third Province of Corduba Estremâ—dura lyeth on the South of Castile and is watred through the middle with the River Ana And in this stands the City Merida once a Roman Colonie and named by them Augusta Emerita from the Inhabitants which were there planted by Augustus and culled out of his ancient tryed Souldiers 19 Portugall is the third Kingdome in our last division of Spaine and it may well be esteemed one of her largest Territories For it runnes along by the Atlantick Ocean from the borders of Gallicea as Andaluzia on the North it is limited with the River Mingo on the South with part of the Mediterraneum on the West with the Atlantick on the East with the Castiles Andaluzia and Estremadura Her name some derive à portu Gallorum Maginus rather à portu Cale a Haven of that name which was much frequented by Fishermen It is almost the same portion of Spaine which was heretofore Lusitania and her people were esteemed the most valiant crafty and agile Souldiers of the whole Region yet now they are held to be simple ad proverbiuÌ„ usque But it is their neighbour Spaniards censure who indeed have over-reached them in cunning and brought them under the subjectioÌ„ of their Catholicke King which were before a free State of themselves and carried with them another Kingdome of the Algarbi which stands in her very South and shews the Cape of St. Vincent into the Atlanticke Ocean Give them their due they are excellent Sea-men and the best alive to atchieve adventurous actions For they added to their Dominions many Territories of Africa Asia and America could they have been so fortunate as to have kept their Kingdomes and themselves out of the reach of the cogging Spaniard 20 The Countrey affords not much Corne but fruit reasonable store and Mines of severall metalls Allum Marble good Silkes c. The chief City is Lisbone in Latine Vlyssipona supposed to have been built by Vlysses And from hence they set sayle towards the East Indies to Aethiopia Brasile c. In so much that this very City yeelds more revenew then the rest of the whole Kingdom Another eminent place of this Region is the Metropolis and Academia of Conimbria called before Mouda And this briefly is the whole Continent of Spaine but doth not terminate the Spanish Dominions which commands as well the Ilands which lye neere in the Atlanticke and Mediterraneum as many other parts of the world besides interminate with other Regions The Kingdome of Naples in Italy Dutchy of Myleine Iles of Sicily and Sardinia the Canaries Townes and Castles and Havens in Barbarie In the West Indies Mexico Peru Brasile large portion in the East 21 The Ilands neere Spaine in the Atlanticke chiefly the Tarsarae In the Mediterraneum are the Baleares and those are two principall Maiorica commonly called Mallorca and Minorica commonly Menorca Other lesse Ilands are Dragonera Cabrera Pyttussae Erisa Vedrau Conirello Dragomago and Scombraria ¶ The Description of ITALY ITALY is divided from France and Germanie by the Alpes and stretcheth her selfe South-east betwixt the Tyrrhene and Adriaticke Seas almost in just proportion of a mans legge I may spare my Reader her lavish attributes which he can hardly baâ—â—e if he will but looke into any Authour where her name is mentioned She must for me and well may be content here with the briefe Elogie of Plinie to which I thinke the wit of man can adde but little Certainly the most blessed seat of man upon earth can deserve no more Italia terrarum omnium alumna eadem parens numine deorum electa quae coelum ipsum clarius faceret sparsa congregaret imperia ritus molliret tot populorum discordes linguas sermones Commercia ad colloquia distraberet humanitati hominem daret 2 Yet to speake truth we cannot abate her much of this title The mother of Countries we may call her since most Writers agree that she was first inhabited by Ianus or Noah as some would report him the father of Nations It was doubtlesse a very long time since the world was honest and deserved the name of a golden age yet then was she peopled as Iustine delivers out of Trogus by the Aborigines whose King was first Ogyges then Saturne a man so just that under his government there was knowne no tyranny from their Prince no disloyaltie from the subject no injurie from the neighbour They had all one patrimony one possession and where all acknowledge no peculiar there can be but little cause of strife 3 I presume not to set downe the just yeare when men were thus ordered But if you will beleeve the story of the Gentiles compared in Chronologie by some of late yeares and better trust as Munster Quade c. Ianus pater hominum deorum and immediate predecessor to Saturne was in Italy within 200. yeares after the Flood and received the aged Chronus into part of his Kingdome with him being expulsed by his sonne Iupiter out of Crete Each of them built a Citie and left a sound of his name for their remembrance the one Ianua which to this day hath suffered no further change then to Genua and the other Saturnia and both in their times gave name to the whole region which are not yet fully worne out though others have since took place as Latium quia his latebat Saturnus Italia ab Italo Siculorum rege Hesperia from the Westerne starre Aâ—sonia and Oenotria from her excellent Wines But this is the largest scope which we can give to her antiquity Helvicus and other authenticke observers of time cuts off well-nigh a thousand yeares from this account of the Aborigines and placeth their Dynastia 2622. years after the creation 966. after the Flood and before Christ 1327. 5 The first change of Inhabitants was forced by Evander the Arcadian a man of that admirable eloquence that he was called the sonne of Mercurie but had by chance slaine his father and was therefore expulsed his inheritance and advised into Italy by his mother a great Prophetesse of those times He removed the Aborigines from their seat and planted his companions in the same plot of ground where after Rome was built and in the Mons Palatinus founded a little Town which he called Pallanteum in memory of his great grand-father And this was about the yeare 2710. 6 About 60. yeares after Aeneas arrived in this Countrey from the siege of Troy was entertained as an amorous suitor by Lavinia with consent of her father Latinus and after the death of his corrivall Turnus King of the Rutilians was settled heire to the Latine Monarchy after his father 7 From Aeneas to Numitor the succession went on not without some rubs but suffered no great breach for almost foure hundred yeares When the title should have fallen to him being the elder and true heire he was spoyled of the Kingdome by his younger Amulius Sylvius nor could it be recovered till time had given growth and
though not at any great distance These setled themselves in the Northerne â—lâ—s as the other did in their Chersonesus The first at their removall varied not their antique name of Cimbri As for Chersonesus it is noâ— peculiar to this Countrey being as common as Peninsula for it imports no more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à terrâ Insulâ and of these there are many more some perhaps of equal â—ame Taurica Chersonesus was not far distant from the place of their first aboad Peloponnesus well known in Greece Thracia Chersonesus in Thrace and Aurea Chersonesus in India 8 But the Danes it seemes suffered some change as well in their name as fortunes Sxao Grammaticus gives it to one Dan the sonne of Huniblus which was their first Governour in their new Common-wealth But this is controlled by Becanus saith Quade who renders another Etymon how likely I leave to those which can best judge by their skill in the Danish Language The Cimbri saith he when they were grown to great multitudes bethought themselves of severall names to distinguish their Colonies Each following their owne conceit best to expresse the qualitie in which they most gloried Among the rest some there were which affecting at least the opinion of a valiant people such as scorned riches without honour honour without victory and victory without the blood of their Enemies assumed their name from that creature which Nature had marked out with this Character Gallum igitur gallinaceum tum bellicae laâ—dis et generosissimi animi tum indolis regalis et militis strenui et ad omnia mâ—menta vigilis optimum exemplar ut pro Symbolo et synthemate quodam sibi acceperunt ita nomen quoque ab eo placuit mutuari Vocarunt enim sese Dic Hanem et composite per concisionem Danem quod Gallinaceum significat 9 How ever the Etymon may be farre fetcht for ought I know yet doubtlesse at this day they make good the Elogie of a valiant and warlike Nation strong of body bigge boned and of a terrible countenance ambitious of a glorious death rather then a sluggish idle life It is the saying of Valerius Maximus Cimbros et Câ—ltiberos in acie gaudâ—o exultare consuevisse tanquam gloriosè et faelici èr vitâ excessuros lamentari verò in morbo quasi turpitèr periturâ—s We our selves heretofore have felt their stroakes and submitted to their conquests in the time of Osbert King of Northumberland They were provoked by a rape done upon the sister of the Danish King For which the poore English dearely payd with two hundred fifty five years servitude under their Tyranny Yet since we have had and at this time doe injoy the benefit of their magnanimitie under the personall conduct of the right valiant and illustrious King Christian who hazzards both his state and life in the behalfe of his deare neece Elizabeth and her royall husband the Prince Palatine of the Rheine THE KINGDOME OF DENMARKE augmented by Iohn Speede are to be sold in pops head Alley by G. Humble 11 Their chiefe person of fame in course of Learning was Ticho Brahe an excellent Mathematician memorable for his artificiall Towre in the Isle of Fiâ—â—ra In Religion the greatest part of them are now Lutherans but were first converted to Christianity by Ansuerus 12 We are come to her division which the Sea almost hath made to our hands For her severall Provinces are well nigh so many Ilands at least Peninsulae The chiefe are 1 Iuttia or the old Cimbria Chersonesus 2 Diethmarsia 3 Scania 4 Hallâ—ndia 5 Blescide 6 The Ilands in the Sinus Codanuâ— which lye betwixt Iuttia and Scania That is the West and this the East limits of the Danish Dominions North and South are the Ocean and the River Esdora or Hever 13 Iuttia as it was the first so is it the principall part of this Kingdome Her bounds upon the West and East and North are the Balticke Seas and upon the South it is joyned to Holsatia and the Istumes of Diethmarsia It is in length saith Maginus eightie German miles from the River Albis to the Cimbricke Promontory called Scagen and in bredth twenty It is a fruitfull Region for Wheat Rie Barley c. And in the Northwest there is good Pasture though more Northward it becomes sandie and barren and puts the Inhabitants to fish for their victuals by which they make a shift to live though hardly enough God knows in poore shâ—ddes slightly clapped together and of as slender stuffe such as if need be they can remove at their pleasure upon very short warning and beare them away almost upon their back They transport into other Countries great store of good Horses for service besides Barley Cheese Butter Suet Hides and rich Skinnes Nuts and Fish In this Province are twenty eight Cities twenty Castles and foure Bishop-Sees Ripeâ—sis Arthusiensis and Aelburga all neere to the Sea-side Wilburga in the up-land Countrey From this Province came the Iuits who joyned in with the Saxons and Angles to Conquer England Her chiefe Townes as Rincopen Holne and Achausen 14 Diethmarsia is situated betwixt the Rivers Albis and Eidera They were a parcell of the old German Saxons and the Countrey it selfe is by some yet reckoned the lower Saxony but is in subjection to the King of Denmarke for it is the seat and title of his first sonne and heire apparent as the Dolphinate is to the sonne of France and Wales to the sonne of England Her Metropolis is Breme the rest Meldorpe and Heininckst Tellinckst and other rich Townes yet the soyle cannot be very fertile by reason of the moyst ayre and her many marshes especially toward the North which makes it unfit for tillage and indeed impassable for travellers Vpon which impediments the Inhabitants have made this advantage to keepe out all forraigne Invaders and appropriate what wealth they have to their owne secure possession 15 Scania or Scandinaria in the largest compasse comprehends more then belongs to the Kingdome of Denmarke and is invironed round about with the Seas except on that side where it is joyned to Muscovie On her West is the Kingdome of Norwey on her East Swethland and upon the South of that is this Scania which gives place to no Region at least within these Dominions either for wholesome ayre or fertile soyle for commodious Havens and plenty of Merchandize for dainty Rivers or store of Fish for Cattell Mines of Iron Lead Silver and Gold faire Townes and civill Customes The Metropolis is Lunpis This whole Province is some eighteene miles in length and in bredth about twelve in some places in others not above six 16 Hallaudia on the North of Scania and South of Sâ—ecia is bounded with the Seas upon the West and on the East with vast woods which divide her from Gothland It is a fertile Region and not much unlike unto Scandia but that it comes some what short of her happinesse in soyle Her chiefe Towne
Moravia make up the Kingdome of Polonia as it is here described 5 The bounds then of this great Region are on the West the River Odera Silesia and Moravia on the East the River Neiper which Ptolâ—my calleth Boristhenes on the North Pomerania or rather the Baltick Ocean and on the South Russia and the Mountains of Hungarie And if we will with Maginus take in the out Provinces which belong to this government we must reach East-ward the Tartars and Muscovites that live neere on the other side of Boristhenes and North-eastward part of Moscovia Southward the Hungarian Mountaines and the Vallacci in so much that the compasse would come little short of all Spaine as it lyeth beyond the Pyrenaean 6 The principall Rivers of Poland are 1 Vistâ—la it hath its rise in the Carpathian Mountaines which divide this Kingdome from Hungarie and it selfe runs into the Balticke but by the way takes in divers other streames on the West out of the Polonia Germanica and on the East out of the Sarmatica It is navigable 400. miles Neister which hath her fountaines in the hills of Hungarie and glides Eastward on the South of Podolia into the Pontus Euxinus 3 Neipher or Boristhenes which bounds the Kingdome on the East is navigable 600. stadia and runnes from North to South into the Pontus Euxinus where there is naturally cast up plenty of Salt which needs no art to perfect it 4 Rubin in Lituania 5 Hypanis now Bugh not farre distant from the Citie Oleska and falls at last into the River Vistula with many others of lesser note though all conduce to make the Countrey in some kinds very fertile 7 For it abounds with most sorts of Corne and Pulse sufficient both for their owne spending and continuall traffique into other Countries Many of her neighbouring Regions could not well misse her plenty as well of Wheate Rie and Barley as Beeves and other Cattle which give supply to Saxonie and the rest of Germany neere hand which hardly yeeld enough for their Inhabitants out of their owne store The blessing of this fertility cannot come alone but must needs bring with it the lâ—ke riches of Butter Cheese Milke Waxe Honey and what ever else hath its birth from the ground It is wel-nigh past beleefe which is reported of their multitudes of Bees such as yeeld more Hony and Waxe then the people can find roome for They need here neither art nor care of the good huswife to order their hives but naturally are their owne Gardians and provide so diligently for their owne safety within the bulks of trees that they easily passe over the hardest Winter without hurt There is store of game both for hunting fowling and fishing In her Forests is seene a kind of wilde Horse with an horne like an Harts and the Alces c. Lastly among other good commodities the worst is not her Pitch and Rosin which yeeld her a large annuall revenew 8 Her chiefe wants proceed from her bleake situation For it is a plaine Countrey and shadowed for the most part with Woods very cold and by that meanes she hath little Oyle and scarce Grapes enough to teach them the use of Wine A great defect amongst so good drinkers for they have a name for that equall with any part of Germany and that I thinke gives no ground to the rest of Europe But they make a shift to finde themselves play with a kind of Metheglin Gold or Silver here is not much unlesse about Cracovia and as Maginus saith in Sandomica whâ—re there are likewise some Mines found of the Lapis Lazulus perfect Lâ—ade and Iron and pieces of Copper Neere the Towns of Nochow and Palukie there is extant a kind of miracle a certain earth naturally formed up into pots which if you take forth and dry they diffâ—r very little by sight from such as are made by hand and serve aptly for the same use A. NEWE MAPE of POLAND Done into English by I. Speede 10 They have a good minde to Religion but cannot fasten upon any one to their liking and therefore they will try all Christians they have beene ever since the yeare 965. but from that time they have scarce slipt any error schisme or heresie which hath crept into the Church Here are Iesuites and others of the Romish sects Here are Lutherans Calvinists and Arians and Anabaptists and Antitrinitarians none allowed but all tolerated and indeed Poland had the seniority of Amsterdame for that old saying That if a man had lost his Religon here he might find it They have one ancient custome in their Churches which me thinks may well interpret our standing up at rehearsall of the Creed when the Gospel is reading the Nobility Gentry unsheath their swords and stand as it were prepared to defend it with their lives against any which dare violate it 11 Their King is chosen by the generall States and is for the most part some great warriour of their neighbouring Princes For they have no peace on their East limit with Muscoves and Tartars but what they make with the sword The Laws are onely temporary statutes there are none fundamentall But when the King hath any great designe in behalfe of the Common-wealth he assembles a Councell of the Nobilitie to assist him His revenues comming in are thought to be about sixe hundred thousand Crownes And each quarter of his Kingdome maintains his expence for one quarter of the yeare Their first King was Boleslaus Crowned by Otho 3 in the yeare 1001. But the regall dignity was lost againe to Boleslaus the bold who began his raigne 1078. but was deposed by the Pope and no other suffered to take up the Scepter and rule by the name of King till the yeare 1295. The first of the second course was Primaslaus the second Duke of Poland and Pomerania Since whose time there hath beene no breach to this day 12 The chiefe Provinces of the Kingdome of Poland as they lye from her West to East are 1 Pomerania 2 The Dukedomes of Ozwitts and Zator 3 Polonia 4 Prussia 5 Russia nigra 6 Samogitia 7 Massoria 8 Livonia 9 Podlassia 10 Lituania 11 Volhinia 12 Podolia 13 The first is Pomerania bounded on the North with the Baltick Ocean on the West with Germany and is accounted by some a Province of the Empire as we have ordred in our description But in regard the greatest part is subject to the King of Poland I hope I shall wrong neither to give both their due and reckon it as well to this government since it hath an equall if not a greater title to the rule though not to the Inhabitants for they are most Germans It is a plaine Countrey but exceeding fertile and rich in all Commodities which any other part affords flourisheth with fortie Cities which are fenced round either with the Sea or ditches answerable for safety Her chiefe stands upon the shore for it is by nature so well guarded from the
compasse eight miles and the houses for two stories high are built with Marble The people noble minded and forward to any honourabale action be it in the warres by Land or hazzard by Sea One Christopher Columbus is sufficiēt to make good this Elogy for whose birth she deserves to be honoured to the worlds end The women of Genoa are the most happy of any in Italy for they may see a man and speak and be courted if not too boldly without suspition of their friends or jealousie of their husbands 27 The State of Luca is in Tuscanie and comprehends the Territories and Citie Luca built by Lucumo King of Italy upon the River Serchius It was once the randevouse of Pompey Caesar and Crassus Here they joyned their forces in their great attempt This hath beene the Emperours the Genoa's the Venetians the Millanoy's and the Florentines in their severall turnes They now rest under the protection of the King of Spaine The Description of the Kingdom of Hungary IT is not without example of good authoritie if I take into this Description not onely that part which is now more peculiarly knowne by the name of Hungarie but the whole Countrey likewise of Daria which was once one with it though time and fortune have at last severed them so that each hath now its owne Princes Laws Customes Language and Religion different from other I the rather take to my selfe this leave to avoyd both the charge and trouble of ordering for every one a severall Table 2 First then the Kingdome of Hungarie is on the Southeast of Germanie and joynes upon the Dukedome of Austria They heretofore divided betwixt them the Countrey of Pannonia Austria was the superior and this the inferior Pannonia Their government and titles are now dis-joyned and Austria hath got the start in power for she is the mother of many German Princes and hath drawne the Crowne Imperiall almost into a succession 3 Yet is Hungarie still an absolute Kingdome and if not so rich and populous as heretofore it must not take from her honour since her fortunes sunke not through want of valour and fault of her former Inhabitants but have beene for a long time exposed to hazzard in the defence of Christendome against the mis-beleeving Turke and for that it hath beene by some styled the Cockpit of the world where once in a yeare at least a prize is played and some ground either won or lost by either partie 4 The first Inhabitants of this Countrey were the Pannones those were expulsed by the Gothes And when the Gothes went into Italy it was left to the possession of the Hunni a Scythian people which lived before neere the Palus Maeotis and when they saw their time changed their seat and about the yeare three hundred seventie three brake by great multitudes into these parts of Europe which they held till they were displaced by the Lombards These last were the Winnili which lived in Scandia or Scandinaria a Northerne Peninsula betwixt the Germane and Hyperborean Seas Their seat it seemes was too barren for their number and meere want of victualls forced them to seeke better sustenance in some other quarter They over-ran many Countries ere they could find any one to their content Among the rest the Pannonia had her course and here they continued till they marched into Italy under the command of Alboinnus where after 200. yeares their Kingdome was ruinated by Charlemain 5 When it was thus left by Lombards the Hunnes returned to their former seat and after some time of rest grew up to a potent Nation able to encounter the Romane Macrinus to breake his Forces and returne victors from the battaile About the yeare 439. they chose for their King Attyla whose inscription was Attyla Mundizi filius Magni Nim nepos Engadiae natus divinâ benignitate Hunnorum Medorū Gothorum ac Danorū metus orbis Deique flagellum An insolent title but indeed he was victorious over most parts of the then known world and bethought himselfe of enlarging his Territories in Asia and Africa But that designe was drowned in wine and lust which at length brought him to a most miserable destruction For in the night time when he had filled himselfe with both as he lay by his Concubine with his face upward in a dead sleep his nose gusht a bleeding and choked him being not able to recover himselfe from his back to give it passage 6 Since this settling they were once more disturbed by the Lombards and after by Charles the Great so that they were not well fastened in their possession of this Countrey till the time of the Emperour Arnulphus about the yeare 900. And in deed at this day hardly enjoy it by reason of the incredible spoyls and massacres which the Tartars commit amongst them This last name of Hungaria without doubt had the Originall from their present Inhabitants and their Predecessors which at times have peopled this Countrey above 1200. yeares 7 This Hungaria propria is bound on the West with Austria on the East with the River Tibiscus on the North with Poland and Russia and on the South with the River Savus 8 The land thus limited it is hard to beleeve what most Geographers report of her fertility That she yeelds Corne thrice in one yeare almost without any tillage or care of the husbandman Fruit of all kinds in great abundance and grapes which make an excellent wholesome and rich wine It breeds Cattle in such plenty that this one Countrey besides stores for her owne Inhabitants sends Sheepe and Oxen into forraigne Nations which lye about her and might say they suffice to feed all Europe with flesh Venison is not here any dainties Does Haires Harts Goates Boares c. are every mans meate and the game common as well to the Boores as Gentry And so for Phesant Partridge Black-birds Pigeons most fowle wild and tame 9 The earth is inricht with variety of Mines which yeelds her plenty of Iron Steele Copper Silver and Gold Lead she hath not and scarce at all any Tinne Her Rivers are equally commodious as well for their owne wealth as fit conveyance of forraigne Merchandize by shipping into their quarters The chiefe and onely one indeed which belongs properly to this Region is Tibiscus or Teissa and this imparts not her streames to any other Countrey but fully and freely payes her tribute to the Hungarian more Fish then can be spent yearly within their owne limits It passeth proverbially upon this River that two parts of it are water and a third fish The rest which are common to this with other Countries are Danubius here Ister and Savus and Darvus all of them well stored with water provision and in some places cast up a sand mixt with very good Gold Here are besides many waters of excellent vertues whereof some turne Wood into Iron others Iron into Brasse Some very medicinall for sundry diseases others againe so pestiferous that they kill the
briefly after many turns it became the possession of Ismaell Sophie of Persia whose race continues it to this day 10 The bounds of this Empire on the North are the Caspian Sea and the River Oxus on the South the Sinus Persicus and the Mare Indicum heretofore called Rubrum on the West the Turkish confines as far as the River Tigris and the lake Giocho on the East the River Indus and the Kingdome of Cambaia a spatious land it is and contains from East to West 38. degrees and about 20. from the North to South 11 This varietie of distance in respect of the Heavens must needs cause as much difference in the qualities of her severall Regions In some places there is that fertility which makes her equall to any part of Asia in others againe she is so barren unfruitfull and unprofitable that the land is left waste as being not able to nourish an Inhabitant Oramaritima saith Quadus aestuosa est ac ventosa fructuum inops praeterquam palmarum mediterranea regio Campestris est omnium ferax pecorumque optima nutrix fluminibus et lacubus plena Maxime autem suppeditat Araxes plurimas commoditates It abounds much with metals and stones of great price THE â—â—â—â—DOME OF PERSIA with the cheif Citties and Habites described by Iohn Speede 13 Their Philosophers were called Magi and studied principally the art of foretelling things to come from whence we have our terme of Magicke and usurpe the word onely in the worse sense whereas questionlesse it was no other with them then the Greeks Philosophy Philosophi or Sapientes with the Latines for it is by most thought that such were those good Magi which came from the East to worship Christ and Saint Chrysostome directly names Persia to be that East from whence they were led by the starre 14 They have now put off most of their antique barbabarisme and are become good politicians excellent warriours great schollers especially in Astrologie Physick and Poetrie Those which apply themselves to Mechanick trades are not inferiour to any almost in our quarter they deale most in making of silkes which they send into all the Eastern Countries in great abundance They are mild and courteous to strangers yet jealous of their wives which for the most part are very faire and richly attired notwithstanding their affection to them usque ad insanam Zelotypiam yet are they much addicted to that beastly sinne of the Turks and have their stewes on purpose whither they resort without controule or shame Their Language is elegant and in use in most of those Easterne Countries The Christian Religion was once planted here both by Saint Thomas and Saint Andrew yet are they now fallen to Mahumetisme and differ but as schismaticks from the Turks which occasioneth much hatred and perpetuall warre betwixt them 15 The Regions which belong to the Empire of Persia are 1 Persia. 2 Media 3 Assyria 4 Susiana 5 Mesopotamia 6 Parthia 7 Hyrcania 8 Bactriana 9 Parapomissus 10 Aria 11 Drangiana 12 Gedrosia 13 Carmania and 14 Ormus 16 Persis had her name from Perseus which came hither out of Greece and this gives it to the whole Empire It is now called Farsi or Farsistan and was heretofore Panchaia It lyeth betwixt Media on the North and the Sinus Persicus on her South on her West Susiana and East Carmania Her Metropolis is Sitas once Persepolis and is built toward the midland neere the River Araxes it was surprised by Alexander and many thousand talents of gold sent into Greece with other rich spoiles and trophies of victories which the Persians had before gotten from most parts of the then known world Vpon the Sea-coasts stands Cyrus a City which was built by their first absolute Monarch and called by the Inhabitants Grechata It was the Bishop-seate of the learned Theodoret who lived here about the yeare 450. and in this Region is Laodicea built by Antiochus and Passagarda where Cyrus had his sepulchre 17 2 Media now Servania on the North of Persis and South of the Caspian Sea hath Armenia major and Assyria on her West and on her East Parthia Hyrcania It was before Cyrus the seate of the Empire and mother to a warlike potent Nation Their Kings had many wives seldome fewer then seven and their women thought it a great calamitie to have lesse then five husbands In this stands the territory of Tauris which was called by our ancients Erbathana and doth stand some eight dayes journey from the Hyrcanian Sea it is rich and populous and was the seate of the Sophies till it was removed to Casbin which lyeth somewhat more South Betwixt both stands the City Turcoman and else-where in this Province are many others dispersed of good note especially Suliania Symmachia Nassinun Ardovill Marant and Saucazan c. 18 3 Assyria now Arzeram on the West of Media South of Armenia North of Susiana and East of Mesopotamia it was the seat of Ninus his Kingdome lost by Sardanapalus and here stands the most famous City Ninive neere the River Tigris larger then Babylon containing ful threescore miles in compasse for the communitie which the Babylonians had with them in course of governmeÌ„t they were ofttimes promiscuously used by Historians both had this custome to sell their virgins which were faire and most desired and tender the price into the common treasury The homelier sort were placed in marriage with that money to those which would accept of them for gaine at least if not for beauty They were much addicted to Astrologie and were questionlesse led to it by the opportunitie of their situation which gives them a more perfect view of the heavens and severall course of the Planets then any other part of the world besides 19 4 Susiana now Cucestan seemes to have her name from Cus upon the South of Assyria West of Persis East of Babylonia and North of the Persike bay It is severed by Pliny from Elemais the great by the River Euleus of whose waters onely the Persian Kings were wont to drinke as being more sweet and pure then any other in this Countrey 20 5 Mesopotamia now Diarbecha heretofore Aram or Charam lies betwixt the two Rivers Euphrates and Tigris and hath Armenia major on her North and on her South Arabia deserta it is of large extent and hath much variety of Commodities in her severall quarters but hath suffered great calamities by reason of her continuall wars with the Turk Her chiefe Cities are Charan or Haran where Abraham settled himselfe when he was called forth of Chaldaea and where that gurges avaritiae the Roman Marâ—uâ— Crassus lost his life Not far distant is the Citie Nisibis which was once called Antiochia and Mygdonia to these Maginus addes Merdin and Mosus 21 6 Parthia now Arach on the East of Media on the South of Hyrcania North of Carmania and West of Aria The Inhabitants were valiant and had their course of soveraigntie in the Easterne Monarchy Her chiefe
Slaugh Slaughter the upper Slaugh Slimbride berk Snowshull Kist. Sodbury little Gromb. Sodbury old Gromb. Solars brad Southam Cleeve Southorpe brit Southweeke Tew Standish Whitst. Stanley Kings Whitst. Stanley Leonard Whitst. Stanley Poutlarge Kist. Stanton briav Staunton Kist. Stanway Church Tew Stanway Wood Tew Stapleton barton Starton Dirh. Steanbridge bisl. Stinchcombe berk Stoke Kist. Stoke Bishops Henb. Stoke Gifford Henb. Stoke Lodge Henb. Stoke Orchard Cleeve Stone berk Stone-house Whitst. STOW on the Wowld Slaugh Stowell brad Stowicke Henb. Streatton Croth STROUD bisl. Stroud Flu. Suddington Langley Croth Sutton Glocest. Sutton under brayles Westm. Suilliat Flu. Swell the higher Kist. Swell the lesser Slaugh Swindon Chelt Syde Raps Synwell berk Syston Pockle T Tadilthorpe Slaugh Teintons botl TETBURY Longt. TEWEKEâ—BURY Tew THORNBURY Thorn Thormarton brad Throngham bâ—sl Tibberton botl Titherington Thorneb Tockington Lâ—â—g Toddenâ—aâ— West Todenham Kist. Toddington Tew Todington Kist. Tormerton Gromb. Torworth Gromb. Tuddington Kist. Tuffley Dudst. Tunley bisl. Turkedean brad Turfeild Gromb. Twiggeworth Dudst. Twinning Kist. Twyning Tew Treacle Westb Treddington Tew Tresham Gromb. Tyddenham West Tyrley Dirh. Tyrley West V Uckington Dirh. S. Vincents Râ—cke bart Vineyard Westmin Uley berk Upleadon botl Upton Longt. Upton S. Leonard Duâ—st Urcote Swin W Walford Kist. Walland Lang. Walton Tew Washborne Worcest Cou. Tew Wapliegh Gromb. Wanswell berk Waynlode-hill Glocest. Weeke Pock Welford Dirh. Westall Chelt Westbury West Westbury upon Triâ—n Henb. Westcott Slaugh Westerleygh Pockle Westington Kist. Weston Birt Long. Weston Regis Henb. Weston Lawrence Men. Weston under edge Kist. Whaddon Dudst. Whetenburst Whitst. Whitfeild West Whiteley Parke berk Whitmyster Whitst. Whittington brad Wickrissington Slaugh WICKWARRE Grom Wickwick Lang. Widford Glocest. Willersey Kist. WINCHCOMB Kist. Windridge Slaugh Windrush Flu. Windrush Slaugh Winston brad Winston bisl. Wintesborne Lang. WITCOMBE GREAT Dudst. Witcombe little Dudst. Withibridge West Woodchester Longt. Woodmancott Cleeve Woodmancott berk Woodmercott Raps Woolaston West Woolston Dirh. Wormington little Kist. Wortly berk Wotton Dudst. WOTTON underedge Wot Wowlsworth Longt. Wye Flu. Wyke Puck Wythington brad Y Yate Henb. Yate Gromb. Yartelton Hill botl Yeonworth brad HEREFORD-SHIRE formerly accounted within the limits of Wales lyeth circulated upon the North with Worcester and Shrop-shire upon the East with Malverne Hils is parted from Glocester-shire upon the South is kept in with Monmouth-shire and upon the West in part with the Hatterall Hils is divided from Brecknok and the rest confined with Radnor shire 2 This Counties climate is most healthfull and temperate and soyle so fertile for Corn and Cattle that no place in England yeeldeth more or better conditioned sweet Rivers running as veynes in the body doe make the corne bearing grounds in some of her parts rightly to be termed the Gilden Vale and for Waters Wooll and Wheat doth contend with Nilus Colchos and Egypt such are Lemster and Irchenfeild the Banks of Wye Lug and Frome 3 The ancient people knowne to the Romanes whose power they well felt before they could subdue them were the Silurâ—s placed by Ptolemy in this Tract and branched further into Radnor Brecknok Monmouth and Glamorgan-shires at this day by us called South-Wales and by the Welsh Deheuharth Their Originall as Tacitus conjectureth by their site coloured countenances and curled haire was out of Spaine and as both he and Plinie describes them were fierce valiant and impatient of servitude which well they shewed under Caratacus their Captaine and nine yeeres scourge to the Romane assaulters for whose onely conquest and that made by treachery the Victor in Rome triumphed with more then a usuall Aspect and with so equall an hand bare the Scoale of Resistance that their owne Writers evermore terme it a dangerous Warre For the Legion of Marius Valens they put to flight and that with such havock of the Associates that Ostorius the Lieutenant of Britaine for very griefe gave up his ghost and Veranius under Nero assaulted them in vaine But when Vespasian was Emperour and expert Souldiers imployed into every Province Iulius Frontinus subdued those Silures unto the Romanes where continually some of their Legions afterward kept till all was abandoned in Valentinians time 4 The Saxons then made themselves Lords of this Land and this Province a part of their Mercians Kingdome yea and Sutton the Court of great Offa their King 5 But Hereford after raised of the ruines of old Artconium now Kenchester shaken in pieces by a violent earth-quake grew to great fame through a conceived sanctitie by the buriall of Ethelbert King of the East-Angles slaine at Sutton by Offa at what time he came thither to have espoused his Daughter whose grave was first made at Marden but afterwards canonized and removed to this City when in honour of him was built the Cathedrall Church by Milfrid a petty King of that Country which Grufsith Prince of South-Wales and Algar an Englishman rebelling against King Edward Confessor consumed with fire but by Bishop Reinelin was restored as now it is at what time the Towne was walled and is so remaining in good repaire having six gates for entrance and fifteen Watch-Towers for defence extending in compasse to fifteen hundred paces and whence the North-Pole is observed to be raised 52. deg 27. min in Latitude and is set from the first point of the West in Longitude 17. deg and 30. min. being yeerly governed by a Major chosen out of one and thirtie Citizens which are commonly called the Election and he ever after is known for an Alderman and clothed in Scarlet whereof foure of the eldest are Justices of Peace graced with a Sword-bearer a Recorder a Town-Clerke and foure Sergeants with Mace The greatest glory that this Citie received was in King Athelstans dayes where as Malmesbury doth report he caused the Lords of Wales by way of Tribute to pay yeerely besides Hawkes and Hounds twentie pound of Gold and three hundred pound of Silver by waight but how that was performed and continued I finde not 6 Things of rare note in this Shire are said to be Bone-well a spring not far from Richards Castle wherein are continually found little Fishes bones but not a fin seene and being wholly cleansed thereof will notwithstanding have againe the like whether naturally produced or in veynes thither brought no man knoweth 7 But more admirable was the work of the Omnipotent even in our own remembrances and yeere of Christ Jesus 1571. when the Marcley Hill in the East of this Shire rouzed it selfe out of a dead sleep with a roaring noise removed from the place where it stood and for three dayes together travelled from her first site to the great amazement and feare of the beholders It began to journey upon the seventh day of February being Saturday at six of the Clocke at night and by seven in the next morning had gone fortie paces carrying with it Sheepe in their coates hedge-rowes and trees whereof some were overturned and
Saddleworth Ag. Sapeden Mor. Sawley Cla. Sawlle Stan. Saxton Bar. Scalnie Parke Bar. Scharthingwell Bar. Scausbie Stras Scawsbie Stras Scricole Mor. Scothorpe Stan. Scotten Cla. Scryven Cla. Seacrofte Skir. Sedber Stan. SELBYE Bar. SETTLE Stan. Shadwell 〈◊〉 Sharleston Ag. Sharo Cla. Sharphill Bar. Shafton Stain Sheaffeild Manner Str. Sheapley Aâ— SHEFFEILD Stras Sheffeild Mannor Stra. Shelburgh Osgod Shelfe Mor. Shellen Ag. Shelle Ag. SHERHORN Bar. Sherston Ag. Shibden Mor. Shipley Mor. Shitlington Ag. Sicklinghall Cla. Silsden Stan. Skale Parke Stan. Skelgaite Cla. Skelton Cla. SKIPTON Stan. Skircotes Mor. Sladbone Stan. Slaghwaite Ag. Slandburne Stain Slemingforth Cla. Smavis Bar. Smeton Osgod SNATHE Osgod Snidale Ag. Sootill Mor. Sowerby Mor. Sowerby bridge Mor. Sowland Mor. Spoforth Cla Spoforth Parke Cla. Spiritbrough Stras Sprodbrug Stras Spruston Skir. Staineland Mor. Stainton Stras Stamford Stras Stame Cla. Stanfeild Stras Stanley Ag. Stanley Ag. Staneley Cla. Stanley North Cla. Stane land Mor. Stanâ—feild Mor. Stanfeild Mor. Staneley Cla. Staynebeck nether Cla. Staynebeck upper Cla. Staynebet hall Stain Staineborne Cla. Staynebrough Stain Stayneley Cla. Stayneley North Cla. Stayneforth Stras Stayneforth Stan. Staynyngton Stras Stapleton Osgod Starhoton Stan. Steton Stan. Stetonhull Anst. Stokell Cla. Stocketle Cla. Stubbes Stras Stubham Cla. Studley Cla. Studeley great Cla. Streeton stan Streeton hall Anst. Streetethorpe stras Sturton stan Stutton Bar. Suthill Mor. Sutton Bar. Sutton stan Swilington skir Swinden stan Swinefleete Osgod Swinton stras Sykehouse Chappell stras Synnenthwate Anst. Syntton stras Syxforthe Cla. Sylxton stain T Tadcaster Bar. Tankersley stan Tawne Ag. Temple Newson skir Terne stan Thorne stras Thorne stras Thornecrosse Cla. Thornecliffe stras Thornehill Ag. Thorne stras Thorne mere stras Thorner skir Thornthwate Cla. Thornton Mor. Thornton stan Thornton in Craven stan Thornton in Lonsdale stan Thorpe Cla. Thorpe Cla. Thorpe Bar. Thorpe stras Thorpe on the Mount Mor. Thorporch Anst. Thorpsalve stras Threshfeild stan Thoborgh stras Thropsalvyn stras Thurgoland stain Thurlston stain Thurnsco Stras Thurnsco stras Thursland Ag. Thurstonland Ag. Tinglaw Mor. Tockwith Anst. Todwicke stras Tonge Mor. Topcliffe Mor. Towton Bar. Towton Bar. Treton stras Tristrop stras Turnbrigdike Flu. Tweselton stan Tyckhill stras Tylen stras Tymble great Cla. Tymble little Cla. Tynslaw stras V Vghtershaw stan Vllay stras Vpton Osgoâ— Vâ—bane great Cla. Vâ—bane little Cla. Vskell Bar. W Waddesley bridge stras Waddington stan Waddington stan Wadworth stras Wadworth stras Wadsworth Mor. Wakefeild kirkegate Ag. Wakefeild Northgate Ag. WAKEFEILD Westgate A Waldinwells stras Wadkingham Cla. Wales stras Walles stras Wallothwaite Cla. Walton Ag. Walton Anst. Walton head Cla. Warley Mor. Warmfeild Ag. Warmsworth stras Warnsworth stras Warsbrough stain Water fulton Osg. Waterton hall Ag. Watersham skir Wath upon dome stras Washbroke Flu. Washforth Cla. Weardlay skir Weeton Cla. Went Flu. Wenthrig Osgod Wentworth stras Westbury stras West Hall Cla. West Houses Cla. Westerton Mor. Westgaite Cla. WETHERBIN Cla. Weston Cla. Wharse Flu. Wharse Flu. Wharingbye Mor. Wharledale Cla. Wharnside hill stan Wheatlye stras Wheatley stras Whelpston Hilâ— stan Whitcliffe Cla. Whitgift Osgod Whitâ—ey Hal Ag. Whitley Ag. Whitwood Ag. Whiston stras Whixley Cla. Whitley Osgod Wibsey Mor. Wicke Mor. Wicke Mor. Wickesley Cla. Wickensley stras Widhophead Mor. Widkirke skir Wigill Anst. Wigglesworth stan Wigglesworth stan Wigheweseh stras Wigton skir Wikeley stras Wilsthorpe Anst. Wingby Osgod Winterborne stan Winterset stain Wistow Bar. Woodham Cla. Woâ—ry stain Wombroel stras Womersley Osgod Woodall Cla. Woadhouse stras Woodhouse stras Woodsonne Hall Ag. Woodsets stras Workeley Mor. Wooroll stras Worspur stain Woâ—tley stain Wragby Osgod Wrenthorpe Ag. Wysedaâ—e Y Yeadon skir Yokenthwait stan THese parts of the division of Yorkshire and the East and North-Riding are stretched out East-ward even to the Spurn-head and on the North coast are separated from the Bishoprick of Durham and with the Sea hath Westmorland on the West Humber on the South and the German Sea upon the East being separated each from other by the River Derwent running betwixt them with a long winding course 2 The aire is subtile and piercing and not inclined naturally to contagious infections which causeth the people to live long and healthfully and are not so subject to Agues Fluxes or other imperfections as those Countries be that are more troubled with mists or foggie vapours 3 The soyle is generally indifferently fruitfull for though some part be craggie mountainous and full of hilles yet some others exceeding good for the gifts of Nature in her delightsome varieties as of Corne Cattle and Pasturage with veines of Metall and Iron besides an Allum earth of sundry colours out of which some have lately begunne to trie very good Allum and Copperasse And for fish the Hollanders and Zelanders doe raise unto themselves great profit upon this coast having long since obtained licence which they keepe still by an ancient custome for the English-men granting leave unto others reserved the honour to themselves which would be no doubt farre the greater if they made gaine of their owne labours 4 Places for trade and venting forth of her commodities are many yet none of such convenience as Kingstone upon Hull which notwithstanding cannot fetch her beginning from any great antiquitie being before time called Wike King Edward the first built this Towne making a a Haven and granting divers liberties to the Burgesses so that it is risen to great state both for stately buildings and strong Block-houses for Ships well furnished and store of Merchants and is now become the most famous Towne of that Countrey whose greatest riches is ascribed to the gainfull trade they have by Iland-fish dried and hardned commonly called Stock-fish This Towne is governed by a Maior who hath the sword of State carried before him twelve Aldermen that in their Assemblies goe clad in Scarlet one Sheriffe a Water-bailiffe a Sword-bearer a Chamberlaine a Recorder a Towne-clerke and six Sergeants at Mace Whose graduation according as the Mathematickes have observed is for Longitude 20 degrees and 30. scruples and for Latitude 54. degrees and 28. scruples 5 Beverley in honour of S. Iohn Arch-bishop of Yorke by King Athelstane obtained many priviledges whereof a Sanctuary was one wherein Bankerouts and men suspected of any capitall crime might be safe and free from danger of Law This is memorable that the River from Hull was cut by the Townesmen sufficient to carry Boats and Barges 6 Places of memorable note are Whitby where are found certaine stones fashioned like Serpents folded and wrappâ—d round in a wreath even the very pastimes of Nature who when she is wearied as it were with serious workes sometimes forgeth and shapeth things by way of sport and recreation so that by the credulous they are thought to have beene Serpents which a coate or crust of stones had now covered all over and by the prayers of Saint Hilda turned to stones And also
