Catalogues of their names only above twenty in number concludeth in these terms against himself before Of these forenamed Bishops until Sampson there remaineth little or no memorial but their names only And in the names themselves there is difference in the memorials of them Harpfield Hist in five 7. seculi John Bal. l. de Scrip. Brit. Gent. 1. in Samuele Beulano John Leland apud Pits li. de viribus illa in Elbode Harris Hist Ecclc. Manu li. 2. c. 20. And both of them omit their most renowned Archbishop Elbodus who joyned with St. Augustine and his company and wrote against his own Brittains and Scots for their untrue observation of Easter Some think he was created Archbishop by St. Augustine Mr. Harris seemeth to be of opinion that St. Fugatianus one of Pope Elutherius Legates was first Archbishop of Caerleon and St. Damiunus the other Legat Archbishop of London yet with the common opinion he had placed St. Thean there before both which may stand with truth in due construction if St. Damianus resigned it to St. Thean who as he saith was Archbishop there eighteen years and seeing we find no final departure of these two holy Legats from hence but rather a continual abode here after their return from Rome as though they were wholly designed for the spiritual good of this Kingdom if we joyn here with what eminent men and Bishops they were we may not deny them any chief place of honour according to their worth and deservings here The old Writer of St. Gudwalus Life Surius Haraeus and others say he was Archiepiscopus Britannus an Archbishop of Brittany and by his life and aboad of no other place but our old Caerlegion And if we should follow their opinions which hold that Caerlegion was Augusta where our renowned Archbishop Augulus was martyred we must also make him Archbishop there and the old Brittish History with divers other testifieth that Tremonus was Archbishop here Mr. Brough fol. 320. age 2. 5. Tremonus urbis Legionum Archiepiscopus long before St. Dubritius And it was foretold long before probably St. Dubritius was born or Tremonus was Archbishop of Caerlegion that this Archbishops See should be translated from thence to St. Davids and there the Archbishops Pall of Caerlegion should be worn Menevia Pallio urbis Legionum induetur which was after verified in the time of St. David as also the prophecie of the translation of London to Canterburie by St. Augustine and the seventh Archbishop of York going into Armorica performed by St. Sampson all foretold at one time altogether long before Therefore as in London and York there were Archbishops so in this City also of Caerlegion there were such wearing the Pall justifying the undeniable change and performance of that Prediction Ibid. After this time all Histories agree of St. Dubritius St. David Eliud Theelianus Kinocus immediatly succeeding one another and Elbodus in St. Aug. time And a late Writer saith further In which three Cities of London York and Caerlegion upon Usk there had been before time three Arch-flamens erected unto Apollo Mars and Minerva but now rased to the ground and three other Churches builded in their steads by Lucius to the intent that the Countreys round about might have indifferent access unto those places and therewithall understand for certain whether to resort for resolution The Persecution under the Roman Emperors being generall to all Churches and places even in the beginning thereof came to the City of Caerlegion where the Church being destroyed and the School founded by King Lucius overthrown the holy Priests and other Christians there had their part therein Amongst others St. Julius and St. Aron were then cruelly martyred in that City being by consent of all Citizens and Inhabitants there Aron Julius Legionum urbis cives most cruelly torn in pieces by torments never heard of before passi sunt inaudita membrorum discerptione in testimonium Dei excelsi Others say it is evident in Histories they were learned men brought up in the Colledge or School there founded by King Lucius The old School of Caerlegion brought forth many noble Martyrs thus write two late authors Ex Sanctorum Historiis constat Amphibalum Aaronem Julium Sanctissimos Dei Martyres coelestem Christi Doctrinam apud urbem Legionum inter literas tradidisse Ex nobili Gymnasio urbi Legionum viri multi summa pietatis doctrinae laude conspicui prodierunt ut Amphibalus Julius Aron By which Authorities and Testimonies joyning these holy Martyrs for Education School Learning Preaching and professing Christ with that most renowned Priest and Bishop St. Amphibalus they incline to hold and teach that they also were Clergy men This persecution at Caerlegion when these holy Martyrs were put to death was at the destruction of the Cathedral Church there being at the same time when the like desolation was at Winchester long before St. Albans Martyrdom I must needs say the same of these Saints as the Annales of Winchester do of their Martyrs And this the rather because our Antiquaries have told us that S. Amphibalus who converted S. Alban was born bred instructed in learning and remained at Caerlegion and being there in all probable Judgement when these troubles began there was as our Brittish History witnesseth pursued and in present danger to be apprehended by the Persecutors when St. Alban gave him entertainment and succour and addeth plainly that when St. Amphibalus thus fled from Caerlegion St. Julius and St. Aron were Absque cunctamine presently Martyred there having their members so torn in pieces as the like had not been heard of before Inter caeteros utriusque sexus summae magnanimitate in acie Christi praestantes passus est Albanus Julius quoque Aron urbis Legionum cives Julius and Aaron martyred before St. Alban quorum Albanus charitatis gratia fervens confessorem suum Amphibalum à persequitoribus insectatum jam jam comprehendendum in domo sua occuluit caeteri veri Duo inaudita membrorum discerptione lacerati ad egregias portas Hierusalem absque cunctamine cum Martyrii trophaeo convolaverunt The very same testimony hereof is given by St. Gildas both for St. Amphibalus then flying the persecution and the martyrdom of these saints at that time St. Bede also is witness that St. Alban entertained St. Amphibalus flying the persecutors Clericum quendam persecutores fugientem hospitio recepit And that St. Aron and St. Julius were martyred at that time Passi sunt ea tempestate Aron Julius urbis legionum cives The like have others therefore Giraldus Cambrensis doth worthily call them our two Protomartyrs in this time only in dignity second and next to St. Alban and St. Amphibalus but in time first and before them Duo nobiles post Albanum Amphibalum praecipui Brittanniae Majoris Protomartyres Gild. excid Brit. c. 8. These our two Protomartyrs are wonderfully commended in our Histories St.
neque magis à quo quamquae ad rem praesentem utiliter dicerentur attendebat etenim consilia sciebat non ex persona suggerentium sed sua vi esse ponderanda Idcirco viri conditione humilis opinionem sapenumero praeserebat sententiae viri nobilis ac illustris domi poenas male facientibus infligebat foris annonam omnia militibus necessaria procurabat aegros ac debiles corpore visebat nec eo contentus res quibus indigebant liberaliter suppeditabat extinctus morte cum annos regnasset septem Dinellus the son of Caporius a Prince excellently well seen in managing his Affairs for his love and affable carriage towards all men had in high esteem In his consultations his judgement reflected not upon the persons of men whether mean and born of low degree or sprung from noble and illustrious Families but alwaies in all debates he gave ear to such as spoak most to the purpose not regarding who the speaker was but what he spake for he rightly knew that matters were not to be ballanced after the quality condition of the Relator but according to the essence and truth of the thing which caused him often to prefer a mean mans opinion before a Courtiers or Nobles at home he caused condigne punishments to be inflicted upon malefactors and abroad he was very sedulous and careful to provide all things convenient and necessary for his Souldiers The infirm weak and sick he often visited not that alone but whatsoever they wanted he took order that it should be brought unto them after all which good deeds he left this world having Reigned seven years Howes and Fabian say but four HELY HELY Son of Dinellus governed the Brittains one or not fully one year Mr. Howes of this Prince the Isle of Ely took it Name saith Geffrey Hoc vero nomen saith Mr. Cambden Beda ab anguillis deduxit unde nonnulli Insulam anguillarum dixerunt Polidorus Virgilius à Greco 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod paludem denotat alii ab Helig Britannico quod salices significat quarum cum aliarum arborum sit impatiens est feracissima tum soli natura tum quod contra irrumpentium omnium impetus satae saepiusque caesa innumera haerede ut Pliniano verbo utar profuerunt ex quibus hic alibi corbes texuntur quas nunc Brittanni Baskes vocant The Name of Ely saith Mr. Cambden Beda deriveth from Eeles insomuch that some call it the Isle of Eeles Polidor Virgil will have it named from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a Marrish or Fennish place others bring it from the Brittish word Helig which signifieth an Osier or Sallow which kind of twigs grow there in great abundance though otherwise the Isle is bare of Trees and Timber but these grow partly from the nature of the soil and partly are planted to stop and hinder the irruptions of the water and bring such a numerous encrease that they supply Tradesmen for the making of Baskets not only there but in the Countries round about This Isle hath in it a City of the same Name had in account for the repute and holinesse of Votary Nuns residing there built first by Audrey wife of Tombreta Prince in this Province who had in this place a part of her Dowry Anomus Maps in Camb. sh she having departed from her second Husband Egbert King of Northumberland by his leave and consent devoted her self to the service of God and built there a Monastery whereof she became the first Abbesse This in the Danish desolations was destroyed but soon after reedified by Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester who stored it with Monks unto whom King Edgar granted the jurisdiction over four hundred and a half within these Fens and the East Angle-limits which to this day are called the Liberties of St. Audrey After whose Examples the Nobles so enriched it with large Revenues that as Malmesbury saith The Abbot thereof laid up yearly into his own Coffers a thousand and four hundred pounds And of latter times the Monks thereof became so wealthy that their old decayed Church they renewed with new and stately Buildings which is now the Cathedral of the Diocesse and for beauty giveth place to no other in England Comes Pal. speaking of this Hely saith A quo splendor Imperii Brittannici coepit in orbe Romano per filios maximos belli duces apparere From whom the splendor and glory of the Brittish Empire through the Valour of its Martial Children began first to display its beam in the Roman Orb or Hemisphere Com. Palat. though others allow as Howes and Fabian but one year to his Reign saith Helius Regnum annis quadraginta gubernat tres filios generat Luddum Cassuellanum Nennium whose very names manifest a certain excellancy And he further saith that Giraldus affirms Pirrhi mansionem fuisse Castrum Manubri quod aetate sua fuerat adhuc turribus propugnaculis eximium ab occidente portum habebat extensum à Circio Borea sub ipsis maenibuss vivarium egregium tam sui venustate quam profunditate aquarum valde conspicuum LVD LVD the Son of K. Hely by right of Inheritance and general applause of all the Brittains is Crowned King of this Island The first Act worthy of Observation which he took in hand was to immure the City of Troynovant which he inclosed with strong Walls garnishing the same with many lofty and stately Towers which done he gives command to the Citizens to Erect their Structures and Edifices within the Compasse of the same the motion proceeding as it were out of an innate love and respect which he bore to that place in which he spent most of the time which he had spar'd from war-like Affairs and the publique Administation of justice In this City he built saith Com. Pal. Palatium egregtum a stately and sumptuous Pallace and on the West side thereof a strong defensible Gate of large bignesse and solid work which to this day is called Lud's Gate Trinovant being now beautified with most delicate and pleasing Buildings peopled and inhabited by rich wealthy Citizens began to shake hands with its old Name and bid it adieu resuming a new Nomenclation from its present Benefactor and Restaurator and begins to be better known by the Name of Luds Town then Trinobant now corruptly London then Troynovant This King Lud sirnamed Imanuentius was a Prince of a most heroick and warlike Spirit and remarkable for the Courtship which he used in inviting his Nobles and Chieftains to costly Feasts and Banquets but amongst all these Interludes and Princely Pastimes the provident King forgot not to root out such overgrown and inveterate Customes as he observed to be obnoxious to the Commonwealth and what by experience he found irregular he quite abrogated instituting new and commodious Laws and Edicts in their places and knowing that no Republick can be well governed without a due Observation of Religion and
the dissensions of the Brittains as other Historians do and maketh them of as long continuance only he saith that Severus the Emperor came hither four years after the death of King Lucius to seek to appease things so doth Matthew of Westminster Florentius and others as far as Harding doth This holy King graunted made and signed many writings Charters and Donations for the defence maintainance and preservation of Religion and the chief teachers and professors thereof as to the University of Cambridge the School of Bangor Monastery of Salisbury and such others and to every Archiepiscopal or Episcopal See in Brittain both for the assuring the old revenues and priviledges of the Archflamens and Flamens as others new and more ample which he conferred unto them and such as should sit and succeed them for ever And we find in Antiquities that in the very time of King Lucius besides the Cathedral Churches in Great Cities there were others also builded in them as namely Glocester Worcester Caerleon and others for we read of divers kinds of Churches in them all both Cathedral and others King Lucius was buried at Glocester in the Church of the Chief or first Order The same distinction is given for Winchester which necessarily inferreth other Churches or a Church in either of them of inferiour Order for the word first proveth a second for the Inferiour Churches besides the Cathedral in Caerleon they are remembred in Histories Viz. of St. Julius and St. Aaron so of other Cities not inferiour unto these Glocester being then but a new and no great City we find others as at Abington in Oxfordshire Amsbury in Wiltshire Cambridge Stanford and other places where to have been Christian Churches in that time there is still sufficient testimony left us Mr. Bro. 307. 5. Gal Mon Hist l. 5 c. 1. Math. West an 201. Bulla Honorii an 624. Chart. Regis Cadw an 685. Chart. Reg. Art An. 531. die 7. apud Caium l. 1. de Antiq. Cont. John Harding Chron c. 25. fol. 22. John Ross Hist Manus Jo Caius Apol A ca. Cantib de Antiq l. 1. Will. Harri Dis Bâ—iâ— c. 3. Tâ— of Universitie p. 146. 〈◊〉 H st Bladud Bal. pref in l de scrip Twin l. de Antiq Ox. Ha â—is sup a Ha â—s manu G aston Chron. Bal l. de ser Brit cent 1. in Congello Barnachoren Gal Mor Hist Brit l 1. c. 12. Math. West an 603. Harding Chron. c. 50. f. 42 p. 2. Ma. h. West an 124. Harding Chron. c. 51. f. 43. Hâ—llershed H st of Brit. fol. 57. And to provide as well for the continuall maintainance and repair of the house of God at the first founding and building thereof these ancient Schools or Universities of this Kingdom which all now had received the faith and Religion of Christ and so were to be as Seminaries and Mothers of Christian Divinity and holy learning for preservation and upholding of Gods Church King Lucius endowed with great priviledges and Immunities that they might more quietly and diligently employ themselves to their so profitable and holy studies This his Charter of priviledges to the University of Cambridge the Antiquaries thereof prove by divers Ancient Testimonies The Bull of Pope Honorius 1000. years ago the Charter of King Cadwalladrus and King Arthur long before wherein is contained that he granted to the University of Cambridge as King Lucius with other Kings had done before to be free from all publick Vectigalls and burdens that they might the more freely and quietly attend their studies The like I may affirm of Stanford which from the time of King Bladud untill it was interdicted by St. Gregory for the Pelagian heresie continued an University so of Glamorgan claiming but a little later original Greeklade and Liechlade of such Antiquity Bellisilum now Oxford as it pleadeth Therefore whereas a late writer confidently sayeth there were 600. Students in ancient times and others not so well remembred to all which now converted to the faith of Christ and training up spiritual Soldiers for the defence profession and maintainance thereof we have sufficiently grounds to affirm King Lucius gave the like priviledges as unto Cambridge one and the same reason being for all and yet besides these which he found founded before he himself was founder of others namely Bangor in Wales which long continued in that State untill it was after changed into so great a Monastery that above 2000. Moncks as our Histories testifie abode there A late Author tells us of another University for so he calleth it by the name of Accademia Legionensis the University of Caerlegion which he would to have to be Westchester others rather take it to be Caerlegion upon Vsk in Glamorgan making it a fourth distinct place from the Metropolitan Church and the several Churches of St. Julius wherein were sacred Nuns and St. Aaron of Canon Regulars In the time of Sixtus Bishop of Rome reigned here in Brittain either Coillus or Lucius his son according to the diversity of opinions of several Authors but seeing all Antiquities and Antiquaries confess so many great and renowned things and of such labour and difficulty to have been performed for receiving generally Christian Religion and abandoning the Pagan superstitions in this Kingdom in the time of K. Lucius we must not keep the crown of Brittain from him long after the death of Pope Sixtus Harding who saith his Father Coillus reigned but 13. years will make him King all this Popes time which Matthew of Westminster doth confirm with four years addition at least to the time of his reign in the time of Pope Alexander before And yet he maketh the years of his whole age but 87 from which if we deduct the whole terme between the year 124. when the Monck of Westminster saith Lucius began his reign untill the year 142. or 143. when St. Sixtus was Martyred to prove by all accounts King Lucius reigned in some part of the Papacy of Pope Sixtus we make the time of his reign being very younge at the death of his Father not so many years as some ascribe John Harding saith Lucius King of Brittain reigned 54 years others allow but 53 years Hollenshed in his History of England tells us that Lucius having brought his people to perfect light and understanding of the true God that they needed not to be deceived any longer with the crafty temptations and feigned miracles of wicked spirits he abolished all prophane worshippings of false Gods and converted such Temples as had been dedicated to their service unto the use of the Christian Religion and thus studying only how to advance the glory of almighty God and the knowledg of his word without seeking the vain glory of worldly triumph which is gotten with slaughter of many a guiltless person he left his Kingdom though not enlarged with broader Dominion then he found it yet greatly augmented and enriched with quiet rest good ordinances and that which is more to be esteemed
Mr. Brou fol. 124. Jo. Pitseus l. de viris Illust aetat 8. an 720 in cremit Brit. Ananimus in li. de St. Graal Jo. Capg in Catal. in S. Joseph of Ar. As concerning his descent to leave the Trojon line it is no hard matter to derive him from St. Joseph of Aramathea for a learned Antiquary speaking of that blessed Saint and his associates saith Although our universal histories of St. Joseph of Aramathea chiefly speak of the coming of him and his religious companions not above fourteen by any account yet we have Antiquities testifying that great number of other Christians came with him hither or to our Islands adjoyning at that time Among these a Brittish Eremite living when Glastenbury Abby was builded by King Inas where the Antiquities thereof were diligently sought and examined and he so conversant in them that he wrote a book of that subject doth plainly testify in his history here of named The holy Graal that there came hither in the company of St. Joseph and his religious associates which continued with him at Glastenbury in Eremitical conversation above 600 Men and Women that were Christians Fits supra and had vowed chastity or continency untill they should arrive in this Land miraculously assigned as it seemeth unto them to continue in Ant. Glast in Tab. Antiq. and because some take exception to this Author the most warranted and allowed Manuscript Antiquities of Glastenbury written in old letters in parchment upon broad tables anciently belonging to the Monastery affirm the same and how divers of them were noble personages and such as in those times in small Islands were stiled Kings and some of our Brittish Kings descended from them among these was first Helaius Nephew of St. Joseph K. Arthurs pedigree from the family of St. Jo. of Arem by his mother of whom this old Manuscript-Antiquity thus relateth Helaius Nephew to St. Joseph begat Josue Josue begat Aminadab Aminadab begat Castellors Castellors begat Manaclaniel Manaclaniel begat Lambrord Lambrord begat a Son which begat Igerna of whom Uter Pendracon begat the noble and renowned Arthur by which it appeareth that King Arthur did descend of the race of Joseph And these antiquities do thus further relate unto us Peter Kinsman of Joseph of Aramathea King of Orcany begat Erlan Erlan begat Melianus Melianus begat Arguth Antiq. Glasten Cap. in St. Joseph Arguth begat Edor Edor begat Loth who took to wife the Sister of King Arthur of whom he begat four Sons to wit Walwan Agranayans Gwerches and Gaheries Again the same Antiquities speak of St. Josephs Imprisonment presently after his coming into this Island which was in Venedocia now Northwales neer the Isle of Mona Harris M. S. Hist l. 1. c. 25. Hist Boet. Hist Sco. in Crathlinit Bald. de Script cent lib. in Amp. Theater of great Brittain l. 6. c. 9. §. 4. St. Josephs Sister married to a Brittain â—i h. Vignier Biblior Hist an 63. Theater of great Brittain l. 6. c. 9. S. 9. who was set at liberty by a noble Man whom he had converted to the faith named Mordraius whom the antiquity calleth a King A late writer thinketh this Mordraius to be the then King or Ruler of the Island Mona and that the place where he was converted named the City Saract was Soder in the Isle of Man which was the first Bishops See we read of in those parts in the time and persecution of Dioclesian And the writers of the Theater of Great Brittain tell us of some others of this company of St. Joseph that lived in the World and were not of the Religious number that setled at Glastenbury and among them they name a Sister of St. Josephs called Eurgaine who to speak in their words afterwards married to a Brittain named Siarklos and they cite George Owen Harry for the same opinion And Nicholas Vignier a French Writer in his Bibliotheke Historial in the year of Christ 63 plainly affirmeth Joseph of Aramathea arrived this year in great Brittain with a troop or great number of his companions To these I may add the testimony of Tertullian of the timely receiving of the faith of Christ by our Northern Brittains commonly confounded in Histories with the Scottish Nation by reason of their dwelling long together and how Petrus Cluniacensis writing to St. Bernard cited by the Theater which followeth him therein supposeth the Scottishmen the more ancient Christians as not being in the like subjection to the Romans as the other then were which cannot more probably be affirmed of any then those that came by those Antiquities with St. Joseph into those outward Islands where the Scots then inhabited and with whom they united themselves as also with our Northern Brittains neither can we think but among so many even hundreds which came hither at that time some of them left a posterity of Children as is exemplified in two before one the Nephew the other the Kinsman of St. Joseph and we may take notice from the names themselves of some of those that be recited as Josue Aminadab and Loth that they were Christians no others in those parts in that time taking names from Scripture but they only and for Loth one of them that is named certain it is by our Brittish and other Histories that he was a Christian so of Igerna and King Arthur which likewise by these antiquities did descend from those of the company of Joseph of Aramathea and although these three last were late in respect of that first age of Christ and lived when Brittain generally professed Christian Religion yet Helaius Nephew or Grandsonne of Joseph placed in the first of that Genealogy in this Land at the time of St. Josephs coming hether and his Son Josue being by his name a Christian did probably live until the dayes of King Lucius and Donaldus to be of those which continued a succession of Christianity here Mr. Broughton proving that nine Schollers of Cambridge were converted to the faith Cambridge the School of the Brittish Kingdomes K. Arthur a Benefactor to Schollers learning and Religion Apud Caium li. 1. de Antiq. Cant. in arce London Howes fol. 53. and became fervent labourers in the Vineyard of our blessed Saviour saith which is further confirmed by the publick Charter of priviledges and immunities of King Arthur to that renowned ancient Town School and University of Cambridge where among other memorable things he declareth that his christian predecessours Kings of Brittain had been instructed there in learning and Religion and in particular speaking there of King Lucius what immunities he granted to that University testifieth further that this our first Christian King did receive the faith of Christ by the preaching of the learned Christian Schollers of Cambridge This Charter was dated at London in the year of Christ 531 rhe 7th day of April Arthur therefore the Son of Vter born in Cornwal at the age of fifteen years was crowned
cloaths was deemed prejudicial lest thereby those pictures should be hid A Nation most warlike and thirsty after blood and slaughter content with a small Shield and Javelin yet having a sword appendent to their naked bodies brest-plate or helmet they undervalue as obstacles and impediments to the passing over Fords and Rivers Plinius de Magia Plinie treating de Magia or Art Magick saith that the Brittains so admirably honoured it with uncough Ceremonies that they may seem to have sent it unto the Persians Another Author saith that the Brittains far exceed the French in Stature and bigness of body affirming Strabo apud cundem that he himself had seen Brittish youths in Rome to surpass their tallest men in height at least half a foot Diodorus Siculus saith Brittains spend their time after the custom of their ancient Forefathers and in wars used Chariots as did the Grecians in time of the Trojan war and who knows The honesty of Brittains commended by Diâ— Siculus Mr. Camb. denies not Brute Mr. Broughton fol. 289. The Brittains called Gens Bruti Leges S. Ed Reg. apud Guli Lamb. l. d. priseu legi fol. 36. Gildas apud Galf. l. 1. c. 17. Vic. l. 1. Pont. Nen. Hist Antiq. Land Eccles Isiadâ—r l. Etâ—m Thom. Eliot apud Stow. proof for Brute Thaliesnanus apud pris p. 27 Gal. Manus apud eundem Hâ—n Hunting Hist de Reg. Brit. cum maltis aliis ibidem Brute landed here in the time of Holy Samuel the Prophet Brittannia so called from Brutus Gualt Oxor. apud Hard. c. 16. Bal. 2. cent Sigib Gembl hist de regn Britt Mariam apud Hard. c. 10. Literâ— defensoris Ed Reg 1. ad â—apam apud Th n Walsin Hist 〈…〉 Yâ— lib. Neustr Aâ— 1301. Griâ— apud Hi. eaâ— M. S. chrâ— c 47. Galf. Mâ—n l 1. Hist Britt but that custom might be continued from their first founder Brutus Their houses compact of wood reed or thatch their sheafs of Corn they stored under dry roofs threshing out every day as much as served for present use honest and just in conversation much differing from the subtilty and cunning of our men content with ordinary and indifferent Diet detesting the gurmandizing of gluttons and Epicures the Isle replenished with multitude of men In matters concerning the Inhabitants of this Isle Mr. Cambden is very copious producing several opinions but I finde no Commander in chief whether King Duke or General named Brute excepted of whom he saith shall I so mean a man give a determinate sentence in so weighty a matter I leave it to the Senate of Antiquaries undecided In the mean time I deny not Brute but leave every one to his own best liking and opinion So that it is manifest Mr. Cambden naming no other principal Commander or Guide of that people who first Colonized and Inhabited this Land doth not altogether deny Brute but leaves it to the Counsell Consent and Decree of the Learned Parliament and Senate of Antiquaries Let us hear what others write Mr. Broughton out of an old Brittish History saith Having thus invincibly proved by all Antiquities that there were among the Gentiles especially in this Kingdom of Brittain not only Flamens but Arch-flamens and they seated in the principal governing Cities in several Provinces and how after the coming of Christ even from the Apostles time and by their Ordinance and Institution their Residences were to be changed into Archiepiscopal or Metropolitan chief commanding Sees in the Christian Religion If we had no other particular proof in this but in general terms St. Edwards Laws the testimony of Gildas Nonnius the Antiquities of Landaff St. Isiodore who as Pope Eleutherius also calleth this Nation Gens Bruti the off-spring and Nation of Brute Thomas Archbishop of York a Norman by birth in time of King VVilliam the first Thaliessianus above a thousand years since VVilliam of Malmesbury Henry of Huntington Gualterus Calenus Sigibertus with many others before Galfrid Mon. wrote and Vicunnius himself with innumerable after both of this and other Nations and publick Parliament as that in the time of Edward the first at Lincoln who after most diligent search of Antiquities and due examination as the greatest matter the right of a Kingdom required sent his Apologetical Letters to the Pope of Rome sealed with an hundred Seals and Witnesses wherein is declared and justified that in the time of Hely and Samuel the Prophets Brutus the Trojan landed here and by his own name called the Country Britannia before named Albion And having three sons Locrinus Camber and Albanact did at his death divide the Land into three parts or portions Leegria now England to Locrinus his eldest Son Cambria Wales to Camber and Albania Scotland to Albanact This might suffice for this business but being testified by so many Domestical and Forreign private and publick witnesses that the Tripartite division was here from the first nâ—me and beginning of Brittain we must needs for every several part and Province assign a several Government and order therein as their Rulers and Governers were divers and distinct But our Antiquaries carrie us further and inform us that not only London Caerlegeon and York were the several chief Cities in this division but the Kings which founded them for such ordained them likewise to be the Seats and Residencies of three several Archflamens or Prâ—â—â—â—amens for the glory and nobleness of London thereupon named Augusta it is the common opinion of Antiquities that it is the most ancient Citie of this Iland builded by Brutus as not only the Brittish History Galfridus Vicunnius and our English Antiquaries after them but Gâ—ldas Sigibertus and others sufficiently witness And except Mr. Stow be deceived in his Authors Aethieus an old Pagan Philosopher testifieth no less affirming that Brutus named this Kingdom Brittannia and John Harding in his plain Verses with others Recordeth how he there from the very first beginning Instituted an Archflamens Seat At Troynovant he made full especially An Arch-flamine his See Harding Chr fol. 16. cap. 14. Cathedral certain A Temple thereof A policy to obtain By Trojan Law This is commonly written to have been a thousand years before Christ and it is a common received opinion among our Antiquaries that Ebrincus son to Mempricius builded the City of York of which more hereafter in its due place That this Island was called Albion before the coming of Brute all Authors seem to agree though there seem to be some difference the just and most rational Writers call Albion ab albis Rupibus from the high and white Cliffs and Rocks discovered by Navigators as they sailed by it yet some will be more quaint and fetch it further as if far fetcht and dear bought were always good for Ladies and tell of a Damasella called Albone or Albina daughter of Dioclesian King of Syria and this some of our Histories seem to aver notwithstanding no Authentick Writer as yet ever produced any such King to
Brittania as we may partly see in what is already declared of York which work finished he proceeded to a second Erection and laid the foundation of Alcuid or Alcluid in Albania now Scotland which Hector Boetius M. B. f. 336. 6. the Scotch Historian in honour of his Country imagines to be Dunbritta n but another Author to whom I give more credit saith And the old Flamens City Alcluid or Alclucht was also founded by the same King viz. Ebranck of Brittain There is a question where this City for certain was but all agree near the wall of division and so the priviledges and power thereof must probably extend on both sides of that division The City Caerlile or Lugugablia was a place of this prerogative builded by Leil the seventh in number of the Brittish Kings and out of doubt had power and prerogative in both sides of the wall both in Leogria and Albania having as our Antiquaries say and experience yet proveth in it part of that famous Wall of Separation habet haec urbs aliquam partem illius muri famosi qui transcindit Northumbriam Ranulphus Higedon and others placeth an old City Vrbs Beble Vrbs Regia a Regal City upon the River of Twyde super ripam Twydi which divideth England and Scotland and if it was a Flamen or Bishops See as the ancient glory of it perswadeth to think the jurisdiction of it must needs extend into Albania The third notable place which this Ebranck founded was the Castle of Maidens which standeth at the one end of the City of Edenbrough a Castle by the Scots thought so impregnable that the grand Seignior himself with all his numerous Armies could not be able to surprize it but the valour and courage of the English in these late wars maugre all their Scotch juglings and sanctity made them know the contrary who now have it in their possession as a curb to check that Nation This Castle of Maidens or rather Edenborough it self was also an ancient Flamins City and Residence and after Converted into an Episcopall See Ebrancus not yet content with such Edifices as he had already erected layeth a fourth Foundation and called it Bamburgh but whether this was the place which we now call Bambury Burgh and Bury in their several Languages signifying the same thing I will not decide if it were Mr. Cambden saith Hic Banburie quondam Bananbyniz primum perfundit ad quod Kinricus visisaxo Britannos pro aris focis fortiter Dimicantes memorabili praelio olim fudit superiori saeculo Ricardus Nevill comes Warwicensis dum à Lancastrensibus partibus staret Eboracenses profligavit ut statim etiam ipsum Edwardum 4. consilii innopem caeperit abduxerit Nunc autem conficiendo Caseum notissimum Here Kinricus the Visisaxon in a most memorable battle overthrew the Brittains most valiantly fighting for their lives liberties and Religion and in later times Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick being for the Lancastrian party so vanquished King Edward the Fourth that ignorant which way to turn himself he took him and carried him away the place is now famous for excellent Cheese c. To end his dayes with famous glory this heroick King laid the Foundation of that long continued and learned University now called Oxford which was first known by the name of Caer Mennix and after Bellesitum a name most fit for so pleasant a place and after Caer Bossa Rhydohen in conclusion Oxenford of a certain Ford called Isis in English Ouse Howe 's fol. 9. and so instead of Ouseford Oxenford or Oxford upon which word a Student there to prefer his own University before Cambridge for Antiquity Quibles thus the Ox went over the Ford and then Camebridge Others call it Caer Mennip Galfridus calls it Caer pen huelgoit Leland from the Antiquities of Dover writeth that it was a City before the time of K. Arviragus that builded the Castle adjoyning and nameth it a most renowned city and that King Lucius builded a Church in the said Castle Referunt idem Annales Lucium regem Britannorum c. Whosoever desireth a further and more large satisfaction concerning the erecting of the several Colledges Churches Monasteries Halls and Schools let him peruse Mr. Cambden in Oxfordshire Ebranck after he had reigned Forty years and builded so many goodly Cities departed out of this life whose Corps were buried or burned at York his Obsequies being celebrated with great solemnity and left to succeed him in his Kingdome his Son Brutus the second sirnamed Green shileld BRVTE GREEN-SHIELD BRute the Second eldest Son of Evranck succeeded in the Kingdome and for that his Father had received a repulse as some write at the hand of Brunchildis Lord of Henalt Hanolt or Hannonia which lyeth on the East of Flanders 60 miles long and 48 broad containing 950 Villages and 24 Towns besides Castles The chief are Banais supposed to stand in the same place where the ancient Belgium was built Mons Condè Valencennes c. he in revenge thereof Invaded Henalt with a great Army in the Fens and Marsh land at the mouth of the River Scaldis in old time called Stadus and encamped himself upon the River Hania where between Brutus and Brunchildis was fought a fierce and bloody battel in that place which to this day is called Estambruges of the station and Camp of Brutus as Jacobus Lessabeus writeth in his description of Henalt This Brute of his lusty courage was sirnamed Greenshield he reign'd twelve years and was buried at Caer Ebranck or York LEIL LEillus or Leill Son of Brute the second commonly called Green-shield began his Reign over the Kingdome of Great Brittaine in the year of the worlds Creation Four thousand two Hundred fifty four he was a just man and one who highly esteemed Justice and Dignity and imitating the worthiest of his Predecessors in erecting ornaments for his Kingdome he laid the foundation and in time fully built the City of Carliele The Romans and Brittains had several appellations for this place sometimes calling it Lugu-vallum and Lugu-ballium and sometimes Lugu-baliam and Caerliel The Saxons after they had possest themselves of this Island called it Luell as St. Bede affirmeth Ptolomeus as some seem to affirm called it Leucopibiam and Nennius caer Lualid the old Prophesies of the Brittains which Mr. Cambden calls ridicula Britannorum vaticinia indeed he never was Friend to the Brittains and Welsh Vrbem Duballi at this day well known it is by the name of Caerlile and by the Latines Caeliolum Lugum or Lucum priscis Celtis who spake the same language with the Brittains as Mr. Cambden imagineth and but imagineth Pomponius Mela tells us it signified a Tower or Fortification and Caerlile or Lugu vallum is as much as to say Turris or munimentum ad vallum certain it is that this City flourished and was in high esteem with the Romans as may appear by several Monuments of great Antiquity which have
