in advancing the King to the Crown About this time Wheat was sold for six pence per Bushel and Bay-Salt at three pence half peny Nantwich salt six pence per Bushel white Herring six shilling per Barrel red Herring three shilling per Cade Sprats six pence per Cade and Gascoign wine six pound per Tun. And now this Psendo Richard was discovered to the King to be but Perkin Warbeck by one Sir Robert Clifford a great actor for Perkin beyound Sea but afterwards won to the King with Gold for Perkin's sake all the Flemmings were banished the Realm and several of his Complices here discovered by the said Sir Robert Clifford were put to death And now Perkin coming on Shoar in Kent expecting a great Relief receiving in lieu therof great distress for being encountred by the Mayor of Sandwich and the Kentish men five of his Cheif Captains and 164 of others were taken and shortly after executed whereupon he fled back into Flanders and from thence fled into Ireland but expecting little help from so poor a Nation at last he betook himself into Scotland and the King of Scots being taken with Courtly cariage believed his Reports and Married him to Catharine Gourden the Earl of Huntly's Daughter and then the King in Person with a great number of Scots came with him against the Marches of England doing great harm and Proclaiming much favor and immunity to such as would joyn with Perkin and â— 1000 pounds to such as could take King Henry but all this working no Impression upon the Peoples minds the Scotish King thereupon returned into Scotland esteeming the less of his new Cozen because none would rise in his behalf Upon this Account a Subsidy of 120 thousand pound was granted to the King for maintenance of the War against Scotland and the Lord Dawbnye sent General but on his March was called back to suppress some Cornish Rebells who withstood the Collectors of the Subsidy under the Command of one Thomas Flemmock a Lawyer and Michael Joseph a Black-Smith these marching for Kent expecting more Aid at Well the Lord Awdly joyned with them who together with the other two Leaders were taken at Black-Heath in Kent and their Forces Routed three hundred being slain and 1500 taken Prisoners and afterwards the Lord Awdly was beheaded at the other two hanged and quartered at Tyburn for their Rebellion During these Stirs the King sent the Lord Howard Earl of Surry to defend the parts in the North aganst the Scots who were then doing great Damage in the Borders but before he got thither the Scots withdrew yet notwithstanding he marched into Scotland and after some Booty taken he returned again for a time And now Hialus the Spanish Embassador coming into Scotland he concluded a Peace between the two Kings And about this time Anno 1497 fell Hail-Stones at St. Needs in Bedfordshire of eighteen Inches about now upon the Conclusion of the Peace aforesaid Perkin's main Hope being gone his last Refuge were the Cornish men of whom he had a great Army but the King marching against him and he not daring to trust to his Cornish followers he thereupon fled by night and took Asylum at Bewdly which when his Followers perceived they all yielded themselves to the King's Mercy And not long after Perkin their Leader did the like and was carried to London and conveved through the Streets on horse-back for People to gaze at and afterwards attempting to escape from his Guard he was pursued and retaken and set in the Stocks upon a Scaflold a whole day before Westminster-Hall and another day in Cheap-side in London and after sent Prisoner to the Tower About this time one Ralph Wilford a Shoo-makers Son of London was hanged for assuming unto himself the name of Edward Earl of Warwick who was then close Prisoner in the Tower and not long after Perkin was hanged at Tyburn and Edward Plantaginet the Earl of Warwick beheaded for seeking to make their escape out of the Tower this Earl was Son to George Duke of Clarence who was Brother to King Edward the Fourth and was the last Heir of the Plantaginets Shortly after this there happened such a devouring Plague that the King and Queen left London and fled to Callis in France and after the Plague abated they returned again about which time the Lady Catherine of Spain arrived in England and was presently after married to Prince Arthur who injoyed her Bed not long for about five months after being then in Wales he was cut off by Death an and the next year after James the IV King of Scotland married the Lady Margaret the King 's eldest Daughter and not long after the Queen died and Henry the King 's second Son was made Prince of Wales and by the Pope's Indulgence took to Wife the Lady Catherine of Spain his Brother Arthur's Widow And now the Earl of Suffolk being fled and intending a Rebellion certain of his Adherents being discovered were thereupon taken and suffered Death as Courtney Earl of Devonshire the King's Brother in Law William de la Pool Brother to the Earl of Suffolk Sir James Tirrel King Richard's Wicked Instrument in the Murther of Edward the V. and his Brother and Sir John Windham and others all these with the Earl and the rest of his Faction were by Authority of the Pope's Bull Proclaimed at Paul's Cross to be accursed After this the Earl fled to Philip Duke of Austria who afterwards by the Right of his Wife coming to be King of Spain as he was on his Voyage thither was by Tempest driven into England where he was Royally entertain'd by King Henry and at their parting it was agreed between them that the Earl of Suffolk should be delivered up to King Henry upon Condition that no Violence should be offered to his Person and so he was only imprisoned but in Henry the Eighth's time lost his Head Now the King having dissipated all his Enemies he began to extort Money from his Subjects two Lawyers Empson and Dudly being the cheif Instrument herein by calling People in question for the breach of old moth-eaten Penal Statutes but the King's Death shortly after ensuing These beginning Oppressions were thereby also brought to a Period before they attained to that maturity which was feared by some but wished for by others especially by Empson and Dudly During this King's Reign there were about some nine Persons Men and Women that suffered the Flames for the Profession of a good Faith besides several others that did Pennance with a Faggot on their Backs and some were burnt in the Cheek with a hot Iron This Henry the Seventh was King of England and France and Lord of Ireland he was son to Edmund Tewdor Earl of Richmond by Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir to John Beaufort Duke of Sommerset Grand Child to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster he began his Reign on Monday the 22 day of August Anno 1485 and reigned 23 years
hear the King's Cause pleaded which accordingly was done and when Sentence of Divorcement should have been according to the King's expectation pronounced Campius then caused Proclamation to be made and adjourned the Court and referred the Sentence to the Pope The King highly displeased hereat sent Dr. Cranmer and some others to the Pope to dispute the unlawfulness of the Marriage who gave Cornelius Agrippa the grand Rabbi in those days such Satisfaction in this point so that none of the Pope's Disputants durst encounter the Doctor about it whereupon a Parliament being called by the King all persons were forbidden to appeal or make payment to Rome and further the King's Marriage with the Lady Catherine of Spain by the said Parliament was Dissolved Upon these proceedings in England the Pope caused his Curse to be set up at Dunkirk in Flanders against the King and pronounced the Marriage Lawful but the King regarded it not for hereby the Pope lost his Supremancy in England and Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas Moore their Heads for standing for it And now the King married the Lady Ann Bullin Daughter to Viscount Rochford which Lady was accounted a Lutheran and Cardinal Wolsey for his dislike of this Marriage and Adjourning of the Court as is before shewed fell into the Kings Displeasure and several Articles being exhibited against him in Parliament as that he used to write in his Letters I and my King and had caused the Cardinals Cap to be stamped on the Kings Coyn and several other grand Offences hereupon he lost all his Dignities and his House and Furniture were seized and the Earl of Northumberland was sent to bring him up to answer his Charge who took him at Cawood Castle about seven miles from York and as he was on his Journy to London at Leicester Abby he ended his dayes by taking an over much quantity of an Italian Confection for breaking Wind from his Stomach as Report went He is said to have suppressed 40 Monasterys for the raising his two Colledges in Oxford and Ipswich and to have laid by 12 Barrels full of Gold and Silver to serve the Pope in his Wars About this time Elizabeth Barton called the holy Maid of Kent was reported by those who feared the Downfall of Babel to have Revelations from Heaven among which one was That if the King proceeded in his Second Marriage he should not Reign a Moneth to an end but the Mouth of this Oracle was quickly stopt for herself with seven of her Disciples were all execued at Tyburn for Treason And now the Pope seeing his Revenue here in England likely to go to wrack began to write and stir up James the Fifth King of Scots against King Henry his Uncle promising the Crown of England to those that could win it About this time Queen Ann was deliver'd of the Princess Elizabeth afterwards Queen of England and the next year after of a Dead Child and not long after she was sent to the Tower and falsely accused of Adultery and Incest for which she with her Brother the Lord Rochford and Norris Weston and Brierton gentlemen of the Privy Chamber together with one Marks all lost their Heads and the next day after Queen Ann's Death the King married the Lady Jane Seymer And now began the Lord Cromwells rising who by birth was a Black Smyth's Son and had been Cardinal Wolsey's Soliciter he was first made Master of the King's Jewel-house Baron of Oakham in Rutlandshire then Knight of the Garter after that Earl of Essex and then Lord high Chamberlain and lastly the King's Vicar general he was the Sole cause of the demolishing of Monasteryes and the pulling down of Images Idols and Shrines in the Churches of England but this Pillar of the Church was undermined by Stephen Gardener that Murtherer of Protestants in Queen Mary's dayes and so by his means being brought into Dislike with the King at length he was beheaded Now several Commotions arose in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire occasioned by the demolishing of Abbys the Commons being incited thereto by the Monks who had lost their Roast-meat and took ill with Courser Fair but after several propositions made by the Commons to the King and Answers thereunto having Pardon granted they threw down their Arms but several of the Monks rising again with several persons of Quality as the Lord Darcy Lord Hussye Sir Robert Constable Sir Thomas Percy Sir Francis Biggot Sir Stephen Hambleton Sir John Bulmer the Abbot of Fountains Abbot of Gervaulx Abbot of Rivax and Prior of Burlington were afterwards taken and suffered Death and now the King having been two years a Widower since the death of Queen Jane who dyed in Child-Bed of Edward the Sixt afterwards King he was married to the Lady Ann of Cleve but about half a year after through Gardiner's false Suguestions was by Parliament divorsed from her and not long after he Married Catherine Howard Daughter to Edward Brother to Thomas Duke of Norfolk but about 6 Moneths after her Marriage she was condemned of Adultery and lost her Head at Tower Hill and with her the Lady Jane Rochford and several others that year as Margaret the Countess of Salisbury Lord Grey Lord Dacres Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper and now the King married the Lady Katherin Parr Wife to the Lord Lattimer And about this time it was enacted by Parliament to be high Treason either to deny the Oath of the King's Supremacy or to acknowledg the Pope and though by this the Discipline of the Church was altered yet little of Doctrine was changed for it was made heresie and death to deny any of the Six Articles following as 1. That after the speaking of the words of Consecration by the Priest the Real and Natural Body and Blood of Christ as he was Conceived and Crucified was in the Sacrament and no other substance 2. That the Communion in both kinds is not necessary to Salvation 3. That Priests may not marry 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed by the Laws of God 5. That private Masses ought to be continued and 6. That Auricular Confession is necessary and expedient to be retained in the Church of God Upon the denial of these six Articles several People suffered the Flames Anno 1541. The King took upon him the Title of King of Ireland and the same year sent an Army against the Scots under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk who when he came to Fight the Scots they willingly lost the day and suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners out of disdain to their Leader Oliver St. Clere for grief whereof their King James the fifth dyed there was at this time 21 men of Account taken Prisoners and committed to the Tower of London but shortly after these Prisoners were released again and a Peace for 10 years concluded upon the promise of a Marriage with the Lady Mary King James his only Child and Prince Edward Henry's Son and Heir afterwards King by the name
