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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42506 ***
+
+ 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. _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. 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._ 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._ I.]
+ 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 fauour of
+ [Sidenote: _Cyril, aduersus Iul. lib. 6. sect. 8._]
+ 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. 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. Pictes. 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 will readilie denie. Of these
+ [Sidenote: Nesiadæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Insulæ Scylurum.]
+ [Sidenote: Sileustræ.]
+ [Sidenote: Syllanæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Sorlingæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Sylley.]
+ [Sidenote: Hebrides.]
+ [Sidenote: Hebudes.]
+ [Sidenote: Meuaniæ.]
+ [Sidenote: Orchades.]
+ 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 small Ilands,
+ [Sidenote: Elmesie.]
+ [Sidenote: Hertesie.]
+ 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. He addeth also that it is
+ [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._]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Seolesey of Seles there taken.]
+ and taking my iourney toward the Wight, I must needs passe 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 beside
+ [Sidenote: Port.]
+ 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, I
+ [Sidenote: Iardsey.]
+ [Sidenote: Gardesey.]
+ 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 flame, which quicklie was
+ [Sidenote: Horrible murther.]
+ 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 consumed to ashes, whom that
+ [Sidenote: Gardsey.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: S. Hilaries.]
+ the second in his donation calleth Insulettas, beside verie manie rocks,
+ whereof one called S. Hilaries (wherein sometime was a monasterie) is
+ fast vpon Iardsey, another is named the Cornet, which hath a castel not
+ [Sidenote: Cornet. Serke.]
+ 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, though
+ [Sidenote: Turkie conies.]
+ 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. Plin. lib. 8. cap. 55.
+ [Sidenote: Causes of the desolation of sundrie cities and townes.]
+ 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 a
+ [Sidenote: _Comment. Brit._]
+ 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 huge stature
+ [Sidenote: _Iliad. 6._]
+ and height of the highest of them all. Homer complaineth that men in his
+ time were but dwarfes in comparison of such as liued in the wars of Troy.
+ [Sidenote: _Iliad. 5. & 7._]
+ See his fift Iliad, where he speaketh of Diomedes, and how he threw a
+ stone at Æneas, (which 14. men of his time were not able to stirre) and
+ [Sidenote: _Vergilius Aen. 12._]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: S. Nicholas Iland.]
+ call it, there is another little Iland of about eight acres of ground
+ called S. Nicholas Ile, and midwaie betweene Falmouth and Dudman (a
+ [Sidenote: Greefe.]
+ certeine Promontorie) is such another named the Gréefe, wherein is great
+ [Sidenote: Inis Prynin.]
+ 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 the point of Falmouth hauen)
+ [Sidenote: S. Michaels mount.]
+ 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 maisterie. Beyond this is an other little
+ [Sidenote: S. Clements Ile.]
+ 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 of
+ [Sidenote: Sylley Iles or Syl.]
+ 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 Norman
+ [Sidenote: Agnus Ile.]
+ 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.
+ [Sidenote: Annot.]
+ There are also two other small Ilands, 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, wherof Annot hath great
+ [Sidenote: Minwisand.]
+ [Sidenote: Smithy sound.]
+ [Sidenote: Suartigan.]
+ [Sidenote: Rousuian.]
+ [Sidenote: Rousuiar.]
+ [Sidenote: Cregwin.]
+ 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 we come to
+ [Sidenote: Round Iland. S. Lides.]
+ 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 indifferent store)
+ [Sidenote: Notho. Auing.]
+ the Notho, the Auing, (one of them being situat by south of another, and
+ the Auing halfe a mile ouer, which is a iust halfe lesse than the Notho)
+ [Sidenote: Tyan.]
+ and the Tyan, which later is a great Iland, furnished with a
+ parish-church, and no small plentie of conies as I heare. After the Tyan
+ [Sidenote: S. Martines.]
+ 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 the northeast into the southwest, as
+ [Sidenote: Knolworth.]
+ [Sidenote: Sniuilliuer.]
+ [Sidenote: Menweth[=a].]
+ [Sidenote: Vollis. 1.]
+ [Sidenote: Surwihe.]
+ [Sidenote: Vollis. 2.]
+ [Sidenote: Arthurs Ile.]
+ [Sidenote: Guiniliuer.]
+ [Sidenote: Nenech.]
+ [Sidenote: Gothrois.]
+ 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 Ile, or neere vnto our coasts.
+ [Sidenote: Wild swine in Sylley.]
+ 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 sith I
+ [Sidenote: Pendinas.]
+ 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 Iles
+ [Sidenote: Barri.]
+ which lie by east of these, saue onelie the Barri, and Dunwen: the first
+ [Sidenote: Barri is a flight shot from the shore.]
+ 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 the one is
+ [Sidenote: Caldee.]
+ 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 of S. Dogmael, but of this
+ [Sidenote: Londy.]
+ 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 therefore cannot bite so low.
+ [Sidenote: Mawr.]
+ 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 that we came vnto is called
+ [Sidenote: Tudfall.]
+ Tudfall, and therein is a church, but without anie parishioners, except
+ they be shéepe and conies. The quantitie thereof also is not much aboue
+ [Sidenote: Penthlin.]
+ six acres of ground, measured 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
+ [Sidenote: Guelyn.]
+ name is giuen 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 in time
+ [Sidenote: Anglesei cut from Wales by working of the sea.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Anglesei.]
+ present description of this Ile: so (in 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 promontorie
+ [Sidenote: Holie head, or Cair kiby.]
+ 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:
+ [Sidenote: Enilsnach, holie Ile.]
+ but to our Cair kybi. The Britons named it 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 it
+ [Sidenote: Adar.]
+ [Sidenote: Moil.]
+ [Sidenote: Rhomaid.]
+ [Sidenote: Ysterisd.]
+ [Sidenote: Adros.]
+ [Sidenote: Lygod.]
+ 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 to speake of.
+ [Sidenote: Seriall.]
+ [Sidenote: Prestholme.]
+ 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 Anglesei, is called
+ [Sidenote: Credine.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Hilberie.]
+ of Ile 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 twaine. Some of the
+ [Sidenote: Eubonia.]
+ [Sidenote: Meuania.]
+ 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 our princes, and
+ [Sidenote: _Chronica Tinemuthi._]
+ 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 the same, should for a great gale vndoo manie, and for the
+ [Sidenote: Tall men in Man.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Riuers.]
+ of the common want of wood, indued 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 streame.
+ [Sidenote: Hauens.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Calfe of man.]
+ [Sidenote: The pile.]
+ [Sidenote: S. Michels Ile.]
+ like sort there are diuers Ilets annexed to the same, as the Calfe of
+ man on the south, the Pile on the west, and finallie S. Michels Ile
+ [Sidenote: Sheepe.]
+ in the gulfe called Ranoths waie in the east. Moreouer the sheepe of
+ this countrie are excéeding huge, well woolled, and their tailes of such
+ [Sidenote: Hogs.]
+ greatnesse as is almost incredible. In like sort their hogs are in maner
+ [Sidenote: Barnacles.]
+ monstrous. They haue furthermore great store of 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,
+ [Sidenote: Barnacles neither fish nor flesh.]
+ nor yet of Ireland can readilie saie 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 flourish)
+ [Sidenote: Patrone of Man.]
+ 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.
+ [Sidenote: King of Man.]
+ In time of Henrie the second, this Iland also had a 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. The
+ [Sidenote: Fouldra.]
+ fourth is called the Fouldra, and being situate southeast of the first,
+ it hath a prettie pile or blockhouse therin, which the inhabitants name
+ [Sidenote: Fola.]
+ [Sidenote: Roa.]
+ the pile of Fouldra. By east thereof in like sort lie 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 hence we went by
+ [Sidenote: Rauenglasse.]
+ 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 with those
+ [Sidenote: Iles in Scotland.]
+ 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 writers indéed placed
+ [Sidenote: Hemodes of some called Acmodes,
+ sée _Plinie, Mela, Martianus, Capella,
+ Plutarch. de defect. orac._]
+ 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 we the
+ [Sidenote: Slate Ile.]
+ 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 Iles sometime dwelled. Néere vnto this is the
+ [Sidenote: Round Ile.]
+ 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 them. That in the middest hath a stone,
+ [Sidenote: Regum tumuli.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: The Ile of Shrewes.]
+ doo laie within the same. Then is there the 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
+ [Sidenote: Mosse Ile.]
+ Kerneburgs, and the 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 the Iles. After
+ [Sidenote: Bar.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Baptisme without preests.]
+ 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 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 nothing
+ [Sidenote: Wild sheepe.]
+ 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 grenning thereof,
+ [Sidenote: Tigers.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lewis called Thule by Tacitus, with no
+ better authoritie than the Angleseie Mona.]
+ Deucalidon sea, ouer against the Rosse, & called 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
+ [Sidenote: Tithe whales.]
+ verie good corne, wherewith they liue and féed. Such plentie 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 be noted in
+ [Sidenote: Colke foule.]
+ 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 none are
+ [Sidenote: If he speake all in truth.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Kirkwa.]
+ Iland) called Cracouia: but now it hight 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 these Iles
+ [Sidenote: Amber.]
+ 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 store of
+ [Sidenote: Puffins.]
+ puffins, graie as duckes, and without coloured fethers, sauing that they
+ haue a white ring round about their necks. There is moreouer another
+ [Sidenote: Saint Cuthberts foules.]