been digged up and found there and although it suffered great detriment and ruine by the irruptions and inroades of the barbarous Picts and Scots yet it ever retained the stile and dignity of a City In processe of time to wit in the 619 year of the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus Egfridus King of the Northumbers gave it to St. Cuthbert these are the words of the Donation Donavi etiam civitatem quae vocatur Caerlile Luguballia in circuitu ejus xv Mr. Camb. in Cumberland milliaria at which time the walls were firme and whole venerable Bede affirmeth Cuthbertum duxerunt cives ut maenia videret fontemque in ea quendam Romanorum opere extructum The Citizens led Cuthbert to behold the walls and view a Fountaine which the Romans formerly had made who as saith the Register or book of Durham congregationem sanctimonielium Abbatissam ordinavit scholasque ibi constituit who instituted there a Cloyster of Religious Virgins or Nuns and also Schooles but the fury of the Danes afterwards so demolished and destroyed this City that for the space of near upon two hundred years it lay buried in its own ashes William of Malmesbury saith That in this City Visum erat triclinium Romanum ex lapidibus fornacibus concameratum quod nulla unquam tempestatum injuria aut ignium flamma labefactare potuit in cujus fronte scriptum erat Marii VICTORIA some suppose this Marius was that gallant Arviragus the Brittain of whom we shall have occasion to speak much hereafter William commonly called Rufus reedified this so long buried Caerlile and furnished it with stately Buildings strengthing it with a Princely Castle though some think that Richard 3. by reason of his Arms found there in the building erected it These are Mr. Cambden's words Ad occidentem est castrum satis magno ambitu quod Regem Ric. 3. ex insignibus vendicat The same Author further saith that Caerlile est Vrbs vetustissima à Septentrione Itunae i. Eden alveo ab Ortu Peterillo i. Peterell ab occasu Cauda i. Cauda praeter haec defendentis naturae munimentis firmis maenibus è saxo Castello Citadella quam vocant armata And a little after Ad ortum vero Citadella quam propugnaculis variis firmo opere posuit Hen. 8. defenditur Thus much for the honour of our Brittish King Leill the Founder of this ancient and strong City a Bulwark against the Scots of which I could say more but it may be it would be out of season and therefore I will onely tell you that Caerlile hath given the honour of Earl onely to two Families 1. To Andrew de Harcla who did bear for his Arms argent a cross gules upon the canton point a Mertlet sable but for proving a Traytor his Armes reversed his Spurs hackt from his heels and all his Honours being taken from him he was Drawn Hanged and Quartered The second James Hay Viscount Doncaster Created E. of Caerlile 18 Jac. Sept. 17. James Hay c. Argent 3 escoucheons Gules King Leill also repaired Chester which Ptolomy calls DEVNANA Antoninus DENAM from the River Dena or Dina. The first Inhabitants of this Isle the ancient Brittains called it Caerlegion Caerleon Vaur Caerleon or Dufyr Dwy and Caer as who would say the City or the only City in way of eminency and superiority The Saxons called it Leze acentep names which without all doubt were taken from the Legion which was called Victrix sent into these remote parts the Pretorian and Consular Legats standing in fear of it Some as Mr. Hen. Bradshaw for one will bring and deduce the Name from a terrible Gyant long before Brute and to make their invention good they call this Gyant Leon Vaur but being before Brute how he came by this Brittish name my brains cannot find and therefore as a fictitious imagination and mere Chymera I leave it but that the xx Legion called Victrex resided in this City it is most apparent by the Coyns oft found there the one side having this Inscription Col. DINANA LEG XX. Victrix but now there remains very few Marks and Signes of the Roman magnificence and state unlesse some small parcels of checker or Mosaick work which are usually found where the Romans formerly inhabited Hear what Ranulphus once a Monk of this City saith concerning these Antiquities these are his words Viae sunt hic subterraneae lapideo opere mirabiliter testudineatae triclinia concamerata Insculpti lapides praegrandes antiquorum nomina praeferentes hic numismata Julii Caesaris aliorumque illustrium inscriptione insiguita quandoque sunt effossa Here are passages under ground with stone-work most wonderously vaulted over banquetting rooms with arched roofs vast stones inscribed with the names of ancient Romans Coyns stamped with the Inscription of Julius Caesar and other famous Commanders Rogerus Cestrensis in Policratico saith Intuenti fundamenta lapidum in viis ingenio videtur potius Romano sive Gyganteo labore quam Britannico sudore sundata Whosoever shall view the foundations and consider the vast proportion and huge bulk of the stones shall judge the work rather finished by the toyl and labour of Gyants or the ingenious Roman industry then by the sweat of any Brittish brow the City is quadrate the Walls containing four Miles in compasse the building beautiful and neat the prime Streets so deckt with Galleries that in rainy dayes passengers walk dry the Castle is of late erection this City hath been defaced several times once by Egfride King of the Northumbers after by the Danes often repaired by Adelfleda Lady and Queen of the Mercians Over the River Dena or Dee a fair stone-bridge leadeth built upon eight Arches at either end whereof is a Gate from whence in a long quadran-wise the Walls do encompasse the City high and strong built with four fair Gates opening unto the four winds besides three Posterns with four Watch-towers extending in compasse 1940 paces On the South side is mounted a strong and stately Castle on the North side is the Minster first built by Earl Lerfrick to the honour of St. Werburga the Virgin and after most sumptuously repaired by Hugh the first Earl of Chester of the Normans Now the Cathedral of the Bishops See Herein lyeth interred as report doth relate the body of Henry the 4. Emperor of Almain who leaving his Imperial estate led lastly an Hermits life Who built this stately and ancient City appeareth not but in that it was repaired by the Brittish Leill to him the glory must needs belong to the Romans thanks belong for its first name or at least to the twentieth Legion called Victrix a Legion of the Romans as Vigetius reporteth contained 6000 Souldiers or more and was divided into ten bands the first exceeding all the rest both in number and estimation For this band bare the Eagle which was the chief Standard of all the Romans it contained 1105 Foot men heavy armed
Horsemen 132. and was named Cohors Miliaria that is to say a company of One thousand and more souldiers This Band hath the preheminence above all the Legions when they go to Fight for they are placed in the Forefront and begin the battel The second Band containeth 555 Footmen and 66 Horsemen of heavy Armour and is called Cohors Quinquegintaria The third band hath also 555 Footmen and 66 Horsemen The Fifth had as many These Five bands are set in array in the first battel The other Five bands have equally each band the like number so that these ten bands make a compleat Legion containing 6100 Footmen and 726. Horsemen King Leill in the end of his Reign fell to sloth and lust whereby civil dissentions arose which ended not in his life He reigned 25 years and was buried at Caleile alias Chester which hath given the honour of Earle to these honourable Families 1. Hugh sirnamed Lupus Azure a Wolfs head erased Argent 2. Richard Son of Hugh Gules crutely Or a Wolfs head erased Arg. 3. Randolph de Meschines Or a Lyon rampant with his tail erected Gules 4. Randolph de Gernoniis Gules a Lyon rampant with his tail erected Arg. 5. Hugh Kivilioc son of Randolph Azure 6 garbs 3. 2. 1. 6. Randolph Blondevil Son of Hugh Azure 3 garbs Or. 7. John le Scot Son to the Lady Maud eldest sister of Randolph Or 3 piles Gules Edward eldest Son to K. Ed. 3. England a label of 3 points Symon de Montfort E. of Leicester after whose death Chester was laid unto the Crown and hath been since united to the Principality of Wales Lud or Lud Hurdribras alias Cicuber KIng Lud his Father being Dead with general applause and consent ascends the Royall Throne of great Brittaine in the Year of the Worlds Creation 4279. as Mr. Fabian accounteth the First businesse which he took in hand was to settle his Kingdom for his Father towards the latter end of his Age addicting himself to sloath and giving way to the youthful sin of lust a vice most hateful in an old Man gave occasion to his Subjects who lived in Ease Wealth and Delights to stir up commotions and dissentions these broyls Lud though young yet wisely endeavours by all means and diligence to suppresse knowing that peace and quiet is the Object and chief effect which all distempers and Wars how just soever aim'd at by his studious endeavours and assistance of faithful Friends and careful Councellours he obtains his desire and having settled all distempers and reduced them to their due order and motion he set his mind wholly upon the beautifying of Britanny and therefore in imitation of his Royal Progenitors he begins a City which he calls Caer gant or Kaer kin which afterwards the Saxons call Canterbury which is to say the Court of Kentishmen True it is that Canterbury is now a Metropolitan Church and Archbishops See but it never had an Archflamen St. Augustine out of an affection of his own though some Authors affirm London according to the general rule of placing Archbishops where Archflamens were and bishops where Flamens was appointed by Pope Gregory to be the place there settled his Archiepiscopal chair For Canterbury it was first a Flamens Seat And the old Manuscript History called Abbreviatios Chronicorum saith in this time and setling of Bishops in King Lucius his Reign That the old Church of St. Martins was builded tunc constructa est extra Cantuariam Ecclesia sancti Martini and to notifie that he meant thereby a Cathedral and Episcopal Church he addeth this when he speaketh of changing Flamens into Bishops and all Histories testifie that the holy Bishop Lethardus which came hither with Queen Bertha before St. Augustin's time used it as his Episcopal See And Canterbury besides the Arch-bishop had another Bishop in that Church of Saint Martin divers hundreds of years and Mr. Lambert the Antiquary of Kent saith from Antiquities St. Martins Church built by the Romans in Canterbury was a bishops See untill the Normans came in and so two in one City thus substitute to the Archbishop Giâ—â—â—us And that Canterbury was a Primates See Mr. Broughton fol. 178. out of other Authors Ex Anacleto hujus Insulae divisionem Canterburie London Caerlegion York and Alba in Scotland by some taken to be St. Andrews Vrbs Legionum Cantuaria Londonia Eboraca Alba unde Albania Provincia were designed Primate Sees for such as Giraldus Cambrensis in his second book to Innocentius the 3. Sir John Price Matthew Parker the first Arch-bishop of Canterbury with others testifie Mr. Cambden calls this City Dorovernum saying that the River Stoure runs most swiftly by it which seems partly to give name unto it for that Durwherne signifies in the Brittish tongue a swift or fierce running river he saith it is Vrbs pervetusta Romanoque seculo proculdubio illustris And Malmesbury tels us Nec adeo magna nec euiliter parva quae terrae positione soli assinis maxima ubertate integro murorum ambitu fluviis irriguae nemorum opportunitate inclyta praeterea maris vicinitate piscium faecunda if any desire to satisfie himself further concerning this famous and glorious Brittish City let him read Mr. Cambden in his description of Kent The next City which King Lud founded was Caerguent Ptolomeus and Antoninus call this City Venta Belgarum the Saxons þinvancesvor the Latines Vintonia at this day Winchester some seem to derive the Etymologie from Vento others from Vine and not a few from Wina the Bishop But Lelands conjecture pleaseth better who from the Brittish word Guin or Guen i. e. white doth derive it and so maketh Caer Guin the White City so ab albedine prisci latini Albam Longam Albam Regiam nominarunt for this venta as the other two Venta Icenorum and Venta silurum in the midst between Chepstow and Caerleon in Monmouthshire in times past a Flamens Seat a City and an University or School of Philosophers Nunc seges est ubi venta fuit the high way â—or road is through the midst of it This City was remarkable in the Romans days In qua textrina sua sacra Imperatores Romani habuisse viderentur their weaving houses for according to Guidus Pancirolus illa Gynecia constituta sunt texendis principis ut militum vestibus navium velis stragulis aliis ad Instruendas mansiones necessariis to weave vestures and garments for Princes and Souldiers sails for ships linnen coverings or coverlids and other necessaries to furnish habitations the Cathedral Church of Winchester saith Godwin according to a respect that I finde in an old Manuscript was first built and erected by King Lucius and to speak further in his words This Church was hallowed and dedicated October the 29. 189. by Faganus and Damianus Bishops and he proveth from the same Antiquity that in the year 309. one Constance was Bishop there and in Saint Dubritius time Godwin Catal.
Epist by the Brittish History Dinuanius was also bishop there Episcopatus Guintonia Dinvanio decernitur the same author produceth an old Manuscript which testifieth another Monasterie founded at Winchester only his error is which the Antiquity doth not say that it was the Cathedral Church confounding them as one whereas both the Brittish History and Matthew of Westminster make them two several Churches otherwise he thus truly writeth a Church in Winchester according to a report that I find in an old Manuscript was first built and erected by King Lucius who abolishing Paganisme embraced Christ about the year of our Lord 180. and placing Monks in the same allotted for their maintenance large Revenues which heretofore had belonged for the most part unto the Flamens and other Heathenish Priests and this Monasterie so continued untill the persecution of Dioclesian when it was destroyed and the Monks martyred or dispersed yet upon the ceasing of the persecution it was presently within one year and thirty days new builded and the Church hallowed and dedicated unto the honour and memory of Amphibalus who was a noble Brittain that had suffered death for Christ in the late persecution by Constans bishop of Winchester in the year 309. the 15. day of March at the request of Deodatus the Abbot The first Dedication of that Church in King Lucius time 〈◊〉 Bâ—ough â—â—l â—09 by the two Legats Faganus and Damianus bishops was by that old Antiquity October the 29. 189. The Antiquities of Winchester make it more ancient and it thus continued a famous Monasterie until the year 519. at which time Cerdick the first King of the West Saxons converted the Church into a Temple of Dagon and either slew or chased away all the Monks This was that holy Sanctuary whither to the Altar of this Church one of the Sons of Mordred did flie for succour against Constantine the younger who there cruelly slew him before the Altar Constantinus filios Morâ—redi caepit alterum juvenem Wintoniae in Ecclesiam Sancti Amphibali fugientem aute altare trucidaâ—it in the year 543. others say that it continued within 17 years of St. Augustin's coming hither others continue Christians there for longer time Winchester hath honoured both Earls and Marquesses with their Titles As first 1. Saer de Quincy E. a Fess and labell of xi points 2. Robert de Quincy Gules 7. Mascles Or 33. 1. 3. Hugh de Spencer Quarterly the first and 4. arg the 2. and 3. each charged with a fret Or a bond sable 4. Lewes de Bruges Azure 10 Mascles 4. 3. 2 and 1. Or on a Canton Gules a Lyon passant gardant of the second 5. William Pawlett E. of Wiltshire and Marquesse of Winchester 6. John Pawlett 7. William Pawlett 8. William Pawlett 9. John Pawlet Marquesse of Winchester 1657. Sable 3 swords in pile Argent hilts and pomels Or a mullet for difference The Third City which this King built was Caer Septon now called Shaftsbury and Caer Paladur ut falso vulgus putabat saith Mr Cambden for he takes and draws what he can from Brittish glory it seems the Welshmen gave him no liberal hospitality in his travels for he is no friend of theirs he will by all means ascribe the building of this place to King Alfred producing this Monument and Malmsburiensis for his Author Anno Dominicae Incarnationis Elfridus Rex fecit hanc Vrbem DCCCLXXX Regni sui VIII The Saxons called this place Scheafverbyryg it may be from the broach or spice which in their language they call Scheaf in this place one Aquila whether Man or Eagle is incertain by the report of Historians is said to have prophesied the future times of this Empire and that after the Reigns of the Saxons and Normans it should again return unto the Government of the Brittish Kings In this City was St. Edward the Martyr Son of Edgar and one and thirtieth Monarch of the English Nation interred 972. being murdered at Corf Castle by his Stepmother Aelfrith to make way for her own Son to the Crown But as concerning Mr. Cambden who would gladly take away the glory of building this place from the Brittons the Predecessors and Forefathers of the Welshmen so abusively called by their Enemies and confer it upon the Saxons Hear what a learned Writer saith and a deep Searcher into Antiquities having demonstrated where the Primates and Metropolitans of this I le have their Sees which I will shew you as occasion requires after tells you where the Suffragans or ordinary bishops had theirs taking two Rules for his direction From Antiquity the one that they were placed as the custom was in our Brittish Cities the other that they were ordained where the Pagan Flamens were before Gildas writeth that Brittain had 28 Cities besides strong Castles bis denis bisque quaternis civitatibus instructa but he names them not but Ranulphus Higeden the Monk of Chester citing Alfridus tells us thus Regio Britanniae erat quondam civitatibus nobilissimis 28 Insignita The Country of Britain was in old times adorned with 28 Cities beside innumerable number of Castles defensed with strong Walls Towers Gates and Locks The Names of the Cities were these Caer Lud i.e. London Caer Ebrane i.e. York Caer Kent Canterbury Caergorongon Worcester Caerlyrion Leicester Caer Glau Glocester Caer Golden Colchester Caerrei Chichester which the Saxons anciently called Cissancester Caer Ceri Cirencester Caer went Winchester Caergrant Cambridge Caerlile Lugubalia Caerlile Caerperis Porchester Caer drom Dorchester Caerludcoit Lincoln Caer Merthin i. e. the City of Merlin Caersegen Silcester was is seated upon Thames not far from Reading Caerthleon or Caerlegion i. e. the City of Legions which first was called Lenscester but now Chester Caer Badon Bath which sometime was called the City of Achamannus Caer Paladur now ut falso credebat vulgus good Mr. Cambden here are Authors above vulgar people Septona now called Shaftsbury there are also other names of Cities sound in Chronicles This King reigned 29 years or as Fabian saith 39. who calls Septon or Shaftsbury Mount Paladur by reason that it is seated upon a Hill BLADVD the Son of Lud Hardibras BLadud the Son of Hardibras took upon him the Crown of this Iland in the year of the Worlds creation 4318. This King was much addicted to Learning insomuch that he undertook a Journey to Athens the most famous City in the World for the knowledge of Philosophy Astrology and all other Sciences whatsoever there fully to be instructed by the grave Philosophers of that place neither was he content to become learned himself learning indeed being the greatest ornament a Prince can have but he endeavoured likewise to confer so great a Treasure upon the Nobles of his Court and Subjects of his Realm and to that end he brought from Athens with him into our Brittain four learned Philosophers to lay a platform and found an habitation for the Muses and Nursery for Learning making choice of
Stamford in Lincolnshire for his design and purpose Mr. Cambden according to his wonted custome not willing to write any thing which may advance the glory of the Welsh or Brittish Nation giveth a slender account of this place saying that the Saxons called it Sveanford ex Saxo structili and that Edward the Elder built them a Castle against the Danes which at this day is quite demolished and that Henry the Second gave totam Villatam de Stanford quae erat in Dominio suo exceptis feodis Baronum Militum ejusdem Villae Richardo de Humetz sive Humete c. and that afterwards Gulielmus comes Warrenae eandem tenuit per voluntatem Regis Joannis that in the time of Edward the 3. by reason of a division and falling out amongst the Scholars of Oxford the one Part came hither and here opened Schools and began a third University of which as yet the Citizens boast but the intestine broiles between the Yorkists and Lancastrians so defaced this famous place that as yet it hath scarce recovered its pristine glory yet it so flourisheth at this day that it hath an Alderman and twenty four Brethren seven parish Churches two Hospitals the one very fair and ancient built by a Citizen of that place called William Brown the other of late Erection founded by William Cecill Baron of Burleigh the Nestor of his times But let us look a little beyond the Saxons by Mr. Cambden's leave the Author cited in the Margent writing of K. Bladud saith Richardus Vitus l. 2. Hunc principem diustuduisse Athenis indeque secum abduxisse quatuor Philosophos qui Scholas aperirent in Britannia eo loco quo post Vrbs dicta Stanfordia structa fuit quo universi litterarum artiumque studiosi magno numero undicunque convenerunt adeo ut Juvenalis Saty. 15. dixerit Nunc totus Graias nostrasque habet Orbis Athenas This Prince studied long at Athens and from thence brought with him four Philosophers who taught School at Stanford whither such as desired Literature and the knowledge of Arts flocked from all places nay he further bringeth in Caius Plinius lib. 3. c. 1. to tell you that propter illicitas artes Magicas usitatas in Britannia scripserit Magiam esse transgressam quoque Oceanum ad inane naturae provectam honorari quidem tantis ceremoniis in Brittannia ut ipsa illam Persis dedisse atque in ea re toti mundo quanquam ignoto sibi longeque distanti consentire videatur M. B. fol 206. 8. And again another Author having spoken of Cambridge proceedeth and saith so may we more then probably hold of our other Schools and Universities in this our Brittain then namely Stanford founded by King Bladud and furnished with Philosophers of Athens by him and so continued a place of Learning untill the coming of St. Augustine hither when it was by the Pope interdicted for Heresies This King not only founded Stanford and furnished it with Philosophers to instruct Youth in learning and other qualities to inform and beautifie the intellectual part but built the famous City now called Bath and so provided Waters and hot Springs that his Subjects might not alone take pleasure and delight in those warm and pleasing Baths but even by their occult Vertue find ease and relief for their infected and diseased limbs and members William of Malmesbury will have Julius Caesar the Author of these Baths But Richardus Vitus tells the old Monk Id opus falso à quibusdam Julio Caesari assignari cum ille ad illum locum nunquam pervenisset That work is falsly attributed to Julius Caesar who never came so far as that place Another Monk will have St. David to have been Causer of the hot baths saying At the place now called Glastenburie Father Hierom Fâ—â—ter in his Saints Lives printed at Dâ—ray 1632. in the life of S. David 1. Maâ—t He viz. St. David built a Church new from the ground and coming thence to Bath he cured the Infection of the Waters thereabouts and with his holy prayers and benedictions gave them a perpetual heat and made them very healthfull and soveraign for many diseases ever after as to this day is experienced to the wonderfull comfort and commodity of all England But this Relation is as true as is that other of his where out of ignorance he placeth the Metropolitan See of Wales at West-chester and that 's as true as that the Sea burns for I will make it appear in the sequel of this Book that Caer leon upon Vsk and not Caer leon gaur was the Arch-bishops See Ptolomeus calls this Caer Badon Aquas folis Thermas and aquae calidae some called it Akmanchester i. e. the City of such as are sick or troubled with aches Stephanus calls this city Badiza the Latines Bathonia the English Bath Cambden will have this city to be Caer Paladur that is the city of warm or hot-water but will not admit Bleyden cloyth i. e. Bleyden the Magician to be the builder and therefore rather then allow the Foundation thereof to a Brittain he produceth no Founder at all Solinus cap. 24. saith In Brittannia sunt fontes calidi opiparo apparatu exculti ad usus mortalium quibus fontibus praesul est Minervae numen in cujus aede ignes perpetui c. In Brittannie there are hot baths adorned with exquisite buildings for mortals use and convenience dedicated to Minerva in whose sacred Temple is kept perpetual fire which is never permitted to go out Athenaeus scribit Herculi balnea consecrata esse quae sua natura scatent è visceribus terrae sane quidem Graeci Palladem Herculi post labores exantlatos lavacra primum administrasse den onstrant These two Acts of this learned King had he proceeded no farther had left his Name famous to all Posterity as likewise his building a Temple to Apollo and placing therein a â—â—amen which after in King Lucius his time became the See of a Christian bishop but pride and vain-glory made him become ridiculous as indeed these two Vices have the power to make all men who follow them his vain thoughts being composed more of Air then any other Element tickle him with ambition to leave the Earth and live in the Air he beats his brains how to bring this his new conceived invention to a timely birth he provides feathers wax glew and all such Utensils as his abused brains apprehended necessary to quillifie him into the nature of a fowl or rather a fool and thus like Esops crow deckt with feathers not his own he appears more formidable and monstrous then the Griffons in the Mountains of Armenia Et ignotas animam dimittit in artes Naturamque novat nam ponit in ordine pennas A minima caeptas longam breviore sequente Et postquam manus ultima caepto Imposita est geminas opifex libravit in alas Ipse suum corpus motaque pependit in aura
Coelique cupidine tactus Altius egit iter rapidi vicinia Solis Mollit odoratas pennarum vincula ceras Tabuerant cerae nudos quatit ille lacertos Remigioque carens non ullas concipit auras And so destitute of help he falls headlong a just reward of his temerity and breaks his neck upon the Temple of Troynovant as some affirm having Reigned 20 years The Greeks and Latines gave Names to this place according to the nature and condition of the Waters or Baths there being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hot waters Aquae solis waters of the Sun Bath is the chief City in Somersetshire seated in a very low plain and round about environed with Hills very high and steep From whence come many Rivulets and fresh water-springs to the great commodity of the people but that which brings most wealth unto the place are not the Waters from without but those within sending up from them much thin vapours and a strong scent withall which springs are very medicinable for many diseases Three of those Springs there are in all the waters of which being received in large and fitting receptacles for the publick use they call the Kings Bath the Cross Bath and the hot Bath the Cathedral a fair Church but belonging to Moncks found the heavy hand of K. H. 8. but it is now in indifferent repair Earl it had none till the time of Hen. 7. since it hath had divers Earls of BATH 1. Philbert de Chandew of little Brittain 2. John Bourchier Lord Fitzwarren Created E. of Bath Hen. 8. July 10. 3. John Bourchier 4. William Bourchier 5. Edward Bourchier 6. Henry Bourchier Argent a Cross engrailed Gules inter 4 water bougets sable a label of 3 points Azure charged with 9 flower de luces Or. LEIR the Son of BLADUD LEIR the Son of Bladud his Father through his own Arrogancy Ambition and Vanity or rather Foolery saepe feruntur in altum ut lapsu graviore ruant having soared to too high a place and so in a hasty stooping broke his neck began his Reign in the year from the Worlds creation iiii M. CCC XXXiii This King was of a most Noble and Heroick mind as being questionlesse bred under the Discipline of those Philosophers which his Father had brought from Athens besides a natural Propension of his own to moral Vertue insomuch that his Kingdom flourished in great Peace and abundance of Wealth This King to imitate his worthy Predecessors laid the Foundation of a Famous city calling it after his own Name Caerlirion and after Leircester this is one of those 28 cities where Flamens were Mr. Cambden tells us that it was called Ligecestria Leogora Legeocester and Leicester saying it rather savoured of Antiquity then handsomenesse yet acknowledeth that it was formerly a bishoprick but that the See being removed it much decayed in renown till at last Edelfleda optima Foemina the best of Women or a very good woman in the year 913. did repair it and inclose it with new Walls insomuch that Matthew of Paris in his lesser History saith Legecestria Vrbs pulentissima munitissim a muro indissolubili qui si Fundamento roboraretur nulli Vrbium secunda fuisset Leicester a most rich city with a wall unbreakable had it had a sufficient Foundation second to no city whatsoever In the time of King Henry the 2. this Town was in great distresse and much affliction by reason that Robert Bossu i. e. bunch-backt Earl of Leicester attempting innovations and conspiracies against his Prince and Soveraign forced Henry Propter contumaciam comitis Roberti contra Regem recalcibrantit obsessa est per Regem Hen. subversa Nobilis civitas Leicestria murus qui videbatur indissolubilis funditus in circuitu dirutus Vrbs enim muris Fundamento carentibus sub fossis fulciminibus tandem combustis maenium fragmenta ceciderunt quae usque in hodiernum diem propter caementi indissolubilis tenacitatem scopulorum retinent cum integritate magnitudinem King Leir beginning now to be aged and full of years having no Heir-male he called unto him his three Daughters Gonorilla Ragan and Cordeilla intending out of the discovery of their love and filial affection and duty towards Him to settle his Kingdome upon them to the Eldest he said Daughter I shall desire you to expresse unto me how well and dearly you love and esteem me your aged Father the young Lady hearing a question of so high a nature and so much concerning proposed unto Her First that her answer may not seem forged or to have any smack or rellish of dissimulation calls the immortal Gods being then the custome amongst Pagans and all the celestial Powers to witnesse her Assertion and then replies My Princely Lord and Father I love you more then my own soul the feeble old man was much taken with this Answer resting satisfied that his Daughter did cordially and entirely love him He calls for the second propounds the same question she thinking to out-vie her Eldest sister and thereby to endear and engratiate her self into the old Mans favour spares no oaths or invocations and imprecations assuring him that her Tongue was too slender a Messenger to deliver the depth of her affection and duty and that she loved him far beyond all creatures Leir is tickled and exceedingly solaced with these two Answers and thinks no mortal Man more happy in his children then himself Cordeilla is called for the same interrogatory used she wittily perceiving the deep dissimulation and fawning of her Sisters replies My dearest Father I am much joyed to see you so well pleased with the expressive Answers of my two sisters for my own part as a Father I have ever honoured obeyed and loved you and for ever shall and if you desire further expression from me Know honoured Sir That as much as you deserve to be beloved so much I love you and no more King LEIR being nothing pleased with the integrity of his third Daughters answer Obsequium amicos veritas Odium parit bethinks himself how he may best dispose and bestow his two eldest Daughters to their most content honour and advancement the Eldest therefore he espouseth to the Duke of Cornwall the second to the Duke of Albania which is now called Scotland dividing his Kingdom betwixt them in Reversion and a Moiety for their present maintenance and livelyhood nothing being left for the poor Lady Cordeilla whose tongue was the true Embassador of her heart and whose heart hated all dissimulation and hypocrisie Fame who is never slow in reporting the transactions of eminent persons especially Kings sounds this passage of King Leir in France and with a shrill Note ecchoes forth the beauty modesty vertue and all the adorning graces which wait upon Cordeilla Aganippus an eminent personage and by some stiled King of France through a great mistake for as Policronicon Petrus Pictaniensis Robert Gagwine Antonius Episcopus and divers others affirm the name of France was not
and ten poor people with a Collegiat Church a Dean twelve Canons Prebendaries as many Vicars sufficiently provided for with Revenues wherein himself lyeth buried and it was the greatest ornament of that City untill the hand of King Henry the eight lay over heavy upon all the like foundations and laid their lofty tops at his own feet In this City also was buried another Crouch-back viz. Richard the third in the Church of the Gray-Friers but now nothing remains of his Monument but only the stone chest wherein he was laid a drinking Trough now for horses in a common Inne This place hath given the Titles of honour to many Honourable Families year 1057 1057. 1. Algar the Saxon. year 1103 1103. 2. Edwin died 1071. 3. Robert de Bellamonte Gules a cinquefoyle Ermine 4. Robert de Bellamont 5. Robert de Bellamont L. Steward 6. Robert de Bellamont L. high Steward 7. Simon de Montfort married Amicia sister and coheir to the last Earl Robert L. high Steward 8. Simon de Montfort L. high Steward Gules a Lion rampant his tail double forked salteir wise Argent 9. Edmond Earl of Lancaster L. high Steward 10. Tho. Earl of Lancaster L. high Steward 11. Hen. D. of Lancaster L. high Steward 12. Henry D. of Lancaster L. high Steward England a Label of 5. points Ermine 13. William of Bavaria Earl of Heinalt married the Lady Maud of Lancaster Bendis losengè Argent and Azure 14. John of Gaunt D. of Lancaster L. high steward Henry D. of Lancaster Lord high steward Quarterly France and England a Label of 3. points Ermine Robert Dudleigh Lord Denbigh c. Or a Lyon rampant his tail double forked Vert. Robert Sidney Viscount Lisle descended of a sister of the said Robert Robert Sidney Earl of Leicester Or a Phaon Azure CORDEILLA THis Heroine Lady after just revenge taken upon her two sisters husbands and her fathers and husbands death by the consent of most Writers by the joynt suffrages and votes of the Brittains was admitted to the Royal Scepter in the year from the worlds creation four thousand three hundred and ninety eight years she governed her people and subjects for the space of five years with great applause and general liking but the two sons of her sisters Morgan of Albania and Cunedagius of Cambria and Cornwal envying her prosperity and thinking themselves injured in their birth-right their grandfather Leir having divided the kingdom equally betwixt their Mothers upon their Marriages conspire together and mustering their forces invade Cordeilla and reduce her to that necessity that she is taken prisoner and by her merciless Nephews cast into Gaol which she patiently a while endured but perceiving no hopes to regain her freedom or repossess her kingdom scorning to be any longer a slave to her insulting enemies seeing she could not free her body from bondage with true Trojan and masculine Heroick Spirit she makes a divorce between her purer soul and encaged carcass giving it free power to pass into another world leaving those parts which participated of drossie mold to be interred again in the earth from whence at first it came at Leicester in the Temple of Janus by the Sepulchre of her father Cunedagius and Morgan THe obstacle which hindered the designs of these two aspiring Princes Cordeilla the gallant Brittish Amazon and Virago being by violent death perpetrated by her own hand taken out of the way divide the kingdom betwixt them and became both kings in the year of the world four thousand four hundred and three but this gallantry lasted not long for the Court-Gnats whose life is a perpetual buzzing of news and flatteries fall upon the ear of Morgan and so fill his head with projects that he highly conceives he is injured by the equal dividing of the kingdom and thus discourses with himself And am not I the son of Gonorilla and she the eldest daughter of my Grand-father to me then as lawfull Heir Brittains Crown belongs Why then do I admit a corrival competitor and co-equal one firmament admits not two Suns nor one kingdom two kings no reason I should lose my birth-right no I am resolved I will not Cunedagius shall know that Morgan can rule the Brittains without his help this fire once kindled his flattering parasites bring fewel enough to augment it Cunedagius must bear rule no longer a private life or none at all must content him it is no small policy for Princes to have Spies in neighbouring Courts Cunedagius is quickly enformed of all the passages of his Cozen Morgan and thinks there is no security in delays and therefore puts himself into a posture as well to offend as defend yet to make his case the better and to ingratiate himself with the subjects he sends Messengers to Morgan who is already firing and destroying his Territories to Treat of a reconciliation and atonement but Morgan puft up with his imagined good success and thinking the offer of his kinsman to proceed either from fear or want of ability to resist him lends a deaf ear to the Treaty of peace and will have no other Arbitrator but the sword Cunedagius now resolved comes into the field and offers battell to his enemy his cause being just the Celestial powers seem to second his attempts and he who would have all or nothing is put to flight where the Conqueror makes use of his advantage and taking occasion by the foretop to prevent all hopes of recruiting and rallying again so hotly pursues his victory that Morgan is chased from place to place from Province to Province till being beaten into Cambria now Wales a Territory belonging to his Mortal Foe and there being most sharply put to it lost his life yet with this honour that that Country ever since from him hath had the appellation of Glanmorgan which is as much as to say in the vulgar tongue Morgans Land and thus after two years joyntlie reigning with his kinsman Morgan departed this life leaving Cunedagius to rule alone Cunedagius to shew an humble thankfulness to his Gods for so great a Victory having fully setled his Kingdom erects a stately Temple to Mars at Perth which is now St. Johns town in Albania now abusively called Scotland then a part of Brittannia and inhabited by the Brittish Nation We finde saith my Author in several Authors and Antiquaries to speak in their words that 800. years before the coming of Christ Cunedagius King of all Brittain Mr. Broughton fol. 336. 6. builded a Temple of Mars at Perth that is now St. Johns town in Scotland and placed there a Flamen Therefore we may not singularly deny unto this old city a Flamens Seat which Antiquaries generally grant unto all such in this time to have been changed into a Bishops See If any one ask what I have to do with Scotland my Scene being only the Brittish History I answer that to the great glory of the Brittains that which is now called Scotland was formerly
them but afterwards they openly stayed the balance and would let them weigh no more whereat the Romans began to be angry with them then Brennus in scorn and mockery to despite them the more pluckt off his sword belt and all and put it into the balance where the Gold was weighed Sulpitius seeing that askt him what he meant by it Brennus answered him What can it signifie else but sorrow to the vanquished This word ever after ran as a common Proverb in the Peoples mouths Some of the Romans took this vile part of theirs in such scorn that they would needs take the Gold from them again by force and so return unto their Hold to abide the Siege still as they had done before others were of opinion to the contrary and thought it best with patience to put up this scorn of theirs and not to think it was shame to pay more then they had promised but only to pay it by compulsion as they did by misfortune of time was rather to think necessary then honourable And as they were debating the matter thus as well amongst themselves as the Gauls Camillus came to Rome gates with his Army and understanding all that had passed between them he comands the rest of the Army to march fair and softly after him in good order and he himself in the mean season with the best choice men he had went before with all speed As soon as the other Romans within the City had spied him they shouted for joy and every one with great reverence received him without any more words as their Soveraign Prince and Captain who had power over them all And Camillus taking the gold out of the scales gave it unto his men and commanded the Gauls presently to take up the scales and to get them going for said he it is not the Romans manner to keep their Country with gold but with the sword then Brennus began to be hot and told him it was not honourably done of him to break the accord that had passed between them before by oath whereunto Camillus stoutly answered him again that accord was of no validity for he being Dictator was before all other Officers and Magistrates whatsoever and their acts by his election were made of no authority And seeing therefore that they had dealt with men that had no power of themselves to accord to any matter they were to speak to him if they required ought for he alone had also late power to pardon them if they repented and would ask it or else to punish them and make their bodies answer the damage and loss his Country had sustained by them These words made Brennus as mad as a March Hare that out went his blade then they drew their swords on all sides and laid lustily one at another as they could within the houses and in open streets where they could set no Battel in order but Brennus suddenly remembring himself that it was no even match for him retired with his men about him into his Camp before he had lost many of his people The next night following he departed out of Rome with all his Army and went to encamp himself about threescore Furlongs from thence in the high way that goeth towards the City of the Gabians Camillus with his whole Army well appointed went after him immediately and shewed himself at his Camp by break of day The Romans having taken heart again unto them did lustily give them Battel the same continued very long cruel and doubtfull till at length the Gauls were overcome and their Camp taken with great slaughter As for those that did escape the fury of the Battel they were killed some by the Romans themselves who hotly followed the chase after the Battel broken and the residue of them and the greatest part were slain by those of the Cities and Villages near abouts that did set upon them as they fled here and there scattering in the field Hitherto Plutarch and most likely it is that the Heroick Brittain the most couragious Brennus here also perished and therefore we will return to his brother Belinus now absolute Monarch of Brittain after he had lest his Brother in Forreign Countries and returned into his own Kingdom built the famous City of Caerleon upon Vsk for confirmation of which verity there are many witnesses as the Brittish History Galfridus Vicunnius Matthew of Westminster Ranulph Hegen Caxton Harding Stow Hollinshead and to write in his words Most part of all our Writers Galfridus calls this City Kaerose Vicunnius nameth it Kaer Vsk Matth. West Kaer Vsk Higeden Caer Huth and it was one of the three Arch flamens Seats of Brittany The Priests amongst the old Romans were called Flamins by reason of certain little narrow hats which they did wear upon their heads as if they had called them Pilamines for Pilos in Greek signifieth a Hat Numa Pampilius is said to have been the first Founder of the Flamens by reason that he added to the Priests of Jupiter and Mars a third who was called Flamen Quirinalis This City in succeeding times was called Caerlegion that is to say the City of Legions and was the See of an Archbishop to which was subject all Cambria or Wales then adorned with seven Bishops now with four Suffragans Sedes Archiepiscoporum in Brittannia tres fuerunt tempore Lucii regis Brittannorum primi Christiani videlicet apud London apud Eboracum apud Caer-hursc urbem Legionum in Glamorgancia quibus tunc subjecti fuerunt 28. Episcopi Flamines tunc vocati c. Vrbi Legionum subjacuit tota Cambria 7 tunc Episcopis nunc vero quatuor suffraganeis insignita quam flumen Sabrina tunc Secernebat à Loegria Mr. Brough fol. 282. which Severn then separated from England and in this City faith a French Author was King Lucius born The same Author speaking further the Sees of these three Arch-flamens Fol. 283.4 The praise of Caerleon being the three most noble Cities of Brittain which were London Everwicks and the City of Legions upon the River Vsks in the County of Glamorgan in Wales not far from Severn which is a place delicious and passing in Riches all other Cities As concerning the Arch-bishops of Caerleon they have been many and of great note Godwin in his Catalogue of Bish Landaf St. Davids Fol. 319. Learning and Sanctity We must account saith Godwin St. Dubritius the first Bishop Not that I deny any other to have sate there before him but because be is the first whose name is remembred And it is probable he had no Predecessors because the memory of his Successors is so carefully preserved But as this mans Authority is so weak to be rested upon saith Mr. Broughton that it hath often before deceived them who builded upon it so his reason here alledged is of as feeble strength for the memory of the Successors hath been so carelesly preserved by his own confession after that he having cited two different
