutlie refuse to consecrate him, why Harold was
+ surnamed Harefoot, he is supposed to be a shoomakers sonne, and how it
+ came to passe that he was counted king Cnutes bastard; Alfred
+ challengeth the crowne from Harold, Goodwine (vnder colour of
+ friendlie interteinment) procureth his retinues vtter vndooing, a
+ tithing of the Normans by the poll, whether Alfred was interessed in
+ the crowne, the trecherous letter of Harold written in the name of
+ queéne Emma to hir two sons in Normandie, wherevpon Alfred commeth
+ ouer into England, the vnfaithfull dealing of Goodwine with Alfred and
+ his people, teaching that in trust is treason, a reseruation of euerie
+ tenth Norman, the remanent slaine, the lamentable end of Alfred, and
+ with what torments he was put to death; Harold banisheth queene Emma
+ out of England he degenerateth from his father, the short time of his
+ reigne, his death and buriall._
+
+ THE XIIIJ. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: HAROLD.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ After that Cnute was departed this life, there arose much variance
+ amongst the peeres and great lords of the realme about the succession.
+ The Danes and Londoners (which through continuall familiaritie with
+ the Danes, were become like vnto them) elected Harold the base sonne
+ [Sidenote: Controuersie for the crowne.]
+ of king Cnute, to succéed in his fathers roome, hauing earle Leofrike,
+ and diuerse other of the noble men of the north parts on their side.
+ But other of the Englishmen, and namelie earle Goodwine earle of Kent,
+ with the chiefest lords of the west parts, coueted rather to haue one
+ of king Egelreds sonnes, which were in Normandie, or else Hardicnute
+ the sonne of king Cnute by his wife quéene Emma, which remained in
+ Denmarke, aduanced to the place. This controuersie held in such wise,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: The realme diuided betwixt Harold and Hardicnute.]
+ that the realme was diuided (as some write) by lot betwixt the two
+ brethren Harold and Hardicnute. The north part, as Mercia and
+ Northumberland fell to Harold, and the south part vnto Hardicnute: but
+ at length the whole remained vnto Harold, bicause his brother
+ Hardicnute refused to come out of Denmarke to take the gouernment vpon
+ him.
+
+ [Sidenote: The authoritie of earle Goodwine.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ But yet the authoritie of earle Goodwine, who had the queene and the
+ treasure of the realme in his kéeping, staied the matter a certeine
+ time, (professing himselfe as it were gardian to the yoong men, the
+ sonnes of the quéene, till at length he was constreined to giue ouer
+ his hold, and conforme himselfe to the stronger part and greater
+ number.) And so at Oxford, where the assemblie was holden about the
+ election, Harold was proclaimed king, and consecrated according to the
+ [Sidenote: The refusall of the archbishop Elnothus to consecrate
+ king Harold.]
+ maner (as some write.) But it should appeere by other, that Elnothus
+ the archbishop of Canturburie, a man indued with all vertue and
+ wisedome, refused to crowne him: for when king Harold being elected of
+ the nobles and péeres, required the said archbishop that he might be
+ of him consecrated, and receiue at his hands the regall scepter with
+ the crowne, which the archbishop had in his custodie, and to whome it
+ onelie did apperteine to inuest him therewith, the archbishop flatlie
+ refused, and with an oth protested, that he would not consecrate anie
+ other for king, so long as the quéenes children liued: "for (saith he)
+ Cnute committed them to my trust and assurance, and to them will I
+ kéepe my faith and loiall obedience. The scepter and crowne I héere
+ lay downe vpon the altar, and neither doo I denie nor deliuer them
+ vnto you: but I forbid by the apostolike authoritie all the bishops,
+ that none of them presume to take the same awaie, and deliuer them to
+ you, or consecrate you for king. As for your selfe, if you dare, you
+ maie vsurpe that which I haue committed vnto God and his table."
+
+ But whether afterwards the king by one meane or other, caused the
+ archbishop to crowne him king, or that he was consecrated of some
+ other, he was admitted king of all the English people, beginning his
+ [Sidenote: 1036.]
+ reigne in the yéere of our Lord a thousand thirtie and six, in the
+ fouretenth yéere of the emperor Conrad the second, in the sixt yéere
+ of Henrie the first, king of France, and about the seuen and twentith
+ yéere of Malcolme the second, king of Scots. This Harold for his great
+ [Sidenote: Harold why he is surnamed Harefoot.]
+ swiftnesse, was surnamed Harefoot, of whome little is written touching
+ his dooings, sauing that he is noted to haue béene an oppressor of his
+ [Sidenote: Harold euill spoken of.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higa._]
+ [Sidenote: _ex Mariano._]
+ people, and spotted with manie notable vices. It was spoken of diuerse
+ in those daies, that this Harold was not the sonne of Cnute, but of a
+ shoomaker, and that his supposed mother Elgina, king Cnutes concubine,
+ to bring the king further in loue with hir, feined that she was with
+ child: and about the time that she should be brought to bed (as she
+ made hir account) caused the said shoemakers son to be secretlie
+ brought into hir chamber, and then vntrulie caused it to be reported
+ that she was deliuered, and the child so reputed to be the kings
+ sonne.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Immediatlie vpon aduertisement had of Cnutes death, Alfred the sonne
+ of king Egelred, with fiftie saile landed at Sandwich, meaning to
+ challenge the crowne, and to obteine it by lawfull claime with
+ quietnesse, if he might; if not, then to vse force by aid of his
+ friends, and to assaie that waie foorth to win it, if he might not
+ otherwise obteine it. From Sandwich he came to Canturburie: and
+ shortlie after, earle Goodwine feining to receiue him as a friend,
+ came to meet him, and at Gilford in the night season appointed a
+ number of armed men to fall vpon the Normans as they were asléepe, and
+ so tooke them togither with Alfred, & slue the Normans by the poll, in
+ such wise that nine were shine, & the tenth reserued. But yet when
+ those that were reserued, seemed to him a greater number than he
+ wished to escape, he fell to and againe tithed them as before. Alfred
+ had his eies put out, and was conueied to the Ile of Elie, where
+ shortlie after he died.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ ¶ How Alfred should claime the crowne to himselfe I sée not: for
+ verelie I can not be persuaded that he was the elder brother, though
+ diuers authors haue so written, sith Gemeticensis, & the author of the
+ booke called "Encomium Emmae," plainlie affirme, that Edward was the
+ elder: but it might be, that Alfred being a man of a stouter stomach
+ [Sidenote: Sée maister _Fox_ acts and monuments, pag. 112.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ than his brother Edward, made this attempt, either for himselfe, or in
+ the behalfe of his brother Edward, being as then absent, and gone into
+ Hungarie, as some write: but other say, that as well Edward as Alfred
+ came ouer at this time with a number of Norman knights, and men of
+ warre imbarked in a few ships, onelie to speake with their mother, who
+ as then lay at Winchester, whether to take aduise with hir how to
+ recouer their right heere in this land, or to aduance their brother
+ Hardicnute, or for some other purpose, our authors doo not declare.
+
+ But the lords of the realme that bare their good wils vnto Harold, and
+ (though contrarie to right) ment to mainteine him in the estate,
+ seemed to be much offended with the comming of these two brethren in
+ such order: for earle Goodwine persuaded them, that it was great
+ danger to suffer so manie strangers to enter the realme, as they had
+ brought with them. Wherevpon earle Goodwine with the assent of the
+ other lords, or rather by commandement of Harold, went foorth, and at
+ Gilford met with Alfred that was comming towards king Harold to speake
+ with him, accordinglie as he was of Harold required to doo. But now
+ being taken, and his companie miserablie murthered (as before ye haue
+ heard) to the number of six hundred Normans, Alfred himselfe was sent
+ into the Ile of Elie, there to remaine in the abbeie in custodie of
+ the moonks, hauing his eies put out as soone as he entered first into
+ the same Ile. William Malmesburie saith, that Alfred came ouer, and
+ was thus handeled betwixt the time of Harolds death, & the comming in
+ of Hardicnute. Others write, that this chanced in his brother
+ Hardicnuts daies, which séemeth not to be true: for Hardicnute was
+ knowne to loue his brethren by his mothers side too dearelie to haue
+ suffered anie such iniurie to be wrought against either of them in his
+ time.
+
+ ¶ Thus ye sée how writers dissent in this matter, but for the better
+ clearing of the truth touching the time, I haue thought good to shew
+ also what the author of the said booke intituled "Encomium Emmæ"
+ writeth hereof, which is as followeth. When Harold was once
+ established king, he sought meanes how to rid quéene Emma out of the
+ way, and that secretlie, for that openlie as yet he durst not attempt
+ anie thing against hir. She in silence kept hir selfe quiet, looking
+ for the end of these things. But Harold remembring himselfe, of a
+ malicious purpose, by wicked aduise tooke counsell how he might get
+ into his hands and make away the sons of quéene Emma, & so to be out
+ of danger of all annoiance that by them might be procured against him.
+ [Sidenote: A counterfet letter.]
+ Wherefore he caused a letter to be written in the name of their mother
+ Emma, which he sent by certeine messengers suborned for the same
+ purpose into Normandie, where Edward and Alfred as then remained. The
+ tenour of which letter here insueth.
+
+
+   _The tenour of a letter forged and sent in queene Emmas name to hir
+     two sonnes._
+
+ "EMMA tantùm nomine regina filijs Edwardo & Alfredo materna impertit
+ salutamina. D[=u] domini nostri regis obitum separatim plangimus
+ (filij charissimi) dúmq; dietim magis magisque regno hæreditatis
+ vestræ priuamini, miror quid captetis consilij, dum sciatis
+ intermissionis vestræ dilatione inuasoris vestri imperij fieri
+ quotidiè soliditat[=e]. Is enim incessanter vicos & vrbes circuit, &
+ sibi amicos principes muneribus, minis, & precibus facit: sed vnum è
+ vobis super se mallent regnare quàm istius (qui nunc ijs imperat)
+ teneri ditione. Vnde rogo vnus vestrum ad me velociter & priuatè
+ veniat, vt salubre à me consilium accipiat, & sciat quo pacto hoc
+ negotium quod volo fieri debeat, per præsentem quóque internuncium
+ quid super his facturi estis remandate. Valete cordis mei viscera."
+
+   _The same in English._
+
+ "EMMA in name onelie queene to hir sons Edward and Alfred sendeth
+ motherlie greeting. Whilest we separatelie bewaile the death of our
+ souereigne lord the king (most deare sonnes) and whilest you are
+ euerie day more and more depriued from the kingdome of your
+ inheritance, I maruell what you doo determine, sith you know by the
+ delay of your ceassing to make some enterprise, the grounded force of
+ the vsurper of your kingdom is dailie made the stronger. For
+ incessantlie he goeth from towne to towne, from citie to citie, and
+ maketh the lords his friends by rewards, threats, and praiers, but
+ they had rather haue one of you to reigne ouer them, than to be kept
+ vnder the rule of this man that now gouerneth them. Wherefore my
+ request is, that one of you doo come with speed, and that priuilie
+ ouer to me, that he may vnderstand my wholesome aduise, and know in
+ what sort this matter ought to be handled, which I would haue to go
+ forward, and see that ye send mee word by this present messenger what
+ you meane to doo herein. Fare ye well euen the bowels of my heart."
+
+ These letters were deliuered vnto such as were made priuie to the
+ purposed treason, who being fullie instructed how to deale, went ouer
+ into Normandie, and presenting the letters vnto the yoong gentlemen,
+ vsed the matter so, that they thought verelie that this message had
+ béene sent from their mother, and wrote againe by them that brought
+ the letters, that one of them would not faile but come ouer vnto hir
+ according to that she had requested, and withall appointed the day and
+ time. The messengers returning to king Harold, informed him how they
+ had sped. The yoonger brother Alfred, with his brothers consent, tooke
+ with him a certeine number of gentlemen and men of warre, and first
+ came into Flanders, where after he had remained a while with earle
+ Baldwine, he increased his retinue with a few Bullogners, and passed
+ ouer into England, but approching to the shore, he was streightwaies
+ descried by his enimies, who hasted foorth to set vpon him; but
+ perceiuing their drift, he bad the ships cast about, and make againe
+ to the sea; then landing at an other place, he ment to go the next way
+ to his mother.
+
+ [Sidenote: Godwin was suspected to do this vnder a colour to betray
+ as by writers it séemeth.]
+ him But earle Goodwine hearing of his arriuall, met him, receiued him
+ into his assurance, and binding his credit with a corporall oth,
+ became his man, and therwith leading him out of the high way that
+ leadeth to London, he brought him to Gilford, where he lodged all the
+ strangers, by a score, a doozen, and halfe a score togither in innes,
+ so as but a few remained about the yoong gentleman Alfred to attend
+ vpon him. There was plentie of meat and drinke prepared in euerie
+ lodging, for the refreshing of all the companie. And Goodwine taking
+ his leaue for that night, departed to his lodging, promising the next
+ morning to come againe to giue his dutifull attendance on Alfred.
+
+ But behold, after they had filled themselues with meats and drinks,
+ [Sidenote: Not onelie Goodwine but other such as king Harold
+ appointed, took Alfred with his Normans.]
+ and were gone to bed, in the dead of the night came such as king
+ Harold had appointed, and entring into euerie inne, first seized vpon
+ the armor and weapons that belonged to the strangers: which done, they
+ tooke them, and chained them fast with fetters and manacles, so
+ kéeping them sure till the next morning. Which being come, they were
+ brought foorth with their hands bound behind their backs, and
+ deliuered to most cruell tormentors, who were commanded to spare none
+ but euerie tenth man, as he came to hand by lot, and so they slue nine
+ and left the tenth aliue. Of those that were left aliue, some they
+ kept to serue as bondmen, other for couetousnesse of gaine they sold,
+ and some they put in prison, of whome yet diuerse afterwards escaped.
+ This with more hath the foresaid author written of this matter,
+ declaring further, that Alfred being conueied into the Ile of Elie,
+ had not onelie his eies put out in most cruell wise, but was also
+ presentlie there murthered. But he speaketh not further of the maner
+ how he was made away, sauing that he saith he forbeareth to make long
+ recitall of this matter, bicause he will not renew the mothers gréefe
+ in hearing it, sith there can be no greater sorrow to the mother than
+ to heare of hir sonnes death.
+
+ ¶ I remember in Caxton we read, that his cruell tormentors should
+ cause his bellie to be opened, & taking out one end of his bowels or
+ guts, tied the same to a stake which they had set fast in the ground;
+ then with néedels of iron pricking his bodie, they caused him to run
+ about the stake, till he had woond out all his intrailes, & so ended
+ he his innocent life, to the great shame & obloquie of his cruel
+ aduersaries. But whether he was thus tormented or not, or rather died
+ (as I thinke) of the anguish by putting out his eies, no doubt but his
+ death was reuenged by Gods hand in those that procured it. But whether
+ erle Goodwine was chéefe causer thereof, in betraieng him vnder a
+ cloked colour of pretended fréendship, I cannot say: but that he tooke
+ him and slue his companie, as some haue written, I cannot thinke it to
+ be true, both as well for that which ye haue heard recited out of the
+ author that wrote "Encomium Emmæ," as also for that it should séeme he
+ might neuer be so directlie charged with it, but that he had matter to
+ alledge in his owne excuse. But now to other affaires of Harold.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Quéene Emma banished.]
+ After he had made away his halfe brother Alfred, he spoiled his mother
+ in law quéene Emma of the most part of hir riches, and therewith
+ banished hir quite out of the realme: so that she sailed ouer to
+ Flanders, where she was honourablie receiued of earle Baldwine, and
+ hauing of him honourable prouision assigned hir, she continued there
+ for the space of thrée yeeres, till that after the death of Harold,
+ she was sent for by hir sonne Hardiknought, that succéeded Harold in
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Harold degenerateth from his father.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ the kingdome. Moreouer, Harold made small account of his subiects,
+ degenerating from the noble vertues of his father, following him in
+ few things (except in exacting of tributes and paiments.) He caused
+ indeed eight markes of siluer to be leuied of euerie port or hauen in
+ England, to the reteining of 16 ships furnished with men of warre,
+ which continued euer in readinesse to defend the coasts from pirats.
+ [Sidenote: A nauie in a readinesse.]
+ [Sidenote: Euill men, the longer they liue, the more they grow into
+ miserie.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ To conclude with this Harold, his spéedie death prouided well for his
+ fame, bicause (as it was thought) if his life had béene of long
+ continuance, his infamie had béene the greater. But after he had
+ reigned foure yéeres, or (as other gathered) three yéeres and thrée
+ moneths, he departed out of this world at Oxford, & was buried at
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Winchester (as some say.) Other say he died at Meneford in the moneth
+ of Aprill, and was buried at Westminster, which should appeare to be
+ true by that which after is reported of his brother Hardiknoughts
+ cruell dealing, and great spite shewed toward his dead bodie, as after
+ shall be specified.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Hardicnute is sent for into England to be made king; alteration in
+ the state of Norwaie and Denmarke by the death of king Cnute,
+ Hardicnute is crowned, he sendeth for his mother queene Emma,
+ Normandie ruled by the French king, Hardicnute reuengeth his mothers
+ exile upon the dead bodie of his stepbrother Harold, queene Emma and
+ erle Goodwine haue the gouernment of things in their hands, Hardicnute
+ leuieth a sore tribute upon his subiects; contempt of officers &
+ deniall of a prince his tribute sharpelie punished; prince Edward
+ commeth into England; the bishop of Worcester accused and put from his
+ see for being accessarie to the murthering of Alfred, his restitution
+ procured by contribution; Earle Goodwine being accused for the same
+ trespasse excuseth himselfe, and iustifieth his cause by swearing, but
+ speciallie by presenting the king with an inestimable gift; the cause
+ why Goodwine purposed Alfreds death; the English peoples care about
+ the succession to the crowne, moonke Brightwalds dreame and vision
+ touching that matter; Hardicnute poisoned at a bridall, his
+ conditions, speciallie his hospitalitie, of him the Englishmen learned
+ to eate and drinke immoderatlie, the necessitie of sobrietie, the end
+ of the Danish regiment in this land, and when they began first to
+ inuade the English coasts._
+
+ THE XV. CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: HARDICNUTE, or HARDIKNOUGHT.]
+ After that Harold was dead, all the nobles of the realme, both Danes
+ and Englishmen agréed to send for Hardiknought, the sonne of Canute by
+ his wife quéene Emma, and to make him king. Héere is to be noted, that
+ by the death of king Canute, the state of things was much altered in
+ those countries of beyond the seas wherein he had the rule and
+ [Sidenote: Alteration in the state of things.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._, & _Matt. West._ say, that he was at Bruges
+ in Flanders with his mother when he was thus sent for, having come
+ thither to visit hir.]
+ [Sidenote: 1041.]
+ dominion. For the Norwegians elected one Magnus, the sonne of Olauus
+ to be their king, and the Danes chose this Hardiknought, whome their
+ writers name Canute the third, to be their gouernor. This Hardiknought
+ or Canute being aduertised of the death of his halfe brother Harold,
+ and that the lords of England had chosen him to their king, with all
+ conuenient speed prepared a nauie, and imbarking a certeine number of
+ men of warre, tooke the sea, and had the wind so fauorable for his
+ purpose, that he arriued upon the coast of Kent the sixt day after he
+ set out of Denmarke, and so comming to London, was ioifullie receiued,
+ and proclaimed king, and crowned of Athelnotus archbishop of
+ Canturburie, in the yere of our Lord 1041, in the first yéere of the
+ emperour Henrie the third, in the 9 yeere of Henrie the first of that
+ name king of France, and in the first yéere of Magfinloch, aliàs
+ Machabeda king of Scotland. Incontinentlie after his establishment in
+ [Sidenote: Quéene Emma sent for.]
+ the rule of this realme, he sent into Flanders for his mother quéene
+ Emma, who during the time of hir banishment, had remained there. For
+ Normandie in that season was gouerned by the French king, by reason of
+ the minoritie of duke William, surnamed the bastard.
+
+ Moreouer, in reuenge of the wrong offered to quéene Emma by hir sonne
+ in law Harold, king Hardicnute did cause Alfrike archbishop of Yorke
+ and earle Goodwine, with other noble men to go to Westminster, and
+ [Sidenote: The bodie of king Harold taken vp, and throwen into
+ Thames.]