+ 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 the sea can make
+ [Sidenote: Little England.]
+ 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 archdeacon of
+ [Sidenote: Foulnesse.]
+ 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 went
+ [Sidenote: Ramseie.]
+ [Sidenote: Reie.]
+ 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 water round
+ [Sidenote: Canwaie.]
+ 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 it be but rudelie
+ [Sidenote: Thamesis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Corinium.]
+ méeteth with the Cirne or 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 Ouseford of this riuer,
+ [Sidenote: Charwell.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Some write, that the maine streame was brought thither
+ from which ranne before betweene Andredeseie and Culenham.]
+ the maine streame, thorough the 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
+ [Sidenote: Pontium.]
+ called Pontium; albeit that the English name doth rather proceed from
+ [Sidenote: Saint Marie ouer Rhee.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Kenet.]
+ Reding, & there receiued the Kenet, which commeth from the hilles that
+ [Sidenote: Thetis.]
+ 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 other
+ [Sidenote: Cole.]
+ streame by the waie, called the Cole (wherevpon Colbrooke standeth) it
+ goeth by Kingstone, Shene, Sion and Brentford or 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
+ [Sidenote: Brene.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ another that commeth from Abreche not far off, and the Darnt vpon Kent
+ side, which riseth néere to Tanrige, and commeth by Shoreham, vnto
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ Derntford, wherevnto the 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 looseth at one
+ time, the more it yéeldeth at another. Onelie in carps it séemeth to be
+ [Sidenote: Carps a fish late brought into England
+ and later into the Thames.]
+ 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 36
+ [Sidenote: The iust dist[=a]ce betwéene one tide and another.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: The streame oft checked in hir entrance into the land.]
+ kéepe backe and 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
+ [Sidenote: London bridge.]
+ bridges placed ouer 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 therefore manie affirme the verie head of
+ [Sidenote: Isis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Couus.]
+ first of all receiueth 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 receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ 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 méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Amneie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Winrush.]
+ the streame hasteth by Shifford to 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,
+ [Sidenote: Briwerus.]
+ it receiueth (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 foure
+ [Sidenote: Comus.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Rolrich.]
+ so to Bleddenton, aboue which towne it taketh in the 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 southeast of Woodstocke
+ [Sidenote: Enis.]
+ 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 receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Culen.]
+ 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 Banberie also it
+ [Sidenote: Come.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ consisteth chiefelie of two, whereof the most 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
+ [Sidenote: Sotbrooke.]
+ of the opinion, that it is to be called Sotbrooke. The next water that
+ méeteth without Charwell beneath Clifton commeth from about Croughton,
+ [Sidenote: Souarus.]
+ [Sidenote: Sowar.]
+ and after this is the Sowar or Swere, that riseth north of Michaell Tew,
+ [Sidenote: Burus.]
+ and runneth by nether 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 receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ 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 course. From Abington
+ [Sidenote: Arun.]
+ 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 Bensington,
+ [Sidenote: Blauius.]
+ 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 Charnhamstréet it crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Bedwiine.]
+ [Sidenote: Chalkeburne.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Lamburne.]
+ Euburne, Newberie; and beneath this towne, taketh in the Lamburne water
+ that commeth by Isberie, Egerston, the Sheffords, Westford, Boxford,
+ Donington castell, and Shaw. From Newberie it goeth to Thatcham,
+ [Sidenote: Alburnus.]
+ 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 toward
+ [Sidenote: Ditis vadum.]
+ the south is called Ditford brooke. It riseth not farre from Vpton, goeth
+ [Sidenote: Ikelus.]
+ by Gruell, and beneath Wharnborow castell receiueth the Ikell (comming
+ from a parke of the same denomination) from whence they go togither by
+ Maddingleie vnto Swalowfield, and so into the Loddon. In this voiage
+ [Sidenote: Elueius.]
+ also the Loddon méeteth with the Elwie or Elueie that commeth from
+ Aldershare, not farre by west of Euersleie: and about Eluesham
+ [Sidenote: Ducus.]
+ likewise with another running from Dogmansfield named the Douke: and
+ [Sidenote: Erin.]
+ 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, descendeth
+ [Sidenote: Higden.]
+ 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 this Cole is the
+ [Sidenote: Gadus.]
+ 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 one side, and
+ [Sidenote: Veius.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Thuresbie.]
+ and so to Pepper harrow, where it ioineth with the 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
+ [Sidenote: Crawleie.]
+ the edge of Sussex short of Ridgewijc, goeth by Vacherie parke, Knoll,
+ Craulie, Bramleie, Wonarsh, and so into the Waie. From hence then our
+ [Sidenote: Abbinger.]
+ riuer goeth to Shawford, and soone 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 it
+ [Sidenote: Brane.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Mariburne.]
+ long yer it fall into the 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,
+ [Sidenote: Bromis.]
+ west of 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 against
+ [Sidenote: Lée.]
+ 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 it
+ [Sidenote: Marran.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Beane.]
+ 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 which it méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ 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 partlie
+ [Sidenote: Alfred.]
+ 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 vnto
+ [Sidenote: Rodon or Rodunus.]
+ 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 Lauer falleth into it, that
+ [Sidenote: Lauer.]
+ 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 confluence Leland coniectureth that the streame
+ [Sidenote: Iuelus.]
+ 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, Darnhith, Dartford or Derwentford,
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ & 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 southeast part of Kent, and taketh with it
+ [Sidenote: Frethus.]
+ 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 also, and not farre from Yalling it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Theise.]
+ Theise (a pretie streame that ariseth about Theise Hirst) & afterward
+ [Sidenote: Grane aliàs Cranus.]
+ 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 Garan, or rather
+ [Sidenote: Garunus, Cranus.]
+ 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 is
+ [Sidenote: Nailburne water also (as I heare) neer to Cantwarbirie,
+ but I wote not whereabouts: sée _Marianus Scotus_.]
+ 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, maie be the
+ [Sidenote: Wantsome.]
+ 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 escaping it with ease, we came at length to
+ [Sidenote: Dour.]
+ 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 the waie)
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Bilie.]
+ Beamflete) and at this towne, where it 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
+ [Sidenote: Becke.]
+ Rie, where it méeteth 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
+ [Sidenote: Limenus.]
+ likeliest 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 Hastings,
+ [Sidenote: Aestus.]
+ 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 heare) by east of
+ [Sidenote: Buluerhithe.]
+ 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 heads,
+ [Sidenote: Ash.]
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Cucomarus.]
+ more, till they fall togither into Peuenseie 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 Isefield. The fift riseth
+ [Sidenote: Sturewell.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Plimus.]
+ Ifield) as some read it. The last of all 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 Twinham, and soone after
+ [Sidenote: Bimarus.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Del[=u]s.]
+ Seleseie towne on the southwest and Pagham at northwest. 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 mile further
+ [Sidenote: Forten or Fordon.]
+ to Forten creeke, which either giueth or taketh name of a village hard
+ [Sidenote: Osterpoole.]
+ 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 Eastmaine
+ [Sidenote: Tichefield.]
+ 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 one bottome, and goeth six miles further
+ [Sidenote: Otter.]
+ 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 also
+ [Sidenote: Stocke.]
+ 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 a brooke by
+ [Sidenote: Bourne.]
+ 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, Broughton,
+ [Sidenote: Valopius.]
+ 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 by Motteshunt, and
+ [Sidenote: Test.]
+ 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, whereinto the Mineie
+ [Sidenote: 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, except it be called Bure, & as
+ [Sidenote: Bure.]
+ [Sidenote: Milis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Wilugh.]
+ Auon at Salisburie for a while. 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,
+ [Sidenote: Nader becke.]
+ Southburcombe, Wilton (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 second Auon,
+ [Sidenote: Becquith brooke.]
+ 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 remember, who noteth the
+ [Sidenote: Chalkeburne.]
+ 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 maine bridge made ouer Auon at Harneham.
+ [Sidenote: Thrée towns decaied by changing one waie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: New Salisburie begun.]
+ quietnesse than they could doo before. This 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 beneth
+ [Sidenote: Sturus.]
+ 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, Westouer bridge, Stoure
+ [Sidenote: Cale.]
+ 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 runneth to Hinton Maries, and soone
+ [Sidenote: Lidden.]
+ [Sidenote: Deuilis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Iber.]
+ third water issueth néere Ibberton, and going by Fifehed to Lidlington,
+ [Sidenote: Blackewater.]
+ and there 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 name of Alen to the Stoure, which goeth
+ to the Canfords, Preston, Kingston, Perleie, and Yolnest: but yer it
+ [Sidenote: This Stoure aboundeth with pike, perch, roch,
+ dace, gudgeon and éeles.]
+ 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 come
+ [Sidenote: Poole.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Piddle.]
+ the other the south waters. The north streame hight Piddle as I heare.
+ It riseth about Alton, and goeth from thence to Piddle trench head,
+ [Sidenote: Deuils.]
+ Piddle hinton, Walterstow, and yer it come at 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 I be deceiued. The south water
+ [Sidenote: Frome.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Ocus.]
+ to Chilfrome, and 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
+ [Sidenote: Silleie.]
+ [Sidenote: Minterne.]
+ [Sidenote: Cherne.]
+ beneath this 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 issue of the
+ [Sidenote: Luckford.]
+ Luckford lake, from whence also it passeth by Eastholme, Warham, and so
+ [Sidenote: Séeke more for Wilie brooke that goeth by
+ West burie to Pole hauen.]