Henry the Fifth for suppression of the Scriptures in English should be all repealed and Images all thrown out of the Churches throughout the Realm and the Church Service to be read in English and the Sacrament exhibited in both kinds and the other old Ceremonies were abolished and all those that made opposition were either imprisoned or deprived of their places Hereupon Tumults arose in Devonshire and Cornwal doing much harm especially to the City of Exceter which City for its Loyalty had the Mannour of Exilond not after bestowed upon it by the King and Pardon was granted to the Rebells yet notwithstanding they persisted in their Rebellion and 4 times being fought by the Lord Russel and each time worsted yet they still made head again till at length their Ring-Leaders were taken and Executed At this time also the Mayor of Bodmyn was Hanged and a Millers Man who took upon him his Master's name and cause when seeing himself likely to suffer for it thencryedout That he was but the Miller's Man well said Sir Anthony Kingston Thou canst never do thy Master better Service than to hang for him No sooner were these Troubles quelled but one Robert Ket moved about 20000 Commons in Norfolk to a Rebellion taking the City of Norwich in which place the Lord Dudly shortly after caused 60 of them to be executed and afterwards overthrew their Army and took Ket their Leader who was hanged up in Chains upon the Top of the Castle of Norwich and 9 of his Companions hanged in the Oak of Reformation a Tree in which Ket used to sit as Judge to determine of their intended Reformation and Proceedings the great occasion of these Commotions in several Counties in England was against Inclosures and taking up of wast Grounds which was then coming into Fashion for they disparked a great many Parks and other inclosed Grounds whereupon several of them were slain in the Quarrel the Plebeans also at Seymer near Scarborough in York-shire rose also under the Conduct one William Ombler a Yeoman there Thomas Dale a Parish Clerk and one Stephenson the Post but the King sending down his Pardon the Commons left their Leader to be led to York where they were Executed But now began greater Sorrows for the King 's two Uncles the Lord Protector and Lord Admiral falling at Variance about their Wives who should take place it proved unlucky to them both for the Lord Admiral was afterwards attainted of some Treasonable Articles as was supposed by his Brother the Protector 's procurement and was beheaded at Tower-hill and not many years after the Protector himself being fallen into dislike among the Lords at the same place received the same Doom and during these unhappy proceedings the English were quite driven out of Scotland and the French had sought to recover Bulloin but they were so bravely withstood by vallor of one Carter an English Soldier that 15 Waggons went loaded away with their slain and they afterwards attempting the Islands of Gernsie and Jersie they were there also forced to desist with the loss of a thousand men And now the King's Death began to approach he having taken the Death of the Protector his Uncle to Heart and before he died he ordained the Lady Jane Daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk lately married to Guilford Lord Dudly to succeed him in the Kingdom Notwithstanding the Statute made for the Succession of his Fathers Children Anno 1552 about 7 miles from Oxford at a Town called Middleton a Woman brought forth a Child which had two perfect Bodies from the Navel upwards which were so conjoined together at the Navel that when they were laid out at length one Head and Body was East and the other West and the Leggs of both the Bodies were joined together in the midst they were Female Children and lived 18 days This Edward the Sixth was King of England France and Ireland he was the only Son of King Henry the Eight by Jane his Queen Daughter to John Seimer Knight He began his Reign on Thursday the 28 day of January Anno 1546 he reigned 6 years 5 months and 8 days and was the 41 sole Monarch of England He died of a Consumption of the Lungs on Thursday the 6 day of July Anno 1553 being in the 7 year of his Reign and about the 16 of his Age his Body was buried at Westminster CHAP. XXXI Of Queen Mary AFter the Death of King Edward the Lords of the Council caused Lady Jane Guilford to be Proclaimed Queen Lady Mary hearing of these proceedings writ to the Lords to acquaint them with her Title to the Crown but they regarded it not alledging the divorce of her Mother hereupon she betook her self to Fremingham Castle to which place the Suffolk men repaired and promised their Aid Provided she would not alter the Religion Established in her Brother's days to which Request she willingly condescended but afterwards upon their Petition to her after she had got the power in her own hands for performance of her Promise she dismissed them with rough Answers And now several men of Account repaired to her and Proclaimed her Queen at Norwich the Lords at London having notice hereof sent the Earl of Northumberland with an Army against her but Queen Maries Forces still encreasing she was Proclaimed Queen in Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Northampton-shire and the Lords now began to grow fearful procured Dr. Ridly Bishop of London to maintain Lady Jane's cause in his Sermon at Paul's Cross but this working no effect they forthwith Proclaimed Queen Mary and so the poor distressed Earl of Northumberland being forsaken by his Soldiers for want of an Harrold at Cambridge proclaimed Queen Mary himself but notwithstanding shortly after lost his head although he had renounced his Religion in hope of Pardon with him suffered Sir John Gates and Sir Thomas Palmer and not long after them the Lord Guilford and Lady Jane his Wife a Princess for her Wisdom and Learning worthy of Immortal Fame It is reported that Morgan who gave Sentence of Death upon her fell afterwards into Madness always crying out Take away the Lady JANE from him Now the Queen released the Duke of Suffolk from his Imprisonment but he afterwards seeking to withstand the Queen's Marriage was betrayed by one Vnderwood his Servant and himself with his Brother Thomas Lord Gray were Beheaded and several worthy Bishops as Cranmer Ridly Story Coverdale Hooper c. and all married Priests were displaced and Romanists such as Bonner Gardiner Day Wesie Heath c. were put in their places Sir Thomas Wyat now with a great Power in Kent sought to withstand the Queen's Marriage and to have placed better Councellors about her and thinking to have enter'd over at London-Bridg was there stopt so spoiling Gardiner's the Bishopof Winchester's House he returned and got over the River of Thames at Kingston and intended to have entered the City of London at Ludgate but being there withstood upon his return at Temple-Bar
dispairing of his purpose he yielded himself Prisoner and was shortly after beheaded and 50 Persons more of his Complices were hanged in London and 23 in Kent and the Lord Courtny and Lady Elizabeth afterwards our Queen were clapt up in the Tower upon suspition of favouring Sir Thomas Wyat's proceedings and this Innocent Lady without respect to her Person being extream Sick at her Mannor of Asbridge was nevertheless brought away Prisoner to London and was so straitly kept in the Tower that a little Boy about 4 years of Age who was wont every day to carry her some Flowers and prattle and talk to her Command was given to his Father that the Boy should go no more and the next day the Child going and the Door being shut he peeped in at a hole Crying unto her Mistress I can bring you no more Flowers now From hence this pious Princess was removed to Woodstock where one day sitting sollitary at her Prison window she espied a Maid singing merrily over her milking Pale whose condition she esteemed to be better than hers A little before Arrival of King Philip two Suns were seen at one time and a Rainbow reversed the Bow turning downwards before the Marriage certain Honourable Conditions were propounded to King Philip and agreed to by him And now the Protestants began to be hated Mr. Bourn a godly Minister having a Dagger thrown at him as he was Preaching at Paul's Cross and Bishop Bonner caused all Scriptures painted on the Church-walls to be blotted out and Cardinal Pool coming into England Images Holy Water Pax Censures Oyl and Cream were brought into the Church again And about this time fell such abundance of Rain that for the space of six days men might row with Boats in Saint George's Feilds and the Water was half a yard deep in Westminster-hall Now the Queens cruel Bishops with her consent partly through their perswasions consumed in the Flames during her Reign for the Profession of their Faith 5 Bishops 21 Divines 18 Gentlemen 84 Artificers 100 Husband-men Servants and Labourers 26 Wives 20 Widdows 9 Virgins 2 Boys and 2 Infants in all 287 besides 16 other Persons that perished in Prison and 7 scourged and several Condemned which were released upon the happy entrance of Queen Elizabeth Many also in these perilous times fled amongst whom the Dutchess of Suffolk and her Husband Mr. Berty were two who suffered both Hunger and Cold and were often in Danger of their Lives till at length they got into Poland where they were Honourably treated till Queen Mary's Death And now nothing being Talked of but the Queens being with Child Prayers were made for her safe Deliverance Midwives Rockers and Cradles and all things else prepared but when it come to the point indeed it proved nothing but a Tympany and King Philip seeing himself so frustrated of his Expectation took Shipping for Spain and stayed at that time 19 months from the Queen in whose absence her Exchequer was intended to have been Robbed but some of the Plotters Vdal Throgmorton Peacham Daniel and Stanton were taken and suffered Death and others fled and the same year that Coaches were first used in England viz. Anno 1555 began the hot burning Feavers whereof died many old Persons so that in London died 7 Aldermen in less than 10 months time about 2 years after this Thomas Stafford Son to the Lord Stafford rose in Rebellion but was taken and beheaded And now the King being instigated by his Queen prepared an Army against France and several Nobles went thither where their greatest exploit was the winning of St. Quintins which was repayed by the French winning Callis from the English after it had been in their Possession about 211 years This loss so grieved the Queen that shortly after she died of a Burning Feaver telling her Physitians That they would find Callis written in her Heart if they dissected her Body after her Death That year Queen Mary died the Quartaine Agues continned very sharp so that many old Folk died especially Parsons and Priests so that a great number of Churches were unfurnished and a little before the Queen's Death dyed two of her Physitians besides many Bishops and Noble men And in July the same year a Tempest of Thunder as it went through two Towns near Nottingham beat down the Churches and all the Houses in the Towns the Bells were thrown out of the Steeples and some of the Webs of Lead thrown 400 Foot into the Feild and wreathen up together like a glove Trees were plucked up by the roots and cast 12 score foot off and a Child was taken out of a man's hand and carried an 100 foot and then let fall and died five or six men were killed and Hail-stones fell 15 Inches about This Mary was Queen of England France and Ireland She was the eldest Daughter of King Henry the Eight by Catherine his first Queen Daughter to Ferdinando the VI King of Spain and Widdow Dowager to Prince Arthur King Henry's Elder Brother She began her Reign on Thursday the sixth day of July Anno 1553 and reigned five years four months and 11 days and was the 42 sole Monarch of England She died of a Burning Feaver on Thursday the 17 day of November Anno 1558 being in the Sixth year of her Reign and 40 of her Age Her Body was buried at Westminster CHAP. XXXII Of Queen Elizabeth THis Queen was Crowned at Westminster by Owen Ogilthorp Bishop of Carlile Pool Arch-Bishop of Canterbury dying the same day that Queen Mary dyed At her Entrance the Title of Supremacy was again restored by Parliament and all Queen Maries Statutes in favour of Rome repealed and she being desired by Parliament to marry said That she intended a Virgins Life which accordingly she performed for being Courted by Maximilian the Emperour Ericus Son to the King of Sweden and by the Arch Duke of Austria and Duke of Anjou she denied them all and now Divine Service being celebrated in English and Images thrown out of the Churches again The Scots also began to seek Reformation too whereupon there arose great Tumults among them and the King of France sending the Romanists Aid there the Reformers were forced to crave help from Queen Elizabeth which she sent them under the Command of the Lord Grey and the Queen Mother Regent of Scotland dying the French thereupon concluded Peace for Scotland and left it The year 1561 In June a Terrible Tempest of Thunder and Lightning happenned about London which set Paul's Steeple on fire and burnt it down to the Roof of the Church consuming all the Bells Lead c. And in March the year after a Mare brought forth a Fole with one Body and two Heads and a long tail growing out between them a Sow also Farrowed a Pig with four legs like to the arms of a Child with Hands and Fingers and in April after another Sow Farrowed a Pig with two Bodies eight Feet and but one Head and many