+ there to take vp the bodie of the same Harold, and withall appointed,
+ that the head thereof should be striken off, and the trunke of it cast
+ into the riuer of Thames. Which afterwards being found by fishers, was
+ [Sidenote: S. Clement Danes.]
+ taken vp and buried in the churchyard of S. Clement Danes without
+ Temple barre at London. He committed the order and gouernement of
+ things to the hands of his mother Emma, and of Goodwine that was erle
+ [Sidenote: A tribute raised.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ of Kent. He leuied a sore tribute of his subiects here in England to
+ pay the souldiers and mariners of his nauie, as first 21 thousand
+ pounds, & 99 pounds, and afterward vnto 32 ships there was a paiment
+
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ made of a 11 thousand and 48 pounds. To euerie mariner of his nauie he
+ caused a paiment of 8 marks to be made, and to euerie master 12 marks.
+ About the paiment of this monie great grudge grew amongst the people,
+ insomuch that two of his seruants, which were appointed collectors in
+ the citie of Worcester, the one named Feader, and the other Turstane,
+ were there slaine. In reuenge of which contempt a great part of the
+ countrie with the citie was burnt, and the goods of the citizens put
+ to the spoile by such power of lords and men of warre as the king had
+ sent against them.
+
+ Shortlie after, Edward king Hardicnutes brother came foorth of
+ Normandie to visit him and his mother quéene Emma, of whome he was
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Marianus._]
+ most ioifullie and honorablie welcomed and interteined, and shortlie
+ after made returne backe againe. It should appeare by some writers,
+ that after his comming ouer out of Normandie he remained still in the
+ realme, so that he was not in Normandie when his halfe brother
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ Hardicnute died, but here in England: although other make other
+ report, as after shall bée shewed. Also (as before ye haue heard) some
+ writers seeme to meane, that the elder brother Alfred came ouer at the
+ same time. But suerlie they are therein deceiued: for it was knowne
+ well inough how tenderlie king Hardicnute loued his brethren by the
+ mothers side, so that there was not anie of the lords in his daies,
+ [Sidenote: The bishop of Worcester accused for making away of Alfred.]
+ that durst attempt anie such iniurie against them. True it is, that as
+ well earle Goodwine, as the bishop of Worcester (that was also put in
+ blame and suspected for the apprehending and making away of Alfred, as
+ before ye haue heard) were charged by Hardicnute as culpable in that
+ matter, insomuch that the said bishop was expelled out of his sée by
+ Hardicnute: and after twelue moneths space was restored, by meanes of
+ such summes of monie as he gaue by waie of amends.
+
+ [Sidenote: Earle Goodwin excuseth himselfe.]
+ Earle Goodwine was also put to his purgation, by taking an oth that he
+ was not guiltie. Which oth was the better allowed, by reason of such a
+ [Sidenote: The gift which earle Goodwin gaue to the king.]
+ present as he gaue to the king for the redéeming of his fauour and
+ good will, that is to say, a ship with a sterne of gold, conteining
+ therein 80 souldiers, wearing on each of their armes two bracelets of
+ gold of 16 ounces weight, a triple habergion guilt on their bodies,
+ with guilt burgenets on their heads, a swoord with guilt hilts girded
+ to their wastes, a battell-axe after the maner of the Danes on their
+ left shoulder, a target with bosses and mails guilt in their left
+ hand, a dart in their right hand: and thus to conclude, they were
+ furnished at all points with armor and weapon accordinglie. It hath
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ béene said, that earle Goodwine minded to marie his daughter to one of
+ these brethren, and perceiuing that the elder brother Alfred would
+ disdaine to haue hir, thought good to dispatch him, that the other
+ taking hir to wife, hée might be next heire to the crowne, and so at
+ length inioy it, as afterwards came to passe.
+
+ Also about that time, when the linage of the kings of England was in
+ maner extinct, the English people were much carefull (as hath béene
+ said) about the succession of those that should inioie the crowne.
+ Wherevpon as one Brightwold a moonke of Glastenburie, that was
+ afterward bishop of Wincester, or (as some haue written) of Worcester,
+ studied oftentimes thereon: it chanced that he dreamed one night as he
+ slept in his bed, that he saw saint Peter consecrate & annoint Edward
+ the sonne of Egelred (as then remaining in exile in Normandie) king of
+ England. And as he thought, he did demand of saint Peter, who should
+ succéed the said Edward? Wherevnto answer was made by the apostle;
+ Haue thou no care for such matters, for the kingdome of England is
+ Gods kingdome. Which suerlie in good earnest may appeare by manie
+ great arguments to be full true vnto such as shall well consider the
+ state of this realme from time to time, how there hath béene euer
+ gouernours raised vp to mainteine the maiestie of the kingdome, and to
+ reduce the same to the former dignitie, when by anie infortunate
+ mishap it hath beene brought in danger.
+
+ [Sidenote: The death of K. Hardicnute.]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dunel._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 1042.]
+ But to returne now to king Hardicnute, after he had reigned two yéers
+ lacking 10 daies, as he sat at the table in a great feast holden at
+ Lambeth, he fell downe suddenlie with the pot in his hand, and so died
+ not without some suspicion of poison. This chanced on the 8 of Iune at
+ Lambeth aforesaid, where, on the same day a mariage was solemnized
+ betwéene the ladie Githa, the daughter of a noble man called Osgot
+ Clappa, and a Danish lord also called Canute Prudan. His bodie was
+ buried at Winchester besides his father. He was of nature verie
+ [Sidenote: K. Hardicnute his conditions and liberalitie in
+ housekeeping.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ curteous, gentle and liberall, speciallie in keeping good chéere in
+ his house, so that he would haue his table couered foure times a day,
+ & furnished with great plentie of meates and drinks, wishing that his
+ seruants and all strangers that came to his palace, might rather leaue
+ [Sidenote: Of whom the Englishmen learned excessiue féeding.]
+ than want. It hath béene commonlie told, that Englishmen learned of
+ him their excessiue gourmandizing & vnmeasurable filling of their
+ panches with meates and drinkes, whereby they forgat the vertuous vse
+ of sobrietie, so much necessarie to all estates and degrées, so
+ profitable for all common-wealthes, and so commendable both in the
+ sight of God, and all good men.
+
+ [Sidenote: The end of the Danish rulers.]
+ In this Hardicnute ceased the rule of the Danes within this land, with
+ the persecution which they had executed against the English nation,
+ for the space of 250 yeres & more, that is to say, euer since the
+ tenth yeere of Brithrike the king of Westsaxons, at what time they
+ first began to inuade the English coasts. Howbeit (after others) they
+ should séeme to haue ruled here but 207, reckoning from their bringing
+ in by the Welshmen in despite of the Saxons, at which time they first
+ began to inhabit here, which was 835 of Christ, 387 after the comming
+ of the Saxons, and 35 néere complet of the reigne of Egbert.
+
+ ¶ But to let this péece of curiositie passe, this land felt that they
+ had a time of arriuall, a time of inuading, a time of ouerrunning, and
+ a time of ouerruling the inhabitants of this maine continent. Wherof
+ manifest proofes are at this day remaining in sundrie places, sundrie
+ ruines I meane and wastes committed by them; vpon the which whensoeuer
+ a man of a relenting spirit casteth his eie, he can not but enter into
+ a dolefull consideration of former miseries, and lamenting the
+ defacements of this Ile by the crueltie of the bloudthirstie enimie,
+ cannot but wish (if he haue but "Minimam misericordiæ guttam quæ maior
+ est spatioso oceano," as one saith) and earnestlie desire in his heart
+ that the like may neuer light vpon this land, but may be auerted and
+ turned away from all christian kingdomes, through his mercie, whose
+ wrath by sinne being set on fire, is like a consuming flame; and the
+ swoord of whose vengeance being sharpened with the whetstone of mens
+ wickednesse, shall hew them in péeces as wood for the fornace.
+
+   _Thus farre the tumultuous and tyrannicall regiment of the Danes,
+   inferring fulnesse of afflictions to the English people, wherewith
+   likewise the seuenth booke is shut vp._
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ THE EIGHT BOOKE
+
+ OF THE
+
+ HISTORIE OF ENGLAND.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edward the third of that name is chosen king of England by a generall
+ consent, ambassadours are sent to attend him homewardes to his
+ kingdome, and to informe him of his election, William duke of
+ Normandie accompanieth him, Edward is crowned king, the subtill
+ ambition or ambitious subtiltie of earle Goodwine in preferring Edward
+ to the crowne and betraieng Alfred; the Danes expelled and rid out of
+ this land by decree; whether earle Goodwine was guiltie of Alfreds
+ death, king Edward marieth the said earles daughter, he forbeareth to
+ haue carnall knowledge with hir, and why? he useth his mother queene
+ Emma verie hardlie, accusations brought against hir, she is
+ dispossessed of hir goods, and imprisoned for suffering bishop Alwine
+ to haue the vse of hir bodie, she purgeth and cleareth hir selfe after
+ a strange sort, hir couetousnesse: mothers are taught (by hir example)
+ to loue their children with equalitie: hir liberall deuotion to
+ Winchester church cleared hir from infamie of couetousnesse, king
+ Edward loued hir after hir purgation, why Robert archbishop of
+ Canturburie fled out of England into Normandie._
+
+ THE FIRST CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: EDWARD.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ Immediatlie vpon the deth of Hardiknought, and before his corps was
+ committed to buriall, his halfe brother Edward, sonne of king Egelred
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ begotten of quéene Emma, was chosen to be K. of England, by the
+ generall consent of all the nobles and commons of the realme.
+ Therevpon were ambassadours sent with all spéed into Normandie, to
+ signifie vnto him his election, and to bring him from thence into
+ England in deliuering pledges for more assurance, that no fraud nor
+ deceit was ment of the Englishmen, but that vpon his comming thither,
+ he should receiue the crowne without all contradiction. Edward then
+ aided by his coosine William duke of Normandie, tooke the sea, & with
+ a small companie of Normans came into England, where he was receiued
+ with great ioy as king of the realme, & immediatlie after was crowned
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: The third of Aprill. 1043.]
+ at Winchester by Edsinus then archbishop of Canturburie, on Easter day
+ in the yeare of our Lord 1043, which fell also about the fourth yeare
+ of the emperour Henrie the third, surnamed Niger, in the 12 yeare of
+ Henrie the first of that name king of France, and about the third
+ yeare of Macbeth king of Scotland.
+
+ This Edward the third of that name before the conquest, was of nature
+ more méeke and simple than apt for the gouernement of the realme, &
+ therefore did earle Goodwine not onelie séeke the destruction of his
+ elder brother Alfred, but holpe all that he might to aduance this
+ Edward to the crowne, in hope to beare great rule in the realme vnder
+ him, whome he knew to be soft, gentle, and easie to be persuaded. But
+ whatsoeuer writers doo report hereof, sure it is, that Edward was the
+ elder brother, and not Alfred: so that if earle Goodwine did shew his
+ furtherance by his pretended cloake of offering his friendship vnto
+ Alfred to betraie him, he did it by king Harolds commandement, and yet
+ it may be that he meant to haue vsurped the crowne to him selfe, if
+ each point had answered his expectation in the sequele of things, as
+ he hoped they would; and therfore had not passed if both the brethren
+ had béene in heauen. But yet when the world framed contrarie
+ (peraduenture) to his purpose, he did his best to aduance Edward,
+ trusting to beare no small rule vnder him, being knowen to be a man
+ more appliable to be gouerned by other than to trust to his owne wit:
+ and so chieflie by the assistance of earle Goodwine (whose authoritie,
+ as appeareth, was not small within the realme of England in those
+ daies) Edward came to atteine the crowne: wherevnto the earle of
+ Chester Leofrike also shewed all the furtherance that in him laie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd. ex Mariano._]
+ [Sidenote: _Alb. Crantz._]
+ Some write (which seemeth also to be confirmed by the Danish
+ chronicles) that king Hardiknought in his life time had receiued this
+ Edward into his court, and reteined him still in the same in most
+ honorable wise. But for that it may appeare in the abstract of the
+ Danish chronicles, what their writers had of this matter recorded, we
+ doo here passe ouer, referring those that be desirous to know the
+ diuersitie of our writers and theirs, vnto the same chronicles, where
+ they may find it more at large expressed. This in no wise is to be
+ left vnremembred, that immediatlie after the death of Hardiknought, it
+ was not onelie decreed & agreed vpon by the great lords & nobles of
+ the realme, that no Dane from thenceforth should reigne ouer them, but
+ also all men of warre and souldiers of the Danes, which laie within
+ anie citie or castell in garrison within the realme of England, were
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Danes expelled.]
+ then expelled and put out or rather slaine (as the Danish writers doo
+ rehearse.) Amongst other that were banished, the ladie Gonild néece to
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Gonill néece to K. Swaine.]
+ king Swaine by his sister, was one, being as then a widow, and with
+ hir two of hir sonnes, which she had then liuing; Heming and Turkill
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ were also caused to auoid. Some write that Alfred the brother of king
+ Edward, came not into the realme till after the death of Hardiknought,
+ and that he did helpe to expell the Danes, which being doon, he was
+ slaine by earle Goodwine and other of his complices. But how this may
+ stand, considering the circumstances of the time, with such things as
+ are written by diuers authors hereof, it may well be doubted.
+ Neuerthelesse, whether earle Goodwine was guiltie to the death of
+ Alfred, either at this time, or before, certeine it is, that he so
+ cleared himselfe of that crime vnto king Edward the brother of Alfred,
+ that there was none so highlie in fauour with him as earle Goodwine
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward marieth the daughter of earle Goodwine.]
+ was, insomuch that king Edward maried the ladie Editha, the daughter
+ of earle Goodwine, begotten of his wife Thira that was sister to king
+ Hardiknought, and not of his second wife, as some haue written.
+ Howbeit, king Edward neuer had to doo with hir in fleshlie wise. But
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward absteineth from the companie of his wife.]
+ whether he absteined because he had happilie vowed chastitie, either
+ of impotencie of nature, or for a priuie hate that he bare to hir kin,
+ men doubted. For it was thought, that he estéemed not earle Goodwine
+ so greatlie in his heart, as he outwardlie made shew to doo, but
+ rather for feare of his puissance dissembled with him, least he should
+ otherwise put him selfe in danger both of losse of life and kingdome.
+
+ Howsoeuer it was, he vsed his counsell in ordering of things
+ concerning the state of the common wealth, and namelie in the hard
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward dealeth strictlie with his mother quéene Emma.]
+ handling of his mother queene Emma, against whome diuers accusations
+ were brought and alledged: as first, for that she consented to marie
+ with K. Cnute, the publike enimie of the realme: againe, for that she
+ did nothing aid or succour hir sons while they liued in exile, but
+ [Sidenote: Quéene Emma despoiled of hir goods.]
+ [Sidenote: She is accused of dissolute liuing.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: She purgeth hir selfe by the law Ordalium.]
+ that woorse was, contriued to make them away; for which cause she was
+ despoiled of all hir goods. And because she was defamed to be naught
+ of hir bodie with Alwine or Adwine bishop of Winchester, both she and
+ the same bishop were committed to prison within the citie of
+ Winchester (as some write.) Howbeit others affirme, that she was
+ strictlie kept in the abbie of Warwell, till by way of purging hir
+ selfe, after a maruellous manner, in passing barefooted ouer certeine
+ hot shares or plough-irons, according to the law _Ordalium_, she
+ cleared hir selfe (as the world tooke it) and was restored to hir
+ first estate and dignitie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Hir excessiue couetousnesse, without regard had to the poore, caused
+ hir also to be euill reported of. Againe, for that she euer shewed hir
+ selfe to be more naturall to the issue which she had by hir second
+ husband Cnute, than to hir children which she had by hir first husband
+ king Egelred (as it were declaring how she was affected toward the
+ fathers, by the loue borne to the children) she lost a great péece of
+ good will at the hands of hir sonnes Alfred and Edward: so that now
+ the said Edward inioieng the realme, was easilie induced to thinke
+ euill of hir, and therevpon vsed hir the more vncurteouslie. But hir
+ great liberalitie imploied on the church of Winchester, which she
+ furnished with maruellous rich iewels and ornaments, wan hir great
+ commendation in the world, and excused hir partlie in the sight of
+ manie, of the infamie imputed to hir for the immoderate filling of hir
+ coffers by all waies and meanes she could deuise. Now when she had
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ purged hir selfe, as before is mentioned, hir sonne king Edward had
+ hir euer after in great honor and reuerence. And whereas Robert
+ archbishop of Canturburie had béene sore against hir, he was so much
+ abashed now at the matter, that he fled into Normandie, where he was
+ borne. But it should séeme by that which after shal be said in the
+ next chapter, that he fled not the realme for this matter, but bicause
+ he counselled the king to banish earle Goodwine, and also to vse the
+ Englishmen more strictlie than reason was he should.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Why Robert archbishop of Canturburie (queene Emmas heauie friend)
+ fled out of England, the Normans first entrance into this countrie,
+ dearth by tempests, earle Goodwines sonne banished out of this land,
+ he returneth in hope of the kings fauour, killeth his coosen earle
+ Bearne for his good will and forwardnes to set him in credit againe,
+ his flight into Flanders, his returne into England, the king is
+ pacified with him; certeine Danish rouers arriue at Sandwich, spoile
+ the coast, inrich themselues with the spoiles, make sale of their
+ gettings, and returne to their countrie; the Welshmen with their
+ princes rebelling are subdued, king Edward keepeth the seas on
+ Sandwich side in aid of Baldwine earle of Flanders, a bloudie fraie in
+ Canturburie betwixt the earle of Bullongne and the townesmen, earle
+ Goodwine fauoureth the Kentishmen against the Bullongners, why he
+ refuseth to punish the Canturburie men at the kings commandement for
+ breaking the kings peace; he setteth the king in a furie, his suborned
+ excuse to shift off his comming to the assemblie of lords conuented
+ about the foresaid broile, earle Goodwine bandeth himselfe against the
+ king, he would haue the strangers deliuered into his hands, his
+ request is denied; a battell readie to haue bene fought betweene him
+ and the king, the tumult is pacified and put to a parlement, earle
+ Goodwines retinue forsake him; he, his sonnes, and their wiues take
+ their flight beyond the seas._
+
+ THE SECOND CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: Robert archbishop of Canturburie.]
+ [Sidenote: Frenchmen or Normans first entered into England.]
+ Ye must vnderstand, that K. Edward brought diuerse Normans ouer with
+ him, which in time of his banishment had shewed him great friendship,
+ wherefore he now sought to recompense them. Amongst other, the
+ forenamed Robert of Canturburie was one, who before his comming ouer
+ was a moonke in the abbeie of Gemeticum in Normandie, and being by the
+ king first aduanced to gouerne the sée of London, was after made
+ archbishop of Canturburie, and bare great rule vnder the king, so that
+ he could not auoid the enuie of diuerse noble men, and speciallie of
+ earle Goodwine, as shall appéere. About the third yéere of king
+ Edwards reigne, Osgot Clappa was banished the realme. And in the yéere
+ [Sidenote: 1047.]
+ [Sidenote: A great death.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ following, that is to say, in the yeere 1047, there fell a maruellous
+ great snow, couering the ground from the beginning of Ianuarie vntill
+ the 17 day of March. Besides this, there hapned the same yéere such
+ tempest and lightnings, that the corne vpon the earth was burnt vp and
+ blasted: by reason whereof, there followed a great dearth in England,
+ and also death of men and cattell.
+
+ [Sidenote: Swain Goodwines sonne banished.]
+ [Sidenote: Edgiua abbesse of Leoffe.]
+ About this time Swaine the sonne of earle Goodwine was banished the
+ land, and fled into Flanders. This Swaine kept Edgiua, the abbesse of
+ the monasterie of Leoffe, and forsaking his wife, ment to haue married
+ the foresaid abbesse. Within a certeine time after his banishment, he
+ returned into England, in hope to purchase the kings peace by his
+ fathers meanes and other his friends. But vpon some malicious
+ [Sidenote: This Bearne was the sonne of Vlfusa Dane, vncle to this
+ Swaine by his mother, the sister of K. Swaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ pretense, he slue his coosen earle Bearne, who was about to labour to
+ the king for his pardon, and so then fled againe into Flanders, till
+ at length Allered the archbishop of Yorke obteined his pardon, and
+ found meanes to reconcile him to the kings fauour.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: The Danes spoile Sandwich.]