+ 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 this, is the head or point of
+ [Sidenote: Chesill.]
+ 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 vnto the
+ [Sidenote: Bride.]
+ Bride or Brute port, a pretie hauen, and the riuer it selfe serued with
+ [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.]
+ sundrie waters. It riseth halfe a mile or more aboue 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 Longlether. From hence
+ [Sidenote: Simen.]
+ 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 the Lime
+ [Sidenote: Buddle.]
+ 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 goeth to Axeminster,
+ [Sidenote: Yare aliàs Arte.]
+ 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 likewise
+ [Sidenote: Seton.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Colie.]
+ two miles by west 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 the maine
+ [Sidenote: Autrie aliàs Ottereie.]
+ 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 receiueth a rill
+ [Sidenote: Tale.]
+ 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 beareth the name of Haddon, & soone
+ [Sidenote: Barleie.]
+ after taketh in the Barleie, that receiueth in like sort the Done at
+ [Sidenote: Done aliàs Done stroke.]
+ 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 commeth from Dixford, and Baunton, the other
+ [Sidenote: Woodburne.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lomund or Simming.]
+ confluence. Some call this Lomund the Simming brooke or Sunnings bath.
+ After this our Exe goeth to Bickleie, Theuerten, (taking in a rill by
+ [Sidenote: Columbe.]
+ west) nether 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 by west, growing of the
+ [Sidenote: Cride.]
+ [Sidenote: Forten.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Cliuus.]
+ which towne 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
+ [Sidenote: Ken.]
+ castell. Here (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 receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Crokerne.]
+ Crokerne comming from by north, and likewise an other west of Fulford
+ parke. Then it goeth to Dufford, Bridford, Kirslowe, Chidleie, Knighton,
+ [Sidenote: Bouie.]
+ and beneath the bridge there receiueth the Bouie, whose course is to
+ north Bouie, Lilleie, and Bouitracie. Thence it runneth to kings
+ [Sidenote: Eidis.]
+ Teignton, taking in Eidis, a brooke beneath Preston that commeth from
+ Edeford by the waie. And when it is past this confluence, at kings
+ [Sidenote: Leman.]
+ Teignton, it crosseth the Leman, which commeth from Saddleton rocke by
+ [Sidenote: Aller.]
+ Beckington, and Newton Bushels: and soone 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
+ [Sidenote: Ashburne.]
+ Buckland hole; and soone after taking in the Ashburne water on the one
+ [Sidenote: Buckfastlich.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Hartburne.]
+ Totnesse, Bowden, and 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. Michaels
+ [Sidenote: Arme.]
+ 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 of
+ [Sidenote: Sée Hen. 7. pag. 792, 793, 794.]
+ 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 of weather.
+ [Sidenote: Yalme.]
+ Yalme goeth by Cornewood, Slade, Stratleie, Yalmeton, Collaton, Newton
+ ferrie, and so into the sea, about foure miles by south east from the
+ [Sidenote: Plim.]
+ 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 Plimpton, and soone after
+ [Sidenote: Stoure aliàs Catwater.]
+ 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 Cornewall,
+ [Sidenote: Taue or Tauie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lidde.]
+ Tauie, the next that falleth in on the east side vpwards is the Lidde,
+ which rising in the hils aboue Lidford, runneth downe by Curriton and
+ [Sidenote: Trushell.]
+ Siddenham, and so to Lidstone, 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
+ [Sidenote: Core.]
+ into the Thamar. The next aboue 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 it meeteth with a
+ [Sidenote: Arteie.]
+ water on the west side called Arteie, that riseth short of Jacobstow.
+ [Sidenote: Kenseie.]
+ Two miles in like sort fr[=o] this confluence, we 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;
+ [Sidenote: Enian.]
+ beneath Dunterton also it crosseth the 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 thence, hasteth toward
+ [Sidenote: Liuer.]
+ 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 Minheniet,
+ [Sidenote: Sutton.]
+ [Sidenote: Low.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Polpir.]
+ are two other rils, of which one is called 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Glin.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lerinus.]
+ Kingtons, saint Winnow, and Golant, and here also 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 runneth thrée good miles
+ [Sidenote: Faw.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Comwhath.]
+ towne of Fawy, which is 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 theirs, and beside this the Foyens
+ [Sidenote: Gallants of Foy or Fawy.]
+ 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 we came to
+ [Sidenote: Chare.]
+ 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 spéech;
+ [Sidenote: S. Feoks.]
+ yet I remember that the towne of S. Feoke standeth betwéene them both.
+ That also called after this saint, rising aboue Perannarwothill, and
+ [Sidenote: Milor.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Leuine.]
+ of Falamouth hauen, 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 the point of Restronget is
+ [Sidenote: Milor.]
+ Milor créeke, which goeth vp a mile into the land, and by the church is
+ a good rode for ships. The next creeke beyond the point of Restronget
+ [Sidenote: 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
+ [Sidenote: S. Feoks.]
+ [Sidenote: S. Caie.]
+ of Trurie be two créekes; one called 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 another named
+ [Sidenote: Moran.]
+ 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) then
+ [Sidenote: Polpenrith.]
+ 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 hauen
+ [Sidenote: Wike.]
+ [Sidenote: Gare.]
+ [Sidenote: Mogun.]
+ [Sidenote: Penkestell.]
+ [Sidenote: Callous.]
+ [Sidenote: Cheilow.]
+ [Sidenote: Gilling.]
+ 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, whose water commeth downe
+ [Sidenote: Haile.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Curie.]
+ Winniton is the 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,
+ [Sidenote: Bresan Ile.]
+ which is full ten miles from the 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 taketh
+ [Sidenote: Clowart.]
+ 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 fall into the
+ [Sidenote: Luggam.]
+ 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 go into the sea. I take this to
+ [Sidenote: S. Pirans créeke. Carantocke.]
+ 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 should fall two
+ [Sidenote: Carneseie.]
+ [Sidenote: Laine.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Pethrike.]
+ [Sidenote: Minner.]
+ [Sidenote: Dunmere.]
+ on ech side also, beneath 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
+ [Sidenote: Boscastell.]
+ be not, then haue I this description of 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, where it taketh
+ [Sidenote: Tanridge.]
+ [Sidenote: Turrege.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Buckland.]
+ runneth on to Shéepewash (by west whereof falleth in the 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 side,
+ [Sidenote: Were or Ware.]
+ 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 Bowmill créeke, wherof
+ [Sidenote: Bowmill.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Moulebraie.]
+ Burrington, and Chiltenholtwood, and 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 till it crosse the Braie, which (being
+ [Sidenote: Braie.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Doneham.]
+ 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 descendeth
+ [Sidenote: Paradine.]
+ from Parracombe (so farre as I call to mind named Parradine becke) but
+ [Sidenote: Orus.]
+ 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 haue I finished the discourse of the
+ [Sidenote: The bredth of Deuonshire & Cornewall.]
+ 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 Portlochbaie,
+ [Sidenote: Loch.]
+ whither commeth a water named Loch that descendeth from Stokepero,
+ [Sidenote: Durus.]
+ 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 a parke on the
+ [Sidenote: Vacetus.]
+ west side, next of all to Watchet water, whereof one head commeth from
+ the Quantocke hils south of Bickualer by Westquantocke head, and almost
+ [Sidenote: Williton.]
+ at Doniford, receiueth the Williton becke, then to east Quantocke brooke
+ [Sidenote: Doddington.]
+ (omitting a créeket) & next of 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 seuen
+ [Sidenote: The seuen sisters.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Cade.]
+ Mutford, Ashinton, and 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 called
+ [Sidenote: Parret.]
+ 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 méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Ill.]
+ 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 Pokington (where it
+ [Sidenote: Ilton.]
+ 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 receiueth one
+ [Sidenote: Peder.]
+ 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, whereof one runneth
+ [Sidenote: Camington.]
+ by Coripole & Camington, and beareth the name of Camington, the other by
+ [Sidenote: Brier.]
+ Siddington and Comage, and then receiuing the 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, Alford (where
+ [Sidenote: Dulis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Sowaie or Stowaie.]
+ said Méere, whereof the one called Sowaie commeth from Créechurch parke,
+ [Sidenote: Cos.]
+ and Pulton by Hartlacke bridge, 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 Coscombe, in
+ [Sidenote: Milton.]
+ [Sidenote: Golafer.]
+ 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, afterward
+ [Sidenote: The Chederbrooke, driueth twelue miles within a quarter of
+ a mile of his head.]
+ 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 other called Bane,
+ [Sidenote: Bane.]
+ northeast of Woodspring, whose head is about Banwell parke, or else in
+ [Sidenote: Artro.]
+ Smaldon wood. Then to an other, and to the 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 not manie yeares before I
+ [Sidenote: Sturgion taken in Rochester water.]
+ 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 goeth to Chippenham, Rowdon,
+ [Sidenote: Cosham.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Were.]
+ southwest of that towne méeteth with the Were that commeth from Vpton by
+ [Sidenote: Westbirie vnder the plaine,
+ neuer without a théefe or twaine.]
+ Dilton, Brooke parke (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 foord,
+ [Sidenote: Silling.]
+ 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 one rill soone
+ [Sidenote: Swinford.]
+ west of Northstocke, named Swinford, and another by Bitton, from Durhain
+ by Wike, and so procéedeth still holding on his way to Caimsham, a towne
+ [Sidenote: Swinford parteth Summerset & Glocestershires in sunder.]
