after the Statute of An. 27. 34. H. 8. By the said Statute of 34. Hen. 8. cap. 26. It is furthered ordained that the President and the Councel in the said Dominion and Principality of VVales and the Marches of the same with all Officers Clerks and Incidents thereunto should continue and remain in manner and form as was then formerly used and accustomed And therefore Rowland Lee being Lord President of the Councel of the Marches of Wales at the time of making of the said Statute so continued after the making thereof until his death being in the 34 year of the said King Hen. 8. after whom succeeded in the Office of the said President Richard Samson Bishop of Chichester and after removed to Coventry and Liechfield who continued Lord President until the second year of K. Edw. 6. At what time John Dudley then Earl of VVarwick and after Duke of Northumberland was President of the said Councel who so continued until the 4th year of the said King and after him succeeded Sr. William Herbert Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter and after Earl of Pembrock who continued president until the first year of Queen Mary next succeeded Nicholas Heath Bishop then of Worcester and after Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellour of England and upon removing of the said Archbishop the said William Herbert succeeded again as President of the said Councel until the 6th year of the said Queen Mary at what time followed him Gilbert Brown Bishop of Bath and Wells who continued until the death of the same Queen In the beginning of the late Queen Elizabeth Sr. John Williams Lord Williams of Tame of whom the Lord Norris was descended was appointed President of the said Councel and died the same year and after him succeeded Sr. Henry Sydney Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter whose love to learning and favour to learned men need not here to be spoken he continued Lord President of Wales about 24 years and 6 Moneths he served in Ireland 8 years and 6 moneths being there 3 several times Lord Deputy General in that Countrey During some part of the time of tho abode in Ireland of the said Sr. Hen. Sydney there served as President or Vice-president John Bish of Worcester after Archbishop of Canterbury after this succeeded Hâ—n Earl of Pembrock son in law to Sr. Henry Sydney and father to the honourable Earl of Pembrock and after him Edward Lord Zouch Quare who succeeded The President and Councel of the Marches of Wales The Jurisdiction of the Councel of the Marches of Wales Statutum 34. H. 8. cap. 26. had power and authority to hear and determine by their wisdom and discretions such causes and matters as be or shall be assigned to them by the Kings Majesty and in such manner as shall be so prescribed unto them by Instruction signed by his hand The Councel assisting the Lord Prince consisted of these the chief Justice of Chester together with the three other of the said Justices of VVales who after their Sessions ended are for the most part resident at the Councel and these are ordinary there are divers extraordinaries both Lords and Knights and such others as are learned in the Laws and are to be called to Councel when the Lord President shall think requisite and every such of the Councel extraordinary learned in the Laws when they are called and do serve there they are allowed their diet for them and their men and 6 s. and 8 d. per diem during the time of their attendance The Officers there serving to the administration of Justice as I am informed are these Sr. John Dodridge fol. 54. The Clerks of the Councel The Clerk of the Signet The Register All which were granted to one man by the late Queen Elizabeth And are Executed by his Deputy The Examiner The Remembrancer The Receiver of the Fines The Atturney The Solicitor The Porter To whose custody such Delinquents as deserve to suffer restraint of liberty are committed c. Two Messengers and a Sergeant at Armes And thus much briefly touching the Antient and Modern Estate and Government of the Principality of VVales and of the Marches of the same Next followeth to be considered according to the former Order proposed the Antient and Modern Officers of the said Principality serving the Lord Prince and what Fees Sallary were allowed unto them The Antient Officers their Names and Fees Collected out of divers Ancient Accounts were these following in North Wales The Justice of North VVales whose antient fee was uncertain but yet for the most part yearly his fee was 50 l. Howbeit I find that Sr. VVilliam Standley Knight to whom K. Hen. 7th gave the Office of Justice of North VVales for his life had the yearly fee of 133 l 8 s. 8 d. d. a. 1. Hen. 7. But this seemeth to have been of favour Chamberlain Auditor The Chamberlain of North Wales whose antient fee was yearly 20 l. The Auditor of North Wales viz. Chester and Flint the antient fee was 10 l. yearly with allowance of 10 s. per diem while he was in executing this Office and finishing the account 10 l. Countrouller Atturney The Countrouller of all Pleas Fines Amercements and Redemptions or Ransoms his yearly fee was 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. b. The Atturney of North