+ In the meane time, about the sixt yéere of king Edwards reigne,
+ certeine pirats of the Danes arriued in Sandwich hauen, and entring
+ the land, wasted and spoiled all about the coast. There be that write,
+ that the Danes had at that time to their leaders two capteins, the one
+ named Lother, and the other Irling. After they had béene at Sandwich,
+ and brought from thence great riches of gold and siluer, they coasted
+ about vnto the side of Essex, and there spoiling the countrie, went
+ backe to the sea, and sailing into Flanders, made sale of their
+ spoiles and booties there, and so returned to their countries. After
+ this, during the reigne of king Edward, there chanced no warres,
+ neither forren nor ciuill, but that the same was either with small
+ slaughter luckilie ended, or else without anie notable aduenture
+ [Sidenote: Rise & Griffin princes of Wales.]
+ changed into peace. The Welshmen in déed with their princes Rise and
+ Griffin wrought some trouble, but still they were subdued, and in the
+ end both the said Rise and Griffin were brought vnto confusion:
+ although in the meane time they did much hurt, and namelie Griffin,
+ who with aid of some Irishmen, with whome he was alied, about this
+ time entred into the Seuerne sea, and tooke preies about the riuer of
+ Wie: and after returned without anie battell to him offered.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: 1049.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ About the same time, to wit, in the yéere 1049, the emperor Henrie the
+ third made warres against Baldwine earle of Flanders, and for that he
+ wished to haue the sea stopped, that the said earle should not escape
+ by flight that waie foorth, he sent to king Edward, willing him to
+ kéepe the sea with some number of ships. King Edward furnishing a
+ [Sidenote: _Hermanus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Contractus._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ia. Meir._]
+ nauie, lay with the same at Sandwich, and so kept the seas on that
+ side, till the emperor had his will of the earle. At the same time,
+ Swaine, sonne of earle Goodwine came into the realme, and
+ traitorouslie slue his coosen Bearne (as before is said) the which
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ trauelled to agrée him with the king. Also Gosipat Clappa, who had
+ left his wife at Bruges in Flanders, comming amongst other of the
+ Danish pirats, which had robbed in the coasts of Kent & Essex, as
+ before ye haue heard, receiued his wife, and departed backe into
+ Denmarke with six ships, leauing the residue, being 23 behind him.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: 1051.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: The earle of Flanders commeth into England.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ About the tenth yéere of king Edwards reigne, Eustace earle of
+ Bullongne, that was father vnto the valiant Godfrey of Bullongne, &
+ Baldwin, both afterward kings of Hierusalem, came ouer into England in
+ the moneth of September, to visit his brother in law king Edward,
+ [Sidenote: Goda sister to K. Edward.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Douer saith _Matth. West._]
+ whose sister named Goda, he had maried, she then being the widow of
+ Gualter de Maunt. He found the king at Glocester, and being there
+ ioifullie receiued, after he had once dispatched such matters for the
+ which he chieflie came, he tooke leaue, and returned homeward. But at
+ Canturburie one of his herbingers, dealing roughlie with one of the
+ citizens about a lodging, which he sought to haue rather by force than
+ by intreatance, occasioned his owne death. Whereof when the erle was
+ aduertised, he hasted thither to reuenge the slaughter of his seruant,
+ and slue both that citizen which had killed his man, and eightéene
+ others.
+
+ [Sidenote: A fraie in Canturburie betwixt the earle Bullongne and the
+ townsmen.]
+ [Sidenote: The earle complaineth to the king.]
+ The citizens héerewith in a great furie, got them to armor, and set
+ vpon the earle and his retinue, of whom they slue twentie persons out
+ of hand, & wounded a great number of the residue, so that the earle
+ scarce might escape with one or two of his men from the fraie, & with
+ all spéed returned backe to the king, presenting gréeuous information
+ against them of Canturburie, for their cruell vsing of him, not onlie
+ in sleaing of his seruants, but also in putting him in danger of his
+ life. The king crediting the earle, was higlie offended against the
+ citizens, and with all speed sending for earle Goodwine, declared vnto
+ him in greeuous wise, the rebellious act of them of Canturburie, which
+ were vnder his iurisdiction.
+
+ The earle who was a man of a bold courage and quicke wit, did perceiue
+ that the matter was made a great deale woorse at the first in the
+ beginning, than of likelihood it would prooue in the end, thought it
+ reason therefore that first the answere of the Kentishmen should be
+ heard, before anie sentence were giuen against them. Héerevpon,
+ although the king commanded him foorthwith to go with an armie into
+ Kent, and to punish them of Canturburie in most rigorous maner, yet he
+ would not be too hastie, but refused to execute the kings
+ commandement, both for that he bare a péece of grudge in his mind,
+ [Sidenote: Earle Goodwine offended with the king for fauouring
+ strangers.]
+ that the king should fauour strangers so highlie as he did; and
+ againe, bicause héereby he should séeme to doo pleasure to his
+ countriemen, in taking vpon him to defend their cause against the
+ rough accusations of such as had accused them. Wherefore he declared
+ to the king that it should be conuenient to haue the supposed
+ offenders first called afore him, and if they were able to excuse
+ themselues, then to be suffered to depart without further vexation:
+ and if they were found faultie, then to be put to their fine, both as
+ well in satisfieng the king, whose peace they had broken, as also the
+ earle, whom they had indamaged.
+
+ Earle Goodwine departed thus from the king, leauing him in a great
+ furie: howbeit he passed litle thereof, supposing it would not long
+ continue. But the king called a great assemblie of his lords togither
+ [Sidenote: A councel called at Glocester.]
+ [Sidenote: Siward earle of Northumberland, Leofrike earle of Chester,
+ Rafe earle of Hereford.]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ at Glocester, that the matter might be more déepelie considered.
+ Siward earle of Northumberland, and Leofrike earle of Chester, with
+ Rafe earle of Hereford, the kings nephue by his sister Goda, and all
+ other the noble men of the realme, onlie earle Goodwine and his sonnes
+ ment not to come there, except they might bring with them a great
+ power of armed men, and so remained at Beuerstane, with such bands as
+ they had leauied, vnder a colour to resist the Welshmen, whome they
+ bruted abroad to be readie to inuade the marches about Hereford. But
+ the Welshmen preuenting that slander, signified to the king that no
+ such matter was ment on their parties, but that earle Goodwine and his
+ sonnes with their complices went about to mooue a commotion against
+ him. Héerevpon a rumor was raised in the court, that the kings power
+ should shortlie march foorth to assaile earle Goodwine in that place
+ where he was lodged. Wherevpon the same earle prepared himselfe, and
+ sent to his friends, willing to sticke to this quarrell, and if the
+ king should go about to force them, then to withstand him, rather than
+ to yéeld and suffer themselues to be troden vnder foot by strangers.
+ [Sidenote: Earle Goodwine meaneth to defend himself against the king.]
+ [Sidenote: Swaine.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: Harold.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Goodwine in this meane time had got togither a great power of his
+ countries of Kent, Southerie, and other of the west parts. Swaine
+ likewise had assembled much people out of his countries of Barkeshire,
+ Oxfordshire, Summersetshire, Herefordshire, and Glocestershire. And
+ Harold was also come to them with a great multitude, which he had
+ leuied in Essex, Norffolke, Suffold, Cambridgeshire, &
+ Huntingtonshire.
+
+ On the other part, the earles that were with the king, Leofrike,
+ Siward, and Rafe, raised all the power which they might make, and the
+ same approching to Glocester, the king thought himselfe in more
+ suertie than before, in so much that whereas earle Goodwine (who lay
+ with his armie at Langton there not farre off in Glocestershire) had
+ sent vnto the king, requiring that the earle of Bullongne, with the
+ other Frenchmen and also the Normans which held the castell of Douer,
+ might be deliuered vnto him. The king, though at the first he stood in
+ great doubt what to doo, yet hearing now that an armie of his friends
+ was comming, made answere to the messingers which Goodwine had sent,
+ that he would not deliuer a man of those whome Goodwine required, and
+ héerewith the said messengers being departed, the kings armie entered
+ into Glocester, and such readie good wils appéered in them all to
+ fight with the aduersaries, that if the king would haue permitted,
+ they would foorthwith haue gone out and giuen battell to the enimies.
+
+ Thus the matter was at point to haue put the realme in hazard not
+ onelie of a field, but of vtter ruine that might thereof haue insued:
+ for what on the one part and the other, there were assembled the
+ chiefest lords and most able personages of the land. But by the
+ wisedome and good aduise of earle Leofrike and others, the matter was
+ pacified for a time, and order taken, that they should come to a
+ parlement or communication at London, vpon pledges giuen and receiued
+ as well on the one part as the other. The king with a mightie armie of
+ the Northumbers, and them of Mercia, came vnto London, and earle
+ Goodwine with his sonnes, and a great power of the Westsaxons, came
+ into Southwarke, but perceiuing that manie of his companie stale awaie
+ and slipt from him, he durst not abide anie longer to enter talke with
+ the king, as it was couenanted, but in the night next insuing fled
+ awaie with all spéed possible.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Swaine eldest sonne to Goodwine banished.]
+ Some write, how an order was prescribed that Swanus the eldest sonne
+ of Goodwine should depart the land as a banished man to qualifie the
+ kings wrath, and that Goodwine and one other of his sons, that is to
+ say, Harold should come to an other assemblie to be holden at London,
+ accompanied with 12 seruants onelie, & to resigne all his force of
+ knights, gentlemen and souldiers vnto the kings guiding and
+ gouernment. But when this last article pleased nothing earle Goodwine,
+ and that he perceiued how his force began to decline, so as he should
+ [Sidenote: Earle Goodwine fled the realme.]
+ not be able to match the kings power, he fled the realme, and so
+ likewise did his sonnes. He himselfe with his sonnes Swanus, Tostie,
+ and Girth, sailed into Flanders: and Harold with his brother Leofwine
+ gat ships at Bristow, and passed into Ireland. Githa the wife of
+ Goodwine, and Judith the wife of Tostie, the daughter of Baldwine
+ earle of Flanders went ouer also with their husbands.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Goodwine and his sonnes are proclaimed outlawes, their lands are
+ giuen from them, king Edward putteth awaie the queene his wife who was
+ earle Goodwines daughter, she cleareth hir selfe at the houre of hir
+ death from suspicion of incontinencie and lewdnesse of life, why king
+ Edward forbare to haue fleshlie pleasure with hir; earle Goodwine and
+ his sonnes take preies on the coasts of Kent and Sussex; Griffin king
+ of Wales destroieth a great part of Herefordshire, and giueth his
+ incounterers the ouerthrow; Harold and Leofwine two brethren inuade
+ Dorset and Summersetshires, they are resisted, but yet preuaile, they
+ coast about the point of Cornwall and ioine with their father
+ Goodwine, king Edward maketh out threescore armed ships against them,
+ a thicke mist separateth both sides being readie to graple and fight,
+ a pacification betweene the king and earle Goodwine, he is restored to
+ his lands and libertie, he was well friended, counterpledges of
+ agreement interchangablie deliuered; Swanus the eldest sonne of
+ Goodwine a notable rebell and pirat, his troubled conscience, his
+ wicked life and wretched death._
+
+ THE THIRD CHAPTER.
+
+
+ The king hauing perfect knowledge, that earle Goodwine had refused to
+ come to the court in such order as he had prescribed him, and that he
+ [Sidenote: Goodwine and his sonnes proclaimed outlawes.]
+ was departed the realme with his sonnes: he proclaimed them outlawes,
+ and gaue the lands of Harold vnto Algar, the sonne of earle Leofrike,
+ who guided the same verie woorthilie, and resigned them againe without
+ grudging vnto the same Harold when he was returned out of exile. Also
+ vnto earle Oddo were giuen the counties of Deuonshire and
+ Summersetshire.
+
+ [Sidenote: The king put awaie his wife Editha.]
+ Moreouer, about the same time the king put his wife queene Editha from
+ him, and appointed hir to streict keeping in the abbeie of Warwell.
+ This Editha was a noble gentlewoman, well learned, and expert in all
+ sciences, yet hir good name was stained somewhat, as though she had
+ not liued so continentlie as was to be wished, both in hir husbands
+ life time, and after his deceasse. But yet at the houre of hir death
+ (which chanced in the daies of William Conqueror) she cleared hir
+ selfe, in taking it vpon the charge of hir soule, that she had euer
+ liued in perfect chastitie: for king Edward (as before is mentioned)
+ neuer touched hir in anie actuall maner. By this streict dealing with
+ the quéene that was daughter to earle Goodwine, now in time of hir
+ fathers exile, it hath séemed to manie, that king Edward forbare to
+ deale with hir in carnall wise, more for hatred of hir kin, than for
+ anie other respect. But to proceed.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1052.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ In the second yéere of Goodwines banishment, both he and his sonnes
+ hauing prouided themselues of ships and men of warre conuenient for
+ the purpose, came vpon the coasts of England, and after the maner of
+ rouers, tooke preies where as they espied aduantage, namelie on the
+ [Sidenote: Griffin king of Wales destroieth Herefordshire.]
+ coasts of Kent and Sussex. In the meane time also Griffin the K. of
+ Wales destroid a great part of Herefordshire, against whom the power
+ of that countrie, & also manie Normans that lay in garrison within the
+ castell of Hereford, comming to giue battell, were ouerthrowne on the
+ same day, in the which about two and twentie yéeres before, or (as
+ some copies haue) thirtéene yéeres, the Welshmen had slaine Edwine,
+ [Sidenote: Harold inuadeth the shires of Dorset and Summerset.]
+ the brother of earle Leofrike. Shortlie after, earle Harold and his
+ brother Leofwine returning out of Ireland, entered into the Seuerne
+ sea, landing on the coasts of Summersetshire and Dorsetshire, where
+ falling to spoile, they were incountred by a power assembled out of
+ the counties of Deuonshire and Summersetshire: but Harold put his
+ aduersaries to flight, and slue thirtie gentlemen of honor, or thanes
+ (as they called them) with a great number of others. Then Harold and
+ his brethren, returning with their preie and bootie to their ships,
+ and coasting about the point of Cornwall, came and ioined with their
+ father & their other brethren, then soiorning in the Ile of Wight.
+
+ King Edward to withstand their malice, had rigged and furnished foorth
+ sixtie ships of warre, with the which he himselfe went to the water,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ not sticking to lie aboord at that season, although he had appointed
+ for capteines and admerals two earles that were his coosins, Odo and
+ Rafe, who had charge of the whole armie. Rafe was his nephue, as sonne
+ to his sister Goda by hir first husband Gualter de Maunt. But although
+ they were knowne to be sufficient men for the ordering of such
+ businesse, yet he thought the necessitie to be such, as his person
+ could not be presentlie spared. Therefore he was diligent in
+ foreséeing of things by good aduise, although age would not giue him
+ leaue to execute the same by his owne hand and force of bodie. But as
+ the nauies on both parts were readie to haue ioined, they were seuered
+ by reason of a thicke mist that then rose, wherby their furious rage
+ was restreined for that time: and immediatlie therevpon, Goodwine and
+ his complices were forced by a contrarie wind, to returne to the
+ places from whence they came. Shortlie after by mediation of friends,
+ a peace was made, and earle Goodwine restored home, and obteined
+ againe both the kings fauour, and all his former liuings: for he was
+ such an eloquent & wise man, that he clered and purged himselfe of all
+ such crimes and accusations, as in anie sort had béene laid against
+ him. Thus haue some written concerning this agréement betwixt king
+ Edward and erle Goodwine, where other make somewhat larger report
+ thereof, as thus.
+
+ At the same time that the two sonnes of erle Goodwine Harold and
+ Leofwine came foorth of Ireland, and inuaded the west countrie, king
+ Edward rigged foorth fortie ships, the which throughlie furnished with
+ men, munition, and vittels, he sent vnto Sandwich, commanding the
+ capteines there to wait for the comming of erle Goodwine, whom he
+ vnderstood to be in a readinesse to returne into England: but
+ notwithstanding, there wanted no diligence in them to looke to their
+ charge, erle Goodwine secretlie with a few ships which he had got
+ togither, ariued in Kent; and sending foorth his letters and
+ messengers abroad to the citizens of Canturburie, to them of Sussex,
+ Southerie, & others, required aid of them, who with one consent
+ promised to liue and die with him.
+
+ The capteines of the nauie at Sandwich aduertised hereof, made towards
+ the place where they thought to haue found earle Goodwine: but he
+ being warned of their comming, escaped by flight, and got him out of
+ their danger, wherevpon they withdrew to Sandwich, and after returned
+ to London. Earle Goodwine aduertised thereof, sailed to the Ile of
+ Wight, and wafted vp and downe those seas, till his sonnes Harold and
+ Leofwine came and ioined their nauie with his, and ceassing from
+ spoile, onlie sought to recouer vittels to serue their turne. And
+ incresing their power by such aid as they might any where procure, at
+ length they came to Sandwich, wherof king Edward hauing knowledge,
+ [Sidenote: It séemeth that earle Goodwine was well friended.]
+ being then at London, he sent abroad to raise all the power he might
+ make. But they that were appointed to come vnto him, lingred time, in
+ which meane while earle Goodwine comming into the Thames, & so vp the
+ riuer, arriued in Southwarke, on the day of the exaltation of the
+ crosse in September, being monday, and their staieng for the tide,
+ solicited the Londoners, so that he obteined of them what he could
+ desire.
+
+ Afterwards, without disturbance, he passed vp the riuer with the tide
+ through the south arch of the bridge, & at the same instant, a mightie
+ armie which he had by land, mustered in the fields on that south side
+ the same riuer, and herewith his nauie made towards the north side of
+ the riuer, as if they ment to inclose the kings nauie, for the king
+ had also a nauie & an armie by land: but yet sith there were few
+ either on the one part or the other, that were able to doo anie great
+ feat except Englishmen, they were loth to fight one against another,
+ wherevpon the wiser sort on both sides sought meanes to make an
+ atonement: and so at length by their diligent trauell, the matter was
+ taken vp, and the armies being dismissed on both parts, earle Goodwine
+ was restored to his former dignitie. Herevpon were pledges deliuered
+ on his behalfe, that is to say, Wilnotus one of his sonnes, and Hacun
+ the sonne of Swanus the eldest sonne of Goodwine. These two pledges
+ were sent vnto William duke of Normandie, to be kept with him for more
+ assurance of Goodwines loialtie.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ Some write that Swanus the eldest sonne of Goodwine was not reconciled
+ to the kings fauour at this time; but whether he was or not, this is
+ reported of him for a truth, that after he had attempted sundrie
+ rebellions against king Edward, he lastlie also rebelled against his
+ father Goodwine, and his brother Harold, and became a pirate,
+ dishonouring with such manifold robberies as he made on the seas, the
+ noble progenie whereof he was descended. Finallie vpon remorse of
+ conscience (as hath béene thought) for murthering of his coosine (or
+ as some say his brother) erle Bearne, he went on pilgrimage to
+ Hierusalem, and died by the way of cold which he caught in returning
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malms._]
+ homeward (as some write) in Licia: but others affirme, that he fell
+ into the hands of Saracens that were robbers by the high waies, and so
+ was murthered of them.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _At what time William duke of Normandie came ouer into England, king
+ Edward promiseth to make him his heire to the kingdom and crowne, the
+ death of queene Emma, earle Goodwine being growne in fauor againe
+ seeketh new reuenges of old grudges, causing archbishop Robert and
+ certeine noble Normans his aduersaries to be banished; Stigand
+ intrudeth himselfe into archbishop Roberts see, his simonie and lacke
+ of learning; what maner of men were thought meet to be made bishops in
+ those daies, king Edward beginneth to prouide for the good and
+ prosperous state of his kingdome, his consideration of lawes made in
+ his predecessours times and abused; the lawes of S. Edward vsuallie
+ called the common lawes, how, whereof, and wherevpon instituted; the
+ death of earle Goodwine being sudden (as some say) or naturall (as
+ others report) his vertues and vices, his behauiour and his sonnes
+ vpon presumption and will in the time of their authorities; his two
+ wiues and children; the sudden and dreadfull death of his mother; hir
+ selling of the beautifull youth male and female of this land to the
+ Danish people._
+
+ THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: William duke of Normandie commeth ouer into England.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: K. Edwards promise to duke William.]