credite to Bede but the History of Saint Swithin saith it was by Berinus Bishop of Dorchester 4. Barthun and Authun These two Dukes banishing Ceadwell after Ethelwolf's death were afterwards overcome by him and Barthun slain with whom died the Kingdom And now we proceed to the West-Saxon Kingdom within whose Limits were reckoned Cornwall Devon-shire Dorcet-shire Somerset-shire Wiltshire Southampton-shire and Barkshire It began about the year 501 continued about 515 years and ended Anno 116. and boasted in the Succession of Seventeen Kings as followeth to wit 1. Cherdick This man was a valiant Captain of the Low Country Germans and entred this Island about the year 495. he fought a great Battel against the Britains and slew Natauleon one of their great Princes This Cherdick was the first West-Saxon King and began his Reign over that Kingdom Anno 501. and reigned 33 years 2. Kenrick He began to Reign Anno 534. and reigned 26 years he gave the Britains two great Overthrows the one at Sheresbury in Wiltshire and the other at Banbury in Oxford-shire he was with his Father Cherdick also in several of the Battels against the Britains 3. Chewlin See for what memorable Accidents happened in his time in the VI. Chapter among the Petty Monarcks He began his Reign Anno 560. and reigned 33 years 4. Cearlick He overthrew his Vncle Chewlin at Wannes-Ditch in Wilt-shire and so obtained the Kingdom Anno 593. and reigned 6 years 5. Chelwolf He began his Reign the year 598 and being assaulted by the Britains Scots and Pickts after 14 years Reign he died in the Wars 6. Kingills This Prince at Beandune fought the Britains and slew 1046 of them he made Peace with Penda King of Mercia and was the first Christian King of the West-Saxons he was Converted by Berinus to whom he gave Dorchester his Reign began Anno 612. and continued about 31 years 7. Kenwald He conquered the Britains at Pennum but was afterwards driven out of his Kingdom by Penda King of Mercia whose Sister he had married and turn'd her away but being Baptized by Bishop Felix and receiving his wife again he received with her his Kingdom also he began his Reign 643. and reign'd 31 years 8. Eskwin His Reign began Anno 675. and continued about 2 years He fought a great Battel with Wolfere King of Mercia at Bidamheaford where many Saxons were slain on both sides 9. Kentwin This King was a great Scâ—urge to the poor Britains causing them to flye into Râ—cks and Mountains for Safegard he began his Reign Anno 677. and reigned 9 years 10. Ceadwald He slew Ethelwolf King of the South-Saxons in Battel and after him Barthun another Prince thereof he spilt much Christian blood in Kent also but at length was baptized by Pope Sergius at Rome and was named Peter he began his Reign Anno 686 and reigned about two years 11. Ine This King began his Reign Anno 688. and reigned 37 years he gave a great overthrow to the Britains and fought Cheolred King of Mercia bringing the South-Saxons Kingdom also into a Province and annexing it to the West-Saxons Kingdom He made several good Laws translated by Mr. Lambert out of the Saxon Language he founded the Abby of Glastenbury and after went to Rome on Pilgrimage where he died He caused every housholder that had goods of one kind in his house to the value of twenty pence to pay the Pope yearly a penny on Lammas-day which afterwards was called Peter-pence 12. Ethellard In this Kings time appeared two blasing-Stars he was much emulated by Oswald a Norman his Reign began Anno Domini 726 and continued fourteen years 13. Cuthred He began his Reign Anno 740 and Reigned fourteen years he made Peace with Ethelbald King of Mercia and they both joined in War against the Britains and gave them a great overthrow at length Earl Adelm one of his Subjects Rebelled against him 14. Sigesbert He caused Earl Cumbra to be slain for telling him of his Vices and Cruelties towards his Subjects upon which occasion his Subjects Rebelled against him and drove him into the Woods where he was slain by a Swineheard Servant to Earl Cumbra he Reigned about one year and began his Rule 754. 15. Kenwolf He began his Government 755 and Ruled twenty nine years he several times overthrew the Britains but was at length overthrown himself by Offa King of Mercia as he was going to Merton to visit his Paramour by one Clyto who for his pains the next day was rewarded with Death by one Osricus the King's Captain and all Clyto's followers being 80 men received the same Doom and then Osricus took the King's body and buried it at Winchester 16. Brithrick This King was unwittingly poisoned by the Queen he taking the Poison which she had prepared for one of his Minions whereupon she fled into France and there died miserably several strange Prodigies appeared in this King's Reign he began his Reign Anno 784. and reigned 16 years 17. Egbert He was the first sole Monarch of England See more of him in the Seventh Chapter his Reign began Anno 800. over this Kingdom and continued 36 years after which he reigned 17 years as sole Monarch having reduced England into a Monarchy Anno 827. The next Kingdom we come unto is the East-Saxons which contained Essex and Middlesex whose beginning was Anno 522. Continuance 305 years and its Expiration An. Dom. 827. The Succession of Kings were 14. as followeth 1. Erchenwine He began to Rule over this Kingdom Anno 527. and reigned sixty years 2. Sledda This King reigned nine years 3. Sebert He was converted by Miletus the first Bishop of Saint Pauls in London which Church was founded by Sebert and Ethelbert King of Kent here formerly had stood a Temple dedicated to Diana This King began his Reign Anno 596. and reigned 21 years he was the first Christian King of this Kingdom 4. Sered He began his Reign Anno 617. and reigned 6 years he banished Miletus for prohibiting his Prophanation of the Lord's Table and was afterwards slain by Kingills the West-Saxon King 5. Sigesbert This King began his Reign Anno 623. and reigned 23 years 6. Sigebert He was Baptized by Bishop Finnan through the Perswasion of Oswye King of Northumberland and having too much Clemency two of his Brethren murthered him after he had reigned 15 years he began his Reign Anno 646. 7. Swithelm He began his Reign Anno 661. and reigned 3 years he was baptized by Bishop Cedda Edelwald King of the East-Angles being his Godfather 8. Sighere He turn'd Apostate but being brought to the Faith again by the Industry of Wolfere King of the Merciaâ—s he afterwards caused Idolatrous Temples and Altars to be demoloshed in his time was a great Plague he began his Reign Anno 664 and reigned 5 years 9. Sebba He changed his Princely Robes into a Religious Habit in the Monastery of St. Paul's in London leaving his Kingdom to Sigherd after he had
unlawful yet all the force and Law they then had could never obtain a Writ of Restitution the continuance of this new Saxon Monarchy was but during the times of these two Kings following 1. Edward the Confessour He was Crowned at Winchester by Edsine Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in the beginning of his Reign the Danes Irish and Welsh entered England and destroyed all in their passage with Fire and Sword but they were withstood in their proceeding by Alfred the Warlike Bishop of Worcester In the fifth year of the King's Reign there fell so great a Snow in January that covered the Ground till the middle of March and much Cattel and Fowl died and in January after happened such an Earthquake that it seemed to rend the ground in sunder and withal such fearful Lightnings were then that the Corn in the Fâ—elds was burnt up which caused a great Dearth And now Goodwine Earl of Kent who was the main Instrument in setting up King Edward for his Favour to the Burgesses of Canterbury falls into dislike with the King and after several thwartings he and his five were banished but about two years after was received again into favour and being one day at the King's Table at Dinner the Cup-bearer coming in got a slip and had like to have spilt the Wine but as one Foot slipped the other recovered it whereupon the Earl said I see one Brother hath helped the other Yes said the King and so would my Brother Alured have helpen me if Goodwine had not been The Earl perceiving the King's Anger he took a piece of Bread and wished it might choak him if he were guilty of betraying the King's Brother so putting the Bread into his Mouth he was choaked therewith and fell down dead After this the King caused his Mother Emma to be tried whether she were guilty of Adultery or no by causing her to go blindfold over the place where nine Plow-shares lay glowing hot and she being clear of the Accusation laid to her charge went over the place where they lay and mist them every one stepping betwixt still all the way as she went when she was past them she not knowing so much cryed out saying Oh Lord When shall I come to the place of my Purgation And having her eyes opened and seeing herself past the Danger she fell on her knees and gave Thanks to her Deliverer this kind of Tryal was called Ordalium It is reported also that his Dealings with his own Beautiful Queen Edith a Daughter to Earl Goodwine were little better she being likewise accused of Adultery and kept in Prison during her Father's Banishment In this King's time was a blasing Star seen for sev'n dayes space all the World over The Abby of St. Peters at Westminster was enlarged by this King and he built the Church of St. Margarets at Westminster and removed the Bishop's Sea from Cridington in Devon-shire to Exeter and made Leofrick first Bishop thereof and he was the first of our Kings that cured the Disease called Struma now the King 's Evil and that first used to Seal his Patents with the Stately Seal now called The KING' 's Great Seal and he remitted the Tax of Dane-Guilt so grievous to his Subjects and Collected all the Laws of his Predecessors into one Body which some say is the Ground or Foundation of our Common Law This King Edward was seventh Son to King Ethelred and first by his Second wife Queen Emma he was born at I slip in Oxford-shire and was the 19 Sole Monarch of England he began his Reign Anno. Dom. 1042. and reigned 20 years 6 months and 27 daies He died the 4 of January and was buried at Westminster 2. Harrold This King at his Entrance freed his Subjects from those grievous Tributes his Predecessors had afflicted them withall he was crowned by Aldredus Archbishop of York Now there were three several Reports of Edward's disposing of the Crown some said to the Norman Duke who made that the Anchor-hold of his Claims others to young Edgar to whom he was great Vncle and lastly to this Harrold who in King Edwards days being at Sea in a Fisher-boat upon Pleasure was driven into Normandy where Duke William caused him to swear that if Edward died without Issue the Crown of England should be reserved for the Normans And hereupon