Wales viz. of the Counties of Carnarvon Merioneth and Anglesey his yearly fee was 56 s. 8 d. Surveyor The Supervisor or Surveyor of the Castles Mannors Lands Tenements and Hereditaments of the Prince of North Wales his yearly fee was 10 l. Constable The Constable of the Castle of Carnarvon his fee was uncertain sometimes 60 l. and sometimes but 40 l. Captain The Captain of the Town of Carnarvon his fee was yearly 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. d. and sometimes one man had both the Offices of Constable of the Castle and Captain of the Town having 60 l. yearly for both the Offices 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. Souldiers There were allowed sometime unto the said Constable and Captain 24 Souldiers for the safe custody of the Castle and Town and every of them was allowed 4 d. per diem amounting in the whole unto 146 l. by the year 146 l. Porter Constable The Porter of the Gates of the said Town of Carnarvon whose fee was yearly 3 l. 10 s. The Constable of the Castle of Conwey his fee was yearly sometimes 40 l. and sometimes 50 l. Captain The Captain of the Town of Conwey had for his yearly fee 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. and most commonly he that was Constable of the Castle was also Captain of the Town 12 l. 3 s. 4 d Souldiers There were also allowed to the said Constable and Captain 24 Souldiers for the safe custody of the said Town and Castle and every of them was allowed 4 d. per diem amounting yearly to 146 l. Porter Constable The Keeper and Porter of
and ten poor people with a Collegiat Church a Dean twelve Canons Prebendaries as many Vicars sufficiently provided for with Revenues wherein himself lyeth buried and it was the greatest ornament of that City untill the hand of King Henry the eight lay over heavy upon all the like foundations and laid their lofty tops at his own feet In this City also was buried another Crouch-back viz. Richard the third in the Church of the Gray-Friers but now nothing remains of his Monument but only the stone chest wherein he was laid a drinking Trough now for horses in a common Inne This place hath given the Titles of honour to many Honourable Families year 1057 1057. 1. Algar the Saxon. year 1103 1103. 2. Edwin died 1071. 3. Robert de Bellamonte Gules a cinquefoyle Ermine 4. Robert de Bellamont 5. Robert de Bellamont L. Steward 6. Robert de Bellamont L. high Steward 7. Simon de Montfort married Amicia sister and coheir to the last Earl Robert L. high Steward 8. Simon de Montfort L. high Steward Gules a Lion rampant his tail double forked salteir wise Argent 9. Edmond Earl of Lancaster L. high Steward 10. Tho. Earl of Lancaster L. high Steward 11. Hen. D. of Lancaster L. high Steward 12. Henry D. of Lancaster L. high Steward England a Label of 5. points Ermine 13. William of Bavaria Earl of Heinalt married the Lady Maud of Lancaster Bendis losengè Argent and Azure 14. John of Gaunt D. of Lancaster L. high steward Henry D. of Lancaster Lord high steward Quarterly France and England a Label of 3. points Ermine Robert Dudleigh Lord Denbigh c. Or a Lyon rampant his tail double forked Vert. Robert Sidney Viscount Lisle descended of a sister of the said Robert Robert Sidney Earl of Leicester Or a Phaon Azure CORDEILLA THis Heroine Lady after just revenge taken upon her two sisters husbands and her fathers and husbands death by the consent of most Writers by the joynt suffrages and votes of the Brittains was admitted to the Royal Scepter in the year from the worlds creation four thousand three hundred and ninety eight years she governed her people and subjects for the space of five years with great applause and general liking but the two sons of her sisters Morgan of Albania and Cunedagius of Cambria and Cornwal envying her prosperity and thinking themselves injured in their birth-right their grandfather Leir having divided the kingdom equally betwixt their Mothers upon their Marriages conspire together and mustering their forces invade Cordeilla and reduce her to that necessity that she is taken prisoner and by her merciless Nephews cast into Gaol which she patiently a while endured but perceiving no hopes to regain her freedom or repossess her kingdom scorning to be any longer a slave to her insulting enemies seeing she could not free her body from bondage with true Trojan and masculine Heroick Spirit she makes a divorce between her purer soul and encaged carcass giving it free power to pass into another world leaving those parts which participated of drossie mold to be interred again in the earth from whence at first it came at Leicester in the Temple of Janus by the Sepulchre of her father Cunedagius and Morgan THe obstacle which hindered the designs of these two aspiring Princes Cordeilla the gallant Brittish Amazon and Virago being by violent death perpetrated by her own hand taken out of the way divide the kingdom betwixt them and became both kings in the year of the world four thousand four hundred and three but this gallantry lasted not long for the Court-Gnats whose life is a perpetual buzzing of news and flatteries fall upon the ear of Morgan and so fill his head with projects that he highly