there are certain fields here adjoyning where Geese flying over fall downe suddenly to the ground to the great admiration of all men But such as are not given to superstitious credulitie may attribute this unto a secret proprietie of this ground and a hidden dissent betwixt this soyle these Geese as the like is between Wolves and the Squilla roots At Skengrave a little village some seventie yeers since was caught a fish called a Sea-man that for certaine dayes together fed on raw fishes but espying his opportunitie escaped againe into his watery element At Hunt-Cliffe are found stones of a yellowish others of a reddish colour of a certain salt matter which by their smel and taste make shew of Copperasse Nitre and Brimstone Also great store of Marquesites in colour resembling brasse Ounsbury hill besides a spring of medicinable waters for the eyes is a prognostication unto her neighbours whose head being covered with a cloudy cap presageth some tempestuous stormes or showres to follow So doth another place neer Moulgrave Castle where is found blacke Amber or Iette some take it to be Gagates in old time a Gemme and precious stone of great estimation At Huntly Nabo are stones found at the rootes of certain rockes of divers bignesse so artificially shaped round by Nature in manner of a Globe as if they had been made by the Turners hand In which if you break them are found stony Serpents enwrapped round like a wreath but most of them headlesse 7 Matters for martiall note are the Battailes fought at Battlebridge of which it takes the name where Harald King of England had a great Victory against the Danes who with a fleet of two hundred saile grievously annoyed the I le of Britaine where Harald the King of Norway was slaine and Harald of England besides the Honour of the field found a great masse of Gold Also the Battaile commonly called the Battaile of Standard in which David King of Scots was put to flight and the English made a great slaughter of his people At Thruske Roger Mowbray out of his strong Castle displayed his banner and called the King of Scots to the overthrow of his own native Countrey even at that time when King Henry the second had as it were rashly digd his own grave by investing his sonne King in equall authority with himself But his rebellion was in the end quenched with blood and the Castle quite dismantled so that beside a ditch and rampier there is no signe or shew left of a Castle 8 Places of Pietie erected in these parts were the Abbey of Saint Hilda built neere Dunesly The faire and rich Abbey of Gisburgh built about the yeer of our Salvation 1110. The Priory of Chanons founded at Kirkham The Monastery neere unto Beverley which Beda nameth Derwaud The Monastery of Saint Michael by Hull The two Abbies of Newborough and Biland The abbey of Meaux and another not farre from Cottingham which the founder purposely built for the Monkes of the Cluniacke Order that he might be released of the Vow he had made to visit Hierusalem all of them resorted unto by continuall concourse of Pilgrims to make their adorations in those dayes of Ignorance but since the true God hath unmasked the errours of those times by the truth of his Word the same places are worthily become the subjects of his just displeasure for worshipping Images and false tutelar Gods instead of the true and everliving Saviour 9 These parts and divisions of Yorkshire consisting upon the North and East-ridings containe twenty five Market-Townes for buying and selling eleven Castles for strength and fortification and 459. Parishes for Gods divine worship under which be very many Chappels for number of Inhabitants equall to very great Parishes ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Townes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in the North and East-Riding of York-Shire North-Riding Hundreds 1 Gillingwest wap 2 Gillingeast wap 3 Allerton Shire 4 Langbargh Lib. 5 Whitbystrand Li. 6 Pickering Wap 7 Rydall Wapen 8 Bulmar wapen 6 Burdforth wapen 10 Hallikeld wapen 11 Hangeast wapen 12 Hangwest wapen East-Riding Hundreds 1 Buccrosse Wapen 2 Dickering Wapen 3 Holdernes Wapen 4 Ouse and Derwent Wapen 5 Howdâ—usâ—er Wap Harthil W. Wilton Devi Baynton Devi Holmâ— Devi Hunsley Devi A Abbane Chappel Diâ— Acklam Lan. Acklam Buc. Aglethorp Hangw Anderby aniers Hangeast Anderby Wheâ—â—how Hal. Aismby Hallâ— Aiskew Hangeast Aiskugge Hangwest Atton Dic. Aldbrough Hangeasâ— Aldby Buc. Aldwarke Bulm Allerthorpe Halli. Allerthorpe Wilt. Alleston Pick. ALLERTON North Al. Alune Bulme Anderby Steeple Gillinge Amotherby Rydal Ampleforth Burdf Ampleforth Rydal Apeâ—side Hangwest Applegarth Forâ—eit Gillw Applegarth Manâ—k Gillw Appleton Rydal Appleton Rydal Appleton Lan. Appleton East Hange Appleton West Hangeast Aâ—den Burdf Aâ—denside Burdf Aâ—ke flu Arkengarth Dade Gillw Arncliff Burdf Arngill Gillingwest Armantwhaite Lan. Auran Hâ—ld Arsham Lan. Aske Gillingwest Asselby Howd Atwick Hâ—ld Auderby Hangeast Auderby Hangeast Aughton Hâ—lm Auldburge Gillingw Aumoad Park Burdf Awlbâ—ough Hold. Awthorne Hangwest Ayskaâ—th Hangwest Ayslaby Pick. Aysleybye Lan. Ayton greaâ— Lan. Ayton little Lan. B Babthorpe Derwent Bagby Burdf Baldesby Halli. Baindridge Hangw Banâ—y flu Barden Hangwest Barforth Gillingw Barhouse Huns. Baâ—leby Derwent Barmby Howd Barmeston Hold. Barmingham Gillinw Barnabre Lan. Barnloye Wilt. Barnsdale Chap. Rid. Barton Halâ—i Barton Bulm Barton Gillingeast Barton in the street Ryd Barton upon Yor. Hange Barthorpe Bucc Barwick Lan. Basbie Lan. Battersbie Lan. Bauder flu Bauder Dale Gilling Balderskarth Hill Gillinwest Bargh little Rydal Bargh great Rydal Bayesdale Lan. Baiton Baint Bealhi Holm BEDALL Hangeast Belbie Howd Bellathy Hangwest Bellasisse Howd Bently Hâ—â—s Bempton Dic. Bemingbrough Bâ—l. Bemingham Hold. Bery Chappel Bucc Bessomby Dic. Bessewick Baint BEVERLEY Huns. Bewdlam Rydal Bewâ—am Hold. Biland old Burdf Biland Abbey Burdf Bilsdale Rydal Bilsealed Burdf Bilton Hold. Birdâ—all Buck. Birkbie Aller Birkdale Hangw Blackholm Blackâ—ost Howd Blaydeâ— Hangw Blaker More Whit. Blamby Parke Pick. Bolton Gillingwest Bolton Wilt. Bolton Gillingwest Barnell Howd Booth Howd Boâ—robie Burdf Botrowbie Aller Botrowbie Lan. Bossalt Bulm Boultbie Burdf Boulton East Hangw Boulton West Hangw Bourne Hoâ—me Bonwick Hold. Bowes Gillingwest Boynton Dic. Boythorpe Dic. Bracken Baynt. Brakenborgh Burdf Brackenholm Derw Bradley Hangw Brickhall Hange Bransdale Rydal Bâ—â—nesbutton Hold. Brankingham Huns. Branthingham How THE NORTH AND EAST RIDINS OF YORKSHIRE Bransby Bulmâ—r Braâ—serton â—ulmâ—r Brawby Rydall Brawiâ—h Aller BRIDLINGTON D Bridlington key Dic. Brighton Holm Brigham Dic. Brigwell Gillingw Briscoe East Gillinw Briscoe west Gillinw Brittinby Gillingeast Bromefleete Huns. Brompton Allerton Brompton Dic. Brompton Pick. BromptoÌ„ upon Swayle Gillinwest Brotton Lâ—ngh Brough Hold. Broughton Rydal BroughtoÌ„ great Laâ— Brâ—xay Whit. Bubwith Holm Buckton Dic. Bâ—dickepark Lang. Bugthorpe Bucc Bulmer Bulm Burdforth Burdf Burdghall hangeast Buâ—gh Huâ— Burnby Wilton Burnby Holm Buâ—nholne Holm Buâ—nholm south Hol Burmston Halli. Burnton Gillinge Burrell Hangeast Buâ—robe Alleâ— Button Gillinge Button Hangw
strangers which he thinketh could not be considering their habitations so neere unto them and that the like was in use he proveth by the words of French Gardian for Wardian Cornugalles for Cornwalles yea and Galles for Wales calling our most famous Edward Prince of Galles not Prince of Wales in so much that the Countie of Lombardy bordering along upon the Germans was of them called Gallâ—a Cis alâ—ina and at this day Welsh-land So likewise do the Netherlanders call the Inhabitants of Henâ—li and Artois Wallen or Wallons and sâ—me part of Brabant and Flanders Weâ—sh-Brabant and Welsh Flanders and all because of the language or lineage of the Gaules Neither doe the meere Natives of Wales know any other name of their Countrey then Cambria of themselves then Cambri or Cumri or of their language then Cambraoc But leaving this opinion free to his affection we will proceed 3 Wales therefore being anciently bounded as before the Saxons did afterwards win by force from the Britaines all the plain and champion Countrey over the River Dee and especially Offa King of Mercia made their limits straiter by making a ditch of great breadth and depth to be a Meare betwixth his Kingdome and Wales This ditch is in many places to be seene at this day and beares the name of Clawdh Offa that is Offaes Ditch The Countrey between it and England is commonly called the Marches and is for the most part inhabited by Welshmen especially in North-Wales even to the River Dee This admirable trench began at Bassingwerke in Flintshire between Chester and Ruthlan and ran along the hils to the South Sea a little from Bristow reaching above hundred miles in length 4 Silvester Giraldus makes the River Wye to be the Meare between England and Wales on the South part called South-Wales whence he ascribeth the breadth of Wales unto Saint Davids in Menevia to be an hundred miles and the length from Caerlcon upon Vske in Gwentland to Holly-head in Anglesey an hundred miles he might have said thirtie more 5 About the yeare of Christ 870. our Alfred raigning in England Rodericus Magnus King of Wales did divide it into three Talaiths Regions or Territories which were called Kingdomes whose names both British and English with their severall chiefe seats follow 1 Gwyneth ENG. Northwa chiefe seats Abersraw in Mon. or Anglesey 2 Powys ENG. Powys Land chiefe seats Pengwâ—rn removed to Mathraval 3 Dehenbarth EN South-w chiefe seats Caermarâ—yn removed to Dinevowr This Rodericus Magnus gave Venedotia Gwineth or North-wales to Anarawd his eldes sonne to Caâ—eâ—h his second Demetia Deheubarth or South-wales and to Mervin his third sonne Powys 6 North-wales had upon the North-side the Irish Sea from the River Dee at Bassingwerke to Aberdyvi upon the West and South-west the River Dyvi which divideth it from South-wales and in some places from Powysland And on the South and East it is divided from Powys sometimes with high hils and sometimes with Rivers till it come again to the River Dee It is generally full of high mountaines craggy Rocks great woods and deepe vallies many straight dangerous places deepe and swift Rivers 7 This Land was of old time divided into foure parts Mon Arvon Meryonyth and y Beruedhwlan or the middle Countrey and each of these were againe divided into severall Cantreves and they subdivided into their Cymeden or Commoâ— wherein we follow that division which was in the time of Llewylyn ap Gruffin last Prince of Wales according to a Copy imparted to me by a worshipfull friend and learned Antiquerie as seeming farre more exact then that of Doctor Powels 8 Anglesey the chiefest is separated from the maine Land with the River Moenay wherein at Aberfraw was the Princes Court now a meane village In this Iland is a faire Towne called Beau-marish and a common passage to Ireland at Caerâ—ybi in English Holly head This Anglesey hath â—antreves and Commots as followeth 1 Cantrerhi Aberffraw or Aberffro Cwmwd. Llivon al. llion 1 Mall traeth 2 2 Can. Cemais Cwmwd. Talibolton 3 Twr celyn 4 3 Can. Rossir Cwmwd. Tendaethwy 5 Moenay 6 9 Arvon the second part of North-wales is now called Canarvonshire the strongest Countrey within that Principalitie giving place to none for fertilitie of the ground or for plentie of wood cattell fish and fowle c. Here are the Townes of Caernarvon in old time called Caer-Segont and Bangor the Bishops See with divers other ancient Castles and places of memory This portion hath on the North the Sea and Moenai upon the East and South-east the River Conwey which divideth it from Denbigh-shire and on the South-west is separated from Merioneth by Rivers Mountaines and Meares whose Cantreves and Commots are these 4 Can. Aber. Cwm. Llechred achaf 7 Nant conwy 8 Llechweddisaf 9 5 Can. Arvon Cwm. Vwch gwyrfai 10 Is gwyrfai 11 6 Can. Dinodyn al Danodic Cwm. Ardudwy 12 Esionydd 13 7 Can. Llyn Cwm. Cymymaen alias Cwmâ—inam 14 Tinllaen 15 Canologion 16 10 Merioneth was the third of Gwyneth and keepeth the name till this day is full of hils and much noted for the resort of people that repaire thither to take Herrings Upon the North it hath Arvon and Denbigh-shire upon the South Caerdigan shire and upon the Last Montgomery-shire heretofore part of Powys In this Countie standeth the Towne of Harlech and a great Lake called Llyn Tegyd This Countrey is likewise full of Cattle Fowle and Fish and hath in it great store of red Deere and Roâ—s but there is much scarcitie of Corn whose Cantreves and Commots are as followeth 8 Can. Merionyd al Meirton Cwm. Talybont 17 Pennal 18 Yshmâ—ner alias eshomaneyr 19 9 Can. Arwystly Cwm. Vwch coed 20 Is coed 21 Gwarthrynion 22 10 Can. Penllyn Cwm. Vwch Meloch 23 Is Meloch 24 Micnynt a Micnaint 25 11 Y Bervedhwlad was the fourth part of Gwyneth and may be called in English The middle Countrey is enclosed with hils on the East West and South-parts and with the Sea North-ward It is plentifull of Cattle Fish and Fowle as also of Corne and is divided in the middest with the River Clayd to which run a number of other Rivers from the hils In this part is Dyffryn Clwyd the fairest Valley within Wales containing eighteene miles in length and seven in breadth In which is the Towne and Castle of Ricthlan neere unto the Sea and not farre thence S. Assaph an Episcopall Seat betweene the Rivers Clwyd and Elwy Herein stands the faire Towne and goodly Castle of Denbigh situated upon a Rocke the greatest Market-towne of North wales and from thence is seene the Towne and Castle of Rutbyn faire for prospect and fruitfull for site This part of North-wales hath the Sea upon the North d ee toward the East Arvon the River Conwey and Merionyth upon the West and the Countrey then called Powys upon ths South It hath Cantreves and Cummots as
at one end and narrow at another is not much unlike in fashion to a wedge a peece of which is cut off by the meeting of Cheshire and Denbigh-shire South-East in distance some foure miles It borders East-ward with part of Cheshire from whence it is garded in length with the River Dee unto the North which parteth Worral and Flint-shire till you come to a little Iland called Hell-bree Northward it is bounded with the Virginian Sea on the West a little River called Cluyd parteth her and Denbigh-shire asunder and on the South altogether by Shrop-shire 2 This Countrey is nothing Mountainous as other parts of Wales are but rising gently all along the River of Dee makes a faire shew and prospect of her selfe to every eye that beholds her as well upon the River being in most places there-abouts foure or five miles broad as upon the other side thereof being a part of Cheshire 3 The Ayre is healthfull and temperate without any foggy clouds or fenny vapours saving that sometimes there ariseth from the Sea and the River Dee certaine thick and smoky-seeming mists which neverthelesse are not found hurtfull to the Inhabitants who in this part live long and healthfully 4 The Clime is somewhat colder there then in Cheshire by reason of the Sea and the River that engirts the better part of her by which the Northerne winds being long carried upon the waters blow the more cold and that side of the Countrey upward that lyeth shoaring unto the top having neither shelter nor defence receiveth them in their full power and is naturally a Bulwarke from their violence unto her bordering neighbours that maketh the snow to lye much longer there then on the other side of the River 5 The Soile bringeth forth plenty both of Corne and grasse as also great store of Cattle but they be little To supply which defect they have more by much in their numbers then in other places where they be bigger Great store of Fish they take in the River of Deâ— but little from the Sea by reason they have no Havens or Creekes for boates No great store of Woods either there or in any other part of Wales are found it having beene a generall plague unto all the Countrey ever since the head-strong rebellions of their Princes and great men against the Kings of England that in time tooke away the principall helpes of their Innovations by cutting downe their woods whereof in this Shire there hath heretofore beene great plenty Fruits are scarce but Milke Butter and Cheese plenty as also store of Honey of the which they make a pleasant Wine in colour like in taste not much unlike unto Muskadine which they call Matheglin Yea and in the dayes of Giraldus Cambrensis neere the place now called Holy-Well was a rich Mine of Silver in seeking after which men pierced and pryed into the very bowels of the earth 6 The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices a sturdy people against the Romans but now most kind and gentle towards the English and indeed make much of all strangers except they be crossed and then they are the contrary 7 Places of defence are the Castles of Flint Hawarden vulgarly Harden Treer Rudland Mold Yowley and Hope of which Flnt and Harden are the two principall The Castle of Flint famous for the benefit it received from two Kings and for the refuge and reliefe it gave unto the third It was founded by Henry the second finished by Edward the first and long after gave harbour and entertainment to that Noble but unfortunate Prince Richard the second comming out of Ireland being within her walles a free and absolute King but no sooner without but taken prisoner by Henry Bullinbroke Duke of Lancaster losing at that time his liberty and not long after his life This standeth in the graduation of Latitude 53 55. minutes in Longitude 17. For the Castle of Hawarden no record remaines of the first Founder but that it was held a long time by the Stewards of the Earles of Chester Howbeit their resistances did not so generally consist in the strength of their Castles and Fortifications as in their Mountaines and Hills which in times of danger served as naturall Bulwarkes and Defences unto them against the force of enemies As was that which standeth in a certaine strait set about with Woods neere unto the River Alen called Coles-hull that is Coles-hill where the English by reason of their disordered multitude not ranged close in good array lost the field and were defeated when King Henry the second had made as great preparation as might be to give battell unto the Welsh and the very Kings Standard was forsaken by Henry of Essex who was Standard bearer to the King of England in right of inheritance 8 This Country hath many shallow Rivers in it but none of fame and note but d ee and Cluyde Howbeit there is a Spring not farre from Rudland Castle of great report and antiquity which is termed Fons Sacer in English Holy-Well and is also commonly called Saint Winefrids Well of whom antiquity thus reporteth That Winefrid a Christian Virgin very faire and vertuous was doated upon by a young lustfull Prince or Lord of the Countrey who not being able to rule his head-strong affections having many times in vaine attempted and tryed her chastitie both by rich gifts and large promises could not by any meanes obtaine his desires he therefore in a place of advantage suddenly surprized and ravished her weake yet resisting body After the deed done the cruell Tyrant to stop her cryes and acclamations slew her and cut off her head out of which place did suddenly arise a Spring that continueth to this day carrying from the Fountaine such a forcible streame and current as the like is not found in Christendome Over the head of the Spring there is built a Chappell of free-stone with Pillars curiously wrought and ingraved in the Chancell whereof and Glasse-window the picture of the Virgin is drawne together with the memoriall of her life and death To this Fountaine Pilgrims are accustomed to repaire in their zealous but blind devotion and divers others resort to bathe in holding firmely that the water is of much vertue There be many red stones in the bottome of this Well and much greene mosse growing upon the sides the superstition of the people holding that those red spots in the stones were drops of the Ladies blood which all the water in the Spring can never wash away and that the mosse about the wall was her haire which though some of it be given to every stranger that comes yet it never wasteth But howsoever this be carried for truth by the tradition of time the mosse it selfe smells exceeding sweet There is also hard by Kilken a small village within this County a little Well of no great note that at
stout They have no Cities nor houses but live in tents by troups which they call heards Their prince is named Cham and obeyed with great reverence 13 The thirteenth is China by Ptolemy Sinarum regio it hath in it 240. Cities of note In this Region is Quinsay the greatest Citie in the world It hath on the North a wall of 100. miles in length 14 The last is India and the largest portion of earth that passeth under one name Strabo writes that there were 50000. Towns quorum nullum Cô minus fuit In the middle runneth the River Ganges and divides it into India intra Gangem the part that lieth toward the West and India extra Gangem which is the part toward the East The Scripture calleth it Havilah This region hath many very precious Commodities Medicinall drugs and Merchandize of great estimation The chiefe place is Goa where the Viceroy of Portugall resides and with a Councell of the King of Spaine exercises a power over all these quarters 13 The Ilands of Asia as they are of lesse account then the Maine so they must be content with a shorter Survey We will ranke them into the same order with the Continent 14 The first are of Asia the lesse and lye more Westward toward Europe They onely worth note are two Rhodes and Cyprus 1 First Rhodes is in the Sea over against Caria In the chiefe Citie of this I le stood the Colossus in the forme of a man erected in a kinde of Religion to the Sunne that once a day at least breaks out upon the I le howsoever cloudy it be in other places Graecians heretofore possest it and when the Christians had lost the Holy Land the Emperour of Constantinople gave this I le to the Knights of Saint Iohn in Hierusalem in the year 1308. But now the Inhabitants are most Turks and some Iews sent thither out of Spaine As for Christians they may not stay in the Citie in the night time 2 The second is Cyprus a place heretofore consecrated to Venus to whom both men and women performed their sacrifice naked till by the prayer of Barnabas the Apostle the Temple was ruined Trogus reports that the fathers of this I le had wont to prostitute their daughters to Mariners for mony whereby to raise them a portion against they could get them husbands but Christianity corrected those barbarous customes In time it was made a Romane Province and in the division of the Empire was assigned to the Emperour of Constantinople So it continued till Richard the first of England in his holy Voyage put into this place for fresh water but being incensed by the discourteous usage of the Cyprians turned his intent into an invasion took the King prisoner and bound him in silver fetters Afterward he sold it to the Templers for a time but recovered it againe and exchanged it for the title of Ierusalem 15 Lastly the Ilands of Asia the great lye most in the Indian or Easterne Ocean and indeed are innumerable but the chiefe of account are these Ormus Zeiland Summatra Auirae Insulae Bocuro Iaua Maior and Minor Iapan and Moluccoes and the Philippian Iles. The first is Ormus exceeding barren and yet of it self a Kingdome and full of Trade 2 Zeilan so happy in pleasant fruits that some have thought it was the place of Paradise 3 Summatra lying directly under the Aequator the Inhabitants are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4 And so are the Inhabitants of the Auirae Insulae that lye West from Summatra 5 Bocuro so large an I le that the compasse is said to be three moneths saile 6 Iaua Maior called by Scaliger the Compendium of the world the Inhabitants feed on Rats and Mice it yeelds much spice 7 And so doth Iauan Minor 8 Iapan aboundeth so with gold that the Kings Palace was covered with it in the time of Paulus Venetus They enter not into their dining roome with their shooes on 9 The Moluccoes are five and abound much with all sorts of spices In these is said to be the Bird of Paradise that flyeth continually having no feet to rest upon the Henne layeth her egges if you will beleeve it in a hole of the Cocks back 10 Lastly the Philippian Isles that lye North of the Moluccoes are 1100. as Maginus numbers them They were discovered in the time of Philip the second of Spaine and from him took their name 1364. They abound with Spices and part of the Inhabitants have entertained Christianity 16 And thus I have made a briefe dispatch both of the Continent and Ilands of either Asia and have given my Reader a hint at least of their Stories which he may find at large in their severall Authors ¶ The Description of AFRICA AFRICA as it lay neerest the seat of the first people so questionlesse it was next inhabited and therefore requires the second place in our Division It is generally agreed upon that the North parts were possest by the sons of Cham not long after the confusion And so indeed the Kingly Prophet in the 78. Psalme useth the Tents of Cham for the Land of Egypt which is the part of Africa which joynes upon the South west of Asia and is divided from the holy Land but by a small Isthmus Give the people their owne asking and they will have the glory of the first Inhabitants of the World and prove it too both from the temperature of their aire and fertility of their soyle which breeds and nourisheth not onely Plants and fruits but sends forth of its owne vertue living creatures in such sort as amaseth the beholder We have a report if you will beleeve it that in a ground neere the River Nilus there have been found Mice halfe made up and Nature taken in the very nick when she had already wrought life in the fore-parts head and brest the hinder joynts yet remaining in the forme of earth Thus I suppose they would have man at first growne out of their soyle without the immediate hand of God in his Creation And it hath been the opinion of some vaine Philosophers that for this cause have made the Ethiopians to be the first people for that there the Sunne by his propinquitie wrought soonest upon the moisture of the ground and made it fit for mortality to sprout in 2 But to leave these without doubt Africa is of great antiquity and so is allowed by all Historians of credit In the yeare 1566. the people were increased to an exceeding multitude and therefore were inforced to enlarge their bounds upon their neighbouring Countries For as it was of a most rare fertilitie so it lay not any long way and had free accesse to it by land from the garden of our first Parents 3 In the time of Abraham we have better assurance from the word of God that it was then a place of fame and the Inhabitants of some growth for they were able to supply the wants of the Countries adjoyning by their
store and thither went Abraham out of the Land of Canaan to avoyd the great famine Gen. 1â— She had then her Princes Pharaoh and his mighty men that feared not to resist God and were afterward made the instruments of his punishments upon the children of Israel for they kept them in bondage foure hundred years as was foretold to Abraham in the 15. of Genesis 4 But this proofe of Ancientry concerns not the whole Countrey onely those Regions which lye under the temperate Zone The rest for a long time after were unknowne to our Geographers held not habitable indeed beyond Mount Atlas by reason of the extreme heat The reports which passe of it before Ptolemyes time were but at randome and by guesse of such as had never sayled it round or scarce come within sight of it but at a great distance and by this means either out of their owne errour or else a desire of glory more then they had deserved or perhaps a Travailors trick to cheat the ignorant world that could not confute their reports they spread many idle fables of monstrous people without heads with their eyes and mouthes in their breasts maintained to this day by some Authours of good esteeme But for my part I hold it most reasonable to credit S. Augustine who was born and died in Africa That he in his eighth book De Civitate Dei acknowledgeth no such creatures or if they be they be not men or if men not borne of Adam And our later discoveries joyne in with him that report not upon their owne experience of any other people then such as our selves are and yet I suppose they have seen more of the Countrey then ever any heretofore did For they passe not now to sayle it round once a yeare by the Cape of good Hope to the East-side of the very Isthmus toward the Red-Sea 5 This course by the South was discovered by one Vasco de Gama in the yeare 1497. and a way found to the East Indies by which the Princes of Portugall receive an infinite gaine both in Spices and other Merchandize The hope of which first set them upon the adventure And in this one thing we owe much to our owne Countrey otherwise a detestable plague that the insatiate desire of wanton commodities hath opened to us a large part of the world before not knowne and which we hope may hereafter increase the light of the Gospel and the number of the Elect. 6 If we compare Her to the two other portions of the same Hemisphere she is situated wholly South and in part West-ward It is divided on the North from Europe by the Mediterraneum Sea On the South where it runnes into a kind of poynt at the Cape of good Hope it is bound with the vast Ocean which in that part hath the name of the Aethiopicke Sea on the East with the Red Sea and on the West with the Atlantike Ocean called there in our common Maps Mare del North. So that in briefe we reckon both Her Longitude and Latitude in the largest parts to be neere upon 4200. English miles 7 Notwithstanding this Vast extent of ground yet we still of Europe keepe our owne and by authority of the most and best Geographers exceed as much for number as either this or Asia do for roome Cause enough there is why Africa indeed should come short of both for in most parts she hath scarce plenty sufficient to maintaine Inhabitants and where there is we shall meete with multitudes of ravening beasts or other horrible monsters enough to devoure both it and us In a word there is no Region of the world so great an enemy to mans commerce there is such scarcity of water that no creature almost could live had not Nature provided thereafter that the greater part of them endures not drinke in the very middest of Summer So Pliny reports And if as sometimes they be inforced by such as take them they suddenly perish Thus we see how God gives a propertie to each place that may make up her defects lest it should be left as well by beast as men Their Land is full of sandy deserts which lye open to the windes and stormes and oft times are throwne up into billows like waves of the Sea and indeed are no lesse dangerous Strabo writes that Cambyses his army was thus hazzarded in Aethiopia And Herodotus that the Psitti an ancient but foolish Nation it seems in Africa as they marched towards the South to revenge themselves upon the windes for drying up their Rivers were overwhelmed with sand and so dyed in their graves Besides these annoyances it is so full of a venomous kind of Serpent that in some places they dare not dresse their Land unlesse they first fence their legs with bootes against the sting Other wild creatures there are which range about and possesse to themselves a great portion of this Countrey and make a Wildernesse of Lions Leopards Elephants and in some places Crocodiles Hyenas Basilisks and indeed monsters without either number or name Africa now every yeare produceth some strange creature before not heard of peradventure not extant For so Pliny thinks that for want of water creatures of all kinds at sometimes of the year gather to those few rivers that are to quench their thirst And then the Males promiscuously inforcing the Females of every species which comes next him produceth this variety of formes and would be a grace to Africa were it not so full of danger to the Inhabitants which as Salust reports dye more by beasts then by diseases For those traits about Barbary are every tenth year 15. or 25. visited with a great plague and continually infected with the French disease in such violence that few recover unlesse by change of ayre into Numidia or the Land of Negroes whose very temper is said to be a proper Antidote against those diseases 8 But among all these inconveniences commodities are found of good worth and the very evils yeeld at last their benefit both to their owne Countrey and other parts of the world The Elephant a docible creature and exceeding usefull for battel The Camel which affords much riches to the Arabian The Barbaric horse which we our selves commend The Ram that besides his flesh gives twenty pound of wooll from his very tayle The Bull painfull and able to do best service in their tillage And so most of their worst alive or dead yeeld us their medicinall parts which the world could not well want 9 In her division we will follow our latter Masters in this Art whom time at least and experience if no other worth have made more Authentike and those divide it into seven parts 1 Barbarie or Mauritania 2 Numidia 3 Lybia or Africa propria â— Nigritarum terra 5 Aethiopia superior 6 Aethiopia inferior 7 Aegypt and to these we adde the 8 Ilands belonging to Africa AFRICAE described the manners of their Habits and buildinge newly done into English by
Horses as men and women of excellent feature For the studie of Arts for sinceritie in Religion and what ever else God hath pleased to blesse his Church with from the beginning 6 She wants nothing but what she may well spare wilde Beasts which cause Deserts in the parts where they breed hot Spices which fit not our temper and rather corrupt our manners then mend our dyet precious jewels and the like which have brought in a degree of vaine and uselesse pride not knowne before by our Predecessors yet too of gold silver and other commodious metals she hath her portion And in briefe is of a very prosperous temper yet of so strange varietie that it is admirable to thinke that there is no place in this quarter but is fit for any man to live in Insomuch as every corner is inhabited as is confirmed by our later Travellers though heretofore it hath been questioned by reason of the extreame cold toward the Pole This in generall 7 In her Division we will beginne from her Westerne parts that lye towards the first Meridian of Longitude and so on till we come to her Easterne limits which joyns her to Asia The order is 1 Spaine 2 France 3 Belgia 4 Germany 5 Italie 6 Denmarke 7 Hungarie 8 Polonie 9 Slavonia 10 Greece 11 Dacia 12 Norwegia 13 Suevia 14 Muscovia 8 Every least Region of Europe merits a peculiar Description at large and shal in its turn partake of my pains such as it is In the meane time I will here instruct my Reader in the generall knowledge of each and direct him principally to their situation that be may with ease find their propinquitie and distance in respect of each other which cannot be so aptly exprest in their severall Maps nor so easily scanned as in this which presents to his eye all at one view 9 Spaine is the first and the amplest Region of Europe For in bredth it numbreth 10000. stadia saith Appianus and little lesse as it seemeth in length The compasse is reckoned by us to be 1890. English miles It is begirt on every side with Seas unlesse on the Easterne and there it is joyned to France by a kinde of Isthmus when the Pyrenaean Mountaines crosse from one Sea to the other and set the limits to both Kingdomes On the West it is bounded with the Atlantick Ocean on the North with the Cantabrick and on the South with the fretum Herculeum Southeast with the Mediterraneum Till within this 800. yeares it continued mangled and broken by many turnes of Fortune Since it hath felt varietie enough now it is wholly subject to one Monarch though it yet carry the name of three Kingdomes Aragon Castile and Portugall The Land yeelds all sorts of Wines Sugar Fruits Graine Oyles Metals especially Gold and Silver It is fertile enough for the Inhabitants For indeed they are not many nor have they so great Cities as there are in other Regions in Europe Besides the conditions of those for the most part are base The meanest proud the best superstitious and hypocrites most of them lascivious Give them their owne they are good Souldiers not so much for their valour in performing as patience to endure labours hunger thirst and by this means oft-times weary out an enemy rather then conquer him 10 France the second Region of Europe beginneth from the West at the Pyrenean Mountaines and is bounded on the East with Germany on the North with our English Seas and South-ward with the MediterraneuÌ„ South-east with the Alpes which divide it from Italie It was once tributarie to Rome as most of these parts besides and had its division into Provinces as they pleased Now the chiefe are Loraigne Burgundie Savoy and these have their free Princes the rest are Normanie Brittanie Berry Aquitane Picardie Poictou Languedock Aniow Gascoine Provenue Compagne and many more The Countrey is very fruitfull and cals all her neighbouring Nations to her for Traffique Their speciall Commodities are Wine Corne and Salt Well peopled and hath very many illustrious Cities But the Inhabitants are naturally light in their carriage almost Counter-point to the Spaniard yet of great fame both in learning and warres Commended by all strangers for compleat Courtship 11 Belgia hath France on the South on the North Denmarke on the East Germany and the maine Ocean on the West It is knowne best with us by the name of Low Countries or Netherlands The compasse of it is about a thousand miles It is divided into 17. Provinces And of these foure are Dukedomes seven Earledomes five Baronies and one Marqueship The Dukedomes are 1 Brabant and in this is Autwerp 2 Luicke 3 Lutzenburg here stands the vast Forrest of Ardenna 4 Gelderland The Earledomes 1 Flanders 2 Artois 3 Hainolt 4 Holland 5 Zealand 6 Zutphen 7 and Hamme The Baronies 1 Freizland 2 Vltrecke 3 Mechlin 4 Overissell 5 Groveling The Marqueship is that of the holy Empire The Land is good and affordeth great store of Butter Cheese and breeds Oxen of incredible bignesse and weight The people too are very industrious and excellent Mechanicks The men commonly are of a goodly portraiture yet of more same for their warres then their valour but are forced to maintain their liberty by the Sword good Sea-men indeed and in that they bear some sway Their Governours are called the States of the Low-Countries The Generall of their Forces is the Prince of Orange 12 Germany lyeth Eastward from Belgia and on her owne East is bounded with Hungarie and Polonia and the River Vistula on the North with the Germane Ocean and on the South with the Alpes that divide her from Italy In the middle is situaâ—ed the Kingdom of Bohemia compassed with the Sylva Hyrcinia and in this stands Prage where the Emperour commonly keepes his Court. And comprehends many Provinces of note Saxony Brandenberge Pomerania Bavaria Sleâ—ia Franconia Austria Helvetia East-Friezland Westphalia Cleveland Alsatia EVROP and the cheife Cities contaned therin described with the habits of most Kingdoms now in vse By Io Speed 〈…〉 1626. Brunswicke and Hassia It hath now the name of the Empire as once Rome had but it comes farre short of her in glory The right to it descends not by succession but by choyce of six Electors Arch-bishops of Triers Mâ—nts and Cullen Count Palatine of Rhene Duke of Saxonie and Marquesse Brandenberge In case of equality the King of Bohemia hath a suffrage which carries it It is a rich Countrey in Corne Wine Fruits Mines and hath in it healthfull Bathes The people warlike and ingenious for the invention of many usefull implements 13 Italy hath Germany on the North divided by the Alpes on the South the Mediterraneum on the East the Adriatique Sea and on the West Marc Tyrrenum In length it is 1010. miles and in the broadest place 420. It was once intirely one Now it is divided into many States and Provinces The chiefe are the Kingdome of Naples the Territorie of Rome Lumbardy
Tuscaine The Signorie of Venice Verona and others of great fame For indeed the whole Countrey is of admirable fertilitie and called by good Authours the Paradise of the earth The Inhabitants grave and frugall yet hot and lascivious 14 Denmarke is joyned to Germany on the South and on the West hath the Mare Germanicum and so almost is invironed with Sea and is a Peninsula In the Continent are two Provinces of note Irglant and Holston The other are petty Ilands for the most part The chiefe Zealand and Loiland The Countrey breedeth goodly Horses and store of Cattell The people are good Souldiers and subject to one King 15 Hungaria hath part of Germany on the West on the East the River Tibiscus and Walachia on the North with Poland and on the South with the River Saure Southwest with Slavonia The great Danubius cuts her in the middle and names her parts Citerior and Vlterior The chiefe Provinces are 1 The Countrey of Soliense where the earth sends forth such a stench that it poysoneth the very Birds which fly over it 2 An Iland in Danubius exceeding fertile And so indeed is the whole Countrey The people are generally strong but shew their Ancientrie to be of the Scythians by their barbarous manner and neglect of learning Their Daughters portions are onely a new attire and their Sonnes equally inherit without priviledge of birth-right The Emperour of Germany and the Turke share it betwixt them 16 Polonia and Silesia a Province of Germany on the West on the East the River Boristhenes or Neiper on the North the Balticke Sea and Hungary on the South It is in compasse 2600. miles The chiefe Provinces which belong at least to Poland are Livonia Lituania Volinia Samogitia Podolia Russia nigra Mazaria Prussia Podlassia the Dukedomes of Optwittes and Zator Polonia propria The Land abounds with Honie Wax Mines of Copper and Iron It breeds store of Horses fit for service Their Religion is promiscuous of all kinds from the true worship to the very Atheist which acknowledgeth no God yet they are governed by one King which doth not succeed but is chosen by the Nobles 17 Slavonia hath Hungarie on the North on the South the Adriaticke Sea Greece on the Southeast and on the West part of Italy It is in length 480. miles in bredth 120. The people were called Sclavi and were by Conquest of the Venetians made their drudges It is now divided into Illyricum Dalmatia Croatia The mother tongue of this Nation is used through many Countreys both of Europe and Asia part of it belongs to the government of Hungarie some to the Turke some to the Austrians and a portion to the Venetian State 18 Greece is limited on the West with the Adriatique Sea on the East with the Aegean Hellespont Propontis North-ward with the Mountaine Haemus and Southward with the Mediterraneum It was once the seat of the worlds Empire and flourished farre beyond all other in every kind of humane learning which to this day is received by all civill Nations as their rule It was one of the first among the Gentiles that received the faith of Christ and bred many Fathers of our Church S. Chrysostome Basill S. Gregory and others But the Inhabitants are now curbed and kept low as well in knowledge as estate by the tyrannie of the Turke Their women are well favoured but not faire The common division is into these Regions Peloponnesus Achaia Epirus Albania Macedonia Migdonia Thracia They afford us Gold Silver Copras Colours Wines Velvet Stuffes c. 19 Dacia on the West hath Hungarie on the East the Euxine Seas on the South Greece on the North Sarmatia from which it is divided by the Carpathian Mountains It was heretofore Misia and was by Domitius parted into Misia superior and inferior Now the chiefe Regions are Transilvania Moldavia Walachia Servia Rasia Bulgaria Bosnia 20 Norwegia or Norway describes her situation in her very name which signifieth in the Germane tongue no other then North-way for so it is in respect of the rest of Europe incompassed almost round with Sea The length is 1300. miles The bredth about 600. The people were once valiant and spred their Conquests in most places of Europe Among the rest England hath her share and was forced to submit to Duke William and Ireland to Tancud But now themselves are under a forraigne government of the King of Denmarke and live simply enough possesse little worth the commending except honestie Theft is counted the greatest sinne among them Yet they have Cables Masts Furres good store and Stock-fish which the poore eat in stead of bread The Metropolitan Citie is Nidrosio besides this there is not above two of eminent note Bergla one of the Mart townes of Christendome and Asloia a Bishops See On the North and West stands the populous Province of Frimarke 21 Suevia or Sweden is on the East of Norway divided from it with the Dofrine Mountains On the North and South it is bounded with Seas at the East end it is joyned to Muscovia By reason of their neighbourhood they pertake much in their dispositions with the Norwegians Their Counntry is fertile and in some Provinces hath very great plenty of Corn Furres Mines of Gold and Silver Copper Lead and other excellent commodities from which they take their name For the first is Gotland as much as good land The second Finland quasi fine land The rest are Bodia Serick-firmia Lappland others The Inhabitants live to a great age of 140. and are much given to Witch-craft 22 Muscovia is the last Region of Europe towards the East and indeed stands a good part in Asia It is bounded on the West with Livonia some part of Swevia on the East with Tartary on the North with the frozen Seas and Southward with the Lituania The length of it is 3000. miles the bredth 3065. It is likewise knowne by the name of Russia alba The most parts of it are extreme cold But Nature for the help of the Inhabitants hath lined it with rich Furres Sables Martines white Foxe and the like and hath furnished it with other Commodities Corne Fruits and Cattell The whole Region is subject to the Emperour of Russia A vast Territorie and as wild a government For the people are very base contentious ignorant and sottishly superstitious They bury their dead upright with a staffe in his hand a penny in his purse and a letter to S. Nicholas to procure him entrance into heaven There are many Provinces of note The chief are 1 Muscovia where Mosco stands the prime Citie and seat of the Emperour 2 Permia where they eat stagsflesh in stead of bread 3 Rhesan so full of Corne that Horses cannot tread it down nor a Quaile passe through it But for this I am not very urgent to inforce beliefe upon my Reader Others there are which have their stories of as much wonder and as little credit But I must not passe too farre
hardened like marble It is a rich Countrey as wel for gold as other commodities of worth The Rivers are fed with Snow that fals from the tops of high mountains The people are of large stature and very valiant The chiefe City is Saint Iames where a Colony of Spaniards keep hold And thus we are travelled from the Basis to the very Pyris at the South America The utmost point of it is called Caput victoria from Magellanus Ship The rest must be performed by Sea Our best course will be from the East Atlantick Ocean round by the Magellanick Straights into the Pacifick Sea For within this compasse lyeth all the Ilands that belong to this new World and those were my second part in the generall division of the whole Hemisphere 28 The Ilands of America in the Atlantick Ocean are 1 Margarita not farre from Castella del oro 〈◊〉 very barren in provision for victuals but exceeds in plenty of precious stones of the greatest value And so doth her neighbour 2 Cubagna 3 Trinidado stored with Tobacco 4 Bacalaes over against Terra Laboratoris 5 Boriquen Northward from Guiana Her principall Cities are St. Iolas and Port Rico ruined by our Earle of Cumberland 1â—97 6 Iamaica spoyled by the Spaniards cruelty of most of her Natives Insomuch that the mothers strangled their babes in their wombe to prevent their servitude under so hard a Master as the Spanish Governour 7 Laba a rich I le In this there is a Bishops Sea called St. Ingo 8 Lucaiae insulae in number 4â—0 and is best commended for the beauty of her women 9 Barmudae many in number discovered by Sir Thomas Summâ—rs and thence have the name of Summer Islands possest by a plantation of English and agreeth well with their temper â—0 Hispaniola or Haitie the first that was described by Columbus in the beginning of his attempt An excellent Iland for temper of ayre fertilitie of soyle rich Mines Amber Suger and Roots medicinall One of the chiefe Townes in Domingo ransackt by Sir Francis Drake 1585. The rest are St. Isabella St. Thome St. Iolius c. 11 â—here are a rank of Ilands neer the Basis of the South America that are called Insulae Caralum or Canibalorum part of them are Canibals and wild people yet they yeeld commodities especially the Guiacum or lignum Sanctum 19 The Ilands of America on the West in the Pacifick Sea are not many of much account 1 The chiefe is Califormia an Iland of about 500. leagues from the North Cape Mendocino to the South S. Lucas which enters a little within the Tropick of Cancer 2 Insulae Salomonis supposed by some to be the Land of Ophir 3 Insulae Latronum named from the Natives theft who stole Magellanus Cockboat when he first entred it The Description of GRAECIA GREECE is divided from Italy but by a short cut of the Adriaticke sea Each is so placed in Contra-view of the other as if she were ordered to overlooke her neighbours actions And so indeed there hath beene continually a mutuall emulation betwixt the two flourishing Nations which have either in turnes possest or at once divided the Empire of our Christian world 2 How ever now she lieth dejected and groanes under a miserable servitude yet once she had as well the preheminence of Rome in glory as the precedence in time For to say truth she was the wisest of any people that were not inlightned with the knowledge of that great mystery she set a patterne for government to all her succeeding ages and in briefe she was the mistresse almost of all Sciences some there are which in a strict account will accept none but the Mathematikes And yet too though those without doubt owe their being to the Chaldeans and Aegyptians sure I am that even in them she bred some of the most famous Artists that ever the world had Euclide may be my proofe In Philosophie Socrates Plato and our great Aristotle In Oratory Demosthenes Aeschines and Isocrates In Historiographic Xenophon Thucidides Plutarch and Herodotus In Poesie Hesiod Homer Sophocles and Aristophanes In State-policy the wisest Solon of Athens and Lycurgus of Lacedemonia In Militarie affaires Themistocles Miltiades and the great Alexander and infinite others which had all past their times and Greece almost sunke in her luster before the name of Rome was heard of almost in her Territories 3 She was at first but a small parcell of this quarter till by her prowesse she grew on upon her neighbouring Countries and enlarged her dominions through all Macedonia Peloponnesus Epirus the Aegean Ilands and Thrace and besides sent forth Colonies into other parts as well of Asia and Africa as of Europe whereof some retaine the Greeke names to this day Her selfe enjoyed the liberty for a long time which the first Inhabitants tooke to themselves and felt not the burden of a tributary nation till the time of the Persian Cyrus He first brought her under After him Xerxâ—s and other of the Kings of Persia which held it till it was recovered by Philip King of Macedonia and from him it fell to Alexander the great who first tooke up his Greeke Monarchie and at his death in the division delivered this with the rest to his successors in the Kingdome of Macedonia and so it continued untill their last Perseus in whose time it fell into the power of the Romans 4 But when that Empire too had its fate to be severed by Constantine the great into the East and West the Greeks again put in for a part and were for a time rulers of the East till they were successively over-run by the Goths Bulgarians Saracens and Turks under whom to this day the poore wretches suffer continuall persecution for the name of Christ and are scarce permitted by that great Tyrant meanes of learning to know the Name for which they suffer 5 This Religion was first called Helles from Hello the sonne of Deucalion and Pyrrha and in after-times tooke the name of Graecia from Graecus the sonne of Cecrops and King then of that part onely which was called Attica For when there were many States which were ordered by their peculiar Princes But when once they were all joyned into a Monarchie the whole retained the name of that part which was accounted most famous and the Inhabitants in their stories generally called Graecians though sometimes by the like Synecdoche Achaei Achivi Argivi Danai Delopes Dores Dryopes Hellenes Iones Myrmidones and Pelasgi 6 The bounds of Greece have beene severally set as her government hath beene either enlarged by her owne valour or impaired by a forraine enemy But as she is now taken by Geographers her marke on the East is the Aegean Sea on the West the Adriaticke which severs her from Italy on the North the Mountaine Haemus which is reported though falsly to be of such heighth that from the toppe a man may descrie Seas foure severall wayes and on the South the Mediterranean Ionium Seas 7