+ The foresaide William duke of Normandie (that after conquered this
+ land) during the time of Goodwines outlawrie, came ouer into this land
+ with a faire retinue of men, and was ioifullie receiued of the king,
+ and had great chéere. Now after he had taried a season, he returned
+ into his countrie, not without great gifts of jewels and other things,
+ which the king most liberallie bestowed vpon him. And (as some write)
+ the king promised him at that time, to make him his heire to the
+ realme of England, if he chanced to die without issue. ¶ Shortlie
+ after, or rather somewhat before, queene Emma the kings mother died,
+ and was buried at Winchester.
+
+ After that earle Goodwine was restored to the kings fauour, bicause he
+ knew that Robert the archbishop of Canturburie had beene the chéefe
+ procurer of the kings euill will towards him, he found means to weare
+ him out of credit, and diuers other specially of the Normans, bearing
+ the world in hand, that they had sought to trouble the state of the
+ realme, & to set variance betwixt the king and the lords of the
+ English nation: whereas the Normans againe alledged, that earle
+ Goodwine and his sonnes abused the kings soft and gentle nature, &
+ would not sticke to ieast and mocke at his curteous and mild
+ [Sidenote: The archbishop of Canturburie banished.]
+ procéedings. But howsoeuer the matter went, archbishop Robert was glad
+ to depart out of the realme, and going to Rome, made complaint in the
+ court there, of the iniuries that were offred him: but in returning
+ through Normandie, he died in the abbeie of Gemmeticum, where he had
+ bene moonke before his comming into England.
+
+ Diuerse others were compelled to forsake the realme at the same time,
+ both spirituall men and temporall, as William bishop of London, and
+ [Sidenote: Normans banished the realme.]
+ Vlfe bishop of Lincolne. Osberne named Pentecost, and his companion
+ Hugh, were constreined to surrender their castels, and by licence of
+ earle Leofrike withdrew thorough his countrie into Scotland, where, of
+ king Mackbeth they were honorablie receiued. These were Normans: for
+ (as partlie ye haue heard) king Edward brought with him no small
+ number of that nation, when he came from thence to receiue the crowne,
+ and by them he was altogither ruled, to the great offending of his
+ owne naturall subiects the Englishmen, namelie earle Goodwine and his
+ sonnes, who in those daies for their great possessions and large
+ reuenues, were had in no small reputation with the English people.
+
+ After that Robert the archbishop of Canturburie, was departed the
+ [Sidenote: Stigand archbishop of Canturburie.]
+ realme, as before ye haue heard, Stigand was made archbishop of
+ Canturburie, or rather thrust himselfe into that dignitie, not being
+ lawfullie called, in like manner as he had doone at Winchester: for
+ whereas he was first bishop of Shireborne, he left that church, and
+ tooke vpon him the bishoprike of Winchester by force, and now
+ atteining to be archbishop of Canturburie, he kept both Winchester and
+ Canturburie in his hand at one instant. This Stigand was greatlie
+
+ [Sidenote: _Ranul. Hig._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: Stigand infamed of simonie.]
+ infamed for his couetous practises in sale of possessions apperteining
+ to the church. He was nothing learned: but that want was a common
+ fault amongest the bishops of that age, for it was openlie spoken in
+ [Sidenote: What maner of men méet to be bishops in those daies.]
+ those daies, that he was méet onelie to be a bishop, which could vse
+ the pompe of the world, voluptuous pleasures, rich raiment, and set
+ himselfe foorth with a iollie retinue of gentlemen and seruants on
+ horsse-backe, for therein stood the countenance of a bishop, as the
+ world then went; and not in studie how to haue the people fed with the
+ word of life, to the sauing of their soules.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ King Edward now in the twelfth yeare of his reigne, hauing brought the
+ state of the realme quite from troubles of warre both by sea and land,
+ began to foresée as well for the welth of his subiects, as for
+ himselfe, being naturallie inclined to wish well to all men. He
+ therefore considered, how by the manifold lawes which had beene made
+ by Britaines, Englishmen and Danes within this land, occasion was
+ ministred to manie, which measured all things by respect of their owne
+ priuate gaine and profit, to peruert iustice, and to vse wrongfull
+ dealing in stead of right, clouding the same vnder some branch of the
+ lawe naughtilie misconstrued. Wherevpon to auoid that mischiefe, he
+ picked out a summe of that huge and vnmesurable masse and heape of
+ lawes, such as were thought most indifferent and necessarie, &
+ therewith ordeined a few, & those most wholesome, to be from
+ thenceforth vsed; according to whose prescript, men might liue in due
+ [Sidenote: The lawes of S. Edward instituted.]
+ forme and rightfull order of a ciuill life. These lawes were
+ afterwards called the common lawes, and also saint Edward his lawes;
+ so much esteemed of the Englishmen, that after the conquest, when the
+ Normans oftentimes went about to abrogate the same, there chanced no
+ small mutinies and rebellions for retaining of those lawes. But heére
+ is to be noted, that although they were called saint Edwards lawes,
+ they were for the more part made by king Edgar; but now by king Edward
+ restored, after they had bin abrogated for a time by the Danes.
+
+ [Sidenote: 1053. or 1054.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ About this time, earle Goodwine died suddenlie (as some haue recorded)
+ as he sat at table with the king: and vpon talke ministred of the
+ death of Alfred the kings brother, to excuse himselfe, he tooke a
+ peece of bread, and did eate it, saieng; God let me neuer swallow this
+ bread downe into my chest, but that I may presentlie be choked
+ therewith, if euer I was weetting or consenting vnto Alfreds death!
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _ex Mariano._]
+ and immediatlie therewith he fell downe starke dead. Other say, that
+ he ended his life at Winchester, where being suddenlie surprised with
+ sicknesse, as he sat at the table with the king vpon an Easter monday;
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: This is the likeliest tale.]
+ yet he liued till the Thursday following, and then died. His earledome
+ was giuen vnto his sonne Harold; and Harolds earledome, which was
+ Oxford, was giuen vnto Algar the sonne of Leofrike.
+
+ This Goodwine, as he was a man of great power, wise, hardie, and
+ politike; so was he ambitious, desirous to beare rule, and loth that
+ anie other person should passe him in authoritie. But yet, whether all
+ be true that writers report of his malicious practises to bring
+ himselfe and his sonnes to the chiefe seat of gouernement in the
+ kingdome, or that of hatred such slanders were raised of him, it may
+ of some perhaps be doubted; because that in the daies of king Edward
+ (which was a soft and gentle prince) he bare great rule and
+ authoritie, and so might procure to himselfe euill report for euerie
+ thing that chanced amisse: as oftentimes it commeth to passe in such
+ cases, where those that haue great dooings in the gouernement of the
+ common wealth, are commonlie euill spoken of, and that now and then
+ without their guilt. But truth it is, that Goodwine being in
+ authoritie both in the daies of king Edward and his predecessors, did
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ manie things (as should appeare by writers) more by will than by law,
+ and so likewise did his sonnes; vpon presumption of the great
+ puissance that they and their father were of within the realme.
+
+ He had to wife Editha, the sister of king Cnute, of whome he begat
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ thrée sonnes (as some write) that is to say, Harold, Biorne, & Tostie:
+ also his daughter Editha, whome he found meanes to bestow in mariage
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malm._]
+ vpon K. Edward, as before ye haue heard. But other write, that he had
+ but one son by Cnutes sister, the which in riding of a rough horsse
+ was throwen into the riuer of Thames, and so drowned. His mother also
+ was stricken with a thunderbolt, & so perished worthilie (as is
+ reported) for hir naughtie dooings. She vsed to buy great numbers of
+ yoong persons, and namelie maids that were of anie excellent beautie
+ and personage, whome she sent ouer into Denmarke, and there sold them
+ to hir most aduantage. After hir deceasse (as the same authors record)
+ Goodwine maried another woman, by whome he had issue six sonnes,
+ Swanus or Swaine, Harrold, Tostie or Tosto, Wilnot, Girth, and
+ Leofrike; of whom further mention is & shall be made, as places
+ conuenient shall serue thereto.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edward earle of Northumberland discomfiteth Mackbeth the usurper of
+ the Scotish kingdome and placeth Malcolme in the same, a controuersie
+ whether Siward were at this discomfiture or no; his stout words when
+ he heard that one of his sonnes was slaine in the field, bishop Aldred
+ is sent to fetch home Edward the sonne of K. Edmund Ironside into
+ England; earle Algar being banished ioineth with the Welshmen against
+ the English and Normans, and getteth the victorie; Harold the son of
+ earle Goodwine putteth earle Algar & his retinue to their shifts by
+ pursute, pacification betweene the generals of both armies, their
+ hosts, Siward earle of Northumberland dieth; his giantlike stature,
+ his couragious heart at the time of his deceasse, why Tostie one of
+ Goodwins sonnes succeeded him in the earledome._
+
+
+ THE FIFT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 1054.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hector Boet._]
+ About the thirteenth yeare of king Edward his reigne (as some write)
+ or rather about the ninetéenth or twentith yeare, as should appeare by
+ the Scotish writers, Siward the noble earle of Northumberland with a
+ great power of horssemen went into Scotland, and in battell put to
+ flight Mackbeth that had vsurped the crowne of Scotland, and that
+ doone, placed Malcolme surnamed Camoir, the sonne of Duncane, sometime
+ king of Scotland, in the gouernement of that realme, who afterward
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _M. West._]
+ slue the said Mackbeth, and then reigned in quiet. Some of our English
+ writers say, that this Malcolme was king of Cumberland, but other
+ report him to be sonne to the king of Cumberland. But héere is to be
+ noted; that if Mackbeth reigned till the yeare 1061, and was then
+ slaine by Malcolme, earle Siward was not at that battell; for as our
+ writers doo testifie, he died in the yeare 1055, which was in the
+ yeare next after (as the same writers affirme) that he vanquished
+ Mackbeth in fight, and slue manie thousands of Scots, and all those
+ Normans which (as ye haue heard) were withdrawen into Scotland, when
+ they were driuen out of England.
+
+ It is recorded also, that in the foresaid battell, in which earle
+ Siward vanquished the Scots, one of Siwards sonnes chanced to be
+ slaine, whereof although the father had good cause to be sorowfull,
+ yet when he heard that he died of a wound which he had receiued in
+ fighting stoutlie in the forepart of his bodie, and that with his face
+ towards the enimie, he greatlie reioised thereat, to heare that he
+ died so manfullie. But here is to be noted, that not now, but a little
+ before (as Henrie Hunt. saith) that earle Siward went into Scotland
+ himselfe in person, he sent his sonne with an armie to conquere the
+ land, whose hap was there to be slaine: and when his father heard the
+ newes, he demanded whether he receiued the wound whereof he died, in
+ the forepart of the bodie, or in the hinder part: and when it was told
+ him that he receiued in the forepart; "I reioise (saith he) euen with
+ all my heart, for I would not wish either to my sonne nor to my selfe
+ any other kind of death."
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: 1057.]
+ Shortlie after, Aldred the bishop of Worcester was sent vnto the
+ emperour Henrie the third, to fetch Edward the sonne of Edmund
+ Ironside into England, whome king Edward was desirous to sée, meaning
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 1055.]
+ to ordeine him heire apparant to the crowne: but he died the same
+ yeare after he came into England. This Edward was surnamed the outlaw:
+ his bodie was buried at Winchester, or (as an other saith) in the
+ church of S. Pauls in London.
+
+ ¶ About the same time K. Edward by euill counsell (I wot not vpon what
+ occasion, but as it is thought without cause) banished Algar the sonne
+ of earle Leofrike: wherevpon he got him into Ireland, and there
+ prouiding 18 ships of rouers, returned, & landing in Wales, ioined
+ himselfe with Griffin the king or prince of Wales, and did much hurt
+ on the borders about Hereford, of which place Rafe was then earle,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ that was sonne vnto Goda the sister of K. Edward by hir first husband
+ Gualter de Maunt. This earle assembling an armie, came forth to giue
+ battell to the enimies, appointing the Englishmen contrarie to their
+ manner to fight on horssebacke, but being readie (on the two &
+ twentith of October) to giue the onset in a place not past two miles
+ from Hereford, he with his Frenchmen and Normans fled, and so the rest
+ were discomfited, whome the aduersaries pursued, and slue to the
+ [Sidenote: The Welshmen obteine the victorie against Englishmen and
+ Normans.]
+ number of 500, beside such as were hurt and escaped with life. Griffin
+ and Algar hauing obteined this victorie, entered into the towne of
+ Hereford, set the minster on fire, slue seuen of the canons that stood
+ to defend the doores or gates of the principall church, and finallie
+ spoiled and burned the towne miserablie.
+
+ The king aduertised hereof, gathered an armie, ouer the which Harold
+ the sonne of earle Goodwine was made generall, who followed vpon the
+ enimies that fled before him into Northwales, & staied not, till
+ [Sidenote: Stratcluid.]
+ [Sidenote: Snowdon.]
+ hauing passed through Stratcluid, he came to the mountaines of
+ Snowdon, where he pitched his field. The enimies durst not abide him,
+ but got them into Southwales, whereof Harold being aduertised, left
+ the more part of his armie in Northwales to resist the enimies there,
+ [Sidenote: The citie of Hereford fortified by Harold.]
+ & with the residue of his people came backe vnto Hereford, recouered
+ the towne, and caused a great and mightie trench to be cast round
+ about it, with an high rampire, and fensed it with gates and other
+ fortifications. After this, he did so much, that comming to a
+ communication, with Griffin and Algar at a place called Biligelhage, a
+ peace was concluded, and so the nauie of earle Algar sailed about, and
+ came to Chester, there to remaine, till the men of warre and marriners
+ had their wages, while he went to the king, who pardoned his offense,
+ & restored him to his earledome.
+
+ [Sidenote: The decease of Siward earle of Northumberland.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ After this, in the verie same yeare, being the 15 of king Edwards
+ reigne, as some writers affirme, Siward the noble earle of
+ Northumberland died of the flix, of whom it is said, that when he
+ perceiued the houre of death to be néere, he caused him selfe to be
+ put in armour, & set vp in his chaire, affirming that a knight and a
+ man of honour ought to die in that sort, rather than lieng on a couch
+ like a féeble and fainthearted creature: and sitting so vpright in his
+ chaire armed at all points, he ended his life, and was buried at
+ Yorke. [O stout harted man, not vnlike to that famous Romane remembred
+ by Tullie in his "Tusculane questions," who suffered the sawing of his
+ leg from his bodie without shrinking, looking vpon the surgeon all the
+ while, & hauing no part of his bodie bound for shrinking.] The said
+ Siward earle of Northumberland was a man of a giantlike stature, &
+ thereto of a verie stout and hardie courage, & because his sonne
+ Walteif was but an infant, and as yet not out of his cradell, the
+ earledome was giuen vnto earle Tostie one of Goodwins sonnes.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Edward the sonne of Edmund Ironside is sent for to be made heire
+ apparant to the crowne, his death, the deceasse of Leofrike earle of
+ Chester, the vertues and good deeds of him and his wife Gudwina,
+ Couentrie free from custome and toll, churches and religious places
+ builded and repared, Algar succedeth his father Leofrike in the
+ earledome, he is accused of treason and banished, he recouereth his
+ earledome by force of armes; Harold is sent with a power against
+ Griffin king of Wales; the countrie wasted, and the people forced to
+ yeeld, they renounce Griffin their king, kill him, and send his head
+ to Harold, Griffins brethren rule Wales after him by grant of king
+ Edward; Harolds infortunate going ouer into Normandie, the earle of
+ Ponthieu taketh him prisoner, and releaseth him at the request of
+ William duke of Normandie, for whose vse Harold sweareth to keepe
+ possession of the realme of England, the duke promiseth him his
+ daughter in mariage._
+
+ THE SIXT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Not long after, in the yeare 1057, Aldred bishop of Worcester, was
+ sent ouer vnto the emperour Henrie the third, to fetch Edward the
+ sonne of Edmund Ironside into England, whome king Edward was desirous
+ to sée, meaning to ordeine him heire apparant to the crowne: but he
+ died the same yeare, after that he was returned into England. This
+ [Sidenote: Edward the outlaw departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: 1057.]
+ Edward was surnamed the outlaw: his bodie was buried at Westminster,
+ or (as others say) in the church of S. Paule within London. The same
+ yeare, that is to say, in the seuentéenth yeare or in the sixtéenth
+ [Sidenote: Leofrike earle of Chester departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ yeare of king Edwards reigne (as some write) Leofrike the noble earle
+ of Chester, or Mercia, that was sonne to duke Leofwine, departed this
+ life in his owne towne of Bromelie on the last day of August, and was
+ buried at Couentrie in the abbeie there which he had builded. This
+ earle Leofrike was a man of great honor, wise and discréet in all his
+ dooings. His high wisdome and policie stood the realme in great stéed
+ whilest he liued.
+
+ [Sidenote: Couentrie made frée of toll and custome.]
+ He had a noble ladie to his wife named Gudwina, at whose earnest sute
+ he made the citie of Couentrie frée of all manner of toll, except
+ horsses: and to haue that toll laid downe also, his foresaid wife rode
+ naked through the middest of the towne without other couerture, saue
+ onlie hir haire. Moreouer, partlie moued by his owne deuotion, and
+ partlie by the persuasion of his wife, he builded or beneficiallie
+ augmented and repared manie abbeies & churches, as the said abbeie or
+ priorie at Couentrie, the abbeies of Wenlocke, Worcester, Stone,
+ Euesham, and Leof besides Hereford. Also he builded two churches
+ [Sidenote: Churches in Chester built.]
+ within the citie of Chester, the one called S. Iohns, and the other
+ S. Werbrough. The value of the iewels & ornaments which he bestowed on
+ the abbeie church of Couentrie, was inestimable.
+
+ After Leofriks death, his sonne Algar was made earle, and intituled in
+ all his lands and seigniories. In the yeare following, to wit, 1058,
+ the same Algar was accused againe (through malice of some enuious
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: Algar earle of Chester exiled.]
+ [Sidenote: 1058.]
+ persons) of treason, so that he was exiled the land, wherevpon he
+ repaired againe vnto his old friend Griffin prince of Northwales, of
+ whome he was ioifullie receiued, & shortlie after by his aid, & also
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: 1063.]
+ by the power of a nauie of ships that by chance arriued in those parts
+ at that selfe same season vnlooked for out of Norwaie, the said Algar
+ recouered his earledome by force, as some haue written. King Edward
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ about the twentith yeare of his reigne, as then remaining at
+ Glocester, appointed earle Harold to inuade the dominions of Griffin
+ king of Wales. Harold taking with him a power of horssemen, made
+ spéed, and came to Rutland, and there burned Griffins palace, and also
+ his ships, and then about Midlent returned againe into England.
+
+ After this, about the Rogation wéeke, Harold eftsoones by the kings
+ commandement went against the Welshmen, and taking the sea, sailed by
+ Bristow, round about the coast, compassing in maner all Wales. His
+ brother Tostie that was earle of Northumberland, met him by
+ [Sidenote: Wales destroied and harried by the Englishmen.]
+ appointment with an host of horssemen, and so joining togither, they
+ destroied the countrie of Wales in such sort, that the Welshmen were
+ [Sidenote: The Welshmen agrée to pay their accustomed tribute.]
+ [Sidenote: 1064.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ compelled to submit themselues, to deliuer hostages, and conditioned
+ to paie the ancient tribute which before time they had paied. And
+ moreouer, they renounced their prince the forenamed Griffin, so that
+ he remained as a banished person: and finallie, about the fift day of
+ August, they slue him, and sent his head to earle Harold. Afterwards
+ king Edward granted the rule of Wales vnto Blengent or Blethgent, &
+ Riuall, Griffins two brethren, which did homage vnto him for the same,
+ and had serued vnder Harold against their brother the foresaid
+ Griffin. There be which write, that not onelie Griffin, but also
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ another of his brethren called Rice, was brought to his death by the
+ manfull meanes and politike order of earle Harold, & all the sauage
+ people of Wales reduced into the forme of good order vnder the
+ subiection of king Edward.