after Edward's Death and Harrold's assuming of the Crown Duke William sent his Embassadours to him to put him in minde of his Oath but he returned Answer That it was extorted from him in his Imprisonment and so not obliging At this Answer the Duke was much inraged and prepared for an Invasion and at Harrold's Preparation to Encounter the Duke a fearful Comet appeared which was look'd upon as after it proved a bad Omen And now Harrold's Misery approaching Tosto Brother to Harrold and Harrold Harfagar King of Denmark invaded England and landed at Richal upon Owse in York-shire and spoiling the Country round about marched straitway to York News being brought to the King he with his Army marched Northwards to suppress these Danish Forces and at Stamford Bridg built over the River Derwent he was stopt by a single Dane who slew 40 of his men but at length the valiant Dane was slain by a Soldier who got a Boat and rowed under the Bridge and thrust his Spear up through a hole in the Bridge and so slew the famous valiant Dane Some say He was slain with a Dart thrown at him And the King now getting the Bridge he fell upon the Norwegians and made great slaughter of them and among the rest he slew Harfagar the King of Denmark and Tosto his own Brother and Olave the Son of Harfagar and Paul Earl of Orkny were taken Prisoners who begging their Lives of the King were suffered to depart with the rest of the Prisoners having 20 small Vessels of their great Fleet of three hundred Ships wherewith they invaded the Realm allowed them to carry away their slain and hurt with the heavy news to Denmark of the loss of their King and overthrow of their whole Army These Troubles were no sooner over but William Duke of Normandy landed at Pevensey in Sussex upon the eighth day of September Anno Domini 1066 who after his landing set his own Fleet on Fire that his Soldiers might have no hopes of flying back thither for succour When he first came on shoar his Foot stuck fast in the Sand and the Knight that was next to him said Now Sir Earl England sticks fast to thee Doubt not but presently to be King thereof after some small stirs he sent a Messenger to the King at London to demand the Kingdom but the Messenger was dismissed with Threats and Harrold now seeing no way but one either to fight or yield the Kingdom which was too sweet a Morsel to part with without Blows He therefore advances with his Army into Sussex and pitched his Tents in a fair plain within seven miles of the Enemy and
Robert the Sixth Duke of Normandy begotten on a Beautiful Damosel called Arlet the Daughter to a Tanner as some report He began his Reign on Saturday the 14 day of October Anno 1066 he reigned twenty years ten Months and twenty six dayes and was the twenty one sole Monarch of England he got his Sickness by an over-heat and died on Thursday the 9 day of September in the 56 year of his Dutchy 21 of his Kingdom and sixty fourth year of his Age Anno Domini 1087. CHAP. XI Of King William the second commonly called Rufus WILLIAM Posting to London after the Death of his Father he carried with him Earl Morcar and Wilnoth Son to Harrold being both released from their Imprisonment in Normanay but most of the States stood for Robert his elder Brother and had tried their Titles by the Sword had not Lanfranck and Wolstan two Learned Prelates stayed their hands On Sunday the twenty six of September Anno 1087 William was Crowned at Westminster by Lanfranck Arch-Bishop of Canterbury And now Odo the King's Vncle having been roughly dealt withal by William the Father for Revenge thereof begins to draw the Nobles into sedition against William the Son and further to accomplish his desires he sent Letters to Robert Curtoise the King 's elder Brother and Duke of Normandy to invade England to which Request Robert sent answer according to Odoe's expectation so Odo and the Nobles expecting daily Robert's assistance fell into open Rebellion and made a great spoil in several parts of the Kingdom but Robert not so hasty as was expected in the mean time Bishop Odo is taken and banished not long after Duke Robert enters England with his Normans whereupon the King agreed with him to depart again paying him three thousand marks yearly about this time Langfranck Archbishop of Canterbury dying the King kept the Bishoprick in his hands four years And the year after the King invaded Normandy and forced his Brother Robert to composition with him after the Peace concluded between these two Brothers they both took part against their younger Brother Henry but at length were all reconciled And now Malcolm King of Scots entered England doing much harm and the King marching to oppose him at their meeting a Peace was concluded and he gave Malcolm twelve Villages which he had formerly held under William the querour for twelve marks yearly in Gold At that time the King built Carlisle in Cumberland having been demolished two hundred years before by the Danes And now he makes Anselm a Norman Abbot Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Anno 1093. About this time King Malcolm came to Gloucester to treat with the King again about the Peace of the Nations and taking some distaste at his Reception he returned in a Rage and raising an Army he spoyled all before him as far as Alnewick presently after this Robert Mowbray and William of Ancho with some others conspired to take the King's Life and Crown and to set up Stephen de Albemarle but they were prevented This same year viz. 1093 the King Conquered Wales since which time the English Monarchs have been accounted the chief Governours thereof The next year the King and his Brother Robert fell at odds again but were quickly reconciled And Robert intending for the Holy War did Mortgage his Dukedom to William for 6666 pound of Silver to furnish him with necessaries for the War And now to raise this Sum of Money the King laied heavy Taxes on his Subjects and neither Churches nor Monasteries were Priviledged from this payment This Voyage for the Holy War was taken in the year of our Lord 1099. And the same year the King built new Walls about the Tower and likewise built Westminsterhall being ninety yards long twenty four yards and two Foot broad and yet when he first see it he said It was too little by half and so he would reserve it for a Chamber About this time began the Cestersian Order in Burgandy as some old Authors affirm and it was brought into England about the year 1135 and an Abby built for the Monks of that Order at Rivaulx Now the King going for Normandy to relieve his Subjects there the Winds proving very cross the Pilate desired the King to stay a while for a better Gale but the King no whit daunted commanded to hoise up Sailes with these words Hast thou ever heard that any King was drowned He denied that the Pope had any Authority over any Bishop within his Realm and also denied the Popes power of binding and loosing but paied him Peter-pence granted by his Father he also held it bootless to invocate Saints curbed Anselm Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and Taxed the swelling Clergy for their Pride Luxury Idleness and Avarice In the Second year of his Reign a great Earthquake happened and in the fourth year a great Lightning which burnt the Steeple of the Abby of Winchester and rent the Beams of the Roof casting down the Image of our Lady and Crucifix breaking one of the Legs thereof And not long after so great a Wind happened at London that it blew down 60 some say 606 houses and took off the Roof of Bow-Church bearing it a great height into the Air and six of the Beams being twenty seven foot long with the fall ran twenty three foot into the Ground the Streets being then unpaved in the sixth year of the King's Reign was so great a Famine and Mortality that the Quick were scarce able to bury the Dead and in the ninth year of his Reign two blasing Stars with two Bushes appeared and other Stars seemed to shoot Darts one at the other And the last year of his Reign the Sea overflowed its Banks and drowned a great number of People in Kent and overwhelm'd a great deal of Lands which had been Earl Goodwins whose Name they retain to this day being called Goodwin's Sands There was also a Well of Blood which rose up out of the ground for the space of 15 dayes at Finchamstead near Abbington in Bark-shire This William Rufus was King of England but not Duke of Normandy he was Third Son of William the Conquerour by Maud his Wife Daughter to Baldwine the fifth Earl of Flanders He began his Reign on Thursday the ninth of September Anno Dom. one thousand eighty seven and reigned twelve years ten months and twenty three dayes he was the twenty second sole Monarch of England He was shot by Accident in New Forrest by Sir Walter Tyrrel on Wednesday the first day of August Anno Domini 1100. being the thirteenth year of his Reign and the Forty fourth year of his Age he was buried in the Quire of Saint Swythine being the Cathedral Church of Winchester CHAP. XII Of King Henry the first commonly called Beauclark for his Learning KING Henry was Crowned at Westminster by Maurice Bishop of London in the absence of Anselm Arch-Bishop of Canterbury on Sunday the fifth day of August Anno 1100 But before his Coronation the
the Husband of the Empress shortly after this Earl Robert the Empress Brother was taken Prisoner by some of the King's party who had escaped from Lincoln who carrying him to Gloucester there imprisoned him and growing at length weary of his Irons and hard Lodging he and the King were released one in Liew of the other The Earl after his Releasment went for Normandy to raise more aid but in the mean while King Stephen besieged the Empress in Oxford where she was brought to such a straight that she was forced to fly by Night with some of her Company Disguised getting over the Thames on the Ice it being then Winter from which place they ran on Foot through Snow and Ditches to Abbington being about five miles and here they took Horse and got to Wallingford-Castle And by this time Earl Robert and Prince Henry the Empress Son were landed at Warran-haven from whence they got to the Empress but she at length being wearied with the various success of War and never out of Troubles left England and returned to her Husband into Normandy having sent her Son Henry thither before her At Lincoln the King after the Empress Departure caused all the Barrons to swear Allegiance to Prince Eustace Stephen's Son And Theobald Arch-Bishop of Canterbury refusing to consecrate Eustace King was forced to fly into Normandy for his safety and the King seized all his Possessions no King before Stephen's time durst enter Lincoln being frighted with the Foolish Prophesies of some Wizards After this Henry the Empress's Son entered England again and was met by the King whose Armies had joined in Battel but that the Winter Storms prevented them and so a Truce was concluded which thing was very displeasing to Prince Eustace who not long after died of a Frenzy After his Death a Peace was concluded and the King adopted Prince Henry the Empress's Son for his Heir and Successor In the last year of the King's Reign a little before his Death was seen the Sign of the Cross in the Moon This Stephen was King of England and Duke of Normandy he was the Third Son of Stephen Earl of Bloyce by his Wife Adilicia or Alice third Daughter to William the Conquerour His Reign began on Munday the second day of December Anno Domini eleven hundred thirty five and he reign'd eighteen years ten moneths and twenty dayes and was the twenty fourth sole Monarch of England He died of the Illiack-Passion mixed with his old Disease the Emmeroyds in the Monastery of the Monks at Dover on Munday the twenty fifth day of October Anno Domini eleven hundred fifty four his Body was buried at Feaversham in Kent in an Abby of his own founding In the fourth year of this King's Reign was the second Lateran Council Innocent the II. Pope CHAP. XIV Of King Henry the Second sometimes called Henry Fitz-Empress THis Henry was three times crowned first by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster then at Lincoln and lastly at Worcester His Privy Council he chose of the gravest Peers and Thomas Becket his Chancellor About the 5 of his Reign 30 Waldenses or thereabouts being come into England were persecuted by a Council of Bishops held at Oxford and by the King's Command all persons were prohibited to give them any Food whereby they miserably perished And now the King and Malcolm King of Scots entered Amity upon the same Conditions as were agreed upon in Henry the first 's time And in Token of his Subjection the King of Scots offered his Hat and Saddle upon St. Peters