that neither the Roman nor the Brittish Pagan Laws as he avouched denyed that to Princes never speaking of or regarding the Law of Christ and in this state he lived and died Moreover all Antiquaries whatsoever of any credit tell us plainly that Arviragus was no Christian but persisted in his Pagan Religion First William of Malmsbury saith Rex qui tunc regnabat fuit Barbarus praedicationi eorum consentirie noluit nec Paternas traditiones commutare volebat The King which then reigned was a Pagan and would not consent to their preachings â—or would he change his Ancestors Traditions The Antiquities of Glasâ—eâ—â—ury Capgrave and many other Ancients write Rex Barbarus cum sua gente tam nova audiens inconsueta nec praedicationi eorum renuebâ—t The Pagan King with his people hearing such new and unaccustomed things as St. Joseph and his fellows taught would not change his Ancestors traditions for the better but refused their preaching The first Protestant Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with his followers affirmeth Quorum praedicatione Rex Arviragus cum proceribus suis ab inveterata Druidum religione abduci noluit King Arviragus with his Nobles would not by the preaching of Joseph and his companions be drawn from the inveterate Religion of the Druids Thus we see it manifestly declared that King Arviragus was in all his actions life and death far from being a Christian in profession Fabian tells us that after the departure of Claudius Arviragus progressed through his Dominions and with great cost care and expences repaired Cities and Towns which were dismantled and defaced by the Roman Souldiers and behaved himself with such gallantry that he was more beloved and also feared then any of his Praedecessors in tract of time he accumulated heaps of Treasure but wealth begot pride and that again a presumption of his own strength and power which caused him to deny payment of the Tribute but the Senate having speedy notice of his Transactions Caius Caligula is speedily dispatched with order to reduce him to his former obedience who with certain Legions a Legion consisteth of six thousand six hundred and sixty six men arrives in Brittain forceth him to pay Tribute or rather he is perswaded so to do by his Wife Genissa Caius Caligula had a meaning doubtlesse to have invaded the I le of Brittain had not his rash entrance into the Action The Brittish History c. 10. and his ill successe in the German War overthrown the Enterprize by reason whereof he brought nothing to Effect but onely made a ridiculous expedition answerable to the vanity of his humour bringing an Army into the hither parts of Belgia and there having received into protection Admimus or Adaminus whom Cunobelin his Father had banished and certain other Brittish Fugitives that came with him he Writ vaunting Letters to the Senate as though the whole Iland had yielded it self giving special charge to the Messenger that his Letters should be carried in a Chariot to the Forum and not delivered to the Consuls but in a full Senate and in the Temple of Mars afterwards drawing his Forces down to the sea coasts of Belgia where with wonder he beheld the high cliffs of the I le possessed with the Natives he placed his Souldiers in Battell-array upon the shore and himself entring into a Long-boat was rowed a little way upon the 8ea but not daring to adventure further he returned speedily to land and then commanding a charge to be sounded as though he would have began to fight he appointed his Souldiers to gather Cockels and Muskels in their Helmets terming them spoils of the Ocean and meet to be preserved as offerings due to the Capitol For this Exploit he after coming to Rome was not ashamed to demand a Triumph and divine honours to be assigned him but finding the Senators for the most part to be unwilling to give their Assent he burst out into threats and had slain some of them in the place if they had not speedily avoided his fury After this himself in open Assembly made a Declaration of his journey and what adventures he had passed in the Conquest of the Ocean as himself vainly termed it whereat the common people either for fear or flattery gave a general applause which he taking as a testimony of their desire to have him placed among their gods rewarded in this shameful manner he caused a great quantity of gold and silver to be scattered on the ground and certain caltrops poysoned of Iron to be cast among them whereby many were killed partly with those envenomed Engines and partly with the press of one another each Man being earnest in gathering and supposing another Mans gain his own losse so naturally was he inclined to all kind of wickednesse as he spared not the lives even of those whom he thought to deserve best at his hands Yet we read not among the many Vices which he had that ever he was a persecutor of Christians for those Outrages which he committed against the Jews which amongst others our own Histories do report were rather in revenge against the Jews for the death of Christ and the persecuting Christians then for any hatred to Christian Religion And it was a just punishment of God towards that incredulous people and their holy Temple that had been so long renowned for the true worship and sacrifice of God To see it now polluted with the Idolatrous sacrifices of the Gentils Matth. Westm an 40. Theat of Britt in Caius Caligul the Idol of Jupiter and the Emperor himself a vile and wicked man to be worshipped and adored there as the Lord of Heaven and Earth Caesar templum quod erat Hierosolymis jussit prophanari sacrificiis Gentilium Jovis statuam ibi collocat seque ut Dominum coeli terrae coli adorari praecepit When as concerning Christians he permitted the favourable Edict of Tiberius to remain in force He banished Pilate by whom Christ was crucified He deprived Herod of his Kingdom and together with Herodiâ— his brothers wife which he kept the occasion of the Martyrdome of St. John Baptist he drave into banishment and these and such favours and justice he extended unto Christians that although he seemed to make War against the Brittains it was not for Religion sake Though mention be made concerning several passages betwixt Claudius and Arviragus yet the Reader must know that Caligula preceded in Government Julius being first Augustus second Tiberius third Caligula fourth and Claudius fifth but to conclude with Arviragus Fabian saith That after he had nobly Ruled the Brittains thirty years he died and was buried at Caergloin Caerloon Claudiocestria or Glocester leaving after him one Son named Marius or Maurius MARIVS MARIVS the son of Arviragus was crowned King of Brittain in the year of Christs Incarnation threescore and fourteen the English Chronicle calleth this Prince Westmer-Gaufride saith that he Governed his Subjects in great Affluence Peace and Tranquillity some dispute
Several wayes also and far distant places had been assigned them by the purveyors appointmment for carrying provisions from the nearest standing Camps to those which were far off and out of the way petty Officers in the mean time making a gain thereof by sparing some and charging others at their pleasures so as that which lay open to all at hand was turned onely to the private profit of a few By repressing these abuses in his first year a good opinion was conceived of the peace which either by negligence or partiality of former Lieutenants had been no lesse feared then War In times of service he was very painful and ofttimes more adventurous in his own person then was fit for a General for himself would alwayes appoint his ground for piâ—ching the Camp as also be the first man in pruning the Thickets Bogs or any other places of danger nor suffering any corners or secret harbours unsearched but wasting and spoiling everywhere with sudden incursions and assaults Howbeit when by these means he had terrified the Brittains then would he again spare and forbear as hoping thereby to allure them to peace whereupon many Cities which before that time stood upon terms of equality â—â—ave hostages and meekly submitted themselves receiving Garisons and permitting the Romans to fortifie a work performed with such foresight and judgement as nothing was ever attempted against them while he continued in office whereas before that time no fortified place in all Brittain escaped unsailed Thus far had Agricola proceeded when Newes came that Vespasian was dead and Titus his Son invested in the Empire The Winter ensuing was spent in a most profitable and politick device For whereas the Brittains were rude and dispersed and therefore prone upon every occasion to War Agricola that he might induce by pleasures to quietnesse and rest exhorted them in private and commanded his Souldiers to help them to build Temples Houses and places of publick resort commending such as were forward therein and checking the slow and idle persons seeming thereby to impose a kind of necessity upon them while every man contended to gain the Lieutenants good will Moreover the Noblemens Sons he took and caused to be instructed in the liberal Sciences preferring the wits of the Brittains before those of the Students in Gallia The Brittains also themselves being now curious to attain to the Eloquence of the Roman Language whereas they lately rejected the Speech after that the Roman Attire grew to be in account and the Gown much used among them and so by little and little they proceeded to those provocations of Vices namely sumptuous Galleries hot Baths and exquisite banquettings which things the ignorant people termed common civility though it were indeed a badge of their bondage In the third year of his Government he discovered new Countries wasting all before him till he came to the Firth of a The River of Tweed Taus which thing so terrified the Northern Brittains that although the Roman Army had been toyled and wearied with many sharp conflicts yet they durst not assail it whereby the Romans had the more leisure to encamp themselves and to fortifie wherein Agricola was either so skilful or so fortunate that no Castle planted by him was either forced by strength or by conditions surrendered or as not defensible forsaken In all these Actions Agricola never sought to draw to himself the glory of any Exploit done by another but were he Centurion or of other Degree that had atchieved it he would faithfully witnesse the Fact and yield him alwayes his due commendation The fourth year of his Office was spent in viewing and ordering that which he had over-run and if the valiant minds of his Souldiers and the glory of the Roman Name could have so permitted it there should have been no need to have sought other limits of Brittany then were at that time discovered For b The Firth of Dunbretton in Scotland Glota and c The Firth of Edenborough Bodotria two arms of the two contrary Seas shooting mightily into the Land are only divided asunder by a narrow partition of ground which passage was guarded and fortified with Garisons and Castles so that the Romans were now absolute Lords of all on this side having cast their Enemies as it were into another Island The Fifth year of the War Agricola subdued with many and prosperous conflicts strange Nations before that time unknown and furnished with Forces that part of Brittany which lyeth against Ireland And this he did more for hope of advantage then for fear of danger for if Ireland might have been won lying as it doth betwixt Brittany and Spain and commodious also for Gallia it would aptly have united to the use and profit one of another those strongest members of the Empire The nature and fashion of the Irish did not then much differ from the Brittish but the Ports and Haven Townes in Ireland were more known and frequented by reason of greater resort thither of Merchants Agricola having received a Prince of that Country driven thence by civil dissensions under colour of courtesie and friendship did retain him till occasion should serve to make use of him It was afterwards reported that with one Legion and some few Aides Ireland might then have been won and possessed and that it would have been also a means to have kept Brittany in obedience if the Roman Forces had been planted each where and liberty as it were even banished out of sight Now in the summer following because a General rising in Armes of the further Nations beyond Bodotria was feared the passages being all beset with the power of those people he manned a Fleet to search the Creeks and harbours of the ample Regions beyond it backing them first of all with a Navy and a goodly shew bringing War both by Sea and Land and oftentimes it chanced that the Horsemen Footmen and the Sea Souldiers met and made merry in the same Camp each man extolling his own prowesse and adventures and making vaunts and comparisons Souldier like some of the Woods and high Mountains that they had passed others of dangers of Rocks Tempests that they had endured the one of the Land and the enemy defeated the other of the Ocean assaied and subdued The Brittains as by the prisoners it was understood were much amazed at the fight of the Navy supposing that the secrets of their Sea being now disclosed there remained no refuge for them if they were overcome whereupon the Caledonians arming with great preparation and great fame as the manner is of matters unknown began to assail their Enemies Castles and some of the Roman Captaines which would seem to be wise being indeed but Cowards counselled the Generall to retire on this side Bodotria and rather to depart of his own accord then to be driven back with shame In the mean time Agricola had knowledge that the Brittains meant to divide themselves and give the onset in several
' Imperator victoriam suam gaudenter attribuit And this I take to be the chiefest occasion of the mistakings in some Historians or their Scribes setting down so many and several times when King Lucius received the Christian Faith or professed it many saying it was in the year of Christ 156. Others in the year 164. and others 185 as William of Malmesbury and others Henry of Hartford 169. and others in other and later times That such was the state of Brittany for spiritual Affairs in this Idolatry and superstition daily diminishing and decaying and Christian Religion in all places and persons increasing and multiplying both Authority and the known certain effect it self the surest testimony in such cases shall witnesse And this was the condition thereof until about the beginning of the Papacy of St. Soter or in the end of the first year thereof about the year of our Redemption 175. when as it appeareth by the Edict of Marcus Aurelius Emperor before the strange delivery of him and his Army by the Christians miraculous prayers he suffered many Christians to live in quiet and had a great number of them about him Invenique magnam eorum multitudinem and seeing himself and his Army in distresse sent for them and intreated them to pray for his delivery Eos qui apud nos Christiani dicuntur ac accersivi ac rogavi Which he would not have done being a wise and learned Emperor but that either by the Apology of Athenagoras the Vertues and miracles of many Christians or some other invincible Argument his judgement was then wholly or almost convicted that their Religion was holy and they also and therefore likely to be powerable with God to procure his safety which his own prayers and sacrifices to his Pagan gods were not able to doe ' Deos patrios votis ' susceptis rogavi sed cum ab eis negligerer as himself publickly professed and therefore preferring the prayers of the Christians appealed unto them But after God by the prayers of the Christians which he procured them to make had so miraculously delivered him and his Army consisting but of four Legions not 27 thousand Men environed almost with a thousand thousands of Enemies as the common reading is ' Hostium nonagintorum septuaginta ' septem millia and his people distressed with thirst and hunger not having drunk in five days by sending a most cooling and comforting Rain into the Camp of the distressed Emperor and Hail like fire and lightning among his Enemies confounding and discomfitting them he presently sent out his Imperial Letters and Edict charging the Senate of Rome to confirm them with their Decree wherein wholly ascribing this Delivery of his Army and himself and confusion of his Enemies to the God of the Christians and their prayers unto him wherein he gave free Liberty for any man to be a Christian Concedamus talibus ut sint Christiani And no Man should be molested for being a Christian for Religion censeo neminem quod CHRISTIANVS sit esse in Crimen vel Judicium vocandum And he that should accuse any Christian for Religion should be burned alive and that he that shall professe himself to be a Christian shall be freed from all danger intended against him for that cause and no Governour of any Province shall punish any such for his Religion or deprive him of Liberty Volo eum qui Christianum accusarit vivum exuri illum vero qui se Christianum esse professus fuerit periculo omni quod ob eam rem intendebatur liberatum Is cui provincia commissa est nequaquam ad poenitentiam adigat aut libertatem ei adimat And he willed these things to be confirmed by the Senates decree and this his edict to be proposed in open market place to be read and that the prefect of the City then Vetrasius Pollio should cause it to be sent to all Provinces and no man should be forbidden to write it out Haec autem Senatus consulto etiam sanciri volo atque hoc meum edictum in foro Divi Trajani proponi ut legi possit curae autem erit Vetrasio Pollioni praefecto urbis ut ad omnes provincias haec constitutio mittatur neque quisquam qui eam exscribere vel ipse uti voluerit prohibeatur This was sent to the whole Senate of Rome Senatui Populoque Romano and by the Emperours publick charge and command as into other Provinces so likewise sent into Brittany for the priviledge of all Christians there by the Emperours publick Officer in such Affairs the Ruler of the Ctiy of Rome ad omnes Provincias haec constituo mittatur Any man that would might freely be a Christian and no man under pain of cruel death to burnt be alive might call any into question for that cause And to give greater testimony of those things in Brittain and see this Imperial edict for the freedom of Christians here take place and effect whereas our English Antiquaries and others tells us Floren. Wigorn. Chronic. anno 159. 181. that Trebellius and Pertinax the Roman Lieutenants here about this time were Christians our Countryman Florentius VVigorniensis plainly affirmeth that Pertinax was a chief Commander in the Emperours Army when this miraculous victory was by the Christians prayers and this edict written and decreed for their freedome and liberty and probably was then converted to the faith by this miracle and the Emperour himself who in his publick cited edict doth say of Christians that in equity he must think them now to be defended by God whom before he accounted for wicked men and alienated from God must needs be a Christian in Conscience and Judgement and he must needs at the least believe that true God whom he said the Christians did bear in their conscience And in no wise a learned Emperour could or would in Judgement Reason Equity and Conscience make a Law to condemn men to so cruel a death as burning alive which he afflicted upon the accusers of Christians except he knew or probably thought their accusation was unjust and the cause of the accused Lawful Just and Holy COILLVS COILLVS the Son of Marius was after his Fathers decease made King of Brittain in the year of our Lord 125. K. Coillus brought up at Rome saith Holinshed Fabian saith 126. This Coillus or Coill had his youthful education amongst the Romans in the very Imperial City it self who being of a Martial spirit applyed his time to warlike exercises in which he so excelled that he was both admired and beloved by the Romans and to requite their favours and to continue towards him their good affections he payed without any grudging or seeming discontent their accustomed Tribute by which means he spent his dayes in peace and tranquillity he so far excelled in bounty liberality that he drew unto himself the hearts and good wills both of the Nobles and Commons The building of Colchester is ascribed to this King which is the
Tiranidis jugo liberavi civitatem S. P. Q. R. libertatem vindicans pristinae amplitudini splendori restitui You have here viewed Illustrious Prince our first Christian Emperor and his Father fit patterns for imitation Cast your Gracious eyes upon our first Catholick King Lucius and you shall find him Christianity being now established thus Charactered Interea gloriosus ille Britonum Rex Lucius cum intra regnum suum cultum vere fidei magnificatum esse vidisset maximo gaudio fluctuans possessiones territoria quae prius templa Idolorum possidebant in meliorem usum vertens Ecclesiis fidelium permancre concessit quia majorem honorem ipsis impendere debuerat augmentavit illas amplioribus agris mansis omnique libertate sublimavit And a little after Lucius the first Christian King of this Land then called Brittain founded the first Church in London that is to say St. Peters Church upon Cornhill where he setled an Archbishops See making that Church the Metropolis of his Kingdom neither was his zeal and piety confined to that City for you shall find him erecting a goodly Cathedral at Caerlegion in that part of England abusively called Wales which now is known by the name of Monmothshire as also the famous Vniversity of Bangor in the remotest parts thereof This holy King saith my Author granted made and signed many writings Charters and donations for defence maintenance and preservation of Religion as to the Vniversity of Cambridge the School of Shaftsbury with others and when he had done all this Anno 201. Inclitus Britannorum Rex Lucius in bonis actibus assumptus ab hac vita Claudiocesbriae migravit ad Christum in Ecclesia primae sedis sepultus honorifice King Arthur sealed many grants for the advancement of Religion and Learning and by reason of his great victories thrice changed his armorial ensignes at last advancing the cross for my Author saith King Arthur that mighty conquerour and worthy had so great affection and love to this sign that he left his armes which he used before wherein were figured three Dragons another of three crownes or as some say of thirteen and depicted in his shield a cross silver in a field vert and on the first quarter thereof he figured an Image of our B. Lady with her Son in her armes and with this sign he did wonders in Arms. And to this hour we see the Knights of the Noble order of the Garter of which number your Grace the flower of chevaldry is one to bear Argent a plain cross Gules the field signifying pureness of life the cross the blood that Christ shed for this our people whom Trevisa calleth the people of God and the Realm of Gods Land the same ensign did Joseph of Aramathia give unto Arviragus King of Brittain not many years after our Saviours passion Cadwalader the last Brittish Monarch for his armes bore Azure a cross for my fitched Or whole volumes may be compiled of this Subject and the worthy and most Christian acts of your sanctly progenitors But least I should convert an Epistle Dedicatory into History or Chronology I will proceed no further humbly offering up these my weak endeavours before the shrine of your goodness with all integrity beseeching Almighty God that you may if not excel at least equal the most valiant and vertuous of your Royal Progenitors which shall be the daily prayers of Your Royal Highness Most faithful and humble servant PERCY ENDERBY The Duke of York Anarawd King of Northwales Eidwal King of the same Meurick or Meirick Eidwal II. Jago Conan Griffith King of Northwales Owen King of Northwales Jorwerth Son and Heir to Owen married Marret D. to Madoc Prince of Powis Lhewelyn Prince of Northwales Gladis sole Daughter and Heir married to Ralph Lord Mortimer who in her right should have been Prince of Northwales Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Lord Mortimer Roger Lord Mortimer Earl of March Edmund Lord Mortimer c. Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Earl of March married Philip D. and H. to Lyonel D. of Clarence Roger Mortimer Earl of March left one only Daughter and Heir married to Richard Earl of Cambridge Richard Duke of York King Edward the Fourth Elizabeth sole daughter and heir married to King Henry the seventh descended from Owen Tudor Margaret eldest daughter to Henry the seventh and in her Issue his Inheretrix was Grandmother to Mary Queen of Scotland France and England Mother to King James King of great Brittain France and Ireland c. Grand-Father to James Duke of York who married Anne daughter to Sir Edward Hyde Baron of Henden and Lord Chancellor of England and hath Issue Charles Duke of Cambridge YORK The City of York anciently called Eboracum is seated upon the river Vre which we call Ouse in the VVest-riding of this County and is the second City of England both for fame and greatness a pleasant large and Stately place all well fortified and beautifully adorned as well with private as publick edifices and rich and populous with all seated on the river Ouse which cutteth it as it were in twain both parts being joyned together with a fair stone-bridge consisting of high and mighty arches a City of great fame in the Roman times and of as eminent reputation in all ages since and in the several turnes and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons Danes and Normans hath still preserved its ancient lustre adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith Richard the second laying unto it a little Territory on the VVest side thereof made it a county of it self in which the Archbishops of York enjoyed the rights of Palatines and for a further lustre to it Henry the eighth appointed here a councel for the Government of the Northern parts consisting of a Lord President certain Councellors a Secretary and other Officers and yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate then that it adorned so many Princes of the Imperial line of Germany and blood Royal of England with stile and attribute of Dukes and Earls of YORK 1. Otho of Bavaria Earl of York 2. Edmund of Langley fift Son to Edward the third Duke of York 3. Edward Plantagenet Son of Edward of Langley Duke of York 4. Rich. Plantagenet Nephew of Ed. of Langley Duke of York 5. Rich. of Shrewsbury Son of King Edw. Duke of York 6. Henry second Son to King Henry seventh Duke of York after King of England 7. Charles second Son of James King of England 8. James second Son to King CHARLES now Duke of York The Duke of CUMBERLAND It is needless to set down at large the Brittish line of this Heroick and VVarlike Prince Rupertus being sufficient to tell you that he is Son to that Peerless and unparallel'd Princess Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia daughter to James King of great Brittain sister to Charles King of great Brittain
bear sway and Government either over the Syrians or Assyrians nor that he had thirty daughters who all slew their Husbands of which this Albine is supposed one and came into this Island from whole body sprung those Giants which Brute here found at his first arrivall Such peradventure might be but rather conveyed hither by shipping then produced by the copulation of any such murdering Harpies This Isle is encircled by Neptunes curled tresses and watry furrows round The Content of this Island and extends it self in length from the South to the North. The longitude from Totness in Cornwall to Cateness 800. miles and in latitude from St. Davids or Menevia in Wales to Dover Clifts most men account 300. miles and from Menevia to Yarmouth in Norfolk as divers affirm it containeth 300. miles Venerable Bede saith that it is 200. miles over First The three several names of this Isle therefore we see it was called Albion Secondly Brittain from Brute Thirdly Egbert commanded it to be called Auglia from a Nation of which himself descended some forsooth will have it so called from a Queen thereof whose name was Auglia but if you consult with skilfull Astrologers and such as pretend Art in calculating and casting Nativities with which sort of people this Island now aboundeth especial cashierd Troopers they will positively tell you that this Lady was born in Vtopia and much about the Greek Kalends Albeit this Island hath had but three several names yet hath it been four times conquered first by the Romans secondly by the Saxons Brittain four times conquered thirdly by the Danes and fourthly by the Normans Brute descended of that ancient noble warlike off-spring of the so much admired Trojans had to his Fore-father Æneas who had married Creusa a legitimate daughter of Priamus who descended from Dardanus second son of Camboblascon and his wife Electra daughter of Atlas Italus King of Italy the eldest brother of this Dardanus was called Jasius Janigena who married Cibeles and lived in such happy condition that now there wanted not any terrene The Travels of Noe into Europe translated by Rich. Lynch or earth-born delight or felicity which might make this happy-seeming Potentate more fortunate mighty or contentfull but it is a common humour of Fortune that amidst the thickest and most abundance of her graces and favour she in some angry or fantastick imagination suddenly snatcheth away her so liberally bestowed gifts and leaveth the late possessors thereof involved and wrapt in a world of the miserablest unhappiness and foul vexations that may be invented as by the fatal Success and end of this Kings life most plainly appeareth For when Dardanus his younger brother a man indeed of a proud heart great courage and inward ambition saw his brother Jasius thus to float on the calmer Seas of prosperity and to taste of the sweet cup of Nectar he infinitely repined as living privately and without command as an inferior or some base born person or slave whereupon he goes to his brother to demand leave and licence that he might depart out of the Country to seek his better fortunes which request Jasins refused to condescend unto and would by no means allow of his purposes Whereupon Dardanus began secretly to enter into deadly hostility and to gather many Factions and Parties to his side which by reason that he was exceeding well beloved grew to a great number this hapned much about the time saith my Author Rich. Lynch ut supra that Sharan King of Egypt persecuted Moses and the children of Israel The fire of discontent between the two brothers being now wholly set on flame and divers attempts passed between them it hapned that Dardanus received the worst and upon many encounters was still put to his shifts so that in the end he awaited a time when the King his brother went privately to a fountain to bathe himself where Dardanus most unnaturally slew him which done terrified with his own conscience he presently ships himself at the next Haven and with all his Jewels and what else riches portable he could carry with him away with many of his Friends Followers and Servitors he secretly set sayl and departed After long travel Dardanus comes to Altius the younger who was of the same blood and descent and in respect thereof willingly entertains him and in fine desires of him his Country being over peopled and victuals scarce That since he must needs send forth such people for the finding out of new places that he would bestow the Charge Conduct and leading of them upon him and that he would joyn with them for the provisions and necessaries needfull and convenient for the setling of themselves in such their new places of abode This thing King Altius very willingly entertained especially for that Dardanus was of his own kindred and consanguinity This request of Dardanus thus obtained he knew no other means to requite so great a favour and to be occasion to draw on further kindness but to offer unto Altius and utterly to resign all his right title interest and claim in the Kingdom of Italy for one of his sons unto which of them the Father was contented This proffer of Dardanus being well considered was thankfully accepted by Altius in lieu and exchange whereof was alotted unto Dardanus a certain quantity or piece of Land in Phrygia for him to erect and build a City upon Thus Dardanus with his people and associates began to build in Phrygia By whom Troy was first built and at what time Noe his travels ut supra and in short space fully finished a City which he called after his own name Dardania which was before the Incarnation of the Son of God Christ Jesus 1487. and before the building of Rome by Romulus 427. years and before the City of Paris 70. years as Eusebius and most writers do affirm In few years Dardanus began to grow unto great mightiness riches and power who had also a neighbour Prince of mighty puissance wealthy and fortunate whose name was Teucrus whereupon many Authors call this place Teucria Why Troy called Teucria and the Inhabitants Teucri and this Teucrus was the son of Scamander and Idea and had also himself a beautifull and fair daughter which he married shortly after unto Dardanus which was called Batea of whom Dardanus begot a son called Ericthonius who succeeded him in the Kingdom of Phrygia this Ericthonius in process of time arose up unto a wonderfull greatness and large possessions who as many writers do affirm was accounted to be one of the richest Kings in those days in that part of the World who had at the least three thousand horses of his own continually feeding in his Pastures This Ericthonius begat a Son whom he named Tros whom he left to succeed him and from whom the people were after called Trojans This Tros very much enlarged and beautified the City of Dardania now called Troia Dardania from
so many veins and arteries running through the whole body of the Iland these things could not but please but yet they are not solely to be enjoyed without some danger for as the Trojans passe from place to place to view the scituation and opportune places to inhabit they are oft encountered with grisly creatures exceeding humane proportion who give them but rude and savage welcome and these were they whom the Goddesse meant when she said habitata Gygantibus olim amongst these prodigious Caitiffs one exceeded all the rest in bulk and robustiousnesse who was called Gogmagog with whom Corineus Nephew to Brute wrestled who although he had a rib broken by this Monster yet so foiled him that he cast him down from the Cliffs for which cause the place afterwards was called The Fall of Gogmagog I have heard some say that in Glamorganshire there is a place which the Inhabitants in their own Mother tongue call Cwymp y Cawr which is as much as to say The Gyants fall or overthrow but that Name being changed it was afterwards called The Fall of Dover For this most valiant Act and speciall good Services Brute gave and allotted unto Corineus the Province or Country now called Cornwall Brute having destroyed that race of Gyants formerly mentioned after a perfect discovery of the whole Island passing by the River of Thames for his Recreation and finding a place in all respects fit to build a City to make the Capital and prime habitation of his new atchieved Kingdome set Workmen of all Arts and Callings to accomplish and finish this his Design which being brought to perfection to renew like a Phenix out of Ashes Old Troy he caused it to be called Troynovant i. new Troy which name continued till K. Lud enjoyed the Scepter and rule in Great Brittaine upon that time saith my Author of M. lxviii Fabian fol. 10. who then caused it to be called Luds Town and now London This now Glorious City Rome it self was not built in one day and formerly as glorious a stile being called Augusta for we read in divers Grave and Learned Authors that St. Augulus was Bishop of Augusta viz. London in England as both Catholicks and Protestants expound it and among them one in a Sermon before K. James saith Your City hath been anciently stiled Augusta for we read both in the ancient Roman Martyrologe St. Bede Vsuardus Ado Vandalbertus Petrus de Natalibus and others that this Augulus was Bishop of Augusta in Brittannia Augusta or London in Brittanny and was a Martyr Augusta in Brittannia natalis beati Auguli Episcopi qui aetatis cursum per Martyrium explens aeterna proemia suscipere meruit Baronius saith he cannot tell when he suffered Quo tempore passius sit hactenus mihi obscurum But if we compare the name of London at that time it was called Augusta with other circumstances and with the Catalogue of the Bishops of London after the time of K. Lucius we shall very probably find that this our worthy Saint Bishop of London is to be reckoned one of the first Bishops that were consecrated in this Kingdom and long before our common Conversion in the dayes of K. Lucius and so consequently of St. Peter or his Disciple St. Aristobulus no other then being here with eminent Authority to consecrate him Bishop and settle him Bishop of Augusta London or first this City was not called Augusta in the Reign of K. Lucius when this Nation was generally converted but onely Londinum London nor never since that time or by any before but by the Romans at their first setling here in the time of Claudius and that the general opinion was that London was called Augusta Dio. And Xiphelinus writ That Legio Augustalis non nata hibernabat in superiore Britannia The Roman Legion so termed wintered in the upper Brittany near London as is thought it was long before Dioclesian's time when it was thus called in the dayes of Caesar Augustus or soon after A late French Author of this our Brittain in his History seemeth to say or think that Caerlegeon was in the time of Julius Agricola and by him named Augusta which if it were so it only varyeth the particular place of his Martyrdome viz. St. Augulus nothing detracting from him or the glory of this Nation and that this Saint was Bishop of Augusta i. London and not Augusta Caerlegion this reason may conclude for that Tremonius and St. Dubritius be the first that be named Bishops of Augusta Caerlegion Certainly Mr. Cambden observeth very well That London was called Augusta quia ea dignitate floruit Londinum ut Augusta dici caeperit and many forraign Cities very famous were called Augusta in that Respect as Augusta Taurinorum Aug. Trieastinorum Aug. Veromanduor m Aug. Valeria Aug. Emerita Aug. Bracchara Aug. Acilia Aug. Tiberii Aug. Vindeliciorum Aug. Caesarea Aug. Vestorum Aug. Trevirorum Now as concerning Bishops not onely Augusta London St. Anacletus it being ordered by the Church to constitute Primates where Pagans had their Arch-flamens but also other places ordered by his Tome or the Catalogues of St. Peter St. Clement Caerlegion ex Anacleto hujus insulae divisionem Canterbury London Caerlegeon York and Alba in Scotland by some taken to be the now St. Andrews urbs legionum observe in the Latin Caerlegion i. urbs Legionum put in the first place Cantuaria Londonia Eboraca and Alba unde Albania Provincia were designed Sees of such Primates as Giraldus Cam. Sir John Price Matthew Parker 1 Arch. B. Pro. do testifie Thus much concerning this famous and renowned City of London not without cause called Augusta Brute having finished this structure and given name to it to perpetuate the memory of that City of which the Poet saith Nunc seges est ubi Troja fuit gave also a name to the whole Iland calling it Britania à Bruto so did Romulus by Rome Alexander by Alexandria and Caesar by Casarea and so divers other great and eminent Commanders and Potentates named both whole Kingdoms Ilands and great Cities after their own names that in them their Memories might live for ever Brute having accomplished the thred of life allotted by the fatal Sisters and having left Rules for his Britons to live in civil Amity and orderly Government after a prosperous Reigne and happy in a hopeful posterity he bethinks himself of setling his Estate whereby to avoid all Contention and Discord betwixt his Sons which were three Locrine Camber and Albanact betwixt these three he divides his new acquired Kingdom to the eldest he gives Troynovant with all the Countries adjacent which are now called England containing East West and South but as his Father had called the whole Iland Britannia and his Subjects Britannos or Britones so Locrinus after his name called his Share Loegria and at this very day the Welsh call England Lloegre to his second Son Camber he bequeathed that part which after the Saxons call Wales