+
+ [Sidenote: Harold goeth ouer into Normandie.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Edmerus._]
+ Shortlie after, earle Harold chanced to passe ouer into Normandie,
+ whither of hap or of purpose it is hard to define, writers doo varie
+ so much in report thereof. Some write that he made earnest sute to
+ king Edward, to haue licence to go ouer to sée his brother Wilnot, and
+ his nephue Hacune, which (as ye haue heard) were deliuered as pledges
+ to king Edward, & sent into Normandie to remaine there with duke
+ William, and at length with much adoo, got leaue: but yet he was told
+ [Sidenote: _Mat. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ aforehand of the king, that he would repent his iournie, and doo the
+ thing that should be preiudiciall to the realme. Other write that
+ Harold lieng at his manor of Bosham, went aboord one day into his
+ fishers boat or craier, and caused the same to lanch forth to the sea
+ for his pleasure: but by misfortune at the same time, a contrarie wind
+ suddenlie came about, and droue the vessell on land into France vpon
+ the coast of Ponthieu, where he was taken by the countrie people, &
+ presented to the earle of Ponthieu named Guie or Guido, who kept him
+ as prisoner, meaning to put him to a grieuous ransome. But Harold
+ remembring himselfe of a wile, dispatched a messenger forth with all
+ spéed vnto William, duke of Normandie, signifieng vnto him, that he
+ being sent from king Edward to confirme such articles, as other meane
+ men that had béene sent vnto him afore had talked of, by chance he was
+ fallen into the hands of the earle of Ponthieu, and kept as prisoner
+ against all order of law, reason, or humanitie. Duke William thus
+ informed by the messenger, sent to the earle of Ponthieu, requiring
+ him to set earle Harold at libertie, that he might repaire to him
+ according to his commission. The earle of Ponthieu at the dukes
+ request, did not onelie restore Harold to his libertie, but also
+ [Sidenote: Harold is presented to William duke of Normandie.]
+ brought him into Normandie, and presented him there to the duke, of
+ whome he was most ioifullie receiued.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ There be that agrée partlie with this report, and partlie varie: for
+ they write, that earle Harold tooke the sea vpon purpose to haue
+ sailed into Flanders, and that by force of wind he was driuen to the
+ coast of Ponthieu, and so after came into Normandie in maner as before
+ is mentioned. But by what means or occasion soeuer he came thither,
+ [Sidenote: Harold was highly welcomed of Duke William.]
+ certeine it is, that he was ioifullie receiued, and had great chéere
+ made him by the said duke William, who at that time was readie to make
+ a iournie against the Britains, and tooke earle Harold with him to
+ haue his companie in armes in that iournie, that he might haue the
+ better triall of his valiancie. Earle Harold behaued himselfe so, that
+ he shewed good proofe both of his wisedome and policie, and also of
+ his forwardnesse to execute that with hand, which by wit he had
+ deuised, so that duke William had him in high fauour, and (as it hath
+ béene said) earle Harold (to procure him more friendship at the dukes
+ hands) declared vnto him, that king Edward had ordeined him his heire
+ if he died without issue, and that he would not faile to kéepe the
+ realme of England to the dukes vse, according to that ordinance, if K.
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Duke William promised to Harold his daughter in mariage.]
+ Edward died without issue. And to performe this promise, he receiued a
+ corporall oth, whether willinglie to win the more credit, or forced
+ thereto by duke William, writers report it diuerslie. At the same
+ time, duke William promised vnto him his daughter in marriage, whom
+ Harold couenanted in like maner to take to wife.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Harold at his returne into England reporteth to K. Edward what he had
+ doone beyond the seas, and what the king said vnto him in that
+ behalfe, who foresaw the comming of the Normans into this land to
+ conquer it; when and why king Edward promised to make duke William his
+ heire, (wherein note his subtiltie) dissention betwixt Harold and
+ Tostie two brethren the sonnes of earle Goodwine, their vnnaturall and
+ cruell dealing one with another, speciallie of the abhominable and
+ merciles murthers committed by Tostie, against whome the Northumbers
+ rebell vpon diuerse occasions, and reward him with answerable
+ reuengement; Harold is sent against them, but preuaileth not; they
+ offer to returne home if they might haue a new gouernor; they renounce
+ Tostie and require Marchar in his roome, Tostie displeased getteth him
+ into Flanders; king Edward dieth, his manners and disposition
+ note-woorthie, his charitie and deuotion, the vertue of curing the
+ maladie called the kings euill deriued from him to the succéeding
+ kings of this land, he was warned of his death by a ring, he is
+ canonized for a saint, the last woords that he spake on his death-bed,
+ wherein he vttered to the standers by a vision, prophesieng that
+ England should be inhabited with strangers, a description of the kings
+ person, of a blasing starre fore-telling his death, the progenie of
+ the Westsaxon kings, how long they continued, the names of their
+ predecessors and successors; whence the first kings of seuen kingdoms
+ of Germanie had their pedegree, &c._
+
+ THE SEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now when Harold should returne into England, duke William deliuered
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ him his nephue Hacune, but kept his brother Wilnote with him still as
+ a pledge. Then went earle Harold into England, and declared vnto king
+ Edward what he had doone, who said vnto him; "Did not I tell thee that
+ thou wouldest doo the thing whereof thou shouldest repent thee, and
+ procure a mischiefe to follow vnto thy countrie? But God of his mercie
+ turne that euill hap from this realme, or at the least, if it be his
+ pleasure, that it must needs come to passe, yet to staie it till after
+ my daies!" Some by Harolds purposed going ouer into Normandie, doo
+ gather, that king Edward foresaw the comming of the Normans; and that
+ [Sidenote: When the promise was made by king Edward to make duke
+ William his heire.]
+ he meant nothing lesse, than to performe the promise made vnto duke
+ William, as to adopt him his heire, which promise should séeme to be
+ made in time or his banishment, when he stood in néed of friendship;
+ as the maner of men in such cases is, to promise much, how so euer
+ they intend to fulfill. But rather it maie be thought, that king
+ Edward had made no such promise at all, but perceiued the ambitious
+ desire of duke William, and therefore would not that anie occasion
+ should be ministred unto him to take hold of. Wherefore, he was loth
+ that Harold should go ouer vnto him, least that might happen, which
+ happened in déed.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Fabian._]
+ [Sidenote: Falling out between brethren.]
+ [Sidenote: The cruell dealing of earle Tostie.]
+ In the foure and twentieth and last yéere of king Edward his reigne,
+ or therabout, there fell variance betwixt the two brethren, earle
+ Harold and earle Tostie at Windsor, where the court then lay, in so
+ much that earle Harold caught Tostie by the haire of the head in the
+ kings presence, and stroke him. Heervpon, Tostie departing from the
+ court in great anger, came to Hereford in the marches of Wales, where
+ Harolds seruants were preparing for the kings comming to their
+ maisters house, which seruants he tooke and slue, chopping them in
+ péeces, and threw into this hogshead of wine a leg, into that barrell
+ of sider an arme, into this vessell of ale an head: and so into the
+ lomes of meth and tubs of brine and other liquor he bestowed the parts
+ of the dead carcasses of his brothers seruants, sending the king woord
+ that he had prouided at his brothers manor, against his coming, good
+ plentie of sowse & powdred meat, whatsoeuer he should find beside.
+
+ The rumor of this cruell deed sprang ouer all the realme, wherevpon
+ the Northumbers, whome he had gouerned for the space of ten yéeres
+ [Sidenote: The Northumbers rebell against Tostie their earle.]
+ verie cruellie, tooke occasion to rebell against him, and slue his
+ seruants both Englishmen and Danes, spoiled his houses, and tooke
+ awaie his horsses, his armour, and all other his goods and houshold
+ stuffe. The chiefest cause (as is remembred by some writers) that
+ mooued the Northumbers thus to rise and rebell against Tostie, was for
+ the detestable murther of certeine gentlemen of their countrie,
+ seruants unto Gospatrike, whom the queene in behalfe of hir brother
+ had caused to be slaine in the court by treason, in the fourth night
+ of Christmas last past, and also in reuenge of other noble men, which
+ in the last yéere Tostie himselfe had commanded to be murthered in his
+ owne chamber at Yorke, whither he had allured them to come vnder
+ colour of concluding a peace with them. Also the gréeuous paiments,
+ wherewith he charged the people of that countrie, set them in a great
+ rage against him.
+
+ But the king aduertised héereof, liked not their dooings, for that
+ they had doone it without commandement or commission, and therefore
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ sent earle Harold with an armie to chastise them, but they were strong
+ inough to withstand him, as those which were assembled in armour
+ togither with the people of Lincolnshire, Notinghamshire, and
+ Darbishire, and hauing with them Marcharus or Malcharus, the sonne of
+ earle Algar, were come as farre as Northhampton, doing much hurt in
+ the parts therabouts. Howbeit to haue the kings peace, they offered to
+ returne home, so that they might haue an other earle appointed them,
+ for that they plainlie protested, that they being freemen, borne and
+ bred out of bondage, might not suffer anie cruell gouernor to rule
+ ouer them, being taught by their ancestors, either to liue in
+ libertie, or to die in defense thereof. If therefore it might please
+ the king to assigne Marcharus the son of earle Algar to be their
+ ruler, he should see how obedient subiects they would prooue & shew
+ themselues to be, when they should be vsed after a reasonable and
+ courteous manner. All things considered, their request seemed
+ [Sidenote: Marcharus made earle of Northumberland.]
+ reasonable, or at least it was thought necessarie that it should be
+ granted. And so was Marcharus or Malcherus made earle of
+ Northumberland. Tostie in great displeasure with his wife and children
+ sailed ouer into Flanders, and there remained till after the deceasse
+ of king Edward.
+
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ Finallie, after that this courteous prince king Edward had reigned
+ thrée and twentie yéeres, seuen moneths, and od daies, he departed
+ this life at London the fourth of Ianuarie, and was buried in the
+ church of Westminster, which he had in his life time roiallie repared,
+ after such a statelie sort as few churches in those daies were like
+ [Sidenote: K. Edvard his maners and disposition of mind described.]
+ therevnto within this realme, so that afterwards the same was a
+ paterne for other to be built after the same forme. This Edward was a
+ prince of such a vertuous disposition of mind, that his fame of
+ holinesse sprang ouer all. He abhorred warres and shedding of bloud,
+ in so much that when he liued as a banished man in Normandie, he had
+ this saieng oftentimes in his mouth, that he had rather liue a priuate
+ life for euer, than to obteine the kingdome by the slaughter and death
+ of anie man. He could not abide to haue the people oppressed with
+ tributes or exactions, in so much that he caused the paiement called
+ Danegilt (which had continued for the space almost of fortie yéeres)
+ to ceasse. It hath beene said, that when the collectors of this monies
+ or some other subsidie, had got an huge quantitie of treasure
+ [Sidenote: A diuell fetching gambols.]
+ togither, they brought it vnto him, and laid it altogither vpon an
+ heape, so to delight his eies: but he declaring that he saw a diuell
+ plaieng and fetching gambols about that heape of monie, commanded that
+ it should be had awaie, and restored againe to them of whome it was
+ leauied.
+
+ In diet and apparell he was spare and nothing sumptuous: and although
+ on high feasts he ware rich apparell, as became the maiestie of his
+ roiall personage; yet he shewed no proud nor loftie countenance,
+ rather praising God for his bountifull goodnesse towards him extended,
+ than estéeming heerein the vaine pompe of the world. The pleasure that
+ he tooke chieflie in this world for the refreshing of his wits,
+ consisted onelie in hawking and hunting, which exercises he dailie
+ vsed, after he had first beene in the church at diuine seruice. In
+ other things he seemed wholie giuen to a deuout trade of life,
+ charitable to the poore, and verie liberall, namelie to hospitals and
+ houses of religion in the parties of beyond the sea, wishing euer that
+ the moonks and religious persons of his realme would haue followed the
+ vertue and holinesse of life vsed amongst them of forren parties. As
+ hath béene thought he was inspired with the gift of prophesie, and
+ also to haue had the gift of healing infirmities and diseases. He vsed
+ to helpe those that were vexed with the disease, commonlie called the
+ kings euill, and left that vertue as it were a portion of inheritance
+ vnto his successors the kings of this realme.
+
+ [Sidenote: A tale of a ring.]
+ He was warned (as hath béene reported) of his death certeine daies
+ before he died, by a ring that was brought him by certeine pilgrims
+ comming from Hierusalem, which ring he had secretlie giuen to a poore
+ man that asked his charitie in the name of God and saint Iohn the
+ [Sidenote: King Edward canonized for a saint.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malms._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. Westm._]
+ the Euangelist. But to conclude, such was the opinion conceiued of his
+ holinesse of life, that shortlie after his decease, he was canonized
+ amongst the number of saints, and named Edward the Confessor. Whilest
+ he lay sicke of that sicknesse, whereof at length he died, after he
+ had remained for two daies speechlesse, the third day after when he
+ had laine for a time in a slumber or soft sléepe, at the time of his
+ waking, he fetched a déepe sigh, and thus said; "Oh Lord God
+ almightie, if this be not a vaine fantasticall illusion, but a true
+ vision which I haue séene, grant me space to vtter the same vnto these
+ that stand héere present, or else not." And herewith hauing his speech
+ perfect, he declared how he had séene two moonks stand by him as he
+ thought, whome in his youth he knew in Normandie to haue liued godlie,
+ and died christianlie. "These moonks (said he) protesting to me that
+ they were the messengers of God, spake these words; Bicause the chéefe
+ gouernors of England, the bishops and abbats, are not the ministers of
+ God, but the diuels, the almightie God hath deliuered this kingdome
+ for one yéere and a day into the hands of the enimie, and wicked
+ spirits shall walke abroad through the whole land. And when I made
+ answer that I would declare these things to the people, and promised
+ on their behalfe, that they should doo penance in following the
+ example of the Niniuites: they said againe, that it would not be, for
+ neither should the people repent, nor God take anie pitie vpon them.
+ And when is there hope to haue an end of these miseries said I? Then
+ said they; When a grene trée is cut in sunder in the middle, and the
+ part cut off is caried thrée acres bredth from the stocke, and
+ returning againe to the stoale, shall ioine therewith, and begin to
+ bud & beare fruit after the former maner, by reason of the sap
+ renewing the accustomed nourishment; then (I say) may there be hope
+ that such euils shall ceasse and diminish." ¶ With which words of the
+ king, though some other that stood by were brought in feare, yet
+ archbishop Stigand made but a ieast thereof, saieng, that the old man
+ raued now in his sickenesse, as men of great yéeres vse to doo.
+ Neuerthelesse the truth of this prophesie afterwards too plainlie
+ appeared, when England became the habitation of new strangers, in such
+ wise, that there was neither gouernor, bishop, nor abbat remaining
+ therein of the English nation. But now to make an end with king
+ Edward, he was of person comelie, & of an indifferent stature, of
+ white haire, both head and beard, of face ruddie, and in all parts of
+ his bodie faire skinned, with due state and proportion of lims as was
+ thereto conuenient. In the yéere before the death of king Edward, a
+ blasing starre appeared, the which when a moonke of Malmesburie named
+ Eilmer beheld, he vttered these words (as it were by way of
+ prophesieng:) Thou art come (saith he) thou art come, much to be
+ lamented of manie a mother: it is long agone sith I saw thée, but now
+ I doo behold thee the more terrible, threatening destruction to this
+ countrie by thy dreadfull appearance. In the person of king Edward
+ ceased by his death the noble progenie of the Westsaxon kings, which
+ had continued from the first yeare of the reigne of Cerdike or
+ Cerdicius, the space of 547 yeeres complet. And from Egbert 266
+ yéeres.
+
+ Moreouer, sith the progenie of the Saxon kings seemeth wholie to take
+ end with this Edward surnamed the Confessor, or the third of that name
+ before the conquest, we haue thought good for the better helpe of
+ memorie to referre the reader to a catalog of the names as well of
+ those that reigned among the Westsaxons (who at length, as ye haue
+ heard, obteined the whole monarchie) as also of them which ruled in
+ the other seuen kingdomes before the same were vnited vnto the said
+ kingdome of the Westsaxons, which catalog you shall find in the
+ description of Britaine, pag. 31, 32, 33.
+
+ Here is to be remembred, that as partlie before is expressed, we find
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ in some old writers, how the first kings of seuen kingdomes of the
+ Germane nation that bare rule in this Ile, fetcht their pedegrées from
+ one Woden, who begat of Frea his wife seuen sonnes, that is to say, 1
+ Vecta, of whome came the kings of Kent, 2 Fethelgeta, or Frethegeath,
+ from whome the kings of Mercia descended, 3 Balday, of whose race the
+ kings of the Westsaxons had their originall, 4 Beldagius, ancestor to
+ the kings of Bernicia, and the Northumbers, 5 Wegodach or Wegdagus,
+ from whome came the kings of Deira, 6 Caser, from whome procéeded the
+ kings of the Eastangles, 7 Nascad alias Saxuad, of whome the kings of
+ the Eastsaxons had their beginning. And here you must note, that
+ although the kings of the eight kingdome, that is, of the Southsaxons
+ or Sussex, were descended of the same people, yet were they not of the
+ same line. By other it should séeme, that Woden had but fiue sonnes:
+ as Vecta, great grandfather to Hengist; Wepedeg, ancestor to the kings
+ of the Eastangles; Viclac, from whome procéeded the kings of Mercia;
+ Saxuad, from whom the kings of Essex came; and Beldag, of whose
+ generation proceeded the kings of the Southsaxons, Westsaxons, and the
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Io. Textor_.]
+ Northumbers. Moreouer, there be that bring the genealogie from Noe to
+ Noah, the sonne of Lamech, which Noe was the 9 in descent from Adam,
+ and Woden the 15 from Noe, as you shall find in the historie of
+ England, lib. 6. pag. 663. Noe was the father to Sem the father of
+ Bedwi, the father of Wala, the father of Hatria or Hathra, the father
+ of Itermod, the father of Heremod, the father of Sheaf or Seaf, the
+ father of Seldoa or Sceldua, the father of Beatu or Beau, the father
+ of Teathwij aliàs Tadwa or Teathwy, the father of Geta, reputed for a
+ god among the gentiles, the father of Fingodulph otherwise Godulph,
+ the father of Fritwolfe otherwise Friuin, the father of Freolaf aliàs
+ Freolater, the father of Frethwold or Friderwald, the father of the
+ aforenamed Woden or Othen.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The peeres are in doubt to whome the rule of the land should be
+ committed, why they durst not that Edgar Edeling should vndertake it
+ though he was interested to the same, how William duke of Normandie
+ pretended a right to the crowne, Harold the sonne of earle Goodwine
+ crowned, proclaimed, and consecrated king; his subtill and adulatorie
+ meanes to win the peoples fauour; duke William sendeth ambassadors to
+ Harold to put him in mind of a promise passed to the said duke for his
+ furtherance to obteine the crowne; Harolds negatiue answer to the said
+ ambassage, as also to the marieng of the dukes daughter which was
+ Harolds owne voluntarie motion; he prouideth against the inuasions of
+ the enimie as one doubting afterclaps, a blasing starre of seuen daies
+ continuance._
+
+ THE EIGHT CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: HAROLD.]
+ [Sidenote: K. Edward departed this life.]
+ [Sidenote: An. Christi. 1065, after the account of the church of
+ England.]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: Edeling, that is, a noble man, and such one as is come of
+ the kings blood.]
+ King Edward being thus departed this life, the péeres of the land were
+ in great doubt & perplexitie to whome they might best commit the
+ roiall gouernement of the realme. For there was not anie among them
+ that had iust title thereto, or able and apt to take the charge vpon
+ him. For although Edgar surnamed Edeling, the sonne of Edward the
+ outlaw, that was sonne of Edmund Ironside, was at the same time
+ latelie come into England, with his mother and sisters out of Hungarie
+ where he was borne: yet for that he was but a child, & not of
+ sufficient age to beare rule, they durst not as then commit the
+ gouernement of the realme vnto him, least (as some haue thought) his
+ tendernesse of age might first bréed a contempt of his person, and
+ therewith minister occasion to ciuill discord, wherby a shipwracke of
+ the estate might ensue, to the great annoie and present ouerthrow of
+ such as then liued in the same. But what consideration soeuer they had
+ in this behalfe, they ought not to haue defrauded the yoong gentleman
+ of his lawfull right to the crowne. For as we haue heard and séene,
+ God, whose prouidence and mightie power is shewed by ouerthrowing of
+ high and mightie things now and then, by the weake and féeble hath
+ gouerned states and kingdomes oftentimes in as good quiet and
+ princelie policie by a child, as by men of age and great discretion.