and they say are bound to furnish him at need with 3842. horâ—e among them and 16200. foot 14 The chiefest Regions of Germany best knowne to us and noted by our Geographers with a more eminent Character then the rest are these 1 East Frizâ—land 2 Westphalia 3 Cullen 4 Munster 5 Triers 6 Cleve 7 Gulick 8 Hassia 9 Alsatia 10 Helvetia 11 Turingia 12 Brunswicke and Luneburg 13 Franconia 14 Palatinatus Rhene 15 Wittenburg 16 Ausper 17 Bayden 18 Mentz 19 Bamberg 20 Weirstberg 21 Saxonia 22 Anhalt 23 Mansfield 24 Sâ—evia 25 Bavaria 26 Brandeburg 27 â—usatia 28 Tirolum 29 Misnia â—0 Bohemia 31 Silesia 32 Moravia 33 â—omerania 34 Mecklinburg 35 Austria 15 East-Frizeland is on the West side of Germany and bounded with the North Sea Her chiefe Towne is Embden 2 Westphalia is on the South of East Frizeland It is most famous for Swine and excellent Bacon which is esteemed with us one of our greatest dainties to commend a feast Part of it belongs to the three next Bishops of Cullen Munster and Triers 3 Cullen her Arch-bishop is an Elector The chiefe Towne was called Vbiopolis afterward Agrippina and lastly Cullen from a Colony which was there planted by the French It is a received tradition among the Inhabitants that the bodies of the Wisemen which came from the East to worship Christ are here interred None almost but hath heard of the three Kings of Cullen 4 Munster Her chiefe Citie is Munster notable since the yeare 1533. at which time a company of brainsicke Anabaptists named it Ierusalem and raised them a new Governour by the title of the King of Sion 5 Triers Her Arch-bishop an Elector Her chiefe Citie Triers of great antiquitie founded by Trebeta the sonne of Ninius and Bopport sackt by our Earle Richard King of the Romanes 16 6 Clivia or Cleave-land a Dukedome of name Her chiefe Cities are Wesell Emrick and Cleve Her Commoditie the Tophus-stone of which they make Cement 7 Iuliacum Gulick a Dutchy Her principall City is Aken or Aquisgranum where the Emperour receives his Silver Crowne for Germany and doth great worship to a clout which they take to be our Saviours mantle in which he was wrapped 8 Hassia a mountainous Countrey but fruitful Her Metropolis Marpurgum an Vniversitie and the chiefe place of her Lant-grave is Cassels It comprehends likewise the Countes of Nassaw and Hanaw 9 Alsatia Her chiefe Citie is Sâ—râ—sburg famous for a Clocke of wonderfull art and a Tower of five hundred seventy eight paces high Other Townes here are of note as Bing Wormes Confluence and Andernach 10 Helvetia Switzerland on the East of France and North of Italy It containes thirteene Cantons Zurich Berne Lucerne Vraenia Glavis Zugh Basell Friburg Vnderwalt Solour Shaffnansen Apeâ—sol and Suits Her chiefe Cities are Zurike or Tigurum wheâ—â— Zwinglius was martyred And Sengall or Civitas Sancti Galli and Basell where a generall Councel was decreed to be above the Pope in the yeare one thousand foure hundred thirty one 17 Turingia Her Prince a Lant-grave Her ground though not of large extent not above twelve German miles either in length or bredth saith Maginus yet it is very rich it comprehends twelve Counties as many Abbies a hundred fourty foure Cities as many Townes above two thousand Villages two hundred and fiftie Castles Her Metropolis is Erford 12 Brunswick on the East of Westphalia a Dukedome whose principall Cities are Brunswick Halberstade Wolsheiten and Luneburgh which gives title to another Dukedome whose chiefe seat is Cella 18 13 Franconia It lyeth on the West of Turingia and joynes to Hassia Northward The Inhabitants were converted to Christianity by Boniface In this Province stands Franckefort famous for her two Marts every yeare and Noremberg within the territories are comprehended the seven other which belong to this section 14 The Palatine of Rhene some seventy two miles from North to South and from East to West ninety sixe Her chiefe Citie is Heidelberge Her Prince an Elector and hath many more priviledges then the other sixe In the vacancy he is Governour of a great part of Germany 15 Wirtenberge The chiefe Townes are Tubing an Vniversity Studgard c. 16 Auspech a Marquisate Her chiefe Town Auspech 17 Baden a Marquisate pleasant and fruitfull betwixt the Rivers Rhene and Neccar Her chiefe Cities are Turlach and Baden in which there be Bathes that cure many diseases 18 Mentz Moguntia a Bishoprick The Prince is a Spirituall Elector and sits alwaies at the right hand of the Emperour 19 Bamberg a Bishoprick of it selfe of large revâ—newes In this stand Fochia where they say Pontius Pilate was borne 20 Weirstberg Her Bishop is intituled Duke of Franconia 19 21 Saxoniâ— on the East of Hassia and South of Brâ—nswick and North of Turingia In this Province was Luther borne at Isleben Within her bounds are likewise comprehended these two other Principalities of Anhalt and Mansfield 22 Anhalt whose Governour with great courage and power bore Armes in defence of the Palatines right to the Kingdome of Bohemia 23 Mansfield an Earledome the more famous for the valiant acts of the present Count who to this day wars upon the Emperours party in the behalfe of the Illustrious Palatine and his unparalleled Lady Elizabeth Sister to his Royall Majesty of England 20 24 Swevia on the South of Franconia It is a Countrey full of people and those of goodly personage great wit and valiant In this Province is the head of Danubius and runs through the middle of the Countrey Her chiefe Townes are Vlme Lindawe and Auspurg or Augusta Vindelicorum Norlingen c. 25 Bavaria on the South of Bohemia and â—ranconia There is both the upper and lower Bavaria Of the first the chief Cities are Muchen Ingolstadâ— Frising and about thirty foure Townes more equall to most Cities of the lower Bavaria the principall are Ratisbone Patavium Pussan Lanshutum and Saltspurge In this City lyeth buried Paracelsus 26 Brandeburge on the East of Saxonie a Marquisate of five hundred and twenty miles in compasse It was heretofore inhabited by the Vandâ—les The Metropolis is Brandeburge and Francfort ad Odicum for so it is distinguished from the other Francfort in Franconia and Berlium Here are fifty five Cities and sixty foure Townes 27 Lusatia it lookes Westward toward Saxony The chiefe Citie is Gorlitzia 28 Tyrolum on the South of Bavaria and East of Helvetia Her chief cities are Oonipous Inspruck Brixen Tridentum Trent where the Generall Councel was held one thousand five hundred fourtie sixe 29 Misnia on the East of Lusatia a fruitfull Region Her chiefe Cities are Misnia Drisden Lipsia a place of learning and Torga many Writers place this Province with Saxonie 21 30 Bohemia on the South of Saxonie and Misnia encompassed with the Sylva Hircinia a fruitfull and pleasant Countrey It may deserve a particular description of it selfe and therefore I will mention it here with no other solemnitie then I doe the rest of Germany Her Metropolis
is Prage which was taken by the Imperialists in this last quarrell the King and Queene being at that time in the Church celebrating Gods service were forced suddenly to flye for their safetie into Silesia 31 Silesia Eastward from part of Bohemia two hundred mile long and eightie one broad a fruitfull Countrey the people valiant Her principall Cities are Breselare and Neisse 32 Moravia on the East of Bohemia and South of Silesia Her chiefe Cities are Almusium Olmutz and Brin 33 Pomerania It is bounded on the East with Istula on the North with the Baltick Ocean Her Metropolis is Stetin Others chiefe are Wolgast Wallin c. On the West of this Region stands 34 Mecklinburg or Megalopolis a place Provinciall of it selfe and hath Townes of note Malchawe Rostock c. 22 35 Austria an Arch-Dukedome it lieth upon Hungarie and is esteemed by the Germans the Easterne bound of the Empire It was formerly called Pannonia superior It is a rich Countrey Her chiefe Cities are Vienna famous for beauty wealth and learning Emps Sr. Leopald c. There are reckoned to this Region the Provinces of Styria Carinthia Carinola and by some Tirolum The Description of the Kingdom of Bohemia IN our Description of Germany we reckoned Bohemia but as a Province among the rest and therefore she was mentioned there with no more solemnitie then the other parts were We purpose here to declare it an intire Kingdome of it selfe which besides her own compasse as she is most commonly limited by Geographers hath under-subjects Dukedomes and Marquisates such as doe her homage and make her well worthy of a particular Historie then we had before roome for 2 The ancient Inhabitant of these parts was the Bemorum magna gens as Ptolemie cals it and placeth it somewhat South toward Danubius undâ—r Suna sylva After them the Boii a people of Gallia Lugdunensis which had been before conquered by Caesar saith Quadus and packt over the Alpes to seek them a new seat in Italy But when they found the Romanes too hotte for their abode there they were forced to trudge farther and to passe the River Rhene into Germany as Strabo witnesseth where they found them a fit place to lurk in compassed with a large Wood called the Sylva Hercinia and like enough they joyned in with the Bemi to make up the name of Bohemia But neither here did they enjoy their peace long for they were in time nessled out by a potent people of Swevia called Marcomanni and they again had the like measure from the Slavonians a barbarous crue which came in upon them under the conduct of an exiled murderer of Croatia one Zechius about the yeare five hundred and fiftie 3 From that time there hath beene no generall expulsionâ— but the present Bohemians are the progeny of those Sclavonians whose very language and customes are in use among them at this day Doubtlesse it was at first a rude Common-wealth that had no other Governours but so ungoverned a multitude for so they continued above an hundred years after Zechius But when they had for a time endured the misery of such a confusion they were content to agree upon some one for their Prince that might rule them and the first which they elected was Crocus a man of great esteeme among them for his wisdome and goodnesse 4 Till the time of Vratislaus it had the title of a Dukedome onely He was the first King and was created by Henry the fourth of Germany anno one thousand eighty sixe Yet after that againe for the succession of sixe Princes it was governed by Dukes For the second King was Vladislaus the third crowned by Fredericke the Emperour in the yeare one thousand one hundred fiftie nine and the third Primaslaus Crowned by the Emperour Philip one thousand one hundred ninetie nine after sixe other Dukes from his Predecessor Vladislaus the third It hath beene now long since fully settled into a Kingdome and is the title of the right Noble Frederike Count Elector Palatine of the Rhene and husband to the illustrious Elizabeth Daughter to our late Soveraigne King IAMES They were both Crowned at Prague in the yeare one thousand sixe hundred and nineteene but have beene enforced ever since to maintaine their right by continuall warres against Ferdinand the second who by vertue of an adoption which declared him successor to Matthias layes claime to the Crowne of Bohemia But the case was before decided in their third Vladislaus who though as deeply interessed to the Kingdome as Ferdinand could be yet for that he had past no legall election according to their Customes and Priviledges he was deposed by the States and Vldarilaus chose in his roome 5 There remains no great difficultie concerning the name It appeares sufficiently to proceed either from her first people or first Prince who as some report was one Boemus And t is worth observing that though this Land hath in sundry ages beene so often ransackt and possest by strangers and Tyrants yet in her name she constantly preserves the memorie onely of her first Natives and hath not suffered that change as we have done from Albion to Britaine from Britaine to England And so indeed it is with almost all which have beene equally subject to the like Invasions 6 The scituation of this Kingdome is almost in the middest of Germany and is easily descried in our common Maps by the Hircinian Forrest held in the Romans time to be nine dayes journey in bredth and in length at least forty So Caesar in his sixth Com It closeth Bohemia on every side insomuch that to shew they are not unlike an Amphitheater it is Maginus his comparison The severall parts of this Wood are knowne by divers names which they take from the Countrey adjacent The portion North West is by Strabo called Gabreta Sylva that South toward Danubius Luna Sylva by Ptolemy non Sylva Passarica and so the rest Without this wall of Bohemia as Quadus calls it her limits are on the West Franconia on the North Lusatia and Misnia on the South Bavaria and Austria on the East Moravia and Sileâ—ia The figure of it is in a manner circular and the diameter is esteemed three dayes journey to a quick travailour The circuit containes five hundred and fiftie miles of good ground fertile and pleasant enricht as well by her Rivers as Land Commodities 7 Her principall are 1 Albis Elve which hath his rising in the Hercinian Wood and the name from eleven Fountaines which meet in one at the head of the River For Elve or Elbe in the Germane tongue signifies eleven It runs through a great part of the Countrey and by the chiefe Citie Prague and at last vents it selfe into the German Ocean Of this Lucan thus Fundat ab extremo flavâ—s Aquilone Suevos Albis indomitum Rheni caput 2 Multaria Mulda 3 Egra which gives a name to a Town 4 Sassava 5 Gisera 6 Missa And 7 Vatto They are received
Belino Brennio Romam invaserunt ibique din morati sunt Sed mille libras auri praemium discessionis à Romanis susci ' pientes mox diversis agminibus alii Graeciam alii Macedoniam alii Thraciam petiverunt sua prole velut quodam examine totam Asiam replêrunt Tantus inde terror Gallici nominis armorum invictaque foelicitas erat in illis diebus ut reges Orientis sine mercenario corum exercitu ulla bella gerere non praesumerent neque pulsi à regno ad alios quam ad Gallos confugerent Non enim aliter Majestatem suam tutari neque amissam recuperare se posse nisi Gallicâ virtute arbitrabantur Itaque in auxilium regis Bithyniae vocati regnum cum eo peractâ victoriâ diviserunt camque regionem Gallo Graciam cognominaverunt which we now call Galatia And thus for a time their victories carried all before them yet at last they had their turne too of ill fortune were expulsed Rome by Camillus fared as their neighbours did and became tributarie to the Empire 4 Then did the name of Gallia comprehend a large portion on Europe besides that which we now call France and was divided by the ancient in Cisalpinam which indeed was a part of Italy that which we now call Lombardy and Transalpinam which Pliny cals Comata from the curled haire of the Inhabitants and Ptolemy Celto Gallatiam as the Greekes gave it Nor yet was this equall to the name of France but was again divided by Caesar in his Commentaries 1 in Belgicam which for the most part belongs to Germany 2 Celticam and 3 Aquitaniam After him Ptolemy gives a third division into foure parts 1 Aquitaniam 2 Lugdunensem the same with Caesars Celtica 3 Narbonensem or Braccatam and 4 Belgicam 5 We must here passe by the out-reaches of Belgia and the rest and confine our tract to those parts which are now governed by one King And though it retaine still the antique appellation which the Inhabitants received from the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for their beautie and white colour yet is it best and most properly knowne by the name of France from the Franci or Francones a people of Germany that over-ran these parts and subdued most of them to themselves 6 Now the limits of this new Gallia or France are Westward the Pyrenaean Mountaines which divide her from Spaine and runne crosse the Isthmus that joynes both the Kingdomes They were very famous for rich Mines in so much that being once fired by Shepheards the Gold and Silver runne streaming downe into the lower Countries called up the Inhabitants to prey and was the first occasion of a forraine entry upon those parts Eastward it lyeth upon Germany South-east it is severed with the Alpes from Italy Northward it is bounded with our English Seas and Southward with the Mediterraneum Her chiefe Rivers reckoned by Maginus are 1 Garumna Garrone the greatest 2 Ligeris Loâ—re the sweetest 3 Sequana or Seyne the richest 4 Rhodanus Rosne the swiftest to these we may adde 5 Some upon which standeth Amicus 7 Her ayre is healthfull and her grounds fertile abounds almost with all commodities that may make her one of the happiest Regions in Christendome yet her greatest plenty is of Corne Wine and Salt which she distributes among her neighbouring Nations and enricheth her selfe with such Commodities from them as are not so fully afforded within her owne limits The women too partake of their Countries fruitfulnesse In so much that as the earth is scarce able to beare her plenty so her plenty could hardly sustaine her people had she not a vent for them into Spaine Italy Germany England and other Countries And yet were there long since reckoned Habitatores supra quindecim milliones inter quos octodecim millia nobilium by Maginus 8 In so great a multitude we must looke to find as much variety of Customes and Dispositions It was the report of Caesar long since and seconded by a late Authentike Author Gallicas gentes linguâ legibus institutis inter se differre multa tamen multis esse communia For the most part they are of a fiery spirit for the first on-set in any action but will soone flagge They desire change of Fortunes and passe not greatly whether to better or worse Their women very jocund of a voluble tongue and as free of their speech complementall to strangers and winne more by their wit then their beauty one and t'other are great enticers of mens affectioÌ„s and they enjoy them as freely and securely without either check of conscience or care of report It is esteemed Vitium gentile and indeed they can hardly heare ill for it from any there which is not equally guilty Very factious not onely in carriage of publique affaires but in their private families which proceeds for the most part from a selfe-conceit of their own wit and wealth and those will hardly admit a Superiour Their Nobility have beene reported to be liberall but I suppose that fashion is now worne out My selfe have specially noted the contrary in divers which respect their purse more then their honour and let passe the service and deserts of worthy persons unrewarded as if their gracious acceptance were a sufficient returne of thankes for any office a man can doe them They are practised to this garbe by their pessantry whom they reckon but as slaves and command as their proper servants which the poore snakes take as a favour and are glad to be imployed by their betters that by their protection they may stand more free from the injurie of their equals For the meanest of them are cruell and affect to oppresse their adversarie either by open violence or suite in Law though to their owne ruine They are very ready to take Armes and serve in the defence of King and Countrey need no more presse then the stroke of a Drum but are as rash in their atchievements They will not waite upon Councell but runne as farre on as upon their strength they may and when they find that failes they will as soone give ground 9 It hath had heretofore and yet breeds men of great esteeme for Learning Religion St. Bernard Calvin Beza and Ramus were French and many others both of the Romish and reformed Churches For as yet the people stand divided betwixt both but not equally The Papists are like to coÌ„tinue the stronger hand as long as their holy Father shall make murder a meritorious act For by their severall Massacres they have destroyed many Assemblies of the Hugonites as they call them The greatest I think that was ever practiced by such as had entertained the name of Christians was at Paris in the yeare 57â— when above thirty thousand soules suffered Martyrdome and among the rest some personages of great worth and note 10 It is subject to a Monarchicall government weilded by one sole and absolute King which beares the title
Flanders though but a single Province in this Belgia yet of that esteeme as the whole Countrey bears her name and may indeed well enough upon the same reason as she took it up For as the most will it had its Etymon à flatibus fluctibúsque quibus tota haec obnoxia est regio 5 For on the North it is bounded with a part of the great Sea and on the West with the maine Ocean On the East with the Rivers Rhene and Mosa and on the South with Loraigne Campaigne and Picardie parts of the Kingdome of France It is accounted to be in circuit 1000. Italian miles no Countrey abounds more with Lakes Pooles and Rivers of great note The principall are Rhene Mosa and Scaldis 16. others are specially named by Maginus and more intimated which afford them great store of fish as well for their owne use as supply for traffique to other Nations 6 Yet by reason of her watery situation it must needs be that the aire is exceeding moyst and therefore unwholesome but not so as heretofore For the multitude of Inhabitants and those wonderfully industrious have laboured out many of her marishes and drawne their Pooles into running channels and by this means fewer vapours arise in so much that now the Natives at last may very well agree with the temper which as Maginus gives it incolaruÌ„ sanitati nec non digestioni conducit Their Summer is pleasant not extreme hot nor abounds it with such troublesome flies and gnats as ours doth There is seldome any thunder heard or lightning seene or earth-quake felt The reason is the same for all The Winter is not altogether so tolerable but brings with it bleake windes and much raine Yet betwixt both the Countrey is moderately fertile yeelds Corne and fruit in some places more and in some lesse very few Grapes and those make but a hard Wine no store of Mines and yet they are as rich as those which have 7 For the people are very thrifty painfull and ingenious in the invention of many pretty things which draw many other Nations to them for Traffique and they lie as sit for it having free accesse by Sea to and from all the chiefe parts as of Europe so also Asia Africa and America and are as skilfull to trace the Seas at pleasure The have the name for the first Authors of the Compasse Clock and Printing They are excellent Artificers for working of pictures in glasse for laying colours in Oyle for Tapestry and other hangings in briefe for any Oeconomicall commoditie either for use or ornament and in their owne private Families excell any other people The men are of a goodly presence of a cold or at least no cholerick temper They neither love nor hate any extreamely but will soone forget both a good turne and they say an injury They are not very open or easie of beliefe not apt to be deceived Not very proud nor exceeding base Not much given to Venus but more to Bacchus especially when he presents himselfe upon an English Beere-Barrell For they will hardly make a bargaine before they be well whetted This is their common Character but for the best part of it we have found it farre other as in their commerce with us in the East Indies we have found whereby their extreame dealings with our Nation they have made knowne their unthankefulnesse for the many benefits our English hath shewed them But I returne to their better qualities Their women are faire somewhat bold and free in their carriage but yet sober and honest excellent housewives and in some places traffique abroad while their men play the Cotqueans at home 8 As in their other businesse so in their studies they are very laborious and indeed trouble the world with writing more then they have thanks for as if they had a right since they were the inventers of the Presse to use it at pleasure for so they doe And send forth every coÌ„mon exercise performed by their boyes towards a degree with a clutter of tedious Anagrams prefixed But yet it hath heretofore bred many excellent men in their faculties Iustus Lipsius Erasmus Rodulphus Agricola Ortelius Mercator And at this day how many others good members of the Reformed Church within compasse of the States government The rest which are under the Arch-Duke must appeare Romane Catholikes In divers parts of Belgia the Christian Religion was planted by Wilbrod an English man 9 The last qualitie required in a Nation of esteeme as they are is valour And indeed I may well place it last For so it grew upon them since the long warre which they have had wâ—th the Arch duke Before they lived for the most part in peace and as they had but little use of Chivalry so they had as little heart to it but were counted a heavy dull people To say truth they have hardly yet recovered that censure for in the managing of their Land-fights especially they are content enough to give way to other Nations and will hardly second them in any dangerous attempt The English have both acted and suffered their parts in the behalfe of the Low-Countries and that me thinkes might have beene remembred in the midst of their tyrannicall usage of our Merchants 10 These Netherlands toward our latter times were divided into 17. Provinces whereof the most part had severall Rites and Governours foure Dukedomes seven Earledomes five Baronies and one Marquiship But by the mixt marriages of the heires to the sundry Titles the whole at last fell upon one was made an entire Government and knowne by the name of the Dukedome of Burgundie Yet still doth each Province retaine her proper Laws libertie of Religion and other Customes which their Rulers in succession were sworne to maintaine for their parts and the people againe for their securitie had this maine prerogative left them from the beginning that if their Prince should at any time attempt the contrary they might after Declaration proceed to the choyce of a new Governour These Conditions confirmed it continued for a while peacefully and by marriage with Mary Heire and last of the house of Burgundie it fell to Maximilian of Austria Emperour of the Germans And his Successour Philip matching in the like sort with Ioan heire to the Kingdome of Spaine joyned both together in his eldest sonne Charles the fift who by the Mother was intituled to Spaine and by his Father to Burgundy or Netherlands as for Austria it passed to another brother Thus came it subject to the King of Spaine And while yet the Emperour enjoyed it they felt no misery of civill wars among themselves When he left it he commanded this charge withall to his sonne Philip the second that he should intreat the Low-Countries well But this he either forgot or neglected and taking it in foule scorne to be so curbed by the conditions of his Predecessors began first with a pretence to Religion and at last embroyled them in a bloudy warre
which hath found no end to this houre and caused them to cast oft the Spanish clogge which they did in the yeare 1581. and declared by their publique Writings that Philip the second King of Spaine had forfeited his government of the Low-Countries by breach of his faith And withall they bound their people by a new oath never to returne their obedience which they yet make good against the Arch-Dutchesse who by kindred to the Spanish King and marriage to the Arch-Duke is at this time interest in the government and therefore in the quarrell A NEW MAPE OF Y E XVII PROVINCES OF LOW GERMANIE mended a new in manie places Anno 1626. 12 We begin with the Dukedomes intayled to the Spanish faction and for the easier finding their situation we will take them as they lye from West to East And in this order is 1 Lutzenburg It stands betwixt the River Mosa on the West and the Forrest of Ardenna East on the South it joynes upon a part of France Her chiefe City is Lucenburg called by Ptolemy Augusta Romanduorum In circuit this Dukedome is 240. miles and containes in it many other Townes which have beene much batterred in the warres betwixt the French and Spanish Kings before the States were at difference among themselâ—es Theonville among others is of note for the stronger Bostonacum for the chiefe Merchandize It is called the Paris of Ardenna for by some that Forrest is reckoned into this Dukedome It stands on the East-side was in Caesars time 500. miles compasse now about 90. Neer to Ardenna is the Spaw bathes of great fame for the Cure of sundry diseases And hath oftentimes given our false English a pretence to leave their Countrey forsooth for Physick when they have no other excuse to get free and joyn themselves with the Romish Catholikes Maginus rockons into this Region 1168. Villages besides Castles with seven Earledomes many other petty Governments In the South is the Dutchy of Bovillon belonging to a Peere of France 2 Limburg on the North-east of Lutzenburg divides the government betwixt her own Duke and the Bishop of Luicke who commands the Westerne Tract as much as containes 24. walled Townes and 1800. Villages and hath under him 52. Baronies Luicke the chiefe City of the Bishoprick is an Vniversitie memorable for this one story above any other in Christendome That at one time there studied 9. Kings sonnes 24. Dukes sonnes 29. Earles sonnes c. The Dukes part in the East is not of that famâ— either for multitude of Towns and Villages or command of under-territories In the yeare 1293. the heires Male were extinct and by that means it fell to the Duke of Brabant The whole Region is exceeding fertile and affords almost all necessaries except Wine Among other Commodities it abounds with a kinde of stone of excellent use in Physick called Lapis calaminani The principall Citie Limburg stands upon the River Wesa 3 Brabant on the North of Limburg which commonly is supposed to have the name from Branchlant as if a barren soile but it is otherwise reported unlesse toward the North. The people are very jolly ut viri gravem senectutem sentire videantur And that me-thinkes should argue plenty Her chiefe Cities are Loraine an Vniversitie which containes 20. Colledges and among the rest a Seminary for English Iesuites Bruxells and this is the Dukes seat strengthned with a double wall and is adorned with very elegant buildings Bergen ap Some which is yet fresh in the memorie and mouthes since the siege 1622. Bodue whose people are noted to have preserved the antique valour of their Predecessors more then any other of the Provinces Breda was the place of the Prince of Orange got from the Spaniard by a desperate policy of a small number of Gentlemen which ventured themselves into the Castle being conveyed in a Boat covered with turves when they were past recoile they were forced to set their best strength forward as wel for their lives as the victory and were blest with a successe beyond hope They mastered the Castle and the rest soone followed It was of late recovered by the Spaniards after a long siege where our English got honour though not conquest under the conduct of our noble and valiant Earle of Oxford And lastly within the compasse of this D. is contained 13 The Marquisate of the holy Empire whose chiefe Citie is Antwerpe a Towne heretofore of infinite Trading had two Marts every yeare qualified with an extraordinary priviledge that during the time no man might be arrested nor his goods seazed and questionlesse this invited many which were in debt and could not have the freedome of traffique else-where 14 The Earledomes are 1 Flanders First indeed as well in esteeme as situation For it gives name to the whole Region of the Netherlands and the Prince writes himselfe Comes Dei gratiâ It is the very Northwest tract of this Belgia and is divided in Teutonicam Imperatoriam and Gallicam The first is the Flandria Flandricans properly Flanders The principal Cities are GandaduÌ„ Gaunt the birth-place of our Iohn Duke of Lancaster She is severed by the Rivers Shead and lets into 26. Ilands and hath passage from one to another by 98. bridges Her walls are seven miles in compasse Her other Townes are Burgies and Graveling Her Ports Dunkerke Scluse Newport Ostend c. The two last notable one for a pitcht field the other for a long siege In both the English honorably maintained the right of the States against the Arch-Duke Flandria Imperatoria is but a smal parcell and borders upon Brabant is called the Earledome of Hulit which is the chiefe Citie within her Territories Gallica Flandria is not of any large extent but very fertile and pleasant Her chief towns are Lilla or Lilse Duacum Doway an Vniversitie Orchais Tornay taken by King Henry the eighth and ransomed by the Inhabitants for 100000 Duckets 2 Artesia Artoyse the seat of the Atrebates in Caesars time Their chiefe City was then called Atrebatum now Arras whence we have our rich hangings and their name It lyeth most on the South of Flanders Maginus reckons to her 12. Cities and 852. Villages The chiefe of name besides their mother town Arras are Ayre Pernes St. Omer St. Paul 3 Hannonia Hanolt on the East of Flanders 60. miles long broad 48. Containes 950. Villages and 24. Towns beside Castles The chiefe are Banais supposed to stand in the same place where the ancient Belgium was built Mons Conde Valenciennes c. 4 Namurce on the East of Hanolt a fruitfull Countrey and full of Mines especially of Iron It hath but foure Cities 182. Villages The Metropolis is Namurce and the rest Charlemount Valen-Court Bornies 15 The only Barony of the Arch Dukes Province is Mechlin a City in Brabant which stands almost at equall distance betwixt Lovane Bruxells and Antwerpe Before the Spanish wâ—rs it was a place of Parliament for the States Since a great part of it was
scattered by unfortunate chance of fire which catch among 800. Barrells of Gunpowder In this stands a Monastery which at sometimes hath in it 1600 Nunnes and within these limits is the power of the Arch-Duke confined And surely by reason of his infinite charge to maintaine warre and the ticklish termes he stands upon for feare of displeasing his Subjects who as he suspects may be apt enough to revolt he can reape but little cleare profit and dares use as little Authority 16 To the States there hold first the Dukedome of Geldria which some will have to take her name from Gelduba once her chiefe Citie whether or not there appeares not now any monument of such a Towne The Province stands on the East of Brabant and North of Limburg It is a very fertile soile especially if it be well tilled it returneth the husbandman a liberall reward for his labour Her pastures are excellent in so much that they feed up their Cattle to an incredible bignesse and weight A report passeth of one Bull which weighed 3200. pound It was killed at Antwerpe 1570. It hath in it 22. walled Townes and about 300 Villages The principall of account are Neomagus or Nummegen an Imperial city stands at the mouth of Rhene which is called the Vahall It was honoured with the title of a vice-County had authority to coyn money and was bound to acknowledge subjection to the Emperour only by a small tribute A glove of Gunpowder which they were to tender at Aken once a year Others of note are Ruermund Arnem and Zutphâ—n 17 The Earledomes are 1 Zutphen a Town only in Gelderland at the north of the river Barikell where that valiant souldier and incomparable Poet Sir Philip Sidney received his last wound It was joyned into the States strength 1590. 2 Zeland it stands in the North tract upon the Seas from whence it hath the name as it were of Zeland And indeed it oft times so fals out that they can hardly say whether they live in Sea or upon the Land Eight Ilands have bin utterly lost what remaines of this Province is by the water divided into seven Ilands Walcheria in which stands Middle-borough and Flushin South Beveland North Develand Wolfors-dicke These are the Westerne The Easterne are Schoven Tolen and Develand They are most of them a fierce people craftie in merchandize good Sea men and great Fishers 3 Holland or Holtland a woody Countrey It is but a small Region such as be a man where he will within her compasse he may travell it out in three houres And yet is it of great fame and better knowne to the common sort of people then any of these parts The Inhabitants heretofore the Batavi on the West it hath the Sea and Iles of Zeland on the North the maine Ocean It comprehends about 400. Villages and 29. walled Towns The chiefe are Dordret or Dort memorable for a Synode held against the Arminians 1618. Harlem a Town which first sent forth a printed Booke into the other parts of Europe Delft Amsterdam a great place of traffique Roterdam Lugdunum Batavorum Leyden an Vniversitie Among the rest the Hage may claime a roome here though but a village yet the fairest in Christendome and seat of the States Councell The report lyeth upon this Province of Margaret sister to the Earle of Floris that she brought at one birth 365. children all living till they were christened 18 Baronies are 1 Vltrasectense utrecht on the East of Gelderland and in part West North and South of Holland It hath the name from her mother Citie Traiectum and she hers as is supposed from a common Ferry which is there For before it was called Antonina It hath foure other good Townes and seventy villages 2 Ovâ—rissall or Transisulana on the North of Gelderland It hath above 100. Villages and 11. Townes of note The chief Deventer wonne by our Robert Dudley Earle of Leicester from the Spaniards to the States It was once under government of the Bishop of Vtrech And the first was Wilbrâ—d an Englishman 3 Frizia West Friezeland on the North of Overissall It hath 345. Villages and 5. Townes The chiefe Lewarden Harlingham a Sea-town Francker a late Vniversitie 4 Groyning a Town only of West Friezland but hath Command over 145. villages hath her proper laws jurisdiction of a Province 19 These last eight joyn together in an Aristarchicall Government weilded by the LL. the States of the Low Countries and their assistants Each Province hath one and his Common Councell is elected out of her owne principall Towns But the residency of the generall Councell of the States is at the Hage in Holland And to this are admitted with equall priviledge of suffrage their Generall of their Forces and our English Embassador ¶ The Description of SPAINE IN our Division of Europe we placed her Regions as they lay from the first Meridian of Longitude in the Azores and so on towards Asia Eastward We will not here vary the course which was there proposed and that gave Spaine the precedency as lying most Westward into the Atlanticke Ocean And indeed she puts forward as well upon her tearmes of Antiquitie as order of place For if her plea may be heard she derives her being from Tubal the grandchild of Noah and would be one of the first Nations of the second world Likely enough those parts might be inhabited by his Progenie but I doubt whether so soone after the Flood as himselfe lived and as some would have it who suppose that he then kept Cattell and named the Province Taraconensis from the Hebrew Taraco a possession of Heards This and other the like improbable Relations passe of her originall Which as we may not accept for truths so we have no roome here to confute them for lies We must be content rather to omit those former ages which give us no light but by fables and begin with the affaires of Spaine which come within the compasse of our known and approved Stories As for the exploits of Hercules of Gerion and Cacus and the rest questionlesse they had some ground from truth it selfe if we knew how to search it forth and here was their residence men twelve hundred yeares by compute before the Romans or Carthaginians enjoyed it But by reason that the passage of those times was delivered onely in vaine fictions we can warrant nothing for certaine till the Syrians there planted themselves in the I le of Gades and of them little till the Carthaginians were called in to aid them against the disturbance of ill neighbours when once they were mingled with so flourishing a Nation they wanted not Writers to record their actions and sundry turnes of Fortune 2 The next Inhabitants there of Spaine after the Syrians and indeed the first which afford us any Story worth observing were the Carthaginians and the first cause of their entrance was to defend the Ilanders of Cales but when they had once got firme footing and
sucked the sweetnesse they were not to be removed by the easie tearme of friendship but there kept hold till a people stronger then themselves dispossessed them The attempt was made by Scipio and the Roman forces but they withstood their assault with so resolved a courage and so strong a hand that it might oft-times be questioned Vter populus alteri esset pariturus and so held play almost 200. yeares and could not be fully subdued into the forme of a Province till the Reigne of Augustus Caesar yet after they were held to it till Honorius 3 About his sixt yeare was there a second Invasion made by the Vandales and soone after by the Gothes which bare sway for above 300. yeares The last King was Rodoricus who lost both himselfe and Kingdome for a rape committed upon the Daughter of Iulian a noble Gentleman and at that time Embassadour with the Moores in Africa When the Father had understood of his Daughters unworthy injurie he brought backe his revenge with him 30000. Horse and 180000. Foot of Moores and Sarazens which discomfited the King overthrew all the resistance which he could make and bespread the Country with their Forces where they and their posteritie stood firme till within the memory of some which yet live 4 This change of State was before prophecied and concealed in a large Chest within a part of the Palace which both the last King and his Predecessors were forewarned not to discover But the hope of an inestimable treasure made him transgresse and when he had entred there appeared nothing but the Portractures of Armed Moores with a presage annexed that when that part of the Palace should be forced open such enemies should ruine Spaine It is now at last but one people but yet retains the mixture of those many Nations which have heretofore possest it Goths Sarazens and Iews who were partly banisht hither by Hadrian the Emperour and partly sent hither by Vlider Vbit the Caliph after the Moores conquest 5 In all this Discourse touching the beginning and settling of the State of Spaine it appeares not from whence she derives her severall names of Iberia Hesperia Hispania It seemes they are more ancient then the entrance of the Carthaginians and therefore they allow us no certaine Story nor other reason indeed more then a likely Conjecture and in some scarce that Her first name of Iberia was given by her ancients from a River that runs almost through the middle of the Countrey So saith Maginus and relies upon Pliny and Iustin for his Authours Others give it rather to the Iberi the ancient people of Asia that came in under Panus from toward Syria possest it before the Carthaginians Her second name admits as much question Some fetch it from Hesperus the brother of Atlas and their twelfth King from Tubal Others beyond the Moone from the Evening starre because it is situate upon the West of Europe The last Hispania is supposed from one Hispanus or Hispalus who raigned in those parts and was the third in the account of some from Tubal or else from Hispalis now Seril rather we may take it from the fore-mentioned Panus Captaine of the Iberians by the prefixion of an S for so the Greeks give it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and since by their owne addition and corruption it is made Espania Hispania 6 Her whole compasse is reckoned to be 1893. English miles and her bounds are Seas on every side unlesse on the East towards France from which she is severed by the Pirâ—naan Mountains On the West he Atlantick Ocean on the North the Cantabrick and on the South the Fretum Herculeum and other parts of the Mediterraneum which divide her from Africa Her Rivers of note are specially 1 Minius or Mingo 2 Dorio now Duerus 3 Tagus now Taio famous for her golden sands Betis or Guadilquiver 5 Iberus now Ebro and 6 Ana or Guadiana which in one place glides under ground for fifteene miles together and gives the Spaniard an occasion as he will catch at any to bragge that they have ten thousand Cattle daily feeding upon one bridge Yet give them their owne sense the truth may be questioned For they have not such plenty of meat as they have of sauce 7 It yeelds indeed abundance of Oranges Lemons Capers Dates Sugar Oyle Honie Licorish Raisins Saffron Rice excellent Sacks and other Wines And in some places Sheepe Goats and swift Horses It hath beene heretofore noted for rich Mines in so much that Hannibal received daily 3000. from one Mine in Spaine The number is not answerable in proportion to other Regions of Europe Their Cities not so great nor so many The reason may be because indeed their women are not so fertile to multiply among themselves and their usage of strangers so uncivill that very few of other Countries seate themselves there as in France England and Germany And yet they have of late times sent many Colonies abroad into both Indies 8 They are extreamely proud and the silliest of them pretend to a great portion of wisdome which they would seeme to expresse in a kinde of reserved state and silent gravitie when perhaps their wit will scarce serve them to speake sense But if once their mouthes be got too open they esteeme their breath too precious to be spent upon any other subject then their owne glorious actions They are most unjust neglectors of other Nations aud impudent vaine flatterers of themselves Superstitious beyond any other people which indeed commonly attends those which affect to be accounted religious rather then to be so For how can hearty devotion stand wih cruelty lechery pride Idolatry and those other Gothish Moorish Iewish Heathenish conditions of which they still savour 9 Yet it hath yeelded heretofore men very famous for their severall endowments both of wit and religion The Apostle himselfe expresseth a great desire to see Spaine as hoping to doe much good among those which had entertained the name of Christ. Osius a learned Bishop in the time of Constantine the Great And Pacâ—anus mentioned by S. Hierome Isidore Fulgentius Arias Montanus Tostatus and Masius were all Spaniards Seneca Quintilian the Orator Lumen Romanae eloquentia as Valla styles him Martialis Lucan Silius Pomponius Mela were Spaniards Traian the Emperour Theodosius Ferdinand the Catholike and Charles the Emperour were Spaniards To this day it breeds good Souldiers slow but sure and successfull in their Conquests Yet such as prevaile more by art then valour Their continuall scarcitie of victualls inureth them to hunger and other hardnesse which oft-times wearieth out their enemie and makes him yeeld at least to their patience if not to their strength SPAINE Newly described with many adictions both in the attires of the people the setuations of their cheifest Cityest by Iohn Speed 1626 11 The present state of Arragon comprehends three of those Kingdomes as it was scattered by the Moores and Sarazens 1 Arragon it selfe which lyeth on the