building of London or thereabouts builded the City of York calling it then Kair Baruch as both Brittains and Saxons ancient and modern agree where as Harding and Stow with others affirm he seated an Arch-Flamen He made a Temple in Ebrank City Of Diane where an Arch-Flamen he set Harding To rule Temples at that time was his det In the twentieth year of his Reign saith Mr. Stow he built Kaer Ebrank by the Saxons called Evorwick now corruptly York wherein he builded a Temple to Diana and set there an Arch-Flamen and was there buried when he had reigned sixty years Thus ancient these our Historians make Arch-Flamens in Brittain as I have related their very words not that I think the name and word Arch-Flamen but only their Office and Calling among the Gentiles to have been so ancient as the time assigned to our Brutus but of younger continuance and age by divers hundreds of years the word Flamen not known till the time of Numa Pompilius and taken from a kind of Attire worn upon their heads upon Festival days yet the Office of Flamen and Arch-Flamen Pontifex and Summus Pontifex was always the same among the Pagans Three Arch-flamens he made through all Brittain Harding As Arch-bishops now in our Laws been Three Temples all to govern and Domaine At Troynovant one Logres to overseen Her false gods to serve and to queme At Ebranch another for Albany And at Caerleon for Cambre one soveranly And this is so evident a Truth in Histories that the Bishop himself which before with one only opposed against Arch-flamens freely confesseth that at this time Arch-flamens Bishops were placed in these three Cities in Brittain and in them only Mr. Broughton fol. 281. 3. 2. Age. Godwin Cat. of Bish in Lond. Edit Anno 1615. where so many saith my Author have testified and shall testifie hereafter further these Arch-flamens were resident Thus he writeth At what time Christian Religion was first publickly received in this Island there were established in the same 28. Sees or Cathedral Churches which were the Seats of Arch-flamens and Flamens as shall be shewed hereafter with their names whereof three were Archbishopricks York whose Province was Scotland and the North of England c. Another Author saith Eboracensi vero scilicet Archiepiscopo tota terra Northumbrina ab arcui Humbri fluminis cum tota Albania To him of York all Northumberland from Humber with all Albania i. e. Scotland which is confirmed by these words Eboracensi Deira Albania under York Deira and Albania Giraldus Cambrensis according to the Tome or Book of St. Anacletus M. B. fol. 167. which divided this Island into five Provinces relateth as divers modern and others in this manner Giral Com. l. de sedis Mene vensis dignitate Matthew Parker lib. Antiq. Brit. p. 24. T. Pris defen Histo Brit. p. 73. 74. To. Leland Indice Brit. aut v. Brit. Beat. Renanus c. ibidem as he saith he found it then both in Papal and Imperial Acts and Constitutions Juxta Provinciarum numerum quas tempore gentilitatis habuerit Insula quinque Metropoles Juxta Tomum enim Anacleti Episcopi Romani sicut in Pontificalibus Romanorum gestis Imperialibus continetur directum Galliarum Episcopis juxta statum Gentilium ante Christi adventum Britannia habuit provincias numero quinque Britanniam primam Britanniam secundam Flaviam Maximiam Valentiam Prima dicta est occidentalis Pars Insulae Britannia secunda Cantia Tertia Flavia quae Mercia Quarta Maximia id est Eboraca Quinta valentîa scilicet Albania quae nunc abusive Scotia dicitur According to the number of Provinces which it had in the time of the Pagans the Island of Britany hath five Metropolitan Cities for according to the Tome of Anacletus Bishop of Rome as it is contained in the Decrees of the Popes of Rome and Emperors directed to the Bishops of France according to the State of the Gentiles before the coming of Christ Brittain had five Provinces Brittain the first Brittain the second Flavia Maximia Valentia the first was the West part of the Island the second Kent the third Flavia called also Mercia the fourth Maximia that is to say York the fifth Valentia Albania now corruptly called Scotland The Metropolitan City of the first Brittain was Caerlegeon The Metropolitan of the second Dorobernia now Canterbury In the third London in the fourth York and in the fifth Alba taken to be the City now named St. Andrews Thus far Giraldus of St. Anacletus Tome extant in his time as he hath witnessed Caerlegion the first Metropolis of the five in this Isle York is now esteemed the second City of England by some though others think Norwich and not a few Bristoll both for fame and greatness a pleasant large and stately place well fortified and beautifully adorned as well with private as publick Edifices and rich and populous withall seated on the river Ouse which cutteth it as it were in twain both parts being joyned together with a fair stone bridge consisting of high and mighty arches A City of great fame in the Roman times and of as eminent reputation in all ages since and in the several turns and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons Danes and Normans hath still preserved its ancient Custom adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith Richard the second laying to it a little Territory on the west side thereof made it a County of it self in which the Archbishops of York did enjoy the rights of Palatines and for a further lustre to it Hen. 8. appointed there a Councel for the Government of the Northern parts consisting of a Lord President certain Councellors a Secretary and other Officers And yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate then that it hath adorned so many Princes of the Imperial Line of Germany and blood Royal of England The Line of YORK 1461. 36. Edward the IV. 23. 1483. 37. Edward the V. 1483. 38. Richard the III. With the Title and Honour Stile and attribute of Otho of Bavaria Earl of York Gules two Lions Passant Gardant Or. Edmund of Langley fifth Son to King Edward 3. Earl of Camb. and D. of York Edw. Plantagenet Son of Edmund of Langley Earl of Rutland and D. of York Richard Plantagenet Nephew of Edmund of Langley by his Son Richard Earl of Cambridge D. of York Richard of Shrewsbury second Son to King Edw. 4. D. of York Henry 2. Son to King Hen. 7. D. of York Charles 2. Son to King James D. of York James 2. Son of King Charles D. of York Let us return again to our valiant and fortunate King Ebranck who having happily and with great Successe finished his Forrain Wars and living in peace the mother of plenty at home lends all his cares and endeavours both to beautifie and strengthen
Albania and was a part of Brittany for in the conversion of the Scots which hapned in the time of Pope Victor for Sacerdotibus praeceptoribus quos victor pontifex maximus ad Christi dogma propalandum in extremam miserat Albionem which farthest part of Albion is 300. miles distant from that part of Albania which joyned with Loegria England Therefore we see clearly that the Scots only then lived in the furthest and most remote parts of Albion or some Ilands thereof and possessed not our great Albania the Brittains Country and possession and in such sense they may call their small places of abode Scotia or Scotland yet could it be very small when Josephus in the Age before had testified that it had no Land at all Jâ—seph orat ad Judaeos apud Egisip lib. 3 cap. 13. Scotia terris nil debet of which and there place of habitation hear what Mr. Cambden saith That neither Caesar nor Volanus penetrated so far into Brittain as the Caledonians for as Plinie doth testifie in his time three years after Claudius the Roman Arms knew no further of Brittany then to the Caledonian Woods for Julius Agricola under Domitian Mr. Cambden in Scotland Galgacus a stout Brittain was the first who entred Caledonia where Galgacus commanded Galanc ap Liennanc who is reckoned one of the three Heroes of Brittany a man of strong courage and valiant spirit who so stoutly defended his Country the 11. Legion of the Romans being put to the worst that he never gave over till Fortune rather seemed to forsake him then his own valour or courage These Northern Brittains were the last who enjoyed the Liberty and also the furthest part of the Iland according to Catullus Caesaris visens monumenta magni Gallicum Rhenum horribiles ulti mosque Britannos In the time of the Emperour Severus as Xiphilinus reporteth Argeticoxus a petty King reigned in those Northern parts now called Scotland but then Albania or Caledonia whose Lady being upbraided and taunted by Julia Augusta answered We Brittish Ladies if we transgresse it is with Noble men both of valour worth and quality whereas you Roman in hugger-mugger prostitute your selves to every base varlet and inferiour groom Not far from the River Taw stands Perch in Latine St. Joannis Fanum vulgarly St. Johns Johns a place of late erection the ancient Town of the same name long since being swallowed up by the waters of which Nichanus Transis ample Tai per rura per oppida per Perch Regnum sustentant istâ—us Vrbis opes Rous Homes and Stow. But of Cunedagius the builder because a Brittain not a word from Mr. Cambden Cunedagius having founded Perch in Albania casts his eye upon Cambra and there in the remotest part begins a new Erection at Bangor which Mr. Cambden also calls Banchor a choro pulchro from the fair Quire or as other derive it Locus chori the place of the Quire Owen Glendoverduy the most wicked and arch Rebel amongst many other Towns and Cities of Wales set this also on fire and consumed it Bangor built by Cunedagius the Brittish King which was again in the time of Henry the 7. reedified by bishop Henry Denâ— or Denaeus but not to the pristine glory for formerly it was so large and ample that for the greatnesse thereof it was called Banchor vaur and fortified with a Castle whose very Ruines are not now apparent M. B. fol. 602. Age 4. Ca. 28. We may have some apprehension of the great Devotion of our Brittains both men and women in this age viz. 4. Age to chast and monastical life by the Example of St. Vrsula and so many thousands of holy Virgins with her devoted to that Profession which we may further confirm unto us by the Examples of the Brittains Jo. Bal. cent 1. in Pela Calph. Agric. Congello Bed hist Eccles l. 2. c. 2. Galf. Mon. Hist Britt l. 2. cap. 12. Mat. West super Galf. Mon. Hist Brit. l. 9. c. 12. l. 11. c. 1. Matth. West an 541. Galf. Mon. Hist Brit. l. 11. c. 3. Manusc antiq cap. in vita St. David Mene Pits aetat 6. in ead which were then in that part of Brittany now called Wales more free from the Saxons persecution whose Antiquities although not well preserved not naming many Archbishops of Caer legion and very few bishops in that Province having many from the first receiving of their faith yet they do propose and record unto us many Monasteries and of great name and honour as that of Bangor stiling it Fumatum Collegium where Pelagius before his Heresies lived and by some was Abbot Praepositus there having 2100 Monks in it and divided as it were into seven Monasteries every one of them having 300 Monks which Monastery as St. Bernard our late Authors and others write was the head or chief of principal Monasteries and brought forth many thousands of Monks In vita Malachiae Hibernensis Episcopi Bernardus Clarovallensis hunc locum tradit primorum extitisse Monasteriorum Caput multa generavisse Monachorum mille This was the most noble Monastery of this Country nobilissimum Monasterium as St. Bede and others term it and so justly did having so many Monks that being divided into 7 Companies under 7 Pryors under their chief Abbot every one had 300. or more Monks and amongst them most Learned men Viri doctissimi plures de Nobilissimo Monasterio Bancornabury lingua Anglorum Inter caeteras erat in civitate Bangor quaedam Nobilissima Ecclesia in qua tantus fertur fuisse numerus Monachorum ut cum in 7 portiones esset cum praepositis sibi Prioribus Monasterium divisum nulla harum portio minus quam trecentos Monachos haberet Cunedagius builded a third place in Cornwall where he was born but yet I cannot come to a certain knowledge of the place where he erected a Temple and a Flamen to Mercury He Reigned thirty three years and was buried at Troynovant or new Troy now London An Author calleth Perth before spoken of Berth and saith no lesse strange but more lamentable is the remembrance of the great innundation hapning by the sudden rising of Tai which bare away the Walls and Town of Berth or Perth and with it the Cradle and young Son of King William into the Sea wherein the Royal Infant with many others perished the King and his Courtiers scarcely escaping the Danger The ruine of this Town raised another called St. John's Town RIVALLVS RIvallus the Son of Cunedagius took upon him the Government of this Kingdome in the year of the Worlds creation four thousand four hundred and thirty eight this King was stiled the Fortunate and Peacefull for that during the time of his Reign he governed his Subjects with all lenity meeknesse and prosperity yet Authors leave little recorded of this Prince for indeed Tragical Acts and Warlike Scenes better please most Writers in smooth and calm times yet it is
the prophesie is fulfilled which was made good in Constantine the Great who as both King of Great Brittain and son of Hellen the daughter of Coillus a Brittish King born in this Isle and Emperour of Rome which is as much as to say of the whole world Rome being stiled Totius terrarum orbis Regina or Domina Lady and Queen of the whole world Vitus sets down the order and succession of the Kings of Brutus his Lineage with the terms and continuance of their Reigns but differs much from the account of Fabian and other Writers for he saith 1. Rex Brutus Priscus began in the year from the worlds Creation 2855. and Reigned four and twenty years 2. Locrinus 2879. and reigned 10. 3. Madanus 2889. and reigned 40. 4. Membritius 2929. and reigned 20. 5. Ebrancus 2949. and reigned 40. 6 Brutus Junior 2980. and reigned 12. 7. Leilus 3001. and reigned 25. 8. Rudibras 3026. and reigned 39. 9. Fladus 3065. and reigned 20. 10. Leir 3085. and reigned 60. 11. Cordeilla 3145. and reigned 5. 12. Morganus Cunedagius began to reign 3150. 13. Rivallo 3185. and reigned 46. 14. Gurgustius 3231. and reigned 38. 15. Sisillius 3269. and reigned 49. 16. Jago 3318. and reigned 25. 17. Chynemarces 3343. and reigned 54 18. Gorbodio 3397. and reigned 63. 19. Ferrex Porrex 3460. and reigned 5. Which computation as he tells us compleats six hundred and ten years during all which time the Progeny of Brute held the Scepter of Brittany and then followed the Pentarchy Epilogus Libri Primi BY reason that divers and various are the opinions of Authors and Antiquaries concerning the computation of years since the Creation of the world and framing of the first Adam the overthrower of mankinde and his whole posterity unto the birth of the second Adam that sacred Messias that long lookt for Emanuel and most blessed Jesus who repaired that loss by his Incarnation death and passion opening to the sons of Eve the gates of the Celestial Paradice which untill his glorious Ascension were close lockt up against all mankinde It will not be amiss to give a brief Compendium and abridgement of the variety of opinions The Hebrews account from the said Term three thousand nine hundred and fourty three The seventy Interpreters assign five thousand one hundred ninety and nine others there are who number five thousand two hundred and twenty eight In the third or fourth Book of Policronicon there are other conceits and judgements shewed concerning calculation of these years whereof saith Fabian the most certain is five thousand and two hundred years there are not wanting others whereof some reckon some more some less some account from the first building and structure of Rome some from the overthrow and subversion of the most famous City of Troy others from the founding of Troynovant or London and not a few from divers Edifices and Foundations But since that the account of the Septuagint or seventy Interpreters both by venerable Bede and other Learned Writers is esteemed as most authentick I will follow their judgement and accordingly give you to understand in what year of the world Brute first entred this Isle then called Albion now England First therefore from Adam to Noe was two and twenty hundred and fourty two years From Noe to Abraham was nine hundred and fourty two years From David to the captivity of the Jews three hundred and five years And from the Captivity to the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ five hundred fourscore and ten The which in all make 5199 years After which accompt although divers Authors have their several Computations the ancient and glorious City of Troy was subverted and felt its dismal Catastrophe by the hands of the Conquering Grecians as Learned Eusebius and others testifie in the year of the worlds Creation four thousand and twenty three It was the first year of Achas and before Hezekias xvi years after Eusebius iiii M cccc xliii And according to the same Eusebius the foundations of Rome were laid in the eleventh year of Hezekiah then King of Judah the which year maketh after the computation of the said Authors 4470. who also affirm that the said City was edified after the destruction of Troy four hundred and fourty seven years so that it must by consequence follow that it was built Anno mundi as before Peter Pictaniensis and others testifie that Brute entred first this â—sle of Albion called now England in the eighteenth year of the Priest and Judge of Israel named Hely and Hely as divers Writers avouch began to rule the Israelites the year of the third Age that is from Abraham to David eight hundred and fourty one years which maketh the years of the world four thousand and five Whereunto if there be joyned the abovesaid eighteen years then must it follow that Brute entred this Land Anno mundi four thousand sixty three to this agreeth the Author of Policronicon who saith that Brute entred Albion fourty years after the subversion of Troy which forty years joyned to the former saying of Eusebius iiii M. lxii xlii compleat the number of four thousand and fourty three years Another Historian called Jacobus Philippus saith that Troy was taken by the Grecians in the third year that Abdon or Labdon judged the Israelites who began his Rule over the said Israelites iiii M. xviii after the accord of most Writers Anno mundi four thousand and twenty whereunto if there he added three years for the third year of his rule in which year as before is declared iiii M. xviii Troy was sacked and destroyed and forty years which passed before Brute entered Albion It must follow that Brute came into this Island in the year of the worlds Creation xlii four thousand threescore and three MVLMVTIVS DVNWALLO MVlmutius Dunwallo or as others please Dunwallo Mulmutius the Son of Glotene Duke or King of Cornwall as the English book and also Gaufride affirm after he had fully subdued and conquered the five petty Kings or Princes before mentioned and had brought the Iland into a Pentarchy took upon him the Government of Brittany in the year of the worlds creation 1748. This Prince in some Histories is called Donebant iiii M. vii C. lxix and was of a Noble and Heroick Spirit but much after he came to be fully setled in his Government inclined to peace insomuch that in the City of Troynovant in a place which now as some are of opinion is called Blackwell-Hall he builded a Temple calling it the Temple of Peace or Concord The Laws which he made and established were of such Authority and esteem that holy Gildas translated them out of the Brittish Language into Latine and Aluredus King of England out of Latine into English Vitus tells us that these Laws or at least the heads of them were Vt deorum templa tantam dignitatem consequantur nequis illo confugiens extrabi possit prius quam
ab eo quem laeserat veniam impetraverit That the Temples of the Gods should enjoy such immunities and priviledges that no malefactor flying unto them for succour should be drawn from thence untill he should obtain pardon from him whom he had offended Vt hujusmodi privilegium immunitatis habeant etiam ipsae viae quae ducunt ad templa urbes that the high ways leading to the Temples and Cities should enjoy the like immunities and priviledges Immo jumenta quoque illa quae rei rusticae subserviunt denique Colonorum aratra ipsa tali prerogativa libertatis perfruantur nay even the Cattle which were imployed in husbandry should have like priviledges Ne qua terra vacaret cultura neve populus inopia rei frumentariae premeretur aut ea minueretur si pecora sola occuparent agros qui ab hominibus coli deberent constituit quot aratra quaelibet Diaecesis haberet ac paenas statuit per quas ille numerus aratrorum minueretur Least any Land should lie until'd or the people be famisht for want of bread-Corn or Grain be diminished by feeding Herds and Flocks where Tillage ought to be to which end he appointed how many Ploughs should be in every Diocess or Shire inflicting a punishment upon whomsoever should diminish the number of them Item vetuit bovem aratorem pro debito pecuniae assignari creditoribus si alia bona creditoris essent He also prohibited the working Oxen or Plough-bullock to be distrained upon for any debt if any other Chattels or personal estate be to be found Ita fore ne compendii causa homines pecuarii agros incultos redderent sic enim fore nequid earum rerum quas natura praebet hominibus usquam deesse posset that by that means Grasiers and Drovers for their own private interest should not deprive their fellow Subjects of natures benefits and liberal gifts Optimus iste Rex viros incumbentes ad bonas artes opibus favore juvit adeo ut exemplo suo principes regni ad faciendum idem juventatem totam ad virtutes capessendas excitaverit This good King was such a patron to those who endeavoured to learn Arts and Sciences that he not only graced them with his countenance but also assisted them with competent subsistance by which his example he invited other Nobles of his Realm to do the like a great encouragement to youth to endeavour to train themselves up in vertuous education Item pondera mensuras rebus emendis vendendisque posuit fures omne noxium genus hominum severissime punivit Itaque sub hoc principe latrocinia rapinae saevitia generis omnis aberat à populo nec audebat quisquam vim alteri inferre vel injuriam propter exquisitam legis observationem He caused weights and measures to be made for buyers and sellers Thieves and all loytering idle vagabonds he severely banished so that none was found who durst to offer either force or violence to any man being terrified with the severity of the Laws Having now regulated all things for the due and requisite Governing of the Commonwealth by the general request and advice of his Nobles and Council he caused a Diadem of Gold to be made with which according to the Rights and Ceremonies of those times he was solemnly Crowned in so much that properly speaking we may call him the first King or rather Monarch of Great Brittaine He caused several Cities and Towns to be made amongst which Malmesbury seems to have been the chief a verity which Mr. Cambden seems not much to deny Dum exilis est Malmesburie collem sibi imminentem substringit receptoque profluente fere incingit Oppidum sane elegans pannis laneis sane celebre quod ut in Historiarum Eulogio le itur Dunwallo Mulmutius Brittannorum Rex una cum Lacok Tetbury castris adjacentibus construxit Caer Bladon nominavit Malmesbury a polite and neat Town and famous for Wollen Cloaths which as it is written in the Eulogy of Histories was founded by Dunwallo Mulmutius as also the Neighbouring Castles Lacock and Tetbury which Town he called Caer Bladon The Saxons called this Town in their tongue Ingelborn which appellation continued a long time till Maildulphus a Scot a man of singular learning and piety being much taken with the shades and solitarinesse of the Woods and Groves he resolved there to live an Heremetical life and there setting up a schoole he himself together with his Scholars and Auditors addicted himself to a monastical rule of living so that from this Maildulphus the old appellations both Caer Bladon the Brittish and Ingleborn the Saxon being by little and little worn out the Town got a new name and was called Maildulfesburge Bede calls it Maildulphi Vrbs others Meldunum corruptly Malmesbury Amongst the Disciples of this Maildulph the chiefest and most remarkable was Adelmus his appointed Successour who by the help of Adelmus a West Saxon Bishop to whom the jurisdiction of that place belonged built there a most famous Monastery and was therein the first Prior or Abbot insomuch that in an ancient manuscript this Town is called Adelmesberg but this new nomenclation quickly vanished though the memory of Adelmus continued in esteem he being canonized and registred amongst the happy number of the Saints after his death not as the Saints in these our times who are Saints while they live and I know not what after death upon the feast day of this St. the Fair is kept where souldiers were appointed to guard and watch least jangling and discord should arise amongst so great concourse of people Truly saith Mr. Cambden he deserved that his name should everlastingly flourish being the first who writ in Latin and taught the English Art of Poetry and versifying as he himselfe witnesseth Primus ego in patriam mecum modo vita supersit Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas If Heaven lend life from Helicon I 'le bring Th' Aonian Muses in this Isle to sing Athelstane the great who had made choice of this Saint for his patron for his sake honoured this Town with many priviledges and enriched the Monastery with many princely gifts making choice of it for the place of his Sepulchre as the Inhabitants will inform you to this day shewing his Monument From Athelstanes time this Monastery flourished in abundance of wealth and was the prop and upholder of the Town when by the love and expenses of Robert Bishop of Salisbury it was fortifyed with a Castle and inclosed with Walls in the time of the Wars betwixt Henry the Son of Matilda and King Stephen in which season it indured a siege by Hen. 2d but shortly by the permission of K. John in favour of the Monks it was demolished thereby to inlarge the precincts of their Monastery and so continued till the fatal hand of Henry the 8. laid it level with the ground yet a wealthy and rich Clothier whom Mr. Cambden colls
Stumpuis partly by petitioning and supplications but without doubt not without emptying his bags obtained that the Church might stand which is now the Parish-Church This Town saith a new Author Anonymus was by Antoninus in his Itinerarium called Cunetio from the River Kennet and Marleburgh as being seated in a Chalkie soyle which in some places still well called by the name of Marle Here Hen. 3. held a Parliament in which were many statutes and as the preamble saith right necessary for the peace and tranquility of the people now a title of honour and hath given stile of EARLE to 1. James L. Ley L. Tr. Created Earle of Marlborough 1. Car. Feb. 7. 2. Henry Ley. 3. James Ley E. of Mal. Argent a cheveron between 3 Bears Heads Couped Sable The next place which Mulmutius Dunwallo built was The-Vies which Florentius Wigorniensis calls Divisio another De vies and Nubrigensis Divisae Here was a Castle built by Roger the rich Bishop of Salisbury for scituation and workmanship giving place to none but Fortune is a Goddesse both blind and fickle for he who even now was the second Head in the Kingdom by the frowns or rather avarice of K. Stephen is not only plunder'd of his vast and almost inexhaustible Treasure but also cast into a loathsome Gaol where the poor old Man with Hunger and what with Afflictions and Miseries betwixt the fear of death and torments of his life would feign have died yet knew not how to die Mulmutius Dunwallo having with great honour rul'd the Brittains by the space of forty years yielded to death what was mortal and was buried in the Temple of Troynovant which he had built leaving his two Sons Bellinus and Brennus joyntly to succeed in the Kingdome BELLINVS and BRENNVS BEllinus and Brennus the two Sons of Mulmutius began to Reign joyntly as Kings of great Brittain in the year of the World four thousand eight hundred and eight To Bellinus according to the agreement of Partition fell Loegria Cambria and Cornwall that is to say England Wales and Cornwall and to Brennus by the same accord all the Land beyond the River of Humber This Partition according to Policron and others pleased and gave full content to both the Brothers for the space of five years The reason why Bellinus had the bigger and better share was Quia erat primogenitus Vitus fol. 209. Trojana consuetudo requirebat ut dignitas Haereditatis perveniret ad eum Hanc vero fuisse consuetudinem Trojanorum scribens Herodotus ad Alexandrum ait non erat perventurum Regnum cum Hector major natu Herodotus virtute praestantior quam ille Regnum defuncto Priamo suscepturus esset Idem scribit Messala Corvinus in libello de Augusti Progenie Troem à quo dicta Troja est Regem Trojanorum habuisse duos filios Ilum Assaracum atque Ilum defuncto patre quod ipse major natu esset obtinuisse Regnum Messala Corvinus Denique is qui dicitur Dares Phrygius in libro de excidio Trojae narrat Priamum commone fecisse filios quos habebat multos ut majores natu minoribus Imperarent ex quo sequitur ut minores majoribus subderentur Adeoque Legem hanc latam in Anglia esse propter ius istud Trojanae consuetudinis atque servatam esse scribit Andreas Taraquellus in praesatione primogenitorum Andreas Taraquellus Bartolus Bartolus ad l. 1. Codicis de summa Trinitate Consuetudinis est in Anglia inquit ut primogenitus succedat in omnibus bonis Because he was eldest and the Trojan custome was that the Inheritance should fall to the Eldest and this to have been the Trojan custome sheweth Herodotus saying that the Kingdom of Troy after the death of Priamus was not to fall to Alexander but to Hector who was both the more Valiant and also the Eldest by birth and Messala Corvinus in his Book of the Progeny of Augustus confirms as much saying that King Tros from whom Troy took its Name had two Sons Ilus and Assaracus and that Ilus his Father being dead for that he was the Eldest enjoyed the Kingdom and he also who is called Dares Phrygius in his Book of the Destruction of Troy tells us That Priamus who had many Sons admonished them that the Elder should have Power over the Younger c. and this Law to have taken root in England as being derived from the old Trojan Custome affirmeth Andreas Tarquellus After five years thus in brotherly love and amity expired Brennus supposing himself injured and intending to enlarge his Territories raised Forces and in hostile manner sets upon his brother Bellinus but as his quarrel was unjust so the sequel proved Fatal for he was totally Routed and to save his life compelled to fly into Armorica now called Little Brittain or as Gaufride will have it into the Country of the Allobroges others affirm that without the knowledge or consent of his Brother he sailed into Norway and there married the Daughter of Elfunge or Elfinge Duke of that place which tydings when they were brought to Bellinus he seized into his hands all the Lands of Brennus and fortified his Cities Castles and other strong Holds with his own Garrisons Fame quickly brought these Rumours to Brennus who neglected no time but gathering a strong Army of Norwegians ships himself for his own Principality where by the way he was met by Guilthdacus or Guiclidacus King of Denmark who being inflamed with the Love of the Lady whom Brennus had espoused awaited his coming and being now met the two Fleets strongly encounter each other and in short time come to grappling a most bitter and bloudy Conflict ensueth But the Danish King having surprized the Vessel in which the Object both of his love and anger was imbarked though he had totally dispersed his Enemies Navy pursued no further thinking himself highly rewarded with the beautiful prize which he had already taken and there withal resolves as a most victorious Conqueror to return to Denmark yet whether Fortune to shew her accustomed fickleness and cross the Designs of such as think themselves most fortunate and her darlings or rather Neptune incensed to see so violent a Rape committed within his watery Kingdom with his revenging trident turned up and undermined the calm waves and ploughed them into hideous ridges such a tempest arose that the Heavens were darkned the winds blustered the billows roared and made such a hideous noise that Guilthdacus each minute expected to be swallowed up in the mercilesse surges of the angry Ocean this death-threatning storm continued for the space of five dayes at the end whereof the skies began to clear the winds and waves to leave their Violence and the Danish King to understand he was driven upon the coasts of his Enemies Country for his tattered Fleet so much as was left of it was now arrived in Northumberland Belâ—inus to make good that he had already begun and
titular Prince but possessed of large Territories and finding great plenty of Treasure congested by his wary and careful Predecessours was not close-fisted but with a liberal hand imparts a large Proportion to men of Action and gallant Resolution and determines once more to hazard both life and fortunes with his Brother rather then lose Albania The sons of Mars and fierce youthful spirits applaud their Princes gallant Resolution and each equipps himself to the rank of his birth and height of his desire Bellinus hearing of these great and warlike Preparations like a prudent Prince perceives this threatning cloud to bend its course towards Brittany and therefore seeing he cannot prevent the coming thereof makes such provision that wheresoever it shall disgorge it self it may do as slender hurt as may be thus he stands in a readinesse with Weapons to receive this menacing storm with the point of his Sword Brennus maugre all oppositions arrives with his Navy These heavy tidings pierce the very soul of Connuvenna or Conwenna the poor afflicted Mother whose affectionate love was equally divided betwixt her dearest children and having long time been deprived of the tender imbracements of her younger Son carried with the most Noble passion of love she casts her self betwixt the Brothers and with most bitter sighes and floods of tears shews those brests which once they both had suckt she pleads commands intreats nay begs to make them friends An ancient Poet in few Verses makes Conwenna to speak thus Proh dolor hic quid erit quid Vos mea viscera turbat Fraternas a cies quae mala causa movet Tota tenere nequit modo vos Brittannia quondam Quos tenuit venter unicus iste meus Non vos maternae lachrimae sparsique capilli Nec quae suxistis ubera nuda movent Oh Heavens I my Sons why do you let me see your naked swords unsheath'd for butchery Cannot you two in one great Kingdome live my narrow Womb life to you both did give Behold my Tears my Locks with Age grown Gray the Breasts you suck't then cast your swords away The brothers with this unlookt for spectacle stand gazing each at other which Convenna wisely perceiving takes time fast by the fore-top and prosecutes her complaints with the very depth of sorrow and rising up with a discreet motherly compassion now embraceth the one now the other and never leaves till she locks them close in the Armes of a most firm and brotherly reconciliation and so as it were hand in hand to the amazement of both Armies but unspeakable joy of the overjoy'd Convenna they came to Troynovant where after a due setling of the affairs of Brittaine those forces who not long before were mortal Foes are now become confederates and fellow souldiers and uniting strength to strength a new employment is set on foot Gallia is the mark aim'd at at which they level so directly that as Gaufride they sayled into a part of Gallia burning and wasting the Country without regard or pitty and in short time subdued a large proportion not only of Gallia but also Italy and Germany As yet Belmus and Brennus according to Gaufride were together and performed many worthy deeds and feats in Armes but because Livius makes only mention of Brennus in the Roman Histories I suppose Belinus was again returned for Brittany his own Kingdome leaving the managing of what followed to his brother What hereafter I shall speak of Brennus I have collected out of Plutark in the life of Camillus whose words translated by Sir Thomas North Kt. are these Now as touching the Gaules they came of as they say the CELTAE whose country being not able to maintaine the multitudes of them they were driven to go seek after other countries to inhabit in and there were amongst them many thousands of young men of service and good souldiers but yet more women and little children by a great number of those people some of them went towards the North Sea passing the Mountaines Riphei and did dwell in the extreme parts of Europe others of them remained between the Mountaines Pirenei and the Mountaines of the Alpes near unto the Senones and the Celtorii there they continued a long time untill they fortuned in the end to tast of the wine which was first brought out of Italy to them which drink they found so good and were so delighted in it that suddenly they Armed themselves and taking their Wives and Children with them they went directly towards the Alpes to go seek out the Countrey that brought forth such fruit judging all other Countries in respect of that to be but wild and barren It is said that the first man that did bring wine to them and did procure them to passe into Italy was a Noble man of Thuscany called Arron and otherwise of no ill disposed Nature how be it he was subject to this misfortune following He was Tutor to an Orphan Child the richest that was in that time in all the Countrey of Tuscany and of complexion wondrous fair he was called Lucumo This Orphan was brought up in Arrons house of a Child and though he was grown to state yet he would not depart from him feigning he was well and to his liking but indeed the cause was that he loved his Mistress Arrons wife whom secretly he had enjoyed a long time and she him that made him like his continuance there Howbeit in the end love having so possessed them both that neither party could withdraw from other much lesse conceale it The young man stole her away by force from him and so kept her Arron put the matter in suite but he prevailed not for Lucumo over-weighed him with Friends Money Gifts and Charges which he took so grievously that he left his Countrey and having heard talk of the Gauls he went unto them and was their guide to bring them unto Italy So they conquered at their first coming all that Countrey which the Tuscans held in old time beginning at the foot of the mountains and stretched out in length from one Sea to the other which invironeth Italy as the names themselves do witness for they call yet that Sea which looketh unto the North the Adriatick Sea by reason of a City built some time by the Tuscans which was called Adria The other which lieth directly over against the South is called the Tuscane Sea all that Country is well planted with trees and hath goodly pleasant pastures for beasts and cattel to feed in and is notably watered with goodly running Rivers There was also at that time eighteen fair great Cities all of them very strong and well seated as well to inrich the Inhabitants by Traffick as to make them live delicately for pleasure All these Cities the Gauls had won and had expulsed the Tuscans but this was done long before time Now the Gauls being entred further into Tuscany did besiege the City of Clusium thereupon the Clusians seeking ayd of the Romans besought them
they would send Letters and Ambassadors unto those barbarous people in their behalf They sent unto them three of the best and most honourable persons of the City all three of the house of the Fabians The Gauls received them very courteously because of the name of Rome and leaving to assault the City Brennus a Brittain King of the Gauls they gave them audience The Roman Ambassadors did ask them what injury the Clusians had done unto them that they came to make Wars with them Brennus King of the Gauls hearing this question smiled and answered them thus The Clusians do us wrong in this they being but few people together and not able to occupy much Land do notwithstanding possess much and will let us have no part with them that are strangers and out of our Country and stand in need of seat and habitation the like wrong was offered unto you Romans in old time by those of Alba by the Fidenates and Ardeates and the Volsci against whom ye have taken and do take Arms at all times and as oft as they will let you have no part of their goods ye imprison their persons rob and spoil their goods and destroy their Cities and in doing this you do them no wrong at all but follow the oldest Law that is in the world which ever leaveth unto the stronger that which the weaker cannot keep nor enjoy beginning with the gods and ending with beasts the which have this property in nature that the bigger and stronger have ever the advantage of the weaker and lesser therefore leave your pitty to see these Clusians besieged lest you teach us Gauls to take compassion also of those you have oppressed By this answer the Romans knew very well there was no way to make peace with King Brennus wherefore they entered into the City of Clusium and incouraged the Inhabitants to sally out with them upon these barbarous people either because they had a desire to prove the valiantness of the Gauls or else to shew their own manhood and valour so the Citizens went out and skirmished with them hard by the wals in which one of the Fabians called Quintus Fabius Ambustus being excellently well horsed and putting spurs to him did set upon a goodly big personage of the Gauls that had advanced himself far before all the Troop of his Companions he was not known at the first encounter as well for the sudden meeting and skirmishing together as for that his glistering armour dimmed the eyes of the enemies But after he had slain the Gaul and came to strip him Brennus then knew him and protested against him Brennus reproacheth Fabius for breaking the Law of Armes calling the Gods to witness how he had broken the Law of Arms that coming as an Ambassador he had taken upon him the form of an Enemy Hereupon Brennus forthwith left skirmishing and raising the Siege from Clusium marched with his Army to Rome gates And to the end that the Romans might know that the Gauls were not well pleased for the injury they had received to have an honest colour to begin war with the Romans he sent an Herald before to Rome to demand livery of the man that had offended him that he might punish him accordingly In the mean while he himself came marching after by small journeys to receive their answer The Senate hereupon assembled and many of the Senators blamed the rashness of the Fabians but most of all the Priests called the * Heralds very ancient Faeciales for they followed it very closely as a matter that concerned Religion and the honour of the Gods declaring how the Senate in discharge of all the residue of the City for the offence committed should lay the whole weight and burden of it upon him alone that only had done the Fact Numa Pompilius the wisest and most peaceable of all the Kings of Rome that had been was he that erected the Colledge of those * Heralds Faeciales and did ordain that they should be Keepers of Peace and Judges to hear and allow all the causes for the which they should justly begin any War Nevertheless the Senate in the end turned over the ordering of the whole matter to the Will and Judgement of the people before whom also the Faeciales or Heralds did accuse Fabius Ambustus The people made so little account of their propounded Religion and honour of the Gods in that case that instead of delivering this Fabius to the enemy they did choose him for one of the Tribunes of the Souldiers with his brothers The Gauls understanding this were so furious and angry thereat that they would no longer linger their journeys but marched with all speed to Rome The people that dwelt by the High-wayes where they should passe by were marvellously afraid to see the multitude of them and their brave and gallant Furniture beginning to doubt the fury of their rage they imagined that first of all they would destroy the Champion Countrey before them and afterwards would take the strong Cities They contrariwise did take nothing at all out of the Fields neither did any hurt or displeasure unto any body but passing by their Cities cryed out They went to Rome and would have no Wars but with the Romans and how otherwise they desired to be friends with all the world These barbarous people march on in this wise towards Rome the Tribunes of the Souldiers brought their Army to the Field to encounter them they were no lesse in number then the Gauls for they were 40000 Foot men howbeit most part of them were raw souldiers that had never served in the Wars before They were very carelesse of their Gods and dissolute in matters of Religion for they passed neither for good signes in their Sacrifices neither to ask councel of their Soothsayers which the Romans were religiously wont to doe before they gave any battel To make the matter worse the number of the Captains having Power and Authority alike did as much or more then the rest disorder and confound their doings for oft-times before in far lesse Matters and Dangers then these One Supreme better then Many they did use to choose special Officers that had sole and soveraign Authority which they called Dictators knowing very well of how great importance it is in dangerous times to have but one Head and General to command all to have supreme Authority of justice in his hands Monarchy and not to be bound to deliver account of his doings to any The injury also which they had too ungratefully done to Camillus brought great mischief then and inconvenience upon them for the Captains after him durst no more command the people roughly but ever after did flatter them much When their Armies were now brought into the Field they Encamped themselves by a little River called Allia about the eleventh stone from Rome and not far from the place where the same River falleth into Tiber thither came Brennus with his