+
+ But to the purpose, beside the doubt which rested among the lords, how
+ to bestow the crowne, the manifold and strange woonders, which, were
+ séene and heard in those daies, betokening (as men thought) some
+ change to be at hand in the state of the realme, made the lords
+ afraid, and namelie bicause they stood in great doubt of William duke
+ of Normandie, who pretended a right to the crowne, as lawfull heire
+ appointed by king Edward, for that he was kin to him in the second and
+ [Sidenote: Dukes of Normandie.]
+ third degree. For Richard the first of that name duke of Normandie,
+ begot Richard the second, and Emma; which Emma bare Edward by hir
+ husband Ethelred. Richard the second had also issue Richard the third,
+ and Robert, which Robert by a concubine had issue William, surnamed
+ the bastard, that was now duke of Normandie, and after the death of
+ his coosine king Edward, made claime (as is said) to the crowne of
+ England.
+
+ Whilest the lords were thus studieng and consulting what should be
+ [Sidenote: Harold proclaimed king of England.]
+ best for them to doo in these doubts, Harold, the son of Goodwine
+ earle of Kent, proclaimed himselfe king of England: the people being
+ not much offended therewith, bicause of the great confidence and
+ opinion which they had latelie conceiued of his valiancie. Some write
+ [Sidenote: Edmerus.]
+ (among whome Edmerus is one) how king Edward ordeined before his
+ death, that Harold should succéed him as heire to the crowne, and that
+ therevpon the lords immediatlie after the said Edwards deceasse,
+ crowned Harold for their king, and so he was consecrated by Aldred
+ archbishop of Yorke, according to the custom and maner of the former
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ kings, or (as other affirme) he set the crowne on his owne head
+ without anie the accustomed ceremonies, in the yéere after the birth
+ of our sauiour 1066, or in the yéere of Christ 1065, after the account
+ of the church of England (as before is noted.)
+
+ But how and whensoeuer he came to the seat roiall of this kingdome,
+ certeine it is, that this Harold in the begining of his reigne,
+ considering with himselfe how and in what sort he had taken vpon him
+ the rule of the kingdome, rather by intrusion than by anie lawfull
+ [Sidenote: Harold séeketh to win the peoples hearts.]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dunel._]
+ right, studied by all meanes which way to win the peoples fauour, and
+ omitted no occasion whereby he might shew anie token of bountious
+ liberalitie, gentlenesse and courteous behauiour towards them. The
+ gréeuous customes also and taxes which his predecessors had raised, he
+ either abolished or diminished: the ordinarie wages of his seruants
+ and men of warre he increased, and further shewed himselfe verie well
+ bent to all vertue and goodnesse, whereby he purchased no small fauor
+ among such as were his subiects.
+
+ [Sidenote: An ambassage from Normandie.]
+ Whilest Harold went about thus to steale the peoples good willes,
+ there came ouer vnlooked for sundrie ambassadours from William the
+ bastard duke of Normandie, with commission to require him to remember
+ his oth sometime made to the said William in the time of his
+ extremitie, which was, that he the said Harold should aid him in the
+ obteining of the crowne of England, if king Edward should happen to
+ die without issue. This couenant he made (as it is supposed) in king
+ Edwards daies, when (by licence of the same Edward, or rather (as
+ Edmerus writeth) against his will) he went ouer into Normandie to
+ visit his brethren, which laie there as pledges.
+
+ [Sidenote: K. Harolds answer.]
+ Howbeit at this present, Harolds answer to the said ambassadors was,
+ that he would be readie to gratifie the duke in all that he could
+ [Sidenote: _Eadmerus._]
+ demand, so that he would not aske the realme, which alreadie he had in
+ his full possession. And further he declared vnto them (as some write)
+ that as for the oth which he had made in times past vnto duke William,
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ the same was but a constreined & no voluntarie oth, which in law is
+ nothing; since thereby he tooke vpon him to grant that which was not
+ in his power to giue, he being but a subiect whilest king Edward was
+ liuing. For if a promised vow or oth which a maid maketh concerning
+ the bestowing of hir bodie in hir fathers house, without his consent,
+ is made void; much more an oth by him made that was a subiect, and
+ vnder the rule of a king, without his souereignes consent, ought to be
+ void and of no value. He alledged moreouer, that as for him to take an
+ oth to deliuer the inheritance of anie realme without the generall
+ consent of the estates of the same, could not be other than a great
+ péece of presumption, yea although he might haue iust title therevnto;
+ so it was an vnreasonable request of the duke at this present to will
+ him to renounce the kingdome, the gouernance whereof he had alreadie
+ taken vpon him, with so great fauor and good liking of all men.
+
+ [Sidenote: Duke William eftsoones sendeth to king Harold.]
+ Duke William hauing receiued this answer, and nothing liking thereof,
+ sent once againe to Harold, requiring him then at the least-wise, that
+ he would take his daughter to wife, according to his former promise;
+ in refusing whereof he could make no sound allegation, bicause it was
+ a thing of his owne motion, and in his absolute power, both to grant
+ and to performe. But Harold being of a stout courage, with proud
+ countenance frowned vpon the Norman ambassadors, and declared to them
+ that his mind was nothing bent as then to yéeld therevnto in any maner
+ of wise. And so with other talke tending to the like effect he sent
+ them away without anie further answer. The daughter of duke William
+ [Sidenote: _Gemeticensis._]
+ whome Harold should haue maried, was named Adeliza, as Gemeticensis
+ saith, and with hir (as the same author writeth) it was couenanted by
+ duke William, that Harold should inioy halfe the realme in name of hir
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ dower. Howbeit some write that this daughter of duke William was
+ departed this life before the comming of these ambassadors, and that
+ Harold therevpon thought himselfe discharged of the oth and couenants
+ made to duke William, and therefore sent them away with such an
+ vntoward answer.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ But howsoeuer it was, after the departure of these ambassadors, king
+ Harold (doubting what would insue) caused his ships to be newlie
+ rigged, his men of warre to be mustered, and spéedilie put in a
+ readinesse, to the end that if anie sudden inuasion should be made and
+ attempted by his enimie, he might be able to resist them. ¶ About the
+ same time also, and vpon the 24 of Aprill (whilest Harold was making
+ prouision to withstand the Norman force) there appeared a blasing
+ starre, which was séene not onelie here in England, but also in other
+ parts of the world, and continued the space of seuen daies. This
+ [Sidenote: _Rog. Houed._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ blasing starre might be a prediction of mischéefe imminent & hanging
+ ouer Harolds head; for they neuer appeare but as prognosticats of
+ afterclaps. To be resolutelie instructed herein, doo but peruse a
+ treatise intituled; A doctrine generall of comets or blasing starres
+ published by a bishop of Mentz in Latine, and set foorth in English by
+ Abraham Fleming vpon the apparition of a blasing starre séene in the
+ southwest, on the 10 of Nouember 1577, and dedicated to the right
+ worshipfull sir William Cordell knight, then maister of hir maiesties
+ rolles, &c.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _Earle Tostie afflicteth his brother Harold on sea and land, he taketh
+ the repulse, and persuadeth Harfager king of Norweie to attempt the
+ conquest of England against Harold, Harfager & Tostie with their
+ powers arriue at Humber, they fight with the Northumbers vnder the
+ conduct of Edwine and Marchar, and discomfit them; Harold leuieth an
+ armie against them, the rare valiantnes of a Norwegian souldior;
+ Harfager and Tostie slaine in battell; the Norwegians are foiled and
+ flie; Harolds vnequall and parciall dividing of the spoile, he goeth
+ to Yorke to reforms things amisse._
+
+ THE NINTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Whilest Harold desirous to reteine, and verie loth to let go his
+ vsurped roialtie, had crackt his credit with the duke of Normandie,
+ and by his lewd reuolting from voluntarie promises ratified with
+ solemne othes, had also kindled the fire of the dukes furie against
+ him; it came to passe, that the proud and presumptuous man was (to
+ [Sidenote: Tostie séekes to disquiets his brother.]
+ begin withall) vexed in his owne flesh, I meane his owne kinred. For
+ Tostie the brother of king Harold (who in the daies of king Edward for
+ his crueltie had béene chased out of the realme by the Northumbers)
+ returning out of Flanders, assembled a nauie of ships from diuers
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._ saith but 40.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran Higd._]
+ [Sidenote: _Sim. Dun._]
+ parts to the number of 60, with the which he arriued in the Ile of
+ Wight, & there spoiled the countrie, and afterward sailing about by
+ the coasts of Kent, he tooke sundrie preies their also, and came at
+ the last to Sandwich: so that Harold was now constreined to appoint
+ the nauie which he had prepared against the Normans, to go against his
+ brother earle Tostie. Whereof the said Tostie being aduertised, drew
+ towards Lindsey in Lincolnshire, and there taking land did much hurt
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: Tosties repelled.]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
+ in the countrie, both with sword and fire, till at length Edwine earle
+ of Mercia, and Marchar earle of Northumberland, aided with the kings
+ nauie, chased him from thence, and caused him to flie into Scotland,
+ not without some losse both of his men and ships.
+
+ This trouble was scarse quieted, but streightwaies another came in the
+ necke thereof, farre more dangerous than the first. For Tostie,
+ perceiuing that he could get no aid in Scotland to make anie account
+ [Sidenote: Harold Harfager king of Norweie.]
+ of, sailed forth into Norweie, and there persuaded Harold Harfager
+ king of that realme, to saile with an armie into England, persuading
+ him that by meanes of ciuill dissention latelie kindled betwixt the
+ king and his lords (which was not so) it should be an easie matter for
+ him to make a conquest of the whole realme, and reigne ouer them as
+ his predecessors had done before. Some authors affirme, that Harold
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ king of Norwey tooke this enterprise in hand of his owne mind, and not
+ by procurement of Tostie, saieng, that Tostie méeting with him in
+ Scotland, did persuade him to go forward in his purposed busines, and
+ that the said Harold Harfager with all conuenient spéed passed foorth,
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._ saith 500.]
+ & with a nauie of 300 saile entered into the riuer of Tine, where
+ after he had rested a few daies to refresh his people, earle Tostie
+ came also with his power (according to an appointment which should be
+ made betweene them.) They ad furthermore, that they sailed forth
+ [Sidenote: The Norwegians arriue in Humber.]
+ [Sidenote: Richall.]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ alongst the coast, till they arriued in the mouth of Humber, & then
+ drawing vp against the streame of the riuer Owse, they landed at
+ length at a place called Richhall, from whence they set forward to
+ inuade the countrie, & néere vnto Yorke on the northside of the citie,
+ they fought with the power of the Northumbers, which was led by the
+ [Sidenote: The English men discomfited.]
+ earls Edwine and Marchar (two brethren) and there discomfited and
+ chased them into the citie, with great slaughter and bloudshed.
+
+ [Sidenote: This battell was fought on the even of S. Mattew the
+ apostle, as saith _Si. Dun._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matt. West._]
+ Harold king of England being aduertised of this chance, made the more
+ hast forward (for he was alreadie in the field with his armie,
+ intending also to come towards his enimies) so that vpon the fift day
+ after he came to Stamford bridge, finding there the said king Harfager
+ and Tostie readie imbattelled, he first assailed those that kept the
+ bridge, where (as some writers affirme) a Norwegian souldier with his
+ axe defended the passage, mauger the whole host of the Englishmen, and
+ slue fortie of them or more with his axe, & might not be ouercome,
+ till an Englishman went with a boat vnder the said bridge, and through
+ an hole thereof thrust him vp into the bodie with his speare: yet
+ Matt. West, saith that he was slaine with a dart which one of king
+ Harold his seruants threw at him, & so ended his life. Which bridge
+ [Sidenote: The Norwegians discomfited.]
+ being woone, the whole host of the Englishmen passed ouer, and ioined
+ with their enimies, and after a verie great and sore battell put them
+ all to flight.
+
+ [Sidenote: The king of Norwaie and Tostie slaine.]
+ In this conflict Harold Harfager king of the Norwegians was slaine, &
+ so was Tostie the king of England his brother, besides a great number
+ of other, as well in the battell as in the chase: neither did the
+ Englishmen escape all frée, for the Norwegians fought it out a long
+ [Sidenote: This battell was fought on the 25 of September as saith
+ _Si. Dun._]
+ time verie stoutlie, beating downe and killing great numbers of such
+ as assailed them with great courage and assurance. The residue of the
+ Norwegians that were left to kéepe their ships vnder the guiding of
+ Olaue sonne to the king of Norwaie, and Paule earle of Orkneie, after
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ they vnderstood by their fellowes that escaped from the field, how the
+ mater went with Harfager and Tostie, they hoised vp their sailes and
+ directed their course homewards, bearing sorowfull newes with them
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ into their countrie, of the losse of their king and ouerthrow of all
+ his people. Some write, that the king of England permitted them
+ franklie to depart with 20 ships, hauing first caused them to deliuer
+ such hostages as they had receiued of the citizens of Yorke. Harold
+ reioising in that he had atteined so glorious a victorie, and being
+ now surprised with pride and couetousnesse togither, he diuided the
+ [Sidenote: _M. West._]
+ [Sidenote: Vnequall diuiding of the spoile.]
+ spoile of the field nothing equallie, but to such as he fauored he
+ distributed liberallie, and to other (though they had much better
+ deserued) he gaue nothing at all, reteining still the best part of all
+ to himselfe, by reason whereof he lost the fauor of manie of his men,
+ who for this his discourtesie, did not a little alienate their good
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ willes from him. This doone, he repaired to Yorke, and there staied
+ for a time to reforme the disordered state of the countrie, which by
+ reason of these warres was greatlie out of frame.
+
+ ¶ But Harold being more presumptuous and foole-hardie, than prouident
+ and wise in his enterprise; bending all his force to redresse
+ enormities in those quarters of Yorkeshire (much like vnto him, whom
+ the Comediographer marketh for a foole, "Ea tantùm quæ ad pedes iacent
+ contemplans, non autem ventura præuidens") neglected the kinglie care
+ which he should haue had of other parts of his realme, from the which
+ he had withdrawen himselfe, and (as it is likelie) had not left
+ sufficientlie prouided of a conuenient vicegerent to gouerne the same
+ by his warranted authoritie, and such fortifications as might expell
+ and withstand the enimie. Which want of foresight gaue occasion to the
+ enimie to attempt an inuasion of the English coasts, as in the next
+ chapt. shall be shewed.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _William duke of Normandie prepareth to inuade England and to conquere
+ it, the earle of Flanders and the French king assist him, the number
+ of his ships, hir arriuall at Peuensey in Sussex, vpon what occasions
+ he entred this realme; the pope liked well duke Williams attempt, why
+ king Harold was hated of the whole court of Rome; why duke William
+ would not suffer his souldiers to wast the countries where they came;
+ Harold goeth towards his enimies, why his vnskilfull espials tooke the
+ Normans (being old beaten souldiers) for priests; Girth dissuadeth his
+ brother Harold from present incountering with the duke; where note the
+ conscience that is to be had of an oth, and that periurie can not
+ scape vnpunished._
+
+ THE TENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ WILLIAM duke of Normandie hauing knowledge after what maner K. Harold
+ was busied in the north parts of his realme, and vnderstanding that
+ the south parts thereof remained destitute of due prouision for
+ necessarie defense, hasted with all diligence to make his purueiance
+ of men and ships, that he might vpon such a conuenient occasion set
+ forward to inuade his enimie. And amongest other of his friends, vnto
+ [Sidenote: _Ia. Meir._]
+ [Sidenote: Baldwine earle of Flanders aided duke William to conquere
+ England.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Geme._]
+ whome he laboured for aid, his father in law Baldwine earle of
+ Flanders was one of the chiefest, who vpon promise of great summes of
+ monie and other large offers made, did aid him with men, munition,
+ ships, and victuals, verie freelie. The French king also did as much
+ for his part as laie in him to helpe forwards this so high an
+ enterprise. Wherefore when all things were now in a readinesse, he
+ came to the towne of S. Valerie, where he had assembled togither an
+ [Sidenote: The chronicles of Normandie haue 896 ships.]
+ huge nauie of ships, to the number (as some authors affirme) of three
+ hundred saile; and when he had taried there a long time for a
+ conuenient wind, at length it came about euen as he himselfe desired.
+ Then shipping his armie which consisted of Normans, Flemings,
+ [Sidenote: Duke William landed at Peuensey, now Pemsey.]
+ Frenchmen, and Britains, with all expedition he tooke the sea, and
+ directing his course towards England, he finallie landed at a place in
+ Sussex, ancientlie called Peuensey, on the 28 day of September, where
+ he did set his men on land, & prouided all things necessarie to
+ incourage and refresh them.
+
+ At his going out of his ship vnto the shore, one of his féet slipped
+ as he stepped forward, but the other stacke fast in the sand: the
+ which so soone as one of his knights had espied, and séeing his hand
+ wherevpon he staied full of earth, when he rose, he spake alowd and
+ said: "Now sir duke, thou hast the soile of England fast in thy hand,
+ & shalt of a duke yer long become a king." The duke hearing this tale,
+ laughed merilie thereat, and comming on land, by and by he made his
+ proclamation, declaring vpon what occasion he had thus entered the
+ realme.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: 1]
+
+ The first and principall cause which he alleged, was for to chalenge
+ his right, meaning the dominion of the land that to him was giuen and
+ assigned (as he said) by his nephue king Edward late ruler of the same
+ land.
+
+ [Sidenote: 2]
+
+ The second was, to reuenge the death of his nephue Alured or Alfred
+ the brother of the same king Edward, whome Goodwine earle of Kent and
+ his adherents had most cruellie murthered.
+
+ [Sidenote: 3]
+
+ The third was to be reuenged of the wrong doone vnto Robert archbishop
+ of Canturburie, who (as he was informed) was exiled by the meanes and
+ labor of Harold in the daies of king Edward.
+
+ Wherein we haue to note, that whether it were for displeasure that the
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Lamb._]
+ [Sidenote: The pope fauored duke Williams enterprise.]
+ pope had sometime conceiued for the wrong doone to the archbishop, or
+ at the onlie sute of duke William, certeine it is that the pope, as
+ then named Alexander the second, fauored this enterprise of the duke,
+ and in token thereof sent him a white banner, which he willed him to
+ set vp in the decke of the ship, wherein he himselfe should saile. In
+ déed (as writers report) the pope with his cardinals, and all the
+ whole court of Rome had king Harold euer in great hatred and disdaine,
+
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ because he had taken vpon him the crowne without their consent, or
+ anie ecclesiasticall solemnitie or agréement of the bishops. And
+ although the pope and his brethren the said cardinals dissembled the
+ matter for the time, yet now beholding to what end his bold
+ presumption was like to come, with frowning fortune they shewed
+ themselues open aduersaries, inclining streightwaies to the stronger
+ part, after the manner of couetous persons, or rather of the réed
+ shaken with a sudden puffe of wind.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Gemeticensis._]
+ Duke William at his first landing at Peuensey or Pemsey (whether you
+ will) fortified a péece of ground with strong trenches, and leauing
+ therein a competent number of men of warre to kéepe the same, he sped
+ him toward Hastings, and comming thither, he built an other fortresse
+ there with all spéed possible, without suffering his souldiers to rob
+ or harrie the countrie adioining, saieng that it should be great
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ follie for him to spoile that people, which yer manie daies to come
+ were like to be his subiects. K. Harold being as yet in the north
+ parts, and hearing that duke William was thus landed in England, sped
+ him southward, and gathering his people togither out of the countries
+ as he went forwards, at length came néere his enimies: and sending
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ espials into their campe to vnderstand of what strength they were; the
+ vnskilfull messengers regarding smallie their charge, brought woord
+ againe of nothing else, but that all duke Williams souldiers were
+ [Sidenote: Normans berds shauen.]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Marle._]
+ priests. For the Normans had at that time their vpper lips and chéekes
+ shauen, whereas the Englishmen vsed to suffer the haire of their vpper
+ lips to grow at length. But Harold answered, that they were not
+ priests, but wether-beaten and hardie souldiers, and such as were like
+ to abide well by their capteine.