+ 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 last
+ [Sidenote: Brueham.]
+ with the Brueham brooke, and so they go togither till they fall into the
+ [Side note: Clewdogh.]
+ Sauerne. Beneath Lan Idlos it taketh in the Clewdogh, from northwest, a
+ water producted by the influence of foure pretie brookes, whereof one is
+ [Sidenote: Bacho.]
+ [Sidenote: Dungum.]
+ [Sidenote: Lhoid.]
+ [Sidenote: Bigga.]
+ [Sidenote: Couine.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Carnon.]
+ [Sidenote: Taran.]
+ where it meeteth with the Carnon, and the Taran both in one chanell, and
+ going not far from the aforesaid fortresse. After this it crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Hawes.]
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse 2.]
+ 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 likewise of
+ [Sidenote: Lan Idlos.]
+ 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 Lhan
+ [Sidenote: Auernie.]
+ Filin) the other Auernie, and ioining beneath Abertannoth, or aboue
+ Lannamonach neere unto the ditch of Offa, it is not long yer they méet
+ [Sidenote: Mordant.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Simons becke.]
+ running thorough 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 Amming:
+ [Sidenote: Terne.]
+ so that the Terne on the one side, and this brooke on the other, doo
+ [Sidenote: * Sée Hen. 6. pag. 649]
+ 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, and néere vnto Walcote taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Roden.]
+ 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, Draiton, where it
+ [Sidenote: Euerne.]
+ ioineth with the Euerne that runneth from Frodesleieward by Withiall and
+ Pitchford, Cresfedge, Garneston, Leighton, and betwéene the two
+ [Sidenote: Wenlocke or Rhe.]
+ 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, Quatford, and there
+ [Sidenote: Marbrooke.]
+ 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 Areleie, Ciarnewood parke, Hawbach and
+ [Sidenote: Dowlesse.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lempe.]
+ Clebirie parke in Wire forrest, & taking withall the Lempe, dooth fall
+ into the Sauerne not far from Bewdleie.
+
+ But to procéed. From Bewdleie our Sauerne hasteth directlie to Ribford,
+ [Sidenote: Stoure.]
+ 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 towne receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Astleie.]
+ the Astleie water, as beneath the same it dooth another. From Witleie
+ then it goeth on to Holt castell, and so to Grimleie, taking in
+ [Sidenote: Doure.]
+ [Sidenote: Sulwaie.]
+ 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, or Cair Frangon, where it
+ [Sidenote: Tiber.]
+ 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 folowing word for
+ [Sidenote: Barfield.]
+ word in Leland. The Bardwell or Barfield riseth aboue New Chappell, in
+ [Sidenote: Clun.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Owke.]
+ suppose that Leland calleth the 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
+ [Sidenote: Oneie.]
+ Broomefield, where it méeteth 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 by
+ [Sidenote: Warren.]
+ 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, it taketh
+ [Sidenote: Queneie and Strabroke.]
+ 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 call the
+ [Sidenote: Somergill.]
+ Somergill being thus increased, it runneth on to Hawford chappell,
+ Oneibirie, Broomefield, and so into Temde, and next of all to Ludlow.
+ [Sidenote: Corue.]
+ The Temde being thus brought to Ludlow, méeteth with the 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 the other side,
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ 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 Braunford, and yer long
+ [Sidenote: Langherne.]
+ (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 north whereof it
+ [Sidenote: Swiuethus.]
+ crosseth a water called Swift, which commeth from aboue Kimcote, to
+ Lutterworth, Browne ouer and Colsford. From thence also it goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Souus.]
+ Newbold, Wolston, Ruington, and betwéene the Stonlies 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 Bagginton, where it taketh in a rill
+ [Sidenote: Kinell.]
+ 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 Southam. The other
+ [Sidenote: Leame.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Stoure.]
+ 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, it
+ [Sidenote: Arow.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Piddle.]
+ water that 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 after
+ [Sidenote: Chilus.]
+ 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, Pantleie
+ [Sidenote: Leadon.]
+ 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 Welsh halfe
+ [Sidenote: Newarne.]
+ 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 chappell, in the
+ [Sidenote: Wie mouth.]
+ mouth of the riuer Wie, which ferrie is about three miles ouer (saith
+ [Sidenote: Guie aliàs Wie.]
+ 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 Lhangerike,
+ [Sidenote: Darnoll.]
+ 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 Lhanuthell, it ioineth
+ [Sidenote: Elland.]
+ with the Elland, whose head is néere to Comeristwith, and taketh
+ [Sidenote: Clardwen.]
+ 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 Lhanuthell it goeth west of
+ [Sidenote: Ithan.]
+ 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, whereof that on the right hand
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ consisteth on the Dulesse and the Cluedoch, after their confluence: the
+ [Sidenote: Lamaron.]
+ other hight Lomaron, whose head is aboue Lanthangle, and in the forrest
+ of Blethwag. After these confluences, it runneth on crinkeling in
+ [Sidenote: Hawie.]
+ strange manner, vnder the 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
+ [Sidenote: Yrwon.]
+ receiueth the 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
+ [Sidenote: Weuereie.]
+ the waie 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 Yrwon goeth to
+ [Sidenote: Dehon.]
+ Lhanuareth, where it crosseth the Dehon on the southwest side, then to
+ [Sidenote: Edwie.]
+ 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 Lanstephan, and there (or a
+ [Sidenote: Machaweie.]
+ little aboue) taketh in the Machaweie that commeth by castell Paine, and
+ [Sidenote: Leuenni.]
+ so going on in processe of time with the 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 there with the
+ [Sidenote: Brennich.]
+ Brennich water (that hath his originall issue at Mennith gader, and is
+ [Sidenote: Trufrin.]
+ 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 little brooke, which commeth from
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lug.]
+ it taketh in 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
+ [Sidenote: Fromeie.]
+ 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 Edwinsloch to Bromyard, Auenburie,
+ Bishops Frome, Castell Frome, Can Frome, to Stretton vpon Frome, and
+ [Sidenote: Loden aliàs Acton.]
+ there taking in a water called 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 spoken of) Whitchurch, where
+ [Sidenote: Gainar.]
+ it taketh in Gainar water that commeth from Much Birch, by Lanwarne,
+ [Sidenote: Garran.]
+ Michaell church, and at Langarran 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 from the head
+ [Sidenote: Eskill.]
+ receiueth first the Eskle, and passeth by Lanihangle and the old Court,
+ [Sidenote: Elkon.]
+ 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 Monemouth
+ shires, and taketh in a water comming by Trewin, & likewise the Hordwie
+ [Sidenote: Hodneie.]
+ 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, betwéene which and Kinechurch it ioineth
+ [Sidenote: Doure.]
+ 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, Morehampton, Newcourt, Doure, and beneath Doure
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ taketh in the Dulesse, from southwest and Lanihangle, by Harleswas
+ [Sidenote: Wormesbecke.]
+ 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 with
+ [Sidenote: Trollie.]
+ 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, that runneth
+ [Sidenote: Elwie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Trogie.]
+ Trinitie chappell standeth, I 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
+ [Sidenote: Dennie Iland in the middest of the Sauerne,
+ and likewise another litle one called Beuerage.]
+ Brides, north and by west 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
+ [Sidenote: Craie.]
+ waie betwéene it and Capell Ridburne, it taketh in the Craie brooke, on
+ the right hand before it come to Ridburne chappell. Going also from
+ [Sidenote: Sennie.]
+ thence toward Deuinocke, it crosseth the Senneie on the same side (which
+ [Sidenote: Camblas.]
+ [Sidenote: Brane.]
+ riseth aboue Capell Senneie) next of 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
+ [Sidenote: Yster.]
+ Awbries manor. Beneath Aber 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
+ [Sidenote: Hodneie.]
+ Brechnocke, where it 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 after receiuing
+ [Sidenote: Riangall.]
+ 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 there about crosseth
+ [Sidenote: Groini.]
+ 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 within a little distance, whereof
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch Vaur.]
+ [Sidenote: Fidan.]
+ [Sidenote: Cledochveh[=a].]
+ 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 Abergeuenni towne, where it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Kebbie.]
+ with the Kebbie water from by north, that riseth short of Bettus
+ [Sidenote: Geuenni.]
+ chappell aboue the towne, and the 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
+ [Sidenote: Birthin.]
+ Kemmeis and Trostreie it meeteth with such an other rill that commeth
+ [Sidenote: Caer Vske standeth on one side of
+ Vske, and Caerleon on the other, but Caer Vske
+ by diuerse miles further into the land.]
+ downe by Bettus Newith. 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, called Auon, and thus described as I find it among
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Ebowith.]
+ after thrée or foure miles course to the sea, taking 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
+ [Sidenote: Serowie.]
+ north east by the waie) it taketh in 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 anie
+ [Sidenote: Dunelais.]
+ 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 likewise by west,
+ [Sidenote: Methcoid.]
+ the Methcoid that commeth from Glinne Rodeneie, and wherein to the
+ [Sidenote: Pedware.]
+ 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 rather
+ [Sidenote: Thawan.]
+ 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 right
+ [Sidenote: This Ile went fiftie yeares agone for x. pounds.]
+ 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 mouth of
+ [Sidenote: Come kidie.]
+ 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 selfe into
+ [Sidenote: Ogur.]