Army to them who overthrew them in battel by their disorder and lack of Government For the left point or wing of their battel was broken off at the first by the Gauls who charged them so furiously that they drave them headlong into the River The right wing then retiring out of the plain before they had any Charge given and having gotten certain Hills hard by them they had little hurt and most of them did recover Rome again the rest that escaped after the Enemies were weary of killing fled by night unto the City of Veies thinking Rome had been lost and all the City put to the Sword this overthrow was on the longest day in Summer the Moon being at the Full. The Romans were very superstitious in dayes Fortunate and Unfortunate which I here passe over as not material to our businesse in hand The day of this overthrow is one of those which the Romans take for one of the unfortunatest dayes that ever came unto them Now after the battel lost if the Gauls had hotly pursued the chase of their flying enemies nothing could have saved Rome from being Taken and the Inhabitants thereof from being put unto the Sword for the Romans that fled from the battel brought such a fear upon those that received them and filled the whole City of Rome with such grief and trembling that they wist not what to doe The Gauls again believing little their Victory was so great as it was fell to make good cheer for so great a joy received and divided among them the spoil of their Enemies goods they found in the Camp So gave they time and leisure by this means to the multitude of people that fled out of Rome to seek them some place of safety and to such as remain still they left good hope to save themselves and to make some provision for defence Thereupon they all fortified themselves within Mont Capitol and storing it with all kind of Victuals Armour and Ammunition they wholy did forsake the rest of the City but the first work they took in hand was this they did bring into their said Fort part of their sacred reliques and the professed Vestals brought thither all their holy Fire and all their holy Monuments c. Furthermore the Priests of other Gods and the most honourable old men of the City of Rome that had been Consulls aforetime or had past the honor of triumph had not the heart to forsake Rome but putting on all their costly Robes and Vestments did vow and most willingly sacrifice themselves unto the fortune that should befall them for the safety of their Countrey And using certain words and prayers which their high Bishop Fabius had taught them they went even thus apparelled unto the great market place and did sit them down there in Chaires of Ivory expecting the good will and pleasure of the Gods what should become of them Within three dayes after Brennus came to Rome with his Army who finding the Gates of the City all open and the Walls without watch he doubted some devise in it and feared some privy ambush had been layed as one hardly believing to have found the Romans of so base a mind as to forsake their City After being informed of the truth he entred into Rome by the gate Collina and took the same little more then 360 years after it was first builded if it be true at the least that there remained any certaine Chronicles of those times unto this present day considering the trouble and confusion of that time hath made many things more certaine then that doubtful unto us but so it was that the rumor ran to Greece incontinently how Rome was taken but yet withal somewhat doubtfully and uncertain but Brennus having now entred Rome did appoint part of his souldiers to besiege those that were gotten in Mont Capitol and he with the residue of his Army marched on towards the market-place where when he saw the ancient Senators sit gravely on their Chaires and speak never a word nor offered once to rise though they saw their enemies come Armed against them neither changed countenance nor colour at all but leaned softly upon their staves which they had in their hands seeming to be nothing affraid nor abashed but looked one upon another he wondered marvailously at it this their so strange manner at the first did so dump the Gauls that for a space they stood still and were in doubt to come near to touch them fearing least they had been some Gods until such time as one of them went boldly to Marcus Papirius and laid his hand fair and softly upon his long Beard The Majesty of the old Senatry set in the Market place of Rome but Papirius gave him such a wrap upon his Pate with his staffe that he made blood run about his Ears The Gaule was in such rage with the blow that he drew out his sword and slew him the other souldiers also killed the rest afterwards and so they continued many dayes afterwards spoyling and plundering all things they found in the houses and in the end did set all on fire and destroyed them every one Rome rased by Bâ—ennus the Brittish Prince for despite of those that kept the Capitol and would not yield upon their Summons but valiantly repulsed them when they scaled the Walls For this cause they rased the whole City and put all to the Sword that came into their hands young and old man woman and child Now this Siege continuing long and the Romans holding them out very stoutly victuals began to grow very scant in the Camp of the Gauls insomuch as they were driven on force to seek it abroad without the City Hereupon they divided themselves whereof some remained still with them at the Siege of the Capitol and the rest went a foraging and spoiling all the Champion Country and Villages there abouts scattered as it were by Bands and Companies some here some there fearing nothing nor passing upon watch or ward they lived in such security of their Victory Howbeit the greatest Company amongst them went by fortune towards the City of Ardea where Camillus dwelt living like a private man medling with no matters of State from the time of his Exile until that present But then he began not to bethink himself as a man that was in safety and might have escaped the hands of his enemies but rather sought how to devise and find all the means he could to subdue them if occasion were so offered whereupon considering that the Citizens of Ardea were enough in number to set upon them though faint-hearted and cowardly by reason of the sloth and negligence of the Governours and Captains who had no manner of experience in wars he began to cast out these words among the young men That they should not think the Romans misfortune fell upon them through the Valour of the Gauls nor that their Calamity who had refused good Councel had hapned unto them by any
side where he found his Navy in ill plight forty of his ships being clean cast away and the rest with great difficulty seeming likely to be recovered for effecting whereof he took some ship-rights out of the Legions and sent for others out of the Continent writing to Labienus who had the charge of certain Legions there and the guard of Portus Iccius that he should prepare as many ships as he could to be sent over to him with expedition and though it were a work of great toyle yet he thought it necessary to have all the ships haled on shore and to be brought into the Camp where his Land-forces lay that one place might be a safe-guard to them both in the accomplishment hereof he spent ten dayes the Souldiers scarce intermitting their labour in the night time till all was finished Caesar having fortifide his Camp and left there the same Forces which were before appointed to keep the harbour returned to the place whence he dislodged upon Atrius his information where he found the number of the Brittains much increased by confluence of people from sundry parts within the Island The chief Commandment and direction for the War was by publick consent of the States of the Isle assigned to Cassibelin the bounds of whose Territorie were divided from the Maritime Cities by the River Thamesis and were cast out from the Sea about fourscore miles There had been of long time continuall War between him and some other Princes of the Countries near adjoyning but now both parts fearing to be over-run by a Forraign Enemy neglected private respects and joyned their Forces together appointing him to be their Leader as a man of whose valour and sufficiency in military Affairs they had good experience The Roman Army being come in view of their Enemies Camp the Brittains pressed forward to begin the Fight with their Horsemen and Chariots and Caesar sent out his Horsemen to Encounter them so as the battle was maintained with great resolution on both parts and the event thereof seemed doubtful till in the end the Brittains gave ground and fled through the woods to the hills many of them being slain in the Chase and some of the Romans also who adventurously pursued them so far Not long after the Romans suspecting no danger were occupied in fortifying their Camp the Brittains sallyed suddenly out of the Woods and made an Assault upon the Warders that kept station before the Campe to whose aid Caesar sent out two Cohorts the chief of the two Legions which making a lane through the middest of the Brittish Forces joyned themselves with their distressed Fellowes and rescued them from the peril though Quintus Liberius Durus a Tribune of the Souldiers was slain in that Enterprize But new Cohorts coming to supply the former the Brittains were repulsed and sought to save themselves by flight By the manner of this Skirmish which was fought in view of the Roman Camp the Romans perceived the Advantage which the Britains had of them and how ill themselves were appointed for such a fight when by reason of the weight of their Armour they could neither pursue such as fled nor durst leave their Ensignes nor were able without great disadvantage to encounter the Brittish Horse men which oft-times gave ground on purpose and having withdrawn themselves a little and a little from the Legions would leap out of their Chariots and fight on foot the manner of their fighting with Horse and Chariots being alike dangerous to those that retired and to those that pursued Besides they divided their Forces into Companies when they fought and had several stations with great distances between them one Troop seconding another and the second and fresh men yielding Supplies to the wounded and wearied The day following the Brittains were discried upon the Hills afaroff scattered here and there in great numbers together being not very forward to begin a new Fight till Caesar having sent out three Legions and all his Horse men under the Conduct of C. Trelonius the Lieutenanant to go a forraging they flocked suddenly together from all parts and set upon the Forragers not sparng to assail the Ensignes Legions themselves who strongly resisted them and made them turn their backs when the Roman Horse men also eagerly pursued them never giving over the chase as being confident in the aid of the Legions that followed them untill they had driven them headlong before them killing all those they overtook and giving the rest no time either to gather themselves together or to make a stand or once to forsake their Chariots after this overthrow many of the Natives who had come from divers parts to aid their Countrymen shrunk away and Caesar understanding what course the rest of the Brittains meant to hold in prosecuting the War led his Army to the bounds of Cassibelins Country upon the River of Thames which was passible on Foot in one place onely and that with some difficulty when he came thither he perceived that the Brittains had great Forces in readinesse on the further side of the River the banks whereof were fortified with sharp-pointed stakes or piles about the bignesse of a mans thigh and bound about with lead pitch'd near the shore to impead their passage and some others of the same kind the remnants whereof continue to this Age were planted covertly under the water in the main River of this Caesar having intelligence by some Fugitives and prisoners that he had taken commanded the Horse men first to enter the River and the Legions to follow so as the dangerous places being discovered the Romans waded through their heads onely appearing above the water and charged the Brittains with such violence as they forced them to forsake the shâ—â—e and betake themselves to flight Cassibelin seeing no likelyhood to maintain the War any longer by Force dismissed the greater part of his power and keeping with him about four thousand Chariots only retired into the Woods and places of most Safety driving Men and Cattel before him out of the Fields all that way by which the Romans should passe with their Army whose Horse men as they ranted up and down to plunder he surprised with his Chariots and distressed them in such sort as they durst not march forward but keeping themselves in their strength gave over their former purpose and from thenceforth sought onely to annoy the Brittains by spoiling and burning their Houses and Towns In the mean time the * The ancient Inhabitants of Middlesex and Essex Troynobantes one of the chief States of those parts sent Embassadors to Caesar promising to submit themselves and to be at his Commandment There was also one Mandrubratius who had fled over to Caesar when he was in Gallia and was now become a Follower of his Fortune while preferring the satisfaction of his own discontented humour before the advancement of the common Cause he served as an instrument to betray his native Contrey abusing the credit which he had
Author that he both was a Christian and Converted by St. Joseph and plainly alledgeth Nennius Authority Thus he writeth Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his Preaching to know the Law divine And baptized him as written hath Nennius The Chronicler in Brittain Tongue full fine And to Christ's Law made him incline The Antiquity of the Crosse for England And gave him then a Shield of silver white A Cross end long overthwart full perfect Thus writeth this Author but without Warrant of any thing I can find for whereas as he citeth Nennius to have written thus in the Brittish Language it is evident by all Antiquities that Nennius which wrote in that Tongue was long before the Birth of Arviragus or St. Joseph and dead 50 years before the Nativity of Christ and was Brother to King Lud and Cassibelin and was named Nennius Helius and he could not write any such thing the other Nennius called Bancharensis as all Authors agree wrote onely in Latine and consequently could not write so in the Brittish Tongue as that Author thinketh or our best modern Authors affirm they find no such thing in any copy of Nennius Codices ii quos consuluisse me Nennii antiquos contigit hnjusce rei parum sunt memores Neither is King Arviragus or St. Joseph named by him The places which he allowed to St. Joseph and his companions were propter munitiones Arundineti fluminis paludis so compassed and invironed with Reeds River and Fens that they builded a poor Oratory themselves of such base Elderwands as that Fenny wildernesse afforded which giveth sufficient testimony how far Arviragus was from being a Christian that had nothing but such abject and outcast things to allow to Christ and his servants when for the maintenance of the Pagan Idolatry which he professed both as the Brittish History Matthew of Westminster Ponticus Virunnius and as well Modern as Ancient are witnesses he was Author of stately and sumptuos buildings and so far from diminishing any honour that was then given to the false gods of the Brittains that he added more unto them namely worshipped the wicked Emperor Claudius whose Bastard-daughter he had taken as wife as god dedicated a costly Temple unto him soon after his death yet after this his acquaintance with S. Joseph for as I find in an old Manuscript-history and others do not dissent the City of Gloucester then Caer Glou Anonymus his Maps in Glocestershire the City of Claudius was built by King Arviragus in the year of Christ 66. This City was first won from the Brittains by Chenlin the first King of the West Saxons about the year of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour where Offirick King of Northumberland by the sustenance of Ethelred of Mercia founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns whereof Kinelburgh Eadburgh and Eve Queens of the Mercians were Prioresses successively each after other Edelfled a most renowned Lady Sister to King Edward the Elder in this City built a fair Church wherein her self was interr'd which being overthrown by the Danes was afterwards rebuilt and made the Cathedral of that See dedicated unto the honour of St. Peter in this Church the unfortunate Prince King Ed. 2. under a Monument of Alabaster doth lie who being murdered at Berkley Castle by the cruelty of the French Isabell his wife was there intombed And not far from him an other Prince as unfortunate namely Robert Curthose the eldest Son of William the Conqueror lyeth in a painted wooden Tomb in the midst of the Quire whose eyes were pluckt out in Cardiff Castle where he was kept Prisoner twenty years with all contumelious indignities until through extreme anguish he ended his life and before any of these saith our Brittish Historian the body of Lucius our first Christian King or rather at Caerleon in Monmouthshire was Interred and before his days the Brittain Arviragus This City hath given Honourable Titles to these Dukes and Earls 1 Robert Base Son to K. Hen. 1 Earle Gules three rests Or. 2 William 3 John Sansterre Son to K. Hen. 1 who Married Isabell Daughter and Coheir of Will E. of Gloucester England a bend Azure 4 Geofry de Mandevile E. of Essex 2d Husband of Isabell Quarterly Or and Gules over all an Escurbuncle Pomet and Flory Sable 5 Almerich de Evereux Son of Mabell another Coheir of E. William some put this Almerich before Geofry but erroneously as I conceive Partly perpale endented Arg. and Gules 6 Gilbert de Clare Son of Annice another of the Coheirs 7 Rich. de Clare 8 Gilbert de Clare who Married Joan of Acres Daughter to King Edw. 1. Or 3 Cheverons Gules 9 Ralph de mont Hermen 2 d. Husband of Joan of Acres Or an Eagle displayed Vert membred and leaked Gules 10 Gilbert de Clare Son of Gilbert and Joan. Or three Cheverous Or. 11 Hugh de Audley Married Isabell sister and Coheir of Gilbert Gules Alfret Or. border argent 12 Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester and Lord Constable Quarterly France and England a border arg 13 Thomas Lord Spencer Grand-son to Elinor Coheir of Gilbert Earl Quarterly the 1. and 4. or 2. and 3. Gules there on a fret Or a bend sable 14 Rich. Plantagenet Brother to K. Edw. 4. Lord Adm. and Constable D. Quarterly France and England a Label of 3 Ermine as many Cantons Gules 15 Humphrey Plantagenet son to King Hen. 4. This Hump. place immediately before Rich. Quarterly France and England a border argent 16 Henry 3d. Son of the late King Charles declared by his Royal Father Duke of Gloucester Anno 1641. but not create And to demonstrate that he both lived and died a Pagan this King Arviragus was and that by his own order buried in that Pagan Temple in the year of our Lord Christ 73. ten years after St. Josephs coming hither Arviragus ut dies suos explevit sepultus est Claudiocestriae in quodam templo quod in honore Claudii dedicaverat ut construxerat And Scut Virunnius further addeth that he did every month offer sacrifice in that Temple after the Pagans manner so much be loved him singulis mensibus sacrificabat tanto eum amore prosequibatur And it is further evident by many Antiquities that Arviragus did many publick acts besides this which Christian Religon could not permit as that after he had been long time Married to Voada sister to Cataracus King of the Scots and had divers Children by her he disinherited the Children put away and imprisoned the Mother and Married Genuisse the supposed Bastard Daughter of Claudius and kept her the other yet living and left the Kingdome to Marius her Son and was so far from repenting this barbarous act contrary to Christian Religion that being challenged for that impiety he wrote a book in defence of this his wickednesse Mr. Bron. fol. 132. affirming therein that it was lawful for him to have plurality of Wives because
there seemed to fear and reverence him and the causes of his coming were diversly reported at the first But the Brittains derided him for as men being born free they knew not till that time the power of the Libertines men made free but rather marvelled that a Captain and an Army which had atchieved so great an enterprize could be brought to obey and yield an account of their actions to a base bond-slave as they termed him These things howsoever they were censured by others yet they were reported to Nero in such manner as the reporters thought might best content him And Suetonius after the losse of some of his shipping was commanded the War being not yet finished to deliver up his Army to Petronius Turpilianus who had but even a little before given up his Counselship Turpilianus was a man of a soft spirit and being a stranger to the Brittains faults was more tractable and ready to remit them by which means having composed his former troubles he delivered up his charge to Tribellius Maximus whose unfitnesse for action and want of experience in military matters gave the more boldnesse to the Brittains that began now to discover the defects of the Governours having learned both to flatter and dissemble in confirming themselves to the present time and occasion for their advantage and for the most part yielding themselves to those pleasures which security useth to endanger even in minds well-disposed by Nature For Trebellius besides his insufficiency abused the authority of his place to enrich himself by polling the common Souldiers and Roscuis Caelius Lieutenant to the twentieth Legion whetted them on against him as against an ancient Enemy so that in the end they brake out into hainous terms the one objecting matter of crime against the other Trebellius charged Caelius with factious behaviour Caelius again Trebellius with beggering the Legions and the discord between them grew so far that Trebellius being despised as well by the Hides as the Legions both of them sorting themselves to Caelius his side was in great fear of his life the danger whereof he sought to prevent rather by flying away then by executing any exemplary justice upon offenders in the mean time the Souldiers neglecting the ancient discipline of War fell to Mutiny and all kind of Riot as men that had rather be doing ill then doing nothing Afterwards Trebellius taking again his former place as it were by capitulation seemed to govern onely at the discretion of the Souldiers who finding his weaknesse and want of judgement to use his Authority took upon them to do what they listed and herewith also the Lieutenant himself seemed contented as being now given over altogether to a sloathful kind of life terming it peace and quietnesse for which the death of Nero the Emperour and the civil discord at that time between Otho and Vitellius contending for the Soveraignty ministred some colour of excuse Not long before this time the fourteenth Legion famous for many great attempts and growing now more insolent then the rest was revoked out of the Isle to have been sent to the streights about the Caspian Sea though afterwards upon intelligence of the revolt in Gallia Spain when Julius Vindex took Armes against Nero it was retained about the City of Rome for a safeguard to those parts in the turbulent times that ensued Nero's death it took part with Otho against Vitellius at the battle near Bebriacum where Otho was overthrown and Vitellius after the victory suspecting the Souldiers of that Legion as knowing their great stomachs and ill affection towards him thought it expedient to joyn to them the a Bands of Hollanders Battanian Cohorts that by reason of the inveterate hatred between them they might one oppose the other and himself in the mean time remain more secure Vectius Bolanus a man not much unlike Trebellius in some respects was sent over by Vitellius during the time of whose Government the like disorders still continued in the Camp Vitellius was third after Nero for Galba succeeded him and continued Emperor for six months and a little more him Otho slew whose Empire continued a lesse time for being in the fourth battle which he fought with Vitellius Mr. Br. f. 763. conquered by him having had victory in the three former impatient of his dishonour killed himself bearing the name of Emperour but three months and Vitellius which triumphed over him enjoyed as short and imperial a life onely eight months or thereabouts and his death for his cruel wickednesse was dishonourable stabbed to death cast into the River Tiber and wanting burial Cum Vitellius multa crudeliter ac nequiter Romae ageret minutissimorum ictuum punctionibus est excarnificatus ad ultimum in Tiberim mersus communi caruit sepultura saying that Bolanus by the mildnesse of his nature being not touched otherwise in his reputation had purchased love and good will instead of fear and disobedience in this time divers choice men of War taken out of the Legions in Brittain were conducted to Rome by Hordonius Flaccus in aid of Vitellius but when Vespasian made War for the Empire Bolanus refused to send Vitellius any sucour by reason that the Brittains finding the Romans state encumbred with civil dissension began to revolt in divers places of the Isle and some of them also shewed openly in favour for Vespasian who had carried himself honourably in Brittany when Claudius was there and seemed now by many ominous predictions to be a man specially marked for the Empire The death of Vitellius quenching the flame of civil broyles among the Romans confirmed the possession of the Empire to Vespasian who shewed the care and respect he had to the Isle of Brittain by employing great Captaines and good Souldiers there of this Vespasian saith that grave Author Mr. Broughton Mr. Brough fol. 166. we find in ancient Histories Manuscripts and others written divers hundred years since that this Vespasian being miraculously cured of a natural incurable disease by the power of Christ did plainly acknowledge him to be the Sonne of God Fuist le filz de Dieu and promised thereupon to revenge his death upon the Jewes which he performed when he sacked Jerusalem and slaved that people for executing which justice of God and desolation of the Jewish Nation from this Kingdome of Brittain though so far distant thence were present there Joseph Bengor apud Rich. Hakluit praef l. Naviga Ang. as both Hebrew and English Writers witnesse 20000 souldiers I read saith a learned Author in Joseph Bengorion a very Authentical Hebrew Author a testimony of passing of twenty thousand Brittains valiant Souldiers to the siege and fearful sacking of Jerusalem under the conduct of Vespasian and Titus the Roman Emperours Therefore so many thousands going so great a journey to fight under so Christianly minded a General and for the quarrel of Christ we cannot think but many of these were in judgement also act or both Christian And so
Companies whereupon least he should be inclosed about and entrapped either by their multitude or by their skill in the passages he marched also with his Army divided in three patts which when it was known unto the Calidonians they changed advice on the sudden and uniting their Forces together jointly assaulted by night the ninth Legion as being of weakest resistance and having slain the watch partly asleep and partly amazed with fear they broke into the Camp and were fighting within the trenches when Agricola having understood by spies what the Brittains had taken and following their footsteps commanded the lightest Horsemen and Footmen to play upon their backs and to maintain the skirmish when the day drew near the glittering of the Ensigns dazled the eyes of the Brittains who being daunted with fear of danger on each side began to draw back the Romans like men that were now out of peril of their lives did fight more chearfully for their honour freshly assailing the Brittains and driving them to their own Gates where in the very streets the conflict was sharp and cruell till in the end the Brittains were forced to flie whilst the Roman Forces severally pursued them contending with a kind of emulation the one to have helped the other and the other to seem to have needed no help upon the success of this battle the Roman Souldiers presuming that to their power all things were easie and openly cried to the General to lead them into Caledonia that with a course of continual conquest they might find out the utmost limits of Brittain Now such as before the battle were so weary and wise in adventuring waxed forward enough after the event and grew to speak gloriously of themselves such is the hard condition of war if ought fall out wel all challenge a part misfortunes commonly are imputed to one contrariwise the Brittains presupposing that no true valour but the coming of the General by using the occasion had carried away the victory abated not much their wonted courage but armed their youths transported their children and Wives into places of safety and sought by Assemblies and Religious rights to establish an association of the Cities together and so for that year both parties as Enemies departed incensed away In the beginning of the next summer Agricola sending his Navy before which by spoiling in sundry places should induce a greater and more uncertain terror followed himself with his Army by land having drawn to his party some of the valiantest Brittains whom by long experience in peace he had found most faithfull and so armed at the Mount a Grants lane in Scotland Grampius where the Brittains had lodged themselves before For they were not altogether dejected with the unfortunate event of the former battle but now as men prepared for all chances they attended nothing else but revenge death or servitude and being taught at length that common danger must be repelled with mutual concord by leagues and embassages they had assembled the power of all the Cities together in number above thirty thousand Armed men the view being taken besides a great company of youths which daily flocked unto them and lastly old men renowned in War and bearing the badges due to their honour at what time Galgacus for virtue and birth the principal man of all the Leaders seeing the multitude hotly demand the battle is said to have used this or the like Speech The Speech or Oration of Galgacus to his Souldiers WHen I consider the cause of this War and our present necessity I have reason me seems to presume that this day and this our general agreement will give a happy beginning to the freedom of the whole Island for we have all hitherto lived in liberty and now no Land remaineth beyond us no Sea for our safety The Roman Navy as you see surveying and environing our Coasts so that combat and Armes which men of vertue desire for honour the dastard must also use for his security The former battles which have with divers events been fought with the Romans had their refuge and hope resting in our hands for we the flower of the Brittish Nobility and seated in the furthest part of the Isle did never yet see the borders of those Countries which were brought under servile subjection our eyes being still kept unpolluted and free from all contagion of Tyranny beyond us is no land besides us none are free us only hither to this corner and secret harbour hath defended you see the uttermost part of the line is laid open and things the lesse they be which in knowledge the greater is the glory to atchieve them but what Nation is there now beyond us what else but water and Rocks and the Romans Lords of all within the Land whose intolerable pride in vain shall you seek to avoid by services and humble behaviour They are the Robbers of the world that having now left no Land to be spoiled search also the Sea if the enemy be Rich they seek to win wealth if poor they are content to gain the glory to themselves whom neither the East or West can satisfie as being the only men of all Memory that seek out all places be they wealthy or poor with like greedy affection to take away by main force to kill and spoile they term Empire and Government when all is wast as wildernesse that they call peace his Children and blood each man holds most dear and yet even they are pressed for Souldiers and carried away to be slaves we know not where our Sisters and Wives though they be not violently forced as in open Hostility yet are they under the colour and title of friends and guests shamefully abused our goods and substance they daily draw from us rewarding us only with stripes and indignities slaves which are born to bondage and sold but once and after are fed at their owners expences but Brittain daily burieth and daily feedeth and is at charge with her own bondage and as in a private retinue the fresh man and last comer is scoffed at by his fellow servants so in this old servitude of the whole world they seek only the destruction of us as being the latest attempted and of all others in their opinion the most vile we have no Fields to Mannure no Mines to be digged no Ports to trade in and to what purpose then should they keep us alive considering that the manhood and fierce courage of the Subject doth not much please the jealous Soveraigne And this corner being so secret and out of the way the more security it yieldeth to us the greater suspition it worketh in them seeing therefore all hope of pardon is past it behoveth you at length to shew courage in defending and maintaining both your safety and honour The Igenians led by a Woman Fired the Roman Colony Forced the Castles and had the prosecution of the War being answerable to so lucky a beginning the Southern Brittains might have then
over the enterprize howbeit Aelius Adrianus who succeeded Trajan in the Empire having intelligence that the Northern Brittaines made incursions into the Province sent over Julius Severus to impeach their attempts but before he could come to make an end of the War he was revoked and sent into Syria to suppresse the Jewish Rebellion and Adrian the Emperour himself came with an Army into Brittany where he encountred the Northern Riders recoverd such Forts as they had taken and forced them to tetire to the Mountains and Woods whither the Roman Horsmen without danger could not pursue them then fortifying the borders of the Province by raising a wall of Turues about eighty miles in length between the mouths of the Rivers a The River Eden in Cumberland Stuna and b The River Tyne in Northumberland Tina to defend the Inhabitants thereof from the sudden assaults of their ill Neighbours he returned triumphantly to Rome This exploit won much reputation to the Roman Army and no small honour to the Emperour himself who was then called the Restorer of Brittain and had the inscription figured in the stamp of his coyne Now the Brittains dwelling within the Province seemed for the most part patiently to bear the yoak which custome had made lesse painful and they obeyed the more willingly as standing in need of the Romans help against their own Countrymen whose cruelty was now as much feared as in former times the Invasion of strangers Whereupon they conformed themselves to the Roman Laws both in Martial and Civil Affairs which were then principally directed by Licinius Priscus who had been not long before employed by Adrian the Emperour in the expedition of Jury and was at that time a Lieutenant Propretor of Brittain This Emperour Adrian began his Empire about the year of Christ 123. Mr. Brough f. 196. 2. in his first years he was a persecutor of Christians among whom St. Euaristus the Pope was by his Authority put to death and he caused to take away the memory of Christ the statutes of Divels to be erected in the place of our Lords passion and by Severus Sulpitius and others is termed the fourth persecutor In loco dominicae passionis daemonum simulachra constituit yet soon he corrected his error therein forbidding Christians to be punished for their Religion Quod sub Hadriano persecutio numeratur Quam tamen postea exerceri prohibuit injustum esse pronuncians ut quisquam reus sine crimine constitueretur And wrote so expresly commanding Minutius Fondanus his Proconsul in Asia moved thereto perhaps by Apology and Oration of * Serenus St. Quadratus unto him for Christians the letters of Serius Granianus his legate in behalf of Christians declareing their innocency and S. Aristides presented the like Apology unto him and he was so much moved by these men that one of our own Historians Writeth that he was thereby instructed and informed in the Christian Religion Imperator Hadrianus per Quadratum Apostolorum discipulum Aristidem Atheniensem virum fide sapientia plenum ac per Serenum Legatum libris de Christiana religione compositis instructius est eruditus And Ælius Lampridius confirmeth as much more when he saith that this Emperour Adrian did intend to receive Christ for God and caused Temples in all Cities to be erected without Pagan Idols which remained so in Lamprideus time and were called Adrians Churches which he intended to the honor of Christ but was kept back from performing it by fear or flattery of the idolaters told by their Oracles that if he proceeded so all would become Christians and their Temples would become desolate and forlorn Christo templum facere voluit Alexander eumque inter deos recipere quod Hadrianus cogitasse fertur qui templa in omnibus civitatibus sine simulacris jusserat fieri quae hodie idcirco quia non habent Numina dicuntur Hadriain quae ille ad hoc parasse dicebatur sed prohibitus est ab iis qui consulentes sacra repererunt omnes Christianos si id optato evenisset templa reliqua deserenda And these were motives in those dayes to very many to embrace Christian Religion both at Rome where the mind and judgement of the Emperour himself a good Prince was so known to be convinced by the constancy and innocency of the Christians and their unanswerable Apologies for the only truth of their Religion and evident errour and falsehood of the Pagans superstitious rites now made manifest in all places I find in the Chronicles of Burton under the year of Grace 141. and time of Adrian the Emperour that nine Scholars of Granthe or Granta now Cambridge were baptized in Brittain and became Preachers of the Gospel there but whether Taurnius Bishop over the Congregation of York who as Vincentius saith was executed about this time was one or not as yet I do not certainly find Mr. B. f. 205. out of Will. Harrison p. 23 Antoninus Pius succeeded Adrian the Emperour when Lollius Vrbicus being Lieutenant the Northern people made a road into the Province but were beaten back by the Roman Forces that lay upon the borders And then was there another wall of Turve built by the commandment of the Lieutenant to strengthen those parts with a double Rampire in the mean time a new war was kindled among the a The Ancient Inhabitants of the Countries of York Lancaster Durham Westmer an and Cumberland Brigants that annoyed some of the Roman Confederates but by the discretion of the General it was quenched before it came to a flame for Lollius Vrbicus upon the first rumour of revoult marched thither with part of the Army leaving the rest behind to guard the borders and Seius Saturninus Admiral of the Brittish Fleet being well appointed by Sea lay upon the Northside of the Isle to defend the Coasts and upon occasions to further the Land service by this means the Brigants were easily reduced to obedience even by the presence onely of the Lieutenant who for his good service done in Brittany during the short time of his imployment there obtained the surname of Britannicus Mr. B. Here give me leave to speak of St. Timothy a Brittain of this Nation by his holy Mother St. Claudia Sabinella who as divers Write preached in this Kingdome sent hither by the Roman Sea Apostolick must needs be sent here about this time for Authors testifie he was at Rome and Martyred in the time of Antoninus Romae Sanctorum Martyrum Marci Timothei qui sub Antonino Imperatore Martirio coronati sunt which Antoninus began his Empire in or about the year of Christ 138. Mr. B. f. 201. Antonius sirnamed Pius by Baronnis reckoning was Emperor twenty two years seven months and twenty six dayes annis vigenti duobus mensibus septem diebus viginti sex which differeth not much from Orosuis and Marianus who say triginti non plenis tribus annis And