+
+ [Sidenote: Girth would not haue his brother king Harold fight
+ himselfe.]
+ [Sidenote: _Gemeticensis._]
+ In the meane season, Girth one of Harolds yoonger brethren
+ (considering that periurie is neuer left vnpunished) aduised his
+ brother not to aduenture himselfe at this present in the battell, for
+ so much as he had beene sometime sworne to duke William, but rather to
+ suffer him and other of the nobilitie to incounter with the said duke,
+ that were not bound to him by former oth, or otherwise: but Harold
+ answered that he was free from anie such oth, and that in defense of
+ his countrie he would fight boldly with him as with his greatest
+ enimie. ¶ Where (by the waie) would be noted the conscience which
+ Girth a yoonger brother made of an oth, not concerning himselfe
+ directlie, but his elder brother Harold, who had sworne the same;
+ meaning nothing lesse than the performance therof, as the sequele of
+ his dooings to his discredit and vndooing euidentlie declared, which
+ euents might séeme countable to him as due punishments and deserued
+ plagues inflicted vpon him and others, for his sake; sith he made no
+ reckoning of violating a vow ratified with an oth to a prince of no
+ small puissance, who afterwards became a whip vnto him for his
+ periurie; a sinne detested of the heathen, and whereof the poet
+ notablie speaketh, saieng:
+
+ [Sidenote: _Tibul, lib._ 1.]
+
+
+   Ah miser, & si quis primò periuria celat,
+     Sera tamen tacitis p[oe]na venit pedibus.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _After peace offered & refused on each side, both armies meete in the
+ field, the order of the Englishmens attire & araie, the maner how the
+ Normans were placed to fight in battell; the dissolute and droonken
+ behauior of the Englishmen the night before the incounter farre
+ differing from the Normans deuout demenour; duke Williams speech vpon
+ occasion of wrong putting on his armour, the battell betwixt him and
+ king Harold is valiantlie tried, the English by duke Williams politike
+ stratagem are deceiued, king Harold slaine, his armie put to flight
+ and manie of them slaine after a long and bloudie incounter, manie of
+ the Normans pursuing the English ouerhastilie procure their owne
+ death, they take the spoile of the English, the dead bodies of both
+ armies are licenced to be buried; the differing reports of writers
+ touching the maner of Harolds death, a description of his person, his
+ ambition did him much hurt and hinderance, the number that were slaine
+ on both sides, his bodie buried at Waltham, nothing dispraisewoorthie
+ in him but his ambitious mind, a view of his valiantnesse in a
+ conflict against the Welshmen, his rigorous or rather pitilesse
+ handling of them, his seuere law or decree touching their bounds, they
+ are vtterlie subdued, and (by the kings leaue) the Welshwomen marrie
+ with the Englishmen, the Saxon line ceasseth, how long it lasted, and
+ how long it was discontinued by the inuasion of the Danes._
+
+ THE ELEUENTH CHAPTER.
+
+
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ Now it fortuned that both armies, as well the kings as the earles,
+ being prepared to battell, diuerse offers were made on each side
+ (before they fell to the conflict) for an vnitie to haue béene had
+ betwixt the two princes: but when no conditions of agreement could
+ take place, they forthwith prepared themselues to trie the matter by
+ dint of swoord. And so on the 14 day of October, being saturday, both
+ hosts met in the field, at a place in Sussex not farre from Hastings,
+ [Sidenote: The order of the Englishmen.]
+ whereas the abbeie of Battell was afterward builded. The Englishmen
+ were all brought into one entire maine batell on foot, with huge axes
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ in their hands, and paled a front with paueises, in such wise that it
+ was thought vnpossible for the enimie to breake their arraie. On the
+ other side, the Normans were diuided into seuerall battels, as first
+ [Sidenote: The arraie of the Normans.]
+ the footmen that were archers, and also those that bare gleiues and
+ axes were placed in the forefront, and the horssemen diuided into
+ wings stood on the sides in verie good order.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Will. Malmes._]
+ All the night before the battell, the Englishmen made great noise and
+ slept not, but sang and fell to drinking and making of reuell &
+ pastime, as though there had beene no account to be made of the next
+ daies trauell. But the Normans behaued themselues warilie and
+ soberlie, spending all that night in praier and confessing their
+ sinnes vnto God; and in the morning earelie they receiued the
+ communion before they went foorth to the battell. Some write, that
+ when duke William should put on his armour to go to the field, the
+ backe halfe of his curasses by chance was set on before by such as
+ holpe to arme him: at which chance he tooke occasion of laughter,
+ saieng merrilie to them that stood by; "No force, this is good lucke,
+ for the estate of my dukedome shall be yer night changed into a
+ kingdome." Beside this, he spake manie comfortable woords vnto his
+ men, to incourage them to the battell. Neither was Harold forgetfull
+ in that point on his part. And so at conuenient time when both armies
+ were readie, they made forward each to incounter with other, on the
+ foresaid fouretéenth day of October, with great force and assurance.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: The battell betwixt king Harold and duke William is begun.]
+ In the beginning of the battell, the arrowes flue abroad freshlie on
+ both sides, till they came to ioine at hand strokes, and then preassed
+ each side vpon his counter part with swoords, axes, and other hand
+ weapons verie egerlie. Duke William commanded his horssemen to giue
+ the charge on the breasts of his enimies battels: but the Englishmen
+ kéeping themselues close togither without scattering, receiued their
+ enimies vpon the points of their weapons with such fiercenesse and in
+ such stiffe order, that manie of the Norman horssemen were ouerthrowne
+ without recouerie, and slaine at the first brunt. When duke William
+ perceiued this inconuenience (as he that well and throughlie
+ vnderstood the skilfull points of warre as well as the best) he gaue a
+ signe to his men (according to an order appointed before hand vpon
+ [Sidenote: The policie of duke William to disorder his enimies.]
+ [Sidenote: _H. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ anie such occasion) that they should giue backe, and make a
+ countenance as though they did flée, which was quicklie doone by the
+ Normans, and withall they imbattelled their footmen in a new order, so
+ that their horssemen shifted themselues on the wings, readie to rescue
+ the footmen if their arraie should happen to be disturbed.
+
+ By this wilie stratagem and policie of warre, the Englishmen were
+ deceiued: for they beholding the Normans somwhat shrinking backe to
+ bring themselues into the aboue said order, thought verelie that they
+ had fled, and therevpon meaning to pursue them before they should
+ recouer their ground, they brake their arraie, and began to follow the
+ chase: wherevpon the Normans (perceiuing now that all things came to
+ passe as they desired) spéedilie returned, and casting themselues
+ togither quicklie into arraie, began to charge them againe afresh, and
+ [Sidenote: A sore foughten battell.]
+ [Sidenote: King Harold slaine.]
+ so hauing them at that aduantage, they slue them downe on euerie side.
+ The Englishmen on the other part fought sore, and though their king
+ was beaten downe among them and slaine, yet were they loth to flée or
+ giue ouer; so sharpe was the battell, that duke William himselfe had
+ thrée horsses slaine vnder him that day, and not without great danger
+ of his person.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ Some of the Englishmen got them to the height of an hill, and beate
+ backe the Normans that forced themselues to win the hill of them, so
+ that it was long yer the Normans could preuaile, being oftentimes
+ driuen downe into the botome of the vallie beneath. At length the
+ [Sidenote: The Englishmen put to flight.]
+ Englishmen, perceiuing themselues to be ouermatched and beaten downe
+ on euerie side, and therevnto greatlie discouraged with slaughter of
+ their king, began first to giue ground, and after to scatter and to
+ run away, so that well was he that might then escape by flight. When
+ [Sidenote: _Chron. de bello._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Geme._]
+ [Sidenote: The Normans fall into a ditch.]
+ they had fought the most part of all that saturday, the Normans
+ followed the chase with such eger rashnesse, that a great number of
+ them falling with their horsses and armour into a blind ditch
+ (shadowed with reed and sedges which grew therein) were smouldered and
+ pressed to death, yer they could be succoured or get anie reliefe. The
+ next day the Normans fell to gathering in the spoile of the field,
+ burieng also the dead bodies of their people that were slaine at the
+ battell, giuing licence in semblable manner to the Englishmen to doo
+ [Sidenote: _Giral. Camb._]
+ the like. Of the death of Harold diuerse report diuerslie, in so much
+ that Girald Cambrensis saith, that after king Harold had receiued
+ manie wounds, and lost his left eie, he fled from the field vnto the
+ citie of Westchester, and liued there long after, an holie life, as an
+ anchoret in the cell of S. James, fast by S. Johns church, and there
+ made a godlie end. But the saieng of Girald Cambren. in that point is
+ not to be credited, bicause of the vnlikelihood of the thing it selfe,
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
+ and also generall consent of other writers, who affirme vniuersallie
+ that he was killed in the battell, first being striken thorough the
+ left eie by the scull into the braine with an arrow, wherevpon falling
+ from his horsse to the ground, he was slaine in that place, after he
+ [Sidenote: _Floriac._]
+ [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._]
+ had reigned nine moneths and nine daies, as Floriacensis dooth report.
+ He was a man of a comelie stature, and of a hawtie courage, & albeit
+ that for his valiancie he was highlie renowmed and honored of all men,
+ [Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._]
+ [Sidenote: _Polydor._]
+ [Sidenote: The chronicles of Normandie haue of English men slaine
+ 67974, and of Normans 6013.]
+ yet through his pride and ambition he lost the harts of manie. There
+ were slaine in this battell, besides king Harold and his two brethren,
+ Girth and Leofrike, what on the one side and on the other, aboue
+ twentie thousand men.
+
+ The bodie of king Harold being found among other slaine in the field,
+ was buried at Waltham, within the monasterie of the holie crosse which
+ he before had founded, and indowed to the behoofe of such canons as he
+ had placed there, with faire possessions. Verelie (as some old writers
+ [Sidenote: _Ex_ 6. _libro Polycraticon, side de nugis curialium._]
+ [Sidenote: _John Sarisb._]
+ haue reported) there was nothing in this man to be in anie wise
+ dispraised, if his ambitious mind could haue beene staied from
+ coueting the kingdome, and that he could haue béene contented to haue
+ liued as a subiect. Among other manifest proofes of his high
+ valiancie, this is remembred of him, that being sent against the
+ Welshmen (as before is partlie mentioned) knowing their readie
+ nimblenesse in seruice, and how with their light armed men they were
+ accustomed to annoie and distresse those that should assaile them, he
+ likewise (to match them) prepared light armed men for the purpose, &
+ so being furnished with such bands of nimble men and light souldiers,
+ entered vpon the mounteins of Snowdon, and there remained amongst the
+ enimies for the space of two yéeres. He sore afflicted the Welsh
+ nation, tooke their kings, and sent their heads vnto the king that
+ sent him about his businesse, and proceeding in such rigorous maner as
+ might mooue the hearers to lament and pitie the case, he caused all
+ the male kind that might be met with, to be miserablie slaine: and so
+ with the edge of his swoord he brought the countrie to quiet, and
+ withall made this lawe; that if anie Welshman from thencefoorth should
+ presume to passe the limits ouer Offas ditch with anie weapon about
+ him, he should lose his right hand. To conclude, by the valiant
+ conduct of this chieftaine, the Welshmen were then so sore brought
+ vnder, that in maner the whole nation might séeme to faile, and to be
+ almost vtterlie destroied. And therefore by permission of the king of
+ England, the Women of Wales ioined themselues in marriage with
+ Englishmen. Finallie, héereby the bloud of the Saxons ceassed to
+ reigne in England after they had continued possession of the same,
+ from the first comming of Hengist, which was about the yéere of our
+ Sauiour 450, or 449, vntill that present yeere of king Harolds death,
+ [Sidenote: 1069.]
+ which chanced in the yéere 1069. So that from the beginning of Hengist
+ his reigne, vnto Harolds death, are reckoned 916 yéeres, or (after
+ some) 617, as by the supputation of the time will easilie appeere. By
+ all the which time there reigned kings of the Saxons bloud within this
+ land, except that for the space of twentie yéeres and somewhat more,
+ the Danes had the dominion of the realme in their possession: for
+ there are reckoned from the beginning of K. Swaines reigne (which was
+ the first Dane that gouerned England) vnto the last yéere of K.
+ Hardicnute (the last Dane that ruled heere) 28 yéeres, in which meane
+ space Egelred recouering the kingdome reigned 2 yéeres, then after him
+ his sonne Edmund Ironside continued in the rule one yéere; so that the
+ Danes had the whole possession of the land but 25 yéeres in all.
+ Touching this alteration, and others incident to this Iland, read a
+ short aduertisement annexed (by waie of conclusion) to this historie,
+ comprising a short summarie of the most notable conquests of this
+ countrie one after an other, by distances of times successiuelie.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _The rule of this realme by Gods prouidence allotted to duke William,
+ his descent from Rollo the first duke of Normandie downewards to his
+ particular linage, he was base begotten vpon the bodie of Arlete duke
+ Roberts concubine, a pleasant speech of hirs to duke Robert on a time
+ when he was to haue the vse of hir person, a conclusion introductorie
+ for the sequele of the chronicle from the said duke of Normandies
+ coronation, &c: with a summarie of the notable conquests of this
+ Iland._
+
+ THE TWELFE CHAPTER.
+
+
+ Now, forsomuch as it pleased God by his hid and secret iudgement so to
+ dispose the realme of England, and in such wise, as that the
+ gouernance thereof should fall after this maner into the hands of
+ William duke of Normandie, I haue thought good before I enter further
+ into this historie (being now come to the conquest of the realme, made
+ by the foresaid duke of Normandie) to set downe his pedegrée, thereby
+ to shew how he descended from the first duke of that countrie, who was
+ named Rollo, and after by receiving baptisme called Robert.
+
+ The said Rollo or Rou, was sonne to a great lord in Denmarke called
+ Guion, who hauing two sons, the said Rou and Gourin, and being
+ appointed to depart the countrie, as the lots fell to him and other
+ (according to the maner there vsed, in time when their people were
+ increased to a greater number than the countrie was able to susteine)
+ refused to obeie that order, and made warre there against the king,
+ who yet in the end by practise found meanes to slea the foresaid
+ Guion, and his sonne Gourin; so that Rou or Rollo, hauing thus lost
+ his father and brother, was compelled to forsake the countrie, with
+ all those that had holpe his father to make warre against the king.
+ Thus driuen to séeke aduentures, at length he became a christian, and
+ was created duke of Normandie, by gift of Charles king of France,
+ surnamed le Simple, whose daughter the ladie Gilla he also maried: but
+ she departing this life without issue, he maried Popée daughter to the
+ earle of Bessin and Baileux, whome he had kept as his wife before he
+ was baptised, and had by hir a sonne named William Longespée, and a
+ daughter named Gerlota.
+
+ William Longespée or Longaspata, had to wife the ladie Sporta,
+ daughter to Hubert earle of Senlis, by whome he had issue Richard the
+ second of that name duke of Normardie, who married the ladie Agnes,
+ the daughter of Hugh le grand, earle of Paris, of whome no issue
+ procéeded: but after hir deceasse, he maried to his second wife a
+ gentlewoman named Gonnor, daughter to a knight of the Danish line, by
+ [Sidenote: Ye must note that there was one Richard duke of Normandie
+ before Rollo.]
+ whom he had thrée sonnes, Richard that was after duke of Normandie,
+ the third of that name, Robert and Mauger. He had also by hir three
+ daughters, Agnes otherwise called Emma, married first to Egelred king
+ of England, and after to K. Cnute: Helloie, otherwise Alix, bestowed
+ vpon Geffrey earle of Britaine: and Mawd coupled in marriage with
+ Euldes earle of Charters and Blais. Richard the third of that name
+ maried Iudith, sister to Geffrey earle of Britaine, by whome he had
+ issue thrée sonnes, Richard, Robert, and William, and as manie
+ daughters: Alix, married to Reignold earle of Burgogne, Elenor married
+ to Baldwine earle of Flanders; and the third died yoong, being
+ affianced to Alfonse king of Nauarre. Their mother deceassed after she
+ had beene married ten yéeres, and then duke Richard married secondlie
+ the ladie Estric, sister to Cnute king of England and Denmarke, from
+ whome he purchased to be diuorsed, and then married a gentlewoman
+ called Pauie, by whome he had issue two sonnes, William earle of
+ Arques, and Mauger archbishop of Rouen.
+
+ Richard the fourth of that name, duke of Normandie, eldest sonne to
+ Richard the third, died without issue, and then his brother Robert
+ succéeded in the estate, which Robert begat vpon Arlete or Harleuina
+ daughter to a burgesse of Felais, William surnamed the bastard,
+ afterward duke of Normandie, and by conquest king of England. Of whose
+ father duke Robert, & his paramour Arlete, take this pleasant
+ remembrance for a refection after the perusing of the former sad and
+ sober discourses.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm. lib._ 3. _cap._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulph. lib._ 6. _cap._ 19.]
+ In the yéere of Christ 1030, Robert, the second sonne of Richard the
+ second duke of Normandie, and brother to Richard the third duke of
+ that name there hauing with great honour and wisedome gouerned his
+ dukedome seuen yéeres, for performance of a penance that he had set to
+ himselfe, appointed a pilgrimage to Jerusalem; leauing behind him this
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm. lib._ 3. _cap._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ranulph. lib._ 6. _cap._ 19.]
+ William a yoong prince, whome seuen yéeres before he had begotten vpon
+ his paramour Arlete (whom after he held as his wife) with whose
+ beautifull fauour, louelie grace and presence, at hir dansing on a
+ time then as he was tenderlie touched, for familiar vtterance of his
+ mind what he had further to say, would néeds that night she should be
+ his bedfellow, who else as wiuelesse should haue lien alone: where
+ when she was bestowed, thinking that if she should haue laid hir selfe
+ naked, it might haue séemed not so maidenlie a part: so when the duke
+ was about (as the maner is) to haue lift vp hir linnen, she in an
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. li._ 6. _ca._ 19.]
+ humble modestie staid hir lords hand, and rent downe hir smocke
+ asunder, from the collar to the verie skirt. Heereat the duke all
+ smiling did aske hir what thereby she ment? In great lowlines, with a
+ feate question she answerd againe; "My lord, were it méet that any
+ part of my garments dependant about me downeward, should presume to be
+ mountant to my souereignes mouth vpward? Let your grace pardon me." He
+ liked hir answer: and so and so foorth for that time.
+
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
+ [Sidenote: _lib._ 3. _cap._ 1.]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. ibid._]
+ This duke before his voiage, calling at Fiscam all his nobilitie vnto
+ him, caused them to sweare fealtie vnto his yoong sonne William, whome
+ he then at his iournie betooke vnto the gouernance of earle Gilbert,
+ and the defense of the gouernour vnto Henrie the French king. So
+ Robert passing foorth in his pilgrimage, shewed in euerie place and in
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. ibid._]
+ all points a magnanimitie and honour of a right noble prince, and
+ pleasant withall; who once in Iurie not well at ease, in a litter was
+ borne toward Ierusalem vpon Saracens shoulders, & méeting with a
+ subiect of his that was going home toward Normandie: Friend (quoth he)
+ if my people at thy returne aske after me, tell them that thou sawest
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. ibid._]
+ [Sidenote: _Wil. Mal. idem._]
+ [Sidenote: _Ran. idem._]
+ their lord carried to heauen by diuels. The Norman nobilitie during
+ duke Roberts life, did their dutie to the yoong prince faithfullie,
+ but after they heard of his fathers death, they slackened apace,
+ euerie one shifting for himselfe as he list, without anie regard
+ either of oth or obedience toward the pupill their souereigne. Whereby
+ not manie yéeres after, as Gilbert the gouernour, by Rafe the childes
+ coosine germane, was slaine; the dukedome anon, by murther and
+ fighting among themselues was sore troubled in all parts. Thus much a
+ little of duke Robert the father, and of prince William his sonne for
+ part of his tender yéeres.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ _A notable aduertisement touching the summe of all the foresaid
+ historie, wherin the foure great and notable conquests of this land
+ are brieflie touched, being a conclusion introductorie, as is said in
+ the argument._
+
+
+ In the former part of this historie it is manifest to the heedful
+ [Sidenote: Britaine inhabited by Brute.]