conceives he is injured by the equal dividing of the kingdom and thus discourses with himself And am not I the son of Gonorilla and she the eldest daughter of my Grand-father to me then as lawfull Heir Brittains Crown belongs Why then do I admit a corrival competitor and co-equal one firmament admits not two Suns nor one kingdom two kings no reason I should lose my birth-right no I am resolved I will not Cunedagius shall know that Morgan can rule the Brittains without his help this fire once kindled his flattering parasites bring fewel enough to augment it Cunedagius must bear rule no longer a private life or none at all must content him it is no small policy for Princes to have Spies in neighbouring Courts Cunedagius is quickly enformed of all the passages of his Cozen Morgan and thinks there is no security in delays and therefore puts himself into a posture as well to offend as defend yet to make his case the better and to ingratiate himself with the subjects he sends Messengers to Morgan who is already firing and destroying his Territories to Treat of a reconciliation and atonement but Morgan puft up with his imagined good success and thinking the offer of his kinsman to proceed either from fear or want of ability to resist him lends a deaf ear to the Treaty of peace and will have no other Arbitrator but the sword Cunedagius now resolved comes into the field and offers battell to his enemy his cause being just the Celestial powers seem to second his attempts and he who would have all or nothing is put to flight where the Conqueror makes use of his advantage and taking occasion by the foretop to prevent all hopes of recruiting and rallying again so hotly pursues his victory that Morgan is chased from place to place from Province to Province till being beaten into Cambria now Wales a Territory belonging to his Mortal Foe and there being most sharply put to it lost his life yet with this honour that that Country ever since from him hath had the appellation of Glanmorgan which is as much as to say in the vulgar tongue Morgans Land and thus after two years joyntlie reigning with his kinsman Morgan departed this life leaving Cunedagius to rule alone Cunedagius to shew an humble thankfulness to his Gods for so great a Victory having fully setled his Kingdom erects a stately Temple to Mars at Perth which is now St. Johns town in Albania now abusively called Scotland then a part of Brittannia and inhabited by the Brittish Nation We finde saith my Author in several Authors and Antiquaries to speak in their words that 800. years before the coming of Christ Cunedagius King of all Brittain Mr. Broughton fol. 336. 6. builded a Temple of Mars at Perth that is now St. Johns town in Scotland and placed there a Flamen Therefore we may not singularly deny unto this old city a Flamens Seat which Antiquaries generally grant unto all such in this time to have been changed into a Bishops See If any one ask what I have to do with Scotland my Scene being only the Brittish History I answer that to the great glory of the Brittains that which is now called Scotland was formerly
being there writ a description of the Country as he did also of England and Wales Some affirm he was Archdeacon of Landaff Of Brecknock and St. Davids he was for certain being elect unto this See An. 1199 he made challenge unto the title of an Archbishop at Rome which controversy how it was debated and ended ye may read at large in R. Hoveden his report of the year aforesaid He was once accused of treason but happily acquitted lived till he was 70. years of age and upward and dying was buryed in his own Church He writ many books the Catalogue whereof ye may find in Bale 50. Jorwerth or Edward was consecrated 1215. 51. Alselmus or Anselmus 52. Thomas Archdeacon of Lincolne a Welshman and a great Clerk forsaking other great preferments accepted of this Bishoprick being a miserable poor thing at that time the year 1247. 53. Richard Carren 54. Thomas Beck he founded two Colledges one at Abergwily and another at Lhan-dewybreny 55. David Martin 56. Henry Gower he built the Bishops Pallace at Saint Davids and dyed in the year 1347. 57. John Teresbie or Thorsby Translated to Worcester 1349 and thence to York 1352. 58. Riginald Brian translated to Worcester 1352. 59. Thomas Fastock died the year 1361. 60. Adam Houghton founded a colledg neer to the Cathedral Church of St. David he was Chancellour of England for a time about the year 1376. 61. John Gilbert Bishop of Bangor was translated to Hereford 1376. and thence hither 1389. 62. Guido de Mona died in the year 1407 who while he lived saith Walsingham was a cause of much mischief 63. Henry Chichley was consecrated at Sienna by the Popes own hand June the 12. 