chiefest City at this day in Essex wherein Lucius Helena and Constantine the first Christian King Empress and Emperour in the world were born which made Nechan to sing as he did From Colchester there sprung a star The rayes whereof gave glorious light Throughout the world in climates far Great Constantine Romes Emperour bright This City is walled about raised upon a high trench of earth though now much decaied having six gates of entrance and three posterns in the West wall besides nine watch Towers for defence and containeth in compasse 1980 paces wherein stand 8 fair Churches and two other without the walls for Gods divine Service St. Tenants the Black-fryars decayed in the suburbs St. Mary Magdelens the Nunnery St. John's and the Crochiet Fryers suppressed within towards the East is mounted an old Castle and elder ruines upon a trench containing two Acres of Ground where as yet may be seen the provident care they had against all ensuing assault This City was graced with the honour of a Viscount by K. James who Created Thomas Darcy Lord Darcy of Chich 1621. Viscount Colchester in Essex to him during his life the remainder to Sir Thomis Savage of Roch Savage in the County of Chester Knight and Baronet who had Married one of his Daughters and Coheirs Thomas Lord Darcy Argent 3 cinque foils Gules John Savage Viscount Rochester Colchester Argent 6 Lyons ramp 321 sable Now was the time come namely about one hundred and fourscore years after the Birth of our Saviour when Christian Religion which many years together had been for the most part shadowed with dark clouds of Heathenish superstition began to discover it self more openly in this Iland by the means of Lucius sirnamed Lever-Maur who by permission of the Roman Lieutenant did govern as King a great part of the Province For it appeareth by the testimony of some ancient Writers that Brittain received the Christian Faith even in the Infancy of the Church immediately after the death of our Saviour whose Apostles and Disciples according to his Commandment published and dispersed the same in divers Regions partly by themselves in their own persons partly by their Ministers among whom were sent into Brittany Simon Chananaeus that after his peregrination in Mauritania as it is reported was slain and buried in this Iland Aristobulus a Roman Brittish History fol. 108. l. 3. c. 3. of whom St. Paul in his Epistles maketh mention and Joseph of Arimathea a noble Man of Jury specially remembred of Posterity for his charitable Act in burying the Body of our Saviour This Man was appointed by St. Philip the Apostle then preaching the Christian Faith in Gallia to instruct the ancient Brittains among whom he began first as some write to institute an Eremitical life in a place then called Duellonia and afterwards Glastenbury where himself and his Companions imitating the austerity and zeal of solitude which they had observed in Mary Magdalen with whom they travelled out of Jury unto Marsilia in France sequestred themselves from all worldly Affairs that they might freely attend to the exercise of piety which they professed yea some Writers of former Ages have writ that the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in their own persons at several times came into Brittain and that afterwards one Sueton a noble Mans Son of that Country being converted by such Christians as first planted the Faith there and called after his Baptisme Beatus was sent by them to Rome unto St. Peter to be better instructed and confirmed in Christianity and that in his return homewards through Switzerland he found in the Inhabitants there such a desire and readinesse to receive the Christian Faith as he resolved to continue in that place where he erected an Oratory to exercise a Monastical life and departed the world about the year of Grace 110. but who were the very first Teachers and at that time the Christian Faith was first of all received there it is not certainly known saith this Author Howbeit it is likely that in the Expedition of Claudius the Emperor which was about the third year of his Reign and twelve years after the Ascension of our Saviour some Christians of Rome and Scholars of the Apostles themselves became first known unto the Brittains who in processe of time were drawn by the Exhortations and Examples of their Teachers to embrace the Truth The unblamable life of those religious Men moving sometimes even their Princes though yet unbelieving to protect and regard them as is shewn in Arviragus and others as Lucius then began to doe besides that the Roman Lieutenants also as well in Brittain as in other places did sometimes tolerate the exercise of Christian Religion as not altogether disliking it howsoever for worldly respects they forbare to shew themselves openly in favour of it But Lucius declared his inclination thereunto after another manner For inwardly disliking the prophane superstition then used among the Romans by the great constancy vertue and patience of the Christians at Rome and other places suffering Persecution and Martyrdome for the Faith of Christ the number of Christians whom many men esteemed for the Miracles they wrought as contrary to common expectation daily encreased That Pertinax and Tretellius two worthy Senators of Rome had been lately converted from Paganisme to Christianity that Marcus Aurelius the Roman Emperor then reigning began to conceive a better opinion of them then himself and his Predecessors had done and so much the rather by reason that not long before he had obtained a famous victory against his enemies the prosperous Event whereof he attributed to the prayers of the Christians at Rome Upon these considerations Lucius determined to be instructed in the Religion which they professed and first of all commanded Elevanus and Meduinus two learned Men of the Brittish Nation to go to Rome where Elutherius was then Bishop to require some meet persons to be sent into Brittain to instruct him and his people for which purpose Fugatius and Damianus were specially appointed by Elutherius with all speed to repair thither where they afterwards not without some danger by tempest upon the Seas arrived and applyed themselves both by doctrine and examples to perform the charge committed unto them the successe therein proving answerable to their endeavours for the prince and his Family was by them baptized some of the Inhabitants that had formerly received the Faith were confirmed therein and others that remained as yet in their infidelity were converted to Christianity But Lucius the Prince having received instructions from the Sea of Rome for direction of himself and his people in the profession and exercise of Christian Religion not desirous also to order his temporal estate according the Roman policy and to that end sollicited Elutherius the Bishop to send unto him the Lawes of the Empire out of which he might elect and compose some certain Ordinances for the Administration of civil justice whereupon Elutherius sent Letters to the
may seem by such acclamations against his own Inclination to have given way to persecution And the rather because the Gnostick Hereticks given then over to all filthiness that as Irenaeus Nicephorus and others write they did publickly profess and so practise that all which would come to perfection of their Sect which they onely allowed must commit all wickedness These Heretiques being accounted Christians with the Pagans might sooner provoke the Emperour by such mens informations against the most holy Professors of Christian Religion which were so free from being such as they were falsly reputed with those their enemies to be Athenagoras Orat. pro Christian that as Athenagoras in his Oration for them in the name of the Christians desired no mercy or favour but to be utterly rooted out if those impious slanders could be proved true against them Nicephorus saith Christianity flourished in his time and Tertullian then living affirmeth That Severus also himself father to Antoninus was kind to Christians for he sought for Proculus a Christian who had some time before cured him with Oyl and kept him in his Pallace with him so long as he lived Tertul. li. ad Scap. c. 4. he was exceedingly well known to Antoninus that was nursed by a Christian woman and Severus knowing both renowned women as also most honourable men to be of this profession was so far from doing them any hurt that he commended them and openly resisted even to their faces the raging people Therefore if Severus the Emperour was of his own disposition so great a Lover of Christians in general if he honoured Proculus in his Pallace so long as he lived gave allowance that his son and heir Antoninus Bassianus King of Brittain and Emperour after his father should both be nursed by a Christian woman and be so familiar with such known professed Christians as Proculus was and was the Overseer of Evodus the Tutor or Bringer up of Bassianus his son as may be gathered both by Tertullian Dio and others and both Severus himself so great an honourer both of renowned Christian men and women and his Lady and Empress Martia of Brittain so far affected and disposed to Christian Religion that if she did not profess it in act yet in affection and desire did so honour it that she would not permit her son and heir to be nursed by any but a Christian woman and the Overseer of so great a charge to be a Christian so famous and renowned for Faith as Proculus was known of all men to be These considered I dare not boldly say that Severus did in any time or place of his own inclination wittingly or willingly without great incitation condescend to such persecutions as are remembred in Histories to have been in his Empire And after his coming into Brittain we do not find the least suspition in our Antiquities that he did of himself or suffer any other to persecute any for Christian Religion but rather both of himself and at the instance of his Brittish Empress at the least a Christian in affection and both powerable with him and their son Bassianus his heir and successor and for that love and trust he found in the Brittish Christians of all that part of Brittain South to the Wall and Trench which Adrian and he made joining with him against his enemies to possess him of the Crown of Brittain he was a grateful friend to them and their holy profession And all our Histories are clear that Religion was here in quiet without molestation and affliction until the Empire of Dioclesian that great persecutor yet we cannot deny but all places in Brittain being now full of war-like miseries and the Christians here both in Albania Loegria and Cambria mixed and joined both with Roman and Scythian Infidels many of them fell both to wickedness and Paganism also which occasioned holy Gildas to write that Christianity was received but coldly of the Inhabitants of Brittain and with some continued perfect but not so with others before Dioclesian his persecution And not onely in the time of Dioclesian his persecution following in this age we find even whole Cities and Towns as Verulamium and others wholly destitute of Christians but long before or about this time we are assured that there were very many Brittains not of mean estate but such as were publickly employed about the affairs of the Kingdom sent from hence to Rome about it that either were fallen from Christianity or never forsook their Pagan Religion for we read both in antient Manuscripts and other Authours in the life of St. Mello after Archbishop of Rhoan in Normandy sent thither by St. Stephen Pope not onely that he and his Brittish Companions which were then sent to Rome to pay the tribute of Brittains there were Pagans and Sacrificed in the temple of Mars but it was then the custom of the Brittains coming thither about that Office so to do which to be a custom could not be younger than these dayes time short enough between this and that time to make a custom And it seemeth this custom had been from the first submission of the Brittains to the Romans for both late Writers and others affirm that in Octavius Augustus time Ambassadors came from Brittain to Rome swearing sealty in the temple of Mars offering gifts in the Capitol to the gods of the Romans and we have testimony in our Histories that after the death of King Lucius and this very time which we have now in hand it was the use custom of our Brittains here when any of their Nobility 〈…〉 were to obtain the dignity of Knighthood to send them to Rome to receive that honour there and after such Pagan rights and ceremonies that Christians could not in Conscience so accept thereof And yet such multitudes even in this time flocked thither from hence so to be created Severus of himself was not addicted to a wicked life but much renowned not onely for warlike affairs but also for learning and knowledge in philosophy and so great an enemy to incontinency that he punished adultery by law with death with such severity that Dio writeth that when he was Consul he found by record that 3000 had been put to death for that offence He was after his death made a God among the Pagans and Herodianus saith he died rather of grief for his childrens wickednesse then of sicknesse which grief for the sins of his sons as also of his own in permitting the Christians in many places be to most grievously persecuted I would not deny but that he dyed in any such grief is untrue being most certain that he after so many conquests in other Countries when he came to fight against this Country Christians was enforced dishonourably to make a wall and trench above 130 miles in length to keep his enemies back from invading him and slain in battail by Fulgenius or as others call him Fulgentius brother to his first lawful true wife the
of the persecution during ten years and addeth that then the church of St. Alban was built to his honour within ten years of his martyrdom in the quiet of Christian times here which by that is said before must needs be in the time of Constantius Likewise we find in the antiquitie of the old Church of Winchester that being destroyed with the rest in this late persecution it was perfectly re-edified in the year of Christ 309. and so either was in building or warranted to be built in the dayes of Constantius then so or lately before by all accounts living and reigning here that it could not be done without his warrant or allowance The like we say of the Churches of St. Julius and St. Aaron and other Martyrs of that time and all both Cathedral churches and others destroyed here by Maximian the most horrible fact-man as Henry of Huntington calls him after whose leaving the Empire Christians were quiet here as he saith and restored to their former liberties and as Regino writteth not only in Brittain but generally where he ruled both Bishops were restored to their private Sees and many other things granted for the profit of Christian Religion and particularly saith that the Monastery of Trevers was begun in his time then much more in Brittain where he was both absolute Emperour and King to command and no man daring to resist him to this our late Antiquaries have given sufficient allowance when they grant that Constantius abolished the superstition of the Gentiles in this Dominions especially in Brittain where he now lived King and Emperour as also in abolishing the Pagan rights and observances for dislike of them and love to Christian Religion must needs for his short time be an extraordinary advancer thereof Stow Howes in Constant But when he had happily begun this holy work in repairing the ruines of the Church of Christ in this Kingdom and before he could bring it to due and his desired perfection he fell sick at the City of York where soon after he deceased Yet in this short time of his sicknesse his greatest care was to leave and commit this his charge both concerning his Empire and this Kingdom to his Eldest son Constantine Son of St. Helen who as he hoped for many reasons would be most ready and willing to maintain and defend true Religion and with Justice govern his Subjects And to this happy choice as both Zonoras and Pompeius Laetus do plainly testify Zonoras Annal Tom. 2. in Constant Pomp. Laetus Rom. Hist Camp in Const max. Eseb l. 1. de vita Const mag c. 18. Grin amart in cum locum and Eusebius and others sufficiently insinuate he was admonished and instructed by Gods direction and an Angell which is confimed by the effect and event it self not only of the general establishing of Christian religion in the world by Constantine in the time of his Empire but his extraordinary and miraculous preservation before he came to it and at this very time of his fathers sicknesse strangely escaping the Tyrants hands in Italy and coming safely unto his sick Father Constantius at York in our Brittain by the great providence of God as Eusebius noteth who had often preserved him to bring him thither so long and dangerous a journey at that very time to succeed his Father And this Author immediately addeth For presently when Constantine had escaped the stratagems of the deceits he came with all speed to his Father Euseb in vita Const l. 1. c. 14. and after a long space of time which he had been absent from him presented him to his sight at that moment Constantius was ready to die but when contrary to all hope he saw his sonne leaping out of bed he embraced him saying that he had now cast that out of his mind Cap. 15. which only troubled him at the point of death which was the absence of his Son and therefore did earnestly pray and give thanks for it to God affirming that now he rather desired to die then live and setting himself in the midst of his Children and in his place lying upon his Kingly bed giving over the inheritance of his Kingdom to his Eldest Son he departed this Life Thus hath Eusebius then living in that time Our Moderne Writers citing other ancient Authors not differing from Eusebius Hollenshed Hist of England l. 4 c. 28. 27. cit Euseb Sext Aurel. vict Nicep Tripart Hist thus Translate and Epitomate this History from them Whilest Constantine remained at Rome in manner as he had been a pledge with Gallerius in his Fathers time fled from hence and with all post hast returned to his Father in Brittain killing and hewing by the way all such horses as were appointed to stand at Inns ready for such as would ride in Post least being pursued he should have been overtaken and brought back again by such as might be sent on purpose after him Constantius whilest he lay on his death bed somewhat before he departed this life hearing that his son Constantine was come and escaped from the Emperors Dioclesian and Maximian with whom he remained as a pledge he received him with all joy and raising himself up in his bed in presence of his other sons and Councellours with a great number of other people and strangers that were come to visit him He set the Crown upon his sons head and adorned him with other Imperi-Robes and garments executing as it were himself the Office of an Herald and with all spake these words unto his said son and to his Councellours there about him Now is my death come unto me more welcome and my departure hence more pleasant I have here a large Epitaph and Monument of buriall to wit mine own son and one whom in earth I leave to be Emperour in my place which by Gods good help shall wipe away the tears of the Christians and revenge the cruelty exexercised by Tyrants This I reckon to chance unto me instead of most felecity Thus careful was this holy Emperour even at his death to advance the honour of Christ This he did prophesying how his son after him should advance Christian Religion now by his father declared Emperour but as Esebius writeth long before designed to that dignity by God the King of all This renowned Emperour Constantius died by divers in the year 306. by others 307 and by some 308. and by all at such time as it is already proved it must needs be he which among the Roman Emperours first gave order and warrant for the restoring and re-establishing Christian Religion here in Brittain after the desolation thereof by Dioclesian and Maximian and died happily and most blessedly And was so renowned that even by the Pagans he was accounted a God and had after his death all honour given unto him which belonged to an Emperour he was most honourably and Christian like buryed in the City of York Constantine his son the new Emperour present
at his funeral going before his corps with an infinite number of people and Souldiers attending with all honour and pompe some going before others following with most sweet harmony of singing This was the End which God shewed of this Emperours Godly and Religious manners and life evidently to all people then living as Eusebius witnesseth who also then lived and called him most holy Euseb l. 1. de vita Constan c. 16. which he a learned christian Bishop could not give to any but an holy professed Christian in his knowledge or judgement and therefore attributeth so much to Constantius in this kind that he calleth Constantine the great himself whom he so much extolleth for his Christian Religion and advancement thereof a follower of his fathers piety in such affairs Constantine the Great Constantius having thus honourably ended his dayes and declared Constantine his eldest son successor in his Empire his whole Army doth presently with mutual consent and joy proclaim him King and Emperour and all Nations subject to his fathers Empire were filled with incredible joy and unspeakable gladness that they had without intermission so worthy and renowned an Emperour Of the coming of this most noble Brittain to the Empire escaping and preserved from so many dangers and difficulties before Euseb c. 18. so generally and joyfully chosen and accepted and proving after so happy a Ruler Eusebius saith that he was chosen by God himself and that no mortal man could glory of this onely Emperour his advancement for although he was generally and ordinarily chosen and accepted by men yet as the same Authour writeth he was miraculously preserved by God and by his extraordinary protection brought safely from all danger to his father here in Brittain old and ready to die to be invested in the Empire after him And so soon as he was Emperour as the same Authour then living and well known unto and knowing Constantine Euseb l. 1. vit Const c. 12. testifieth and so declared by the Armies as the custom was being chosen of God long before to that end insisted in his fathers steps in favouring and advancing Christian Religion Euseb Hist l. 8. c. 14. So that in this part of the world as Brittain and France where Constantine succeeded his father and now reigned there was no persecution used against Christians but all favour and indulgence towards them and that assertion of divers Historians both of this and other Nations which affirmeth that the persecution begun by Dioclesian and Maximian did continue after their forsaking the Empire Euseb in Chron. Flo. Wigorn. in Chron. Mar. Sco. Aetat 6. l. 2. in Const and until the seventh year of the reign of Constantine is to be understood of those parts which until about that time were not under the Rule of Constantine but of Galerius Severus and Maxentius persecutors and so Florentius Marianus and others expounded it and it can have no other construction to be true for evident it is in Histories that not onely from the beginning of the reign of Constantine but in his fathers time all Christians under their Government were free from persecution And so soon as Constantine had conquered Maxentius and was sole and absolute Emperour all Christians in the world under him were delivered from persecution and set at liberty even publickly to profess their Religion And from his first entrance into the Empire and to be King of Brittain the Christians here in this Nation did not onely enjoy Religion but as in the time of his father made and freely had publick exercise and profession thereof as our old Churches re-edified new builded and erected Bishops Priests and all Clergy and religious men restored to their former Quiet Revenues Honours and Dignities witness Of this we have divers Testimonies and Examples in particular yet left unto us as out of the old Annals of Winchester where we find of that old Church builded in the time of King Lucius and destroyed in the late persecution The Church of Winchester builded in the time of King Lucius and hallowed and dedicated October the twenty and ninth Annals Eccle. Winton one hundred eighty nine by Faganus and Damianus Bishops amongst the rest at this time of Dioclesian went to wrack the building thereof being ruined Godwin Catal. of Bish Winch. In initio and made even with the ground and the Moncks and all the Officers belonging unto it either slain or enforced to flye for the present time In the year three hundred and nine the Church aforesaid was again re-edified and that with such wonderful forwardnesse and zeal as within one year and thirty dayes both it and all the edifices belonging unto it as chambers and other buildings for Moncks and Officers were quite finished in very seemly and convenient manner The fifteenth day of March following it was again hallowed and Dedicated unto the honour and memory of St. Amphibalus that had suffered death for Christ in the late persecution by Constans Bishop of Winchester at the request of Diodatus Abbot of this New erected Monastery It is evident by this relation that this holy work so publick with freedom and zeal was quite finished in the time of Constantine his being here before he went hence against Maxentius And yet we see both Bishop Priest and Abbot and religious men publickly and honourably restored to their former condition The Church with unspeakable devotion builded and dedicated to the holy Saint and Martyr who in the late persecution was most hated by the enemies of Christ So I say of the Church of St. Alban a Church of wonderfull workmanship Bede Eccl. Hist l. 1. c. 7. Math. West Anno. 313. and worthy of his Martyrdoni was builded so soon as the Christians were here at quiet Matthew of Westminster hath the same words and explaineth this time of the quiet of Christians here when this Church was so sumptuously builded to have been ten years after his Martyrdome the perfect finishing whereof he setteth down to have been the same year in which Constantine went from hence towards Rome against Maxentius which was by him in the sixt year of Constantine and before the general occasion of persecution in other places Constantine not being absolute and sole Emperor untill his victory against Maxentius nor the general quiet then ensuing Both St. Bede and the Monck of Westminster write that in their several times often curing of Infirmities and other miracles were wrought there The old Churches of St. Julius and Aaron The foundation of Lhanturnanus and St. Julians Church in Caerleon Martyred in the late persecution in the City of Caerlegion derive their ancient foundation from this time so do many others founded in honour of several Martyrs then cruelly put to death for the name of Christ so I affirm of all the Cathedral Churches Archiepiscopal and Episcopal with their particular Sees and Cities founded in the time of King Lucius and destroyed in the time of the
was the Son of Traherne the Uncle of St. Helen Maximian King Trahern his Son next Heir to Constantine others say he was Son of Leolinus another Uncle of St. Helen Great Uncle to Constantine and one of them Gal. Mon. l. 5. c. 12.15 Pont. Virun lib. 5. Math. West an 390 392. Manus Anti. in vit S. Nin. Capg in eod Bal. li. de Scrip. Cent. 1. in Nin. saith Octavius was King but 14 yeares ending with the beginning of Maximian his Reigne And so we may well allow such an Octavius to have the name of a King in Brittain in those troublesome daies of the Romans ruling here divers petty Kings being probably at that time in this Nation as well by the Testimony of these Authors which then make Octavian King as others So they terme Conanus a King and that Maximian took his kingdom from him So was Dionotus King in Cornwall So was his brother Carodocus before him and yet under one chief King and Emperor Maximian at that time And St. Nimen who lived Bishop here in the end of this age had Kings for his Ancestors and yet the great distance of the place of his birth from King Coel argueth he was not of their line And all these Kings or Regents here were most certainly by our Antiquaries Chatholick Christians Constantinus After the death of Constantine the great Constantinus his eldest Son injoyed Brittain as a portion of his Dominion till making some attempts upon his brother Constans for the enlarging of it Brittish Hist fol. 239. he was by him slain Then was the Empire divided between Constans and Constantius the two younger brethren Constans seised upon the Provinces which Constantinus his brother had held and made a voyage into Brittain where Gratianus a Hungarian by birth had then charge of the Army This Gratianus was surnamed Funarius for that he being a young man was able as it is written of him to hold a Rope in his hand against the force of five Souldiers assaying to pull it from him But Constans afterwards following ill counsel the ready way to Princes ruines and giving himself over to all kind of vice was slain by Magnentius Taporus the Son of a Brittain who then invaded the Empire usurping the Government of Gallià and Brittain till after three years warr with Constantius the successor of Constans his brother finding himselfe unable any longer to uphold his greatnesse Mr. Br. fol. 548. 1. he murdered himself This Constantius in processe of time was infected with the Arian heresy but neither so as to endanger Brittain or any other Nation under his command He consented to the recalling of St. Athanasius out of exile and sometime to his continuing his dignity at Alexandrea And whether it was for the love of St. Athanasius or fear of his brother Constans writing expresly unto him in favour of St. Athanasius is uncertain he also consented to the calling of the great general Councel of Sardyce 10 or 11 years after the death of his Father as Socrates and Sozomen affirm wherein St. Athanasius was proved innocent and as he then present with many others proveth the Nicon faith was confirmed and utterly forbidden to be questioned Mr. Bro. fol. 548. Socr. l. 2. c. 16. Soz. l. 3. c. 11 12. Athan. Apol. 2 cont Arianos Divers Bishops of Brittain 5 at the least present at the Councel of Sardyce Baro. Spon an 347. Sex Ruff. Brem Rev. gest po Ro. ad Valent. And at the calling of this Councel the same renowned Doctor called this said Constantins as also his brother a known Cacholick Emperour and a Religious Prince and we are sure that at this time our Kingdome of Baittain detained the former glorious estate and glory of Religion it had before in the daies of Constantine and was still free from Arianisme For the same glorious Athanasius present in that Councel faith that amongst more than 300 Bishops assembled there which freed him and professed the Nicen faith the Bishops from the Provinces of Baittain were there And as the Roman writers testifie there were from the division of the Empire by Constantine and as many suppose before five provinces here in Brittain Maxima Caesariensis Valentia Baittannia prima Brittania secunda Flavia Caesariensis So that if we should allow but one Bishop out of every of those provinces to have been at the Sardyce Councel and there to have subscribed for the rest of Brittain their Provinces or Dioceses we must grant five Brittish Bishops to have been there and supplyed this duty and Office for the rest of Brittain That this our Country of Brittain flourished after this with great numbers of worthy Bishops no City then vacant here of such a Pastor and Rider we may gather from divers Antiquities Epist Concilii Arimini ad Const apud Socr. l. 2. Hist c. 29. Soz Hist Eccl. l. 4. c. 16. Sever sulp sacra Hist l. 2. c. 21. Lib. Notitia Epis orb Chr. sive Cod. Provin Rom. as from the Epistle of the great Councel of Ariminum in Italy not long after this time written to Constantius the Emperour where our Bishops were present testifying unto him that they were assembled there forth of all Cities towards the West most properly and significantly to be applyed to this Kingdom most West from thence And the words All Bishops out of the Western Cities cannot carry any other true construction but our Episcopal Cities in Baittain were then so furnished and many or most of them present at that Councel This is confirmed by the number of Western Bishops above 400 as Sozomen and others write assembled at Ariminum besides 160 from the East at the same time gathered together at Seleucia in Isauria when it is manifest in the old Manuscript Catalogue of Bishops that Brittain and all the Western Nations present in the Councel of Ariminum had not at that time many more than 400 Bishops Therefore we must needs grant that the Bishops of all Cities as well of Brittain as other Countries of the West which had not excuseable lets and impediments were there present in such sence as the Epistle of that Councel is cited and Severus Sulpitius is sufficient witnesse that this our Brittain in particular that it had many Bishops there for relating the number to have been above 400 out of the West And the Emperour the better to incline them to the Arian heresie as it seemeth commandeth that provision should be made for them at his cost But the Bishops of France Aquitaine and Brittain refused it and rather made choice to live at their own charges than to be maintained by the Emperour and this refusal was general to all the Bishops of Brittain Aquitaine and France except three only of Brittain which received allowance from the Emperour and refused maintenance by the other Bishops themselves being poor And the same Authors prove that our Bishops were drawn or forced to come to that Councel by the Officers of Constantius
now after his brothers death a professed friend to the Arian heresie or rather a professed Arian then reigning in Brittain maketh it evident that our Brittish Bishops which could not plead sufficient cause of excuse and absence were generally present there And it those few poor Bishops of Brittain which were not able to bear their own charges were drawn thither to be maintained by the Emperour how much rather must we judge the same of so many potent and rich in this Country which could pretend no such excuse So that we see no excuse but infirmity either by age or sicknesse to have caused any Brittish Bishops absence thence A late writer thinketh Iltutus then as he conjectureth Arch-Bishop of London the Arch-Bishops of York and Gaerleon the Bishops of Winchester Harris Eccles Hist Tom. 4. c. 24. Chichester and Glocester with others were there I see no particular warrant he bringeth more for those than any other of so many Episcopal Brittish Cities of that time which I have before remembred all of them being in the same condition for presence or absence but where just excuses and lets were singular to any in particular above the rest For good Authors have Testified that all in general were urged to be there without any exception or to be exempted And almost all Bishops in the world were then caused to be either at Ariminum in Italy where those of the West were Sulpi Sever. Sacr. histor l. 2. Epist Conc. Arim. ad Con. apud Theod. l. 2. Hist c. 19. Mr. Bro. fol. 552. Epist Arimin Conc. ad Constan Imp. apud Theod. l. 2. c. 20. alios or at Seleucia appointed for the Easterne Bishops and the command was for all Bishops generally to be there this was the Emperors command to the Presidents of the Provinces to compel all to be present And the Councel of Ariminum it self in the Epistle to Constantius the Arian Emperour testifieth plainly that all the Bishops of the West were there assembled The far greater part of these were Catholick Bishops and of the whole number about 400. There was not by Severus Sulpilius his relation above 80. Arians St. Athanasius saith there were 50 and more and St. Ambrose witnesseth that the greatest part of the Bishops there confirmed the faith of the Nicene Councel and condemned the Arian errors This is testified by the same Councel in two several Epistles to the Emperor that they neither could nor would swerve from the doctrine of the Nicene Councell And although the Emperour both by his Epistle to that Councel and otherwise by fraud and terrours endeavoured for to remove them from that holy minde and communicate with the Arians they plainly wrote answer again constantly averring they would change nothing they had decreed and gave their Legates charge to tell him as much in words And to make it manifest that although by many Writers divers of the Bishops being convented and overcome both with the deceit of the Arians and persecution of the Emperour did afterward subscribe to a material error our Bishops of Brittain were free both from imputation and suspition thereof Socrates Sozomen Nicephorus and others prove that the Emperour neglecting to return answer to the second absolute resolution and Epistle the Councel staying some time for answer and having none they all departed to their countries and Sees Hil. li. contra Arian Argent Socrat. Hist Ecoles l. 2. c. 29 41. Sozom Hist l. 4. c. 18. and wholely dissolved the Councel St. Hillary saith plainly this Councel endeth Religiously by all So our Bishops must remove from Ariminum none being returned home or so far from recalling by any new edict or stratagen of the Emperour then of Constantinople very far from Ariminum and further from our Bishops travel into Brittain they could be none of that number which were circumvented or verified to subscribe to the wicked Emperour and his Arian favourites designes This persecution of Vrsatius by the command of Constantius the Emperour stretched not so far as Brittain his malice and indignation being against Liberius Pope of Rome and the Bishops of Italy And our Historians have made it doubtful whether Constantius had so much power in Brittain after this time to execute such cruelty This Constantius was at the time of his death by Sozomen about 45 years old full 45 saith Socrates besides the time he reigned with his Father after his death Sozom. Hist Eccle. l. 5. c. 1. Socrat. l. 2. c. 37 say Socrates Sozomen and Nicephorus he was Emperour 25 yeares he died on the third day of the Nones of November by Nicephorus his account in the 367. year of Christ some set down his death somwhat sooner Baron Spo. Annal. Tom. 4. as they have done his Fathers before above 25 yeares sooner than this account of Nicephorus of the year of Christ 367. for Constantius his death yet grant he was Emperour 25. years after his Father died About this time Martinus an aged man was made Deputy of Brittain when Paulus a Spaniard surnamed Catena a name well sorting with his nature was sent thither as a Commissioner to enquire of such as had conspired with Magnentius Brittish Hist l. 3. fol. 140. But under colour of his authority he called in question such as were not faulty either upon false information or private displeasure and sometimes to make a gain of those that were accused which course Martinus the Deputy mislikeing intreated him that such as had been no actors in Rebellion might be no partners in punshment with offenders Whereupon Paulus discharging the Deputy himself as a favourer of Traytors and privy to the conspiracy did so far forth incense Martinus that being either impatient of reproaches or perhaps not altogether guiltlesse he struck at Paulus with his Sword intending to have killed him but failing in the execution he presently thrust the Sword into his own body Gratianus Funarius though he were not specially bound by oath to the Emperor as some others had been yet for that he had received Magnentius into his house was adjudged to forfeit all his goods the rest of the accused persons being fettered and presented to the Emperor he condemned some to death and some to exile Julianus Now was the Government of Gallia and Brittain assigned to Julianus afterwards called the Apostata whom Constantius had made Caesar Brittish Hist l. 3 fol. 141. Lupicinus Master of the Armour to the Emperor a good Souldier but notorious for his pride covetousnesse and cruelty and after him Alipius were sent into Brittain to represse the Inhabitants that had invaded the Province there whilst Julianus himself remained in Gallia not daring to passe into the Isle both for that he feared the Gaules who were ready upon the least occasion to revolt and also doubted the Almanes who were then up in Armes Mr. Bro. fol. 562. Constantius the last over-living Son of Constantine being dead Julianus brother to Gallus and Son to