South of Navarre on the East of Castile on the North of Valentia and the West of Catalonia The ancient Inhabitants were the Iaccetani Lucenses and Celtiberi her chief City Caesar Augusta 2 Catalonia It lyeth betwixt Arragon and the Pyrenaean hills It is supposed a mixt name from Gothi and Alani people which heretofore possest it after the Vandales had lost their hold The Region is but barren yet it hath in it many Cities The chiefe Terra cona which gave name to the whole Province called by the Romans Terraconenses 3 Valentia which on the East is touched with the Mediterraneum on the north with Castile on the south with the Kingdome of Murcia It is reported for the most pleasant and fruitfull Region in all Spaine it hath her name from her chief Citie and as Maginus relates admits as yet of 22. thousand Families of Moores In this is the Vniversitie where St. Dominicke father of the Dominicans studied And the old Saguntum besieged by Hannibal now Morvedre 12 The state of Castile as now it stands comprehends all the rest of those scattered governments as were possest by the Moores Portugall onely excepted And first Castil it selfe both the old which joyns with Arragon on the East of Portugall and the West of Navarre and the new which toucheth her upon the South The first abounds not much with fruits but yet it breeds many Cattell The Metropolis is Burgos and the other chiefe are Salamanca an Vniversitie and Valadelit once the seat of the Kings of Spaine Now Castile abounds more with Come is watered with the river Tagus and Ana and in this stands the Kings chiefe Cities Madrid and Toledo which was heretofore a proprietarie of it selfe The rest that belong to Castile are a Toledo how ever now but a City of new Castile yet in the division her Territories spread themselves over a large compasse The City is in the middest of Spaine It was the seat of the Gothish Kings and successively of the Moorish Princes now of the Archbishops who exceed in revenews any other Prelate in the world except the Pope Here hath sate eighteene Nationall Councels in the time of the Gothish Kings 3. 13 Biscay heretofore Cantabria on the North of old Castile toward the Ocean it was the last people which yeelded to the Romans and after to the Moores A Mountainous Countrey but affords excellent Timber for Ships and good Iron Her Cities are St. Sebastian Fonteralia and Bilbao which stands but two miles from the Sea and is noted for excellent Blades some have been tried by the English upon their owne Crests 4. 14 Leon heretofore Austria on the East hath Biscay on the West Gallicia on the North the Cantabricke Ocean and on the South old Castile The Region is reported to yeeld plenty of Gold Vermilion red Leade and other Colours else she is barren her Inhabitants not many and those live most upon Hunting and Fishing It is the title of the eldest Sonne of Castile as Wales is to our Prince of England Her chiefe City is Oveido which bare part with her in the name of a Kingdome and indeed was the Title of the first Christian King after the Moores Conquest 5. 15 Gallicia on the East joyns upon Leon on the West it is bounded with the Atlanticke Ocean on the North with the Cantabricke and on the south with the River Mingo It breeds Iennets in abundance in so much that they have beene Poetically faigned to be conceived by the winde Niger writes that here hath been an incredible plenty of Gold Leade and Silver That the Rivers are full of a mixt earth and that the Plough could scarce wagge for clods of golden Ore There appeares now no such matter The principall Cities are Saint Iago where St. Iames the Apostle lyeth buried his Reliques kept worshipped and visited by Pilgrims And the other of note especially with us is Corugna an excellent Port for Ships and mentioned oft in our warres with the Spaniards by the name of the Groyne Here likewise is the Promontorie Nerius called by our Mariners Capo de finis terrae 16 Murcia on the North hath new Castile on the South and East the Spanish Seas It is not much peopled but yet is famous for severall Commodities especially pure earthen vessels and fine Silke Heretofore it enriched the Romans with a daily supply of 25000. Drachmae of Silver Her chiefe places are Alicante whence our Alicant Wines come and new Carthage oft commended by our Travellers for her large and safe Haven and lastly Murcia a Town which gives name to the whole Region 17 Navare lyeth close to the Pirenaean Hills and as Maginus gives it is inclosed with Mountaines and so it is North and East on the West it hath the River Ebro and on the South Arragon The Vascones are said to have lived here who afterward placed themselves in France and keepe there their name to this day of Vascones corruptly Gascoignes The chiefe Townes are Pampelme the Metropolis and Viana the title of the Navarran Prince Maginus sets the Revenue annuall of this Kingdome at 100000. Duckets 18 Corduba now a Citie onely heretofore a Kingdome and included Andaluzia Granada and Estrâ—madura Equalized almost the whole Province whâ—ch the Romans in their second division called Baetica Andaluzia hath lost but one letter of her name since she was possest by the Vandales From them she was first called Vandalicia since Andalicia corruptly Andaluzia It lyeth on the West of Granada and is a very fertile Countrey In this Region is the chiefe Citie Corduba whence we receive our Cordavan Leather The second of note is Sevill the Metropolitane of Andaluzia and the fortunate Ilands esteemed the goodliest Citie in all Spaine and though as Corduba it was not honoured with the title of a Kingdome yet it honoured a Kingdome with her title in the opinion of some which derive Hispania from her former appellation Hispalis From this shoare they lanch forth toward the Indies and from hence they send their Sevill Oranges The Arch-bishop of Sevill is second to Toledo as well in Revenewes as degree Neere to Andaluzia is the Iland of Gades by which the Carthaginians entred into Spaine Since it is called Cadis and commonly Cales The English have had their turne in the possession of that I le Now againe fortune hath cast it upon the Spaniard On the very South edge of this Region stands one of Hercules Pillars which answers to the other Promontory in Mauritania The Sea betwixt both is called Fretum Herculeum and Straights of Gibralter The second Province of Corduba was Granada on the East of Andaluzia the West of Murcia and South of new Castile toward the Spanish Seas It hath been farre more fertile then now it is yet it still reserves a shew of her former beauty affords as excellent Sugar Silke and Wines The principall Towns of note are Granada and Malaga the first for Stockins and the other for good Sacks The
strength to Romulus and Rhemus his grand-children by his daughter Rhea 8 The birth and breeding of these two brothers is well knowne we need not enlarge their Story further then thus They were the sonnes of Rhea a Virgin which was cloystered up into the Temple of Vesta by her uncle Amulius Sylvius that she might not bring forth an heir to endanger his title Notwithstanding meanes was found so that she conceived at once two children by Mars and was delivered among her sisters Vestals For this her selfe as the censure was upon such delinquents was buried alive her boyes exposed to be destroyed but were preserved by Faustulus the Kings Shepheard and nursed by his wife Laurentia or Lupa for her bad life 9 When yeares and their supposed father had taught them their pedegree and the base tyranny of their uncle they began with revenge upon him for their mothers quick buriall for their owne intended murder and their grandsires injurie To be briefe they slew their great uncle Amulius Sylvius and returned the Kingdome to the rightfull Numitor. 10 Thus when they had once dealt in disposing of Empires they could not easily returne to the Shepheards-hooke but bethought them of the like fortune for their owne advancement and stirred not farre to make good their purpose but in the very Mons Palatinus the place where they suckt their nurse they drew together a monstrous head of debaucht Shepheards and built the Citie which is now called Rome from Romulus who in strife for the name or as some say for a disdainfull skip over the new walls slew his brother Rhemus and was left the sole Founder and Commander of this rascall crue for so indeed it was and held in that contempt by their borderers that they could not by intreatie get wives from them to continue their succession till by a guile they had enticed the Sabines to their pastimes ravisht their women and afterward by degrees either made their peace or wanne it with the sword from the people round about them 11 Thus began the Empire of Rome and was governed at first by 7. Kings in a direct succession to Tarquinius Superbus who lost both himselfe and Kingdome by his owne pride and his sonne Sextus rape upon Lucretia It was next taken up by Consuls two annually chosen out of the Patritii or principall Citizens The third ranke were of Decemviri but they againe were dispossest for the like rape of Appius upon Virginia Tribunes were constituted of Consulary authoritie Then Consuls againe in another course and for a while Dictators which when Caesar had once clasped he soone made to himselfe a power Imperiall and though after five yeares it cost him his life which he enchanged with Brutus and Cassius for 23. wounds in the Senate house yet the libertie of Rome was never so fully recovered but that soone after the Government fell upon Augustus by the death of Autony and deposing of Lepidus who for a while were joyned with him into the Trium viratus 12 This hold was scarce ever lost clearely to this day though by the changing of the seat Imperiall from Rome to Bizantium in the raigne of their fourtie-third Constantinus by the division into the Easterne and Westerne in the time of Theodosius by the many invasions of the Goths Hunnes Vandals Alani Burgundians and Lombards it comes now farre short of that full glory in which it once shined 13 Yet is Italy still as before a happy soyle pleasant and fertile at all times moderate weather and healthfull ayre full of varietie as well of living creatures as Plants Corne Wine Oyle Linen Hearbs c. And can afford into other Countries Rice Silkes Velvets Sattins Taffaties Grogram Rash Fustians Gold-wire Armour â—llom Glasses c. The rich are very rich for wealth will come with much labour in great abundance but the poore are extreame poore for they are most of them very idle 14 Her chiefe Rivers are Padus or Poe Athesis Rubica Tyberis Arnus c. And her chiefe Mountains are the Alpes and Mons Appenninus The first are in height 5 dayes journey covered with snow and from thence have their names à nivibus albis They have two passages from Germany into this Countrey and three out of France From Germany by the Valtoline and by Trent Out of France through Provence and Liguria through the hills Genura to Lombardy and through the Countrey of Turaigne The Appennine Mountaine runs at length with Italy like the ridge of a mans back and is called indeed Spina The measure of Italy is from Northwest to Southeast about 1010. miles and from the two Seas crosse in some places 410. ITALIA Newly augmented by I. Speede and Are to bee sold in Pops-head aley by George Humble 1626. 16 For warre and learning it bred in times past the mirrour of both Camillus Fabius Maximus Scipio Pompey Caesar Cicero Livie Tacitus Virgil Ovid and many hundreds which yet prompt our tongues and pens with examples of goodnesse in severall kinds Nor hath it lost that glory in this age For what Nation directs not their travailes into these parts to see heare and partake of their excellent learning though they compasse it with great expence and venture through dangerous hazzards by reason of their treacherous dispositions and cruell barbarous usage of such as shall in any light circumstance seem to be averse from their idolatrous superstition But their Vniversities are many and very famous Rome Ferrara Naples Salernum Venice Padua Verona Florence Millaine Mantua c. 17 I must omit those many divisions of Italy made first by Cato in Appenninam CisappenninaÌ„ and Transappenninam By Plinie in Liguriam Latium c. By Sirabo in Venetiam Lucaniam Apuliam Romam c. By Ptolemy into 45. severall Nations We will rest in the latest which best fits the present state and numbers ten Provinces 1 The Kingdome of Naples 2 The Land of the Church 3 The Common-wealth of Venice 4 The Dukedome of Florence 5 The Dukedome of Millain 6 The Dukedome of Mantua 7 The Dukedome of Vrbin 8 The Principalitie of Parma 9 The State of Genoa 10 The State of Luca. 18 The first is the Kingdome of Naples in the South part of Italy and is the most fertile it is bounded with the Seas unlesse on that side toward the Papacis It is of large compasse and comprehends many Provinces 1 Campania foelix or terra laboris and in this stands Naples the Metropolis and Cuma where the Sibylls Cave was by which Aeneas went downe to Hell And not farre off is the lake Avernus 2 Abrazzo her chiefe Townes of note are Sulmo and Aquine the birth-place of our great Schoole-man Thomas Aquinas 3 Calabria inferior The chiefe City Salernum an Academie famous for Physicke 4 Calabria superior called Magna Graecia from a multitude of Greeke Colonies which there built Cities and possest a great part of the Countries The principall of note was Tarentum 5 Terra Di'otranto from her
often attempted and reckoned with great losse yet at last in the yeare one thousand five hundred twenty one it gave up to Solyman and became a Province to his Empire It stands neere where the Rivers Danubius and Savus are dissevered and is the Towne which the Hungarians report to have been once delivered by the admirable industrie of Ioannes Capistranus a Franciscan who is much honoured for the action by those of his own Society But Ioannes Huniades that great Souldier and terrour to the Turke challengeth the glory as his peculiar Vadianus 2 Samandria and 3 Stâ—nibâ—rg 18 Rascia is on the North of Danubius where it parts with the River Saâ—m and lyeth betwixt Servia and Bulgaria In her chiefe Citie Boden there is kept a Fayre once every yeare and much people resort for enterchange of commodities from most Countries there-about 19 Bulgaria some what Northeast from Rascia and is bounded with Danubius upon the South Theophylact was here Bishop and was called Bulgarius Neere this is the Citie Tomâ—s where Ovid lived in Banishment as himselfe mentioneth in his 3. de Tristibus The principall cities at this present are 1 Sophia the seat of the Beylerbeg of Greece And 2 Nicopolis The ornament of their Kings was Imperiall a crowne of gold attire of silke and red shooes Their title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a terme allowed by the Greeke Emperours to those onely which might weare this habit the rest they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as much as Reges 20 Bosnia on the West of Servia and South of the River Savus had her name from the Bossi or Bessi the people of Bulgaria within the memory almost of our Fathers it was governed by Kings and as yet retaines the title of the Kingdome of Bosnia The chief Towns are Cuzachium and Iaziga the first is the place of residencie and the second of buriall for the Bosnian Kings Heretofore the Citie Sinderoria had that honour which some suppose to be the same that was once called Dardanum The Description of the Kingdom of Denmark THe Kingdome of Denmarke strikes into the Sea upon the North of Germanie as Italy on the South the manner of both is not much unlike and the glory of this heretofore was not inferiour For how ever in this latter ages the pride of Rome hath pranked up her Territories in gay apparrell yet the day was when both she and they stooped to the Inhabitants of this Countrey though then knowne by another name of Cimbria Chersonesus Three Romane Consuls Manilius Sillanus and Cepio fell by their sword and the Empire it selfe it seems was in a shrewd hazzard when their owne Historian reports that Actum esset de imperio nisi illi saeculo Marius contigisset 2 The people were then and had beene from their beginning the Cimbri a Progenie of Gomer first sonne of Iapheth who before they removed into this quarter of the world dwelt in the inner Asia neer the straight which passeth from the Pontus Euxinus to the Palus Maotis there we yet find the Bosphorus Cimmericus in Ptolemy which took name from the Cimmerii for so they were called at large and by contraction Cimbri 3 From thence they were in time disturbed by the Scythians and forced to seek them a new seat for their habitation which after long travell here they found fittest for their securitie as being a Peninsula fenced almost round with Seas from the force of all forreigne Enemies Yet here too they met at last with a worse danger which they could lesse resist For the maine Ocean brake into a great part of the Countrey displaced many of their Colonies and sent them Petitioners to Rome for a dwelling within her Dominions but their entreatie being with some neglect denied it kindled the sparkes which to this time had laine as it were dead in a dejected Nation and now they brake out into flames which stirred them to require that by force of Armes which they could not request by submissive Oratorie 4 Hence grew their first quarrell with the Romans which they put on with that courage and successe that they were imboldened at last to assault the very Citie with so strong Forces that the glory of it began to shake and had shattered to pieces had not the victoâ—y followed rather the fortune of one Marius then the valour of the whole Roman Legions and that too as some relate it was bought of his heathenish gods at a deare rate by the bloudy sacrifice of his owne Daughter The great and most memorable Encounter was sixe hundred and forty yeares after the Citie was built about an hundred and eleven before Christ. And then indeed they received in a manner a fatall Crush which quelled them for the present yet not so but that in after ages they recovered strength and fame spread their victories over the most part of Europe and left their name for many yeares since that in Italy it selfe 5 For without doubt those Cimmerii mentioned by Strabo which lived on the North side of the Appennine Mountaines neere Boianum were of this stock and of that note as the gave occasion for many Proverbs and Fables to both Greek and Latine Poets It was a people which belike seldome saw Sunne but lurked for the most part under ground lived upon theft and issued forth onely in the night a season most fit for deeds of Darkenesse and so was their whole course which caused our well known Adage of tenebrae Cimmeriae pro denscssimâ caligine Their horrid dennes and dismall Rivers which ranne by the place of their abode bred at length a terror in the silly Heathens and was esteemed by them the passage down to their Elizium So Homer gives it in the second of his Odysses and Virgill in his sixth of the Aeneidos and hâ—re did Naso feign his house of sleep Metamorph. 11. Est propè Cimmerios longo spâ—lunca racessu Mons Carus ignavi domus penitralia Somni 6 Thus was their Originall and progresse for the first age whilest it continued in the possession of the Cimmerians The next which succeeded were the Saxons a people no lesse famous but since their Story hath been else-where remembred in our other Descriptions it must give place here to the third Invader the Danes who whilest the Saxons were imployed with us here in the Conquest of England start out of those pâ—tty Iles in the Sinus Codanus and took up their roome in this Peninsula There they have continued to this day and added other Territories to their Dominions so that the then Cimbria Cbersonesus is but a parcell of the now Kingdome of Denmarke as shall appeare when we come to her division and that onely which in our latter times is called Iuitland and runs Northward in forme almost of a Hounds tongue into the Balticke Ocean 7 The Danes like enough were at first one Nation with the Cimbri but being together expulsed by the Scythians from their native soyle they were severally dispersed
is Hallansâ—e 17 Blescida or Blicker is bounded on the East and South with the Balticke Ocean and on the North is parted from Scania by a little patch of the Sea It is a Region full of Rocks Woods and Mountains Her chiefe Citie and Castle is Culmaria a strong defence against the Swethlander and the next Towne of note is Malmogia the birth-place of Casparus Bartholinus a late approved VVriter in the Arts. 18 In the Sinus Codanus neere to the Cimbria Chersonesus there are numbred 35. Ilands The chiefe are 1 Zealand in length 64. miles in breadth 52. it containes in it 13. Cities 7. Castles with divers pretty townes and villages The Metropolis is Haffnia the single Vniversitie within the King of Denmarkes government And here is his chiefe place of residencie which by the Germans is called Koppenhagen the Merchants haven Her other Townes are Roschilt a Bish. See and heretofore a stong Fortresse well furnisht for warre and honored with the Sepulchres of some of their Kings but yet it is now at a lower ebbe and of little respect Elsnor or Helsinura is a Sea-Towne That in Helsinura is called Croneburgh well furnished with all provision The other in Scania Helsinburgh of equall strength to cause the best Shippe to cast Anchor and satisfie their King before they shall have the way open out of the Balticke into the Ocean 19 2 Fionia or Firnera is second to Zealand both in bignesse and plenty of rich Commodities It is in length 12. miles and 4. in bredth A pleasant Region fertile and fruitfull Here are in this Iland â— Cities the chiefe is Ottonium Odensch or Oesell in the very middle almost It was a Bish. See well built but ill fenced for it hath been oft times wasted and burnt by the Enemie The other Townes are upon the Sea-coast and their names are Neburgh Sinborch Feborgh Ascâ—ns Eorgena Middlefar and Kâ—rtemunde besides some Castles many villages and Noble-mens houses 20 3 Laglant 7. miles in length and hath in it many villages and faire buildings The Citie Rutheopinga and the Castle Trancura 4 Loilant neere Seelant It is so full of Hazels that they fraught Shippes with Nuts and traffique for them into many other Countries It hath 5. Townes Nistad Nasco Togrop Rothus and Marilus with some strong Castles pretty villages and Noble-mens houses 5 Falsteria in length foure miles Her Cities are Stubecopen Nicopen a pleasant and a faire one for which she is by some styled the Neopolis of Denmarke 6 Mâ—na or Mâ—â—n In this is the Citie Stecke and Elmelanda 7 Femera or Femeren Her chiefe Cities are Derborch and Petersborn and Stabull and here is the Castle Vraniburgh built by the great Mathematician Ticho Brahe which besides the fame of its owne artificiall structure is much celebrated for the admirable instruments which are there kept whereby the particular motion of the Heavens is excellently observed 21 8 And to this Kingdome belongs the Iland Boruhâ—lme which lies in the Balticke Seas called more particularly Mare Suâ—vicum betwixt Blicker and Pomerama It is a Region of excellent Pasture and feeds abundance of Cattell and therefore is full of Butter Cheese Wooll Hides c. and sends into other Countries much of their provision for victuals poudred and barrelled up for the longer keeping It hath some well peopled Townes the chiefe is Borâ—holme It had laine for fifty yeares together in pawne to the State of Lubecke but was redeemed by Fredericke the second 22 From these and those many other Northerne Ilands there have issued in severall ages an innumerable sort of Nations which like so many birds as Maginus calls them have flowne over the greatest part of our Christian world He concludes that ex his Insulis olim Gothi Ostrogothi Vestrogothi Vandali Franci Cimbri Gepidae Dani Hunni Suedi Herculi Rugi Alani Longobardi Alemani alii plures Danubio Rheno superatis omnem Europam praesâ—rtim ipsam Italiam altricem imperii dominam 400. et plus annis perpetuâ quadam regionum successione subiugarunt as Romani nominis gloriam ferè omnem extiâ—xerunt The Description of POLAND THE Kingdome of Poland borders upon the East side of Germanie and indeed as farre as the River Vistula it is accounted a part of the Empire and useth the same speech Religions and Customes as the other Territories admitting onely that variety which all of them have among themselves and must needs be found in so large compasse governed by so many severall free Princes Beyond the River as it shrinkes from the seat of Christianity so it begins to degenerate into a kind of Heathenish rudenesse which favours of their predecessors 2 For this Tract is a part of Sarmatia Europaea and the first Inhabitants were the Sauromatae a Scythian people as well for barbaâ—isme as by name It was next possest by the Vandalls an active Nation of whom we have had some inkling at least almost in every place which we have past For they have spread their victories through Europe and have left either name or story behind them in Spaine France Italy Germanie Thrace and where not Their most received pedegree is from Vandalus whâ—m Tacitus remembers the Tuscane King of the progenie of Tuisco first founder of the Germanes Yet Munster in his Cosmographie mentions a prâ—tty conjecture of some well wishers it seemes perhaps to their owne Countrey which give the originall of their name of Vandalls to one Vanda a Queene of Poland 3 Briefly were the Vandalls natives or were they invaders here they were found and ejected by the Sclavonians and these were the third Inhabitants of Polonia She was over runne at the same time and had the same fortune with Bohemia they were both lost to their old Lords and divided betwixt the two runagate brothers of Croatia Zechius and Lechius who being forced for a murder out of their own soyle brought on their crue into these parts about the yeare 550. and here have continued in their posteritie to this day They are as yet remembred in the very names of the people For the Bohemians in their proper language call themselves Zechians and in the grea Poland there is still extant a Territorie knowne by the title of Regnum Lechitorum Her Etymon signifieth no other then the sight of the Countrey as the Sclavonians first descried it For it was a Champian or plaine field and so is Pole-land interpreted out of the Sclavonish tongue It was before called Sarmatia and the people Sauromatae ab oculis Lacertarum Lizzards eyes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a propertie it seemes which gave name to all her Nations For this was divided from another Sarmatia by the River Tanais that on the one side was Asiatica for the most part wilde heathenish Idolaters and in the farthest parts of Scythia some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this other is Europaea which being joyned with some parts of Germany West-ward to the River Odera Silesia
East of Poland and North of the River Neister or Boristhenes as it runnes from his head to the Pontus Euximus on the West of Russia It affords great plenty it seems three Harvests they say of one sowing It is pity saith Vadianus it should be left Desert as in a manner it is unlesse here and there a Village Her chiefe is Camiensen the onely one able to returne the Turk and Tartars with the losse as it hath oftentimes done The rest are not many and those but weakly peopled For the often incursions of the Tartars their speedy Horse to ride a great compasse in a little time their breach of faith upon tearmes of composition and their crueltie when they have got a victory causeth the Inhabitants of those parts to flie them at a great distance and leave their Land waste since they dare not trust their peace nor are able to withstand their warre The Description of the Kingdome of PERSIA THis Empire was one of the first and most potent in the Easterne world and though since in severall ages she hath felt the variety of fortunes to which all Kingdomes are subject and beene forced to deliver up her glory to the succeeding Monarchies of the Macedonians Parthians Turkes and Saracens yet now at last is she recovered to her owne height and greatnesse and the name of Persia reacheth farther then ever if we take in as most Geographers doe the Regions of Media Assyria and the rest which were heretofore the seats of severall illustrious Kingdomes 2 Surely the first which inhabited any part of this compasse were the Medes a people of great antiquitie who reach both their originall and name from Madai the sonne of Iapheth for it was not long after the Flood that they were subdued by Ninus King of the Assyrians one and t'other Media I meane and Assyria though then they had apart their peculiar governments yet both were but a parcell of this Countrey which is now knowne by the name of Persia. 3 To Ninus and his successors they continued faithfull for many years till the effeminate weakenesse of Sardanapalus gave opportunitie to the ambition of Belochus governour of Babylon and Arbaces of Media to divide his Empire betwixt them which they did in the yeare of the world three thousand one hundred fortie sixe and then beganne the Monarchie of the Medes which spred it selfe through the greatest part of Asia and for above two hundred yeares gathered strength till the time of Astiages who dreamed himselfe out of his Empire as Iustine relates the storie 4 Persia proprie dicta from whence this whole Countrey at last tooke name was at this time but an obscure Kingdome in respect of what now it is tributary to the Medes Her Prince was Cambyses the father of the great Cyrus by Mandanes daughter to Astiages when she was great and expected the time of her deliverance her father touched with a perplexed dreame that she made so much water as would drowne all Asia interpreted it that her issue should be the overthrow of his state and therefore delivered the child which was born to her into Harpagus his charge to be destroyed and he to the Kings Heardsman who unawares to both preserved the guiltlesse infant so that at last he tooke revenge upon his cruell Grand-father and laid a foundation for the Persian Monarchie 5 In this attempt his anger wrought him no farther then his enemy for he left the government of Media still to Cyaxares the sonne of Astiages and afterward married his daughter joyned with him in his conquests and till his death gave him the preheminence of title They were both ingaged in the taking of Babylon slaughter of Baltazar and destruction of the Chaldeans the Scripture gives this victory to Darius Medius who as most hold was no other then Cyaxares and he onely named as the principall of the two while he yet lived though Cyrus had his part in the action after his uncles death enjoyed it as his owne and made perfect the Monarchie of the Persians in the yeare of the world 3046. 6 About thirty seven yeares after the succession was broke for want of lawfull heires to Cambyses their second King and therefore their Princes consulted to salute him whose Horse first neighed at a set meeting upon the Court green before the Sun-rising Darius Histaspes was one and by the subtiltie of his horse-keeper carried the Crowne for the night before in the same ground he had coupled a mare with the horse that his Master should ride which when the lustfull steed missed the next morning being full of spirit no sooner had he set footing upon the place but with much eagernesse he snuffed and neighed after his mare and gave the quue to the other Princes to proclaime Darius King of the Persians This was he whom the Scripture calls Ahasuerus he was Hesters husband 7 Thus is the Empire now setled and intayled by descent after him to that famous Xerxes who made war upon Greece with an incredible Army joyned Asia to Europe with a bridge and dammed up Hellespont with his Navie yet was at last vanquished by foure thousand at Thermopylae and after by Themistocles forced to make his flight in a small â—oat toward his owne Countrey contemned of his subjects and within a few yeares slaine in his Palace by Artabanus His immediate successour was Artaxerxes Longimanus who sent the Prophet Esdras to reedifie the Temple and so on to Darius the last Persian of that course who was oft vanquished by Alexander the great and left the Monarchie of the world to the Macedonians After the death of their victorious Captaine it was divided among many of the most potent Princes of Greece 8 But when the Persians saw the force of their enemy thus severed they began to conceive a hope of recovering their libertie and so they did indeed under the conduct and command of the Parthian Arsaces but found theÌ„selves little bettered in their condition as being now become new slaves to a more harsh tyrant and therefore in the year two hundred twenty eight after the Incarnation they made a second attempt to quit themselves from the Parthians they tooke their time when their masters were sore afflicted with a strong enemy from Rome which had broke their forces to their hands so that by the admirable prowesse of another Artaxerxes they made good their Conquest upon the Parthian and adventured so farre with the Romanes themselves that their name began to grow terrible and the Emperour Constantine forced to fortifie his Provinces which lay toward the East and this might be some cause too why he removed his seat to Constantinopolis 9 After this it fell into the hands of the Saracenicall Caliphs in the year sixe hundred thirty foure and to the Turks in the yeare one hundred thirty next to the Tartars and so againe to the Parthians by the help of Gempsas who redeemed both his owne and this from the Tartarian and
Cities are Cassan and Hispaham which the Persian hath in so great account that he calls it halfe the world 22 7 Hyrcania now Strava on the North of Parthia and East of Media and South of the Mare Caspium it is plaine fertile and rich Her Metropolis Hyrcania the rest of note are Bestan Mesandran 8 Bactriana now Charassan on the South is divided from Aria by the mountaine Parapomissus her chiefe Citie Bactra the birth-place of that great Physician Avicenna and Zoroaster Magus This Region belongs not intire to the Sophie of Persia. 9 Parapomissus now Sublestan and Candehar on the East of Aria a mountainous Countrey and the Inhabitant as rude and ragged yet her chief Citie Candatura is a great market and well frequented both from India and Cathaia 10 Aria now Eri on the East of Parthia the Inhabitants of this Region rebelled against Alexander but were forced by his Armies to fly for shelter into a cave upon the top of a rock yet thither he pursued them and dammed up the caves mouth with Timber which he set on fire and stifled most the rest were taken to the Victors mercy the treason of Philotus against Alexander was here discovered 11 Drangiana now Sigestan In this Country the Hill Taurus is called Caucasus where the Poets seigne that Prometheus was perpetually gnawn by a Vulture for stealing fire from Heaven her chiefe Cities are Sim and Cabul built by Alexander at the foot of Caucasus and therefore called Alexandria Archosiae 12 Gedrosia now Circan neere the Mare Indicum a barren Countrey scarce worth a farther description and so 13 Carmania 23 14 Vpon the confines of the Persian Empire stands a potent Kingdome which comprehends part of the coast of Persia some Ilands of the Persike bay and a good portion of Arabia Faelix neere to those Seas The chiefe seat is the Citie and Iland Ormutz a place of great merchandise but of it selfe affordeth little provision for victualls so that they are forced to have it brought in from other parts of the Empire though at an extreame deare rate It abounds with a precious Pearl called the Vnion Their King is now tributary to Portugall as once it was to the Persian Emperour The Description of the TVRKISH EMPIRE THE Turke is admired for nothing more then his sudden advancement to so great an Empire For before these last three hundred and odde years we must seek this people which is become now a terrour to the whole world lurking in the by-corners of Asia like runnagates and theeves as indeed they were such as so infested their neighbours with rapines and murders as that neither injoyed their owne lives freely nor possest more wealth then they could maintaine with the sword 2 The great Osmand was the first which redeemed them from obscuritie his predecessors were scarce mentioned as a Nation worth story and therefore it is not easie to give their true originall or set justly the place of earth from whence they sprang There are which say from the Caspian Mountaines and that in the time of the Macedonian Basilius they served the Saracens in their Indian warres but turned the victory to their owne advantage for when they had once tried their strength and found their Forces sufficient in behalfe of others they bethought themselves at last to use them for their owne advancement and to that purpose turned head first upon their pay-masters out of whose spoiles they raised incredible Armies which over-spread all Asia to the very Euxine sea Others again conjecture that they were a Scythian people and the rather for that they made their way into these parts through Pontus and Cappadocia and so on as it were in a direct course from Scythia The truth is the customes of both are not much unlike their habit very neere and their warres waged with the same weapons and discipline 3 But admit their first attempt upon the Saracens yet were they againe scattered by their civill dissentions lived as before and could not be recollected into a Nation till Othoman tooke upon him to be their Leader in the yeare 1300. a man of as low birth and fortunes as the meanest but had a tumultuous spirit and an able wit to weild it which put him upon this great action to conquer the world and suffered him not to rest in it till he had seated himselfe in an Empire which his progenie enjoy to this day He beganne with a rascall crue of such as were led on by want and seemed rather to beare Armes in defence of their privie thefts then with intent to invade an enemy for he appeared not at first as an open warriour but wrought his spoyles by stratagems and slights and clandestine excursions upon such as were unprovided for resistance possest himselfe of mountains and woods as lay most convenient for his lurking practises and whither he might retire safe if at any time he were pursued 4 By these meanes he was content for a while to increase his wealth and power which soone grew to that eminencie as in few yeares he durst meet a strong enemy to the face buckle with him upon his owne ground for his possessions and at last so prevailed where ever he set footing that he scarce stept back till he claspt into his owne government Pontus and Cappadocia Galatia and Bythinia Pamphylia and Lycia Ionia and Phrygia and all Asia minor to the Greeke Seas to which his successours have in latter times added many other Countries of Asia Africa and Europe so that it is now become the most potent and tyrannicall Empire of the world 5 The first seat of state was at Prussia in Bithynia from thence it was removed to Hadrianopolis and at last to Constantinople a Citie of Greece in the Province of Romania His Palace is called the Seraglio is built in the most eminent part of the town containes three miles in circuit within the walls and surpasseth all other Courts under heaven for Majestie and number of buildings for pleasurable gardens sweet fountaines and rich furniture The Emperour himselfe hath for his common Guard foure thousand footmen the sonnes of tributary Christians which are called Ianizaries and their Captaine Agu besides tenne thousand others dispersed under severall Commanders through diverse parts of the Empire and fifteene thousand horse-men in ordinary pay In these numbers I reckon not those multitudes of Timariotae which are assigned to severall of the Turkish states and deliver yearly incredible sums of money into his Treasurie As his wealth is great so is his life luxurious fifteene hundred women are cloystered up for his pleasure and out of them one hundred and fiftie culled as choyce for his dayly lust so Maginus The offices within the Court are most performed by Eunuches such as he will be sure shall not partake with him in his unsatiate and brutish pleasures 6 The Ministers of state are 1 Mufsti who interprets their Law and layes open their Alcoran with the like authority as
to thinke that there were some other Ilands neare the Sommer-Ilands betweene Virginia and it and Master Moore in his time with some others of us went forth in a Boat so farre as then we could conveniently of purpose to discover it Since then it hath been endevoured by others and is yet as I heare to be further attempted And howsoever I am perswaded for certaine causes which I cannot here relate there is no such thing Yet would I not dis-animate any from this enterprise for if they finde any their labours will be well recompenced and though they finde none yet might they discover those parts so well that the passage to and from Virginia would be more safe and easie But to returne from whence we have digressed The extremitie of our distresse beganne to abate a little before Master Moores time of Government was expired partly by supplies out of England of victuall and provision for fishing and partly by that rest and libertie we then obtained the Countrey being fortified Yet the Rats encreased and continued almost to the end of Captaine Tuckers time although he was provident and industrious to destroy them but toward the end of his time it pleased God by what meanes it is not well knowne to take them away in so much that the wilde Cats and many Dogges which lived on them were famished and many of them leaving the woods came downe to the houses and to such places where they use to garbish their Fish and became tame Some have attributed this destruction of them to the encrease of wild Cats but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased rather at that time then in the foure yeares before And the chiefe occasion of this supposition was because they saw such companies of them leave the Woods and shew themselves for want of food Others have supposed it to come to passe by the coldnesse of the weather which notwithstanding is never so great there as with us in March nor scarce as it is in Aprill except it be in the winde besides the Rats wanted not feathers of young Birds and Chickens which they dayly killed and of Palmeto Mosse as we call it to build themselves warme nests out of the winde as usually they did Neither doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them seeing they would ordinarily swim from place to place and be very fat even in the midst of Winter It remaineth then that as we know God doth sometimes effect his will without subordinate and secondary causes and sometimes against them So we need not doubt but that in the speedy encrease and spreading of these Vermine as also in the preservation of so many of us by such weake meanes as we then enjoyed and especially in the sodain removall of this great annoyance there was joyned with and besides the ordinary and manifest meanes a more immediate and secret worke of God Now to proceed Master Moores time of government being expired Captaine Tucker succeeded arriving there about mid-May 1616. who likewise governed according to the custome three yeares which time he spent for the most part in husbanding the Countrey planting and nourishing all such things as were found either fit for Trade or for the sustentation and use of the Inhabitants wherein he travelled with much diligence and good successe sending to some parts of the Indies for Plants and Fruits he also added to the fortifications and made some inclosures In his time viz. in the yeare 1617. was sent a Ship and provision with men of skill for the killing of Whales but they arrived there too late to wit about the midst of Aprill so that before they could make ready their Shallops and fit themselves the principall season for Whale-fishing was past For the Whales come thither in Ianuarie and depart again toward the latter end of May yet they struck some but found them so lively swift and fierce after they were stricken that they could take none They yeeld great store of Oyle as appeared by one that drave to shoare on Sommerset Iland in Sandys Tribe and by another that we found not farre from thence dead upon a Rock I also received by Captaine Tucker directions from the Adventurers to divide the Countrey and to Assigne to each Adventurer his shares or portion of land and withall a description with notes touching the manner how they would have it done as they had formerly determined by lot Which thing I did with all faithfulnesse and diligence the manner of it doth above appeare and is more largely manifested in a Booke of the Survey of the Countrey exhibited to the Right Honourable his Majesties Councell and the Court of Adventurers for these parts And then began this which was before as it were an unsetled and confused Chaos I meane as touching a Plantation for considered onely as a Regiment it was otherwise to receive a convenient disposition forme and order and to become indeed a Plantation for though the Countrey was small yet they could not have beene conveniently disposed and well setled without a true description and Survey made of it and againe every man being setled where he might constantly abide they knew their businesse and fitted their household accordingly They built for themselves and their families not Tents or Cabins but more substantiall houses they cleared their grounds and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their fruits in a yeare or halfe a yeare but all such too as would afford them profit after certaine yeares c. So that in short time after even before the expiration of Captaine Tuckers government the Countrey began to aspire and neerly to approach unto that happinesse and prosperitie wherein now is flourisheth For may it not justly be accounted happinesse and prosperitie for men to live where they enjoy the meanes of true religion and salvation to wit the sincere ministery of the Word and Sacraments where the government is good without rigour and oppression the place healthfull and temperate where they are freed from all extreme care and toyle where they have food in abundance and very good with other things needfull to the body and where they have commodities meete for Trade by which they may better and advance their estates all which and more is largely verified in the present estate of that Colony whatsoever some maliciously minded or to evill ends suborned may say to the contrary so that there may seeme to be a restauration of that golden age so much spoken of The Governour now there resident is one Captaine Butler for Captaine Tucker departing thence in December 1618. left in his place Captaine Kendall who also was one that supplied the same place in the interim betweene Master Moores time and Captaine Tuckers and hath spent some nine or ten years in the Countrey But in the yeare 1619. about Midsommer the Adventurers sent thither as Governour for three yeares according to the custome the said Captaine Butler and foure Ships
with some five hundred persons there being at that time in the Countrey onely five hundred more for by the space of foure yeares to wit during the later part of Master Moores government and all the time of Captaine Tuckers they had sent few thither being almost hopelesse of the place by reason of the Rats But since there have beene sent many Companies more then have come to my knowledge In so much that I understand the Countrey is now almost fully Planted and Inhabited Thus I have briefly related so farre foorth as hath come to my knowledge and remembrance every thing of most note and importance that hath befallen in the first discovery and planting of these Ilands till this present I have laboured to contract my selfe yet have exceeded my extended limits Now I must speake something of the Countrey it selfe which consisteth of a company of small Ilands scituate and formed as above appeareth It lyeth in the Westerne Ocean in that part of the world lately discovered and called AMERICA or the NEVV WORLD vulgarly the WEST INDIES It hath Latitude or elevation as is above-said 32. Degrees 25. minutes which is almost the same with the Maderaes or rather more Southward Now the better to manifest the scituation of it I have reduced the whole into a narrow roome placing it as above appeareth at the Center or middle of the Flye or Compasse and withall have made an appearance of the Sea-coast of VIRGINIA as also of sundry other places of Note adjacent according to their true position and distance from it as neere as I could gather so that the Compasse sheweth how any of those places bear from the SOMMER ILANDS and if you measure by the parts of the graduated Meridian from the middle of the Compasse to any of those places you have their distance For every Degree is twenty Leagues or sixtie Miles The Countrey is round about environed with Rocks which to the North-ward West-ward South-West-ward extend farther then hath beene yet discovered By reason of these Rockes the Countrey is very strong For there is onely two places and scarce two except to such as know them well where shipping may safely come in those places are very wel fortified but within its roome to entertaine a Royall Fleet. The Rockes in most places appeare at a low water neither are they much covered at a high water For it ebbs and flowes there not above five foot The shore it selfe for the most part is a Rock so hardned by the Sunne Winde and Sea that it is not apt to be worne by the waves whose violence is also broken by the Rocks before they come at the shoare The Mould is of divers colours neither Clay nor Sand but a meane betweene The Red which resembleth Clay is worst the whitish resembling Sand and the blackish Clay is good the Brown between them both which they call white because there is mingled with it as it were a white Marle is best Vnder the mould two or three foot deepe and sometimes lesse is a kinde of white hard substance which they call the Rock the Trees usually fasten their rootes in it and draw their nourishment from it Neither is it indeed Rocke or Stone nor so hard though for the most part harder then Chalke nor so white but Pumice-like and spungie easily receiving and containing much water I have seen in some places Clay found under it It seemes to be engendered of the Rain-water draying through the earth and drawing with it of his substance unto a certaine depth where it congeales The hardest kind of it which is commonly under the red ground is not so spungie nor reâ—â—ins much water but lveth in the ground in Quarries as it were thick Slates one upon another there is some chinks or crevices betwixt one lare and another through which the water hath passage so that in such places there is scarce found any fresh water For all or the most part of their fresh water whereof they have good store cometh out of the Sea drayning through the sand or through the fore said substance which they call the Rocke and leaving his salt behinde it becomes fresh Sometimes we digged wels of fresh water within foure or five pases of the Sea-side sometimes further off The most part of them would ebbe and flow as the Sea did and be levell or little higher then the superficies of the Sea The aire is most commonly clear very temperate moist with a moderate heat very healthfull and apt for generation and nourishing of all things so that there is scarce any thing transported from hence thither but it yeelds a far greater encrease if it be any living thing becomes fatter and better-liking then here By this means the Countrey was so replenished with Hens and Turkies within the space of three or foure years that being neglected many of them forsooke the houses and became wilde and so lived in great abundance The like encrease there is of Hogs and other Cattle according to their kinds There seems to be a continuall Spring which is the cause that some few things come not to that maturity and perfection as were requisite And though the Trees doe shed their leaves yet they are alwayes full of greene The Corne is the same which they use almost in all parts of the West Indies to wit Maiz which to such as are used to it is more hearty and nourishing then our English Wheat and yeelds a farre greater encrease as a pound sometimes of one or two graines Of this Corne and divers other things without either plowing or digging the ground they have two harvests every yeare for they set about March which they gather in Iuly and again in August which is ripe in December And little slips of Fig-trees and Vines doe usually beare fruit in lesse then a yeare after they be planted sometimes in halfe a yeare The like fertility it hath in other things There is scarce at any time to be perceived either frost or snow nor any extream heat for there is almost alwaies some wind stirring which cleareth and cooleth the ayre Their Summers and Winters observe the same times with ours but their longest dayes nights are shorter then ours in England by two houres and almost a halfe as also their shortest dayes and nights are as much longer then ours for their longest dayes and nights are about fourteen houres and their shortest ten When it is Noone with us it is Morning with them and when it is about five of the clock in the Evening with us it is high noone with them so that whilst the Sunne declines with us it riseth with them as also it doth in Virginia It is apt to thunder and lightning all the yeare oft-times more terrible then in England but no man or other living creature have I knowne hurt by it There is no venomous creature in the Countrey the yellow Spider which is there making her web as it were of silke