+ Sauerne. From thence to the mouth of Ogur aliàs Gur thrée miles. Then
+ [Sidenote: Kensike.]
+ come they in processe of time vnto the Kensike or Colbrooke riuer, which
+ is no great thing, sith it riseth not aboue three miles from the shore.
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ 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 passed the
+ [Sidenote: Tauie.]
+ same we come vnto the Tauie, which descendeth from the aforesaid hilles
+ and falleth into the sea by east of Swanseie. Being past this we come
+ [Sidenote: Lochar.]
+ vnto the Lichwr, or Lochar mouth, and then gliding by the Wormes head,
+ [Sidenote: Wandres.]
+ we passed to the Wandresmouth, wherof I find this description following
+ [Sidenote: Vendraith Vaur, Vendraith Vehan.]
+ 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 either of the
+ [Sidenote: Kensan.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Wennie.]
+ to Newcastell, and Marthermaure, beneath which it 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
+ [Sidenote: Garrow.]
+ this Ogur saith thus. Into the Ogur also resorteth the Garrow two miles
+ aboue Lansanfride bridge, descending from Blaingarow. It taketh
+ [Sidenote: Leuennie.]
+ furthermore (saith he) another called Leuennie rising in the parish of
+ [Sidenote: Corug.]
+ 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.
+
+ [Sidenote: Kensig.]
+ Next vnto the Ogur is the Kensig water, that commeth downe by the Pile
+ [Sidenote: Margan.]
+ and Kensig castell, and being past the same we crosse the Margan rill,
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ 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 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
+ [Sidenote: Neth.]
+ [Sidenote: Nethuehan.]
+ mouth of the 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
+ [Sidenote: Nethuaur.]
+ receiueth 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 Lanisted, where it taketh in the
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ 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 vessels often come: and
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch.]
+ 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 Penmarch point, til we
+ [Sidenote: Ilston.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Lochar.]
+ northeast by Whitford point, we went at length to 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
+ [Sidenote: Amond.]
+ receiueth a rill named Amond that entreth thereinto from northeast.
+ Being past Bettus, it passeth by Laneddie, Arthelas bridge and ouer
+ [Sidenote: Combwilie.]
+ against Landilo Talabout, it crosseth from by west, the Combwilie by
+ [Sidenote: Morlais.]
+ west of Parkreame, and afterward the Morlais aboue Langnarch on the same
+ side. Then comming to Loghor castell, it taketh in on the east side, the
+ [Sidenote: Lhu.]
+ Lhu, whose course is not aboue fiue miles, and thence loosing the name
+ [Sidenote: Burraie.]
+ of Lochar, 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 the sea.
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse.]
+ Then went we to the Dulesse a little rill, whose head is not farre from
+ Trinsaren: thence by the Pembraie and Calicoit points, till we came
+ [Sidenote: Wandres.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Trausnant.]
+ certeine season, till it come by the water of Trausnant, that falleth
+ thereinto from by east out of the confins of Brecknoch, vnto Pilin
+ [Sidenote: Tothée.]
+ capell, and so to Istrodefine, where it méeteth with the Tothee that
+ commeth thither from Lhinuerwin where it riseth, and so through Rescoth
+ [Sidenote: Pescotter.]
+ forrest, vniting it selfe by the 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 with
+ [Sidenote: Cledoch.]
+ the Cledoch on the left hand, procéeding also further toward Langadocke,
+ [Sidenote: Sawtheie.]
+ it receiueth not far from thence the Sawtheie, whose two heads descend
+ from the blacke mounteines or east edge of Carmardineshire (as mine
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse. 2.]
+ information leadeth me.) After this 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 castell, and Golden groue, it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Dulesse. 3.]
+ third Dulesse from by north that commeth in by Lanihangle and Drislan
+ [Sidenote: Cothie.]
+ castell, and after 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Turche.]
+ Turche becke that runneth thither from aboue Lanacroies: thence it goeth
+ to Lansawell, Abergorlech, Breghuangothie, Lannigood, and so into Towie,
+ [Sidenote: Rauelthie.]
+ which hasting forward by chappell Dewie, receiueth the Rauelthie from by
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Dudderie.]
+ runneth by Lanuurnach, Langludien, Lanualteg, and taking in the Dudderie
+ from southwest, out of the same countie by Lanbederuelfraie, and Lindwie,
+ [Sidenote: Marlais.]
+ it goeth to Eglesware chappell, beneath which it crosseth the Marlais by
+ north that runneth by Lanbedie and Whitland. Thence meeting with one
+ [Sidenote: Vennie.]
+ rill called Venni, as I take it, that commeth through Cardith forrest on
+ [Sidenote: Caire.]
+ the one side, and the Caire on the other that runneth into it west of
+ [Sidenote: Carthkinnie.]
+ Landowror, it hasteth to S. Clares, where it taketh in the Carthkinnie,
+ [Sidenote: Gow.]
+ or Barthkinnie (as 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
+ [Sidenote: Gowen.]
+ Lanihangle, and betwéene it and Abercowen, admitteth finallie the 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
+ [Sidenote: Brechnocke.]
+ betwéene the castell and S. Katharines 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 by their sight cannot perish. After
+ [Sidenote: From Londie to Caldie thirtie miles.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Trewent.]
+ found a sillie fresh water named 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 riuers
+ [Sidenote: Dugledu.]
+ direct their course from the northeast called Dugledu or the two swords,
+ [Sidenote: Cultlell.]
+ 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 speaketh of a riuer called
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ 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 Coit
+ [Sidenote: Dugledie.]
+ 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 same that
+ [Sidenote: Gwilie.]
+ 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 beheld one which the men of
+ [Sidenote: S. Brides Iland.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: A sort of dangerous rocks lieng on a row upon the
+ west end of South-wales called the Bishop & his clerkes.]
+ of Seians colts, but thanked be God I neuer came on his backe. Thence
+ passing by 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
+ [Sidenote: S. Dewie or Dauid all one.]
+ of Demetia, in casting about the coast we come to 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 miles is
+ [Sidenote: Saluach.]
+ Saluach creeke, otherwise called Sauerach, whither some fresh water
+ resorteth: the mouth also thereof is a good rescue for balingers, as it
+ [Sidenote: Portelais.]
+ (I meane the register) saith. Thence go we to Portelais three miles,
+ [Sidenote: Alen.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Portmaw.]
+ saint Stinans Chappell also is betwéene Portelais, and Portmaw. The next
+ [Sidenote: Maw.]
+ [Sidenote: Pendwie.]
+ [Sidenote: Lanuehan.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Tredine.]
+ is a salt créeke, then to Tredine three miles, where is another creeke
+ [Sidenote: Langunda.]
+ to Langunda, foure miles, and another créeke is there in like sort where
+ fishermen catch herrings. Héere also the Gwerne riuer diuideth
+ [Sidenote: Fischard.]
+ Penbidiane from Fischerdine Kemmeis land. From Langunda to Fischard at
+ [Sidenote: Gwerne.]
+ 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 named Guin, or
+ [Sidenote: Gwerne.]
+ 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.
+ [Sidenote: Neuerne.]
+ From Abergwine, we cast about by Dinas head, till we 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
+ [Sidenote: Teifie or Tine.]
+ ouer against the north point. Hereinto 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
+ [Sidenote: Miricke.]
+ Stradflore abbeie, beneth which it méeteth with the Miricke water (that
+ [Sidenote: Landurch.]
+ riseth 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, and
+ [Sidenote: Matherne.]
+ then goeth to Landuair, Cledogh, Kellan, and soone after taking in the
+ Matherne from by east, that parteth Cardigan partlie from Carmardine
+ [Sidenote: Dulas.]
+ 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 which it crosseth
+ [Sidenote: Grauelth.]
+ the Grauelth, thence to Pencarocke, Lanibether, Lanlonie, Lanihangle,
+ [Sidenote: Clethor.]
+ and Sandissell, and there it vniteth it selfe 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,
+ [Sidenote: Kerie.]
+ Landeureog and Newcastell, yer long taking 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 ioine
+ [Sidenote: Cheach.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Airon.]
+ 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, crossing by the waie
+ [Sidenote: Bidder.]
+ the Bidder brooke, which comming from Dehewide, dooth fall into the same,
+ [Sidenote: Arth.]
+ betwéene Lanchairin, and Henuenneie. The 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 some
+ [Sidenote: Ris aliàs Wereie.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Redholl.]
+ and so into the sea, taking withall first the Meleuen, then 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
+ [Sidenote: Salique.]
+ to the sea, we crossed the 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
+ [Sidenote: Remis.]
+ in part, till it come to 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 taketh
+ [Sidenote: Artro.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Farles.]
+ great. Next vnto this we haue Traith mawr, 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 mouth of
+ [Sidenote: Soch.]
+ 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 at both
+ [Sidenote: Edarne beck.]
+ 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 ferrie
+ [Sidenote: Conte.]
+ 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 the Meneie. Aber
+ [Sidenote: Gegeine.]
+ Gegeine commeth out of a mounteine a mile aboue, and Bangor (thorough
+ [Sidenote: Torronnen.]
+ which a rill called Torronnen hath his course) almost a mile aboue it.
+ [Sidenote: Ogwine.]
+ Aber Ogwine is two miles aboue that; it riseth at Tale linne, Ogwine
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ poole, fiue miles aboue Bangor in the east side of Withow. Aber Auon is
+ two miles aboue Aberogwene, and it riseth in a poole called Lin man Auon,
+ [Sidenote: Lannar.