Altar in York and there left them About this time the Jews crucified a Child at Gloucester And now Theobald dying Becket the Chancellor was made Archbishop of Canterbury and he denied to take the Oath for observation of the Articles administred to the Clergy which the rest of the Bishops had taken and were clearly against the Pope's Authority Hereupon the Contention between the King and Becket grew so hot that the Pope sent Philip his Almoner to perswade the Bishop to swear who at his Request took the Oath Anno 1163. London-Bridge was made a new of Timber by one Peter the Priest of Cole-church And now Becket standing several times in Opposition against the King at length was condemned of Perjury and being called to hear his Sentence as a Traytor he made shift to escape in Disguise into Flanders by the Name of Deerman Now the King sends his Embassadors to the Pope requesting him to send two of his Cardinals to judge the Case the Pope returned Answer That he would Judg him himself when he saw Cause upon the Receit of this Answer the King made an Order that all the Clergy that were with the Pope or did Appeal to Rome should have their Livings sequestred and banished all the Kinred of Becket Man Woman Child and Suckling And now the King stoutly withstood all the Popes Threats Edicts and Bulls denying also the payment of Peter-pence And Roger Archbishop of York at the King's Command in Contempt of Becket crowned Henry the King's Son But Becket after 7 years Banishment was again reconciled to the King and restored to his former Dignity During these Stirs there was one Gilbert Foliott Doctor of Divinity in Oxford who perswaded the King to curb the Pride of the Clergy and this Doctor often reprooved proud Becket to his Face for which he was much hated and persecuted Now Becket at his second Entrance on his Bishoprick excommunicated several Prelates And King Henry being in Normandy and hearing hereof chanced to speak some words against the Bishop which moved four of his Courtiers to sale for England where in the Church of Canterbury they murthered Bishop Becket Anno 1170. He was afterwards canonized by the Pope and is reputed amongst those of the Romish perswasion for a great Saintâ— He was by Birth a Londoner his Mother a Sarazen and by Profession he was a Civilian After the King returned for England Robert Fitz-Stephen a valliant man without the King's Knowledg sailed for Ireland where he became Conqueror of several Strong-holds But the King himself who had it in his Thoughts long before to make a Conquest thereof sailed thither and imprisoned Fitz-Stephen who had made way for the King's Conquest After some Skirmishes the King conquered Ireland and established Religion there and built also a Magnificent Castle at Dublin and so returned for England About this time it was ordained That Men should make their Testaments in presence of their Neighbours And if the Man that died had Wife and Children he was to cast up what he owed to other men and to Servants for their Wages And then the rest of his Goods were to be divided into Three Parts one part to his Children another part to his Wife and the third part for his Burial and to Pious Vses After this the King sailed to Normandy whither the Pope had sent two Cardinals to take the King's Purgation for Becket's Death His
great number of Houses at Winchelsey The King wanting more Money called a Parliament to supply him but was denied whereupon he sold his Jewels Plate and other precious Stuff shortning the allowance also of his House and inviting himself sometimes to one Nobleman's Table and sometimes to another And Alexander King of Scotland coming to York there Married Margaret the Kings Daughter to whose Marriage-Feast the Arch-Bishop of York gave 600 fat Oxen which were all spent at the first Service Not long after this Prince Edward the Kings eldest Son went into Spain and married the Kings Sister whereupon the Spanish King quitted all his claim to Gascoign to King Henry who gave his Son Edward upon his Marriage Gascoin Wales Bristow Stanford and Grantham the year after the Prince with his Wife and Royal Retinue landed at Dover And now also Edmund the King's Son was honoured by the Pope with the empty Title of King of Sicily Anno 1225 Seabald Arch Bishop of York was prosecuted by the Pope for Preaching and writing against his Holiness's Pride And this year 142 Jews were brought to Westminster who were accused and 18 of them hanged for Crucifying a Child at Lincoln and the rest kept Prisoners And now the King again perceiving his Coffers to be empty caused sharp Orders to be made against Sheriffs for the passing their Accompts in the Exchequer And about this time came the Germain Ambassadors with an Embassy to Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's Brother wherein they declared That their Masters the Princes Electors of the Roman Empire had made choice of him for King which he after much Consultation accepted on And now the Barrons fall into Rebellion again and a Parliament being called at Oxford thither they repaired and behaved themselves very Insolently towards their Sovereign hereupon the King sailed into France and there compounded with the French King that he should hold the Dukedom of Normandy and Earldom of Anjou Mayne Touraign and Poictue for 300000 pounds of Touraigne and on promise to receive other Lands of the value of 20000 l. per annum Anno 43 of the King a Jew at Teukesbury fell into a Privy upon Saturday and refused to be helped out because it was their Sabboth whereupon the Earl of Gloucester kept him in all Sunday too and on Monday he was dead About this time Dr. Strenham wrote that Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures were only necessary to Salvation Now the King of France being Umpire between Henry and his Barrons he gave Judgment for the King and the Barrons denying to stand to his Sentence the King gave them Battel near Nottingham where they received a great Overthrow and Simon Mountforth Son to the Earl of Leicester the chief Rebell and many other Barrons Knights and Esquires were taken After this Overthrow the Barrons sent Letters twice to the King desiring to be reconciled but could not be heard which provoked them to fight the King's Army again at which time the Fortune of the day fell to the Barrons for they took the King and his Brother Richard King of the Romans and some other great Peers and the next day their two eldest Sons yielded themselves Prisoners And now Earl Mountforth Joyful of the Victory proceeded to the Imprisonment of the King of the Romans his Son and the Prince in Dover but this budding happiness of the Earl's was quickly cropped for the Earl of Gloucester and he differing about parting of the Prey the Earl of Gloucester thereupon opposed the current of Leicester's Fortune with whom joined the Prince escaped out of Prison and several other Nobles and at Everssham in Worcestershire they overthrew Leicesters Army and he being there slain had his Head cut off and sent to Worcester and his Hands and Feet were chopt off and all those on his party disinherited and London is threatned to be burnt by the King for taking the Barrons part Shortly after this John de Warren Earl of Surrey killed Allan de Zouch in Westminster-Hall upon some distaste taken Anno 1264 there were 700 Jews slain in London because one of them would have forced a Christian Man to have paied more than two pence for the Usury of 20 shillings the week and the year 1269 the Thames was so hard frozen that Men and Cattel passed over from Lambeth to Westminster upon the Ice About this time it was that Prince Edward took his Voyage for the Holy-War and Roger-Bacon a famous Divine of Oxford was Imprisoned by the Pope for Preaching against the Absurdities in the Church of Rome Anno 1271 the Steeple of Bow-Church in Cheap-side fell down and flew many People Men and Women and the year after was a great Riot in Norwich through which the Monastery of the Trinity was burned whereupon the King rode down thither and after enquiry made of the chief Actors caused 50 of them to be Hanged Drawn and Quartered and their Quarters to be burnt And now the King perceiving his Death to approach swore the Earl of Gloucester to keep the Realm for Prince Edward his Son This Henry III. was King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Guyain and Aquitain He was eldest Son to King John by Isabel his Queen Daughter and Heir of Aimery Earl of Angolisme his Reign began on wednesday the 19 of Octob. Anno 1216 and he reigned 56 years and 28 days and was the 28 sole Monarch of England he died at the Abby of St. Edmunds in Suffolk on Wednesday the 16 day of November Anno 1272 being in the 57 year of his Reign and 65 of his Age his body was buried at Westminster CHAP. XVIII Of King Edward the First commonly called Long-Shanks KING Edward was gone for the Holy-Land when the Crown fell to him Elianor his Queen being with him who at Acon in their Voyage was delivered of a Daughter and at that place her Husband was Wounded by a Trayterous Villain in three places of his Arm with a Poysoned knife all which Wounds after the Chyrurgions were wearied the Queen cured by licking out the Venom with her Tongue yet she thereby receiving no prejudice The news of his Father's Death coming to his Ear he forthwith returned and after his Arrival himself and Queen were Crowned by Robert Kilwarby Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and after this the King called a Parliament at Westminster which as some affirm were the first Statutes there made and Luellin Prince of Wales refusing to come to the Parliament King Edward thereupon went into Wales and built the Castle of Flint and Luellin made his Submission and gave the King 50000 pounds for Agreement and 10000 marks per Annum for the Island of Man But afterwards he had several Bickerings with the Welsh but at length reduced them to perfect Subjection and beheaded Luellin their Prince and his Brother David and set up their Heads upon the Tower at London He appointed Sheriffs for Wales and established the English Lawes amongst them Anno 1274 was the Second Council of
Princess Catherine in Marriage to King Henry but these proffers found no Acceptance for Antelope the Pursevant at Arms was sent to the French King with Letters of Defiance Hereupon Charles sent a million of Gold out of France to the Lords Scroop Gray and Cambridge all three in especial favour with King Henry to betray or murther him before he arrived in Normandy which they O the prevalency of Gold intended to have put in execution but being discovered the Night before the King intended to have put to Sea they were all three beheaded And so the King embarked for France and landed near Harflew commanding his Army that they should do no violence to Churches Church-men Women or Children and so advanced towards the Town and laid Siege to it which shortly after was yielded to him and he turned out the French and Peopled the Town with English Artizans from hence he marched with 2000 Horse and 13000 Foot through the Countries of Caux and Ewe towards Callis but finding so many Obstacles in his way the French having plased shed Woods pulled down Bridges and carried all Victuals out of the Country where he intended to pass and his Soldiers growing sick and faint for want of Victuals he therefore resolved to march back to Callis The French upon this Advantage thinking to surprize the King near Azin Court pitched their Banner Royal their Host consisting of 150000 Horse and 10000 Men at Arms Princes Noblemen and Knights King Henry considering the faintness of his Soldiers through want of Victuals and that the French were six to one desired a Peace but was denied the French making themselves so sure of the Victory as that they had disposed of Court-places and other preferments in England among themselves each knowing his place but this day proved more fatal to them than they expected for King Henry seeing no way but one encouraged his Men and entered Battel obtaining a most glorious Victory with the loss of Edward Duke of York the Earl of Worcester and some few others but of the French fell that day 4000 Princes Nobles Knights and Esquires besides 10000 Common Soldiers and so many Prisoners taken that they far exceeded the Conquerors wherefore the King Commanded to kill them all least they should rise up against them From thence the King marched to Callis and so took Ship for England landing at Dover where he was received with great Triumph and at his entrance into London was presented with 1000 pounds in Gold and two Gold Basons worth 500 pounds Not long after Sigismond the Emperor arrived in England desiring a Peace between