that I may dwell may seeme after a sort to be verified accomplished in us at this day so that although many thousands were aspared the land would remain abundantly replenished which being so if such as lack meanes here as many doe to support the charges incident to themselves and their families in such sort as were requisite to goe over thither they are forth-with endowed with lands and employments whence through their industrie they may raise their estates And it is certaine there are very few there but they maintaine themselves farre better and with lesse care and pains then they did or could doe here Againe if they be such as have meanes to purchase land there and transport servants at their own charge they have in their lands large penny-worths and for their servants many profitable employments Secondly the benefit that should redound to the native Inhabitants of Virginia is very great whilst by this meanes they might in time be reclaimed from their rude conditions and savage kind of life to more humanity and knowledge being instructed in Arts and Occupations and furnished with sundry instruments so necessary in humane Societies that without them we could not well subsist and finally be reduced to a more civill and orderly forme of government But chiefly and in the first place those silly creatures sitting now in darknesse and in the shadow of death might be delivered from darknes to light from the power and tyranny of Satan unto God by faith in Christ. Lastly as it would adde much to the fame and glory of this Kingdome so would it to the strength and prosperitie thereof whilst we might be served from thence with sundry commodities which we now obtaine from other places with the exporting and diverting hence an infinite treasure and that many times to the enriching of the enemies of our State and Religion as Currants and other fruit Oyles Gummes Cotten-wooll Sugar Rich Furres Caviary and Cordage Masts Plancks Boards Pitch Tarre Pot-ashes and Sope-ashes Hempe Flax Iron Salt Silkes Woad Madder Indico and other Drugs for Dyes and Physick c. For it is not to be doubted but these and the like things doe cost this Kingdome yearely many Millions of wealth Some men will say though these things or any them were brought us from these Plantations yet would there be little saved to this Common-wealth because they would and in equitie might expect to receive their price for them but the difference is very great First because we might have them from thence at lower Rates the voyage being shorter and lesse dangerous then in any of the others Secondly the customes and other duties which we now pay in Forraine Countries would there be saved for though they were as great as they are in those countries yet would they wholly redound to the benefit of his Majestie and consequently to the good of this Kingdome Thirdly forasmuch as those which are Adventurers thither live and have their estates here in Englaud condition with such as they send over at their charge upon their lands to receive from them the ratable moyetie of all such profits as shall be raised on their lands It is evident that a great part of those commodities would be brought in without any charge to this Kingdome whilst there should be neither money nor wares exported for them And so they would become as it were the naturall commodities of our owne Countrey Moreover the Planters there are our Countrey-men members of the same Common-wealth with us who may no doubt in short time deserve of the Indians so well in the things before mentioned and succouring them in their wants c. as may move them freely without compulsion or injury to resigne themselves to his Majesties protection and government And many other benefits are like to arise of this worthy action which might stirre up forwardnesse in the prosecution of it But let this suffice to be spoken in this place BRITANNIA THE THEATRE OF THE EMPIRE OF GREAT BRITAINE Presenting AN EXACT GEOGRAPHY of the Kingdomes of ENGLAND SCOTLAND IRELAND and the ILES adioyning With The Shires Hundreds Cities and Shire townes within the Kingdome of ENGLAND divided and described By IOHN SPEED IMPRINTED AT LONDON Anno Cum Privilegio 1627 Are to be sold by George Humble at the Whit horse in Popes-head Alley A BRITAINE A ROMANE A SAXON A DANE A NORMAN THE BRITISH EMPIRE CONTAINETH AND HATH NOVV IN ACTVALL possession those many and renovvned KINGDOMES and PRINCIPALITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS OVR THEATRE THE KINGDOME OF ENGLAND anciently containing seven famous Kingdomes 1 The Kingdome of Kent 2 The Kingdome of South-Saxons 3 The Kingdome of West-Saxons 4 The Kingdome of East-Saxons 5 The Kingdom of Northumbrians 6 The Kingdome of East-Angles 7 The Kingdome of Mercia THE KINGDOME OF SCOTLAND anciently containing these three Kingdomes 1 The Kingdome of Scots 2 The Kingdome of Picts 3 The Kingdome of the Iles. THE PRINCIPALITIE OF WALES anciently containing these three Kingdomes 1 The Kingdome of North-Wales 2 The Kingdome of Powys-land 3 The Kingdome of South-Wales THE KINGDOME OF IRELAND anciently containing these five Kingdomes 1 The Kingdome of Mounster 2 The Kingdome of Leinster 3 The Kingdome of Meth. 4 The Kingdome of Connaught 5 The Kingdome of Vlster THE KINGDOME OF MAN with the Iles adjoyning THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OUR SOVERAIGNE KING IAMES AS HE NOWE BEARETH With the ARMES of the Severall kings that have aunciently raigned within his nowe Dominions DIEV ET MON DROIT HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE TO THE MOST HIGH AND MOST POTENT MONARCH IAMES OF GREAT BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND KING THE MOST CONSTANT AND MOST LEARNED DEFENDER OF THE FAITH INLARGER AND UNITER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE RESTORER OF THE BRITISH NAME ESTABLISHER OF PERPETUALL PEACE IN CHURCH AND COMMON-WEALTH PRESIDENT OF ALL PRINCELY VERTUES AND NOBLE ARTS JOHN SPEED HIS MAJESTIES MOST lowly and most loyall Subiect and Servant consecrateth these his Labours though unworthy the aspect of so high an Imperiall Majestie DIEV ET MON DROIT ✚ HONI ✚ SOIT ✚ QVI MAL ✚ Y ✚ PENSE ✚ TO THE WELL-AFFECTED AND FAVOVRABLE READER SO great was the attempt to assay the erection of this large and laborious THEATRE whose onely plat-forme might well have expected the readiest hand of the best Artist that even in the entrance of the first draught as one altogether discouraged I found my selfe farre unfit and unfurnished both of matter and meanes either to build or to beautifie so stately a project But how the Lord then composed my minde for the Worke or rather how his own great power would be seene in my weaknesse is now in some measure made manifest by raising the frame thereof to this height which here from the Presse sheweth his aspect unto the world But with what content to thy eye gentle Reader I stand in suspence so many Master-builders having in this subject gone before me and I the least not worthy to hew much
ciel parce Son lustre assuiettit an temps et a ruine D'un Dimidieu euurier d'une fabriq ' divine Par la plume se void la bresche reparee La ruine dressee et la force assuree Contre la mort que tant de beautes assassine La police le nom l'invincible courage Les Princes Provinces et tout qu' est d'avantage Du Breton belliqueux luisent en son Histoire Pour vn ouur age donq ' atouts tant admirable Faisons fasons Brettons d'un burin memorable Graver le nom de Speed au temple de Memoire T. BARKHAM HEN. SPELMAN Mil. Lectori NON leve nec temere laudo tibi seria Lector Gratum opus dignum consule crede vides Noster hic Ortelius sic nostrum hunc exhibet orbem Vt res emineat tota Britanna simul Ora sinus fluvii portus nemus oppida tractus Regna duces populi foedera bella quies Rich. Saint George Norrey King at Armes in favour of this Worke. IT is farre from my purpose to commend without cause or by over-curious flourish to make a shadow seeme a substance this worke needs no such deceptio visus The Subject is of it selfe Honourable and able to stand without such weake props The glory of our Nation being almost buryed in the pit of Obscuritie is herein revived the continuance of Christianitie traced from age to age the antiquitie and situation of our Townes Castles Religious Houses Nobilitie and all other memorable matters so lively portrayed as in a Glasse we may rightly discerne the true shape qualitie and condition of each of them in particular This Worke therefore being now brought upon the publique Stage and view of the world may in my poore censure give satisfaction to the learned Reader and abide the touch of the malignant Opposer which being affected without hope of gaine or vaine ostentation with so great care both of body and minde is the more precious for difficilia quae pulchra Wherein Gods power is made known in this his weake but worthy Instrument and the glory of Great Britaine made more famous to the world as well in the Geographicall dimension of the Lands situation as in the Historicall relations of her most famous Monarchs and glorious Actions no Kingdome hitherto so particularly described nor Nations History by true record more faithfully penned In honour whereof I sacrifice these Lines of my love upon the Altar of this Worke and celebrate the Authors remembrance to future posterities To my Friend Mr. IOHN SPEED being very sicke GReat Love and little skill may cause mee to missay But certainly this sicknesse cannot make thee dye Though cruell Symptomes and these thirteene yeers assay For thy deare Countrey doth thy health and strength decay Yet sith thy toylesome labour and thy industry Is for thy Countries sake her fame on high to raise She shall thy Temples crowne with everlasting Bayes And in despight of Death shall cause thy memorie To live in endlesse fame with all posteritie Now may she see her beautie and her riches store What erst she was in ev'ry age and change of State And present greatnesse such as never heretofore Since this great Monarch rul'd from North to Southern shore And sith thy life is to thy Country dedicate Let none presume thy Lawrell from thy head to reave For this her Story which thy skilfull hand did weave But live and weare it Speed untill the worlds great fate Shall bring all earthly things unto their utmost date ALEX GILL In exactissimi huius Operis Authorem Eulogium THO BARKHAM VIncta diu rumpat despecta silentia lingua Culmina ut immensi memorem superata laboris Speidi tui insueta jactor licèt optime cura Quam tibi pro merito possim circundare palmam Qui coeant populi quaecunque sub orbe Britanno Digna refers uno aspectu script ó que loc ó que Sanguineas pugnas atavorum bella palaestras Nobilitans que aptâ patriam compagine rerum Ad nostra exactum deducis tempora filum Ergo erit haec magni merces non parva laboris Egregium pariunt haec quòd monumenta decorem Ipsa sibi ventura quòd haec mirabitur aetas Totá que perpetuas debet Respublica grates To the right well deserving Mr. IOHN SPEED the Author of this Worke. IN this Book Bibliothec or Book of Books TIMES Library PLACES Geographie All that is shewne for which the curious looks Touching this LAND for Place or History In which thou hast with pain with care and skill Survey'd this LAND more neere then ere it was For which thy Wit thou strain'd hast to thy Will That wils as much as Wit can bring to passe The faire Hibernia that Westerne Isle likewise In every Member Artire Nerve and Veine Thou by thine Art dost so Anatomize That all may see each parcell without paine Here Time and Place like friendly foes doe warre Which should shew most desir'd Particulars But Place gives place sith Time is greater farre Yet Place well rang'd gets glory by these warres No helps thou hadst nor no assisting ayde In this attempt but Vertue gave thee might That well to doe that well thou hast assaide Which shall in grace out-live immortall spight Hadst thou among the Romanes liv'd when they Did signiorize the World A Signiory Should then at least have guerdon'd thy Survey Thy Maps Descriptions and thine History But thou doest live when all Arts save the eight Illiberall-liberall Art a begging goe That Art alone with her true friend Deceipt Gets all then all seeks but that Art to know But by thy Art though nought be purchased But emptie Fame that feeds but fattens not Yet shall it feed thy NAME till DEATH be dead While emptie noble Names away shall rot The Leaves this Book contains Maps here grav'n Are still as Feathers to thy Fames faire Wings To fanne fresh Aire upon the face of Heaven And raise the same above all ending Things That when Confusion wracks this double FRAME A Spirit shall move on CHAOS called thy Fame The unfained lover of thy Person JO DAVIES OF Him that this Great Taske hath done Great for the goodnesse many wayes Fame doth affirme he well hath wonne Arts highest Prize and Palme of praise In Climes and Realmes remote throughout His merits merit rare report For none the like hath brought about Or equaliz'd in any sort The Shafts of his endevours shot At Gaine and Pleasure both have hit His Observations have begot On private publike Benefit Chiefe Cities Townes and Countries many Which this vast Globe of Earth affords I oft have view'd but never any So well describ'd by Maps and Words His travel'd Body toyled Minde To bring this Worke at last to rest In Period which his Plot design'd Should now rest famous with the best The Romanes such Deserts did Crowne With Lawrell which their Soyle brought forth But I of Branches farre-off growne Bring Wreathes to this
consumption of sundry most noble and ancient houses of England and both parties wearied with warres the conclusions of peace which ensued are reported in regard of the precedent murders to be written with bloud The third sort of these quarrels in these Civill warres and dissentions were factious dissentions between Princes themselves of the bloud Royall ambitiously aspiring to the Crown of this Kingdome and titles of Kings thereof Of which kind there have beene two most notable knowne amongst us The first fell betwixt Stephen of Bloyse Earle of Bolloigne wrongfully succeeding his uncle King Henry the first in the Crown of England on the one partie and Maud the Empresse Daughter and sole heire to the said King Henry and Henry D. of Normandie his sonne and heyre who afterward succeeded the same King Stephen on the other part which was followed with such variable successe of fortune in many conflicts on both parts that K. Stephen himselfe was taken prisoner and laid in Irons with extremitie used and the Empresse to save her life dangerously adventured thorow the Scouts of the Enemy in the snow slenderly guarded and before that was driven to such distresse that faining to be dead she was laid as a livelesse coarse in a Coffin and so conveyed away in a Horse-litter But the second and last of these two being the greatest of all the rest was that which happened betweene the House of Yorke descended of Lioâ—ell of Andwerp D. of Clarence second sonne to K. Edward the third and the House of Lancaster issued of Iohn of Gaunt the third sonne living of the same King The occasion of a civill warre that raged most cruelly for a long time together but at that time most extreamely when there raigned two Kings of either Family one of Lancaster Henry the sixt another of Yorke Edward the fourth betweene whom with the favourers and followers there were twelve severall Battailes fought in little more then twelve yeares space In so much as one of our own Writers Edward Hall the great Chronicler saith that in these Civill warres betwixt these two Families it cost more English bloud then twice had done the winning of France and of forraine Writers Philip Comines Lord of Argentine in France reporteth that it consumed no lesse then fourescore Princes of the bloud Royall and Paulus Iovius a Bishop of Novo Como in Italy resembleth the state of these warres to the most tragicall story of the Citie Thebes So let these few examples shewed in these 3. generall heads suffice in this briefe Description instead of many that might be brought for by these we may judge of the rest Now the benefit that may be gathered by perusing the severall sorts of them shall be to consider in the first the blessing of God poured upon us in preserving our Countrey and Nation against the severall Invasions of forraine enemies notwithstanding their severall and many attempts In the second the fall and ruine of rebellious Subjects taking Armes against their annointed Kings Princes and Governours And in the third the power of God and his heavie punishments inâ—licted upon us for our sinnes in making the one partie the scourge or maule of the other with revenging murder by murder working the depopulation of our fruitfull Countrey and ruinating of our Cities at home with losse and revolting of the territories in subjection unto us by just title of inheritance and conquest abroad And in all of them representing unto us the lamentable Stories of the times fore-passed and gone to compare with the same the peaceable estate of the happy times possest and present wherein Martiall men have leisure to winne honour abroad the rest to live in quiet and wealth at home all factions forgotten and all rebellions surceased and repressed and for these blessings to yeeld due thankes unto Almightie God that hath provided for us such a Prince and so directed her in her governement over us that with ease and pleasure we may both behold the one and enjoy the other esoecially in these dangerous dayes of these latter times when all hostility and outrage of civill warres broiles and dissentions have seemed by the power of the Almightie hand of God stretched forth in our defence to have beene transported out of this Iland over the Seas into other Countries in so much as notwithstanding this calme securitie of our owne at home our neighbour-Nations of all sides abroad either through the licentious tyrannie of ungodly Princes that have laid persecution upon their Subjects or the mutinous dissentions of disobedient people that have raised Rebellions against their Princes have beene so turmoyled with garboyle of warres as they have been pitifully enforced to pray and seeke ayd at her Majesties hands and to submit themselves under the protection of her whom with us they acknowledge to be the very Deâ—endresse of the Christian Faith and Peace and the most naturall Nurse to the true Church of God By all loyall dutie therefore we are indebted to yeeld obedience unto her Majesty and to her Majesties most religious government by which we have received such peace as the world doth admire and following ages to her eternall fame shall record and with faithfull hearts pray that peace may ever dwell within her wals and prosperity abide within her Pallaces and that the abundance of her peace may continue as long as the Sunne and Moone endureth Cease civill broyles O Englands subject cease With streames of bloud staine this faire soyle no more As God so Kings must be obey'd with peace Yeeld thou thy due to them their right restore Wash with repentance these thine acts before Give loyall pledge with might resist her wrongs That raignes thy Prince to her thy Sword belongs 1 AT Battaile the 14 of October being Saturday the yeare of Christ 1066. William Duke of Normandy obtained this Land by Conquest and slew Harald King thereof with Gerth and Leofwin his brethren with 67974. Englishmen 2 Yorke burnt and 3000. of the Citizens and Normans slaine by the Danes under the leading of Harald and Canutus sonnes to Sweno King of Denmarke for the recovery of the Crowne to the Danish bloud 1069. W. C. reg 3. 3 Malcolme King of Scots invaded Tefidale Holdernesse and Cumberland charging his Souldiers to spare neither sex nor age of the English Nation Aâ— 1071. but the yeare following was himselfe forced to do homage to W. C. reg 5. 4 Elie surprised and wonne by the Conquerour the last part of this Land that stood out against the Normans under Hereward their most valiant Captain An. reg Conq. 7. 1073. 5 The first seating of the English in Wales through the dissention of their Princes who being called for partakers tooke from the Welch that which they could not againe recover 1090. reg 1. Ruf. 3. 6 At Alâ—wick Malcolme King of Scots invading Northumberland with his sonne Edward was slaine and all his boast discomfited by Rob. Mowbray Earle of North. reg Ruf. 5. 1029. 7
the Lord Cromwell Say and Mountjoy the slaughter in all amounted to 10000. saith Hall 1471. Edw. 4.11 60 At Towkefoury King Ed. 4. obtained the diadem in subduing H. 6. under the leading of Prince E. who was there slaine and Q Margaret taken prisoner there died likewise Tho. Courtney E. of Devonshire Ioh. Sommerset Marq. Dorset and the Lord Wenlake of Knights Hamden Whitting Vans Harvy Deluys Filding Leukenor Lirmouth Vrman Seamer Roos and Henry Edm. D. of Sommerset was there taken and beheaded with Iohn Bough Lord Prior of S. Iohns May 4. 1471. E. 4.11 61 Bosworth-field fought upon Redmore Aug. 22 1458. and 3. of Ric. 3. where himselfe was slain with Iohn D. of Norfolke Wa. L. Ferres Richard Ratcliffe and Rob. Brakenbury Knights and 4000. more of his company on the Earle of Richmonds part only 10. persons the chiefe where of was Wil. Brandon Knight his Standard-bearer Earle Henry was there crowned in the field and the union of Lancaster with Yorke effected whose civill dissentions had cost more English bloud then twice had done the winning of France 62 Stoke-field Iun. 16. 1487. was fought to arrest Lambert a counterfeit Warwick against King Henry 7. where 4000. with the naked Irish were slain and with them died De la Pole Earle of Lincolne Francis L. Lovel Tho. Gerardine Chancellour of Ireland Martin Swart and Sir Tho. Broughton Knights generall against the King Lambert was there taken and made a turn-spit Hen. 7.2 63 At Cockeledge â—â—r Yorke the Commons rose and slew Henry Earle of Northumberland for a tax collected by him granted in Parliament their Captain named Iohn a Cumber was hanged at Yorke 1489. H. 7.4 64 Excest besieged by Perkin Werbeck a counterfeit naming himselfe Ric. Duke of York before murdered in the Tower of London after he had in dammaged the North and Northâ—â—berl was from this City expulsed to Bewdley Sanctuary and lastly executed as Tiburn 1497. reg H. 7.13 65 This same City was again besieged by the rebels of Devon-shire aâ—d Cornwall the 3. of E. 6. under the leading of Hum. Arundel Holmes Winslow and Bury but was rescued by Iohn L. Russel with the Lord Grey and 4000. of them slain 1549. 66 On Black-heath again was fought a sore battell by Thomas Flaâ—â—ock gent. Michael Ioseph Blackesmith and Iam. Twichet L. Andley with the Cornish rebels where 2000. of them were slaine by Giles L. Daubeney generall for the King and 1500. taken prisoners Iune 22. 1497. H. 7. 67 Flodden-field the 9. of September and 5. of King Henry 8. was fought against the Scots by L. Tho. Howard Earl of Surrey lieutenant generall for the King where Iames 4. King of Scots with 3. Bishops 2. Lord Abbots 12. Earles 17. Lords and 8000. souldiers were slaine and the dead body of K. Iames wrapped in Loâ—dâ— was brought to shine in Surrey and there cast into a corner not long since remaining and seen 68 At Solommosse 15000. Scots under the leading of the L. Maxwell by Thou bastard Dacres and Iack Musgrave were valiantly vanquished and 21. of their Nobilitie whereof eight were Earles brought as prisoners to London and 200. mere of great account besides 800. common souldiers slaine and taken for very griefe whereof K. Iames fell sick and shortly after died 1542. H. 8.32 69 Muscleborrow-field fought September 10. 1546 by Edward D. of Sommerset L. Protector and Iohn Dudley Earle of Warw. against the Scots where 14000. were slaine 1500. taken prisoners onely 60. English then slaine E. 6.1 70 At Norwich in a commotion led by Rob. Ket Tanner of Wind 〈◊〉 Wil. Lord Marquesse of Northampton was put to flight and the Lord Sheffield slain the Citie fired and many outrages done 1549. E. 6.3 71 At Mount Surrey the Rebels with their leader Rob. Ket were by Iohn Dunley E. of Warwick overcome and forced to yeeld 5000. of them being slain and Ket taken and hanged on the Castle of Norwich or as some have upon the Oke of reformation Aug. 27. 1549. E. 6.3 72 Sir Tho. Wist with his company of Kentishmen driven to march from Southworke to Kingstone and thence to S. Iames yeelded himselfe at Temple-bar with the losse onely of 40. persons on both parts Feb. 7. 1554. Mary 1. 73 At Tadcaster Thomas Piercie Earle of Northumberland and Charles Nevil E. of Westmerland in thier commotions tooke 200. footmen repairing toward York for the defence of the City against those rebels 1596. Eliz. 12. 74 Durhaâ—â— taken by the rebels of the North under the leading of Piercy and Nevil Earles which had gathered 7000. and surprised Barnards Castle were by the Earle of Sussex Lieutenant generall for the Queens forced into Scotland and many of their Associates worthily put to death 1569. And lastly which God grant may be the last Thomas late Earle of Northumberland was beheaded in Yorke Aug. 20. 1572. Eliz. 14. THE BRITISH ILANDS PROPOSED IN ONE VIEVV IN THE ENGLISH MAP WITH A GENERALL DESCRIPTION OF GREAT BRITAINE UNDER THE ROMANES CHAPTER 1. THE State of every Kingdome well managed by prudent Government seemes to me to represent a humane Body guided by the soveraignty of the reasonable Soule the Countrey and Land it selfe representing the one the Actions and State affaires the other Sith therefore the excellencies of the whole are but unperfectly laid open where either of these parts is defective our intendment is to take a view as well of the outward body and Lineaments of the now-flourishing British Monarchy the Ilands Kingdomes and Provinces thereof in actuall possession for with others no lesse justly claimed in the Continent we meddle not which shall be the content of our first or Chorographicall Tome containing the foure first Bookes of this our Theater as also of its successive government and vitall actions of State which shall be our second or Historicall Tome containing the five last Bookes And here first we will by example of the best Anatomists propose to the view the whole body Monarchy intire as farre as conveniently we could comprise it and after will dissect and lay open the particular Members Veines and Ioynts I meane the Shires Rivers Cities and Townes with such things as shall occure most worthy our regard and most behovefull for our use 2 The Iland of Great Britaine which with her adjoyning Iles is here first presented containeth the Kingdomes of England and Scotland and is of many accounted the greatest Island in the World though Iustus Lipsius gives that praise to Cuba in America as the Orientall Navigators do unto Sumatra taken for Ptolomees Taprobana or to Madagascar the Island of S. Laurence both which are neere unto or under the Equinoctiall Line In which we will not contend as pleasing our selves with her other praises greater then her Greatnes yet with this honour also that is was without question the greatest Island of the Romane World and for any thing yet certainly knowne of all the rest Concerning whose
whole Ilands division by most certaine Record was anciently made when Iulius Agricola drew a Trench or Fortification upon that narrow space of ground betwixt Edenborough Frith and Dunbretton Bay making the Southerne part a Province unto the Romane Empire Afterwards Hadrian the Emperor seeing perhaps the Province too spacious to be well governed without great expense drew backe these limits almost fourescore miles shorter even to the mouth of the River Tyne whence he fortified with a wall of admirable worke unto Carleile which stood the Lands border while it stood as a Romane Province yet the conquering Saxons did spread againe over those bounds and as seemeth enlarged their government to that first Tract as by this Inscription in a Stone Crosse standing upon a Bridge over the water of Fâ—ith appeareth I am a free March as Passenger may ken To Scots to Britaines and to Englishmen 10 But afterward William the Conquerour and Malcolme King of Scotland falling to an agreement for their limits arreared a Crosse upon Stanemore where on the one side the portraiture and Armes of the King of England was sculptured and of the King of Scots on the other a piece whereof is yet remaining there neere to the Spittle thence called the Rey-Crosse there erected to be a Meare-stone to either Kingdome His Successors also abolished the two partitions in the West whereby the Welsh became one Nation and Kingdome with the English It is also said that King Stephen to purchase friendship with the Scottish Nation gave unto their King the Countie of Cumberland who with it held both Westmorland and Northumberland but as Nubrigensis writeth he restored them to King Henry the second wisely considering his great power and right to those parts 11 The last knowne borders were from the Sulway in the West-bay along the Cheviot hils unto the water of Tweede by Barwicke in the East to maintaine which on each part many lawes have been made and many inrodes robberies and fewdes practised all which by the hand of GOD is now cut off and by the rightfull succession of King IAMES our Soveraigne who hath broken downe the partition of this great Island and made the extremes of two Kingdomes the very midst of his great united Empire KENT the first Province appearing in the South of this Kingdome is bounded upon the North with the famous River Thamisis on the East with the German Ocean on the South with Sussex and the narrow Seas and upon the West with Sussex and Surrey The length thereof extended from Langley into the West unto Ramsgate East-ward in the Isle of Thanet is about 53. English miles From Rother in the South unto the Isle of Graine North-ward the bredth is not much above 26. and the whole circumference about 160. 2 In forme it somewhat resembleth the head of a hammer or Battle-axe and lyeth corner-wise into the Sea by Strabo Caesar Diodorus and Ptolomie called Cantium of Cant or Canton an Angle or Corner either of Caino a British word which signifieth Bushes or Woods whereof that Country in those former times was plentifully stored 3 The Ayre though not very cleare because of the vapours arising from the Sea and Rivers that environ the same is both wholesome and temperate as seated nearest to the Equinoctiall and the furthest from the North-Pole not touched with cold as the other parts of the Land are 4 The Soyle towards the East is uneven rising into little hils the West more levell and woody in all places fruitfull and in plenty equals any other of the Realme yea and in some things hath the best esteeme as in Broad-cloathes Fruits and feedings for Cattle Only Mines excepting Iron are wanting all things else delivered with a prodigall heart and liberall hand 5 Sundry navigable Rivers are in Kent whereof Medway that divideth the Shire in the midst is chiefe in whose bosome securely rideth his Majesties Navy Royall the wals of the land and terrours of the Seas besides ten others of name and account that open with twenty Creekes and Havens for Ships arrivage into this Land foure of them bearing the name of Cinque Ports are places of great strength and priviledges which are Dover Sandwich Rumney and Winchelsey among which Dover with the Castle is accounted by Matthew Paris the Monke the Lock and Key to the whole Realme of England and by Iohn Rosse and Lidgate is said to be built by Iulius Caesar fatall only for the death of King Stephen and surrender of King Iohn therein hapning 6 A conceit is that Goodwin-Sands were sunk for the sins of himself and his sons Shelves indeed that dangerously lye on the North-east of this County and are much feared of all Navigators These formerly had been firme ground but by a sudden inundation of the Sea were swallowed up as at the same time a great part of Flanders and the Low Countries were and the like also at the same time befell in Scotland as Hector Boetius their Historiographer writeth A like accident hapned in the yeare 1586. the fourth day of August in this County at Mottingham a Towne eight miles from London suddenly the ground began to sinke and three great Elmes thereon growing were carried so deepe into the bowels of the earth that no part of them could any more be seen the hole left in compasse fourscore yards about and a line of fifty fadomes plummed into it doth find no bottome 7 The Kentish people in Caesars time were accounted the civillest among the Britains and as yet esteeme themselves the freest Subjects of the English not conquered but compounded with by the Normans and herein glory that the King and Commons of all the Saxons were the first Christians converted in Anno 596. yea and long before that time also Kent received the Faith for it is recorded that Lucius the first Christian British King in this Island built a Church to the name and service of Christ within the Castle of Dover endowing it with the Toll of the same Haven 8 This County is enriched with two Cities Bishops See strengthned with 27. Castles graced with eight of his Majesties most Princely Houses traded with 24. Market-towns and beautified with many stately and gorgeous buildings The chiefest City therof the Metropolitan and Archbishops See is Canterbury built as our British Historians report 900. yeares before the birth of Christ by Henry of Huntington called Caier-Kent wherein as M. Lambard saith was erected the first Schoole of professed Arts and Sciences and the same a Pattern unto Sigibert King of the East Angles for his foundation at Cambridge notwithstanding by the computation of time this Sigibert was slain by Penda King of Mercia 30. years before that Theodore the Grecian was Bishop of Canterbury who is said to be the erector of that Academy But certain it is that Austen the Monk had made this
themselves to Iulius Caesar and whose chiefe City was Vindonum Caer Segonte now Silcestâ—r and upon the South by the Belgae and Regni who were subdued by Plantius and Vespasian the Romans where Titus rescuing his father straitly besieged by the Britaines as Dio and Forcatulus doe report was grasped about with an Adder but no hurt to his person and therefore taken for a signe of good luck Their chiefe Town was Rincewood as yet sounding the name and more within Land inhabited the Manures as Beda calles them whose Hundreds also to this day give a relish of their names 7 Neere Ringwood and the place once YTENE from God and peoples service to Beast and luxury thirty-six Parish-Churches were converted and pulled downe by the Conquerour and thirty miles of circuite inforrested for his Game of Hunting wherein his sonnes Richard and Rufus with Henry the second sonne to Duke Robert his first felt by hasty death the hand of Iustice and Revenge for in the same Forrest Richard by a blasting of a pestilent aire Rufus by a shot taken for a Beast and Henry as Absalom hanged by a bough came to their untimely ends At so deare a rate the pleasures of dogs and harbour for beasts were bought in the blood of these Princes 8 The generall commodities gotten in this Shire are Woolles Clothes and Iron whereof great store is therein wrought from the Mines and thence transported into all parts of this Realme and their Clothes and Karsies carried into many forraine Countries to that Counties great benefit and Englands great praise 9 The Trade thereof with other provisions for the whole are vented thorow eighteene Market-Townes in this Shire whereof Winchester the Britaines Caer Gwent the Romans Venta Belgarum and the Saxons Windaneasder is chiefe ancient enough by our British Historians as built by King Rudhudibras nine hundred yeares before the Nativity of Christ and famous in the Romans times for the weavings and embroderies therein wrought to the peculiar uses of their Emperours owne persons In the Saxons times after two Calamities of consuming fire her walles were raised and the Citie made the Royall Seat of their West-Saxons Kings and the Metropolitan of their Bishops See wherein Egbert and Elfred their most famous Monarches were crowned and Henry the third the Normans longest raigner first tooke breath And here King Aethelstane erected six houses for his Mint but the Danish desolation over-running all this Citie felt their fury in the dayes of King Ethelbright and in the Normans time twice was defaced by the mis-fortune of fire which they againe repaired and graced with the trust of keeping the publique Records of the Realme In the civill Warres of Maud and Stephen this City was sore sacked but againe receiving breath was by King Edward the third appointed the place for Mart of Wooll and Cloth The Cathedrall Church built by Kenwolf King of the West-Saxons that had beene Amphibalus Saint Peters Swythins and now holy Trinitie is the Sanctuary for the ashes of many English Kings for herein great Egbert Anno 836. with his sonne King Ethelwolfe 857. Here Elfred Oxfords Founder 901. with his Queene Elswith 904. Here the first Edmund before the Conquest 924. with his sonnes Elfred and Elsward Here Edred 955. and Edwy 956. both Kings of England Here Emmâ— 1052. with her Danish Lord Canute 1035. and his sonne Hardicanute 1042. And here lastly the Normans Richard and Rufus 1100. were interred their bones by Bishop Fox were gathered and shrined in little guilt coffers fixed upon a wall in the Quire where still they remaine carefully preserved This Cities situation is fruitfull and pleasant in a valley under hils having her River on the East and Castle on the West the circuit of whose walls are well-neare two English miles containing one thousand eight hundred and eighty paces thorow which openeth six gates for entrance and therein are seven Churches for divine service besides the Minster and those decayed such as Callendos Ruell Chappell Saint Maries Abbey and the Fryers without in the Suburbs and Soâ—ke in the East is Saint Peters and in the North Hyde Church and Monastery whose ruines remaining shew the beauty that formâ—tly it bare The Graduation of this City by the Mathematicks is placed for Latitude in the degree 51 10 minutes and for Longitude 19 3 minutes 10 More South is South-hampton a Towne populous rich and beautifull from whom the whole Shire deriveth her name most strongly walled about with square stone containing in circuit one thousand and two hundred paces having seven Gates for entrance and twenty-nine Towers for defence two very stately Keyes for Ships arrivage and five faire Churches for Gods Divine Service besides an Hospitall called Gods house wherein the unfortunate Richard Earle of Cambridge beheaded for treason lyeth interred On the West of this Towne is mounted a most beautifull Castle in forme Circular and wall within wall the foundation upon a hill so topped that it cannot be ascended but by staires carrying a goodly prospect both by Land and Sea and in the East without the walles a goodly Church sometimes stood called Saint Maries which was pulled downe for that it gave the French direction of course who with fire had greatly endangered the Towne In stead thereof is now newly erected a small and unfinished Chappell In this place saith learned Cambden stood the ancient Clausentium or Fort of the Romans whose circuit on that side extended it selfe to the Sea This suffered many depredations by the Saxon Pirats and in Anno 980. was by the Danes almost quite overthrowne In King Edward the thirds time it was fired by the French under the conduct of the King of Sicils sonne whom a countrey-man encountred and strucke downe with his Club. Hee crying Rancon that is Ransoms but hee neither understanding his language nor the law that Armes doth allow laid on more soundly saying I know thee a Frankon and therefore shalt thou dye And in Richard the seconds time it was somewhat removed and built in the place where now it standeth In this Clausentium Canute to evict his flatterers made triall of his Deity commanding the Seas to keepe backe from his seat but being not obeyed he acknowledged God to be the only Supreme Governour and in a religious devotion gave up his Crown to the Rood at Winchester More ancient was Silcester built by Constantius great Constantines sonne whose monument say they was seene in that City and where another Constantine put on the purple Roabe against Honorius as both Ninius and Gervase of Canterbury doe witnesse Herein by onr Historians record the warlike Arthur was crowned Whose greatnesse for circuit contained no lesse then fourscore acres of ground and the walles of great height yet standing two miles in compasse about This City by the Danish Rovers suffered such wrack that her mounted tops were never since seene and her Hulke the
walls inmured to their middle in the earth which the rubbish of her owne desolations hath filled 11 Chiefe Religious houses within this Country erected and againe suppressed were these Christs-Church Beaulieu Wherwell Rumsey Redbridge Winchester Hyde South-hampton and Tichfield The honour of this Shire is dignified with the high Titles of Marques and them Earles of Winchester and South-hampton whose Armes of Families are as thou seest and her division into thirty seven Hundreds and those againe into two hundred fifty three Parishes as in her Table shall appeare HANTSHIRE described and devided Hundreds in Hantshire 1. Evinger 2. Kingscleere 3. Holshott 4. Odiham 5. Crundall 6. Alton 7. Barmanspit 8. Chutley 9. Basingstook 10. Overton 11. Pastrow 12. Andevor 13. Wherwell 14. Micheldever 15. Buntesborow 16. Sutton 17. Selborne 18. Eastermeane 19. Meanestoake and Suberton 20 Fawley 21. Buddlesgate 22. Kingsunborne 23. Bartonstacy 24. Thornegate 25. Newforest 26. Fordingbridge 27. Ringwood 28. Christ-Church 29. Redbridge 30. Waltham 31. Mansbridge 32. Tichfield 33. Portsdown 34. Portsmouth Liberty 35. Bosmere and Hayling 36. Fartham 37. Finchdeane A ABbots worthy Michel Abbots Ann Andovor Abboteston Buntes Abshot Tichf. Aldershot Crund. Alungton Mansb. Allow-house Christ. Altesford old Fawley ALRESFORD Su. ALTON Alton Alwardstoake Tichf. Amberlam Ester Amner Ferme Hamble Amport Andevor ANDEVOR And. Anfeild Mansb. S. Andrewes Castle Man Anport And. Anne little Wher Appleshaw And. Arnewood Christch Ashe Overt Ashely Christch Ashly Kingsun Ashmansworth Evi Ashton Walth Aven Christch Avington Fawley B Baddesley Mansb. Badsle South New Baghurst Eving Baldoxsee Redbr. Barmeston Redbr. Barkley Kings New Baropey Basing Barrend Michel Harton Peverell Mans. Bartonstacy Barton BASINGSTOOK Basing Bascombe Christch Basing Basing Batrumsly New Beacon Newf. Beacon Walth Beamond Ports Beare Budles Beareweeke Budl Beare Forest Portesd Bearehouse Ports Beawley New Beaworth Fawley Beckam Fording Bedhampton Ports Bedham Kings Bensteed Alton Bentley Crund. Bentworth Odiham Berseldon Tichfeild Beriton Finch Bighton Sutton Bisterne Ringwood Bittern Walth Bisterene Barkley Redbr. Bishopstoake Fawl Blacke Cliffe Christ. Blackwater Crund. Blendworth Finch Boldre Newforest Borocote Mich. Borow Cleere Eving Bossington Thorn Botley Mansb. Bowdeane Ester Boyate Mansb. Bradley Overt Bradley Barmans Bramdeane Sutt Bramere Fording Bramley Basing Bramsbury Budles Bramsell Hold. Bramshot Crund. Bramshot Alton Brickton Fording Britaine Lee Tichf. Brodlands Redbr. Brokenhurst New Brooke Kingsun Broughton Thorne Browne Candaver Bunts Broxton Alton Buckholt Forest Thorn Buckland Ports Bullington Wher Bure Christch Burgate Fording Burghcleere Eving Burly New Buticourt Alton Burrant West Ports Burrant East Ports Burstlin Walth Burton Christch Burwell Mean Bushwaltham Walth Butter-hill East Butteren Walth Butesashe New Byndley Eving C Cadland New Calshot Castle New Cams Tich Caunterton New Caston Fawley Catcombe Port. Cavehurst Kings Chalton Finch Charke Tich Charford North Ford. Chaiford South Ford. Charlcott Eving Charton And. Castle South Porâ— Chawton Alton Cheryton Fawley Chewton Christch Chidden Hamble Chilboulton Budles Chilcombe Fawley Chillinge Tich Chilton Candaver Bunts Chilworth Mans. Chineham Basing Choldwarton And. CHRIST-CHURCH Chr. Chure Forest Ando Clanfeild And. Clanfeild Finch Clatford upper Ando High Cleere Eving Cleerewoodcot Kir Clydseden Basing Cockerfeild Alton Coldre Alton Colderton And. Colmer Barton Combe Past. Combe Easter Compton Budles Compton Kings Copperhouse Christ. Cornhampton Mea. Cove Crund. Cowderidge Walth Crokham Crund. Cramborne Michel Crawley Budles S. Crosse Budles Croston Tishf Crowdhill Fawley Croxeston Past. Crundall Crund. D Deane Overt Dean East Thorn Derly Loperwood Red. Dibden Redbr. Dimnead Hamb S. Dionies Walth Dipnall Crund. Drogmersfeild Odi Drayton Ports Droxford Walth Dummer Barm Dunbury-hill Ando Durly Walth E Earlston Kings East Walban Alton Eastermeane Ester Eastly Mans. Easton Farme Ports Easton Past. Easton Fawley Edmonosthorp Kin. Edsworth Finch Egbury Eving Eling Redbr. Ellingham Ford. Elvetham Odiham Empshott Selbor Empsworth Bosmer Enham Ando Ervells Hamble Etchinswell Eving Everslâ—y Hold. Ewshott Crund. Exbury New Exton Fawley F Fackham Past. FARHAM Tich Faringdon Selborne Farley Kings Farley Barmans Farlington Ports Farnborrow Crund. Farnhamsdean Past. Fartham Farth Faston Ferme Faston Past. Faushot Crund. Fawly New Ferlington Ports Fernboro Odib Fontley great Tichf. Fontley little Tichf. Fordingbridge Ford. Forton Wher Foxcott Andover Fremanton Kings Fritham New Frobury Kings Froxfeild Ester Froyle Alton Frysalke Eving Fryvoke Eving Fulflude Budles Fullerton Kings Fyfeild Andover Funtley great Tichf. Funtley little Tichf. G Gallare Wher Gynus New Gittins New Gildable Kings Glidden Hamble Godshall New Goodworth Clatford Wher Godsfeild Buntes Gosporte Tichf. Grange Buâ—tes Gratly Andover Gertham Alton Grewell Odi Groveplace Redbr. H Hale Fording Hale New Haliborne Alton Hamble Have Man Hambledon Hamble Hamblerise Mans. Hame Barton Haninton Chuâ— Hanington Laurence Kings Harduâ—dge Ringw Hardley New Harneden Finch Hartley Wespell Hold. Hartley Mawdit Alton Hasell Basing Hatherden Andov Havant Bosm. Haughton North Kings Hawley Sâ—lborne Hawley Crund. Hayling Bosm. Headley Sutt Headborn worthy Bart. Heath Christch Heathouse Finch Heckfeild Hold. Helliouse Chut Hengesbury head Chris Henley Eving Henton Dawbney Finch Henton Amner Fawl Heriott Barman Herford bridge Odi Hertley-row Odi Hertley Alton Hertley Odi Highcleere Hill Walth Hilside Oâ—i Hinton Christch Hithe New Hoddington Fawley Hoe Mean Holbury New Holdshot Hold. Holiborn Alton Holmhurst Christc Hooke Tich Hordwell Christch Horbridge Ford. Howghton Bud. Hownd Mans. Hunton Bud. Hurton Christch Hurne Christch Hursboorne Past. Hursboorne Eving Hursley Bud. Hurst East Kingsun Hurst West Kings I Ibbesley Ford. Ifford Christch Ilfeild Barm Inhurst Bart. Insteed East Sel. Insteed West Sut. Itchell Crund. Itching Walth Itchin Stoake Bunt Itchin Abbots Bunt K Katrington Finch Kempshot Basing Keppernham Kings Keyhaven Christch Kimpstone Faâ—ley KINGS CLEEVE Kings Kingley Alton Kingston Ports Kingston Ringw Kingsunborne Kings Kingswoâ—thy Bart. Kirbridge Walth Kympton Ando L Ladnam Thorne Langly New Langly Red. Langrish Est. Lassam Odi Laverstooke Overt Lawnsleâ—â—ll Kings Leape New Leckford Kings Lebritan Tich Lee Earles Kings Lichfeild Kings Linchford Crund. Lindhurst Parke New Lippocke Alton Littleton Bud. Littleton Ando Lockerley Thorn Lovington Fawley Long-parish Wher Long Sutton Crund. Longstocke King Lungford Fawley LYMINGTON Christ. Lyghe Port. Lindhurst New Lynwood New Lysse Odiham M Magdaline Faw Malchanger Chut Malwood Castle New Mappledorwell Bas. Mapledurham Finch Marchwood Red. Lee Markes Tich Martin worthy Fawley S. Maries Walth S. Maâ—y boorne Evi Mattingley Hold. Maxston Ando Maxwell Fawley Meane East Mean Meane West Faw Meanestoake Mean Medsted Fawley Memsted New Micheldevor Mich. Michelmersh Budl Migiam Ford. Midleton Wher Milbrooke Budles Milbrooke Hill Walth Milcourt Alton Milford Christch Milton Christ. Minsted Newf. Morecot Red. Moresteed Fawley Morrall Odi Mortymer Hold. Motteffont Thorn Moyles Court Ringw Munkeston Ando Mycheldever Mich. Mynley Hold. N Nashe Christch Nastwood Past. Natley Severs Bas. Natley upper Bas. Newton Valence Selbor Newton Bery Redb Netham Alton Netley Mans. Newnam Basing Newton Eving Newton Selb Newtonstacie Bart. Ninkenholt Past. Northbrooke Mich. Northington Mich. Northwood Bosmer Norton Selbor Nursling Bud. Nursting Red. Nurstead Finch Nutley Barmans