1409. sat five years and was translated to Canterbury 64. John Keterich or Catarich sometime Archdeacon of Surry was translated hence to Coventry and Lichfield the year 1415. and after to Exceter 65. Stephen Patrington a Jacobine Fryer as one saith or rather a Carmelite as another saith being at the Councel of Constance was by the Pope translated to Chichester in December 1417. as the records of St. Davids do affirm others say and I take it to be true that he refused to accept of the Popes gift 66. Benit Nicols Bishop of Bangor suceeded him 67. Thomas Rodborn a man of great learning was brought up in Oxford and became first Archdeacon of Sudbury then Bishop of St. Davids he writ divers works amongst the rest a History or Chronicle The year 1434 the King endeavoured to translate him to Ely but could not 68. William Lynwood Doctour of Law first Chancellour to the Archbishop of Canterbury then keeper of the privy seal having first been employed in Embassages to the Kings of Spain Portugal and other Princes He writ much amongst other his works he is famous for putting in order such provincial constitutions as had been made by the Archbishops of Canterbury from the time of Stephen Langton unto Henry Chichley he florished about the year 1440 but just what time he became Bishop or when he died I cannot tell He lyeth buryed at St. Stephens in Westminster 69. John Langton dyed within 15. dayes after his consecration 70. John de le Beer 71. Robert Tully a Monk of Glocester This man I take to be him that by the name of Robert Sherborne is said to have been translated to Chichester the year 1508. 72. Richard Martin 73. Thomas Langton 74. Hugh Pany he impropried to the Vicars Choral of St. Davids the Church of Lan-saint-Fred 75. John Morgan dyed in the Priory of Caermarthyn and was buried in his own Church 76. Edward Vaughan built a new chappel in his church of St. David 77. Richard Rawlin 78. William Barlow translated to VVells having sat here 10 years about the year 1548 and after to Chichester 79. Robert Ferrar of whom read Fox if ye please 80. Henry Morgan died Decemb. 23. 1559. 81. Thomas Young staying here but a very short time was translated to York February 25. 1561. 82. Richard Davis Bishop of Asaph 83. Marmaduke Midleton Bishop of Waterford in Ireland 84. Anthony Rud Doctor of Divinity born in Yorkshire brought up in Cambridge after he had been the space of nine years Dean of Glocester was consecrated June the 9. 1594. 85. Richard Milbourne translated to Carlile 86. VVilliam Laud 1621. translated to VVells 1626. from thence to London being Chancellor of Oxford lastly translated to Canterbury 1633. and lastly beheaded on Tower-hill 87. Theoph. Field 1627. translated to Hereford 1635. 88. Roger Mainwaring Bishop of St. Davids 1641. at the beginning of that Parliament so fatall to Bishops The Bishoprick of St. Davids was valued in the Exchequer at 426 l 22d ob and in the Popes books at 1500 Ducates Let us now return to our former matter in hand About the year 1149. Owen Prince of Northwales did build a castle at Yale Yale Castle Lhanrystyd castle built and his brother Cadwalader built another at Lhanrystyd and gave Cadogan his son part of Caerdigan Toward the end of this year Madoc the son of Meredyth ap Blethyn did build the castle of Oswestrie which now gives the title of a Barony to the honourable family of the Howards and gave his Nephews Owen and Meiric the sons of Gruffith ap Meredyth his part of Cynelioc Oswestrie Castle built The year after Prince Owen did imprison Conan his son for certain faults committed against his father Also Prince Owens son took his Uncle Cadwalader prisoner and brought his country and castle to his subjection At this time also Cadelh the son of Gruffith ap Rees fortified the castle of Caermarthyn and from thence conducted his army to Cydwely where he destroyed and spoyled all the country and after his return he joyned his forces with Meredyth and Rees his brothers and entering Caerdigan wan that part called Is-Aeron Not long after there fell a variance betwixt Randol Earl of Chester and Owen Prince of Northwales The Welsh still joyn with their enemies to cut their own throats which caused Randal to gather supplies and Auxilaries from all his friends in England to whom Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powis disdaining to hold his lands of Owen joyned all his power and they both together entred Prince Owens land who like a worthy Prince not suffering the spoyle of his Subjects met them at Counsylht and boldly bade them battail which they refused not but being more in number The Welsh obtained an admirable victory against the Normans and better armed and weaponed were glad of the occasion yet before the end they threw away both weapons and armour and trusted to their feet whom the Northwales men did so pursue that few escaped but were either slain or taken the chief Chieftains excepted whose nimble horses carryed them swiftly away In the year 1150. Cadelh Meredyth and Rees the sons of Gruffith ap Rees Prince of Southwales conquered all Caerdigan from Howel the son of Prince Owen except the Castle of Lhanvihengel