England and France which would not be granted and so concluded a Peace between himself and England and received the honourable Order of Knight-hood of the Garter from King Henry he returned And now the King of France having a Navy wasting on the Seas with many Bravadoes the English Fleet under the Command of John Duke of Bedford battered sunk and took the most of them and sent the three great Carracks of Genoa to England But Burgundy now siding with France against England the King thereupon called a Parliament and a Subsidy and tenth was granted him for the maintenance of the Wars against France but all not being sufficient for defraying so vast a charge he was forced to pawn his Crown and sell his Jewells for raising more moneys And being now well prepared he made his Brother John Duke of Bedford Protector of England and so made his second Expedition for France and arrived in Normandy whose Terrour was such that 25000 Families fled out of the Country upon his Arrival His first Attempt was against Conquest the strongest Castle in Normandy which he presently took and bestowed it on his Brother Thomas Duke of Clarence and the Castle of Aumbelliers on the Earl of Salisbury with that of Lovers on the Earl Marshal and presently after Cane was also taken by him About this time the Scots laying Siege against Barwick and Roâ—ksborough they were all scared away with fear when they heard that the Lord Protector and Arch Bishop of York with other Nobles were drawing near them with an Army Presently after a Parliament was called by the Protector 's Authority for raising Money for the Wars in which Parliament Sir John Old-Castle Lord Cobham who held the opinion of Dr. Wickliff was condemned and hanged in St. Giles's Fields being burnt also whilest he was hanging The King at this time laid against the Town and Castle of Fallais which after a while was surrendred upon certain Conditions and after this he divided his Army into several parts under the Command of Himself and Nobles who wan several Castles here and there he with his party laid Siege to Roan which after six months Siege was forced to Surrender there being famished in the Town during the Siege 50000 and 12000 Starvelings turned out of the Town who died in Ditches He caused the Burgesses there to pay him 356000 Crowns towards his Expences in the Siege and likewise to swear Fealty to him and his Successors This place had been about 215 years in the possession of the French from the time that King John of England lost it Presently after the Surrender of this place about 40 other Towns and places of note did yield themselves to the King and now the Duke of Burgundy sought to make Peace but it was denyed King Henry following on now to make an absolute and entire Conquest which shortly after he effected a Flood-Gate being opened unto him for accomplishing of the same by reason of some affronts offered by the Dauphin to his Mother the Queen who impatient of wrongs raised Forces and with the help of the Duke of Burgundy became Regent of France which civil Broils made well for King Henry for Peace being sought with him it was granted with these Conditions that the Crown of France and all its Rights after the Death of the French King Charles and his Queen should remain to King Henry and his Heirs for ever whereupon he married Lady Catherine Daughter to King Charles and so the Sallique Law of France at this time was made void but the Pope being sollicited to confirm Henry King of France would not condescend to it Upon the Sealing and Swearing the above mentioned Articles Philip Duke of Burgundy did Homage to King Henry who was then Stiled and Proclaimed Regent of France and kept his Court at Paris for a time Parliaments being then called which confirmed all things the Nobles all swearing to be true to King Henry except the Dauphin and his party who were in Rebellion and in the last Parliament had Sentence of Disinheritance pronounced against him and in the Court of Chancery in Paris all things were sealed with the Seal of King Henry And now all things thus confirmed the King with his Queen came for England who was no sooner out of France but the Scots hasted thither to the Aid of the Dauphin and in a Skirmish several of
reigned 22 years 14. Kenelm He was Murthered by Askbert this Teacher through the instigation of Quendride the Kings own Sister he began his Reign Anno 819 and reigned about 5 months 15. Ceolwolfe By the Instigation of Bernulfe after one year's Rule he was expulsed by his Subjects 16. Bernulfe Having gotten the Kingdom had but little comfort in the injoyment first fighting Egbert the West-Saxon and afterwards the East-Angles by whom he was slain in the third year of his Reign he began to Rule Anno 821. 17. Ludecan He began his Reign 824 and in his second year was slain by Egbert and the East-Angles 18. Witlafe He was also overcome by King Egbert the West-Saxon in the thirteenth year of his Reign which began Anno 826. 19. Berthulf He began his Reign Anno 839 and reigned 13 years And then was forced to leave his Country by the cruel usage of the Danes 20. Burdred He after several fights with the Danes at length became Victor but fresh supplies landing again he was then forced to fly out of the Land he began to Reign 852 and reigned about twenty two years Now we come to the last of the seven Kingdoms which was called the East-Angles This contained Suffolk Norfolk Cambridge and Ely Island It began Anno 575 continued 353 years and ended Anno 914 and had a Succession of 15 Kings as followeth 1. Vffa He began to Rule 575 and reigned 7 years 2. Titulus He began his Reign Anno five hundred eighty three and reigned about thirty two years 3. Redwald See his Actions among the petty Monarchs chap. 6. his Reign began in the year 616 and he reigned 8 years 4. Erpenwald He began his Reign 624 and Reigned twelve years he was brought to the Faith of Christ through the perswasions of Edwine King of Northumberland for which cause he was murthered by one Richebert he was the second Christian King of this Kingdom and Redwald the first 5. Sigebert He began his Rule 636 and Reigned two years he abandoned the Court and Country during his Father Redwald's Reign and afterwards returning out of France he brought the light of the Gospel into his Dominions and after two years Reign shore himself a Monck and resigned his Kingdom he was afterwards slain in Battel by wicked Penda 6. Egrick He began to Reign 638 and reigned four years he was slain by Penda and so was his Successor Anna. 7. Anna Begun 642 Reigned 12 years 8. Ethelbert He was slain in Battel by Oswine King of Northumberland for siding with Penda he began his Reign 654 and reigned about two years 9. Edelwald Began 656 reigned 8 years 10. Aldulfe Began 664 reigned 19 years 11. Elswolfe Began 683 reigned 7 years 12. Beorne Began 690 reigned 24 years 13. Ethelred Began 714 reigned 35 years 14. Ethelbert He was sent for by Offa the Mercian King who promised him his Daughter but instead thereof he gave him Death to Imbrace he being murthered at the instigation of Quindride the Queen He began his Reign 749 and reigned 45 years 15. Edmund He was besieged in Framingham Castle by the Danes and being taken Prisoner by them he was beaten with cudgels and scourged but Edmund still calling on the name of the Lord Jesus it so inraged them that they took him and tied him to a stake and shot him to Death with their Arrows and afterwards they cut off his head and threw it in a Bush he began his Reign Anno 794. And though Authors agree not how long he Reigned yet I shall agree with the ending of him to end this 4 Chapter CHAP. V. Of the British Princes who withstood the Saxons Conquest being accounted 13 as followeth 1. VOrtigern This man being chosen King of the Britains after he had first treacheroufly made away Constantius his Predecessor he intended the like to Aurelius Ambrosius Vter Pendragon who were the Brother of Constantius whereupon they were conveyed to their Friends in Little-Britain for their safety against his Tyranny And now Vortigern being sadly pestered with the Picts and Scots he sends for the Saxons to his Aide and having through their assistance overcome his Enemies Hengist the Saxon Leader getting into favour with the King begged of him so much ground as an Ox-hide would compass which was easily granted so the same being cut into thongs it incircled so much ground that a Fort was built upon it called Thong-Castle where Hengist settled himself And now Hengist hath more of his Friends waiting upon him and amongst the rest comes Rowena his Daughter with whom Vortigern was much taken turns away his lawful Christian Wife and takes Rowena and afterwards his own Daughter begotten on her becomes his Bedfellow on whom he begot a Son called Faustus who is said did weep himself blind for the Abomination of his Parents for those things and his too much kindness to the Saxons after sixteen years Reign he was deposed by his Subjects and his Son Vortigern made King after whose Death he was restored again but falling again into his wicked courses after six years second Reign he with his incestuous Wife were both consumed to Ashes in a Castle of his own founding in Wales which was set on fire by Aurelius Ambrosius his Successour This King began his Reign Anno 438 and reigned in all 22 years 2. Vortimer He reigned prudently 4 years and won four Set-Battels against the Saxons and put them to such a strait that they were forced to betake themselves into the Isle of Thanet the place of their first landing and then petitioned to return into their own Country leaving their Families and Possessions behind them but least this King should prove the utter vanquisher of the Saxons he was by Rowena their favourite poysoned And now Vortigern enters upon his second government and Hengist now returning again the King with his British Nobles makes head against him and a Treaty being agreed upon and Salisbury plain the place appointed there the British Nobles were treacherously slain by Hengist's Souldiers And now the King with his incestuous Wife are taken and immured up in a Castle in Wales as is shewed before 3. Aurelius Ambrosius This Man overcame Hengist the Saxon in York-shire and cut of his head and took his Son Octa Prisoner but afterwards falling sick at Winchster Passentius the yongest Son of Vortigern sent one Eopa in shew of a Physitian who gave him Poyson instead of Physick of which he died and was buried in Coria Gigantum or Stone-henge in Salisbury-plain which he by the help of Merlin's inchantment as it is said brought out of Ireland and placed here in memory of the British Nobles here slain Vter-Pendragon was here buried also Aurelius Ambrosius gave name to the adjacent Town calling it Ambrose-bury now Amesbury This King began his Reign Anno 466 and reigned thirty two years 4. Vter Pendragon He was Brother to Aurelius Ambrosius and encountred the Saxons taking Ebusa and Octa two of Hengest's Sons Prisoners but afterwards