hath every thing in it to content the purse the heart the eye at home and sufficient Ports to give entertainement to Commodities from abroad 5 The ancient Inhabitants that possessed this Province were the Belgae who spread themselves far and wide aswell here as in Wilt-shire and the inner parts of Hampshire who being branched from the Germans conferred the names of those places from whence they came upon these their seats where they resided 6 The generall profits of this Province are Corn and Cattell wherewith it is so plentifully stored as it may challenge any neighbouring Countrey for the quantitie to make shew of Cattle so fat or Graine so rich Some places are peculiarly enriched by Lead-mynes as Mindsphils perchance so called of the deepe Mynes by Leiland aptly termed Minerarii Minerall hils which yeeld plenty of Lead the most Merchantable commoditie that is in England and vented into all parts of the world Some are beautified with Diamonds as Saint Vincent Rocke whereof there is great plenty and so bright of colour as they might equalize Indian Diamonds if they had their hardnesse yet being so many and so common they are lesse sought after or commended 7 This Country is famoused by three Cities Bath Wels and Bristow The first takes name of the hot Bathes which Antonine called Aquae Solis The waters of the Sunne Stephanus Badiza we at this day Bath and the Latinists Bathonia a place of continuall concourse for persons of all degrees and almost of all diseases whence it was sometimes called Akeman cester who by divine providence doe very often finde reliefe there the Springs thereof by reason of their Minerall and sulphurous passage being of such exceeding power and medicinable heat as that they cure and conquer the rebellious stubbornnesse of corrupt humours in respect of which admirable vertues some have fabled that they were first conveyed by Magicke-Art To testifie the antiquitie of this place many Images and Romane Inscriptions are found in the wals which can now be hardly read they are so worne and eaten into by age Wels as Leiland reporteth was sometimes called Theodorodunum but from whence it had that denomination he makes no mention The name it now beareth is taken as some thinke from the River there which King Kinewulph in his Charter An. 766. calleth Welwe or as others from the Wels or Springs which there breake forth and whereupon that See under whose Iurisdiction is also the Citie of Bathe hath beene anciently called Fontanensis Ecclesia the Fountaine Church where the Cathedrall built by King Inas to the memory of S. Andrew is very beautifull and richly endowed The Citie is likewise well replenished both with Inhabitants and seemly buildings Whose government is managed by a Maior yeerely elected a Recorder and seven Masters having the assistance of sixteene Burgesses a Towne-Clerke and two Sergeants at Mace Whose Latitude is 51.20 minutes and Longitude 17.31 minutes Bristow is not so ancient as it is faire and well seated The beautie of it being such as for the bignesse thereof it scarce gives place to any Citie of England and doth worthily deserve the Saxon name Bright-stad whose pleasantnesse is the more by reason that the River Avon scowres through the midst of it which together with the benefit of Sewes under all the streets cleares the Citie of all noysome filth and uncleannesse It is not wholly seated in this Countie of Sommerset but one part thereof in Gloucestershire but because it is an entire Countie of it selfe it denies subjection unto either having for its owne government both a Bishop with a well furnished Colledge and a Maior with a competent assistance of Aldermen and other Officers for Civill affaires 8 This Province hath beene the Theater of many Tragicall events and bloody Battels the Danes did grievously afflict Porlock by cruell Piracies in the yeere eight hundred eightie sixe Yet neere unto Pen a little village neighbouring upon North Cadbury Edmund surnamed Iron-side gave them a notable foyle as he was pursuing Canutus from place to place for usurping the Crowne of England And Keniwalch a West Saxon in the same place had such a day against the Britaines that they ever after stood in awe of the English-Saxons prowesse Marianus relateth that not farre from Bridge-water as the Danes were stragling abroad Ealstan Bishop of Sherbourne did so foyle their forces in the yeere 845. as their minds were much discomfited and their powers utterly disabled Ninius also writeth that King Arthur did so defeat the English-Saxons in a battle at Cadbury that it deserved to be made perpetuously memorable Neither is Mons Badonicus now Bannesdown lesse famous for Arthurs victories And King Elfred in another battell not farre from hence gave the Danes such an overthrow as he forced them to submission and induced Godrus their King to become a Christian himselfe being God-father to him at the Font. So happy is this Region and so beholding to Nature and Art for her strengths and fortifications as she hath alwaies beene able to defend her selfe and offend her enemies 9 Neither hath it beene lesse honoured with beauteous houses consecrated to Religion such was that of Black-Chanons at Barelinch in the first limit of this Shire Westward and King Athelstan built a monastery in an Iland called Muchelney that is to say the great Iland which is between the Rivers Iuel and Pedred running together where the defaced wals and ruines thereof are yet to be seene King Henry the third also erected a Nunnery at Witham which was afterwards the first house of the Carthusian Monks in England as Hinton not farre off was the second But above all other for antiquitie glory and beauty was the Abbey of Glastenbury whose beginning is fetcht even from Ioseph of Arimathea which Devi Bishop of S. Davids repaired being fallen to ruine and King Inas lastly builded a faire and stately Church in this Monastery though it be now made even with the ground the ruines onely shewing how great and magnificent a Seat it hath anciently beene which severall houses were thus beautified by bounteous Princes for religious purposes and to retire the mind from worldly services though blinded times and guides diverted them to superstitious and lewd abuses 10 Other memorable places are these Camalet a very steepe hill hard to be ascended which appeares to have beene a worke of the Romanes by divers Coynes digged up there on the top whereof are seene the lineaments of a large and ancient Castle which the Inhabitants report to have been the Palace of King Arthur Ilechester which at the comming of the Normans was so populous that it had in it an hundred and seven Burgesses and it appeares to be of great antiquitie by the Romane Caesars Coines oftentimes found there The Church-yard of Avalonia or Glassenbury where King Arthurs Sepulcher was searcht for
absolute Monarchy the Danes after them laide so sore for this Province that at Beamfleet and Havenes now Shobery they fortified most strongly and at Barklow besides the hils mounted for their burials the Danewort with her red berries so plentifully grow that it is held and accounted to spring from the blood of the Danes which in that place was spilt and the hearb as yet is called from them the Danes-blood neither yet were they quelled to furcease that quarrell but at Ashdown abode the Ironside in fight wherein so much blood of the English was spilt that Canutus their King in remorse of conscience built a Church in the place to pacifie God for the sinnes of his people But when the Normans had got the garland of the whole many of their Nobles there seated themselves whose posterities since both there and els-where are spread further abroad in the Realme 6 The Commodities that this Shire yeeldeth are many and great as of woods corne cattle fish forrests and Saffron which last groweth with such gain and increase upon her North parts that from a split clove much like unto Garlike a white blewish flower shortly springeth from whence fillets of Saffron are gathered before the Sun and dried are sold as spice with great gain From the Islands Canvey Mersey Horsey Northly Osey Wallot Foulnes great store of fish and fowle are daily gotten and so from their cattle have they continuall increase which men and boyes milke as well the Ewe as the Kine whereof they make great and thicke Cheese sold abroad in the Land and much thereof transported into other Countries Their Oysters which we call Walfleet the best in esteeme and are thought from Plinie to have beene served in the Romans Kitchins But lest we should exceed measure in commending or the people repose their trust in the soile behold what God can do to frustrate both in a moment that by his meanest creatures for in our age and remembrance the yeare of Christ 1581. an Armie of Mice so over-ranne the Marshes in Dengey Hundred neere unto South-minster in this Countie that they shore the grasse to the very roots and so tainted the same with their venemous teeth that a great Murraine fell upon the cattle which grazed thereon to the great losse of their owners 7 The chiefest Citie for account at this day in this Shire is Colchester built by Coilus the Brittish Prince one hundred twenty-foure yeares after the birth of our Saviour Christ if he of Monmouth say true wherein his sonne Lucius Helena and Constantine the first Christian King Empresse and Emperour in the world were born which made Necham for Constantine to sing as he did From Colchester there rose a starre The rayes whereof gave glorious light Throughout the world in Climates farre Great Constantine Romes Emperour bright And the Romans to the great honor of Helena inscribed her Pitssima Venerabilis Augusta But of these we shall be occasioned to speake more hereafter This City is situated upoÌ„ the south of the river Coln from whence it hath the name and is walled about raised upon a high trench of earth though now much decaied having 6. Gates of entrance and 3. posterns in the West wal besides 9. 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 S. Tenants and the Black Friers decayed in the suburbs Mary Magdalins the Nunnery S. Iohns the Crouched Fryers all suppressed within towards the East is mounted an old Castle and elder ruines upon a trench containing two Acres of ground whereas yet may be seene the provident care they had against all ensuing assaults The trade of this towne standeth chiefly in making of cloth and Baies with Sayes other like Stuffes daily invented and is governed by two Bailiffes 12. Aldermen all wearing scarlet a Recorder a Town-clerk and four Sergeants at Mace Whose position for Latitude is in the degree 52.14 minutes and for Longitude in the degree 21. and 5. minutes 8 Places of antiquity memorable note in this County I observe the most famous to be Camalodunum by the Saxons Male oune by us MaldoÌ„ which was the Royall seat of Cunobelin King of the Trinobants as by his mony therein minted appeareth about the time of our Saviours birth which City afterwards Claudius won from the Britaines therein placed a Colony of souldiers which were called Victricensis This City Queene Boduo in revenge of her wrongs razed to the ground what time she stirred their people against Nero with the slaughter of 70. thousand of the Romans Of some later and lesser account was Ithanchester now S. Peters upon the wall where the Fortenses with their captain kept towards the declination of the Roman Empire In the east Promontory of this County in the raigne of Richard the second the teeth of a giant were found if they were not of an Elephant of a marvellous size saith Ralph Coggeshall and not far thence in the raigne of Elizabeth more bones to the like wonder were digged up 9 I purposely omit the message of a Pilgrim from S. Iohn Baptist by whom he sent a ring to K. Edward Confessor for which cause his house tooke the name Havering seeing the Monks of those times made no great dainty daily to forge matter for their own advantage who in this Shire so swarmed that they had houses erected at WalthaÌ„ Pritlewell Tiltey Dunmow Leeye Hatfeild-Peverell Chelmesford Coggeshall Maldon Earls-coln Colchester S. Osiths Saffron-Waldon Hatfeild-Bradoke and more with great revenues thereto belonging all which felt the axes and hammers of destruction when the rest of such foundations fell under the flail of K. Henry the 8. who with Ezekiah brake downe all these Brasen Serpents 10 This Shire is divided into twenty Hundreds wherein are seated 21. Market-Townes 5. Castles 5. Havens 2. of his Maiesties Mannours and 415. Parish-Churches all which are expressed in the Table annexed to this Countie following ESSEX devided into Hundreds with the most antient and sayre Towne COLCHESTER Described and other memorable MONUMENTS observed Anno 1610. HVNDREDS in ESSEX 1. VTtlesford 2. Hinckford 3. Lexden 4. Tendring 5. Dengie 6. Witham 7. Chelmesford 8. Dunmow 9. Clavering 10. Harlowe 11. Waltham 12. Havering 13. Becontree 14. Freshwell 15. Chafford 16. Barstable 17. Ongar 18. Thurstable 19. Rotchford 20. Winstree A Abbey Roding Ong. Abenton winst Abrey hatch becont Aldham lex Allisford tend Alphamstone hinck Althorne deng Alvethlye chaff Ammadonhall vttl. Ardleyghe tâ—n Arkesden vttles Arnolds ong Ashdon fresh Ashden hinc Asheldon deng Ashefeild hinc Ashingdon rotch. Audley end vttl. S. Ayleths vttl. B Bacches rotch. Baddowe little Chel Baddowe great Chel Ballingdon hinck Barrington hall har BARKING bec Barling rotch. Barnish Roding dun Barnyk hall lex Borrohall rotch. Barwick parker chaff
with Porters rotch. Porters fresh Porters bec Potters street har Potters rowe thur Powncehall uttles. Pretons chelm Prittlewell rotch. Purleighe deng Q Quenden uttles. Quickbury har R Radley hall with Radwinter fresh RAILIGHE rotch. Kamsdon craye barst Ramsdon belhouse barst Ramsey ten Ramsey den Rawreth rotch. Rawreth hall rotch. Rayne little hinck Raynham chaff Rettendon chelm Richell harl Ric hall uttles. Rickling uttles. Ridgwell hinck Rinsell den Ripple bec Rivers hall lex Rockells uttles. Roding morrell ong Roding high dun Roding white dun Rodon flu ROMFORD hau Rooding beachaÌ„ ong Rooding Abbey ong Rotchford rotch. Roughhedge lex Roxwell chelm Royden hall hinck Royden harl Royden ten Roydon hamlet wal Royes hall hinck Ruckward ong Rumwell chelm Ryvenghall with Rye walth S Sabretts chelm Safforn garden barst Salcot winst Saling ould hinck Samons barst Sampford great fre Sampford little fre Sandon chelm Shackstones chelm Shalford hinck Shelley ong Shellow bowels dun Shenfeild baâ—st Shenfeild chel Shering harl Shopland rotch. Showbery north rotch. Showbery south rotch. Skrenes chel Smiters hall chel Snerston wal South Church rotch. South end haver Spaines hinc Springfeild chel Stambridge little rotch. Stambridge great rotch. Stanborne hinc Stanborne hall hinck Stanford rivers ong Stansgate deng Stanford le hope bar Stansted hall hinc Stansted monfictes uttles. Stanway hall lex Stanway lex Stappleford tawnie ong Stapleford abbots ong Stebbing hinck Steple deng Stifford clay chaff Stifford chaff Stocke chel Stondon ong Stowe Maryes deng Stowre flu Stratford langthorne bec Strete deng Strettall uttles. Sturmer hinck Stysteed hinck Sturfleete ten Stutton great rotch. T Takelev uttles. Tendering ten Terling with Terrels fresh Tey little lex Tey great lex THAXTED dun Thorington ten Thorndon west bar Thordon east bar Thornewood â—ar Thorpe ten Thorrocke west cha Thorrocke little bar Thorrocke great â—haff Thoyden boyce ong Thoyden charmon ong Thoyden mount ong Thremnolt priorie uttles. Thunderley uttles. Thundershe rotch. Thundersey barst Thurston hinc Tilburye east barst Tilburye west barst Tillingham deng Tiptree thurst Toobye chel Topesfeild hinck Torells hall dun Totham great thurst Totham little thurst Toulsbury thrust Toulshount Knight thrust Toulshount Darcye thurst Toulshount great thurst Tremmall barst Toys with Tuftes deng Twinsteed hinck Tye hall chel Tylbury hinck Tylbury hall hinc Tyld hall deng Tyltie dun Tythoâ—p Roding dun V Valens haver Verley winst Vgle claver Vltinge with Vpminster chaff Vpâ—hire walt Vpton becon W Walbury harl WALDEN uttles. Wallor or Walsteet I le rotch. Waltham little chel Waltham great chel WALTHAM ABBEY wal Walthamstow bec Waltham Forrest bec Walton ten Wansted bec Warley little chaf Warley great chaf Watering hall rotch. Watering little rotch. Watering great rotch. Weald hall ong Weald south chaf Weald north ong Wenden loughes uttl. Wenden little uttl. Wenden great uttl. Wennington chaf Wethersfeild hinck Whellers ten West house bar White-hall bar Wickes ten Wickford barst Wickeham thurst Wickham S. Paul winst Wickham bonant winst Widdington uttles. Widford chel Wigborow little winst Wigborow great winst Wilbores clau Willingale Spaine dun Wilton tower ten Wimbish uttles. Witham with Wiverhoo lex Woodford bridge bec Woodford bec Wood-hall uttles. Wood-hall clau Woodham ferries chelm Woodham mortimer deng Woodham water deng Woodriding walth Wormingford lex Wrabnes ten Writtle chelm VVrittle parke chel VVyley ten VVyvonhoo lex Y Yealdam hall hinck Yealdam little hinc Yealdam great hinc SVFFOLKE by the Saxons called Suð-folc in regard of them which were seated in Norfolke is a Country most plenteous and pleasant for habitation It is separated from Norfolke by the Rivers of the lesser Ouse and Waveney whose heads meet almost in the midst of her Verge and that very neer together the one taking course East and the other full West upon which part Cambridge-shire doth wholly confront The South side is severed by Stoure from Essex and the East together washed with the Germane Seas 2 The Aire is good sweet and delectable and in some parts of some of our best Physicians held to be the best in the Land the Soile is rich fruitfull and with all things well replenisâ—ed in a word nothing wanting for pleasure or profit 3 The forme thereof is somewhat Cressant shooting up narrower into the North and spreading wider towards the South whose broadest part is about twenty miles but from East to West much more for from Easton point the furthest of this Shire yea of all Britaine into the Sea unto great Ouse River her Westerne bounder are fourtie five miles and the whole in circumference about one hundred fourtie-sixe 4 Anciently this part of the Iland was possessed by the Iceni who as it seemeth by Tacitus joyned in Amitie with the Romanes a mighty people saith he and never shaken with wars before the reigne of Claudius but then by Ostorius were vanquished though not without great slaughter of the Romanes and in a Battle against them M. Ostorius the sonne of the Generall wonne great honour in saving of a Romane Citizens life so ready were they to give and receive Honours to themselves but sleightly to passe over and to smoother farre greater exploits of the Britaines which notwithstanding long in these parts they could not do for the wrongs of the Icenians growing intolerable who by the Romane Souldiers were put out of their rightfull possessions their Princes accounted no better then Slaves and their Queene whipped in most ignominious manner under Bodua they wrought their revenge as in the Historie Christ assisting shall be further related Next to these Icenians were the Saxons that got their footing into these parts and of them this with Norfolke Cambridge-shire and the I le of Ely was made their East-Angles Kingdome though as it seemeth ever in subjection either to the Mercians or to the Kings of Kent whose off-spring ending in S. Edmund the Martyr after the Danes had laid it most desolate Edward the Elder subdued it unto his West-Saxons Monarchy and that likewise ending in King Edward the Confessor many noble Normans got their possessions in these parts whose Off-spring are plenteously replenished in this Shire to this day 5 The commodities of this Shire are many and great whereof the chiefest consisteth in Corne in Cattle Cloth Pasturage Woods Sea-Fish and Fowle and as Abbo Floriecensis hath depainted this County is of green and passing fresh hue pleasantly replenished with Orchards Gardens Groves thus he described it above sixe hundred years since and now we find as he hath said to which we may adde their gaine from the Paile whose Cheeses are traded not only throughout England but into Germany France and Spaine and are highly commended by Pantaleon the Physician both for colour and taste 6 And had Ipswich the onely eye of this Shire been as fortunate in her Surname as she is blessed with Commerce and buildings she might worthily have borne the title of a Citie neither ranked in
German-Ocean on the West toward Cambridge-shire with some branches of the greater Ouse toward Lincolne-shire with that part of the Nene which passeth from Wisbitch into the Washes It containeth in length from Yarmouth to Wisbitch about fifty miles In bredth from Thetford to Wels about thirty The whole Circuit is about two hundred forty two miles The name ariseth from the situation of the people who being the Norther-most of the Kingdome of East-Angles are therefore called the North-folke as the Souther most South-folke The Ayre is sharpe and piercing especially in the Champion and neere the Sea therefore it delayeth the Spring and Harvest the situation of the Country inclining thereto as being under the 53. degree of Latitude The Soile diverse about the Towns commonly good as Clay Chalk or fat earth well watered and with some wood upward to the Heaths naked drie and barren Marsland and Flegg exceeding rich but Marsland properly for Pasture Flegg for Corne. 2 The parts from Thetford to Burneham and thence Westward as also along the Coast be counted Champion the rest as better furnished with woods Wood-land The Champion aboundeth with Corne Sheepe and Conies and herein the barren Heaths as the providence of our Ancestors hath of old disposed them are very profitable For on them principally lie our Fould courses called of the Saxons whose institution they therefore seem to be faldsocun that is Liberty of fold or fouldage These Heaths by the Compasture of the Sheepe which we call Tathe are made so rich with Corne that when they fall to be sowne they commonly match the fruitfullest grounds in other Countries and laid againe doe long after yeeld a sweeter and more plentifull feed for sheep so that each of them maintaine other and are the chiefest wealth of our Country The Wood-land fitter for grasse is maintained chiefly by feeding of Cattell yet well stored with Corne and Sheepe The Coast is fortunate in fish and hath many good Harbours whereof Lenn and Yarmouth be the mother Ports and of great traffique Wels and Blakeney next in estimation The whole County aboundeth with Rivers and pleasant Springs of which the Ouse is chiefest by whose plentifull Branches the Isle of Ely the Towns and Shires of Cambridge Huntington and the County of Suffolke vent and receive commodities The next is Hierus or Yere passing from Norwich to Yarmouth where it recâ—iveth the Bure comming from Aylsham both of them of great service of water carriages but very notable for their plenty of fish for some one man out of an hold upon the Bure hath drawne up ordinarily once a yeare between two Nets about five or six score bushels of fish at one draught The Waveney and the lesser Ouse are also Navigable and of great use The residue I omit 3 The People were anciently called ICENI as they also of Suffolke Cambridge-shire and Huntington-shire and supposed to be of them whom Caesar nameth Cenimagni Ptolemic Simeni some Tigeni Their manners were likely to be as the rest of the Britaines barbarous at those times as appeareth by Caesar and Tacitus Neither can I otherwise commend their Successours the Saxons for so also their owne Country-man Ethelwerd termeth them Since the entry of the Normans they have been counted civill and ingenious apt to good Letters adorning Religion with more Churchâ—s and Monasteries then any Shire of England and the Lawes and Seats of Justice for many ages with some excellent men from whom most of our chiefe Families and some of the greatest Nobility of the Kingdome have taken advancement And herein is Norfolke fortunate that as Crete boasted of an hundred Cities so may shee of an hundred Families of Gentlemen never yet that searching I can find attainted of high Treason How the government of this Country was about Caesars time is uncertaine but agreeable no doubt to the rest of the Britaines under some peculiar Toparch or Regulus as Tacitus termeth him The latter Romans held it by two Garrisons one at Gariannum neere Yarmouth the other at Branodunum now called Brancastre both of horse and commanded by the Comes Maritimi Tractus as Marcellinus calleth him termed after Comes Littoris Saxonici Upon the entry of the Saxons this County with Suffolke fell in the portion of the Angles and about the yeare 561. were together erected into a Kingdome by Vffa of whom the succeeding Kings were tituled Vffines But having suffred many Tempests of Fortune it was in yeare 870. utterly wasted and extinct by Hungar and Hubba the Danes who overthrew the vertuous King Edmund about Thetford and after martyred him at S. Edmundsbury Yet they did not long enjoy it for King Edward shortly recovered it from them and annexed it to his other Kingdomes The Danes notwithstanding inhabited abundantly in these parts so that many of our Townes were founded by them and a great part of our people and Gentry are risen out of their blood 4 This Kingdome of East Angles was after allotted to an Earledome of that name by William the Conquerour who made Radulph a Britaine marrying his kinswoman Ealâ—e thereof but gave the greatest parts of this County about Wimondham Keninghall Lenn Burneham Fulmerston c. to W. de Albany Pincernae and W. de Warranna Forrestario who to strengthen themselves according to the use of that time with the homage and service of many Tenants divided large portions of the same amongst their friends and followers so that most of the Manours and Lands in the parts aforesaid were in those dayes either mediatly or immediatly holden of one of them And as Norfolke and Suffolke were first united in a Kingdome then in an Earledome so they continued united in the Sheriffewicke till about the fifteenth yeare of Queene Elizabeth 5 The Townes here are commonly well built and populous three of them being of that worth and quality as no one Shire of England hath the like Norwich Lenn and Yarmouth to which for ancient reputation as having been a seat of the Kings of East-Angles I may adde Thetford knowne to Antoninus and elder ages by the name of Sitomagus when the other three were yet in their infancie and of no esteeme for I accept not the Relations of the Antiquitie and state of Norwich in the time of the Britaines and Saxons though Alexander Nevil hath well graced them Her very name abridgeth her Antiquitie as having no other in Hâ—stories but Norwich which is meere Saxon or Danish and signifieth the North-Towne Castle or winding of a River It seemeth to have risen out of the decay of her neighbour Venta now called Castor and as Master Cambden noteth not to have beene of marke before the entry of the Danes who in the yeare 1004. under Sweno their Captaine first sackt and then burn it even in her infancie Yet in the dayes of Edward the Confessor it recovered to 1220. Burgesses But maintaining the cause of Earle Radulph aforesaid against the Conquerour they
Hertford Hund. 8. Caisho Hund. A. Abbotsbury Edwinst. Assâ—ey Hitch S. ALBANS Caish. Aldbury Dacor Aldbury Edwinst. Aldbury Hall Edwinst. Aldenham Caish. Alswick Edwinst. Amwell little Hert. Amwell great Hert. Angabury Hitch Annables Dacor Anslye Edwinst. Ashwell Odsey Aspender Edwinst. Aston Brod. Ayott Laurence Brod. Ayott little Brod. B The Beacon Hert. The Beacon Brod. The Beacon Odsey BALDOCK Brod. BARKHAMSTED D. Barkhamsted Hert. BARKWAY Edwinst. Barley Edwinst. Bartrams Brang. The Base Hert. Beachams Edwinst. Beaches Edwinst. Beamonds Caish. Beche Wood Dacor Bedmont Caish. Bedwell Hert. Bedwell Parke Hert. Bell Bare Caish. Benington Brod. Benjoy Hert. HIGH BERNET Caish. Bernet East Caish. Bersted Dacor Berwick Brang. Bibswell Hitch Bleakswaye Brang. Bouington Dacor Bourne Hall Caish. Bourne end Dacor Box-wood Brod. Bradfield Odsey Bragherend Brod. Bramsifield Caish. Branfield Hert. Branghing Brang. Brickenden Hert. High Bridge Caish. Briggens Brang. Brodwater Brod. Brokell Hall Brod. Broxboume Wood Hert. Broxbome Hert. Buckland Edwinst. BVNTINGFORD Ed. Burley Brod. Burwells greene Brod. Bushey Hall Dacor Bushie Caish. Bygrave Odsey C Caddington Dacor Caishoe Caish. Caishoe Bridge Caish. Caishoburie Caish. Calkott Odsey Camberlow greene Odsey Cassulburie Brang. Chandose Dacor Cheisfield Brod. Chepperfield Dacor Cheston Hert. Cheston Parke Hert. Cheston Nunnery Hert. Clothall Odsey Coddicott Caish. Cokenhatch Edwinst. Colliers End Brang. Colshill Dacor Colney Caish. Colvestreet Caish. Coringley Edwinst. Corner Hall Dacor Cottered Odsey High Crosse Brang. Cudicott Hitch Cuhollgate Caish. D Dane End Dacor Dane End Brod. Darnels Brod. Datchworth Brod. Digswell Brod. Dogshed Edwinst. E Eastwicke Brang. Elstree Caish. Epalletts Hitch Essenden Hert. F Fincher end Brod. Flamsteed Dacor Flaunden Dacor Fresden Dacor Friers Brang. The Friers Dacor G Gabbins Hert. Gabbins Caish. Gadsden little Dacor Gadsden great Dacor Geldesden Brang. Gigging Edwinst. Gorehambury Caish. Graveley Brod. Gravesend Edwinst. Grove Caish. H Hadham great Edwinst. Hadham little Edwinst. Hadham nash Edwinst. Halmeley Brod. Haly Hert. Harding Dacor Harpsfield Hall Brod. HERTFORD Hert. Hartingfordbury Hert. Hatfield Wood Hert. HATFIELD Bishops Brod. Haulwicke Brod. Helshams Hall Edwinst. HEMPSTEED Dacor Henxworth Odsey Hexton Caish. Hide Hall Odsey Hidehall Brang. Highover Hitch Highstreet Dacor Hillend Caish. HITCHING Hitch HODDESDON Hert. Horkerell Brang. Holey Hert. Hormead great Edwinst. Hormead little Edwinst. How End Hitch Holwell Brod. Hunsdon Brang. Hyde Caish. I Ickleford Hitch Ilestrey Caish. K Kellshull Odsey Kempton Hitch Kensworth Dacor Kinswoodbury Odsey Kinsburne Dacor Knebworth Brod. L Ladwell Hitch Laiston Edwinst. No mans Land Caish. Kings Langley Dacor Langley Abby Caish. Langley Hitch The Lea Caish. Lechworth Brod. Lenmere Dacor Levesden Caish. Ludwell Hitch Ludwick Hall Brod. Lullie Hitch M Mallocks Brang. S. Margets Hert. Maiden Crosse Hitch Meesden Edwinst. Merden Hert. Merston long Dacor S Michael Caish. Milford Edwinst. Minhall Caish. Minsingbery Edwinst. Monden frewell Brod. Monden furnivall Brod. More Parke Caish. Morehouse Caish. North Myms N Nasthide Caish. Newbarne Caish. Newenham Caish. Newenham Odsey Newgatestreet Hert. Newhall Brang. New place Brang. Nimhall Northaw Caish. Northchurch Dacor Norton Caish. Norton Odsey Newsels Edwinst. Nuthamsted Edwinst. Nimhall Caish. O Odsey grange Odsey Owghton Head Hitch Owley Edwinst. P Pansanger Hert. Parkeward Caish. Patmer Hall Edwinst. Pelham burnt Edw. Pelham Furneux Edw. Pelham stocking Edw. Penley Dacor Periton Hitch Pessebery Brang. Potters crouch Caish. Pottrels bare Caish. Pottrels Caish. Popes Hert. The Pree Caish. Preston Hitch The Priorie Brod. PVCKERIDGE Bran. Punchin end Dacor Punsburne Hert. Putnam Dacor Putteridge Hitch Q Quenbery Edwinst. Quickswood Odsey R Radwell Odsey Redborne Caish. The Ree Brang. Reed Odsey Redgewells Edwinst. Reuels Brod. Reyford Hert. RICKMANSWORTH Caish. Ricknesse Brang. Ridge Caish. ROISTON Odsey Rose Hall Caish. Rushden Odsey S Sabsworth Brang. Salesbery Caish. Sandon Odsey Sarret Caish. Satridge Brang. Sauntridge Caish. Sawcombe Brod. The Scale Hert. Shenley Caish. Sheepehall Brod. Shepeshide Caish. Sâ—inglehall Brang. Sinkles Caish. Sleape Caish. Smalford Caish. Sopwell Caish. Spelbrooke Brang. Standen Brang. Stansted Abbots Brang. Stanthecle Brang. Stapleford Hert. S. Stephens Caish. Stevenage Brod. STORTFORD Bishops Brang. Studham Dacor Sullemaca Caish. T Tannis Edwinst. Tednambury Brang. Temple Brod. Temple dinsley Hitch Tewing Hert. Tharfield Odsey S. Thomas Chappell Hitch Thoreley Brang. Throcking Edwinst. Thundrick Brang. Thyobald Hert. Titten hanger Caish. Totteredge Brod. Totteredge Caish. TRING Dacor Tunwell Brod. Two waters Dacor V Vphall Brang. W Wadesmill Brang. Wakerley Edwinst. Walden S. Pauls Hitch Walden Kings Hitch Walkerne Brod. Wallington Odsey Waltham Crosse Hert. Walsworth Hitch Ware Parke Brang. WARâ— Brang. Watford Hall Hert. WATFORD Caish. Watton Brod. Waymer Castle Brang. Welbery Hitch Welde Caish. Wellwin Brod. Westhide Caish. Westmill Brang. Weston Brod. Westwich Caish. Wheathamsteed Dacor Whitebarnes Edwinst. Widboro hill Brang. Widford Brang. Wigginton Dacor Willesborne Dacor Willion Brod. Windridge Caish. Withiall Edwinst. Woodgreene Hert. Woodhall Brod. Wormeley Hert. Wulmer grene Brod. Wymley great Brod. Wimley little Brod. Y Yardley Odsey BEDFORD-SHIRE CHAPTER XXI BEDFORD-SHIRE seated in the South-East of this Iland is a plaine and Champion Countrey and lyeth bounded upon the North with Huntington-shire upon the East with Cambridge and Hartford-shires and upon the West with Buckingham and Northampton-shires 2 The forme thereof is somewhat ovall and not very large for from Tilbroke in the North unto Studham in the South are but twentie foure English miles and from Turny in the West unto Hatley Coking in the East are not fully foureteene the whole in circumference about seventie three miles 3 The Aire is temperate and the Soile bountious especially the North whose borders the fruitfull Ouse with her many windings watereth The South is more leane and with greater industry bringeth forth Barley no better else-where Generally this Countie is Champion though some places be sprinkled with Pasturage and Woods 4 The ancient Inhabitants knowne to the Romans that held in this Shire were part of the Cattieuchlani a stout and warre-stirring people and yet upon the report of Caesars proceeding sent him their subjection for peace But when that conquering Nation had brought Britaine into a Province under Rome their Legions lay at Sclanea and Magintum which are now Sandy and Dunstable places of memorable note in this Shire After them the Saxons coveting for so faire a Seat first dispossessed the Britaines under the leading of Cuthwulfe the West-Saxon about the yeere of Grace 572. who making it their owne was lastly enjoyed by the Mercians as a part of their Kingdome 5 In the yeere of Christs Incarnation 1399. immediately before those Civill Warres that rent in pieces the peace of this Land betwixt the Princes of Lancaster and Yorke the River Ouse neere unto Harwood stood suddenly still and refrained to passe any further so that forward men passed three miles together on foot in the very depth of her Channell and backward the waters swelled unto a great height which was observed by the judicious to foretell some unkind division that shortly
Amound Newbiggin loyn Newbridge loyn Newburgh VVest Newchurch VVest Newhall VVest Newhall sal Newland loyn New parke West Nowton loyn Newton Amound Newton Amound Newton sal Newton loyn Newton in makeâ—feild VVest Nibthwat loyn Nighull VVest Norbreck Amound Northmealâ—â— West O ORMESCHURCH Orrel West Oâ—baldeston black Osmonderley loyn Oswoldtwist black Overtoâ— loyn Ouldham sal Oxecliffe loyn Oxenfeild loyn P Paddynham black Parke flu New Parke West Parbold lai Part West The Pele lai The Pele West Pembleton West Pendle hill black Pendleton black Pendleton sal Penketh West Pennington loyn Penwortham lai Pilkington sal Pilline mose Amound Pillin hall Amound Pleasinghâ—on black Plumpton wood Amoun Plumpton Amound Plumpton loyn Pooleton West Powton Amound Prescott West PRESTON Amoun Prestwiche sal Prisall Amound Priscoo Amound Prise Amound Pulten loyn Punnington VVest The Pyle of fondraw loyn Q Quernmore loyn R Radcliffe sal Ramsyde loyn Ratcliffe sal Raventon lai Ravenpik hill sal Rawcliffe nether Am. Rawcliffe over Am. Raynforde VVest Raynhill VVest Read black Rediche sal Ribchester black Ribchester black Ribbie Amound Ribble flu Ribleton Amound Rimington black Risheton black Rivington sal Rixton VVest Roberts-hall loyn Robie West Robrindale loyn Roburne flu Roche flu ROCHEDALE sal Roseaker Amound Rosse hall Amound Rossendale black Royton sal Ruseland loyn Rusforth lai Rysley VVest Ryton sal S Saleburie black Salford sal Sambury hall black Samblesbury black Saterthwat loyn Savoke flu Scaley loyn Scaley loyn Scals loyn Scaresbrick West Scotfurth loyn Selleth hall loyn Selton West Shakerley sal Shay Chappell sal Shevington lai Shirehead Amound Silverdale loyn Simonswood forrest West Singleton little Amound Singleton great Amound Skales Amound Skarth north loyn Skelmersdale VVest Skippâ—n flu Skirton loyn Slyne loyn Smethels sal Souckie VVest Southwate loyn Southworthe VVest Sowberthwat loyn Sowick Amound Sowrbie Amound Speake VVest Spodden flu Spotland sal Stalmyne Amound Stanall Amound Standish lai Standish hall lai The Stanke loyn Stanley loyn Staning hall Amound The Countie Stones loyn Stonyhurst black Strangwes sal Stretforde sal Stubley sal Sunbrick loyn Sunderland point loynâ— Sutton VVest Symonston black T Tarleton lai Tatham loyn Taude flu Taume flu Terinker Amound Terlescowood VVest Terver Chappell loyn Thistleton Amound Thorneley black Thorneton VVest Thorneton Amound Thurland loyn Thurnham loyn Thurstan flu Tiberthwat loyn Tilfey Sal. Tockholes black Todmerden sal Torbucke West Torkscarth parke VVest Torner loyn Tornesse loyn Torrisholme loyn Tottingtonn sal Townley black Traford sal Trawden balck Treales Amound Tunstall loyn Turton sal Twekeston lai Twiston black V Ulneswalton lai ULVERSTON loyn Up holland VVest Urmston sal Urswick loyn W Waarbreck Amound Waddiker Amound Walmesley sal Walney Iland loyn Walney Chappel loyn Walshwhitt lai Walton hall lai Walton in the dale black Walton VVest Wantree West Warton loyn WARRINGTON West Warton Amound Weasam amound Weeton amound Wennyngton loyn Werdale black Werdley sal Werdon lai Westbie amound Whalley black Wheatley black Wheelton lai Whickleswick sal Whiston West Whittle in the woods lai Whittington loyn Whittingham amound Wicoler black Widdnes West WIGAN West Wilpshire black Winander mere loyn Windle West Winmelay amound Winnington flu Winstanley West Winstenley West Winster flu Winwick West Winworth sal Wire flu Wire flu Wiswall black Withington sal VVithnell lay VVitton black VVoodland Chappell loyn VVoolston West VVoolton little West VVoolton great West VVoorston black VVordsall sal VVorsley sal VVorsthorne black VVorthington lai VVotton West VVraye amound VVraysholme tower loyn VVrayton loyn VVrenesse hill loyn VVrightington lai VVulf cragge loyn VVyersdale loyn VVyersale forrest loyn VVinder loyn Y Yelland loyn THE DESCRIPTION OF YORKE-SHIRE AS the courses and confluents of great Rivers are for the most part fresh in memory though their heads and fountains lye commonly unknown so the latter knowledge of great Regions are not traduced to oblivion though perhaps their first originals be obscure by reason of Antiquitie and the many revolutions of times and ages In the delineation therefore of this great Province of Yorkeshire I will not insist upon the narration of matters neere unto us but succinctly run over such as are more remote yet neither so sparingly as I may seeme to diminish from the dignitie of so worthy a Countrey nor so prodigally as to spend time in the superfluous praising of that which never any as yet dispraised And although perhaps it may seeme a labour unnecessary to make relation of ancient remembrances either of the Name or Nature of this Nation especially looking into the difference of Time it selfe which in every age bringeth forth divers effects and the dispositions of men that for the most part take lesse pleasure in them then in divulging the occurrents of their own times yet I hold it not unfit to begin there from whence the first certaine direction is given to proceed for even of these ancient things there may be good use made either by imitation or way of comparison as neither the reperition nor the repetition thereof shall be accounted impertinent 2 You shall therefore understand That the Countie of Yorke was in the Saxon-tongue called Euerric-scyre Effrdc-scyre and Ebora-scyre and now commonly Yorkeshire farre greater and more numerous in the Circuit of her miles then any Shire of England She is much bound to the singular love and motherly care of Nature in placing her under so temperate a clime that in every measure she is indifferently fruitfull If one part of her be stony and a sandy barrain ground another is fertile and richly adorned with Corn-fields If you here finde it naked and destitute of Woods you shall see it there shadowed with Forests full of trees that have very thicke bodies sending forth many fruitfull and profitable branches If one place of it be Moorish Myrie and unpleasant another makes a free tender of delight and presents it selfe to the eye full of beautie and contentive varietie 3 The Bishoprick of Durham fronts her on the North-side and is separated by a continued course of the River Tees The Germane Sea lyeth sore upon her East-side beating the shoares with her boisterous waves and billows The West part is bounded with Lancashire and Westmerland The South-side hath Cheshire and Darbishire friendly Neighbours unto her with the which she is first inclosed then with Nottingham and with Lincolne shires after divided with that famous Arme of the Sea Humber Into which all the Rivers that water this Country emptie themselves and pay their ordinary Tributes as into the common receptacle and Store-house of Neptune for all the watery Pensions of this Province 4 This whole Shire being of it selfe so spacious for the more easie and better ordering of her civill government is divided into three parts which according to three quarters of the world are called The West-Riding The East-Riding and The North-Riding West-Riding is for a good space compassed
howd. Thorpe huns Thorpe Gillingw Thorpe Dic. Thorpe hangw Thorpe basset buc Thorpe row Aller Thoroby hangw Thorppâ—â—om hange Thaprow hangeast Throstenby Pick. THRVSK burdf. Thurâ—bie hangwest Thwate Hangwest Thywynge Dick. Toâ—â—â—teâ— Lan. Toleâ—bie Lan. Tollerton bul Topclisse burd Toppy hill Lan. Toulâ—hoâ—pe buc The Towre Dic. Tranbie huns Tunstall hold Tunstell hangeast Turnton bridge Hal. V Vâ—kerby Gillingeast Verby Lan. Vggelbarnby Whit. Vgthorpe Lan. Vâ—â—on Howd Vlston Burdf Vpsall burd Vplethun Lan. Vpstane halli Vpton hold W Wabuâ—â—hâ—ll Hangw Wagheâ— hold Walwith hangw Walborne hangw Waldby huns Walden hangw Walgrave Pick. Wolkenton Provost Huns. Walkinton howd. Walton Baynt. Wanlas hangwest Wanford Dic. Wapley Lan. Waplinton Wilton Watlobie Gillinge Warthell bul Warter baynt Warton Wilton Wasland hold Wath halli Watlas hangeast Watles hangeast Waxham hold Weaverthorpe hold Weickliffe Gillingw Well hangeast Welborne Ryd Welborne bulm. Welburne burd Welham buc Welton Howd Welton hold Welton huns Welwicke hold Wensedale hangwest Wenslay hangw Westerdale Lan. Weâ—â—ow buc Westwarige buc Wherleton Castle Lan. Wharram in the street Buc. Whayston Gillingw Wheldrake Derw Whenby bul Whiteside hangw WHITâ—Y Whit. Whitwel Gillingeast Whitwel bul Whereleton Lan. Wickham Ryd Wickham Pick. Wickham Abbey pic Wigginthorpe bul Wigginton bul WIGHTON Holm Wilbefosse Wilton Willerby Dick. Willerby huns Willitost holm Willowbeâ—ke flu Wilsted hold Wilsted hall hold Wilsthorpe dic Wilton Pick. Wilton Lan. Wilton Castle Lan. Wilton Bishops Wâ—l Wintering hangw Winton Aller Wintringham buc Witton east hangw Witton west hangw Wiske flu VVoldnewton Dic. VVoodal hangw VVoodhal Derw VVoodhal park hanw VVomental Rydal VVansforth baynt VVasall Aller VVasall Lan. VVrelton Pic. VVressall holm VVulferton huns VVynestead hold VVythernwick hold VVythernsey hold VVyton hold Y Yafford Gillingw Yapham Wilton YARVM Lan. Yeâ—eley Pic. Yeareslay burd Yeastorpe Rydal Yeddingham buc Yeneiudale Wilton Yoncksleeâ—e howd. YORKE bul Yorkes wade Wilton Youlthorph Wilt. Youre flu Yowton bul Yrton Pick. The Bishopricke of DVRHAM THe Bishoprick of Durham containeth those parts and Town ships that lye betwixt the River Tees and Derwent and all along the Germane-Seas It is neighboured on the North with Northumberland and their Jurisdictions parted by the River Derwent her West is touched by Cumberland Westmorland and from Staine-more divided by the River Tees and by the same water on her South from Yorkshire even unto the Sea and the East is altogether coasted by the Germane-Seas 2 The forme thereof is triangle and sides not much differing for from her South-East unto the West-point are about thirty miles from thence to her North-East and Tyne-mouth are likewise as many and her base along the Sea shore are twenty three the whole in circumference about one hundred and three miles 3 The Ayre is sharpe and very piercing and would be more were it not that the vapours from the German-Seas did helpe much to dissolve her ice and snow and the store of Coales therein growing and gotten doe warme the body and keepe backe the cold which fuell besides their owne use doth yeeld great commodities unto this Province by trade thereof into other parts 4 For soile it consisteth much alike of pastures arable and barren grounds the East is the richest and most champion the South more moorish but well inhabited her West all rockie without either grasse or graine notwithstanding recompenceth her possessors with as great gaine both in rearing up cattle and bringing forth coale whereof all this Country is plentifully stored and groweth so neere to the upper face of the earth that in the trod wayes the cart-wheeles do turne up the same Some hold their substance to bee a clammy kinde of clay hardned with heat abounding in the earth and so becoming concocted is nothing else but Bitumen for proofe wherof these Coales have both the like smell and operation of Bitumen for being sprinckled with water they burne more vehemently but with Oyle are quite extinguished and put out 5 The ancient Inhabitants knowne unto Ptolemie were the Brigantes of whom we have spoken in the Generall of Yorkshire they being subdued by the Romans after whom the Saxons made it a part of their Northumberlands Kingdome at first a Province belonging to the Deirians and enjoyed by Ella their first King afterwards invaded by the Danes and lastly possessed by the Normans whose site being so neer unto Scotland hath many times felt their fury and hath bin as buckler betwixt them and the English for which cause the Inhabitants have certaine freedomes and are not charged with service as other Counties are so that this with Westmorland Cumberland and Northumberland are not divided into Hundreds in those Parliament Rolles whence I had the rest which want I must leave for others to supply 6 Over this County the Bishops thereof have had the Royalties of Princes and the Inhabitants have pleaded priviledge not to passe in service of warre over the River of Tees or Tyne whose charge as they have alledged was to keepe and defend the corps of S. Cuthbert their great adored Saint and therefore they termed themselves The holy-worke-folkes And the repute of this Cuthbert and his supposed defence against the Scots was such that our English Kings in great devotion have gone in pilgrimage to visite his Tombe and have given many large possessions to his Church such were King Egfrid Aelfred and Guthrun the Danc Edward and Athelstan Monarch of England and zealous Canute the greatest of all who came thither bare footed and at Cuthberts Tombe both augmented and confirmed their Liberties This Saint then of nothing made Durham become great and William the Conquerour of a Bishoprick made it a County Palatine at that time William Careleph Bishop of the Diocesse pulled down the old Church which Aldwin had built and with sumptuous cost laid the foundations of a new wherein S. Cuthberts Shrine in the vacancie of the Bishops was the keeper of the Castle-keyes In the West of this Church and place called Gallile the Marble Tombe of venerable Beda remaineth who was borne at Iarro in this County and became a Monk at Weremouth whose painfull industries and light of learning in those times of darkenesse are wonderfull as the Volumes which he wrote do well declare And had the idle Monkes of England imployed their times after his example their founders expectations had not been frustrate nor those foundations so easily overturned But the revenge of sin ever following the actions of sinnes dissolved first the largenesses of this Counties liberties under the raigne of King Edward the first and since hath shaken to pieces those places herein erected under the raigne of King Henry the eight such were Durham Sherborne Stayndrop Iarro Weremouth and Egleton all which felt the reward of their idlenesse and wrath of him that is jealous of his owne honour 7 Things of rare note observed in this Shire are three Pits of a wonderfull depth commonly