+ Vehan.]
+ thrée miles off. Auon lan var Vehan riseth in a mounteine therby, and
+ [Sidenote: Duegeuelth.]
+ goeth into the sea, two miles aboue 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
+ [Sidenote: Ligow.]
+ same denomination. Beneath this and selfe hand lieth 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
+ [Sidenote: Ormeshed.]
+ Conweie, or the fall of 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
+ [Sidenote: Gele.]
+ like thrée miles beneath Abergele, and is not onelie 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
+ [Sidenote: Maniton.]
+ commeth about to Darwen, taking 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,
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ and so holdeth on 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
+ [Sidenote: Elwie.]
+ beneath 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Fraw.]
+ 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 name of the
+ [Sidenote: Linon.]
+ [Sidenote: Allo.]
+ 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 into the
+ [Sidenote: Trowerin.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Ruddoch.]
+ called Dée. East of Bala in like sort it receiueth the Ruddoch, then the
+ [Sidenote: Cleton.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Gristioneth.]
+ by certeine windlesses, till he receiue the Gristioneth, descending by
+ Ruabon, then another est of the same; the third from by west called
+ [Sidenote: Keriog.]
+ 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, méeting
+ [Sidenote: Cluedoch.]
+ by the waie with the confluence of the Cluedoch (or Dedoch originall
+ mother to those trouts for which the Dée is commended) and descendeth
+ [Sidenote: Gwinrogh.]
+ 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 Cheshire, and then taketh in the
+ [Sidenote: Alannus.]
+ 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 water, we come next of all vnto the
+ [Sidenote: Wiuer.]
+ 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 moore
+ [Sidenote: Combrus.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Betleie.]
+ to Audlem, Hawklow, and at Barderton crosseth the 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
+ [Sidenote: Salop.]
+ Marchford bridge, it meeteth with a rill called Salopbrooke (as I gesse)
+ comming from Caluerleie ward, and likewise beneath the said bridge, with
+ [Sidenote: Lée and Wuluarne.]
+ 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, and the next water that falleth into it is the
+ [Sidenote: Ashe.]
+ Ashe (which passeth by Darnall Grange) and afterward going to Warke, the
+ vale Roiall, and Eaton, it commeth finallie to Northwich where it
+ [Sidenote: Dane.]
+ 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) and
+ [Sidenote: Croco.]
+ 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 mill, by
+ [Sidenote: Piuereie.]
+ Chelford (where it taketh in a rill called Piuereie) thence to ouer
+ [Sidenote: Waterlesse.]
+ 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, Ouerton, Taxhall,
+ [Sidenote: Frith.]
+ Shawcrosse, and at Weibridge taketh in the Frith, and beneath Berdhall,
+ [Sidenote: Set.]
+ the Set that riseth aboue Thersethall and runneth by Ouerset. After this
+ confluence also the Merseie goeth to Goite hall, & at Stockford or
+ [Sidenote: Tame.]
+ 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 Rache
+ [Sidenote: Leland speaketh of the Corue water about
+ Manchester; but I know nothing of his course.]
+ 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 vniteth it selfe
+ [Sidenote: Yrke.]
+ with the Yrke, that runneth thereinto by Roiton Midleton, Heaton hill,
+ [Sidenote: Medlockte.]
+ and Blackeleie. Beneath Manchester also it 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 to
+ [Sidenote: Beile.]
+ Littlebrough, and being past Clegge, receiueth the Beile, that commeth
+ thither by Milneraw chappell. After this confluence also, it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Sprotton.]
+ with a rill néere vnto Rachedale, and soone after with the Sprotton
+ [Sidenote: Sudleie.]
+ water, and then the Sudleie brooke, whereby his chanell is not a little
+ increased, which goeth from thence to Grisehirst and so into the Irwell,
+ [Sidenote: Bradsha.]
+ before it come at Ratcliffe. The second streame is called Bradsha. It
+ riseth of two heds, aboue Tureton church, whence it runneth to Bradsha,
+ [Sidenote: Walmesleie.]
+ 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 farre from
+ [Sidenote: Gles.]
+ 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, & there admitteth the
+ [Sidenote: Bollein brooke.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Birkin.]
+ Wimesleie, Ringeie, and Ashleie, there receiuing the Birkin brooke that
+ commeth from betwéene Allerton and Marchall, by Mawberleie, and soone
+ [Sidenote: Mar.]
+ 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 Penkith, where it interteineth
+ [Sidenote: Bold.]
+ [Sidenote: Grundich.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Alt or Ast.]
+ 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 of the
+ [Sidenote: Duglesse or Dulesse.]
+ 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
+ [sidenote: Taud or Skelmere.]
+ Rufford chappell taking the Taud withall, that descendeth from aboue
+ Skelmersdale towne, and goeth through Lathan parke, belonging (as I
+ heare) vnto the earle of Derbie. It méeteth also on the same side,
+ [Sidenote: Merton.]
+ 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, Chathburne,
+ [Sidenote: Odder.]
+ 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. From hence the
+ [Sidenote: Calder.]
+ 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 Colne, and another by
+ [Sidenote: Pidle.]
+ 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 on to Altham, and so to
+ [Sidenote: Henburne.]
+ 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, Keuerden, Law, Ribbles bridge, & then
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Blackeburne.]
+ [Sidenote: Rodlesworth.]
+ with the 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Calder. 2.]
+ 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 the first water is
+ [Sidenote: Plimpton.]
+ called Plimpton brooke, it riseth south of Gosner, and commeth by
+ [Sidenote: Barton.]
+ Cawford hall, and yer long receiuing the Barton becke, it procéedeth
+ [Sidenote: Brooke.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Skipton.]
+ foorth to Michaell church, and the 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 Wire, we coasted vp by the salt cotes, to
+ [Sidenote: Coker.]
+ Coker mouth, whose head, though it be in Weresdale forrest, not far from
+ that of the Wire, yet the shortnesse of course deserueth no description.
+ [Sidenote: Cowdar.]
+ 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 letters. But mine other note writeth hereof in this
+ [Sidenote: Burbecke.]
+ manner. Burbecke water riseth at Wustall head, by west, and going by
+ Wustall foot to Skaleg, it admitteth the Breder that descendeth thither
+ [Sidenote: Breder.]
+ 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 Burros,
+ [Sidenote: Greteie.]
+ 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. After
+ [Sidenote: Wennie.]
+ this also it goeth on toward New parke, and receiueth the Wennie, and
+ [Sidenote: Hinburne.]
+ the Hinburne both in one chanell, of which this riseth north of the
+ crosse of Greteie, and going by Benthams and Roberts hill, aboue Wraie
+ [Sidenote: Rheburne.]
+ 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 the east
+ [Sidenote: Sprota.]
+ 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 last called
+ [Sidenote: Ken.]
+ 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.
+ [Sidenote: Winstar.]
+ The other péece of the forked arme, is called 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
+ [Sidenote: Winander.]
+ choked vp 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. There is in
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ 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 foorth by Nibthwaits, Blareth, Cowlton, &
+ [Sidenote: Sparke.]
+ Sparke bridge, and so into the sea. Hauing passed the Leuen or
+ Conisands, or Conistonesands, or Winander fall (for all is one) I come
+ [Sidenote: Lew.]
+ to the Lew, which riseth at Cewike chappell, and falleth into the sea
+ [Sidenote: Rawther.]
+ 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 out
+ [Sidenote: Denocke.]
+ of Denocke or Deuenocke méere, and is called Denocke water, the other
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ 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 also
+ [Sidenote: Mite.]
+ 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: finallie
+ [Sidenote: Brenge.]
+ meeting with the Brenge, they fall into the sea at Carleton southeast, as
+ [Sidenote: Cander.]
+ 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 into
+ [Sidenote: Burthméere.]
+ 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 Threlcote: and there
+ [Sidenote: Grise.]
+ 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 and Cokermouth, and here it receiueth the
+ [Sidenote: Cokar.]
+ 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 in a rill withall
+ [Sidenote: Croco.]
+ from by south, called Croco, that commeth from Crockdale, by Bromefield.
+ [Sidenote: Vamus.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Helbecke.]
+ it receiueth thrée waters, whereof one is called Helbecke, bicause it
+ commeth from the Derne and Elinge mounteins by a towne of the same
+ [Sidenote: Bellow.]
+ denomination. The other is named 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
+ [Sidenote: Orne.]
+ into Eden, that goeth from thence by Warcop; and taking in the Orne
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ about Burelles on the one side, and the Morton becke on the other, it
+ [Sidenote: Dribecke.]
+ hasteth to Applebie, thence to Cowlbie, where it crosseth the Dribecke,
+ [Sidenote: Trowt becke.]
+ [Sidenote: Liuenet.]
+ thence to Bolton, and Kirbie, and there méeting with the Trowt becke,
+ and beneath the 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
+ [Sidenote: Milburne.]
+ [Sidenote: Blincorne.]
+ 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 a
+ [Sidenote: Harteshop.]
+ 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 in
+ [Sidenote: Cambocke.]
+ 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 with the
+ [Sidenote: Gillie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Bruferth.]
+ Eden, northeast of Carleill. But on the north side the 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 streames,
+ [Sidenote: Deua.]
+ that is to saie the Deua, which commeth thither from by southwest, and
+ also the Logus that descendeth from the southeast. He addeth moreouer
+ [Sidenote: Vala.]