there arose a great debate between the princes of Wales for Owen could not be content with halfe the principality but got his young brother David unto him All cover all lose or Harme watch harme catch and they two levied an army to dis-inherit Lhewelin who with his men met with them in the field and after a long fight gave them an overthrow where he took them both prisoners and then seized all their lands into his own hands enjoying alone the whole principality of Wales The year ensuing all the Lords came to prince Lhewelin and made their complaints to him with weeping eyes how cruelly they were handled by prince Edward and others of the Nobility of England their lands being taken from them by force and if at any time they did offend they were punished with extremity but where they were wronged they found no remedy Therefore they protested before God and him A gallant re-sold on of the Welsh that they would rather die in the field in defence of their right then to be made slaves by strangers whereupon the prince pittying both his own estate and theirs determined together utterly with them to refuse the rule of the Englishmen rather to dye in liberty then to live in thraldom shame and opprobry And gathering all his power first recovered again all the Inland Country of Northwales and afterward all Merionith and such lands as Edward had usurped in Caerdigan which he gave to Meredith the son of Owen ap Gruffith An heroick Prince and Buelht he gave to Meredyth ap Rees chasing away Rees Vachan out or the same and so honourably divided all that he wan among his Barons that he kept nothing to himself but a perpetual fame of his liberality Then also he recovered Gwerthryneon from Sr. Roger Mortimer The Summer following prince Lhewelin made war against Gruffith ap Gwenwinwin who served the King and wan all Powis from him saving the Castle of Pole and a little of Caerneon and landed by Severne side Rees Vachan ap Rees Mechylh meaning to recover his lands again A bloody battail obtained of the King a great army whereof one Stephen Bacon was Captain and came to Caermarthin by sea and marching from thence towards Dynevowr laid siege to the Castle The English overthrown but the princes power came with his cosens to raise the siege where there was fought a bloody battail as ever had been in Wales of so many men and in the end the Englishmen were put to flight and lost of their men above 2000 Soldiers from thence the Princes army went to Dynet and burned all the Country and destroyed the the castles of Abercorran Lhanstephan Maenclochoc The Welsh victorious and Aberth and then returned home with much spoyle and forthwith not being able to abide the wrongs which Greffry Lanley Lieutenant to the Earle of Chester did to them M. Par. p 1251 Tho. Walsh Hypodigma p. 61. Brave-spirited men the Prince entred the Earles lands and destroyed all to the gates of Chester on either side the water Whereupon Edward the Earle fled to his Uncle who was then chosen King of the Romans for succour and returning back with an army durst not fight with the prince who had 10000 armed men every one sworn to dye in the field if need requred in the defence of their country A Judas amongst his countrymen M. Par. p. 1253 yet Griffith ap Madoc Maelor commonly sirnamed Lord of Dynas Bran which is a castle standing upon a very high Mountain of scituation impregnable in the Lordship of Chirk forsook the Prince and served the Earl with all his power which Earle was counted a cruell and unjust man having no regard to right promise or oath Mat. West p. 277. The next year Prince Lhewelyn seising into his hands Cymeys and making peace between Rees Gâ—yc and Rees Vachan his brothers son got the Castle of Trefdraeth or Newport with all Ros A â—ust punishment for a traytor o his Country Oâ— thirds not caught with chief saving Hanerford Then destroying the Country in his way towards Glamorgan he raised the Castle of Lhangymwch and returning to Northwales met with Edward Earl of Chester by the way whom he caused to retire back and then destroyed the Lands of the said Gruffith Lord of Bromfield Therefore the Kings of England and Almain wrote to him gently to depart home which he refused to do but deviding his army into two battails in every of which as Mathew Paris said there were 1500. Mat. Par. fol. 12â—8 The Welsh beat the Irish at Sea Mat. Par. fol. 1271. A prudent and politick Prince King Hen. unfortunate in his undertakings against Wales Mat. Paris fol. 12â—5 English Almains Gascoâ—nes and Irish against Wales Mat. Paris fol. 1274 1279. footmen and 500. horsemen well appointed Whereupon Edward sent to the Irishmen to come to him to his succour whereof the Prince being certified made ready his Bishops and sending them to Sea with sufficient power to resist the coming of his Enemies that way prevented him so that the Irish were overcome and sent home with great loss wherefore the King with his Son being in a great rage gathered all the strength of England from St. Michaels mount to Twede and came to Northwales as far as Tegenwy but the Prince caused all the victualls to be removed over the River Conwey and kept all the Straits and passages so narrowly that the King was compelled to tetire to England with great loss Then Prince Lhewelyn calling unto him all the power of Southwales came to the marches where Gruffith Lord of Bromfield yielded himself unto him because the King could not defend his lands and seising into his own hands all the lands in Powis he banished the Lord Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn and wan the Castle of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester where also he gave the English men an overthrow and slew a great number