Excommunication that he should stand to the Popes Judgment and that he should restore to their former Dignities the Arch-Bishop Bishops and Monks he was also forced to surrender his Crown Scepter Sword Robes and King into Pandulphus's the Popes Attorneys hands laying them at his feet And lastly to hold his Crown in Fee-Farm of the Pope at the yearly Rent of 1000 Marks And now the Pope got the Prey which he so long hunted after But the King was continually after pestered with the Pope between whom and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury he was banded like a Tennice-Ball The Barrons also proved several times disloyal to him and at last betrayed the Crown of England to Lewis of France sending him their Letter of Allegiance hereupon Lewis against the Popes Command set forwards for England with 600 Ships and 80 Boats and landed in the Island of Thaâ—net in Kent to whom all the Treacherous Barrons Fâ—ed from thence he marched to London and at St. Paul's Church he took the Oath of the Citizens and the Oath of the Barons at Westminster The King seeing these proceedings spoiled the Castles of the Barrons which caused them to Repent of their Disloyalty forthwith returning to the King again who then lay sick at Newark and shortly after died In this King's Reign London-Bridge was built of Stone being but of Wood at first and several Prodigies were seen in his Reign and also terrible Storms of Thunder and Lightning with Hail Stones as big as Goose-Egs which destroyed Men and Women besides Cattel and Corn Fields In the 15 of the King a Fire hapning in London near the Bridge People thronging to make some help the Fire by the Violence of the Wind took hold on both ends of the Bridge so that the People could not pass either backwards or forwards and and so Barges Boats c. coming to their Assistance the People thronged so indiscreetly into them that the Boats sunk and above three thousand Persons were drowned in the Thames It is said that this King John was immoderate in blasphemies and execrations and that he was so Luxurious that he destroyed Matilda a Beautiful Maid causing her to drink Poyson because she would not yield to his intreaty to be corrupted by him he is also thought to have sought aid from Mirammula King of Affrica whilest he was in his Troubles promising him the Kingdom of England if he Conquered and to renounce his Christian Faith Anno 1215. being the 16 of the King was held the IV Lateran Council Innocentius the Third being Pope this was the 12 general Council in which Auricular Confession was established and the Cup taken from the Laity in the Communion This John was King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Normandy Guyen and Aquitain he was sixth Son of King Henry the Second by his Queen Elianor eldest Daughter and Heir to William Duke of Aquitain his Reign began on Tuesday the 6 day of April Anno 1199 and continued 17 years 6 months and 13 days He was the 27 sole Monarch of England and was Poysoned by one Simon a Monk of Swinested Abby in Lincolnshire which was upon this occasion as it is said viz. That the King being there at Dinner and having an half penny loaf in his hand he swore if he lived it should be at twelve pence before that time twelve Months and the Monk over-hearing these words poysoned him He died on Wednesday the nineteenth day of October Anno 1216. in the eighteenth year of his Reign and 50 year of his Age his body was buried at Worcester CHAP. XVII Of King Henry the Third commonly called Henry of Winchester THis Henry about the Age of 9 years was Crowned at Gloucester in the presence of the Popes Legate Wallo and other Nobles and the Earl of Pembrook by consent of the Peers was made Guardian of his Person and Kingdom Shortly after a Truce was concluded between Lewis of France and the King Lewis then returning for France but staied not long ' ere he came for England again with fresh supplyes taking his march to Lincoln In the mean while the Earl of Pembrook by the Advice of Wallo and the Bishop of Winchester raised an Army and gave the French Battel at Lincoln where they received a great Overthrow so that Lewis hasted to France for more Aid after Lewis returned from France he was besieged in London and forced at length to make Peace and depart the Realm And now the Nobles falling into Rebellion they were fought by the Earl of Pembrook who shortly after died after whose Death Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester and some others were made Guardians to the King and upon this change the King was Crowned again at Westminster by Stephen Arch-Bishop of Canterbury the King having the Saturday before laid the first Stone of the new work of the Abby Church at Westminster After this the King made Hubert de Burgo cheif Justice of England And now the Barrons and Welsh being in Rebellion again and hearing of the King's march towards them durst not stay his coming Anno 1222 Alexander King of Scotland was married to the King's Sister at York And this year was granted to the King the Ward-ship of Heirs and their Lands about this time an Imposture at the Provincial Synod at Oxford suffered himself to be wounded in the Hands Feet and Side calling himself Christ who together with a Woman that took upon her to be the Mother of God were immured between two Walls where they ended their Lives miserably And shortly after one Constantine Fitz-Arnulf raising a Tumult in London was taken and hanged by Hubert de Burgoe's Order and the common sort had their Hands and Feet cut off Now the Barrons being earnest for Confirmation of Liberties and denied by William Briwere one of the King's Council the King to please all parties Answered All of us have sworn to those Liberties and must keep them And hereupon Writs were issued out to inquire upon Oath what Liberties were currant in or from the time of Henry his Grand-Father Not long after this the King sent Embassadors to the King of France to demand Normandy and other his Transmaritain places but they were denied him and now the King upon some Distast taken against one Falcasius Commanded all Strangers to depart the Realm after this a Parliament being called the King confirmed MAGNA CHARTA under his Seal before they would yield to grant him a Subsidy And now the King having gotten Money sent his Brother Robert and other Nobles into France for the Regaining his Dominions there who in spite of Fate got and held Aquitain after this more aid being sent they endeavoured the gaining of Normandy also The King having now gotten a Fifteenth of all Degrees in his Realm and wrested 5000 marks out of London besides At the next Parliament at Oxford by the advice Hubert de Burgo he revoked the great Charter by Plea of Infra Etatem hereupon the Barrons Rebelled threatning
the English were slain amongst whom the King's Brother the Duke of Clarence was one and the Earls of Somerset and Suffolk with other Lords were taken Prisoners the King having notice hereof embarqued again for France and landed at Callis and chased the Dauphin from place to place he not daring to Fight during these proceedings the Queen was brought to Bed at Windsor of a young Prince Henry which news coming to the King's Ears he in a Prophetical way thus spake Good God saith he I Henry of Monmouth shall have but a short Reign and win much but Henry of Windsor shall Reign long and loose all but the Will of God be done Which words of his afterwards proved true And now the King after several brave exploits by him perform'd in this his last expedition into France died appointing by his last Will his younger Brother Humfry Duke of Gloucester Protector of England his Brother John Duke of Bedford Regent of France and Thomas Beaufort Duke of Exceter Guardian of his Son's Body This Henry the V. was King of England and France and Lord of Ireland he was the eldest Son of King Henry the Fourth by Mary his Queen Daughter to Humfry de Bohun Earl of Hereford Essex and Northampton He began his Reign on Sunday the 20 day of March Anno Do. 1412 and reigned nine years five moneths and 10 days and was the thirty fourth sole Monarch of England He died of a Burning Feavor and Flux at Boice de Vincennois in France on Monday the the one and thirty day of August Anno Domini 1422 and was buried at Westminster CHAP. XXIV Of King Henry the Sixth commonly called Henry of Windsor THis King was Crowned at Westminster being but about 8 months old and a Parliament being called and a Subsidy granted that the regal Chair in the House might not stand empty thither the Queen did carry the young Prince and sate with him in her Lap he speaking to the House in anothers Tongue And now the affairs in France were various Fortune sometimes smiling on the French and other sometimes on the English whereupon the Duke of Bedford Regent of France desired to enter Battel with the French which accordingly was performed near the Vernoil where the French were beaten and about 5000 of them slain besides many taken Prisoners During these proceedings in France James the young King of Scots who had casually been taken Prisoner at Sea in Henry the Fifths time was set at Liberty in England thereby to draw the Scots off from Aiding the French not long after Duke Humphry the Protector was married to Jaqueline of Bavaria her Husband being then living which caused the Duke of Burgundy to forsake the Regent in France and now Factions breeding in the Court of England the Regent left France to appease the dangers at home which he happily performed and then with the Lord Talbot and fresh Forces returned again to France From the beginning of April 1428 unto All-Hallon-Tide after fell such abundance of Rain that not only Hay but Corn also was distroyed About this time at the Regent's Return into France Siege was laid unto Orleance where the Earl of Salisbury was slain yet notwithstanding the Siege continued And Charles the young French King being very pensive not knowing how to remedy this Mischief likely to ensue At Chinon a young Maid called Joane of Loraine a sheeperdess appeared to him bidding him be of good Courage for God had sent her to deliver the Realm and so going to Blâ—yce with the Marshal of France and there getting Forces by her Valour the Siege was raised at Orleance the English loosing 600 men at that Brunt and for some short space after this the loosing and taking of Towns was interchangeable but Joan and the Duke of Alanzon still proceeding in their good fortunes near Jergeaux they fought the Lord Talbot taking him and several Nobles Prisoners and killing about 1000 of the English they not loosing above 600. Hereupon several Towns Revolted from the English and Charles himself who before had kept in now Issued out in Armes thinking to have recovered Paris but he was disapointed of his hopes by the Regent and now the English lying Siege to Champaign Joan the Martial Maid coming to it's Rescue was taken and sent to Roan and there Burnt for a Witch which did not a little dismay the French but success proving still various it was thought that King Henry's presence in France would be a great discouragement to the Carrolines hereupon the King with the Company of the two English Cardinals York and Winchester and other Nobles sailed into France Anno. 1432 and at Paris by the Cardinal of Winchester he was Crowned King of France yet Charles esteemed himself not the less a King for all this the King having thus taken possession of France not long after took his farewel of it his Return was by Roan and so over Land to Callis and thence to England again and now the Soldiers beginning to be weary of their Imployment and discontented with their Wages fell to Mutiny at Paris for which the Regent cashiered 110 and chopt of the heads of four of the Principallest of them Anno 1435 the Theames was so frozen that the Merchants which came to the Thames Mouth were forced to be carryed to London by Land And now after several Changeable Successes in France at length the Regent dyed the news of whose death coming to England Richard Duke of York was sent Regent but Paris was lost before his Arrival in France and after several Skirmishes with the English the French proceeded to besiege Callis to which place the new Regent drew his Army but King Henry hearing hereof and fearing the worst sent the Protector with a great Fleet against the French at whose approach they all ran away and so the Protector Settling the State of Callis returned with great honour But this new Regent performing little or nothing in France he Returned for England and Richard Earl of Warwick went in his place but he after a short space dying the Duke of York went again and at his Return into France prossered several times to fight the French King who never durst undertake to joyn Battel with him Not long after this the Duke of Orleance was set at Liberty who had been Prisoner ever since the Battel at Azin Court which was above 26 yeares before his Ransom was 300000 Crowns the Protector was much against his Releasment Anno 1438. All the Lions in the Tower of London dyed and this same year was held the Council at Florence being the 16 General Council Eugenius the fourth being Pope Julythe 18. Anno 1440. The Postern of London by East Smith-field against the Tower of London sunk by Night and about 2 years after a Contest fell between the Duke of Gloucester and the Cardinal his Uncle and the Duke's Lady was accus'd by the Cardinal Henry Chicely Arch-Bishop of Canterbury for Witch-craft as if by Art Magick she