+ 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 pooles, or such low bottomes,
+ [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.]
+ 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, & lakes
+ [Sidenote: Clacke. Alon.]
+ [Sidenote: Dune. Kerie.]
+ [Sidenote: Cambell.]
+ [Sidenote: Cumer. Tere.]
+ [Sidenote: Man.]
+ [Sidenote: Torkesan.]
+ [Sidenote: Rosham.]
+ [Sidenote: Mushell. Blene.]
+ [Sidenote: Twede.]
+ 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 the Middletons,
+ [Sidenote: Bromis.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Bowbent.]
+ from by southwest, which most 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, Norham castell, Foord,
+ [Sidenote: Whitaker.]
+ 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. The
+ [Sidenote: Warne.]
+ 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 meeting
+ [Sidenote: Vswaie.]
+ with the Vswaie (which descendeth from the north) it goeth a little
+ [Sidenote: Ridleie.]
+ 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 to Sharpton, to
+ [Sidenote: Yardop.]
+ 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 Cocket, from whence
+ [Sidenote: It may be Leland mistaketh
+ Tickington water for one of these.]
+ 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 Tritlington,
+ [Sidenote: Wansbecke.]
+ 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 there in like
+ [Sidenote: Font.]
+ 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 few
+ [Sidenote: Shelhop.]
+ little rilles it taketh in the Spelhop or Petop from the north and the
+ [Sidenote: Cheslop.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: 3. Burnes.]
+ [Sidenote: Shitlington.]
+ passeth to Léehall, to 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, to
+ [Sidenote: Knare.]
+ 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, & in
+ [Sidenote: West Alen.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ next of all 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 rather be Cole
+ [Sidenote: Corue.]
+ 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 Kelloppeslaw
+ [Sidenote: Burdop.]
+ hill, whereof the most southerlie is called Burdop, the middlemost
+ [Sidenote: Wallop.]
+ [Sidenote: Kellop.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Wascrop.]
+ Walsingham, there taking in the Wascropburne, beside another at
+ Bradleie, the third at Harpleie hall (and these on the north side) and
+ [Sidenote: Bedburne.]
+ the fourth betwéene Witton and 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
+ [Sidenote: Pidding brooke.]
+ Duresme (and there taking in the Pidding brooke by northeast) it goeth
+ to Duresme, Finkeleie, Harbarhouse, Lumleie castell (where it méeteth
+ [Sidenote: Pilis.]
+ with the 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 becke, the
+ [Sidenote: Lune.]
+ second more southerlie, named Lunebecke, and the third by south at
+ [Sidenote: Arnegill.]
+ 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 (& there taking
+ [Sidenote: Skirkewith.]
+ in the Skirkwith water) it goeth to Rombald kirke (crossing there also
+ [Sidenote: Bander.]
+ 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 taketh in
+ [Sidenote: Skerne.]
+ 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 comming
+ [Sidenote: Crawthorne.]
+ 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 creeke, and next
+ [Sidenote: Eske.]
+ 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 with them,
+ [Sidenote: Ibur.]
+ 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 Masham. When it
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ is come to Masham, it receiueth the Burne, by south west (as it did the
+ [Sidenote: Wile.]
+ 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 there it méeteth with
+ [Sidenote: Skell.]
+ 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 Redhouses, to
+ [Sidenote: Fosse.]
+ 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 heads
+ [Sidenote: Hull or Hulne.]
+ 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, &
+ [Sidenote: Cottingham.]
+ méeting thereabout 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 to
+ [Sidenote: Kenford.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Shirihutton.]
+ he) receiueth diuerse streames, as the Shirihutton. The second is the
+ [Sidenote: Crambecke.]
+ Crambecke, descending from Hunderskell castell (so called Tanquam à
+ centum fontibus, or multitude of springs that rise about the same) and
+ [Sidenote: Rie.]
+ goeth to Rie, which comming out of the Blackemore, passeth by Riuers
+ [Sidenote: Ricoll.]
+ [Sidenote: Seuen.]
+ abbeie, taking in the Ricoll on the left hand, then the Seuen, the
+ [Sidenote: Costeie.]
+ [Sidenote: Pickering.]
+ 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, meeting by the way
+ [Sidenote: Pocklington.]
+ 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. Finallie,
+ [Sidenote: Costeie.]
+ 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, Keldon
+ [Sidenote: Hodgebecke.]
+ and Edston (where it receiueth the Hodgebecke, that commeth by Bernesdale,
+ Kirkedale, & Welburne) it goeth to Sawlton, and there taketh in first the
+ [Sidenote: Ricoll.]
+ Ricoll, that goeth by Careton, and whereof Ridall (as some think, but
+ [Sidenote: Fesse.]
+ 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 Sawton or Sawlton,
+ [Sidenote: Holbecke.]
+ 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 into
+ [Sidenote: Kile.]
+ the Ouze. The Kile riseth flat north at Newborow, from whence it goeth
+ by Thorneton on the hill, Ruskell parke, Awne, Tollerton, and so into
+ [Sidenote: Swale.]
+ 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 house, Crackepot,
+ [Sidenote: Barneie.]
+ Whiteside, and neere vnto Yalen taketh in the Barneie water, which
+ commeth from the north east. Thence it goeth by Harcaside to Reth (where
+ [Sidenote: Arcleie.]
+ it méeteth with the Arcleie) and so to Flemington, Grinton, Marrike
+ [Sidenote: Holgate.]
+ (taking in the Holgate that commeth from by south: and in the waie to
+ [Sidenote: Mariske becke.]
+ 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, called
+ [Sidenote: Rauenswath.]
+ 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 west also of
+ [Sidenote: Rhe.]
+ 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 stéeple: and
+ [Sidenote: Bedall aliàs Leming.]
+ 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 Gattenbie likewise it
+ [Sidenote: Wiske.]
+ 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 rilles in one bottome, whereof the
+ [Sidenote: Cawdebec.]
+ [Sidenote: Kebecke.]
+ northwesterlie is called Cawdebec: 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 the Willow, and likewise of the
+ [Sidenote: Cuckwolds becke.]
+ 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 the Lauer
+ [Sidenote: 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, Brimham,
+ [Sidenote: Killingale.]
+ 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 waters, that is to saie,
+ [Sidenote: Couer.]
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ 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, Tadcaster, and when it
+ [Sidenote: Cockebecke.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Glike.]
+ with one water from Mawsis, and 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
+ [Sidenote: Lacocke.]
+ [Sidenote: Woorth.]
+ this towne the Lacocke and the Woorth doo meet withall in one chanell,
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ 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 run with the
+ [Sidenote: Rodwell.]
+ same to Swillington, and there taking in the Rodwell becke south of the
+ bridge, it proceedeth to Ollerton, Castleford, Brotherton & Ferribridge,
+ [Sidenote: Went.]
+ 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 bridge,
+ [Sidenote: Hebden.]
+ 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, called Chald,
+ [Sidenote: 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, and
+ [Sidenote: Foulebrooke.]
+ 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 Haggersleie
+ [Sidenote: Blith.]
+ 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 Catton, where it méeteth with the
+ [Sidenote: Tame.]
+ 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: thence it
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ goeth to Yarneton hall, beneath which it méeteth with the Rhée, and
+ thence through the parke, at Parke hall by Watercote, crossing finallie
+ [Sidenote: Cole.]
+ 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 it selfe
+ [Sidenote: Burne.]
+ with the Burne on the one side (whereinto runneth a water comming from
+ Ansleie on the east) and soone after on the other dooth fall into the
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ 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 selfe
+ [Sidenote: Anchor.]
+ 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 increase not worthie to be
+ [Sidenote: Mese.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Manifold.]
+ Hunsington grange, and aboue Thorpe receiueth the 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, Rawston Rowcester, it
+ [Sidenote: Churne.]
+ meeteth with the Churne, euen here to be described before I go anie
+ further. It riseth a good waie aboue Delacrasse abbie, and comming
+ [Sidenote: Dunsmere.]
+ thither by Hellesbie wood, it taketh in 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 hauing
+ [Sidenote: Aula Canuti.]
+ [Sidenote: Ashenhirst.]
+ 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 from Crowsden,
+ [Sidenote: Teine.]
+ and then going to Eton méeteth first with the Teine that commeth thither
+ from each side of Chedleie by Teinetowne, Bramhirst and Stranehill.
+ [Sidenote: Vttoxeter or Vncester.]
+ 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 Aston, yer long also
+ [Sidenote: Darwent.]
+ 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, Yorkeshire bridge, and at
+ [Sidenote: Neue.]
+ 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 Middleton, and Baslow, and hauing here
+ [Sidenote: Burbroke.]
+ 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 rill, and so
+ [Sidenote: Rufford aliàs Manbecke.]
+ 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 hall, beneath which it receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Lathkell.]
+ [Sidenote: Bradford.]
+ the Lath kell, that runneth by 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 Hucknalward to
+ [Sidenote: Moreton.]
+ 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 Makenie, and at Duffeld,
+ [Sidenote: Eglesburne.]
+ 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 Welles, and so into Trent, which goeth from hence to Sawleie, and
+ [Sidenote: Sora, or Surus.]
+ 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, crosseth the
+ [Sidenote: Eie.]
+ Eie, which riseth néere Occam aboue Bramston, going by Knawstow,
+ [Sidenote: _Leland_ calleth one of these rilles Croco.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Warke, Vrke, or Wreke.]