of the worthiest Soldiers and such as the King loved well which caused the King to call his strength unto him and sent to Gascoyne and Ireland for succoâ—â—s and then coming into Wales in harvest time destroyed all the corn that was in his way yet he went not far beyond Chester but returned back without doing any notable act for God as Matthew Paris saith defended the poor people that put their whole confidence in him The Lord James Audly whose daughter Gruffith Lord of Bromfield had married brought a great number of horsemen from Almain to serve against the Welshmen God the Protectour of the Welsh who with their great horses and unaccustomed kind of fight overthrew the Welshmen at the encounter wherefore the Welshmen minding shortly after to revenge the displeasure made roads into the said Lord Audleyes Lands where the Almains set upon them pursuing hard such as fled to the Straits who using that flight for a policy returned again so suddainly and so fi rcely upon the Almains that they
Stratherne Stewards which ware the crown of Scotland married Eufamia daughter to the Earle of Ross and had by her two sons Walter E. of Athol and David E. of Stratherne This Walter solicited Robert D. of Albanie to slay David Steward D. of Rothsay After that James the first was returned out of England Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire sua he did what he could to move him to put to death all the lineage of the said Duke still being in hope after the dispatch of his Kinsmen to come to the crown himself which hope moved him to procure his Nephew Robert Steward and Robert Graham his daughters son to murder K. James the I. also for the which crime the said Walter was convicted and destroyed with all his sons His brother David Earle of Buchquane died without issue and so the lands of both those brethren returned again to the crown without any memory of their blood Sir Robert Steward Duke of Albanie married the E. of Lenox daughter and had by her 3 sons Walter Alexander and James Duke Murdo himself with his first two sons were slain at Striveling by K. James I. and the third brother James in revenge thereof burnt Durbertane and was after chased into Ireland where he deceased without issue Robert the third of that name married Annabel Drommound daughter of Sir John Drommound of Stobhal Knight and had by her David and James the first dyed in Faulkland and the other attained the Crown and was called James the first and married the Lady Jane daughter to John Beauford Earle of Somerset in England he had by her two sons born at one birth Alexander and James the first died young the second reigned by the name James the second James the first had also 6 daughters James the 1. his issue the eldest whereof was given in marriage to the Dolphin in France the second to the Duke of Brittain the third to the Lord Feir the fourth to the Lord of Dalkeith the fifth to the Earle of Hantley and the sixt had no succession James the II. married Margaret daughter to the Duke of Gelderland and begot on her three sons and two daughters The first succeeded him in the Kingdom and was called James the III. the second named Alexander was Duke of Albanie and married the Earle of Orkneys daughter and had by her Alexander that was after Bishop of Murray and then parting with her went into France where he married the Countesse of Bullogne and begot on her John Steward D. of Albany who was Governour of Scotland many years in the minority of James V. The 3 son John Steward was E. of Marr whose chance was to be slain in the Cannogat in a Bath-fat The first daughter of James the second was married to the Lord Boyd who had by her a son that was slain by the Lord Montgomery and a daughter that was married to the Earle of Cassels After the death of the Lord Boyd she was married to the Lord Hamilton and by that means was the house of Hamilton decorate with the Kings blood which they have well requited in the late transactions The other sister was married to the Lord Creichton James III. married Margaret daughter to the K. of Denmark of which marriage was born James IV Alexander Bishop of St. Andrews and D. of Albanie and John Steward E. of Marr which two died without issue James the IV. married Margaret daughter to K. Henry VII of England and by her had James the fifth who marrying first the Lady Magdaline daughter of Frances the French King had no issue by her for that she dyed in the year next after her coming into Scotland and then shortly after the said James the fifth married the Lady Mary de Lorayne Dutchesse of Longuile a widdow and by her had he issue Mary Queen of Scotland that took to husband Henry Darnely alias Steward by whom she had issue Charles James after King of England only son as I said before of Henry King of Scotland and of Queen Mary his wife Dowager of France and heir of Scotland who married Anne daughter of Frederike the second King of Denmark by whom he had Issue Henry Frederike created Prince of Wales at whose creation Charles Duke of York Sir Rab. Bartu Lord Willoughby of Earesby after Earle of Lindsey and General for K. Charles at Edgehil and there slain Sir William Compton Lord Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir Grey Bridges Lord Shandos Sir Francis Norris Lord Norris of Ricot after E. of Berks. Sir Will. Cecil after Earle of Salisbury Sir Allan Percy brother to Henry Earle of Northumberland Sir Francis Mannors after Earle of Rutland Sir Thomas Somerset brother to the Earle of Worcester and Viscount Cassel after in Ireland Sir Thom. Howard second son to the E. of Suffolk after E. of Berks. Sir John Harrington son to John Lord Harrington of Exton Prince Charles Charles Duke of Albanie Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Roth and Lord of Ardmanoch the third son of James King of great Brittain was created Duke of York at Whitehal on Tueseday the sixt of January 1604. and after on the 4 of November 1616. he was likewise at Whitehal created Prince of Wales Earle of Chester c. at whose Creation these Knights of the Bath were made James Lord Matravers eldest son to Thomas Earle of Arundel Algernon Lord Percy after Earle of Northumberland James Lord Writchesly eldest son to the Earle of Southampton Kt. Theophilus Lord Clinton after Earle of Lincolne Edward Seymore L. Beauchamp grandchild to the Earle of Hertford George Lord Berckley after Lord Berckley Henry Lord Mordant after Earle of Peterborough The Earle of Mar his eldest son after Lord Fenton Sir Henry Howard after Lord Matravers c. Sir Robert Howard fift son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Sackvile after Earle of Dorset Sir William Howard sixt son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Howard seventh son to the said Earle after Lord Escricke in Yorkshire Sir VVilliam Seymor second son to the Lord Beauchampe after Earle of Hertford Sir Montague Bartu son to Robert Earle of Lindsey and after Lord VVilloughby and Earle c. Sir VVilliam Sturton son to the Lord Sturton Sir William Parker after Lord Morley and Monteagle Sir Dudley North after Lord Morth Sir Spencer Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir William Spencer after Lord Spencer Sir Rowland St. John brother to Oliver Earle of Bullingbrook Sir John Cavendish second son to William Earle of Devon Sir Thomas Nevel son to Henry Lord of Abergavenny Sir John Roper after Lord Tenham Sir John North brother to the Lord North. Sir Henry Cary Viscount Faulkland Prince Charles This Prince had the title of Prince of Wales but not the Investure and Creation as had his father and Uncle a thing formerly practised as before is shewed and is also of the Welsh blood though born in England by the line of King James from
so many veins and arteries running through the whole body of the Iland these things could not but please but yet they are not solely to be enjoyed without some danger for as the Trojans passe from place to place to view the scituation and opportune places to inhabit they are oft encountered with grisly creatures exceeding humane proportion who give them but rude and savage welcome and these were they whom the Goddesse meant when she said habitata Gygantibus olim amongst these prodigious Caitiffs one exceeded all the rest in bulk and robustiousnesse who was called Gogmagog with whom Corineus Nephew to Brute wrestled who although he had a rib broken by this Monster yet so foiled him that he cast him down from the Cliffs for which cause the place afterwards was called The Fall of Gogmagog I have heard some say that in Glamorganshire there is a place which the Inhabitants in their own Mother tongue call Cwymp y Cawr which is as much as to say The Gyants fall or overthrow but that Name being changed it was afterwards called The Fall of Dover For this most valiant Act and speciall good Services Brute gave and allotted unto Corineus the Province or Country now called Cornwall Brute having destroyed that race of Gyants formerly mentioned after a perfect discovery of the whole Island passing by the River of Thames for his Recreation and finding a place in all respects fit to build a City to make the Capital and prime habitation of his new atchieved Kingdome set Workmen of all Arts and Callings to accomplish and finish this his Design which being brought to perfection to renew like a Phenix out of Ashes Old Troy he caused it to be called Troynovant i. new Troy which name continued till K. Lud enjoyed the Scepter and rule in Great Brittaine upon that time saith my Author of M. lxviii Fabian fol. 10. who then caused it to be called Luds Town and now London This now Glorious City Rome it self was not built in one day and formerly as glorious a stile being called Augusta for we read in divers Grave and Learned Authors that St. Augulus was Bishop of Augusta viz. London in England as both Catholicks and Protestants expound it and among them one in a Sermon before K. James saith Your City hath been anciently stiled Augusta for we read both in the ancient Roman Martyrologe St. Bede Vsuardus Ado Vandalbertus Petrus de Natalibus and others that this Augulus was Bishop of Augusta in Brittannia Augusta or London in Brittanny and was a Martyr Augusta in Brittannia natalis beati Auguli Episcopi qui aetatis cursum per Martyrium explens aeterna proemia suscipere meruit Baronius saith he cannot tell when he suffered Quo tempore passius sit hactenus mihi obscurum But if we