Wynander-mere CVMBERLAND CHAPTER XLIIII CUMBERLAND the farthest North-west Province in this Realme of ENGLAND confronteth upon the South of Scotland and is divided from that Kingdome partly by the River Kirsop then crossing Eske by a Tract thorow Solome-Mosse untill it come to the Solwaye Frith by Ptolemie called the Itune Baye The North-west part is neighboured by Northumberland more East-ward with Westmerland the South with Lancashire and the West is wholly washed with the Irish Sea 2 The forme whereof is long and narrow pointing wedge-like into the South which part is altogether pestred with copped hils and therefore hath the name of Cop-land The middle is more levell and better inhabited yeelding sufficient for the sustenance of man but the North is wilde and solitary combred with hils as Cop-land is 3 The Ayre is piercing and of a sharpe temperature and would be more biting were it not that those high hils breake off the Northerne stormes and cold falling snowes 4 Notwithstanding rich is this Province and with great varieties thereof is replenished the hils though rough yet smile upon their beholders spread with sheepe and cattle the vallies stored with grasse and corne sufficient the sea affordeth great store of fish the land over-spread with varietie of fowles and the rivers feed a kinde of Muskle that bringeth forth Pearle where in the mouth of the Irt as they lie gaping and sucking in dew the Country people gather and sell to the Lapidaries to their owne little and the buyers great gaine But the Mines Royall of Copper whereof this Country yeeldeth much is for use the richest of all the place is at Keswick and Newland where likewise the Black Lead is gotten whose plentie maketh it of no great esteeme otherwise a commoditie that could hardly be missed 5 The ancient Inhabitants knowne to the Romans were the Brigantes whom Ptolemie disperseth into Westmerland Richmond Durham Yorke-shire and Lancashire But when the Saxons had over-borne the Britaines and forced them out of the best to seeke their resting amongst the vast Mountaines these by them were entred into where they held play with those enemies maugre their force and from them as Marianus doth witnesse the Land was called Cumber of those Kumri the Britaines But when the State of the Saxons was sore shaken by the Danes this Cumberland was accounted a Kingdome it self for so the flower-gatherer of Westminster recordeth King Edmund saith he with the helpe of Leoline Prince of South-Wales wasted all Cumberland and having put out the eyes of the two sonnes of Dunmail King of that Province granted that Kingdome unto Malcolm King of Scots whereof their eldest sonnes became Prefects This Province King Stephen to purchase favor with the Scots what time he stood in most need of aide confirmed by gift under their Crowne which Henry the Second notwithstanding made claime unto and got as Newbrigensis writeth and laid it againe in the Marches of England since when many bickerings betwixt these Nations herein have hapned but none so sore against the Scotish side as was that at Sollome-Mosse where their Nobilitie disdaining their Generall Oliver Sinclere gave over the Battle and yeelded themselves to the English which dishonour pierced so deeply into the heart of King Iames the fifth that for griefe thereof he shortly after died 6 Many memorable Antiquities remaine and have beene found in this County for it being the Confines of the Romans Possessions was continually secured by their Garrisons where remain at this day parts of that admirable wall built by Severus also an other Fortification from Werkinton to Elns Mouth upon the Sea-shore toward Ireland by Stilico raised when under Theodosius he suppressed the rage of the Picts and Irish and freed the Seas of the Saxons Pyrats Vpon Hardknot hill Moresby Old Carleil Papcastle along the Wall and in many other places their ruines remaine with Altars and Inscriptions of their Captaines and Colonies whereof many have beene found and more as yet lie hid 7 The chiefest Citie in this Shire is Carlile pleasantly seated betwixt the Rivers Eden Petterell and Caud by the Romans called Luguzallum by Beda Luell by Ptolemie Leucopibia by Ninius Caer-Lualid and by us Carlile This Citie flourishing under the Romans at their departure by the furious outrages of the Scots and Picts was dejected yet in the dayes of Egfrid King of Northumberland was walled about but again defaced by the over-running Danes lay buried in her owne ashes the space of two hundred yeers upon whose ruines at length Rufus set his compassionate eye and built there the Castle planting a Colony of Flemings to secure the Coasts from the Scots but upon better advisement removed them into Wales After him Henry his brother and successour ordained this Citie for an Episcopall See whose site is placed in the degree of Longitude from the first West part 17. and 2. scruples and the Pole thence elevated from the degree of Latitude 55. and 56. scruples 8 West from hence at Burgh upon the sand was the fatall end of our famous Monarch King Edward the First who there leaving his Warres unfinished against Scotland left his troubles and soone missed life to his untimely and soone lamented death 9 And at Salkelds upon the River Eden a Monument of seventie seven stones each of them ten foot high above ground and one of them at the entrance fifteene as a Trophie of Victory was erected These are by the By-dwellers called Long Megge and her Daughters 10 This County as it stood in the fronts of assaults so was it strengthned with 25. Castles and preserved with the prayers as then was thought of the Votaries in the houses erected at Carlile Lenecoft Wetherall Holme Daker and Saint Bees These with others were dissolved by King Henry the eight and their revenewes shadowed under his Crowne but the Province being freed from charge of subsidie is not therefore divided into Hundreds in the Parliament Rowles whence we have taken the divisions of the rest onely this is observed that therein are seated nine Market-Townes fiftie eight Parish-Churches besides many other Chappels of ease CUMBERLAND AND THE ANCIENT CITIE CARLILE DESCRIBED WITH MANY MEMORABLE AN TIQVITIES THEREIN FOUND OBSERVED A TABLE of all the Towns in Cumberland A Acton Aglionby Aldby Alhollowes Alne Flu. Alme Allonby Alonby Alwarby Ancautre Kirk Ander Anstable Arladon Armanthwat castle Armanthwat Armebath Artruth Askerton castle Aspatre Austermore B Kirk Banton Little Banton Bardsey hall Barrenwood Parke Basmthauate Beamont S. Bees head S. Bees Bekermond Bew-castle Birtby Black-band Black-hall Blek-hall Blencongey Blenge Flu. Blenkerne Blynroser Blenrake Bodell Bolton Borrodale Boulnesse Bowtell Brakenthwar Braken hill BRAMPTON Brathwate Brathwate S. Brides Bridgeham Bridekirk Brisco Brodwater Bronelston Brounrig Brumfeild Bucknes Burds wold Burgh kirke Burnes Bustwath hill C Cambek Flu. Kirk Cambok Cammerton Cander Canda Flu. Cannonby Cardew Cardronok Carlton Carleton Carleton CARLILE Castle
Caroke Castlesteed Caswald howe Catterley Cauthwate Chappell of the grune Church Cladbek Clifton Coker Flu. Corryhouse COKERMOVTH Combe whitton Copeland Copeland forrest Corby Castle Corno Cote hill Cristenbury crag Crokedale Croglin Church Little Croglin Crosby Crosby Crosthate Croston Cumcatith Culgaith Cumrew D Dacor Flu. Dacor castle Dalemane Dalegarth Darwent fels Darwen Flu. Darwent Flu. Darwen Iland Dauston Dauston hall Denok Flu. Dent hill Denton hall Over Denton Nether Denton Dereham Derwentfote Haven Devonby Deyn. Distinton Douthwait P. Drigg Drumbugh castle Dubmill Dudden Flu. Dunbalrasse stones E Eden Flu. Eden Flu. Ednell Eglesfeild EGREMOND Eimont Flu. Elne Flu. Elneboro Emleton Emsaugh Enerdale Esgill Esk Flu. Eskdale F Fedington Fingland Flimby Forlam Fornside G Gamlesby Gamleby Gargill The Gele crag Gelt Flu. Gilcrosse Gilsland Glasenby Glasen Gofforth The Grange Grastocke Castle Grinsdale Grisedale H Hale Harbybrow Kard-knot Hareridge Hall Harinton Harington Harper hill Hathewate Haton Castle Haton Haughton Hay castle Helbeck crag Hestedach Heskew Hesket Highgate Highyate castle Holme The Horse Head The Houses Hudles kew Huthwate Huton Huton Iohn I IERBY Inglewood forrest S. Iohns S. Iohns Iohnby Irthing Flu. Irton Iet Flu. Isle Itenfeild Itunebay K KESWICK Kirbek Flu. Kirkanders Kirkby The Kirksop foot L The Laith The Lamiford Lamonby Lampley Langanby Langnewton Lasen Lasenby Lathes S. Laurence Legburgh wate Lenecroft White Leven Kirk Leventon Lenton Flu. Black Leven Flu. The Lies Limers dale Lorton Lowbyer Lowswater Lynstoke Castle West Lynton M The Masthorn Materdale Old Mawborow Medowhushwood Melmerby Mewtoo beacon S. Michaels chappell Millum Castle Millum Castle Millum Milne hill Momaster Moresby Mosedale The Mote Motherby The Mynes Royall The Mynes Myterdale N Naworth castle Netherby Newbiggen Newbiggin Newby Newland chappell New-lathes New-more Newton in Ardale Nunny O Orton Overhall Ousby Outerbye Owterside Owton P Pap-castle PENRETH Penrodok Petterell Petterell wrey Plumland Pole Portinskal Pottrose Flu. Punsonby R Raby-Cotes Rauderside hall RAVENGLAS Raughton head chappell Rawthate Redmane Reunok Ribton The Rose castle Rotherby Rowcliffe castle Rowcliffe S Saberham Salkeldes Sawbarron Scalbye Scalby Castle Scascall Seaton Seaton Sellofeld Setmurther Silluth Silverside Skelton Skiddow hill Skinburnesse Skirwith Skutterby Stafle Stainton Stangartiksed Stanwix Stannborn Stapleton Sollome Mosse Sowerby Sowporte Sowterfeild Spade Adam Shire stones upon Wrenosse Sunderland T Tallantre Tarraby Taukin Thakthwate Thornthwate Threlcot Thurbury Flu. Thuresbye Thwate South Tyne Flu. Tomwat hill Torpenny The new Towne Tretermane Trout Bek V Vent Flu. Uffay parke Uldale Ulles Flu. Ullok Unerigg Unthank Unthank Uprightby W Wakthwate Waleton Wampul Flu. VVampall VVardall VVarnell VVarton VVarwick VVasdale chappell Nether Wasdale VVatenlath VVathermelak VVawburthwat WERKINTON VVestward Westward forrest VVesthall Wetherall Whidbek Whitridge Whithaven Whitlaton VVhittyham Whitelose Wiborne Widehope Winsgell With hill Kirses VVold VVulsty Castle THE Countie of Northumberland which the English Saxons called Nort-humberlond hath on the South the Bishopricke of Durham being shut in with the River Derwent and with Tyne the North is confined upon Scotland the West upon part of Scotland and part of Cumberland the East-side lieth altogether upon the Sea called Mare-Germanicum 2 The forme thereof is Triangle and differs not much in the sidings for from her South-East unto the South West-point are neere unto fortie miles from thence to her North-point are sixtie miles and her base along the Sea-shore fortie-five miles The whole in circumference is about one hundred fourtie five miles 3 The Ayre must needs be subtle and piercing for that the Northernly parts are most exposed to extremity of weathers as great windes hard frosts and long lying of snowes c. Yet would it be farre more sharper then it is were not the Germane Seas a ready means to futher the dissolution of her Ice and Snow and the plentie of Coales there gotten a great helpe to comfort the bodie with warmth and defend the bitter coldnesse 4 The Soyle cannot be rich having neither fertility of ground for corne or cattell the most part of it being rough and in every place hard to be manured save onely towards the Sea and the River Tyne where by the great diligence and industrious paines of good husbandry that part is become very fruitfull 5 The ancient Inhabitants of this Countrey mentioned by Ptolemy were called Ottalini Ottadeny and Ottadini which by an easie alteration as Master Cambden saith if it had beene called Ottatini signifying above the Tyne or on the further side of Tyne for so this people were planted there would have beene much consonance both with the name of the Inhabitants and the Position and Site of the Province 6 The chiefest commoditie that enricheth this Countie are those stones Linthancraces which we call Sea-coales whereof there is such plentie and abundance digged up as they doe not onely returne a great gaine to the Inhabitants but procure also much pleasure and profit to others 7 No place of this Province vents forth so many of these Sea-coales into other regions as Newcastle doth being the very eye of all the Townes in this Countie for it doth not onely minister reliefe by such provision to all other parts of England but doth also furnish the wants of forraine Countries with her plentie By meanes of this and the intercourse of Trafficke which it hath the place is growne exceeding rich and populous Before the Conquest it was called Monk-chester having beene as it seemed in the possession of Monkes and Chester being added which signifies a bulwark or place of defence shewes that in ancient time it had been a place of fortification 8 After the Conquest it got the name of Newcastle by the new Castle which Robert the Sonne of William the Conquerour built there out of the ground What it was called in old time is not knowne yet some are of opinion that it may be thought to have been Gatrosentum for that Gateshead the suburbe as it were of the same expresseth in the owne proper signification that British name Gatrosentum It is now most ennobled both by the Haven which Tyne maketh of that notable depth that it beareth very tall ships and is able to defend them against storms and tempests As also by many favours and honours where with it hath beene dignified by Princes for Richard the second granted that a Sword should be carried before the Maior and Henry the sixt made it a Countie consisting of a Corporation within it selfe It is adorned with foure Churches and fortified with strong walls that have eight gates It is distant from the first West line 21. degrees and 30. minutes and from the Equinoctiall line towards the North pole 34. degrees and 57. minutes 9 The utmost towne in England and the strongest hold in all Britaine is Barwick From whence it had the name is not certainely made knowne Some fetch it from Berengarius a Duke never read of some say it was called Beornica-Æ¿ic in the old English-Saxon
in their customes and conditions they come neerer the civill fashions of the English Other matters of moment I finde not worthy to be recorded It hath ten Parishes and one Market Towne being also a Haven and is called S. Peters Port built close by the Peere and Castle Cornet IERSEY THe two Ilands Iersey and Garnsey being the only remaines of the Dukedome of Normandie that in former times many yeers together was in the possession and under the command of the Kings of England annexing therunto a large territory and glorious title to the Crowne are both seated in the Sea called Mare Britannicum the Ocean parting them a good distant asunder and are now both adjuncts and within the circuit of Hampshire For the first being the Isle of Iersey it lyeth upon the British Sea having on the North parts the Coast of Hampshire and on the South the Countrie of Normandie 2 This Iland is long not much unlike the fashion of an egge It containes in length from Sentwon Poole upon the West to Mount Orguil Castle on the East ten miles and in bredth from Dubon Point to Plymount bay six miles the whole circuit of the Iland being thirtie eight miles It is distant from a little Iland called Alderney about foure leagues It was in old time called Caesarea whether from Iulius Octavius or any the other Caesars that followed is unknown But the French-men have by corruption of speech long time called it Iersey 3 It is a very delightsome and healthfull Iland and giveth a pleasant aspect unto the seas It lyeth South-ward not farre from a craggy ridge of rocks which is much feared of the Mariners and makes the passage that way very dangerous howbeit it serves for a forcible defence against Pirats or any strangers that attempt invasion and they are termed Casquets 4 The Soile is very fertile bringing forth store of Corn and Cattle but especially of Sheep that are of reasonable bignesse the most of them bearing foure hornes a peece Their wooll very fine and white of which the Inhabitants make their Jersey Stockings which are ordinarily to be had in most parts of England and yeeld a great commoditie unto the Iland 5 The first originall of the Inhabitants sprung either from the Normans or Britains or both They speake French though after a corrupt manner and have continued their names language customes and Countrey without any or little intermixture these many hundred yeers having been under the jurisdiction of the English ever since the untimely and unnaturall death of Robert Duke of Normandie eldest sonne to William the Conquerour 6 The people of this Countrey live very pleasantly as well by the profits of the Land as the helps and furtherances of the Sea that yeelds unto them and especially in Summer season great store of fish but principally Conger and Lobsters the greatest and fattest upon the coast of England Wood is very scant for their best fuell is Turfe some Coale they have brought unto them but it is very deare straw furre and ferne serving their ordinary uses The middle part of the Iland hath many prety Hils rising in it yeelding a delightfull object unto the vallies that receive from one another a mutuall pleasure 7 The Governour of the I le is the Captaine thereof who appointeth certaine Officers under him the principall of whom carrieth the name and title of a Bailiffe that in civill causes hath the assistance of twelve Jurats to determine of differences and minister Justice in criminall matters seven in matters of reason and conscience five Their twelve are chosen out of the twelve Parishes so that no man goeth further to complaine then to his own Jurate in ordinary controversies but matters of moment and difficultie are determined before the Bailiffe in a generall meeting 8 This I le hath two little Ilands adjacent the one S. Albons the other Hillary Iland It hath twelve Parishes and foure Castles No other Monuments of name or note THE SECOND BOOKE Containing THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES DELIVERING An exact Topographie of the COUNTIES Divisions of their CANTREVES and COMMOTS Descriptions of their CITIES and Shire-TOVVNES WITH A COMPENDIOVS RELATION OF THINGS MOST MEMORABLE IN EVERY OF THEM Performed BY JOHN SPEED LONDON Printed by Iohn Legatt for William Humble 1646. Cum Privilegio DIEV ET MON DROIT ✚ HONI ✚ SOIT ✚ QVI MAL ✚ Y ✚ PENSE ✚ A Catalogue of such Princes sprung from THE ROYALL STEMME OF THE ENGLISH KINGS AS HAVE BEENE Entituled PRINCES OF WALES since the time of that Countries last Conquest and first voluntary subjection under King EDVVARD the First 1 Edward Carnarvon named afterwards Edward 2. son to K. Edward 1. 2 Edward of Windsor afterwards Edward the third 3 Edward the Black Prince sonne to K. Edward 3. 4 Richard of Burdeux sonne to the Black Prince afterwards R. 2. 5 Henry of Monmouth sonne to Henry 4. afterwards H. 5. 6 Henry of Windsor the sonne of Henry 5. afterwards H. 6. 7 Edward of Westminster the sonne of K. H. 6. 8 Edward of Westminster the sonne of K. Edw. 4. 9 Edward the sonne of K. Richard the third 10 Arthur the sonne of K. Henry the seventh 11 Henry the sonne of K. H. 7. afterwards K. H. 8. 12 Edward the sonne of H. 8. afterwards K. Edw. 6. 13 Mary the daughter of K. H. 8. 14 Elizabeth the daughter of K. H. 8. 15 HENRY the sonne of K. IAMES our Soveraigne THE NAMES OF THE COVNTIES IN WALES AS THEY ARE NOVV NVMBRED AND ANNEXED VNTO THE ENGLISH Crowne in such order as we have described them 1 Pembroke-shire 2 Caermarden-shire 3 Glamorgan-shire 4 Brecknock-shire 5 Radnor-shire 6 Cardigan-shire 7 Mountgomery-shire 8 Merioneth-shire 9 Denbigh-shire 10 Flint-shire 11 Caernarvon-shire 12 Anglesey Isle THE GENERALL DESCRIPTION AND SEVERALL DIVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITIE OF WALES ANtiquitie hath avouched that the whole Isle of Britaine was divided into three parts The first and fairest lay contained within the French Seas the Rivers of Severne Dee and Humber called then Lhoyger which name it â—â—t retaineth in Weâ—sh in English called England The second part occupied all the Land North-ward from Humber to the Orkney Sea called by the Latines Mare Caleâ—nium or Deucalidonium now famously known by the name of Scotland The third part was this lying betwixt the Irish Seas the Rivers Severne and Dee and was called Cambria which name doth yet continue with them though we the English call it Wales as the people Welshmen which is strange and strangers for so at this day the dwellers of Tyroll in the higher Germany whence our Saxons are said to have come doe name the Italian their next neighbour a Welsh-man and his language Welsh 2 This opinion Verstegan doth altogether contradict rather judging by the ancient Teutonicke tongue which the Germans spake and wherein the G is pronounced for W that these Saxons called them Gallish from the Gaules whence their originall proceeded rather then Wallish from
for greatest account have been in Caer-lion Chepstow Gold-cliffe Munmouth and Llantony which last stood so solitary and among hils that the Sunne was not seene to shine there but onely betwixt the houres of one and three This Shire is strengthned with fourteen Castles traded with sixe Market Towns divided into sixe Hundreds wherein are situated one hundred twenty and seven Parish Churches and is not accounted among the Welsh-shires being subdued by Henry the second who passing the Nant Pen-carne a small Brooke and of no danger yet held fatall by the Welsh over-credulous to a Prophecie of Merlin Silvester the Brittish Apollo who had foreshewed that when a stout and frecled fac'd King such as Henry was should passe over that Ford then the power of the Welsh-men should be brought under whereby their stout courage was soone abated and the whole Countie the sooner in subjection to the English The Names of the places in this Shire are expressed in a Table Alphabetically gathered in the Page ensuing upon the rest of this Map THE COUNTYE OF MONMOUTH wih the sittuation of the Shire-toweÌ„ Described Ann 1610 ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Monmouth-Shire HVNDREDS IN Monmouth-Shire 1. BErgraveny H. 2. Skenfrith 3. Vske 4. Ragland 5. Caldicot 6. Wenlooge A ABERGEVENNEW Be. Abernsteth Berg. Saint Aruans Cald. Avon Flu. B Bassaleg Wenl Basaleck Wenl Bedwâ—s Wenl Bedwellty Wenly Bettus Ragl. Bettus VVenl. Bettus Chappell Berg. Wealch Bicknor Sken Birthin Flu. Blanagwent VVeln. Blorench Hill Berg. Saint Bride Cald. Saint Bride VVenl. Bryngwyne Ragl. Bysheton Cald. C Caierwent Cald. Caldicote Cald. Carewent Cald. CARLION Vsk. The Chappell Berg. Chappelhill Sken Chappelhill Sken Charston Rock Cald. Chepstow Parke Cald. CHEPSTOW Cald. Christchurch Cald. Cledagnvagh Flu. Clitho Ragl. Coeedkernew VVenl. Colbroke Berg. Connyoy Berg. Coumcarvon Sken Coydkirne VVenl. Creke Cald. Crindye VVeln. Crucorne Berg. D Denny Island Cald. Dewston Cald. Dyngestowe Ragl. Dynham Cald. Dyxston Sken E Edwith Vawre Flu. Edwith Vauchan Flu. Eries Wood Cald. F Fidan Flu. G. Goldecliffe Cald. Goldecliffe Rock Cald. Goldecliffe Point Cald. Goyttren Berg. Lyn Goyde Berg. Gracedue Ragl. The Grange Cald. Greenefeld Castle VVenl. Grysmond Castle Sken Gwarneaolepa VVenl. Gwernesseny Ragl. H Herdwicke Berg. Heuilis VVenl. Howicke Cald. Hothny Flu. I Saint Ielian Cald. Iston Cald. Itton Cald. K Kebby Flu. Kylgoden Berg. Kemis Cald. Kemis Commaunder Berg. Kenueny Flu. Kilgorucke Sken Kirten Beacon VVenl. Kyllcornell Berg. L Llanarth Berg. Llanbadock Vske Llanbed Cald. Llandenny Ragl. Llanaferyng Berg. Llandeuaige Cald. Llandeguith Vske Llandilobatthale Berg. Llandogo Sken Llanfoyst Berg. Llangattokelenyg Berg. Llangattock Vihanauell Sken Llangattock Vibonauell Sken Langattock Berg. Llangeby Vske Llangevye Ragl. Llangevew Vske Llangewa Sken Llangiby Vske Llangomes Ragl. LLANGOVEN Sken Llangston Cald. Llanhenoch Vske Llanhithell Berg. LLANHYLETHE VVeln. Llanllowell Vske Llamnerton Cald. Llannoyth Sken Llannyhangell Berg. Llannyhangell Veddo VVeln. Llannouer Berg. Llan-pyll Sken Llansanffred Berg. Llanssey Sken Llanthâ—ruell Chappell Wenl Llanthenyrytherch Berg. Llantheywye Vske Llanthen Berg. Llanthewy Retherch Berg. Llanthewy Steride Berg. Llantilio Grossmont Sken Llantony Berg. Llantrishen Vske Llanvaier Cald. Llanvaghes Cald. Llanuaner Chappell Sken Llanvapley Berg. Llanveghauan Vske Llanveyre Berg. Llanvihangell Cald. Llanvihangell Tormenith Sken Llanvihangell Berg. Llanvihangell Rag. Llanvitheryn Berg. Llanvreghvaye Vske Llanwaren Cald. Llanwenarth Berg. Llanyhangell Tonney groyse VVenl. Llanyssen Sken Llyn Goyde Berg. M Maghan Wenl Magor Cald. Malpas VVenl. Manihilad Berg. Marshfield VVenl. Marthelly Chappell Cald. Matharne Cald. S. Mellans VVenl. Michaelchurch Berg. Michaelston VVenl. Monnow Flu. MONMOVTH Sken Mounton Chappell Cald. Saint Michael Sken Saint Moughans Sken Mynithisloyn Wenl Mychiltroy Sken N Nashe Cald. Newchurch Cald. Chappell Newith Berg. Bettus Newith Ragl. Newport Haven Wenl NEWPORT Wenl Norton Sken O Olwye Flu. Ould-castle Berg. P Panteage Berg. Parcassik Sken Parkhill Cald. Penalth Sken Penclase Sken Penclawth Ragl. Pencarn Flu Wenl Pencoyde Cald. Penhow Cald. Penhow Cald. Penrose Ragl. Penrose Vske Penteaies hill Berg. Penterry Chappell Sken Saint Pere Cald. Pertholey Berg. Perthing Sken Peterston Wenl Pontemoile Berg. Portesmete Cald. Pyl Flu. Pyl Flu. Q Quenoch Chappell Vske R Ragland Ragl. Redwicke Cald. Riseley Wenl Rocherston Castle Wenl Rockfield Sken Rogeat Cald. Rompney Flu. Rempney Wenl Runston Cald. S Shernewton Cald. Skenssreth Sken Skirivawre hill Berg. Sroway Flu. Stanton Chappell Berg. Strogle Castle Cald. Sudbroke Cald. T Terestent Wenl Throggy Flu. Traowey Ragl. Tredeager Wenl Tredonock Vske Tregayre Ragl. Trelecke Sken Trelecke Graunge Sken Trinitie Chappel Cald. Treuenthen Berg. Trostrey Vske Trothy Flu. Troye Sken Trylaye Berg. Tyntarne Sken Tynterne Abbey Sken Tumberlow Hill Wenl V Vske Flu. VSKE Vske W Warigoch Chappell Berg. Warnde Berg. Wense Wood Cald. Whitt Castle Berg. Whitston Cald. Wick Cald. Wisewood Chase Sken Wolfe Newton Sken Saint Wollos Woudye Cald. Wnnastowe Sken BREKNOCK-SHIRE CHAPTER VII BReknock-shire in the British Language Brechineau so called as the Welch-men relate of a Prince named Brechanius the Father of an holy off-spring whose twentie foure daughters were all of them Saints is a Countie neither very large nor greatly to be praised or disliked of whose bounds upon the North is parted from Radnor with the Rivers Clarwen and Wye the West lyeth butted upon by Cardigan and Caermarden-shires the South is confirmed by Glamorgan and the East with Monmouth and Radnor-shires is wholly bound 2 The length of this Shire from North to South betwixt Llanuthel and Istradgunles are twentie eight English miles and her breadth from East to West extended betwixt Pentrisso and Llywell are twentie the whole in circumference about one hundred and two miles 3 This Countie is full of hils and uneven for travell which on the South part mount in such height that as Giraldus hath written They make the ayre much colder and defend the Countie from the excessive heat of the Sunne whereby a certaine naturall wholesomnesse of ayre maketh it most temperate and on the East side the Mountaines of Talgar and Ewias doe as it were forefence the same Among which there arise and run so many fruitfull springs that their vallies are thereby made most fertile yeelding in plentie both corne and grasse 4 The ancient Inhabitants and possessors of this Shire with the rest in this South Tract were the Silures much spoken of and great opposites to the Romans whose Countries were first made subject by Iulius Frontinus who besides the valour of the enemy had to struggle with the Mountaines and Straits as Tacitus tels us neither any more hard we may well say then them of this Shire whereof one in the South and three miles from Breknock is of such height and operation as is uncredible and were it not that I have witnesse to affirme what I shall speake I should blush to let the report thereof passe from my Pen In my perambulations in these parts remaining in Breknock to observe the site of that Towne
the Aldermen or chiefe Seniors thereof regarding my paines with friendly and courteous entertainments at my departure no lesse then eight of them that had been Bailiffes of the Towne came to visit me where they reported upon their credits and trials that from the top of that hill in the Welch called Mounch-denny or Cadier Arthur they had oftentimes cast from them and down the North-East Rocke their Cloaks Hats and Staves which notwithstanding would never fall but were with the ayre and winde still returned backe and blowne up neither said they will any thing descend from that cliffe being so cast unlesse it be stone or some metalline substance affirming the cause to be the Clouds which are seene to racke much lower then the top of that Hill As strange tales are told of the Meere Llynsavathan two miles by East from Breknock which at the breaking of her frozen Ice maketh a fearefull sound like unto thunder In which place as is reported sometimes stood a faire Citie which was swallowed up in an Earth-quake and resigned her stone-wals unto this deepe and broad water whither unto this day leadeth all the waies in this Shire which as learned Cambden conjectureth might be that Louentrium which Ptolemy in this Tract placeth and the more confirmed by the Rivers name adjoyning being also called Leuenny which River also passeth through this Meere without any mixture of her waters as by the colour thereof is well perceived which glideth thorow it with the same streame and no greater then wherewith she first entred in 5 The Townes for commerce are Hay Bealt and Breknock two of them unfortunate of their former greatnesse whom warres and sedition have defaced and cast down Hay upon VVye and Dulas pleasant for situation in the rebellion of Owen Glendowerdwy was diswalled depopulated and burnt in whose foundations for new repaires many Romane Coines have been found and thereby thought to be a seat of their Legions and Buelth now Bealt though of good frequencie yet not so great as when Ptolemy observed her position for graduation who calleth it Buleum Silurum neither when it with the Countrey was possessed by Aurelius Ambrosius by whose permission Pascensius the sonne of Vortiger ruled all as Ninius writeth nor yet of later times when Leolin the last Prince of the Britaines was therein betrayed and slaine 6 Breknock the Shire-towne for buildings and beautie retaineth a better regard whose walles in Ovall-wise are both strong of good repaire having three Gates for entrance with ten Towres for defence and is in circuit sixe hundred and fortie paces about upon whose West part a most sumptuous and stately Castle is seated the like whereof is not commonly seene whose decayes approching do increase her ruines daily and in the end is feared will be her fall This Towne is seated upon the meeting of two Rivers Houthy and Vske whose yeerely government is committed to two Bailiffes fifteene Aldermen two Chamberlaines two Constables a Town-clerk and two Sergeants their attendants having the Poles elevation in 52.21 minutes of Latitude and for Longitude is placed in the 16. and 32. minutes as the Mathematicians doe measure them 7 This Shire is strengthened with nine Castles divided into six Hundreds wherein are seated three Market Towns and sixtie one Parish-Churches BREKNOKE BOTH SHYRE AND TOWNE described Ann. Domini 16â—0 ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Breknock-shire HVNDREDS in BREKNOCK-SHIRE 1 BEalt Hundred 2 Merthy Hund. 3 Talgarth Hund. 4 Crickhoel Hund. 5 Penkelli Hund. 6 Dyuynnock Hund. A Aberbrayne Merth Aberkinvick Penkel. Aberlleueny Talgarth Aberyskire Merth Capell Afyne Talgarth Altemawre Talgarth B Battle Chappell Merth BEALT Bealt Capell Bettus Dyuyn. Blacke Mountaine Dyuyn. Blaynllynuy Castle Crick Braue Flu. BREKNOCK Penkel. Capell Brengoran Talgarth Bruntllys Talgarth C Capell Callwen Dyuyn. Camlas Flu. Cantrest Penkel. Clarthy Flu. Clarwen Flu. Comartch Flu. Capell Coyelbryn Flu. Craye Flu. Crickadarn Talgarth Crickholl Crick Crickhoel Crick Capell Cunok Merth D Capell Defrunehenthy Merth Delas Flu. Dyuynnock Dyuyn. Dulas Flu. Dylas Flu. Castle Dynas Talgarth G Garthbrenguy Llanthew Merth Gilston Penkel. Glasbury Talgarth Glyn Tawy Dyuyn. Groney Flu. Gwenthur Talgarth Gwetherick Flu. H Haterell Hill Talgarth HAYE Talgarth Henuid Parke Merth Hepsey Flu. Houthy Flu. I Isker Flu. Istradgunles Dyuyn. Istraduelltey Dyuyn. K Ketheden Crick Kethitalgarth Bealt L Llamcamlach Penkel. Llanauanuour Bealt Llanbedde Crick Llanddetty Penkel. Llandiualley Targarth Llandiuilog Merth Llandiloruan Merth Llanelli Crick Llaneliw Talgarth Llangamarth Bealt Llanganten Bealt Llangattuck Crick Llangeney Crick Llangonider Crick Llangors Crick Llangouilog Penkel. Llangoyd Talgarth Llangroney Crick Llangustye Penkel. Llangynyd Crick Llanlleenuell Bealt Llannyllo Talgarth Llansanffred Penkel. Llanspethitt Dyuyn. Llanthetty Penkel. Llanthew Castle Penkel. Llanthewi Aberwessyn Bealt Llanthewi Come Bealt Llanuair Bealt Llanuanuecham Bealt Llanuigon Penkel. Llanuyhangell Vachian Merth Llanuyhangell Bryn pabian Bealt Llanuorted Bealt Llanurenach Penkel. Llanuthull Bealt Llanuillo Penkel. Llanwerne Penkel. Llanygon Talgarth Llanyhangell Manthran Merth Llanyhangell Cumdye Crick Llanyhanglo Penkel. Llanyhangell Aberwessyn Bealt Llanynnis Bealt Llestinan Bealt Lleueny Flu. Lleueny Flu. Lliwell Dyuyn. Llyswen Talgarth M Maesmynys Bealt Towre Maltwalbury Dyuyn. Melta Flu. Metherchynog Merth Mounchdenny Hill Penkel. N Capell Nanty Penkel. Neath Flu. Newton Dyuyn. O Olluannock Dyuyn. P Patrisho Crick Penderyn Dyuyn. Penketh Castle Penkel. Peterchurch Crick Pipton Talgarth Porthamble Talgarth Portheroyes Bealt R Capell Ridbrue Merth S Llyn Sanathan Talgarth Capell Senny Dyuyn. Skethrog Penkel. T Talgarth Talgarth Talyllyn Penkel. Capell Tauechan Penkel. Tauy Flu. Trallong Merth Trangarth Flu. Trausnant Flu. Tre Castle Dyuyn. Tretowre Crick Turch Flu. Tylachthy Penkel. V Tawe Vachan Flu. Neath Vachan Flu. Tawe Vawir Flu. Vaynor Penkel. Vske Flu. Vske Flu. W Weuery Flu. Wye Flu. Y Capell Ylldytt Dyuyn. Yruon Flu. RADNOR-SHIRE CHAPTER VIII RADNOR-SHIRE lyeth bordered upon the North with the Countie Monmouth upon the East toucheth Shropshire and Hereford-shire the Rivers Clarwen and VVye divide it from Breknock in the South and the West part doth shorten point-wise into Cardigan-shire 2 The forme thereof is in proportion triangle every side almost containing a like distance for from West to North are twenty miles from North to South twenty two and from South to West are twenty foure the whole in circumference extending to fourescore and ten miles 3 The Ayre thereof is sharpe and cold as most of Wales is for that the snow lieth and lasteth long unmelted under those shadowing high Hils and over-hanging Rocks 4 The Soyle is hungry though not barren and that in the East and South the best the other parts are rough and churlish and hardly bettered by painfull labour so that the riches of the North and West consisteth chiefly in the brood of Cattle 5 Anciently this County was possessed by the Silures a warlike people and great withstanders of the Romans impositions who had not onely them to fight
other his rebels drawing the Welsh-men wholly to his side in hope to have had Princes restored of their own blood and he maintained the same with wonderfull pride policie and obstinacie for a long time untill his confederates followers and favorites and his owne courage credit and maintenance were brought so low by that powerfull King that in the end he perished for very want of food 5 Their Townes are not many neither those that they have of any stately buildings whereof Bala Dolgeâ—he and Harleâ—h are the Markets By Bala in the North-East of this County in the Welsh Lhintegid in English Pimble-meare a great Poole of water doth drowne at least eight-score Acres of ground whose nature is as the report doth passe that the high-land floods though never so great cannot make her to swell bigger by their receipts but if the aire be troubled with over-great blasts and tempests of windes she in as great a rage riseth and passeth her bankes as if she would encounter that enemy in fight Into the South whereof the two-headed Dee with a pretie sharpe streame entreth and thorow the same glideth without any mixture of the same water as the Inhabitants beleeve more strongly conceited in their opinion for that the Salmon usually taken in Dee is never found in that Poole and the fish called Guiniad bred in that Meare never is seene in the River Dee South thence neere Dolgelhe in a lower hill a great Rampire of stone and compasse is seene and hath beene some fortification or defence in warre which whilst we were curious to finde out some instructions thereof by report this onely we learned that is was called Caddoryrita Dren according to the name of her neighbour and farre higher hill 6 Upon the West and Sea-shore of this Shire Harlech a Market and Major Towne standeth bleake enough and barren but onely for Fowle and Fish houses not many neither curiously built wherein standeth a little Chappel decayed and without use in which lieth buried Sir Richard Thimblebye an English Knight who for the delight hee tooke in that game removed his abode from a farre better soyle Here also standeth a most strong and beautifull Castle mounted upon a hill and with a double Bulwarke walled about commanding the Sea and passage of entrance of such as seeke to invade the Coast. And surely a great pitie it is to see so faire a worke fall to decay the Constable whereof by Patent is ever the Major of this Towne neere unto which are two great Inlets of Seas which at low water may be passed upon the Sands with Guides Upon whose Shore as upon all the Sea-coasts in this County abundance of Herrings are caught for which cause they are much frequented in the season of the yeere by many people from divers Countries 7 This Towne being the chiefest of the Shire the Pole shall be elevated onely from thence whose height for Latitude standeth in the degree 53.29 minutes and for Longitude in the 15.47 minutes The whole being divided into six Hundreds wherein are seated thirtie seven Parish-Churches whose names in the Table following are to be seene MERIONETH+-SHIRE Described 1610 ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Merioneth-Shire HVNDREDS in Merioneth-shire 1 ARdydury 2 Penllyn 3 Ydeirmon 4 Talybont 5 Mowthy 6 Ystymanael A Aberdowye Ystymanael Alwen Flu. Alwen Flu. Angell Flu. Artro Flu. Avon vane Flu. B BALA Penllyn Barmouth Ardydury Benrose Wood Talybont Traeth Bychan Ardydury Buttus ydeirmon C Cayne Flu. Cleton Flu. Clowedok Flu. Mowthy Llyn Cotwry Penllyn Cotsegeddol Ardydury Corwen ydeirmon Cunuell Flu. D Dee Flu. Derye Flu. Desunney Flu. Talybont Desunney Flu. ystymanael Dole ydeirmon DOLGELHE Talybont Douye Flu. Druryd Flu. Dynas Mothus Mowthy E Llyn Eithaye Ardydury F Farles Flu. Festimog Ardydury Funnondo Verduwy Penllyn G Glanllintegid Penllyn Gwannas Mowthy Gwyddelwern ydeirmon H HARLECH Ardydury Hirgum Flu. K Kelyn Flu. Kemmer Abbey Talybont Kessilgum Flu. Kevenreage ydeirmon L Llanagbrethe Talybont Llanaelhairn ydeirmon Llanbeder Ardydury Llandderfel Gadern Penllyn Llandanog Ardydury Llandeber Flu. Llandekwyn Llandegryn Talybont Llandryllo ydeirmon Llaâ—fawr Yn Melyn Penllyn Llanfechraith Talybont Llangor ydeirmon Llanglynnin Talybont Llangower Penllyn Llansansfred ydeirmon Llanenthowin Ardydury Llanthoyway Ardydury Llanwrothen Ardydury Llanvihangell Y Pennant ystymanael Llanyhangell ydeirmon Llanvair ydeirmon Llanunier Llanullyn Penllyn Llanyhangell y traythe Ardyd Llanykill Penllyn Llanymorothwy Mowthy Llanywhyllyn Penllyn Llavern Flu. Llavyltyd Ardydury Llenegryn Talybont Lleyngoryl Flu. Llue Flu. Llyn y combe Ardydury Llyn Tegid Penllyn Llyn Troweryn Penllyn Llyn Teckoyn Ardydury Llyn Eithaye Ardydury M Monach doure Flu. Mothvaye Flu. Maynlloyd Mowthy Maynturog Ardydury N Nanney Talybont P Penal ystymanael R Rarannare Hill Penllyn Rhedok ydeirmon Rhedok ydeirmon Rulace Penllyn S Sarnabugh Point Talybont Skethye Flu. T Taly Llyn ystymanael Thehery Castle ystymanael Llyn Tegid Penllyn Towin Meryonidd ystymanael Traeth Mawer Ardydury Traeth Bychan Ardydury Trawffynydh Ardydury Troweryn Flu. Llyn Troweryn Penllyn V Velynrydd Flu. Y Llyn Ycombe Ardydury DENBIGH-SHIRE called in Welsh Siâ—e Denbigh retiring more from the Sea within the Countrey on this side of the River Conwey shooteth Eastward in one place as farre as to the River Dee on the North first the Sea for a small space and then Flint-shire encompasseth it on the West Caernarvon and Merioneth-shire on the East Cheshire and Sâ—ropshire and on the South Mountgomery-shire 2 The forme thereof is long growing wider still towards the North-west narrower towards the East It is in length from East to West one and thirty miles and in breadth from North to South seventeen miles in the whole circuit and circumference one hundred and foureteen miles 3 The ayre is very wholesome and pleasant yet bleake enough as exposed to the winds on all sides and the high hils wherewith it is in many places environed long retaining the congealed snow The tops whereof in the Summer time are the harvest mens Almanacks by the rising of certain vapours thereon in the mornings and foreshew a faire day ensuing 4 The Soyle is but barren towards the West part yet the middle where it lieth flat in a valley is most fertile The East side when it is once past the valley findeth Nature to be a very sparing niggard of her favours but next unto Dee it feeleth a more liberall extent of her blessings The west part is but here and there inhabited and mounteth up more then the other with bare and hungry hils yet the leannesse of the soil where the hils settle anything flattish hath been now a good while begun to be overcome by the diligent pains and carefull industrie of the husbandmen for they paring away the upper coat of the earth into certaine Turfes with a broad kind of spade pile them up artificially on heaps and fire them so as being turned into ashes and thrown upon the ground so pared they fructifie the hungry barrennesse and
sterilitie of soile and make the fields bring forth a kind of Rye or Amellcorne in such plenty as is hardly to be beleeved 5 The ancient Inhabitants of this Countrey were the Ordovices who be also named Ordovices or Ordovicae a puissant and courageous people by reason they kept wholly in a mountainous place and took heart even of the soyle it selfe for they continued longest free from the yoke both of Roman and also of English dominion They were not subdued by the Romans before the dayes of the Emperor Domitian for then Iulius Agricola coÌ„quered almost the whole Nation nor brought under the command of the English before the Raigne of King Edward the first but lived a long time in a lawlesse kind of libertie as bearing themselves bold upon their owne magnanimitie and the strength of the Countrey 6 The Mountains of this Countrey yeeld sufficiencie of Neat Sheep and Goats The Vallies in most places are very plenteous of Corn especially Eastward on this side betwixt the rivers of Alen and Dee but the more Westerly part is healthy and altogether barren The heart of the Shire shews it self beneath the hils in a beautifull and pleasant Vale reaching seventeen miles in length from South to North five miles or ther-abouts in breadth and lieth open onely toward the Sea It is environed on every side with high hils amongst which the highest is Moillenlly on the top whereof is a warlike Fense with Trench and Rampire and a little Fountain of clear water From these hils the River Cluyd resorts unto this Vale and from the very Spring-head increased with becks and brooks doth part it in twain running through the midst of it whereof in ancient time it was named Strat Cluyd for Marianus maketh mention of a King of the Strat Cluyd of the Welsh And at this day it is commonly called Diffryn Cluyd that is The Vale of Cluyd This thing is worthy observation as a matter memorable both for admiration and antiquitie that in the Parish of Llan-sanan within this Countrey there is a place compasse cut out of the main Rocke by mans hand in the side of a stony hill wherein there be foure and twenty seats to sit in some lesse some bigger where children and young men coming to seek their cattell use to sit and to have their sports And at this day they commonly call it Arthurs round Table 7 Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne obtaining Denbigh by the grant of King Edward the first after the conviction and beheading of David brother of Llewellin for high treason was the first that fortified it w th a wal about not large in circuit but very stroÌ„g and on the south-side with a fair castle strengthned with many high towers But he gave it over left the work unfinished conceiving griefe as a sorrowfull father that his onely sonne came to untimely death and was drowned in the Well thereof The same of this Town spreads it selfe farre for repute as being reckoned the most beautifull place in all North-Wales it is of no lesse report for the castle adjunct unto it is impregnable for fortificatioÌ„ And this strange accident hapning there in the yeer 1575 deserves not to be omitted being left as a continual remembrance of Gods mercifull providence and preservation at that time that where by reason of great Earth-quakes many people were put into great fear and had much harme done unto them both within and without their houses in the Cities of York Worcester Glocester Bristow Herefored and in other Countries adjacent yet in the Shire-hall of Denbigh the bel was caused to toll twice by the shaking of the earth and no hurt or hindrance at all either done or received The governmeÌ„t of this town is managed by two Aldermen two Bailiffes who are yeerly elected out of twenty five Burgesses that are their assistants It hath one Recorder one town-Clerk and two Sergeants at Mace and by observation of the Mathematicks the Pole is elevated in the degree of Latitude 53. 49. scruples and from the first West point in Longitude 16. and 45. 8 This County with them of Flint and Carnarvon-shires are not divided by pricks into their several hundreds in their Cards according to the rest of this work the want of their particulars in the Parliament Rowls so causing it which for the good of these 3. Shires I earnestly sought to have supplied from the Nomina Villarum in their Sheriffes books had promise of them that might easily have procured the same But whether a fearlesse jealousie possessed their spirits lest the riches of these Shires by revealing such particulars should be further sought into I cannot say yet this I have observed in all my Survey that wher least is to be had the greatest fears are possessed Take these Shires therefore to be done as I could and not as I would that wish both the wealth of them all and their esteem to be of better regard by those that may do them good 9 This Shire then is divided into twelve Hundreds for the readier ordering of businesses necessary to the State of the Countrey wherein are placed 3. Market Towns fit for buying and selling and other negotiations It hath 5. Castles to defend her selfe and to offend her enemies and 57. Parishes for Gods divine service and worship as this Table more particularly expresseth DENBIGH SHIRE ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Denbigh-Shire HVNDREDS in Denbigh-shire 1. BRomfeild 2. Yale 3. Chirkland 4. Issallet 5. Vchallet 6. Istulas 7. Vochdulas 8. Kynmerche 9. Ruthin 10. Llannerche 11. Collion 12. Dogvylyn A Abenbury Abergele Aled Flu. Alen Flu. Alen Bachan Flu. Almere Alwen Flu. B Bachinbid Barrog Barhavern Bers Bettus Bodederis Landegley Breynegloys Bystock C Place Cadogan Chirk Chirk Castle Christioneth Flu. Clawedok Flu. Clawedok Flu. Clocanok Cluyd Flu. Cluyd Flu. Comon wood D Dasart Castle Denas brayn DENBIGH Derwen E Eglos Egluyseg Elwy Flu. F Foxholes Chappell Funhown vaier G Chappell Garmon Gresford Gwenurow Flu. Gwetheryn Gyrow Flu. H Hauotawern Hendray Hespyn Flu. Heullan Holt parke Holt Castle Holyn I Iscoid Chappell K Kenlet Flu. Keriog Flu. Chappell Ky L Llanarmon Llanarmon Llanarmon Defrine Keriog Llanbeder Llancadwalater Llanddlas Llandisilio in Devouret Llandurnog Llanegwaâ—t Abbey Llanelian Llanelidan Llanganhaual Llangedwin Llangiruew Langollen Llangum Llangwiuen Llanhiclian Llankerigedredion Llanrayder Llanrust Llansanfrayd in Glyn. Llansanfraid Llansaiman Llanshanshare Llansyllyn Llanthiged Llanvaier Llanvarog Llanverres Llanusyd Llannunnis Llanyader Amoughnant Llaruth Llavaier Lleuenye Lleueny Flu. Lleueny Llynaled M Manyan Flu. Markwiell Maysmynan Melendydar Flu. Moyluinlle hill Chappell Moynglathe N Nanclin Neag Flu. Newhall P Chappell Pentreuidog Pergwerne Plasward R Ruâ—bon RVTHIN Ryader Flu. S Snediok parke T Tauat Tiherion V Vagli Veneghtid W Wheler Flu. Whitchurch WREXHAM Y Place Ycha Yspity FLINT-SHIRE stretching out in length broad
the Land-lords prey till King Malcolme enacted that half a marked should be paid for redemption The residence of those fore-mentioned Kings was chiefly in Ila Bunals and Iona now Columbkill where as Donald Munro who travelled thorow these Ilands reporteth are three Tombes having the severall Inscriptions of the Kings of Scotland of Ireland and of Norway 19 Among these Westerne Ilands the Hebrides Skie Mula Ila and Arran are the greatest All of them plentifull of Corne Woods Salmons and Herrings as others of Conies Deere Horses and Sheepe where in some they are wilde and in others without any owners but the people uncivill and lacking Religion they rather live rudely in state of necessitie then as Lords of these portions which God hath allotted them and with a sufferable ease ignorant of ambition enjoy those contentments which some others though they no great summe doe more laboriously attaine unto by the Precepts of Philosophy for feeding themselves with competencie without any excesse they returne all the overplus unto their Lords as doe the Inhabitants of Hirta and Rona but alas Religion not knowne among them these penurious vertues are rather the curses of Cham then the followings of Christ who forbids us to be too carefull for the morrow 20 The Iles of Orkenay upon the North of Scotland lying in a most raging and tempestuous Sea are about three and thirtie in number whereof thirteene are inhabited and the other replenished with Cattle in these are no venemous Serpents nor other ugly vermine the aire sharpe and healthfull and the soyle apt to beare onely Oates and Barley but not a sticke of wood among these Pomonia is the greatest accounted and called the Maine-land affording sixe Minerals of Lead and Tinne and in her chiefe Towne a Bishops See wherein are seated twelve Parish-Churches one of them very Magnificent for so remote a Countrey 21 Of all the Romanes Iulius Agricola first discovered the Orkenayes yea and subdued them if we will beleeve Tacitus but Pomponius Mela that wrote thirtie yeers before him doth mention them and Invenal in Hadrians time after him tels us the Romanes had wonne them and lastly Claudian nameth Saxons that were slaine in them and so doth Ninius name Octha and Ebissus Saxon Commanders who in their roving Pinnaces wasted the Orkenayes These Ilands Donald Bune the usurper of the Scottish Crowne gave to the King of Norway for his assistance and by the Norwegians were they held the space of an hundred and sixtie yeers untill that Alexander the third King of Scotland with sword and composition got them from Magnus the fourth King of Norway which afterward King Haquin confirmed unto King Robert Bruce but lastly Christian the first King of Norway and Denmarke utterly renounced all his right to those Ilands when he gave his Daughter in marriage unto King Iames the third which deed was further ratified by the Pope who openeth the way to the possession of Kingdoms with his own key 22 More North and further then this Chart could well expresse lye the Isles of Shetland of some thought to be Thule and by the Commenter upon Horace the Fortunate Iland where as Tzetzes fabuleth the souls of good men are ferryed into those Elizian fields that ever grow greene and whence Iulius Caesar could hardly be drawne as Muretus hath written but their fictions intended onely that the vertâ—â—â—â—s souls of the dead passed the uttermost bounds of earthly abode and attained to an over-pleasing repose and ever-flourishing happinesse which whether they borrowed from the description of Paradise taken both for a faire Garden and the souls happie rest I cannot define but sure they would not have made those fields alwayes greene if they had seene how they lye ever covered with Ice and Snow being in the 36. degree of Latitude as Ptolemie hath placed it where for the most part is a continuall Winter but for proofe that this was the Thule besides Ptolemies Positure Saxo Grammaticus betwixt Norway and Scotland hath placed it and Solinuâ— two dayes sayling from the point of Caledonia and Tacitus saith that the Romanes kenned Thule afarre off as they sayled about Britaine by the Orcades and lastly Mela maketh it to face Berge a Citie in Norway THE FOVRTH BOOKE Containing THE KINGDOME OF IRELAND WITH AN EXACT CHOROGRAPHICALL DIMENSION OF THE PROVINCES THEREIN CONTAINED AND THOSE AGAINE DIVIDED INTO THEIR SEVERALL COVNTIES TOGETHER With a compendious Description of that NATION and ILANDS COMMODITIES BY IOHN SPEED LONDON Printed by Iohn Legatt for William Humble 1646. Cum Privilegio THE PARTICVLAR COVNTIES IN THE FOVRE SEVERALL PROVINCES OF IRELAND AS NOW THEY ARE DIVIDED AND LIMITED MOVNSTER Limmerick Kery Corke Waterford Desmond Holy Crosse in Typperary LEINSTER East Meath West Meath Kilkenny Caterlough Queenes Countie Kings Countie Kildare Weshford Dubline CONNAVGHT Clare or Towmund Gallaway Maio. Slego Letrim Roscoman VLSTER Dunghall or Tyr-connell Tyrone-upper Tyrone-nether Farmanagh Cavon Monaghan Colran Antrim Doun Armagh Lough DIEV ET MON DROIT ✚ HONI ✚ SOIT ✚ QVI MAL ✚ Y ✚ PENSE ✚ IRELAND AS IT VVAS AND IS INHABITED THE SITE AND COMMODITIES OF THE 1LAND DESCRIBED AND DECLARED THE Traditions of time have delivered unto us divers names whereby this famous Island is recorded to have been called yet none of more faire probabilitie then that of Orpheus Aristotle and Claudian by whom it is named Ierna by Iuvenall and Mela called Inverna by Diodorus Siculus Iris by Martian of Heraclea Ioyepnia by Eustachius Oyernia and Bernia by the native Inhabitants Erya by the Britaines Yuerdon the Welsh-bards in their Ballads Triuolas Totidanan and Banno and by the English Ireland But from whence these diversities were derived arise many opinions Doubtlesse it is that Hibernia Inverna and Overnia came from Ierna spoken of by Orpheus and Aristotle and the same Ierna as also Iris Iuerdhon and Ireland and Erin the terme that the Inhabitants now use From this Erin therefore a word proper to the Nation the originall is most likely to be deduced 2 Some derive Hibernia from Hiberno tempore that is from the Winter season some from Hiberus a Spaniard some from a Duke named Irnalph some againe from the ancient River Iberus and some from Hiere an Irish word which signifieth the West or a westerne coast whence Erin may also seeme to fetch the derivation for it lyeth furthest Westward of any Region in all Europe As also for that the River running in the most remote West part of this Iland is in Ptolemy called Iernus like as the furthest western Promontory in Spaine from whence our Irish men came is by Strabo called Ierne and the River next unto it by Mela Ierna yea and Spaine it selfe for the Westerne situation is called Hesperia the West-Cape of Africke Hesperium and in Germany Westrich and Westphanlen from their position have their names Postelius a man that rather followed his owne fancy then the judgement of others fetcheth the