+ reader, that (after the opinion of most writers) Brute did first
+ inhabit this land; and called it then after his owne name, Britaine,
+ in the yéere after the creation of the world 2855, and in the yéere
+ before the incarnation of Christ 1108. ¶ Furthermore the said land of
+ [Sidenote: 1 Britaine conquered by the Romans.]
+ Britaine was conquered by C. Iulius Cesar, and made tributarie to the
+ Romans in the 50 yéere before the natiuitie of Christ, and so
+ continued 483 yéeres. So that the Britains reigned without tribute and
+ vnder tribute, from Brute, vntill the fourth yeere of the reigne of
+ king Cadwalladar, which was in the yéere of our Lord 686. And so the
+ Britains had continuance of the gouernement of this land the space of
+ 1794 yéeres. Then was the realme of Britaine an heptarchie, that is,
+ diuided into seuen kingdoms. And Britaine receiued the faith of Christ
+ [Sidenote: 2 Britaine conquered and ouercome by the Saxons.]
+ in the 7 yéere of the reigne of king Lucius, which was in the 187
+ yéere after the birth of Christ. ¶ Next after the Britains entered the
+ Saxons, in the third yéere of king Vortiger; and in the yéere of our
+ Lord 450, and they gouerned vntill the last yéere of king Athelstane,
+ which was in the yéere of Christ 938. So that the time of the Saxons
+ first entrance into this realme, and the time of their regiment was
+ the space of 487 yéeres. ¶ Howbeit, in the time of their gouernement,
+ that is to say, in the 9 yéere of king Britricus, which was in the
+ [Sidenote: 3 Britaine conquered and ouercome by the Danes.]
+ yéere of our Lord 387, the Danes entred into this land, spoiling and
+ persecuting the people therin most gréeuouslie. At the last, Sweno or
+ Swaine the Dane obteined possession roiall, in the yéere of Grace
+ 1012, whose time of regiment lasted about three yéeres. After whom his
+ sonne Canutus succeeded, and reigned 19 yéeres. After him Harold his
+ sonne, who ruled thrée yeeres: and after him Hardicnute the sonne of
+ Canutus, whose gouernement continued but thrée yeeres. This Hardicnute
+ was the last king of the Danes, at which time the Danes were expelled
+ and hunted out of the realme, which was in the yéere of our Lord 1042.
+ So that it may appeare by this collection, that the Danes ruled as
+ kings in this land by the space of 28 yéeres. Hereby also it is
+ euident, that from the time of the first entrance of the Danes into
+ [Sidenote: 4 Britaine conquered and possessed by the Normans.]
+ this realme, vntill their last expulsion & riddance, was 255 yéeres. ¶
+ Finallie the Normans entred this land likewise, and conquered the same
+ as before is expressed, in the yéere of our Lord 1067, which is since,
+ vntill this present yéere of our Lord 1585, drawing néere to the
+ number of 600 and od yéeres.
+
+ Now let these alterations of regiments be remembred [touching the
+ which read a notable animaduersion in the description of Britaine,
+ pag. 49, 50, 51] and teach vs that therein the iudgements of God
+ reuealed themselues to speciall purposes. And whatsoeuer hath béene
+ mentioned before, either concerning the subuersion of people, the
+ desolation of prouinces, the ouerthrow of nobles, the ruine of
+ princes, and other lamentable accidents diuerslie happening vpon
+ sundrie occasions; let vs (I say) as manie as will reape fruit by the
+ reading of chronicles, imagine the matters which were so manie yéeres
+ past to be present, and applie the profit and commoditie of the same
+ vnto our selues; knowing (as one wisely said) _Post sacram paginam
+ chronica vivum veritatis typum gerere_, that next vnto the holie
+ scripture, chronicles doo carie credit. But now to the sequele, and
+ first to duke William of Normandie.
+
+   _Thus farre the historie of England from Noah and his sonnes,
+   &c; to William duke of Normandie. Hereafter followeth a
+   chronologicall continuation beginning at the first yeere of the
+   said dukes reigne ouer this land, vntill the 25 yeere of the
+   Queenes most excellent maiestie Elizabeth, &c; whose daies God
+   in mercie prolong (like the daies of heauen) in peace and
+   prosperitie, &c._
+
+
+ END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ Transcriber's Note (1)
+
+
+ _ _ denotes italic text;
+
+ = = denotes Old English script, which is also bold.
+
+ [=a] (etc.) denotes a macron (straight line over a vowel).
+
+ Macrons on vowels ([=a], [=e], [=i], [=o], [=u]) sometimes indicate
+ that 'n' has been omitted from the word. (Abbreviation in Mediæval
+ manuscripts).
+
+ [Sidenotes] in the original were printed on the edge of the pages, as
+ a type of index of the contents.
+
+ Elizabethan words and spellings have been retained (e.g. 'height' and
+ 'heigth' are both used, sometimes in the same sentence;
+ 'hight' = 'known as, called, etc.').
+
+ Only obvious printer's errors have been corrected, as when a letter
+ seems to have been inverted ('n' for 'u').
+
+ The letters 'u' and 'v' are mostly interchanged; as, e.g.,
+ "in haruest time" and "vnder a bridge".
+
+ If a word or name did not fit the context, it was researched, and
+ corrections made, if necessary.
+
+ There are a few printer's errors in this edition, which have been
+ checked using the online 1587 edition (which itself is not without
+ printing errors) as reference.
+
+ (http://sceti.library.upenn.edu/sceti/PrintedBooksnew/
+ index.cfm?TextID=holinshed_chronicle).
+
+ Also used were the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), and online Middle
+ English and Anglo-Saxon Dictionaries, as well as online Wikipedia.
+
+ Some, but by no means all, of 'ee' has the first 'e' marked with an
+ acute accent. This is not consistent. Where the 'é' is obviously
+ missing from the scan, it has not been added to the text. This
+ inconsistency in spelling and accents is an integral part of some very
+ old books.
+
+ There are some instances of round brackets which have been opened and
+ not closed, or nested, with only one pair closed (or closed, without
+ having been opened). These have been retained as such.
+
+ Some placenames may have changed with the passage of time.
+
+ Some damaged or missing punctuation has been restored, but the
+ punctuation in the lists at the end of Description III is as it
+ appeared in the scans, and in the online edition.
+
+ There are a few instances of repeated word 'too'. These have been
+ retained, being probably the author's personal style:
+
+ 'is too too plaine' 'being too too much' 'haue too too manie'. 'too
+ too lewd'
+
+ Page 43: "practise and put in vre within your realme and kingdome."
+
+ 'vre', or 'ure', is an antique word, which survives in the modern word
+ 'inure'.
+
+ (Ure) n. [OE. ure, OF. oevre, ovre, ouvre, work, F. [oe]uvre, L.
+ opera. cf. Inure.] Use; practice; exercise. [Obs.] (Ure), v. t. To
+ use; to exercise; to inure; to accustom by practice. [Obs.]
+ (Webster's online dictionary, 1913 edition).
+
+ Page 67: 'barnacle'; 'barnacls'; 'barnacles' ... there were no
+ spelling conventions in Holinshed's time. 'barnacls' matches 1587 ed.
+
+ Page 110: Cainborne is possibly a misprint, or name change, for
+ Camborne, a town in the relevant locality.
+
+ "The Caine riseth southeast of Caineburne [or Camborne] towne a mile
+ and more, from whence it goeth without increase by west of Gwethian,
+ and so into the sea west of Mara Darwaie."
+
+ Page 252: 'hanting' could mean 'haunting', or 'frequenting'.
+
+ "... they ruffle and roist it out, excéeding in apparell, and hanting
+ riotous companie (which draweth them from their bookes vnto an other
+ trade.)"
+
+ Page 255: 'Philip' is an abbreviation for Queen Philippa (Philippe
+ (d'Avesnes) de Hainaut), Edward III's Queen.
+
+ Page 347:
+ [Sidenote: Gipping, of going vp to anie place.]
+ Chipping Walden, of the Saxon word gipping (or ghipping) uses the
+ insular 'g', variant of (lowercase) yogh.
+
+ (http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insular_G)
+
+ Page 358: 'cuphar'.
+
+ "Of all the elms that euer I saw, those in the south side of Douer
+ court, in Essex néere Harwich are the most notable, for they grow (I
+ meane) in crooked maner, that they are almost apt for nothing else but
+ nauie timber, great ordinance, and béetels: and such thereto is their
+ naturall qualitie, that being vsed in the said behalfe, they continue
+ longer, and more long than anie the like trées in whatsoeuer parcell
+ else of this land, without cuphar, shaking, or cleauing, as I find."
+
+ Possibly from 'ceorfan' to cut, cut down. (coppice?)
+
+ Page 386: 'Bratius' is probably 'Gratius'.
+
+ "Bratius De venatione, 1/386 - probably Faliscus Gratius, De
+ venatione, 1534."
+
+ (http://www.cems.ox.ac.uk/holinshed/
+ Catalogue%20of%20additional%20sources....-1.pdf)
+
+ Page 663: 'Sodulius in car. Pasch', 1/663 – Caelius Sedulius (probably
+ fl. mid 5th century), poet,. Carmen Paschale, 1475>.
+
+ (www.cems.ox.ac.uk/.../Catalogue%20of%20additional%20sources...-1.pdf)
+
+
+ Errata
+
+ Page 1: 'used' corrected to 'vsed', and 'upon' to vpon', for
+ consistency, and as in 1587 edition.
+
+ "9 Of the ancient religion vsed in Albion." "10 Of such Ilands as are
+ to be seene vpon the coasts of Britaine."
+
+ Page 14: 'hane' corrected to 'haue', as in 1587 edition.
+
+ "Besides these aforesaid nations, which haue crept (as you haue heard)
+ into our Iland,"
+
+ Page 26: 'Dehenbarth' corrected to 'Deheubarth'.
+
+ "In the begining it was diuided into two kingdoms onelie, that is to
+ saie, Venedotia or Gwynhedh (otherwise called Deheubarth)...."
+
+ Page 42: 'who lieconsented' corrected to 'wholie consented', as in
+ 1587 edition.
+
+ "and foorthwith wholie consented to make a diuision of this land...."
+
+ Page 84: missing word "far" inserted, as in 1587 edition
+
+ "... Helledon parish, not far from Danberie,..."
+
+ Page 102: 'Ater' corrected to 'After', as in 1587 edition.
+
+ "After this confluence it goeth on toward the south, till it méet with
+ a pretie brooke rising northeast of Whettell...."
+
+ Page 102: 'Done stroke' is probably a misprint for 'Dones broke' or
+ 'Danes broke' (brook), which actually exists in the place mentioned.
+ And 'Hawkbridge' may be a misprint for 'Hawkridge'.
+
+ "... on by west of the beacon that beareth the name of Haddon, & soone
+ [Sidenote: Barleie.]
+ after taketh in the Barleie, that receiueth in like sort the Done at
+ [Sidenote: Done aliàs Dones broke.]
+ Hawkbridge, and from hence goeth by Dauerton, and Combe, and then doth
+ méet with the Exe, almost in the verie confines betwéene Dorset &
+ Summersetshires."
+
+ Page 128: 'Monemouch' corrected to 'Monemouth' as in 'Monemouth' in
+ previous sentence, and in 1587 edition.
+
+ "The Romenie ... is a goodlie water, and from the head a march betwéen
+ Monemouth and Glamorgan shires."
+
+ Page 128: 'pound.' corrected to 'pounds.' as in 1587 edition.
+
+ Sidenote: "This Ile went fiftie yeares agone for x. pounds."
+
+ Page 130: 'Wormeslead' corrected to 'Wormeshead'.
+
+ "Then casting about by Oxwich point, we go onward there by, and
+ sailing flat north by the Holme (hauing passed the Wormeshead and S.
+ Kennets chappell) and then ... northeast by Whitford point,..."
+
+ Page 135: 'Marierdiue' corrected to 'Marierdine', as above, and as in
+ 1587 edition. 'Monardiue' is as in 1587 edition. (It is now called
+ 'Manordeifi', or 'Maenordeifi', and is a small village in north
+ Pembrokeshire http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manordeifi).
+
+ "... goeth by Marierdine, and so to Cardigon, taking in one rill from
+ by north descending by Penneralt, by north of Monardiue or
+ Marierdine,..."
+
+ Page 135: 'Oswid' corrected to 'Oscoid' as in 1587 edition.
+
+ "... Lantwood north west of Oscoid Mortemer,..."
+
+ Page 187: 'féeed' has been retained: 'fée-ed'?
+
+ "... & that euerie one which by féeed friendship (or otherwise) dooth
+ attempt to procure oughts from the prince, that may profit but few and
+ proue hurtfull to manie,..."
+
+ Page 202: 'Pits' corrected to 'Picts', as in 1587 edition.
+
+ "... and in all these wars against them, he had the seruice and
+ obeisance of Scots and Picts."
+
+ Page 222: 'uame' corrected to 'name'
+
+ "They beare also the name of their high chapleins continuallie,..."
+
+ Page 223: (printer's error: long 's' confused with 't'): 'to'
+ corrected to 'so', as in 1587 online edition.
+
+ "... escaped to his ships, and so returned into Normandie."
+
+ Page 243: 'iarror' is unknown. Perhaps misprint for 'terrier2', Land
+ Register, which fits the context.
+
+ From OED: terrier2, noun. Book recording site, boundaries, etc., of
+ land of private persons or corporations; (hist.) collection of
+ acknowledgements of vassals or tenants of a lordship.
+
+ "I haue seene and had an ancient terrier of the lands of this
+ monasterie,..."
+
+ Page 244: 'Lindeffarne' corrected to 'Lindesfarne'.
+
+ (Printer's confusion of 'f' with long 's'.
+ Correct in 'Description 1').
+
+ Page 254: 'hain' (a Middle English word meaning a park or enclosure),
+ corrected to 'haue' which fits the context.
+
+ "... so that there are not manie corporat townes now vnder the quéenes
+ dominion, that haue not one Gramar schoole at the least, with a
+ sufficient liuing for a maister and vsher appointed to the same."
+
+ Page 256: 'I' corrected to "In"
+
+ "In my opinion...."
+
+ Page 260: 'fiue wapentaxes'. This may be correct, or an error for
+ 'wapentakes', which also appears.
+
+ Page 269: 'Sir Sanchet Dambricourt' corrected to 'Sir Sanchet
+ D'Abrichecourt'.
+
+ Sir Sanchet D'Abrichecourt (c.1330-c.1360) was a French knight and a
+ founder Knight of the Garter. His surname was alternatively spelt
+ D'Abridgecourt, Dabridgcourt, Dabrichecourt or Aubréciourt and derived
+ from the Hainault town of Auberchicourt. His father, Nicholas
+ D'Abrichecourt, a nobleman from Hainault, had come to England in 1326
+ as an escort of Queen Isabella. (Wikipedia)
+
+ Page 274: 'ro corrected to 'or', and 'rae' corrected to 'are', as 1587
+ online edition.
+
+ "But these citizens or burgesses are to serue the commonwealth in
+ their cities and boroughs,..."
+
+ Page 282: 'savoureth' corrected to 'sauoureth', to match similar, and
+ 1587 online edition.
+
+ "... their talke is now and then such as sauoureth of scurrilitie"
+
+ Page 287: 'calla breakefast' corrected to 'call a breakefast', as 1587
+ online edition.
+
+ "... although a little something was allowed in the morning to yoong
+ children which we now call a breakefast."
+
+ Page 291: 'hous econsisting' corrected to 'house consisting', as 1587
+ online edition.
+
+ "... the higher or vpper house consisting of the nobilitie,..."
+
+ Page 295: Southampton' corrected to 'Southhampton' to match online ed.
+
+ "The borough of Southhampton."
+
+ Page 296: 'The borough of Caine' corrected to 'The borough of Calne'.
+
+ 'The borough of Calne' is in Wiltshire; 'The borough of Caine' does
+ not exist.
+
+ Page 299: Grecklade corrected to 'Cricklade' (alternate spelling
+ 'Crekelade'). 'Cricklade' occurs earlier, in the list of Wilton
+ (Wiltshire) boroughs.
+
+ Page 332: 'alsolued' corrected to 'absolued' to match other instances
+ on same page, and 1587 edition.
+
+ "... till by repentance he deserue to be absolued."
+
+ Page 344: 'inhabit' corrected to 'inhibit', as 1587 edition.
+
+ "... till a law was made which did inhibit and restraine them."
+
+ Page 350: 'CHAP. XIX.' (second instance) corrected to 'CHAP. XX.'
+ (which was missing)
+
+ Page 354: 'Cydims' corrected to 'Cydnus'.
+
+ "The Cydnus in Tarsus of Cilicia, is of such vertue,..."
+
+ Page 366: 'aeader' corrected to 'reader'.
+
+ "... I might make a greater chapter than would be either conuenient or
+ profitable to the reader:"
+
+ Page 494: 'sush' corrected to 'such', as 1587 online edition.
+
+ "... within the which they were accustomed to sacrifice such as they
+ tooke prisoners,..."
+
+ Page 497: 'increaes' corrected to 'increase', as 1586 online edition.
+
+ "... onelie to the Romans the dead doo still liue, and all to
+ increase their commoditie and gaine."
+
+ Page 540: 'enterprisee' corrected to 'enterprises', as 1586 online
+ edition.
+
+ "¶ If therefore the Britaine writers had considered and marked the
+ valiant exploits and noble enterprises which the Brittish aids, armies
+ and legions atchiued in seruice of the Romane emperours...."
+
+ Page 566: 'whreof' corrected to 'wherof', as 1587 online edition.
+
+ "'but in stead of that which should haue brought him health, he gaue
+ him poison, wherof he died shortlie after at Winchester aforesaid,"
+
+ Page 577: 'buruished' corrected to 'burnished'.
+
+ "... of colour like to the burnished gold, which being touched,
+ immediatlie fell to dust."
+
+ Page 600: 'Cantrburie' corrected to 'Canturburie', as 1587 online
+ edition.
+
+ "... the indeuour of Laurence archbishop of Canturburie in  setting
+ religion at large,..."
+
+ Page 605: 'shost' corected to 'short', as 1587 online edition.
+
+ "... caried vnder his coate a short double edged woodknife inuenomed
+ of purpose,..."
+
+ Page 626: 'pope Grogories' corrected to 'pope Gregories', as 1587
+ online edition.
+
+ "after the maner as he had learned of pope Gregories disciples."
+
+ Page 629: The year 872 would be a misprint for 672, which makes sense
+ in the context.
+
+ Page 640: 'espistle' corrected to 'epistle'.
+
+ "The same Bonifacius in an other epistle wich he wrote vnto Cutbert
+ the archbishop of Canturburie,..."
+
+ Page 700: 'forvest' corrected to 'forrest', as 1587 online edition.
+
+ "Afterward by chance as he was hunting in a forrest néere the castell
+ of Corfe,..."
+
+
+
+
+_Titles and filenumbers of the presently posted Project Gutenberg files
+which are included in this "Complete" version._
+
+
+Chronicles, Volume I: Descriptions  I - III   -   42506
+by Raphaell Holinshed
+
+
+[Holinshed Chronicles 1, the Histories, Volume 1]
+
+
+The First Booke of the Historie of England    -   16496
+
+The Second Booke of the Historie of England   -   13624
+
+The Third Booke of the Historie of England    -   16511
+
+The Fovrth Booke of the Historie of England   -   16536
+
+The Fift Booke of the Historie of England     -   16555
+
+The Sixt Booke of the Historie of England     -   16610
+
+The Seuenth Booke of the Historie of England  -   16617
+
+The Eight Booke of the Historie of England    -   16669
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Holinshed Chronicles, Volume I,
+Complete, by Raphaell Holinshed and William Harrison and John Hooker
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOLINSHED CHRONICLES, VOLUME I ***
+
+***** This file should be named 44700-8.txt or 44700-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/7/0/44700/
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