Daughter to Hen. 7. and Grandchild to Owen Tudor lineally descended from the Prince of South-Wales Ferdinando Sans Issue male  William Earl of Derby Elizabeth Daughter to Edward Vere Earl of Oxon and Anne Cecil his Wife by which March as in the Pologâ—â—â— of Oxford Salisbury and Ex câ—â—â—â— appears this Family descends from the Brittish Princely Stâ—â—â— James Earl of Derby lost his head as a most faithfull and loyal Subject for his leige Lord King Charles of blessed memory Charlâ—t Daughter to the Duke of Tremulia Charles Earl of Derby Lord Stanley of Latham Lord Strange of Knocking and of the Isle of Man a faithfull Subject to his King a Patron to his Countrey and Terror to his Enemies  DErby is a part of the Coritain and took that name from Derby the cheif City a Town coveniently seated on the River of Derwent beautified with five Parish Churches a goodly stone Bridge and a large Market place and no less famous for good Ale than Banbury for good Cakes and Cheese finally the Town is well traded and of good resort and is the usuall place of holding Sessions and Assises for all the County The Countrey of the East and South parts well manured and fruitfull yielding a very spacious and pleasing prospect both out of Cutbury Castle and that of Boulsover The West part which they call the Peak is not so pleasing to the eye though possibly as profitable to the Purse being rich in Iron Lead and Coals which it yields abundantly and grazing multitudes of Sheep on the Mountain tops It contains in it 106 Parishes of the which eight be Market-Towns the chief thereof being Derby as before is said the Catalogue of whose Earls here followeth 1. William de Ferrars 2. William de Ferrars 3. William de Ferrars 4. Robert de Ferrars 5. Edm of Lancaster second Son to K. Hen. 3. after which this Title was continued in the House of Lancaster 6. Henry of Lancaster Son of Henry Earl of Lancaster created Earl of Derby in his Fathers life time 11. Edw. 3. 7. Henry of Bullingbrook son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster created Earl of Derby in his Fathers life 9 Ri. 2. 8. Thomas Stanley created Earl of Derby by K. Hen. 7. Lord Constable 9. Thomas Stanley 10. Edward Stanley 11. Henry Stanley 12. Ferdinando Stanley 13. William Stanley 14. James Stanley 15. Charles Stanley now Earl 1661. The End of the first Part or Tome CAMBRIA TRIVMPHANS OR BRITTAIN IN ITS PERFECT LUSTRE SHEVVING THE Origen and Antiquity OF THAT ILLUSTRIOUS NATION THE Succession of their Kings and Princes from the First to KING CHARLES Of Happy Memory The Description of the Countrey The History of the Antient and Moderne Estate The manner of the Investure of the Princes with the Coats of Arms Of the Nobility The Second Tome By PERCY ENDERBIE Gent. LONDON Printed for Andrew Crooke and are to be sold at the Green Dragon in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1661. TO HIS ROYAL GRACE THE DUKE BROTHER TO His Sacred Majesty MONARCH of Great BRITTAIN King of France and Ireland c. SIR GOld the sinue and nerve of war without which the greatest Princes and Polititians fall short of their desired ends and History the faithfull mirrour in which the most accomplish't of Commanders may dress and modifie themselves even to the very height of vertue and perfection in this walk hand in hand and keep an equal sympathy that whether they flow from the hands of Peers or Peasants they still retain the same vigour force and vertue why did great Alexander set so great an estimate upon grave Homers works but that he found in them examples worthy imitation and also inglorious deeds to be avoyded like Rocks in raging Tempests This work great Prince which most humbly begs your Protection as the safest Azylum proceeds from a pen altogether Rural yet doth it contain matter fit for imitation selected from Authors of faithfull integrity Behold a Constantius memorable for an Act recorded by many Ancient Historians who to make trial of true Christians and accordingly advance them first exiled from his Court all who would not perpetrate themselves and adore the Pagan Gods and after trial made the Complyers he abhor'd and revoked the constant refusers preferring them to places of greatest trust and honour affirming that they would never be true to a mortal Emperour that would be false to an immortal Diety Quomodo inquit fidem erga Imperatorem servare poterunt inviolatam qui adversus Deum optimum maximum perfidi esse manifesto convincuntur and therefore saith the same Author Decrevit secum hos qui se fideles erga D. O. M. declarassent in amicorum atque adeo consiliorum munero habere And for this and such like his pious and vertuous transactions Fertur Constantio Angelus astistisse which Pomponius Laetus in these words confirmes Cum Pater Caesarem fecerat celesti nuntio admonitus Constantinum c. The body of this glorious Caesar was first withall Princely solemnity interred at York and after translated to Carnarvon in the time of King Edward I. and by him commanded to be enshrined in that Church Apud Carnarvon maximi principis patris nobilis Imperatoris Constantini erat inventum rege jubente honorifice collocatum Thus we clearly see vertue and Noble actions not only crowned here upon Earth with glorious Sepultures and inscriptions but even approved by Heaven it self by Divine and Celestial Revelation Let us march a little further into the Court of Honour and great Theater where mighty Emperors and Monarchs act their parts and there we shall find a great Brittish Constantine the first Christian Emperor doing what taking in hand a doubtfull yet cruel war what did he then Deum quem pater sancte adoravisset solum observandum colendumque statuit Quo circa hujus opem precibus imploravit hunc oravit hunc obtestatus est ut tum quinam esset ipsi vellet significare tum rebus quas apud animum proposuisset dexteram velut adjutricem porrigere he resolved to have the true God whom his Father adored devoutly to be only adored and worshiped wherefore by his prayers he implored his help he prayed and intreated his aid him he besought to declare himself unto him and assist him in his enterprise and what followed these divine and Heavenly ejaculations and inspirations About noon the day somewhat declining Constantine saw in the Sky a lightsome pillar in form of a cross wherein were these words engraven In this sign overcome and the night following in his sleep he beheld Christ who said thus unto him Frame unto thy self the form of a Cross after the example of the sign which appeared unto thee and bear the same against thy Enemies as a fit banner or token of victory And that the effects were answerable to the divine promises hear what Eusebius relates as spoken by Constantine himself Hoc salutari figno vero fortitudinis judicio vestram
with all those Meteors which are engendered in the middle Region of the Air From whence the name Thursday first derived consecrating to him the fifth day of the week which was afterwards called Thursday The name of Woden they attributed to Mercury or as some write to Mars whom they reverenced as a Protector in war and a giver of strength and courage against their Enemies To him they usually sacrificed with mans blood and dedicated the fourth day of the week naming it Wodensday as yet retaining the first denomination with very little difference Wednesday from whence Under the name of Freâ— they sacrificed to Venus as the giver of peace and pleasure whom they adored sometimes under the figure of Priapus committing to her the Patronage of the sixth day called Frea-day Of these three Thor was placed upon a three footed stool in the midst Friday from whence and Woden and Frea on each side To the Goddess Eoster they alwayes offered Sacrifice in the moneth of April which thereupon was called Eoster-moneth In their consultations of any weighty matter they observed south-saying and casting of lots Their custom of casting of lots was first to cut a branch from a fruit-bearing tree into many pieces which being distinguished with several marks they did cast upon a white garment at a venture then if the matter concerned the Common-Wealth in general the Priest The manner of casting lots among the Saxons if a private person only the Master of the house having prayed the Gods and looked towards heaven did take up every one of the said pieces three times and interpreted the future success according to the form and similitude of the marks if the lots fell out contrary to their minds they consulted no more that day if otherwayes yet they would make further tryal by observing the flying and singing of birds They had another practise also to search out the event of great and weighty battails with their Enemies For they would get some one of that Nation with which the war should be made and then take another choice man of their own arming them both after their Country guise Horses much honoured by the Saxons and so make trial of their valour conjecturing by the success of that fight on whose side the victory should afterwards fall but of all other passages the neying of horses was of greatest credit both with the Preists and People who fondly supposed that those beasts understood and were privy to their secrets Why a horse for the Saxons Armes And hereupon as some suppose the Dukes of Saxony in times past gave a horse for their Ensign The names also of Hengist and Horsa the first men of note of the Saxon Nation that arrived in Brittain do signifie in their own language a horse Brit. Hist part 2. fol. 195. Mr. Bro. fol. 199. Jo. Gosc Hist Eccle. Mat. Parker Antiq. Brit. p. 8. Antiq. Glast Capgrave in vita St. Patricii Gul. Malm. l. de Antiq. Caenob Glast which denominations whether they were given in respect of their strength and courage qualities by nature proper to that beast or whether they received them upon any other occasion or accident I cannot certainly affirm sayes my Authour In this age we had here in Brittain many Monasteries and Religious houses both of Men and Women Our old Religious house in Glastenbury continued in this age as in the former having twelve religious Eremites belonging unto it dwelling in the places and Cells of the first twelve in the time of St. Joseph of Aramathea This is testified by the old Manuscripts of that place and Will of Malms in his book of the antiquity thereof witnesseth that those holy men in the number of twelve thus successively lived and served God untill St. Patricks coming The names of the twelve then living were Brunbam Dyregaan The great sanctity of the Brittish Nobility Viwall Wentreth Bantonnewing Adeloobre Loyor Wellyas Breden Swellwis Hinloirmus and Alius all of them descended of noble families rather preferred this poor penitential eremitical life then worldly honour The antiquities of Glestenbury further witness that about this time there was new founded or renewed an other little Religious house in honour of St. Michael the Archangel and particularly to honour and pray to him And that Arnulphus and Ogmar two religious holy men were the first that supplyed that office and duty there Math. West an 543. That there were divers Monasteries in Brittain as well in London Winchester Kent and other places appeareth evidently by divers Authors For say they Hengist the Pagan Saxon at his coming into Kent Stow. Howes Brit. Sax. in Const Vortiger found many religious houses both of Men and Women and many of them were glorious Martyrs by the Saxon persecutors Hengist slew the good Archbishop Vodine and many other Priests and Religious Men. All the Churches in Kent were polluted with blood the Nunns with other Religious persons were by force put from their houses and goods These religious houses must needs be builded and so furnished with goods and consecrated persons before the Saxons entred and so in or before this age these men being then Pagans were no founders but destroyers of such monuments Bed 1. c. 6. not only in Kent but all places where they prevailed by all histories Among these these sumptuous and stately Church Math. West an 313. 586. and Monastery of St. Alban builded within ten years after his Martyrdome was one for the Monastery there was not as Math. West proveth founded first by King Offa Kaer Carodoc Salisbury Manuscript Gallic Antiq. c. 24. Galf. Mon. Hist Brit. l. 8. c. 9 but being destroyed by the Saxons was re-edified by him There was also a noble monastery at Amsbury in Wiltshire near Salisbury in which as an old French Manuscript and others say there were at this time three hundred This was founded long before the Saxons came by one Ambrius near Kaer Carodoc Salisbury Our old English Chronicle treating of the desolation which the Pagan Saxons wrought in this Kingdom in destroying religious Houses and Churches and how Aurelius Ambrosius restored and builded them again thus delivereth that in general and particularly of this Monastery King Aurelambros went throughout the Land Mr. Breugron fol. 610. and put away the name of Hengist Land that Hengist after his name had called it before Then he let call it again great Brittain and let make again Churches and Houses of Religion Castles and Cities and Boroughs Old English Chronicle part 5. fol. 43. and Townes that the Saxons had destroyed The Brittains led him to the Mount of Ambrian where sometime was an house of Religion which then was destroyed through the Paynims whereof a Knight that was called Ambross that sometime was founder of that house and therefore the hill was called the holy Mount of Ambrian and after it was called Ambesbury The King Aurclambros let amend and
envying his prosperitie made war against him but he valiantly vanquished them with their Picts and Scots and at his pleasure appointed them a Governour named Anguisel whom the French Author of the book of the Knights of the round table printed at Lyons 1590. Le Roy Aquisant d' Escosse and sail H. portoit d' argent a un lyon de guenles The armes of Anguisel arme de sable un cordelire a l' entour he fought 12. battails against the Saxons and alwayes bare away the victory These battails saith Nennius were fought in these places following The first battail was fought in the mouth of the Well Gleyne or Gledy The Second Third Fourth and Fifth nigh unto the River Douglasie in the county of Lineux The sixt on the River Bassus The seventh in the wood Calidon or Coile Calidon The eighth beside the castle called Guinien The ninth at Caerleon in Wales The tenth by the Sea-side in a place called Trachenrith or Rithorwood The elventh upon a hill named Agule Cathegonien The twelfth at the hill or tower of Bath then named Bathenhill where many were slain by the force of Arthur for he alone saith Will. Malmes having the Image of our Lady sowed upon his armour set upon 900. of his Enemies and with an incredible slaughter put them to flight But now concerning this Bath before mentioned it is to be noted that Bath in Somerset-Shire standeth low compassed about with hills whereby it is evident that either it is removed from that place where it stood in Nennius his time or else the place which he called Mons Badonicus was not the town it self as Reyland and others conjecture but some other high place near which is not unlikely for at this day within a mile of it is a town called Bannardowne which is so called either corruptly for Bathendowne or else in memory of the banners displayed there Bannardowne as seemes to me both upon the sight of the place and report of such as have gathered caps full of mens teeth in following the plough there to be the same that Nennius or Bede meaneth though Polydore mistakes it for Blanchmere Thus much of Badon Hill now King Arthur having abated the rage of the Saxons Howe 's fol. 55. Arthurs round table he constituted the Order of the round table into which order he only entertained such of his Nobility as were most renowned for vertue and chevalry This round table he kept in severall places especially at Caerleon in Monmoth-Shire Winchester and Camilet in Somersetshire Camilet Castle one of the places of the round table This Camilet sometimes a famous Town or Castle standeth at the South end of the Church of South Gadburie The same is situate on a very high hill wonderfully strengthened by nature to the which be two enterings up by very steep wayes by North one and the other by South-VVest The very root of the hill whereon this fortress stood is more then a mile in compass In the upper part of the top of the hill above all the trenches The discription of Camilet as now is Magna Arca or Campus of twenty acres or more where in divers places men may see foundations or Rudera of walls there was much duskie blue stone that people of the village there by have carried away This Camilet within the upper wall being more then twenty Acres hath often been ploughed and born very good corn much gold silver and Copper of Roman coyne hath been found there in ploughing and likewise in the fields about the roots of the hill with many other Antick things especially by East Such another place is at Caerleon triple-trenched now called the lodge in the Park There was found in memory of Men a horse-shoe of silver at Camilet The coat of Lord of Earl Hungerford the people can tell nothing there but that they have heard say that Arthur much resorted to Camilet The old Lord Hungerford was owner of this Camilet who bore for his Coat of armes G. and V. indented per pale a cheveron Or since the right honourable the Lord Hastings Earl of Huntington from which family my wife is descended by her Grandmother Daughter to the Earl of Huntington and wife to the Earle of Worcester Elizabeth married to Edward Somerset Father and Mother to Henry Earl of Wigorne whose fourth Daughter Frances was married to William Morgan of Lantarna Esquire who left issue Sir Edward Morgan Baronet Henry Morgan and Winefred wife to Percy Enderby Gentleman Author of this book There is to be seen in Denbighshire in the parish of Lansanan in the side of a stone hill a place encompassed wherein be twenty four seats for men to sit in some less and some larger cut out of the main Rock by mans hands where children and young men coming to seek their cattel use to fit and play They commonly call it Arthurs round table The Order and Institution of the round table About the year of Christ 490. there reigned in England then called Brittain Sir William Segar King at armes a King named Arthur whose valour was so great and admirable that many men now living do hold the same rather fabulous then credible yet who so shall consider enterprises of later times atchieved by private persons may be easily induced to think that a great part of the praise written of that mighty Monarch may seasonably receive belief but omitting to speak of his prowess perhaps by others already over largely discoursed I say that this most famous King having expulsed out of England the Saxons conquered Norwey King Arthur crowned in Paris Scotland and the most part of France and was crowned in the City of Paris from whence returnd he erected a certain association a brotherhood of Knights who vowed to observe these articles following The Articles of the round table 1. First that every Knight should be well armed and furnished to undertake any enterprise wherein he was employed by Sea or Land on horse-back or a foot 2. That he should be ever prest to assail all tyrants or oppressours of the people 3. That he should protect widdowes and maids restore Children to their right repossess such persons as were without just cause exiled and with all his force maintain the Christian faith 4. That he should be a Champion for the weal publick and as a Lyon repulse the Enemies of his Country 5. That he should advance the reputation of honour and suppress all vice releive people afflicted by adverse fortune give aid to the holy Church and protect Pilgrims 6. That he should bury Souldiers that wanted Sepulture deliver prisoners ransome Captives and cure men hurt in service of their Country 7. That he should in all honourable actions adventure his person yet with respect to justice and truth and in all enterprises proceed sincerely never failing to use his uttermost force of body and labour of mind 8. That after the attaining of any enterprise he should cause
it to be recorded to the end the same of that fact might ever live to his eternal honour and renown of the noble order 9. That if any complaint were made at the Court of this mighty King of perjury or oppression then some Knight of the order whom the King should appoint ought to revenge the same 10. That if any Knight of forrain Nation did come unto the Court with desire to challenge or make shew of his prowess were he single or accompanied those Knights ought to be ready in armes to make answer 11. That if any Lady Gentlewoman or VVidow or Maid or other oppressed person did present a petition declaring that they were or had been in this or that Nation injured or offered dishonour they should be graciously heard and without delay one or more Knights should be sent to take revenge 12. That every Knight should be willing to inform young Princes Lords and Gentlemen in the orders and exercises of armes thereby not only to avoid Idleness but also to encrease the honour of Knighthood and Chevalrie Divers other Articles inciting to magnanimous actions of honour in armes those Knights were sworn to observe Sir William Segar ib. which for brevity I omit nevertheless being used to lose my labour I will adventure to say this little and the rather because this order of Knighthood is ancient I do not read of any Robe or habit prescribed unto these Knights nor with what ceremonie they were made The place of meeting and Convocation was the City of Winchester where King Arthur caused a great round table to be made and at the same the Knights at Pentecost or VVhitsunday did sit and eat the proportion thereof was such as no room could be thought of more dignity then the rest yet as some writers say one seat thereof was called the Sea Perilous reserved for that Knight that did excel the rest in vertue That place by thet consent of all the rest of the Knights was allotted to King Arthur who for his valour surpassed all other Knights and professors of armes Of Officers and Ministers belonging unto this order I do not read but of a Register whose duty was to enter and keep records of all and every action enterprised attempted or performed by any of all those Knights which records were read and sung publickly to the eternizing of their honour and fame Whether the number of these Knights was many or few I do not find but it seemeth imparted to a great many all persons of high dignitie and much prowess for unto King Arthur at Caerleon in Monmoth-Shire resorted at one time ten Kings Caerleon more honoured then any City of Brittain and thirteen Earls besides many Barons and other Knights of meaner qualitie As the conquests of the King were many so was his bounty notable for it is written that unto his chief Scheneshal or Steward called Kay he gave the province of Avion on his Butler Bedwere he bestowed Normandy and to his Cozen Berel he granted the Dutchy of Buriundy and unto many other Lords and valiant Knights he allotted other magnificent gifts according to their vertue Sir John Hayward fol. 4. in Will Conq. Some are of opinion the truth whereof I will not dispute that this most victorious King was not born in lawfull wedlock some make the like quere of Alexander others of Julius Caesar many such have been brought into the World to the great admiration and astonishment of Posterity and that bastards should inherit Kingdomes Principalities and other Seigniories it was no unusual thing Sir John Hayward writing the life of William the Conquerour who is commonly called William the bastard tells us it was a generall custome at that time in France that bastards did succeed even in dignities of highest degree and condition no otherwise then children lawfull begotten Thierry bastard of Clovis had for his partage with the dutifull Children of the said Clovis the Kingdom of Austrasie now called Lowain Sigisbert bastard to King Dagobert the first had his part in the Kingdom of France with Clovis the twelfth lawfull Son to Dagobert Loys and Carloman bastards to King Loyis le Begue succeeded after the death of their Father so likewise in England Alfride bastard Son to Oswine succeeded his Brother Egfride So Adelstane the bastard Son of Edward the Elder succeeded his Father before Edmund and Eldred his younger Brothers notwithstanding they were lawfully begotten So St. Edmund the Martyr bastard Son to King Edgar succeeded him in the state before Ethelbred his lawfull issue Afterward Harold surnamed Harefoot bastard to Canutus succeeded him in the Kingdom before Hardi Canutus his lawfull son The like custome hath been observed in Spain in Portugall and in divers other Countries And it is probable that this use was grounded upon often experience that bastards begotten in the highest heat and strength of affection have many times been men of excellent proof both in courage and understanding this was verified in Hercules Alexander the great Romulus Timotheus Brutus Themistocles Arthur in Homer Demosthenes Bion Bartholus Gracian Peter Lumbard Peter Comestor John Andreas and divers of most florishing name but this custome now concerning succession of bastards in Kingdomes Royalties and other inheritances is obsolete and quite abolished Concerning the Coronation of King Arthur some Authours have written thus the appointed time of the solemnity approaching The Coronation of King Arthur and all being ready assembled in the City of Caerleon the Archbishops of London and York and in the City of Caerleon the Archbishop Dubrick were conveyed to the place with royal solemnity to Crown King Arthur Dubritius therefore because the Court lay within his Diocesse He was crowned at Lanturnam an ancient Abbey but now the house of St. Edward Morgan Baronet furnished him accordingly to perform and solemnize this charge in his own person The King being crowned was with all pompe brought to the Cathedral Church of that Metropolitan See on either hand of him both right and left did the Archbishops support him and four Kings to wit Angusell King of Albania Cadvall King of Venedotia Cador Kings of Cornewall and Sater King of Demetia went before him carrying four golden swords The Companies also and concourse of sundry sorts of Officers played before him most melodious and heavenly harmony On the other part the Queen was brought to the Church of professed * St. Julians now the house of the Lord of Cherbery Nuns being conducted and accompanied by Archbishops and Bishops with her armes and titles royally garnished and the Queens consorts to the four Kings aforesaid carryed before her as the order and custome was four white Doves or Pigeons At a solemnity held by this renowned King upon the feast of Pentecost which was the usual day for the Knights of the Round-table to convene a challenge was brought to King Arthur from a King of Northwales the Copy whereof was given me by the right honorable Richard
Lord Herbert of Cherbery and Castle Island unto whom it was presented by Dr. Johnson a grave and learned Physitian in Worcester who had it from a Manuscript in the Library of the right honourable Thomas Lord Windesore which here I will insert for my Readers recreation As it fell out upon a Pentecost day King Arthur at Camelot kept his Court Royal With his fair Queen Gwinever the gay And many princes sitting in hall Hold Barons Knights and Squires that day Ladies attired in purple and pall With Herehaughts in hewkes howling full high Cried Larges Larges Chaveliers treshardie A doughty Dwarf to the uppermost Desk Boldly gan prick kneeling on knee Said King Arthur God thee save and see Sr. Reimes of North Gales greeteth well thee And bids thee anon thy Beard thou him send Else from thy jawes he will it off rend For his robe of State is a rich scarlet mantle With eleven Knights beards bordred about And there is room left yet in a Kantle For thine to stand to make the twelfth out This must be done be thou never so stout This must be done I tell thee no fable Maugre the teeth of all the round table When this mortal message from his mouth past The Kings fum'd the Queens scrich't Ladies were agast Princes pufft Barons blusterd Lords began to lower Knights storm'd Squires startl'd like steeds in a Stower Pages and Yeomen yeld out in the hall With that came in Sr. Kay the Seneschal Silence my Soveraign quoth the courteous Knight And therewith all the stur began to still The Dwarfs dinner full deerly was dight Of Wine and wisely he had his fill An hundred peices of fine coyned Gold Were given the Dwarf for his message bold But say to Sr. Rayns thou Dwarf quoth the King â—hat for his bold message I him defie â—or shortly I mean with Basons him to ring â—â—t of North Gales where he and I â—ith swords and not rasors will quickly try Whether he or K. Arthur will prove the best Barbor And therewith he struck his good sword Esculabor Concerning the mantle trimd with beards of Kings or Knights Fol. 62. Mr. Draiton in his Polialbion giveth a hint but something differing from the preceding Relation his lines are these Then told how himself great Arthur did advance To meet with his Allies the puissant force of France By Lucius thither led those Armies that while ere Affrighted all the World by him struck dead with fear Th' report of his great acts that over Europe ran Is that most famous field which he with Emp'rour wan This is but a Poetical fancy for Helena was never ravished As how great Rithout self be slew in his repair Who ravisht Howels Neece young Helena the fair And for a Trophie brought the Giants coat away Made of the beards of Kings then bravely chaunted they The several twelve picht fields he with the Saxons fought The certain day and place to memory they brought Then by false Mordreds hand how last he chanc't to fall The hour of his decease the place of buriall These I have intermingled as Poets do interludes in the playes setting Horace his rules before me Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. Constantine Howes ut sup Constantine Kinsman to Arthur and son to Cador Duke of Cornewal was ordained King of Brittain and reigned three years This man was by the two sons of Mordred grievously vexed for they claimed the land by the right of their father But after many battails they fled the one to London the other to Winchester which Cities they obtained and took them But Constantine followed and subdued them and gained the Cities And one of these young Lords he found in an Abbey at London here he slew him neer the Altar cruelly and then buried him near Vter Pendragon at Stone-hedge The other brother was found at Winchester where he was also slain flying into the Church of St. Amphibalus Aurelius Conanus a Brittain raised mortal War against Constantine the King and afer sore fight slew him in the field after three years reign he was buryed at Stone-hedge Of this Constantine that seemeth to be meant which holy Gildas writeth in his Book entituled De excidio Brittaniae where inveighing against the Rulers of the Brittains in his time he writeth thus Brittain hath Kings but they be Tyrants Judges it hath but they be wicked oft-times killing and harming the innocent people revenging and defending but whom such as be guilty persons and robbers having many wives but yet breaking wedlock oft-times swearing and yet forswearing themselves vowing and for the more part lying warring but maintaing civil and unjust war pursuing rude thieves that are abroad in the Country and yet not only cherishing those that sit even at table with them but also highly rewarding them giving almes largely but on the other part heaping up a mighty mount of sins sitting in the seat of sentence but seldome seeking the rule of righteous judgment despising the humble and innocent persons exalting so far as in them lyeth even up to the heavens the bloody and proud murderers thieves and adulterers yea the very expresse enemies of God if he would so permit keeping many in prison whom they oppresse in loading them with Irons through craft rather to serve their own purpose then for any guilt of the persons imprisoned taking solemn oathes before the Altars and shortly after despising the same Altars as vile and filthy stones of which heinous and wicked offence Constantine the tyrannical whelp of the Lioness of Devonshire is not ignorant who this year after the receiving of his dreadfull oath whereby he bound himself that in no wise he would hurt his subjects God first and then his oath with the company of Saints and his mother being there present did notwithstanding in the reverent laps of the two mothers as the Church and their carnal mother under the Coul of the holy Abbot devour with sword and spear instead of teeth the tender sides yea and the entrails of two Children of noble and Kingly race and likewise of their two Governours yea and that as said among the sacred Altars the arms of which persons so slain not stretched forth to defend themselves with weapons the which few in those dayes handled more valiantly then they but stretched forth I say to God and to his altar in the day of judgment shall set up the ensignes of their patience and faith at the gates of the City of Christ which so have covered the seat of the coelestial sacrifice as it were with the red mantle of their clottered blood And those things he did not after any good deeds done by him deserving praise For many years before overcome with the often and changeable filths of adultery forsaking his lawfull Wife contrary to the Laws of God c. he now brought forth this Crime of killing his own Kinsman and violating the Church but neither being loosed or unbound from his
satisfaction for his former lewd living but casting that aside he seemed with his coule or hood and habit to cast away also all shame and feeling of piety and religion and humanity it self much more Gildas setteth down which drew upon the Brittish Nation the just vengeance which almighty God poured down upon them Cadwane Cadwane Duke of Northwales was made Soveraign of the Brittains Howe 's fol. 56. who gave strong battail to Ethelfred King of Northumberland and forced him to entreat for peace After which concord being made they continued all their life time loving friends he reigned twenty two years The Kingdom of the East Saxons began under Ercheminus about the year of Christ 614. The Kingdome of Mercia or middle England began under Penda 626. Hollenshed also saith that he reigned 22 years though saith he some allow but 13 and was slain by the Northumbers Cadwallin Cadwallin the son of Cadwane ruled over the Brittains How fol. 56. b. St. Martins in London by the Brittains he warred strongly upon the Saxons and made Penda King of Mercia tributary to him He reigned 48 years and was buryed in London in the Church of St. Martine neer unto Ludgate which Church was then new-founded and builded by the Brittains in anno 677. An other Authour maketh a longer relation of this Kings reign Holl. fol. 166. Edwin was not son to Ethelfred but to Alla or Ella and tells us that Cadwallo for so he calls him and Edwin the son of Ethelfred were brought up in France being sent thether unto Solomon King of Brittain by Cadwane when they were very young for this he cites Gaufred and that after their return into this land when they were made Kings Cadwall of the Brittains and Edwin of the Northumbers there continued for the space of two years great friendship betwixt them till at lenghth Edwin required of Cadwall that he might wear a Crown and celebrate appointed solemnities within his dominion of Northumberland as well as Cadwall did in his Country Cadwall taking advice in this matter at length by the perswasion of his Nephew Brian he denyed to grant unto Edwin his request wherewith Edwin took such displeasure that he sent word unto Cadwall that he would be crowned without his license since he would not willingly give it whereunto Cadwall answered that if he did so he would cut off his head under his Diadem if he presumed to wear any within the confines of Britany Hereupon discord arising betwixt these two princes they began to make fierce and cruel war each of them against the other and at length joyning in battail with their main armies Cadwall lost the field with many thousands of his men and being chased fled into Scotland and from thence got over into Ireland and finally passed over the seas into Brittain the lesse called Armorica where of his cofin King Solomon he was courteously received and at length obtained of him ten thousand men to go with him back into his Country to assist him in recovering his lands and dominions the which in the mean time were cruelly spoyled wasted and plundered by K. Edwin The same time Brian the Nephew of Cadwall whom he had sent into Brittanie a little before to kill a certain Wisard or Southsayer whom K. Edwin had gotten out of Spain named Pelitus who by disclosing the purpose of Cadwall unto Edwin greatly impeached Cadwals designes he fortified the City of Exceter meaning to defend it till the coming of Cadwall whereupon Penda King of Mercia besieged that City with a mighty army purposing to take it and Brian within it Cadwall advertised hereof immediately after his arrival hasted towards Exceter and dividing his people into four parts set upon his enemies and took Penda and overthrew his whole army Penda having no other shifs to escape submitted himself wholly unto Cadwall promising to become his liegeman and to fight against the Saxons in his quarrel And this Penda being subdued Cadwall called his Nobles together which had been dispersed abroad a long time and with all speed went against Edwin King of Northumberland and slew him in battail at Hatfield with his son Osfride and Godbold King of the Isles of Ockney who was come thither to his aid By this it should appear that Fabian hath gathered amiss in the account of the reigns of the Brittish Kings for it appeareth by Beda and others that Edwin was slain in the year of our Lord 634. And whereas Fabian attributeth that act and divers others unto Cadwan father of Cadwall yet both Galmon and Beda with the most part of all other writers say that it was done by Cadwall Hollenshed ut sup Harding assigneth but 13 years to the reign of Cadwall and declareth that he died in the year of our Lord 606. in the which year as he saith Cadwall began his reign which opinion seemeth best to agree with that which is set down by others But to return to Cadwall and his acts as we find them recorded by the Brittish writers After he had got this victory against the Northumbers he cruelly pursued the Saxons as though he meant so far as in him lay to destroy the whole race of them out of the land of Brittain and sending Penda against King Oswald who succeeded Edwin though at the first Penda received the overthrow at Havenfield yet afterwards Cadwall himself highly displeased with that chance King Oswald slain pursued Oswald and fought with him at a place called Bourne where Penda slew the said Oswald After that Oswald was slain his brother Osunus succeeded him in the government of the Northumbers and sought the favour of Cadwall now ruling as King over all Brittanie and at length by great gifts of gold and silver and upon his humble submission he obtained peace till at length upon disgust Penda obtained leave of Cadwall to make wars against the said Osunus in with Penda himself was slain Then Cadwal granted after the space of two years Vlfridus the son of Penda should succeed in the Kingdom of Mertia Cadwall absolute Prince of all Brittain and thus Cadwall ruled things after his own will and pleasure and finally when he had reigned as before is said as years he departed this life the 22d. of November His body being embalmed and dressed with sweet confections was put in a brazen Image by mervalous art melted and cast the which being set on a brazen horse of excellent beauty the Brittains erected aloft upon the West gate of London called Ludgate in sign of his victorious conquests and for a terror to the Saxons Cadwallader Cadwallader the last King of the Brittains descending from the Noble race of the Trojans by extreme plagues of death and famine was driven to forsake this his native Country and Kingdom and to sojourne with a great number of his Nobles and Subjects with his Cosin Alan King of Little Brittaine which is called in the Brittish tongue Lhydaw Of the first inhabiting of
contains in it 248. Parishes and in them 18. Market Towns the chief whereof is Dorchester as that which doth denominate the whole County A Town not much famous for much else then that it hath long been and doth still continue the honorary title of those noble Personages which have been severally Marquesses and Earls OF DORSET 1 Osmond de Sees E. 2 John Beaufort Marquess L. Adm. 3 Thomas Beaufort Earl Duke of Exceter Lord Chancellor and Lord Admiral 4 Edmund Beaufort E. and Marque 5 Henry Beaufort Marq. 6 Edmund Beaufort Marq. 7 Thomas Grey Marq. 8 Thomas Grey Marq. 9 Henry Grey Marq. D. of Suffolk 10 Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst created Earl of Dorset 10 Jacobi Lord Treasurer and Chancellour of Oxford 11 Robert Sackvile E. 12 Richard Sackvile E. 13 Edward Sackvile E. Lord Chamberlain to the Queen 14 Edward Sackvile now Earl of Dorset 1661. The Earles of Salisbury and Exceter RObert Sitsylt came into Wales with Robert Fitz Hamon who conquered Jestin Prince of Glamorganshire an inheretrix by whom he had Halterennis and other lands in Herefordshire and Glocestershire James Sitsylt Esq  Iohn Sitsylt Esq The Lady Maud de Frenes Eustace Sitsylt Esq Elianor daughter to Sir VVill. Pembridge Knight Sir Baldwin Sitsylt Knight temp Hen. secundi daughter to Maurice de Brampton Esq Gerald Sitsylt Esq Mavil daughter to Sir Moygne Knight Robert Sitsylt Esq Alice daughter to Sir Rob. Trogois Knight James Sitsylt Esq Isabell daughter to Sir John Knell Knight Gerald Sitsylt Esq Margaret Daughter to Stephan de Ber. John Sitsylt Esq Sibil daughter to Robert of Ewyas Esquire Sir John Sitsylt Knight Alicia sister to Sir Richard Baskervile Knight Iohn Sitsylt Esq Jone daughter to sir Richard Monington Knight Thomas Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter and heir to Gilbert de Winston Esq Philip Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter to Iohn Philips Esq Richard Sitsylt Knight Cecil Esq Margaret daughter to Philip Vaughan Esq David Cecil Esq  Sir William Cecil Baron Burley Knight of the Garter c. Mary sister to Sir Iohn Cheek Kt. Rob. Cecil E. of Salisbury Elizab. d. to W. Brook L. of Cob. Will. Cecil E. of Salisbury 1661 Katherine d. to Tho. Howard E. of Suffolk Charles Lord Cranbourne Iane daughter to Maxwell Esq groom of the bed-Chamber to K. Charles of glorious memory Tho. Cecil E. of Exceter Dorothy d. and co-h to I. Nevil L Latimer Will Cecil E. of â—xceter Eliz. d h. of Ed. Mannors E. of Rutland D. Cecil now E of Exceter 1661 descended from a younger son of William L. Burley Eliz. d. to Iohn Egerton Earl of Bridgwater SALISBURY Salisbury is the chief City of Wilts it was at first seated high upon an hill as being a place designed for strength and war yet honoured for a while with a Bishops See and a fair Cathedral But the Bishops and the Clergy finding no good quarter amongst the Soldiers which were there in Garrison and being destitute of water upon so high an hill about the time of Rich. I. began to leave it and plant themselves down lower by the water-side being once setled there and raising a new Cathedral for Gods publick service the people also followed after and left old Sarum to it self which in short time became so totally deserted that now the ruines of it are hardly visible but for new Salisbury that grew up presently to a great renowne pleasantly seated on the river with water in every street thereof and for the populousness of the place plenty of provision and spacious market place and a fair Town hall is esteemed to be the second City of all that Tract and which adds no small lustre to it a place that hath been very fortunate in those eminent persons on whom the Kings of England have bestowed the title of Earls of Salisbury Earles of Salisbury Patrick d' Eureux Will. d' Eureux VVill Longespee base son to K. Henry 2. who married Ella daughter of VVill. d' Eureux VVilliam Longespee VVill. de Montacute VVill. de Mont. John de Mont. Tho. de Mont. Richard Nevil who married Elianor daughter of Thomas Mont. Lord Ch. Richard Nevil Earl of VVarwick George Duke of Clarence who maried Isabel daughter of Richard Earl of VVarwick Edward eldest son of King Richard 3. and Anne the second daughter of Richard Nevil Margaret daughter of George Duke of Clarence created Countess of Salisbury by King Henry 8. Robert Cecil Viscount Crambourne created Earl of Salisbury 3. Jacob. VVilliam Cecil now Earl of Salisbury 1661. EXCETER Exceter is now the chief City of Devonshire a fair and goodly seat it is placed upon the Eastern bank of the River Ex from whence it had the name of Exceter In circuit it contains within the walls about a mile and a half besides the suburbs which every way stretch out to a great length and in the circuit there are numbered fifteen Parish Churches besides the Cathedral the whole environed with deep ditches and very stronge wals having many Towers therein very well disposed and yet the animosity of the Inhabitants is a greater strength unto it then the walls or ditches whereof they have given notable proof in these later times to their great honour here followeth a Catologue of the Dukes Marquesses and Earles John Holland E. of Huntington made Duke of Exceter by Richard 2. Thomas Beaufort E. of Dorset Lord Ch. and Adm. made Duke of Exceter by King Henry 5. Iohn Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Courtney E. of Devon created Marquesse of Exceter by K. Henry 8. Thomas Cecil Lord Burley created Earl of Exceter 3. Jaco VVilliam Cecil David Cecil now Earl 1661. THE SECOND BOOK Arma Paterna year 877 ANARAWD the Son of Roderick began his Reign over VVales in the year of Christ 877. year 878 The year 878. died Fedan the son of Melht a noble man of VVales and the second year following there was a great Battel fought by the Danes and the Englishmen of Mercia against the Welshmen upon the River Conway where the VVelshmen had the Victory and this was called the Revenge of the Death of Roderick year 879 About this time Eveneth the Son of Bledrid a Baron of VVales died Forrain and alwaies pernicious and Anarawd King or Prince of North-Wales came with a great Army of English-men and made War against his Brother Cadeth and spoiled the country of Caerdigan and Ystradgwy The Danes being put hard to their shifts by Alfred left their Wives and children in Essex and passed spoiling the Land to * Forsan Cowbridge Quadbridge upon Severn and so passed the River and spoiled the countries of Brechnock Gwentland and Gwenthwg About the year 900. Igmond with a great number of Souldiers came to Anglesey and the Welshmen gaue him a Battel at Molerein There be some Brittish Copies of this History which affirm that this battel between Igmond Captain of the black Nations and the Brittains wherein Mervin was slain was