as also for the faithfull loyaltie which it hath alwayes shewed to the Imperiall Crowne of England for ever since it was wonne by Richard Earle of Pembroke it still performed the obedience and peaceable offices of dutie andervice unto the English as they continued their course in the conquest of Ireland whence it is that the Kings of England have from time to time endowed it with many large Franchises and lâ—berties which King Henry the seventh did both augment and confirme 8 Although since the time if S. Patricke Christianitie was never extinct in this Countrey yet the government being haled into contrary factions the Nobilitie lawlesse and the multitude wilfull it hath come to passe that Religion hath waâ—ed with the temporall common sort more cold and feeble being most of them very irreligious and addicted wholly to superstitious observations for in some parts of this Province some are of opinion that certaine men are yearely turned into Wolves and made Wolfe-men Though this hath been constantly affirmed by such as thinke their censures worthy to passe for currant and credible yet let us suppose that happily they be possessed with the disease and maladie that the Physitians call Lycanthropi which begetteth and engendreth such like phantasies through the malicious humors of Melancholy and so oftentimes men imagine themselves to be turned and transformed into formes which they are not Some again embrace another ridiculous opinion and perswade themselves that he who in the barbarous acclamation and outcâ—y of the Souldiers which they use with great forcing and straining of their voyces when they joyne battell doth not howte and make a noise as the rest doe is suddenly caught from the ground and carryed as it were flying in the aire out of any Countrey of Ireland into some desert vallies where he feedeth upon grasse drinketh water hath some use of reason but not of speech is ignorant of the present condition he stands in whether good or bad yet at length shall be brought to his own home being caught with the helpe of Hounds and Hunters Great pitie that the soule fiend and father of darknesse should so grievously seduce this people with misbeliefe and that these câ—rrours be not chased away with the truth of Christian Religion whereby as they carry much grace in their countenanceâ— they may also not be void of the inward grace of their soules and understanding 9 This Province hath been sore wasted in the rebellions of Desmond to whose aide Pope Gregory the thirteenth and Philip K. of Spaine sent certaine companies of Italians and Spaniards who arrived not farre from Dingle fortified themselves and gave it the name of Fort de Ore sounding loud threats against the whole Countrey But Arthur Baron Grey Lord Deputie of Ireland at the first onset decided their quarrell by sheathing his sword in their bowels and Desmondâ—earefully â—earefully flying into the Woods was by a Souldier cut shorter by the head And againe when the Kingdome of Ireland lay bleeding and put almost to the hazzard of the last cast Don Iohn D' Aquila with eight thousand Spaniards upon confidence of the excommunications of Pius the fift Gregory the thirteenth and Clement the eight Popes all of them discharging their curses like unto thunderbolts against Queene Elizabeth of blessed memory landed neere unto Kinsalâ— presuming that the rebellions of Tyrone had turned the hearts of the Irish for Rome Sir Charles Blunt Lord Montjoy in the depth of Winter and with his tired souldiers so daunted their Spanish hearts that with one victory he repressed their bragging boldnesse and recovered the Irish that were ready to revolt 10 God hath oftentimes shewed his tender love and affection to this people in laying his fatherly chastisements and afflictions upon them sometimes by windes sometimes by famine and dearth and sometimes againe by opening his hand of plentie into their laps to convert them to himselfe and to divert their hearts from superstitions In the yeare 1330. about the Feast of Saint Iohn Baptist there began such a dearth of Corne in this Countrey by the abundance of raine and the inundation of waters which continued untill Michacimas following that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twentie shillings a Cranoc of Oates for eight shillings a Cranoc of Pease Beanes and Barley for as much The windes the same yeare were so mightie that many were hurt and many slaine â—ut-right by the fall of houses that was forced by the violence of the same The like whereof were never seene in Ireland In the yeare 1317. there was such a dearth of corne and other victuals that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twentie three shillings And many Housholders that before time had sustained and relieved a great number were this yeare driven to begge and many famished In the time of which famine the mercy of God so disposed that upon the 27. day of June in the yeare 1331. there came to land such a mightie multitude of great Sea-fishes that is Thursâ—eds such as in many ages past had never been seene that the people were much comforted in this distresse and received great reliefe and sustenance by the same 11 Places of Religion in this Countrey were the two Abbies at Yoghall called the North-Abbey and South-Abbey The two Abbies at Limcricke S. Francis Abbey and S. Dominicke Abbey The two Abbies at Corke the Abbey of the I le and S. Francis Abbey and the famous Abbey in times past of the holy Crosse which hath had many priviledges and liberties granted unto it in honour of a peece of Christs Crosse that was as they say sometimes preserved there Thus were Christians perswaded in ancient times And it is a wonder in what Troopes and Assemblies people doe even yet conflow thither upon devotion as unto a place of holinesse and sanctitie so firmely are they setled in the Religion of their Fore-fathers which hath been increased beyond all measure by the negligent care of their Teachers who should instruct their ignorance and labour to reduce them from the errours they persevere in This Province is governed by a Lord President who hath one Assistant two learned Lawyers and a Secretary to keepe it in dutie and obedience It was in times past divided into many parts as Towoun that is North-Mounster Deswoun that is South Mounster Hierwoun that is West-Mounster Mean-Woun that is Middle-Mounster and Vrwoun that is the Front of Mounster But at this day it is distinguished into these Counties Kerry Desmond Limericke Tipperary Holy-Crosse Waterford and Corke which Countie in times past had been a Kingdome containing with it Desmond also for so in the Grant given by King Henry the second unto Robert Fitz-Stephen and to Miles de Cogan it is called in these words Know ye that I have granted the whole Kingdome of Corke excepting the Citie and Cantred of the Oustmans to hold for
ibid. Brecknock-shire how bounded 109.1 Why so named ibid. The dimension of it 109 2 The nature of the soyle 3 By whom inhabited in old time 4 In Brecknock-shire what Hundreds Townes and memorable places 110 Brecknocke Towne and Castle how seated 109.6 The graduation of it Ibid How governed Ibid. Brigantes in England where seated 75.5 79.4 87.5 83.5 85.5 Brigantes or Birgantes in Ireland whence they tooke name 141.4 Saint Brigid much esteemed in Kildare 141.8 Saint Brioch or Brien a Town in Britain Armorica whence it had denomination 139.6 Saint Briochus where borne and bred 139.6 Bristow a beautifull Citie 23.7 47.8 A County by it selfe 23.7 47.8 How governed 23.7 Great Britaine how far it extends 1.2 The greatest Island of the Roman world ibid. What Countries abut upon it 1.3 Her Eulogies 1.3 4 The site thereof 1.2 Sometime no Island 1.6 Slenderly known to Iulius Caesar 2.8 Divided into Kingdoms in Caesars time 2.9 The supposed divisiō thereof to Brutus three sonnes 2.10 Britaine into three parts divided 99.1 Britaine the lesse in Ptolemy is Ireland 2.11 Britaine great and lesse how to be taken 2.12 Britaine the higher what it is in Dio 2.13 Britaine the lower what it is in Dio ibid. Britaine divided by Severus into two Provinces higher and lower 2.13 Divided into three parts 2 14 Britannia prima secunda maxima Caesariensis 2.14 Britaine divided into five parts 2.15 Prima how limited 2.15 15 Secunda how bounded ibid. Maxima Caesariensis how limited 2.15 Britaine for greatnesse the second Island in the world 137.4 Britaines Conquest highly respected of the Romanes 2 17 Britaines triumph magnificent 2.17 Brittish Brickes 77.6 Brittish Islands which they be 1.3 Buckingham-shire why so called 43.1 How bounded 43.2 The dimension of it ibid. The aire and soile 43.3 The Commodities ibid. By whom in old time inhabited 43.4 Places of Religion therein 43.7 Hundreds Towns therein 44 Buckingham Town how seated 43.5 How governed ibid. The graduation of it ibid. Buleum Silurum 109.5 Bullingbroke the birth-place of King Henry the fourth 63 7 Bur◠a River in Norfolke 35 3 Burgheses 4.7 Burgh under Stanemore 85.8 The same that Vertera ibid. Busie-gap 89.13 Buxston Wells 67.8 C Caer-Caradoc why so called 71.5 Caer-diff the fairest Towne of all South-Wales 105.4 How governed ibid. The site thereof ibid. Caer-diff Castle where Robert Curthose was kept prisoner 105.4 Caer-digan shire how bounded 100.16 113.1 Townes Castles Cantreves and Commots therein 100.16 The County given to Gilbert de Clare 113.5 The forme and dimension thereof 113.2 Commodities thereof 113 4 Hundreds Townes Rivers c. in it 114 Caer-digan Towne upon Tivi 100.16 How seated and by whom fortified 113.7 The graduation thereof ibid. Caer-legion is Westchester 73 7 Caer-leon an Arch-bishops See 6 Caer-lheon upon Vske 110 20 Caer-marden shire how divided into Cantreves Commots 100.18 How it is bounded 103 1 The forme and aire of it 103.2 3 By whom in old time possessed 103 4 The Commodities it yeeldeth ibid. 5 Hundreds Townes c. in it 104 Roman Coyns there found 103.4 Carmarden town what names it hath 103.6 How governed 103.6 The position thereof ibid. Caernarvon-shire how bounded 99.9 123.1 What names it hath 123 1 The forme and dimension of it ibid. 2 The aire and soile ibid. 3 4 In it Pearls engendred 123 5 Cantreves and Commots in it 99.9 By what people in old time inhabited 123.5 Townes Rivers and memorable places 124. Caernarvon Towne or Citie within a Castle 123.6 The civilitie and government thereof 123.6 The position ibid. 99.9 Caer-Segont i. Carnarvon 99.9 Caesaria See Iersey Caledonia Wood in Scotland 123.12 Caledonium or Deucaledonium Sea 99.1 Caledonii 2.12 Calphurnius Father of Saint Patricke 101.7 Camalet Hill in Sommersetshire 23.10 Camalodunum See Malden Cambria Cambri Cambraoc 99.2 Cambridge-shire how named by the Saxons 37.1 How bounded ibid. The length bredth and circumference of it 37.2 Whence it came to be so called 37.4 What Religious houses therein 37.3 Commodities thereof 37 6 Hundreds and Townes therein 38 Cambridge towne and graduation 37.4 Made an Vniversitie ibid. Came a River in Cambridge-shire 37.3 Candal See Kendal Cangi where they inhabited 37.5 Canterbury a very ancient Citie 7.8 The glory and graduation of it 7. ◠Canterburie Arch-bishop Primate of all England 6.7 Metropolitane and his jurisdiction 5.4 King Canute with his Danes overthrowne 17.4 Canutus Delfe See Swords Delfe 57.1 Caractacus a valiant British Prince 71.5 Caresbrooke Castle in the Isle of Wight 15.7 The position or graduation of it ibid. At Carleton in Leicester-shire they wharle in their speech 61.2 Carlilo Citie how seated 87 7 An Episcopall See 87.7 What names it had 87.7 A Colony of Flemmings ibid. The Castle built ibid. The position thereof ibid. Carreg Castle 103.7 Caruca and Carucata what it is 57.3 Casquets what rockes 94.3 Casterford 78.10 Called Legeolium ibid. Cassii what people and where planted 39.4 Castle Cornet in Garnsey 94.8 Castor in Norfolke sometime Venta Icenorum 35.5 Catarick or Cattrick bridge an ancient place 79 7 Cattieuchlani where seated 39.4 41.4 43.4 Catigern slaine in Battle 7 11 A Cave or Chinke yeelding a strange noise 105.6 Cauci people in Ireland 104 4 Ceangi See Cangi Ceaulin defeated by the Britaines dieth in exile 25 6 Robert Cecil the worthy Earle of Salisbury 25.7 Centuriatae or Hundreds why so called 57.3 Ceorle or Churle 4.7 Chamber in the Forrest 73 7 Charlos Duke of Orleance taken prisoner 9.8 Chersey in Buckingham-shire 43.4 Cheese in Essex 31 6 Cheese in Suffolke 33.5 Cheshire how bounded 73 1 The forme ayre and Climate 73.2 3 The soyle ibid. 4 Cheese there the best 73 4 The men described ibid. 5 Chiefe for men and women ibid. Alwayes true and loyall to their Soveraigne ibid. Their Gentry ibid. Made a Principalitie ibid. A Countie Palatine ibid. The Commodities thereof 73.7 Hundreds and Townes therein 74 Chester Citie alias West Chester 73.7 The Minster or Cathedrall Church by whom built 73.7 A Corporation of it selfe 73.7 The position thereof 73.7 Chester Earledome 73.8 Chester in the Street sometime Condercum 83.9 Chichester Citie 9.6 Chichester the Cathedrall Church built and twice burnt ibid. Chichester hath borne the title of an Earledome ibid. The position thereof ibid. Chiltern-hills 43.3 Chirke Castle in Chirkeland 100.12 Chorographicall Tombe of this worke 1.1 Christ his Passion cut in stone by David 2. King of Scots prisoner 65.7 Cidre See Sidre Cimenshore in Sussex why so called 9.7 Cinque Ports 7.5 Circester why called Passerum Vrbi 47.9 How named in old time ibid. Of what circuit in times past ibid. Cites or Kitescote the Monument of Catigern 7.11 Citie built Saint Cuthbert in Farne Isle 93 Clare County See Twomund Clawdh Offa. See Offa ditch Clausentium now Southampton 13.10 Cleicester where it stood 61.7 Cley a part of Nottinghamshire 65.7 Coccles on the top of Mountaines 79.6 Coinage in
old time 57.5 Cole in pits of what substance 83.4 Cole-pits in the Bishopricke of Durham 83.4 Cole in pits at Cole-Overton in Leicester-shire 61.1 Colchester by whom built 31 7 In Colchester Constantine the great borne 31.7 Colchester how fortified 31.7 whereof it taketh name 31 7 The civill government and graduation of Colchester ibid. Colledges which were first endowed with lands in all Christendome 45.7 Columbkill where the Kings of Scotland Ireland and Norway were entombed 132.18 Combat betweene Edmond Ironside and Canutus 47.10 Comius Attrebas or of Arras 27.5 Commodus the Emperour his Hercules-like Statue 79.7 Concani See Gangani Concha mother to Saint Patricke 101.7 132.12 Condercum See Chester in the Street Coning i. King why so called 4.7 Connaught Province how it is bounded 143.1 The forme and dimension thereof 143.2 The Aire and Bogghes ibid. 3 By whom inhabited in old time 143.5 Extream famine there 143.8 What religious houses there 143.9 Counties and Townes there 144 Constantius Chlorus the Emperour died at Yorke 78.9 His Sepulcher 78.11 Conwy river how named in old time 123.6 Iohn Cobland a famous and valiant Esquire In the Map of Durham Bishopricke Cobland a part of Cumberland 87.2 Copper-Mine at Wenlocke in Shropshire 71.9 In Cumberland 87.4 Corinaeus 22 Coritani where they inhabited 55.4 59.6 61.4 67.4 Corham or Coverham Abbey 79.8 Corke Countie in Ireland sometime a Kingdome 139 Corke Citie in Mounster how seated 139.6 An Episcopall See ibid. The marriage of the Citizens ibid. Cornavii what countries they held 51.4 53.4 69.5 71.5 73.5 Cornwall why so called 3.2 21.1 Of what temperature for aire it is 21.2 Almost an Isle 21.4 The soile 21.3 The dimension thereof 21.3 The ancient and moderne Inhabitants 21.5 It giveth title of Earle and Duke 21.6 What commodities it yeeldeth 21.7 Religious houses therein 21.10 Hundreds and Townes therein 22 Cottons Family of Coningham in Huntingtonshire 58.8 Coventry a well walled Citie 53.5 A Corporation and Countie by it selfe 53.5 Counsell of the Marches of Wales ordained 71.7 Counsell at Yorke erected 78 9 Courts of Iustice altered by King William Conquerour 5.3 Caway Stakes 29.6 Crediton or Kirton a Bishops See translated to Excester 19.6 Cretingsbury 58.10 Sir Adam de Cretings ibid. Robert Bossu Crouch-backe Earle of Leicester rebelleth 61.6 Buildeth the Abbey of St Maries de Pratls neere Leicester 61.6 Hee becommeth a Canon Regular 61.6 Cuba an Island 1.2 Cumberland how bounded 87.1 The form and aire of it 87 2.3 Whence it tooke name 87.5 Commodities thereof 87.4 The ancient Inhabitants 87.5 A Kingdome ibid. Antiquities therein 87.6 Townes therein 88 Cumri 99.2 Custodes See Lieutenants Cuthbert Bishop of Lindâ—ssarne 93 The tutelar Patron of Northerne English-men against the Scots 83.6 A Saint and much adored 83.6 His Tombe much visited by Kings in Pilgrimage ibid. D Lord Dalbney or Daubney with Cornish Rebels overthrown upon Black-heath 7.10 Danelage 5.3 Danish Law 4.8 Danmonii where placed Danewort hearb why so called 31.5 Darby-shire how bounded 67.1 The forme and dimension of it 67.2 The aire and soile thereof ibid. 3 The Inhabitants of it in old time 67.4 Commodities thereof 67 5 What Religious Houses therein 67.9 Hundreds Towns thereof 68 Darby Towne how named in times past 67.6 Alhallowes Steeple there by whom built ibid. The government and graduation thereof ibid. Darnii people of Ireland 145.5 David Disciple of Dubricius uncle to King Arthur Arch-bishop of Menevia 6.6 David 2. King of Scots prisosoner in Nottingham castle 65.6 Saint Davids Citie 101.7 A Nurcerie of holy men ibid. An Archiepiscopall See 101.6 The Cathedrall Church thereof ibid Saint David Bishop refuteth the Pelagians 113.7 Dee River glideth through Pimple meere without mixture 117.5 Deemsters in the Isle of Man 91.5 Deheubarth i. South Wales 110.15 Deirwand 81.8 Dela his five sonnes seated in Ireland 137.10 Demetia or Dimetia i. South-Wales 100.15 Demetiae what Nation and where planted 101.4 103.4 Or Dimetae 113.5 Denbigh Towne and Castle in North wales 99.11 119.7 An Earth-quake there without harme 119.7 How governed ibid. The graduation of it ibid. Denbigh-shire how limited 119.1 The forme and dimension thereof 119.2 The aire and soile thereof 119. 3.4 By whom inhabited in old time 119.5 The Commodities thereof 119.6 Hundreds and Townes thereof 120 Depopulation in England complained of 4.10 Derwent River 67.3 Earle of Desmonds Rebellion suppressed 139.9 Himselfe beheaded by a Souldier ibid. Deucalidonian sea 99.1 Devils arse in the Peake 67.8 Devils ditch 33.7 37.7 Devon-shire name whence derived 91.1 How bounded 91 1 The dimension thereof 19.2 The aire and soile of it 19.3 What Ports and Havens it hath 19.4 What commodities it yeeldeth 19.5 It giveth titles of Duke and Earle 19.8 What Religious houses in it 19.9 Hundreds Towns therein 20 Diamonds gotten in Cornewall 21.7 In Somerset-shire 23.6 Dyffrin Cluid 119.6 The fairest valley within Wales 99.11 Divelin or Dublin Countie destitute of wood 141.3 Divelin Citie the chief in Ireland why called in Irish Bala Cleigh 141.6 Loyall to the Crowne of England 141.10 How adorned ibid. 11 How governed ibid. Divet i. Pembroke-shire 100 17 Division of this whole worke or Theatre 1.1 A division of England fourefold in Canute his days 4.11 Division of England according to Iurisdiction Archiepiscopall 5.4 Dobuni where seated 45.4 47.4 Domesday booke why so called 5.8 Dopnald King of Man tyrannizeth and flieth into Ireland 92.5 Dorchester by Oxford an Episcopall See 45.4 Removed to Lincolne 6.9 Had Archiepiscopall jurisdiction 6.8 How seated 17.5 The civill government thereof 17.5 The graduation of it 17.6 Dorcester-shire whence it took name 17.1 How bounded ibid. The forme and measure of it 17.2 The aire and soile thereof 17.3 By whom possessed in old time 17.4 The commodities it yeeldeth 17.5 What memorable places there 17.6 What religious houses 17 7.8 What Castles 17.9 Divisions Hundreds and Townes therein 18 Dover the Locke and Key to England 7.5 Downes in Sussex 9.4 Sir Francis Drake compassed the Globe of the earth by Sea 19.4 Drax an Abbey 77.7 Dropping Well 78.11 Dubricius Arch-bishop of Caerlion 6.6 Dunstan against Priests marriage his supposed Stratagem 2â— 6 Duwich an Episcopall See 339 Durol rivae 58.8 Duro sipont See God-Manchester Durotriges where seated 17.4 Durham Bishopricke how bounded 83.1 The forme and dimension of it 83.2 The aire and soile 83.3 4 The ancient Inhabitants of it 83.5 Townes in the Bishopricke 84 Bishops their Royalties 83.6 Durham Citie a Bishops See Ibid. A Countie Palatine Ibid E Eadesburg where now the Chamber in the Forrest 73.7 King Eadgars triumph at Chester ibid. Ealdermen who in times past 4.7 East-England 4.11 East-Riding how bounded 81 East-Riding how seated 77.4 The aire soile and commodities 81.2 3 In East-Riding what Hundreds and Townes 82 Edelâ—fleda built Glocester Church 47.7 Edel-fleda beneficiall to Leicester 61.6 Edith a Saint 45.7 Edmund Earle of Richmond father to King
but little wormes breeding on the roote of a Plant called Bibenella d This is that we call the prickled peare * There are only of these two last 〈◊〉 in the Sommer Ilands * You must understand it to be meant whilst the Figs are on the trees The principall motives of Writing Eccles. 1.9 Exod. 31. Exod. 25. Mark 12.42 Exod. 34. Things described upon a personall survey of all England and Wales Amos 2.13 What is performed in this Worke. Cities and Shire-townes Shire-divisions Tables to finde all names in the Maps Armes of the titular Nobles Places of great Battels Micah 4.3 The benefit made of this labour * Travell * Adulation The scope of this Worke. The distribution of the whâ—le Work The first Tome Chorographicall The second Tome Historicall * For some Ilands as Gersey and Gernsey we have left to their proper places Britaine the greatest Iland * Lib. de Consâ—an The Site of Britaine * Dereâ—â—a l. 6. * Buchanus so noteth against Humph. Lloyd The degrees of Britaines Site The Countries abutting upon Britaine All the Ilands about Britain counted British * Cambdens Britannia Britaines Eulogies * Lib. 18. c. 7. Psal. 16. * Spenâ—ers Fairie Queen l. 2. Can. 10. Stan 5. Britaine once no Isle * Or half Isle * Twine Versteâ—an Aeneid lib. 8. * Extremique huminum Morini * D. Cockes Epist l. 3 Report * Caâ—â— Iuda M. S. * Italie Britaine but slenderly knowne to Caesar. Epit. Liv l. 105. * Rebquam Iâ—silae partem in potestatem subâ—gâ—t * Epod. 7. Britaine had Kings in it in Caesars time * In Cambdens Bâ—itannia Britaines supposed divisiâ—n 〈◊〉 Brutes three 〈◊〉 * England * Wales * Scotland Gâ—ff of Monmouth father to Brutes three sonnes Britaine the Great and Lesse * Appiau Britaine the Higher and Lower Herâ—dian Britaine divided into three parts * Camb. p. 111. Sexius Rusus Dist. 80. cap. 1. Britannia prima Britannia secunda Maxima Caesariensis Britaine divided into five parts Valentia why called Amianus l. 28. Flavia why called The bounds of Britaines five parts 1 Britannia prima 2 Britannia secunda 3 Flavia Caesa. 4 Max. Caesar. 5 Valentia Lib 5 cap. 5. and 6. The Emperours respect of Britaines Conquest Their surnames hence Their residence here Their favours Their Triumphs Scotland vide lib. 3. Ireland vide lib. 4. How the Saxon Hâ—ptarchie began The seven Kingdomes of the Saxon Heptarchie The most Northerne limit of the Hâ—pâ—archie The Picts wal the Romanes onely partition Northward * A River in Cumberland The Saxons added two other bounds in the West 1 Offa-Dyke Io. Sarisbu in Polyâ—rat 2 The River Tamar * Marianus cals them Occidentales Britanes as Saxo victor Æ¿est Æ¿eales The Saxons dominiâ—â—ns dividâ—d into Hidâ—s * M. Taâ—â— * M. Clarenc p. 114. K. Elfred first divided the Land into Shires and why Ingulphus Malmesbury Tacitus Inguâ—phus Aldermen Earles * Cam. p. 20. but Lambert thinks it a Saxon title Peramb p. 502 Portgreves Burgesses Thean Vnderthaine * Lamb. p. 502. but Cam. p. 121. â—â—inkes it Danish Churle Yâ—omanry The number of the Shires 32. Malmes Polyc. li. 1. c. 19 A three-fold â—â—stibution Three sorts of Lawes and Shires subject to them In Wil Conq. time Shires 34. and more Shires 39. Shires 52. Polyclnon Shires 36. Towns in the Conquâ—rours time Parish-Churches Knights Fees Lieutenants Camd. Higdon A foure-fold division â—â—der Canutus theâ— Dane * Lib. 2. The continuance of the Saxons governement The compartments of the Map unfolded The first seven Kings The first seven Christian Kings 1 Lib. 7. c. 18. 2 Lib. 7. c. 8. §. 3 3 Li. 7. c. 11. §. 3. 4 Lib. 7. c. 9. §. 8. ib. c. 20. 5 Lib. 7. c. 7. §. 7. 6 Lib. 7. c. 10. § 5. 7 Lib. 7. c. ◠§. 3. * In Io. Hondius his Map of Gallia * L. 15. c. 14. he lived An. 1330 his Author perchance much ancienter * 〈◊〉 some read not so well because sertilus followeth * This verse Hondius inserts as peculiar to France * This verse Hondius inserts as peculiar to France Deut. 6. v. 10 11. Deut. 11. v. 11 12. Deut. 8. v. 7 9. Florentius Wigor p. 449. Gervas Tilb. Inguâ—phus Camb. in Norm Mat. West lib. 2. c. Gervas Tilb. de Scaccar Hoveden p. 243. where they are set downe Ibid p. 347. Ingulphus Lamberts Archaion Gervas Regis Caria in qua iâ—sâ— in propria persone jura dieâ—â—â—t Hâ—st Derob Polyd. Hist. Aâ—g lib. 1. * This David was the Vnclâ— of Arthuâ— and son of Princ Xâ—â—thus begoâ— on Mâ—leaâ—ia a Nunne Beda Histâ—â— Angliâ— lib. 1. cap. 2â— * Haâ—â—sâ—ald Lindaâ—â—rn c. An. Iom 765. Chron. Winton Hoâ—lienshed â— scrip Brit. p. 12 * In the Nort Riding of Yoâ—kshire M. Lamb. peramb The length of Kent The bredth The forme The name As M. William Lambard conjectureth The site of Kent The Soile The commodities Wil. Lambard fol. 248. Rivers of Kent The Cinque Ports Peramb of Kent fol. 148. Goodwin-sands Silvest Giraldus in his Itinerary of Wales Lamb. fol. 105. Hector Boetius Iohn Stowe The Inhabitants of Kent Caesar. Com. lib. 5. fol. 52. Lam. Peram in description of Dover fol. 158. Canterbury by King Rudhudibras Lam. Peram in description of Canterbury fol. 292. Ethelbert Edbald Lotharius Withred Edelbert 1 Sam 5.4 Herein King Iohn and his Queene were Crowned Rochester Civill dissentions in Kent The government of Kent Caes. Comment The Earles of Kent The division of Kent The name of SVSSEX The forme length and bredth The Ayre The Soile An. 478. The ancient Inhabitants of Sussex Sussex subdued to the Romans Chiefe places in Sussex Lewes An. 1263. A battell at Lewes battle Wil Newbery Basâ—â—â— Pensey Cimenshore Gromebridge Commodities Religious houses built and suppressed The Shires division The bounds of Surrey The forme The length The circumference The Ayre and Soyle The ancient Inhabitants Principall places in Surrey King Henry the sixth buried at Chertsey Cambden Battles before the Conquest in Surrey Some say this Victory was obtained at Fernham in Kent Iohn Stow. Religious houses erected and suppressed in Surrey The divisions of Surrey The length and bredth of Hampshire The ayre of Hampshire The soile Havens Creekes Castles Ninius in Catalog Civit. Doomsdayes booke Beda bist lib. 4. cap. 13. New Forrest Gualter Maps The City Winchester Lib. Notitiae Zosimus Wil. Malms Henry Hunting The Staple Kings buried in Winchester The situation of Winchester South-hampton Clausentium Silcester Ninius Ger. Canâ—u The chiefe religious houses in this County The ancient Name Ninius The occasion of naming it Guyth The length Bredth Ayre The Soyle The delectablenesse of it The commodities Ancient Inhabitants Richard Ridvers Newport the chiefe towne A showre of blood The strength of this Iland The Romane Governours The Mercian King Wilfrid Bishop of Winchester their Diocesan The ancient name of this Shire The bounds of limits The forme and measure of it The Aire The ancient inhabitants
Bing Attenton Brox. B Babworth Bosset Balderton New Bantree Basset Basford Brox. Basingfield Bing Barley grange Thurg. Barmby in the willowes New Barmby on the more Bas. Barnston Bing Barton Rush. Beckingham Northclay Belam Northclay Bellon Southclay Benall Brox. Bernthorp New Beskwood lodge Brox. Bestwood parke Brox. Besthorp New Beston Brox. Bilborow Brox. Bilsthorp Southclay Bingham Bing Bircotes Basset Bleasbie Thurg. Blodworth Brox. BLITH Basset Bole Northclay Boucot Thurg. Boughton Basset Bothmusall Basset Bradmeere Rush. Bramcot Brox. Bridgeford East Bing Bridgeford West Rush. Brimsley Brox. Brodham New Nether Broughton Bing Budly Basset Bulwell Bro. Bunney Rush. Burton Thurg. Burton West Northclay Bilbie Basset C Calverton Thurg. Carberton Basset Carletons Basset Carleton Thurg. 3. Carleton Thurg. 3. Carleton Thurg. 3. Carroulston Bing Caunton Thurg. Chilwill Brox. Claworth Northclay Claerbourgh Northclay Clifton North New Clifton South New Clyfton Bing Clunther Basset Clipston Rush. Clipston Basset Coddington New Codgrave Bing Codlingstocke Rush. Collingham North New Collingham South New Colwick Thurg. Cossall Brox. Cotes Northclay Cotham Northclay Cotham New Coulston Bing Coulston Basset Bing Cropwell Bishop Bing Cropwell Butlet Bing Crumwell Thurg. D Darleton Northclay Draiton VVest Basset Draiton East Southclay Dorkard Brox. Dunham Southclay E Easter Leake Rush. Eaton Southclay Edwalton Rush. Edwinstow Basset Egmanton Southclay Elkesley Basset Elston New Elton Bing Eperston Thurg. Erwash Flu. Estwood Brox. Everton Northclay F Farindon New Farnesfeild Thurg. Fellie Brox. Fenton Northclay Fiskerton Thurg. Fledborough Thurg. Flintham Bing Flixthorp Basset Fymingley Basset Fleet Flu. G Gamston Southclay Gaitforth Basset Girton New Godling Thurg. Gonalston Thurg. Gotham Rush. Granby Bing Gresthorpe Thurg. Griesley Brox. Gringley on the hill Nort Gringley Northclay Grove Southclay Gunthorp Thurg. H Hablestorp Northclay Halam Thurg. Hallington Thurg. Hanton Thurg. Hardwick Brox. Hareby New Harworth Basset Haverham Thurg. Hawksworth Bing Hawton New Haiton Northclay Headon Southclay Heddingley Thurg. Hexgrave parke Thurg. Hickling Bing Hockerton Thurg. Hodsokes Basset Hokdike Flu. Holbeck Woodhouse Basset Holme Bing Holme New Horringham Thurg. Houghton Basset Hucknall Brox. I Idle Flu. Idleton Southclay K Keeton Bing Kellam Thurg. Kersall Thurg. Keyworth Rush. Kimberley Brox. Kingston Rush. Kirkby Brox. Kirklington Thurg. Kirton Southclay 2. Kirton Southclay 2. Knesall Thurg. Kynolton Bing Kynston Rush. L Lamley Thurg. Laâ—gar Bing Langforth New Langhton lodge Brox. Langham Southclay Laxton Southclay Lenton Brox. Leverton South Northc Leverton North Northc Linby Brox. LITTLE-BROUGH North. Lodge in the wowld Bing Lowdham Thurg. Lynhurst wood Brox. M Manner Basset MANSFEILD Brox. Mansfield Woodhouse Brox. Markham East South Markham West South Marnham Thurg. Maplebeck Thurg. Mattersey Basset Maun Flu. Mering New Missen Basset Misterton Northclay Morehouse Southclay Morton Thurg. Muscombe South Thu. Muscombe North Th. N NEWARKE New Newsted Bro. Newthorp Bro. Normanton upon Sore Rush. Normanton Basset Normanton Thurg. Norton Cucknie Bas. Norwell Thurg. NOTTINGHAM Thu. Nutthall Brox. O Ordsall Basset Orston Bing Osburton Basset Ossington Thurg. Ouldcots Basset Ourney Basset Owthorpe Bing Oxton Thurg. P Paplewick Brox. Parklathes Thurg. Plumtree Rush. Perlethorpe Basset R Radford Brox. Radforth Basset Ragnell South Rampton Southclay Ranskill Basset Ratcliffe upon Sore Rush. Ratcliffe upon Trent Bing REDFORD North. Remston Rush. Roulston Thurg. Ruddington Rush. Rughford Basset S Saundby Northclay Saxendale Bing Scarrington Bing Scofton Basset Screveton Bing Scrooby Basset Selston Brox. Shelford Bing Shelâ—ord Abbey Bing Sherewood forrest Bing Shelton New Sibthorpe New Skarle South New Skarle North New Skegby Brox. Slauford Rush. SOVTHWELL Thu. Soveam Basset Spadworth New Stanford Rush. Stapleford Brox. Staunton New Staunton Bing Stockwitâ—h Northclay Stoke New Stoke Thurg. Stokham Southclay Strelley Brox. Stretford East Northc Sturrop Basset Sturton Northclay Surlby Basset Sutton Brox. Sutton Bing Sutton Thurg. Sutton upon Lound Basset Sutton Bonington Ru. Sweynton Thurg. Syerston New T Terleton Rush. Teversall Brox. Thornie New Thorney wood Bas. Thoroton Bing Thorpe New Thorpe Basset Thowresby Basset Thurmpton Rus. Thurgarston Thurg. Tilney Northclay Tollaston Bing Torworth Basset Towto Brox. Triswell Southclay Trent Flu. Trowell Brox. Tuxford South Tythby Bing V Upton Thurg. Upton Southclay W Waerton Bing Walesby basset Wallam Northclay Walley basset Walkeringham Nort. Wansley bro. VVarnham Thurg. VVarsope basset VVatnall brox Welbeck Abbey bass Welley Southclay VVester Leake Rus. VVesterford basset VVeston Thurg. VVhatton bing Wheatley North Northcl Wheatley South Northclay VVhit VVater Flu. Widmerepoole Rus. VViest Northclay VViggesley New VVilford Rus. VVilloughbie Rus. VVilloughbie Thurg. VVinkborne New VVinthorpe New VVisall Rus. Woldingwels basset VVollerton brox VVoodborow Thurg. VVoodthorpe Thurg. WORKSOP Basset DARBY-SHIRE which the English Saxons called Deorbicire lyeth inclosed upon her North parts with York-Shire upon the East with Nottingham-shire upon the South with Leicester-shire and upon the West is parted with the Rivers Dove and Goyt from Stafford and Chesse-shires 2 It is in forme somewhat triangle though not of any equall distance growing from her narrow South-point still wider and in the North is at the broadest for from Stretton neere the head of Mese to New Chappell seated neer the head of Derwent the two extremes from North to South are thirty eight miles but from the Shire-Oakes unto the meeting of Mersey and Goyt the broadest part of all this Shire is not fully twenty-nine the whole in circumference extendeth to an hundred and thirty miles 3 The Aire is good and very healthfull the soyle is rich especially in her South and East parts but in the North and West is hilly with a blacke and mossie ground both of them fast-handed to the Ploughers paines though very liberall in her other gifts whose natures thus dissenting the River Derwent doth divide asunder that taketh course thorow the heart or midst of this Countie 4 The ancient people that possessed these parts in the times of the Romans assaults were the Coritani whom Ptolemie disperseth thorow Northampton Leicester Rutland Lincolne Nottingham and this Shire who were all of them subdued by P. Ostorius Scapula Lieutenant in this Province for Claudius the Emperour But Romes Empire failing in Britaine by the intestine warres among themselves the Saxons a more savage and fearfull Nation soon brought it under their subjection and made this a Province unto their Mercians Kingdome whom the West-Saxons first wanne and againe lost to the Normans 5 It is stored with many Commodities and them of much worth for besides woods and cattle sheepe and corne every where over-spreading the face of this County the Mill-stone Crystall Alablaster the Mines of Pit-coale Iron and Lead are of great price whereof the last is mentioned in Pliny who writeth that in Britaine in the very crust of the ground without any deep digging is gotten so great store of Lead that there is a Law expresly made of purpose forbidding men to make more then to a certain stint Whose stones are plenteously gotten in those Mountaines and melted
into Sowes to no small profit of the Countrey There is found also in certaine veines of the earth Stibium which the Apothecaries call Antimonium and the Alchymists hold in great esteeme 6 Places for commerce or memorable note the first is Darby the Shire-towne called in the English Saxon-Tongue Nordhwodrhig and by the Danes Deoraby seated upon the West banke of Derwent where also a small Brook rising westward runneth thorow the Towne under nine Bridges before it meets with her farre greater River Derwent which presently it doth after she hath passed Tenant Bridge in the South-East of the Towne But a Bridge of more beauty built all of Free-Stone is passed over Derwent in the North-East of the Towne whereon standeth a faire stone Chappell and both of them bearing the names of Saint Maries five other Churches are in this Town the chiefest whereof is called Alhallowes whose Steeple or Bell-Tower being both beautifull and high was built onely at the charges of young men and maides as is witnessed by the inscription cut in the same upon every square of the Steeple Among the miserable desolations of the Danes this Towne bare a part but by Lady Ethelfleda was a gaine repaired and is at this day incorporated with the yearly government of two Bailiffes elect out of twenty-foure brethren besides as many Burgesses of Common-Counsell a Recorder Town-Clerke and two Sergeants with Mace whose Graduation is observed from the Equator to be 53. degrees 25. scruples and from the first point in the West 19. degrees 2. scruples 7 Little-Chester by the Romish Mony there daily found seemeth to have beene ancient and that a Colonie of the Roman Souldiers there lay Yet of farre greater fame was Repandunum now Repton where Ethelbald the ninth King of the Mercians fifteenth Monarch of the English-men slain at Seggeswald by the treason of his subjects was interred and whence Burthred the last King of that people was expulsed with his Queene Ethelswith by the rage of the Danes after twentie-two years reign But with a more pleasing eye we may behold Melborne the memoriall of English-mens great valor where in that Castle was kept Prisoner Iohn Duke of Burbon taken captive in the Battle of Agincourt and therein detained the space of nineteene yeares 8 Things of stranger note are the hot Water-springs bursting forth of the ground at Buxton where out of the rock within the compasse of eight yards nine springs arise eight of them warme but the ninth very cold These runne from under a faire square building of Free-stone and about threescore paces off receive another hot spring from a Well inclosed with foure flat stones called S. Annes neere unto which another very cold spring bubled up The report goeth among the by-dwellers that great cures by these waters have been done but daily experience sheweth that they are good for the stomach and sinewes and very pleasant to bathe the body in Not farre thence is Elden-hole whereof strange things have beene told and this is confidently affirmed the waters that trickle from the top of that Cave which indeed is very spacious but of a low and narrow entrance doe congeale into stone and hang as ickles in the roofe Some of them were shewed at my being there which like unto such as the frost congealeth were hollow within and grew Taper-wise towards their points very white and somewhat Crystall-like And seven miles thence upon a mounted hill standeth a Castle under which there is a hole or Cave in the ground of a marvellous capacity which is commonly called The Devils Arse in the Peake whereof Gervose of Tilbury hath told many pretty tales and others doe make it one of the wonders of our Land 9 As in other Counties the devotions of the religious have been made apparent in the erection of places for Gods peculiar service so in this have bin founded 8. of that nature which were Dale Derelege Darby Repton Bechif Graiesley Faverwell and Pollewerke whose peace and plenty stood secure from all danger till the blustering windes arising in the reigne of King Henry the eight blew off the pinacles of their beautious buildings and shook asunder the revenewes of those Foundations which never are like againe to be laid 10 This Shire is divided into sixe Hundreds wherein have been seated seven Castles and is still traded with eight Market-Towns and replenished with one hundred and sixe Parish-Churches whose names follow in the Table annexed Anno DARBIESHIRE described 1610 HUNDREDS in Darby-shire 1. HIghpeak Hu. 2. Scarsdale H. 3 Worksworth Wap 4 Morleston Lytchurch H 5. Appletrie Hund. 6. Reppington Gresly H. A Abney Peak Alderousley Apple Aldwarke Work Alderwashley Work Allestree Morl. ALLFRETON Scar. Alsoppe Work Aluaston Morl. Ambaston Morl. Amber Flu. Appleby Rep. Arlaston Apple Aston Peak Atlowe Apple Aulkmanton Apple Aulport Peak Aulton Scar. Ashe Apple ASHBORNE Work Ashford Peak Ashlchay Apple Ashover Scar. Aston Scar. Aston upon Trent Mor. Auton Apple B Bakewell Peak Ballidor Work BANKEWELL Peak Barbrough Scar. Barley Scar. Barowe Morl. Barwardcote Morl. Baslow Peak Beardhall Peak Bechif Abby Scar. Beighton Scar. Belay chappell Scar. Belghe Scar. Belpar Apple Bentley fenny Work Bentley Appl. Hungary Bentley Appl. Birchhill Peak Blackwell Scar. Blaugherby Rep. Bothmusoill Peak Bousover Scar. Bouthe nether Peak Bouteshall Work Bowdon Peak Bowdon Middlecall Peak Bowlton Morl. Boylston Appl. Bradburne Work Bradford Flu. Bradley Appl. Bradfall Marl. Bradwell Peak Braiston Morl. Brakenfeild Scar. Bralesford Appl. Bramford Peak Bramton Scar. Brassington Work Bredfall Appl. Bretbye Rep. Brinington Scar. Church Broughtor Appl. Burbrok Flu. Burton blunt Apple Burghe Peak Butterley Morl. Buxton Well Peak C Caldwall Rep. Calke Rep. Calew Scar. Carlingthwart hall Scar. Carson Work Castleton Peak Castle in the peake Peak Catton Rep. Cawlow Work Codnor Morl. Cawner Peak Cawton Peak Chadesdon Morl. Chalesworth Peak Chamber in the forest Peak New Chappell Peak CHAPELL IN THE FRITH Peak Chattesden Appl. Chattesworth Scar. Chellaston Rep. Chelmarton Peak Chester eaton Morl. CHESTER FEILD Sc. Chilcot Rep. Church broughton Ap. Clapwell Scar. Clinton Scar. Clowne Scar. Clownchurch Scar. Clyfton Morl. Clyfton Appl. Codner Morl. Codner Castle Morl. Compton Morl. Corther Scar. Coton Rep. Cowdale Peak Cowlowe Peak Crawloe Flu. Creswell Scar. Crich Morl. Crich chase Morl. Crougston Work Croxall Rep. Crumforth Work Cubley Appl. D Dalbury lees Appl. Dale Morl. DARBY Morl. Darleygh Morl. Darley Peak Darley hall Scar. Darwell Flu. Darwen chapell Peak Denby Morl. Dethick Work Dove Flu. Dove bridge Appl. Dower Scar. Draklowe Rep. Dranfeild Scar. Draycot Morl. Duckmanton Scar. Duffeild Appl. Dunfeild Morl. Dunston Scar. E Eaton Work Eaton Appl. Eaton long Morl. Eckelsborne Flu. Edall Peak Edall Peak Edlaston Appl. Edleston hall Scar. Edynsar Peak Egington Morl. Eham Peak Eissington Work Ekington Scar. Elden hall Peak Elmeton Scar. Elton Work Elwall Appl. Elwaston Morl. Erewashe Flu. Eveley F Fatters feild Peak Fernhouses Peak Findern
certain times riseth and falleth after the manner of Sea-tides 9 In the South part of this Country divided from the rest is a place in some written Copies of Antonine called Bovium which we now terme Banchor first a City and afterwards a Monastery of famous memory and the first that is read of in the world wherein as Beda saith were a great number of Monkes and them divided into seven Companies every one having his severall Ruler assigned None of these Companies had lesse then three hundred persons devoted to prayer and to get living by their owne labour for themselves and the poore although it hath long since been utterly ruinate so as now there is scarce seene the face and outward shew of a dead Citie or Monastery It hath only the names of two Gates remaining one standing a mile distant from another and betwixt which the River Dee now runneth where are oftentimes found many peecâ—s of Roman Coine and other tokens of antiquity But of these shall be more mention made in the following History Another like Monastery but of lesser accompt stood in the Vale beneath Varis a little Citie placed by the Romans in the confines of this Shire and Denbigh-shire and upon the Banke of Elwy and Cluyd This the Britaines call Llan-Elwy of the River the Englishmen Asaph of the Founder and the Historiographers Asaphensis It is more famoused for antiquity then for building or bravery for about the yeare 560. Kentigern Bishop of Glasco being sled hither out of Scotland placed here a Bishops See and erected a Monastery gathering together 663. in a religious brotherhood whereof three hundred that were unlearned gave themselves to husbandry and to worke within the Monastery the rest to prayer and meditations When he returned into Scotland he ordained Asaph a godly and upright man to be Governour over this Monastery of whom it took the name and is called Saint Asaphs Another Monastery of great account was at Basingwarke in this County neere unto which began that admirable Ditch drawne thence unto the mouth of Severne by King Offa the Tract whereof I have expressed thorow this Shire and will further speake thereof in the following History 10 This Shire is divided into five Hundreds fortified with seven Castles hath only one Market-Town and twenty eight Parishes in which there is continuall celebration of divine Service FLINT-SHIRE ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Flint-shire HUNDREDS in Flint-shire 1. MOuld 2. Mailers 3. Rudland 4. Prestrattyn 5. Coleshill A Alen. Alen Flu. S. Asaph Llan Asaphe B Bangor Basingwarke Bottesley Broughton Bruerton Burton C CAIER Wâ—S Cluyn Flu. Combe Cornish D Darland Greene. Demyrchion Nether Droitwiche Over Droitwiche Dyffyrdwy or Dee Flu. Dyssart E Escoyte Hall F Fens Hall Flint G Gronant Gulgrave Gwenusker H Hanmere Harden Castle Haulton Holiwell Horsheath K Kilken Kinnerton M Maghegreg Meliden Merford Molde Moston N Nannarch Chapell Nerquoyes Northop O Clawdh Offa or Offas ditch Old parke Orton madok P Penley Chappell Potruthan Potuary Prestatin R Relusnoyde Rudland Castle S Sevion Flu. Skiviog T Tegidog Flu. Talarkrey Treer Castle Trethyn Trevealen W Wheler Flu. Whitford Whitwell Chappell Willington Worthenbury Y Yowley Castle Yowley Hill CAERNARVON-SHIRE CHAPTER XIIII CAernarvon-shire in Welsh Sire Ca-er-ar-von so called because it is just over against Anglesey which the Britaines call Mon and in coÌ„position was termed also Snowden Forrest before Wales was laid into Shires the North-side whereof and the West buttâ—th upon the Irish-Sea the South-side is inclosed with Merioneth and the East with Denbigh-shires from which it is severed by the River Conwey 2 The forme thereof is much like a wedge long and narrow toward the South and growing still wider towards the North so that from Pevenkel-point South-ward to Orâ—s-head-point North-ward are fortie Miles from the River Conwey East-ward to the River Llenoy West-ward Miles twenty and the whole circumference one hundred and ten Miles 3 The Ayre is sharpe and piercing by reason that the Countrey hath not naturall provision to ensconce her self against the extremity of winds and weather but especially as may be thought through the continuance of the Snow on the hills which also exclude the Sunnes aspect and warmth 4 The soile cannot be much commended for the fertility except those parts of the Sea-coasts which lye on the West toward Ireland but for the heart of this Shire it is altogether mountainous as if Nature had a purpose here by rearing up these craggy hills so thicke together strongly to compact the joynts or this our Iland aud to frame the Inland part thereof for a â—it place of refuge to the Britaines against those times of adversity which afterward did fall upon them for no Armie though never so strongly or scarce any Travellers though never so lightly appointed can find passage among those so many rough and hard Rockes so many Vales and Pooles here and there crossing all the wayes as ready obstacles to repell any inroades of forraine assailants These Mountaines may not unfitly be termed the British Alpes as being the most vaste of all Britaine and for their steepnesse and cragginesse not unlike to those of Italy all of them to wring up into the Ayre and round encompassing one farre higher then all the rest peculiarly called Snowdon-Hill though the other likewise in the same sense are by the Welsh termed Craig Eriry as much as Snowy Mountaines taking their name as doth by Plinies testimony Niphates in Armenia and Imaus in Scythia For all the yeare long these lye mantelled over with Snow hard crusted together though otherwise for their height they are open and lyable both to the Sunne to dissolve them and the winds to over-sweep them 5 The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices of whom we have sufficiently spoken in the description of the former Provinces neither need I insist either upon the pleasures or profits that this Country yeeldeth by reason of the great affinity it hath both of Climate and Commodities with Denbigh-shire and Flint-shire before mentioned But this beyond the other in some places breeds certaine Shel-fishes which being conceived by an heavenly dew bring forth Pearles in ancient times more reckoned of then now they are 6 Touching places of note that City is very ancient which the Emperour Antonine calleth Segontium taking name of a River running by which at this day is called Seioni some reliques of the walls whereof doe yet appeare neere unto a little Church consecrated to the honour of Saint Publicius This City Ninnius calleth Caer Custenith which some interpret the City of Constantine Indeed Mathew Westminster saith how true I know not that Anno 1283. here was found the body of Constantius Father to great Constantine which King Edward the first caused to be sumptuously bestowed in the