+ which time the name of Eie is 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 meéting 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 Soure,
+ [Sidenote: Erwash.]
+ 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 in Leircester is
+ [Sidenote: Dene.]
+ 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, Normanton, Killington,
+ [Sidenote: Snite.]
+ 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 about religion. For the
+ [Sidenote: A miracle.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Cowleie.]
+ bridge, Briksie bridge; and southwest of Timsleie receiueth the Cowleie
+ streame that runneth by Ecclefield. Next of all it goeth to Rotheram,
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ 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 from Rotheram, to Chesterford, where it
+ [Sidenote: Iber.]
+ [Sidenote: Brampton.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Gunno.]
+ Kilmarsh, in the confines of Darbieshire, where it taketh in the Gunno
+ from by east. Thence to Boughton, vniting it selfe therabout with
+ [Sidenote: Mesebrooke.]
+ another by west from Gledles, called 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
+ [Sidenote: Hampall.]
+ méeting 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
+ [Sidenote: Budbie.]
+ againe into a narrow channell, and so goeth on to Rumford village,
+ [Sidenote: Gerberton.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Girt.]
+ Trent. Beneath Rumford also commeth in 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 Allerton.
+ [Sidenote: Manbecke.]
+ 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 there, it
+ [Sidenote: Meding becke.]
+ 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 Gaunston, it
+ [Sidenote: Wilie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Blith.]
+ on to Worksop (or Radfurth) 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 remembrance)
+ [Sidenote: Ancolme.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Fosse dike.]
+ commodities. At Lincolne also this noble riuer méeteth 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, and the
+ [Sidenote: Bane.]
+ 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.]
+ [Sidenote: Sempringham.]
+ Bollingborow, or (after some, I wote not vpon what occasion) 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, Bubberham, Trussell,
+ [Sidenote: Braie.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Warke.]
+ Weston, Eston, and there ioineth with the third called Warke, not far
+ from Ketton, which commeth from Lie by Preston, Wing, Lindon, Luffenham,
+ [Sidenote: Brooke water.]
+ &c. Thence it goeth on by Tinwell, to Stanford (crossing the Brooke
+ [Sidenote: Whitnell.]
+ 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 into
+ [Sidenote: South.]
+ the sea at Fossedike Stow: the other named the South into Wisbech. This
+ latter also parteth it selfe two miles from Crowland, & sendeth a rill
+ [Sidenote: Writhlake.]
+ 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 be
+ [Sidenote: Auon.]
+ 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 Dallington, and so to
+ Northhampton, where it receiueth the Wedon. And here I will staie, till
+ [Sidenote: Vedunus.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Florus.]
+ 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 finallie by the
+ [Sidenote: Bugius.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Kilis.]
+ Higham ferries, it receiueth a pretie water comming from about Kilmarsh,
+ which going by Ardingworth, Daisborow, Rusheton, Newton, Gaddington,
+ Boughton, Warketon, Kettering, Berton, and Burton, méeteth there with
+ [Sidenote: Rother.]
+ 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 rill)
+ [Sidenote Ocleie.]
+ 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 receiueth
+ [Sidenote: Corbie.]
+ 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 betwéene
+ [Sidenote: Sisa.]
+ Sisam and Astwell (which runneth by Whitfield and Tinweston) and another
+ [Sidenote: Imelus.]
+ 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 inserted here. The
+ [Sidenote: Erin.]
+ Erin riseth not farre from Hardwijc in Northamptonshire, from hence it
+ goeth by Heth, Erinford, Godderington, Twiford, Steeple Cladon, & yer it
+ [Sidenote: Garan.]
+ come at Padbirie, méeteth with the 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 described another water,
+ [Sidenote: Cle aliàs Claius.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Saw.]
+ it receiueth 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 Edworth.
+ [Sidenote: These rise not far from Michelborow
+ & one of them in Higham parke.]
+ 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, in
+ [Sidenote: Stoueus.]
+ 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 the meane time the
+ [Sidenote: Stoueus.]
+ [Sidenote: Helenus.]
+ [Sidenote: Elmerus.]
+ 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 Whittleseie méere, and
+ [Sidenote: Riuelus.]
+ Ramseie méere (whereinto the Riuall falleth), that commeth from aboue
+ Broughton, Wiston, and great Riuelleie) are said to be greatest. Of all
+ [Sidenote: Granta.]
+ the riuers that run into this streame, 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,
+ [Sidenote: Babren.]
+ Seoston or Sawson, and néere vnto Shaleford 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
+ [Sidenote: Rhée.]
+ the Barrington water, as 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
+ [Sidenote: Bulbecke.]
+ Horningseie, & Water Bech: and finallie here ioining with 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Congunus.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Rising.]
+ past the mouth or fall of the Ouze, we méet next of all with the Rising
+ chase water, which Ptolomie (as some thinke) doth call Metaris, and
+ [Sidenote: Ingell.]
+ 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 me.
+ [Sidenote: Glouius.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Yocus.]
+ yer it come to Moreton, it 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 verie
+ [Sidenote: Hierus.]
+ [Sidenote: Gerus.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Wauen.]
+ Frethorpe, and aboue Burgh castell meeteth with the 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 Brome, Octe,
+ [Sidenote: Wauen.]
+ 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 likelie) it
+ [Sidenote: Einus.]
+ goeth along by Somerleie, Hormingfléet, S. Olaues, (there receiuing the
+ [Sidenote: Fritha.]
+ 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 Yoxford, 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 north
+ [Sidenote: Fromus.]
+ 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, meeteth with a
+ [Sidenote: Glema.]
+ 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, Sternefield & Snape. Then going to
+ [Sidenote: Iken, or Ike.]
+ 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. From thence
+ the Deue goeth by Waldringfield and Henleie, and méeting soone after
+ [Sidenote: Clarus fons.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Kettle baston.]
+ Laneham, 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 another that
+ [Sidenote: Mosa.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Claco.]
+ and thence goeth to Tendring thorpe, 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
+ [Sidenote: Barus.]
+ Wickham, where it méeteth 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 which riseth on
+ [Sidenote: Lindis.]
+ 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 second water that descendeth from
+ [Sidenote: Roxford.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Criacht.]
+ laie (a 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.
+ [Sidenote: Marle.]
+ 17, cap. 6, 7, 8, where he affirmeth that our 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 Ile
+ [Sidenote: Hilles.]
+ 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 in length? of
+ [Sidenote: (*) Here lacks.]
+ 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,
+ [Sidenote: Meall and Disnege.]
+ I haue séene them so fat in some soiles, especiallie about 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 saith li. 22. cap.
+ [Sidenote: Madder.]
+ 1. and also madder haue béene (next vnto our tin and woolles) the chiefe
+ [Sidenote: Rape.]
+ commodities, and merchandize of this realme. I 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
+ [Sidenote: Flax.]
+ here at home. The like I may saie of 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
+ [Sidenote: Principis longè magis exemplo quion culpa peccare solent.]
+ the examples of their betters when anie hold is to be 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 sort it should not
+ [Sidenote: Fennes.]
+ 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 sometime
+ [Sidenote: Salutations according to our ages.]
+ 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 description of this
+ [Sidenote: Camber.]
+ [Sidenote: Cambri.]
+ 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
+ [Sidenote: Albania.]
+ and the Firth, yet some doo note the Humber; so that 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 Scotland after two
+ [Sidenote: Locrine king also of Scotland.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Out of Hector Boecius lib. 1.]
+ 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 Britons, and
+ [Sidenote: Berouicum potiùs à Berubio promontorio.]
+ 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 recompensed togither, for
+ [Sidenote: Some thinke the Seimors to come from this man by lineall
+ descent and I suppose no lesse.]
+ 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 lord of
+ [Sidenote: To whome the marriage of the ward perteineth.]
+ 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 the
+ [Sidenote: Because they were taken from him before.]
+ 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 chanons
+ [Sidenote: The Scots dreame that this was the stone whereon Jacob slept
+ when he fled into Mesopotamia.]
+ 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 author therefore of the
+ [Sidenote: The first beginner of the Picts wall.]
+ 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 had indured but vntill another
+ [Sidenote: The wall goeth not streict by a line,
+ but in and out in manie places.]
+ 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, sith Iulius
+ [Sidenote: Two other wals.]
+ 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 by Hadrian & Seuerus, were
+ [Sidenote: A rampire.]
+ 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 woonders
+ [Sidenote: Foure woonders of England.]
+ 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 in hand.} {Hugh ap Rice doctor of the
+ | } {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. ^3 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. XX
+ 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.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+
+_ _ denotes italic text;
+
+= = denotes Old English script, which is also bold.
+
+[=a] (etc.) denotes a macron (straight line over a vowel), which
+sometimes indicates that 'n' has been omitted from the word.
+(Abbreviation in Mediæval manuscripts).
+
+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.
+
+Page numbers have been added to the 'Description' Tables of Contents,
+for the convenience of the reader; and Tables of Contents have been
+added to the beginning of this Volume, and to each Book of the
+Histories.
+
+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 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 (of
+Hainault).
+
+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)
+
+
+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.
+
+Sidenote: "Done aliàs Dones broke."
+
+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:"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Chronicles (1 of 6): The Description
+of Britaine, by Raphaell Holinshed and William Harrison and John Hooker
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42506 ***
generated by cgit v1.2.3 (git 2.25.1) at 2026-01-17 19:15:22 +0000