fought at a place called Meilon of the which it was called Maes Rhos Meilon year 907 The year 907. died Cadeth King or Prince of South-Wales third Son to Roderick the Great leaving behinde him three Sons Howel Dha that is to say Howel the Good who succeded his Father in the Kingdome of South-Wales Meyric and Clydawc Shortly after there came a great Navy from Tydwick with Vther and Rahald and past the Western Sea to Wales and destroyed Saint Davids and there fought the Battel Dinerth where Mayloc the Son of Peredur Gam was slain year 913 In the year 913 Anaawd chief King of Wales dyed and left behinde him two Sons Edwal Voel who reigned after him and Elise 〈…〉 Mr. Mills fol. 292. Anno 877. Mr. Mills differeth here from Mr. Powel the one setting Voel the other Mervin to succeed I will therefore set down both Writings the former of these two saith Mervin the first begotten son of Rhoderick the Great Prince of all VVales by the Gift and Grant of his Father was made Lord or Prince of that Country of Wales which the Inhabitants call Gwyneth the Englishmen North-VVales and the Latines Venedotia This province was divided into four countries or quarters which contained fifteen Cantreds This word Cantred being compounded of the Brittish and Irish Language is said to be such a portion of Land as may contain an hundred Villages The chief and principal place of this Country was the Isle of Anglesey or Mon and in Aberfraw a city thereof was the Royal pallace of the Kings of North-VVales now the reason why the Kings of Gwyneth were called Kings of Aberfraw was for that in the Laws of the good Howel Prince and Law-giver it was decreed That as the Kings of Aberfraw ought of Right to pay threescore and three pounds in way of Tribute to the King of London so the King of Dynefur and Mathraval should also be hound in like manner to pay the like mony unto the King of Aberfraw as it were also by way of Tribute by vvhich it appeareth that this Lord vvas the chief Prince of VVales The VVife of Mervin the Son of Roderick Prince of Venedotia or North-VVales thus saith Mr. Mills but names her not Their Issue Idwallo surnamed Voel Prince of Venedotia Edwal Voel Ut ante After that Edwal Voel began his Dominion over North-Wales Mr. Powel fol. 46. Howel Dha being King or Prince of South-VVales and Powis land a terrible Comet appeared in the Firmament at which time the year following Leicester was nevv built year 917 The next year follovving the men of Denelm did destroy the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and the year 917. Clydawc the Son of Cadeth vvas slain by the hands of his brother Meyric and about the same time the Englishmen did overthrovv the Danes Much about this time Elfled Dutchess of Mercia sent her vvhole Army into VVales Ren. Cest Math. West Hel. pa. 222. and fought vvith the VVelshmen and vvan Brecknock and took the Queen and three and thirty men This vvas it vvhich is called in VVelsh Gweythy Dinas Newydh that is to say The battel of the new Citty also she vvon the Tovvn of Derby John Castoreus reporteth this story in this manner Huganus Lord of VVest VVales Jo. Cast perceiving King Edward to be occupied in the Danish VVar far enough from him gathered an Army of Brittains and entred the Kings Land whereupon Elfled Lady of Mercia and Sister to King Edward came to Wales with a strong Army and fought with the Welshmen at Brecknock and putting Huganus to flight took his Wife and thirty four Captives and led them with her to Mercia Huganus thus discomfited fled to Derby and there being peaceably entertained of the Countrymen with fifteen men of War and two hundred Souldiers well appointed joyned himself with the Kings adversaries the Danes of which thing when Elfled was certified by the men of Derby she followed him with a great Army and entred the Gates of that Town where Huganus resisted her and slew four of her chief Officers But Gwyane Lord of the Isle of Ely her Steward set the Gates on fire and furiously running upon the Brittains entred the Town then Huganus being overmatched A stout resolution of a valiant Welshman and choosing rather to dye by the Sword then to yield himself to a Woman was there slain The same Authour also reporteth that about this time Leofred a Dane and Gruffith of Madoc Brother in Law to the Prince of West Wales came to Ireland with a great Army to Snowdon and minding to bring all Wales and the Marches thereof to their subjection overran and subdued all the Countrey to Chester before King Edward could be certified of their Arrival whereat he was much discontented and being loth to trouble his subjctes in that behalf made a vow that he and his Sons with their own people would he revenged on Leofred and Gruffith and thereupon came to Chester and wan the City from them after which he divided his army into two Battails whereof he and his Son Athelstane led the first and Edmund and Eldred the second and so followed them with as much celerity as he could and overtook them at the Forrest of Walewood now Sherwood where Leofred and Cruffith set upon him fiercely so that the King in the beginning was in some Distress until Athelstane stepped in between his Father and Leofred and wounded the Dane in the arme in such sort that he being not able to hold his spear was soon taken and committed to the custody of Athelstane In the mean time Edmund and Edred encountring with Gruffith slew him and brought his head to their Father Then Athelstane caused Leofred to be beheaded and so both their heads were set up together on the top of the Tower of Chester The year 933. Owen the Son of Gruffith was slain by the men of Cardigan 933. Wil. Malmsh Hol. p. 225. Jo. Cast Mat. West Ren. Cest Pâ—wâ—l fol. â—50 The Bâ—â—tains removed into Cornwal Math West Hol. pag. 226. Then Athelstane did enter Wales with a great Army and brought the Kings of the Country to subjection and received yearly of Tribute twenty pounds in gold and three hundred paid in silver and two hundred head of Cattel yet the Laws of Howel appointed to the King of Aberfraw to pay yearly to the King of London no more but sixty six pounds for a Tribute and that the Prince of Dinevowre and the Prince of Powis should pay a like summ of sixty six pounds yearly to the King of Aberfraw In the year 936. dyed Euneth the son of Clydawc and Meiric the son of Cadeth at this time also Athelstane did remove the Brittains that dwelt in Exeter and thereabouts to Cornwal and appointed the River Cambria to be the utter Mere towards England as he had before appointed the River Wy to be the Mere of England and Wales About the year 940. Cadeth the son of Arthvael a noble
shall find James King of England to have descended from the Welsh blood year 1054 In the year 1054 Gruffith the son of Rythrick ap Iestyn did gather a great army as well of strangers as of others against Gruffith ap Lhewelyn King or Prince of VVales but commonly called King of Northwales who detracting no time meeting him fought with him and slew him Shortly after Algar Earl of Chester being convicted of Treason against the King fled to Gruffith into VVales who gathered his power to revenge the Wrongs which he had received at the Englishmens hands who ever succoured his enemies against him Therefore he together vvith Algar entred Herefordshire and spoiled all the vvay vvith fire and svvord to the City whether all the people had fled and they boldly issued forth Earl Randulf being their leader and gave him battel which Gruffith wished for above any other things as he that had won five set battels and couragiously receiving his Enemies fought with them which fight was long and doubtfull till such time as Gruffith encouraged his people with the remembrance of the prowess and worthy Acts of the ancient Brittains their forefathers saying that they were the same enemies whose backs they had so often seen formerly which doubled their strength and force and so they pressed forwards that their foes were compelled to forsake the field and trust to their feet and thought to have taken the Town for their defence but Gruffith and his men pursued them so hard that they entred with them and after a great slaughter returned home with many worthy prisoners great triumph and rich spoiles leaving nothing in the Town but blood and ashes and the Walls razed to the ground There be some that think that King Edward by evil counsel as it is thought banished Algar the son of Earl Leofrike whereupon he got him into Ireland and there providing eighteen ships of Rovers returned and joyned himself with Gruffith King or Prince of Wales who both together invaded the Country of Mercia about Hereford where Earl Ranulph Earl of that Country who was Son to King Edwards Sister named Ioda by her first husband Walter de Maunt came against them with a great army and met them above two miles from Hereford where after a sore fight for the space of three houres Ranulph and his army were overcome and five hundred of them slain the rest being totally routed whom Gruffith and Algar pursued to Hereford and entring the Town set the Cathedral Church on fire and slew the Bishop named Leoger A barbarous act amongst Christians an Act fitter for Pagans then Christians with seven of the Canons spoyled and burnt the Town miserably whereupon King Edward being advertised hereof gathered an Army and sent Haroald the Son of Earl Godwin against them who pursuing the enemies to Northwales passed through Stradelwyd to Snowdon but Gruffith and Algor being afraid to meet Harâ—ald got them again into Southwales whereof Haroald having notice left one part of his army in Northwales to resist the enemies there and returning with the residue to Hereford caused a great Trench to be cast round about the Town with a high Rampire strongly fortifying the Gates of the same After this by means of a Parly had with Gruffith and Algar at a place called Beligelhag a peace was concluded whereupon Algar being pardoned by the King and restored again to his Earldome returned home to Chester About two years after Algar was accused again of Treason so that he was the second time exiled the land and repaired to his old friend Gruffith Prince of Northwales by whom he was joyfully received and restored again to his Earldome by the aid of certain strangers which came by chance from Norway whereupon King Edward being highly offended with Gruffith sent Haroald again with an army into Northwales to do revenge upon him who coming to Ruthlen burned the Pallace of Gruffith and his Ships and then returned to the King at Glocester Not long after these Transactions Roderick Son to Haroald King of Denmark came with a great army to Wales and there being friendly received by Gruffith joyning his power to King Gruffiths entred England and cruelly spoiled and burned great part of the Land but shortly after Roderick was compelled to return to his Ships and to sail to Denmark and Gruffith came to Wales loaden with spoiles Mr. Powel fol. 101. This year saith Mr. Powel died Owen the son of Gruffith ap Rytherick Also Haroald and his Brother Tosty by the procurement of Caradoc ap Gruffith ap Rytherick and others gathered a great Power and entred Southwales and subdued a great part thereof and wrought so with those that were about Gruffith the King that as soon as he had gathered his people in Northwales and began his journey to meet with Haroald he was cruelly and traterously slain by his own men and his head brought to Haroald who appointed and placed Meredith the son of Owen ap Edwin Prince and Ruler of Southwales and he with his brother Tosty returned home Some do report that Haroald about Rogation week by the Kings commandement went against the Welshmen and taking the sea sailed by Bristol round about the Coast compassing in a manner all Wales His brother Tosty that was Earl of Northumberland met him by appointment with an host of horsemen and so joyning together they destroyed the Countrey of Southwales in such sort that the Welshmen were compelled to submit themselves to deliver hostages and conditioned to pay the ancient Tribute which before time they had payd Southwales submits to the English The people of that Countrey because Gruffith their Prince fled at the coming of Haroald and left them to be a prey to the enemies hated him so that as soon as he returned again unto them they slew him and sent his head to Haroald which he sent to the King After whose death King Edward granted the Principality of Northwales to Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons of Convyn brethren to Gruffith by the Mothers side who did homage unto him for the same This Gruffiuh ap Lhewelyn governed Wales thirty four years valiantly and worthily he never fough but that he departed out of the field victorious he was gentle and affable to his Subjects and cruel to his foes beloved of the one and feared of the other liberal to strangers costly in apparrel and princely in all his doings and unworthy of that cruel death that the ambitious desire of Rule did provoke his unkinde Subjects and unnatural â—osins to prepare for so noble a Prince and so gentle a Master as he was Blethin and Riwalhon the Sons of Convyn After the decease of King or Prince Gruffith Meredith the son of Owen ap Edwin which Edwin was son as some Writers say to Howel Dha did take upon him the government of Southwales and Blethin and Riwalbon the sons of Convyn and half Brothers to King Gruffith ap Lhewelyn as they which were born of
entered perforce and put many to the Sword and taking the rest razed the Castle to the ground which Victory did so please the Prince that he forgat his doleful accents and solitary retirement and fell to his accustomed pastimes About this time Cadelh Meredyth and Rees the sons of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore did conduct their forces against the Castle of Gwys which after they perceived they could not win they sent for Howel the son of Owen Prince of North-VVales to their aid who for his prowess and valour in the field and his discretion in consultation was esteemed the flower of Chivalry whose presence was thought also onely sufficient to overcome any Fortress He being desirous to purchase honour gathered his men and came to these Lords before the Castle of Gwys Granados not yet in request whom they received with general acclamations and great expressions of joy When he had viewed the place he caused Engines to be made to batter the Walls with force of men and others to cast great stones to their enemies The strong Castle of Gwyl taken by the Brittains thereby to disquiet the Garrison which preparations when they within beheld their hearts failed and forthwith they yielded the Fort which done Howell returned home with great honour Shortly after there fell a great dissension betwixt Howell and Conan Prince Owens sons and Cadwalader their Uncle whereupon they rallied their Forces and entred the Countrey of Merloneth which caused the people to fly to Sanctuary for security of their lives These two young Lords made Proclamation that no man should hurt such as would submit themselves whereupon the people which had fled returned to their houses without any dammage or hurt Thus they brought by fair means all the Countrey under their wished subjection and led their Army unto the Castle of Cynvael which Cadwalader had built and fortified wherein was the Abbot of Tuygwyn or Whitehouse to whom the Lord had committed the defence of the Castle A Crosier fitter for an Abbot than a Corslet Howell and Conan summoned the Fort with great threatnings but they within defied them whereupon Howell and Conan promised the Abbot Meruni great rewards to let them have the house But he like a faithful servant whom neither terrible menaces nor gilded promises could move to betray a trust continued faithful and denied them entrance chusing rather to dye with honour than to live with shame with which answer the young Lords were greatly offended that a Priest should stay their prosperous proceedings and thereupon gave an assault to the Castle so terrible that after they had beaten down the Walls they entred by force and slew and wounded all in the Garrison saving the Abbot who escaped privately by means of friends which he had in Howells Army In the year 1147. died Bohthred Bishop of Landaff Mr. Godwyn called him Vthryd and saith he had a daughter before he was Bishop married to Jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc Lord of Carleon upon Vsk a great and mighty man in those parts Godwin in Landaff fol. 426. but he affirmeth that he died 1141. Powell saith whom Nicholas ap Gurgant succeeded but Godwyn tells us that H. Jorwerth was his successor who died Anno 1153. In the year 1148. died Barnard Bishop of Davids or Menevia of this Barnard thus writeth Godwyn Barnard a Norman Chaplain unto K. Hen. I. and Chauncellour unto his Queen was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury July the 12. 1115. Godwin Cat. Episco in Landaff fol. 418. not chosen by the Clergy of Wales as hitherto hath been accustomed but forced upon them by the King who had then newly conquered Wales This man being in great favour with the King and presuming upon the goodness of his cause began to take upon him the title of Archbishop and caused his Cross sometime in Wales to be carried before him After long sute and much money spent in this cause betwixt him and the Archbishop of Canterbury Barnard had prevailed at the last as Giraldus Camb. seemeth to perswade had not two suborned Witnesses deposed a flat untruth in the presence of the Pope Giraldus doubteth not confidently to pronounce that the power and wealth of the Archb. of Cant. hath out-born the poor Bishop of St. David in this matter without all right This Bishop saith Giraldus was a man in some other respect praise-worthy but unreasonable proud and ambitious as most of the English-men were in those times who were thrust into Bishopricks again he was a very ill husband to his Church alienating divers lands and letting others for the tenth penny of that his predecessors had made of them so thinking to make a way by gratifying of Courtiers unto some better Bishopricks in England he was deceived of his expectation having been Bishop of St. Davids about 33 years he died 1148. Of this old Menevia in succeeding times called St. David you may read before in this History but I think it not amiss to set down the Succession of that See having now fit opportunity according to Godwin Godwin fol. 413. in St. David The British Histories do all report that in this Island at the first planting of Christian Religion here there were established 28. Episcopal Sees Of these 28. three were Archbishopricks London York and Carlegion or Caerleon upon Vsh in Monmothshire At Caerleon which was then a great and populous City in the time of King Arthur sate Dubritius the son of Eurdila a Gentle-woman of great birth but who was her father it was never known He was a man of excellent learning and singular integrity in regard whereof when first he had taken great pains many years as well in teaching and reading unto his Schollars whereof he had a great number as in preaching unto the people he was appointed first Bishop of Landaff and having stayed there no long time was made Archbishop of all Wales by Germanus and Lupus two Bishops of France that were entreated by Aurelius Ambrosius King of Brittain to come over and yield their best help for the extinguishing of the Palagian heresie that had taken great root in this Countrey Aurelius Ambrosius being dead he crowned Vther Pendragon and afterwards that great Arthur King of this Iland and waxing old he resigned his Bishoprick unto David a Disciple of his he died and was buried in the I le of Enlhi now called Bardsey where he led a solitary life many years October 14. Ann. 612. his bones were after removed to Landaff by Vrbanus Bishop there May 7. 1120. 1. St. David David before named was Unkle unto K. Arthur and son of Xanthus a Prince of VVales begotten upon one Melearta a man very learned eloquent and of incredible austerity of life and conversation he was also very tall of stature and of a comely personage by his diligence Palagianisme was quite rooted out and many earnest professors of the same converted unto the Truth with the consent of K. Arthur he removed
of the Empire and Baron of VVardor Blanch Daughter of Edward Earl of VVorcester by which Match this Honourable Family severall wayes descends from the Brittish bloud Royol Henry Arundel Count of the Empire and Baron of VVardor now living 1661. Cicely Daughter to Sir Henry Compton Knight of the Bath Thomas Arundel Heir Apparent THE THIRD BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY THis Owyn with five of the chiefest of Wales did homage to Henry the second and likewise to his eldest son Henry at Woodstock in the eighth year of Henry the father Anno Dom. 1165. Quarterly Gules and Or 4 Lyons pass gard Counter-change David the son of Owen Gwyneth AFter the death of Owen his sons fell in debate who should inherit after him for the eldest son born in Matrimony Edward or Jorwerth Drwndwn was counted unmeet to Govern because of the maim upon his face Howell base son of Owen slain and Howell who took upon him all the Rule was a base son begotten upon an Irish woman Therefore David gathered all the power he could and came against Howell and fighting with him slew him and afterwards enjoyed quietly the whole land of North Wales until his brother Jorwerths son came to age as shall hereafter appear Madoc another of Owen Gwyneths sons Mahoc betakes himself to Navigation left the land in contention betwixt his brethren and prepared certain ships with men and ammunition and sought Adventures by Sea sailing West and leaving the cost of Ireland so far North that he came to a land unknown where he saw many strange things This land must needs be some part of that which the Spaniards affirm themselves to be the first Finders of H. Lhoyd since Hanno's time for by reason and order of Cosmography this land to which Madoc came must needs be some part of Nova Hispania or Florida whereupon it is manifest that the Countrey was long before by Brittains discovered India first discovered by the Brittains before either Columbus or Americus Vespasius conveyed any Spaniards or Portugues thither Of this Voyage and return of this Madoc there be many fictions as the common people do use in distance of place and length of time rather to augment than diminish but sure it is that there he was And after he had returned home and declared the pleasant and fruitful Countreys that he had seen without inhabitants and upon the contrary part for what barren and wild ground his brethren and nephews did murther one another he prepared a number of ships and got with him such men and women as were desirous to live in quietness and taking leave of his friends Madocs second voyage to the Indies took his journey thitherward again Therefore it is to be supposed that he and his people Colonized part of those Countreys for it appeareth by Francis Lones that in Ancusanus and other places the people honoured the Cross whereby it may be gathered that Christians had been there before the Spaniards but because this people were not many they followed the manners of the land unto which they arrived and used the Language they found there This Madoc arriving into that Western Countrey unto which he came in the year 1170. Mr. Powel left most of his people there and returning back for more of his own Nation Acquaintance and Friends to inhabit that fair and large Countrey went thither again with ten Sails as I find noted by Gutyn Owen I am of opinion that the land whereunto he came was some part of Mexico the causes which makes me think so are these 1. First The common report of the Inhabitants of that Countrey who affirmed that their Rulers descended from a strange Nation that came thither from a far Countrey which thing is confessed by Mutezuma King of that Province in an Oration made for quietting of his people at his submission to the King of Castile Hernando or Fernando Curtâ—â—â— being then present which is declared in the Spanish Chronicles of the conquest of these Indies Evident proofs that the Welsh first discovered the West Indies 2. Secondly The Brittish words and names of places used there even unto this day do argue the same as when they talk together they use this word Gwrando which is hearken or listen Also they have a certain Bird which they call Pengwin that is Whitehead but the Island of Corroeso the Cape of Bryton the River of Gwyndor and the white Rock of Pengwyn which be all Brittish or Welsh words do manifestly shew that it was that Countrey which Madoc and his people inhabited About this time Rees Prince of South Wales came with great power into Powis and subdued Owen Cyvelioc the Lord thereof and took Pledges of him and then returned home with honour K. Henry and P. Rees attoned Rees supplyeth the King in his journey towards Ireland When King Henry prepared for the Conquest of Ireland Prince Rees came and met him who received him courteously and confirmed all what formerly had been accorded insomuch that Rees promised the King towards his expedition into Ireland 300 Horses and 400 Oxen and gave him 14 Pledges Thus done the King came to South Wales and entring Caerlheon upon Vsk took the formerly sumptuous City from the Lord thereof Jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc keeping the same to his own use The Arms of of this Lord were Gules 3 Towers Arg. now quartered by the Morgans wherefore Jorwerth departed from the King and calling to him his two sons Owen and Howell who was called Howell of Caerlheon and bare for his Arms Gules 3 Towers Argent which Coat is now quarted by the Morgans of Mahan and Lantarnam c. and his sisters son Morgan ap Sylsit ap Dyfnwal gathered forces and upon the Kings departure entred the Countrey spoiling and burning as they went and took the Town of Caerlheon and destroyed it saving the Castle now ruined by time which they could not get The destruction of the once famous Caerlheon The King kept on his journey to Pembrock and there he gave Rees all Caerdigan Stratywy Aberustly and Eluel Rees coming to Aberteini which he had won from the Earl of Glocester and lately fortified removed from thence to Pembrock in the Kalends of October and spake with the King returning the day after and then culled out of his Horses the promised number or at least 86 and sent them to the King who chose out 36 and sent the rest back with many thanks K. Hen. 2. offereth at St. Davids The same day the King went to St. Davids and offering there dined with the Bishop the son of Girald cousin german to Rees Whether Rich. Strongbow Earl of Strigull an antient Castle formerly in Monmothshire part of whose ruines yet remain came from Ireland to confer with the King and after dinner the King returned to Pembrock within a while after the King being at the white house rendred to Rees
And all the lands that were of Rees ap Meredyth The large liberties and priviledges of the Prince of Wales which came to the hands of King Edward the First together with all the Lordships Cities Castles Burrowes Townes Manours Members Hamlets and Tenements Knights fees Voydances of Bishopricks Advowsons of Churches and of Abbeys Priories and of Hospitals with customes and prisages of wines The exercise and Execution of Justice and a Chancery Forrests Chases Parks Woods Warrens Hundreds Comoâ—s c. And all other Hereditaments as well unto the said principality as unto the said King in those parts then belonging To have and to hold the same unto the sad Prince and his heirs Kings of England This limitation of Estate of this principality unto the prince and his heirs Kings of England may seem strange to our Modern Lawyers For how is it possible that the Kings of England can inherit the principality since the principality being the lesser dignity is extinguished in the Kingly Estate being the greater for in presentia majoris cessat id quod minus est for as much as the Heir apparent of the crown being Prince is presently upon the death of his Ancestor eo instante King himself and the principality as the lesser not compatible with the Kingdom being the greater But when I consider that this age where in this Charter was penned was a learned age of Judges and Lawyers by whose advice no doubt in a matter of this importance this Charter was penned and this age much commended for exquisite knowledg of the lawes by those learned Men that lived in the succeeding times I cannot but think reverently of antiquity although I cannot yield sufficient reason of their doings therein Nevertheless for as much as all the Charters in the ages following made to the Prince do hold the same manner of limitation of Estate Sr. John Dodridge his opinion concerning a difficulty I am perswaded some mystery of good policy lies hid therein which as I conceive may be this or such like The Kings of England thought to confer upon the Prince and heir apparent an Estate in Fee simple in the lands that they bestowed upon him for a lesser than an Inheritance had not been answerable to so great a dignity And yet they were not willing to give him any larger Estate then such as should extinguish again in the Crown when he came to be King or died for that he being King should also have the like power to create the Prince or his heir apparent and to invest him into that dignity as he being the Father was invested by his Progenitor For the wisdom of the Kings of England was such as that they would not deprive themselves of that honour but that every of them might make new Creations and Investitures of the principality to ther Eldest Son and next succeeding heir apparent and that those lands so given unto the Prince might when he was King be annexed knit and united again to the crown and out of the crown to be anew conferred which could not so have been if those lands had been given to the Prince and his heirs generall for then the lands so given would have rested in the natural person of the Princes after they came to the Kingdome distinct from the Crown Lands and might as the case should happen descend to others then those which were his heirs apparent to the Crown And herein I do observe a difference between the principality of Wales given to the Prince and the Dutchy of Cornewall given unto him For every Prince needeth and so hath had a new creation and investiture But he is Duke of Cornewal as soon as he is born if his Ancestor be then King of England and if not he is Duke of Cornwall eo instante that his father is King of England The said King also by an another charter dated the 20 of September in the said 17. year of his reign granted unto the said prince all arrerages of rents duties accompts Stocks stores goods and chattels remaining in all and every the said parts due or by right belonging unto the King and thereupon the prince accordingly was possessed by vertue of these charters of all these aforesaid It resteth that here we set down the Total Annual value of the said Principality of Wales by it self as it appeareth upon a diligent Survey thereof taken in the 5. year of the reign of the said King Edw. the III. of England and in the 37. of his reign over France The survey of the principality of Wales is drawn out of a long Record and to avoid tediousness the value of the revenues of every County or Shire is here set down and then the total of the whole omitting the particulars of every Mannour Lordship Town or other profit in every of the said Counties The setting down whereof at large would have been exceeding combersome and intricate It is therefore in this manner The Province of Northwales The summe total of all the Princes Revenues in the County or Shire of Caernarvon 1134l 16 s 2d ob q. The summe total of the Revenues of the province in the County of Anglesey 832l 14 s 6d ob q. The sum total of the revenues in the county of Meryoneth amounteth unto 748l 11 s 3d. ob q The perquisites and profits of the Sessions of the Justices of Northwales The summe Total of all the former Revenues in Northwales amounteth to 3041l 7 s 6d. q. Whereof deducted the yearly Fee of the Justice of Northwales and there remains the summe of 3001l 7 s 6d. q. The Province of Southwales The summe totall of the yearly Revenue of the prince in the county of Caerdigan 374l 11 s 3d. q. The summe total of the yearly Revenue of the prince arising in the County of Caermardhyn 406l 1 s 7d. The Fee Farme of Buelht 113l 6 s 8d. Montgomery 56l 13 s 4d. Perquisites and profits of the Sessions of the Justice of Southwales 738l 6 s 9d. ob Perquisites of the Courts of Haverford 41l. 5 s. 3d. ob The summe total of the Revenues in Southwales 1730l 4 s 11d q. Out of which deducted for the Fee of the Justice of Southwales 50l. there then remaineth 1681l 4s 11d q. The total of all which Revenues of the Principality of VVales cast up in one entire summe together is 4681l 12 s 5d q. This survey was made upon this occasion as it seemeth after the death of the prince called the black Prince the Princesse his wife was to have her dowry to be allotted unto her out of those Revenues which could not be without an extent or survey thereof first had by Commissioners thereunto appointed And because the yearly value of the said revenues by reason of the casual profits thereof were more or lesse yearly and not of one certain value the Commissioners observed this course they did make choice of three several years viz. 47 and 48 and 49. of Edw. III. and
King Tros is called Troia which name long time after it retained This King had three Sons Ilus Assaricus and Ganimedes all which he brought up in the knowledge of Arms and Martial Discipline unto which kinde of study he himself was much addicted and had many years together maintained Wars with the King of Grete named Jupiter the fourth of that name there In which Wars his Son Ganimedes was taken prisoner even by the hands of Jupiter himself who for that in his Ensign and Colours The Antiquity of bearing of Arms and badges of honour he gave an Eagle being his arms it should seem that Poets for that cause have feigned that Ganimede as he was hunting was snatcht up to heaven by Jupiter then transformed unto an Eagle and that he is now taken for one of the 12. Signs of the Zodiack called Aquarius Some other Authors also write that one Tantalus King of High Phrygia and Paphlagonia a most miserable covetous and avaricious Prince had laid certain snares and private means to entrap Ganimede and to take him prisoner as he used to sport himself in Hunting thinking by that devise to get a mighty ransom from Tros for redeeming of him and that this Tantalus sent him to Jupiter for to secure him and to have half the ransom that should be payed for his delivery and hence it may be that the Poets feign that Tantalus is plagued and tormented in Hell standing up to the chin in water and apples hanging down to his lips and yet can neither touch the one nor taste the other Tros thus having lost his son studied upon revenge and in the mean time comforted himself with his two other sons Ilus and Assaracus and this Ilus called Troy afterward Ilion who begot a son named Laomedon the father of the renowned Priamus and of Assaracus issued and came Anchises who was father to Æneas who as we said before married Creusa a legitimate daughter of King Priamus so that we see both by the Male and Female line in this marriage our Warlike Brute derives his lineal descent from Dardanus and so from Noe. Æneas after the fatal destruction of Troy gathered together the remnant and parcel of the War-shaken and distressed Trojans with whom he embarked and hoysing sail committed himself with the lives and fortunes of all his followers and fellow Adventurers to Fate and the protection of the Supream and highest Providence three years was he tossed not only with the merciless billows of the ever-unconstant Ocean but also by such Destinies as seemed no ways to favour his designs at last smiling fortune wasted his weather beaten Navy unto the Italian Continent where no sooner arrived having scarce refreshed his over-toyled Troops but Mars puts him upon present action Latinus king of the Country endeavours to impeach his setling and denies him admittance from words they come to blows Bellona seems to take no small pleasure to hear the groans of souls departing from their bodies ready to forsake their long enjoyed habitations many are the assaults approaches conflicts and combats which daily pass betwixt the two enraged parties the one labouring to encroach the other to keep his own Venus not willing to have Mars too long kept from her charming and soft embraces contrives to set a period to those bloody broyls a match must be concluded between the unparalleld Trojan Heroe and the fair Lavinia Latinu's daughter and sole inheritrix of that vast Kingdom Lucina favours the design and from this new married Couple of Matchless Progenitors in due time is born a son from whose loyns the worlds greatest Emperours and Brittains Warlike Kings deduce their Progenies From this branch budded forth our Brutus Some Writers will have him to descend from Silvius Posthumus Policronica Guido de Columna with others affirm that Ascanius the first son of Aenaeas by his first wife had a son named Sylvius Aenaeas who was Father to Brutus It is commonly held that the mother of Brutus died in Child-bed of this son and that at his coming to the age of fifteen years casually many and secret are the designs of the Celestial Star-chamber shooting at a wild and savage beast unfortunately though not ungraciously as being an act contrary to his will or intention slew his own Father for which Act divine Providence having designed him for this our Iland by the common consent and decree of the Magistrates of Latium he was adjudged to exile and for ever to be banished from his Country Necessity compels him to shift for himself neither yet so distressed or ill beloved but that he is followed by Troops of the noblest and most Heroick Spirits of his time who partly attracted by that worth which they finde innate in him and partly pusht forward with an ardent desire to purchase honour to their never dying fames engage both lives and fortunes â—ith him being now sufficiently stored with all manner of Provisions they put to Sea shaking hands for ever with their beloved Country Friends and Parents as having Spirits not confin'd to any one place Their propitious stars bring them to a province of Greece where they find encouragement as finding there many scattered Trojans so that of this unexpected aid I may say with the Prince of Poets Quid minime veris Graia pandetur ab urbe The Prince or King of this place according to some was called Vandrasus other Writers call him Vandarus Geffery of Monmouth proceedeth further and tells us that he was lineally descended from Achilles that mortal enemy of the Trojan glory and Hectors valour but Brute gathering these dispersed or it may be captived and enthralled Trojans which he found there and old Innicie received from Vlisses Agamemnon and other Chieftains of Greece sticking in their stomacks of the firing of old Ilium and the Dardanian Towers galls the almost closed sore whets his memory to call to mind things past and those once raked out of the embers of oblivion gather new flames and set all on fire with an unquenchable desire of Revenge which is so sweet and tickles the souls of those male-contents that nothing but fire and sword will serve their turn Pandrasus is assaulted in his own Court and so hardly put to â— that he is enforced to purchase his own peace by bestowing his daughter Ignogen upon Brutus and such other conditions as the almost conquering strangers please to demand the Solemnitie of these constrained Nuptials orderly finished the Trojans mutually consent to leave that place and put themselves upon new Adventures Ships are provided and questionless Vandrasus is not backward in the business willing to be rid of such unruly Guests who will take all things upon score at their own price and rates once more to Sea goes this gallant Chieftain with his new espoused Consort and Post varios casus tot discrimina rerum the whole Fleet safely arrives at an Isle in Africa as saith Guido and others called Lergesia or Leogetia in which the Superstitious