went about to take away the King's Life and she was forced to satisfy publickly for that wickedness she had not attempted though others that were guilty in their very Sufferings excused the Dutchess of it Yet notwithstanding she did Pennance going the first day from Temple-Bar down Fleetstret with a wax Taper in her hand to Pauls where she offered her Taper to the Altar the next day but one she went through Bridgestreet and Grace Church Street to Leaden-Hall and so to Christ-Church by Allgate and two days after she went through Cheapside to St. Michaels in Cornhil in form aforesaid Now the Affairs still various in France at length a Truce was concluded for 18 Moneths and hopes of perpetual Amity grounded upon a Match Contracted by William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk for the King with Margaret Daughter to Renate Duke of Angiers and Titular King of Sicily Naples and Jerusalem but this Match proved inauspicious to the King for by it he lost his Friends in England and Revenues in France and not long after all was Ruled by the Queen and Suffolk and their Complices and a Parliament being called the Duke of Yorks Commission was revoked and Henery Beaufort Duke of Somerset was sent Regent into France And now began the King's Miserys to approach for in the Parliament at St. Edmundsbury the Protector through the Queen's means unknown to the King was Arrested of high Treason and before he came to any Tryal he was Murthered in his Bed with Pillowes as it was thought and the Cardinal of Winchester the other Prop of the Kingdom lived not long after him after whose death the Affaires both of England and France were carryed on very unfortunately And now Suffolk the Queens chief Favourite is made Duke which passages displeasing the people Richard Plantaginet begun to think how these distempers might work well on his side for the obtaining the Crown whereupon hetook shipping for Ireland to still the Irish Commotions there which he quickly effected and there layd the foundation of his first plots In mean time Somerset Regent in France lost all which unhappy News coming to England it caused several to look sleightly at the Queen but especially at Suffolk against whom several Articles were exhibited by the Lower-house of Parliament whereupon he was Imprisoned in the Tower but shortly after was again restored to his Liberty The 23 of the King on Candlemas Eve in diverse places of England were heard Terrible Thunder with Lightning whereby the Church of Baldock in Hartfordshire and the Church of Walden in Essex and divers others were sore shaken and the Steeple of St. Pauls Church in London about three of the Clock in the afternoon was set on fire but was happily quenched again And now the Duke of York shortly after procured Adam Mollins the Bishop of Chichester Keeper of the Privy Seal another Pillar of the Kingdom to be Murthered by the Seamen at Portsmouth Not long after one Thane alias Blewbeard a Fuller of Canterbury attempting to raise some forces in the Duke of York's behalf miscarried in his Enterprize and was taken hanged and quartered And another Parliament being called and the Commons wishing well to the Duke of York they again accuse the Duke of Suffolk and now obtained of the King Sentence of his Banishment for five years who being upon the Seas intending his banished Voyage was taken and in Dover Road had his Head Chopped off on the side of a Cock Boat After this the Bishop of Salisbury was Murthered by his own Tenants and Lord Say Treasure of England and his Son in Law with some other were slain by the Common People such footing had the Duke of York's cause gotten amongst them and now in his behalf though he was still in Ireland rose the Commons of Kent under Jack Cade's Command and pitched on Black-heath neare Greenwich in Kent the King perceiving it no time to be idle raised an Army in the mean time Cade retired to Sevenock in Kent And the King supposing he had fled sent Sir Humphry Stafford and other Gentlemen with some forces to pursue him to whom Cade gave Battel and slew Sir Humphry with some others of which the King having notice he left the Tower to the Custody of the Lord Scales and fled to Kenelworth Castle and so Cade marched to London causing the head of Master Crâ—mer high Sheriff of Kent to be lopt of and falling to the plundering of some of the Wealthiest Citizens the Lord Mayor then considering the danger they were in sent forthwith to the Lord Scales for Aid who sent the Renowned Esquire Matthew Gough to their Relief and now the Cittizens took heart and began to bar up London-Bridge the Kentish Plebeans quartering in Southwork and hearing hereof ran furiously to their Armes and with their Leader Cade sought to open the passage by force but was not able the Contention was very hot and continued all Night Gough and several others being slain to appease these Furies by Pollicy which could not be conquered by Force the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury sent a Pardon under the King 's great Seal whereupon the Plebeans threw down their Arms and gave their leader Cade leave to shift for himself who afterwards attempting new Troubles a 1000 marks was promised to them that could take or kill him whereupon one Mr. Eden a Gentleman of Kent slew him and 26 more of his crew suffered Death at Canterbury and elsewhere These Stirs were no sooner over but the Duke of York arrived in England leaving Ireland who at his first approach imprisoned several Nobles in Ludlow Castle but many of the Peers sided with him now the King as it was time began to rouse up his Spirits marching towards the Duke then in Wales who hearing of the King's march fled into Kent and at Brent-Heath encamped of which the King having intelligence he steared his Course that way and sending Messengers to the Duke to demand the Reasons of these Tumults he perceiving the King too powerful for him did thereupon submit and was received again into favour And now some hopes arising of the recovering of Gascoin again the Lord Talbot and some others were thereupon sent into France who at first were very successful in their Designs but the Lord Talbot being slain the French regained all again and the English lost all Aquitain after they had possessed it about three hundred years And about this time the Queen was delivered of her First born Edward by this time the Duke of York had arrested the Earl of Somerset of high Treason who being sent Prisoner to the Tower of London was from thence Released by the King and made Captain of Callis whereupon York and his Adherents fell into open force levying an Army about the Marches of Wales from whence they intended their march to London but were stopt at St. Albans by the King and his Forces the Duke at his coming hither sent to the King desiring him to deliver up
to him such persons as he would name to which the King returned Answer that he and his adherents were all Traytors so the Yorkists assailed the Town and flew 48 Nobles Knights and Esquires amongst whom were the Earls of Somerset Northumberland and Stafford and 5000 Common Soldiers and wounded the King in the neck with an Arrow so he was taken Prisoner The next day the Duke of York and Earls of Salisbury and Warwick marched to London with the King and in his name summoned a Parliament by whose Authority the Duke of York was established Protector of England Salisbury Lord Chancelor and Warwick Captain of Callis but it was not long before they were again displaced The French by reason of these intestine Broils took their Advantage making several inroads on the Coasts of England killing the Mayor Bayliffs and several other Officers of Sandwich and burnt Foway and several other Towns in Devonshire Anno 1458 there was a Fray in Fleetstreet between the men of the Court and the inhabitants of the said Street in which Fray the Queens Attorny was slain for which Fact the King committed the Governours of Cliffords Furnivals and Barnards-Inn to Prison and William Taylor Alderman of the Ward and several others were sent to Windsor Castle The year after being 1459 the Science of PRINTING was found out in Germany at Magunce by a Soldier and was brought into England about 12 years after by one William Caxton a Mercer who practized it at St. Peter's Abby in Westminster for a pretty while And now a seeming reconcilement was concluded on between the King with his Lancastrians and the Yorkists but it had not long continuance for the Yorkists under the pretence of some Afronts offered to the Earl of Warwick by some of the King's Servants drew to an head again but their Intentions being discovered by one Andrew Trollop they all thereupon disperced themselves And shortly after a Parliament being called in it were the Duke of York Earl of March Earl of Warwick Earl of Rutland and Earl of Salisbury with certain others all attainted of High-Treason and their whole Estates consiscared but they neither fearing nor regarding their attainder drew out again from the several places whither they were fled and uniting their forces together consisting of about 25000 men they fought the King at Northampton slaying about ten thousand men with several Nobles as Humfry Duke of Buckingham the Earl of Shrewsbury Lord Egremont and others and taking the King himself Prisoner whereupon the Tower was surrendred and the Lord Scales Lieutenant thereof seeking to escape was murthered by Whirry men on the Thames Now a Parliament again being called the Duke of York coming out of Ireland made his Claim to the Crown deriving his pedigree from Lyonell the 3 Son of Edward the III elder Brother of John of Gaunt Father of King Henry the IV and after great debate in the Parliament at length it was concluded that King Henry should possess it during his life and after his Death then the Crown to remain to Richard Duke of York and his Heirs in general tail During these proceedings the Queen with her Son were in the North raising of Forces whither the Duke of York marched to encounter them reposing himself at Sandal Castle expecting more force to come to his aid but the Queen in the mean time coming before the Castle with a small force laying Ambushes on either side of the Hill before the Castle which the Duke not suspecting rushed out upon the Queen's men whom he had no sooner encountred but the Ambushes presently coming out surrounded him by which means the Duke with several of his Complices and Friends as the Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Rutland a Child of 12 years old who though begging his life on his knees with tears were slain and about 3000 Soldiers Edward Plantaginet Earl of March Son and Heir to the Duke of York hearing of his Father's Death with an Army of 23000 men intended to Fight the Queen's Army but he found imployment by the way for at Mortimer's Cross near Ludlow he was encountred by the Earl of Pembrook and Earl of Ormond to whom he gave a great Overthrow slaying 3800 of them and taking several Prisoners amongst whom was Owen Tuder who had married Catherine Mother to Henry the VI. whose Head was chopped off in the mean time the Queen was gotten as far as St. Albans where the Londoners fearing their Plunder by her Army together with the King and several Nobles gave her Army Battel she giving them the overthrow and slaying two thousand of their men but Edward Earl of March drawing nigh the King and Queen retired into Scotland leaving the Kingdom to Edward whereupon he entered London giving a Period to Henry's Reign which accounted is but till this time although he lived eleven years after This Henry the Sixth was King of England France and Lord of Ireland he was the only Child of King Henry the Fifth by his Queen Catherine Daughter to Charles the VI. King of France His Reign began on Munday the 31 day of August Anno 1422. he reigned 38 years 6 months and 3 days and was the 35 sole Monarch of England he was stabbed to the Heart in the Tower by Crook-back Richard Duke of York afterwards King of England on Monday the twenty day of May Anno Domini 1471 being the 49 of his Age his body was first buried in the Abby of Chartsy in Surry and afterwards removed to Winsor by King Henry the Seventh and after that again removed none knows to what place CHAP. XXV Of King Edward the Fourth KING Edward was Crowned at Westminster but his Carriages towards the Citizens at his first entrance made them repent their forwardness in his behalf against King Henry and hearing of Henry's preparations in the North he marched toward Pontefrack in York-shire giving the Lord Fitzwalter charge of the passage at Ferry Bridg nigh Pontefract where the said Lord and several of his men were slain shortly after the Armies drew into a plain between the Towns of Towton and Saxton the King's Army consisting of 48660 and Henry's of 60000 men the Fight was bloody and continued 10 hours but at last the Lancastrians not able to gain-stand Edward's Forces they betook themselves to their Heels leaving the glory of the day to King Edward there was slain that day being Palm-Sunday the 29 of March several Nobles as Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland John Lord Clifford John Lord Nevil and Leonard Lord Wells and several other persons of Quality to the Number of 357 and in all there was slain about 35091. This doleful News coming to Henry he with his Queen and Son fled into Scotland where they were honourably received by King James to whose Sister not long after the Prince was married and now after these passages in Scotland the Queen sailed into France to seek Aide where she got more men then her Coffers would discharge Edward in the