compare the name of London at that time it was called Augusta with other circumstances and with the Catalogue of the Bishops of London after the time of K. Lucius we shall very probably find that this our worthy Saint Bishop of London is to be reckoned one of the first Bishops that were consecrated in this Kingdom and long before our common Conversion in the dayes of K. Lucius and so consequently of St. Peter or his Disciple St. Aristobulus no other then being here with eminent Authority to consecrate him Bishop and settle him Bishop of Augusta London or first this City was not called Augusta in the Reign of K. Lucius when this Nation was generally converted but onely Londinum London nor never since that time or by any before but by the Romans at their first setling here in the time of Claudius and that the general opinion was that London was called Augusta Dio. And Xiphelinus writ That Legio Augustalis non nata hibernabat in superiore Britannia The Roman Legion so termed wintered in the upper Brittany near London as is thought it was long before Dioclesian's time when it was thus called in the dayes of Caesar Augustus or soon after A late French Author of this our Brittain in his History seemeth to say or think that Caerlegeon was in the time of Julius Agricola and by him named Augusta which if it were so it only varyeth the particular place of his Martyrdome viz. St. Augulus nothing detracting from him or the glory of this Nation and that this Saint was Bishop of Augusta i. London and not Augusta Caerlegion this reason may conclude for that Tremonius and St. Dubritius be the first that be named Bishops of Augusta Caerlegion Certainly Mr. Cambden observeth very well That London was called Augusta quia ea dignitate floruit Londinum ut Augusta dici caeperit and many forraign Cities very famous were called Augusta in that Respect as Augusta Taurinorum Aug. Trieastinorum Aug. Veromanduor m Aug. Valeria Aug. Emerita Aug. Bracchara Aug. Acilia Aug. Tiberii Aug. Vindeliciorum Aug. Caesarea Aug. Vestorum Aug. Trevirorum Now as concerning Bishops not onely Augusta London St. Anacletus it being ordered by the Church to constitute Primates where Pagans had their Arch-flamens but also other places ordered by his Tome or the Catalogues of St. Peter St. Clement Caerlegion ex Anacleto hujus insulae divisionem Canterbury London Caerlegeon York and Alba in Scotland by some taken to be the now St. Andrews urbs legionum observe in the Latin Caerlegion i. urbs Legionum put in the first place Cantuaria Londonia Eboraca and Alba unde Albania Provincia were designed Sees of such Primates as Giraldus Cam. Sir John Price Matthew Parker 1 Arch. B. Pro. do testifie Thus much concerning this famous and renowned City of London not without cause called Augusta Brute having finished this structure and given name to it to perpetuate the memory of that City of which the Poet saith Nunc seges est ubi Troja fuit gave also a name to the whole Iland calling it Britania à Bruto so did Romulus by Rome Alexander by Alexandria and Caesar by Casarea and so divers other great and eminent Commanders and Potentates named both whole Kingdoms Ilands and great Cities after their own names that in them their Memories might live for ever Brute having accomplished the thred of life allotted by the fatal Sisters and having left Rules for his Britons to live in civil Amity and orderly Government after a prosperous Reigne and happy in a hopeful posterity he bethinks himself of setling his Estate whereby to avoid all Contention and Discord betwixt his Sons which were three Locrine Camber and Albanact betwixt these three he divides his new acquired Kingdom to the eldest he gives Troynovant with all the Countries adjacent which are now called England containing East West and South but as his Father had called the whole Iland Britannia and his Subjects Britannos or Britones so Locrinus after his name called his Share Loegria and at this very day the Welsh call England Lloegre to his second Son Camber he bequeathed that part which after the Saxons call Wales
militum instructorum quatuordecim Millia quorum contemptu Brennus prae numero suorum de victoria non dubitat sed ad acuendos animos militibus ostendit ubertatem praedae statuasque cum quadrigis fusas auro solido quarum rerum animadversione Galli magis incitati ac pridie vino pleni ruunt in bellum sine ulla cogitatione periculorum Delphi contra plus in Deo quam in viribus suis subsidii ponunt Gallosque scandentes de summo vertice montis Parnassi quo templum Apollinis est partim Saxis partim Armis obruunt maximoque terrae motu parte montis ejusdem erupta Gallorum Exercitum prostravit confertissimique cunei vulneribus dissipati cadebant Dux ipse Brennus cum non poterat amplius ferre dolorem vulnerum suorum vitam pugione finivit Brennus having vanquished the Inhabitants of Pannonia and hearing of the Victory which his Souldiers had obtained under the Command of Belgius their Commander against the Macedonians who fled away leaving the booty and spoils behind them rallying up fifty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse he suddenly and with great violence enters Macedonia where whilst he plundered ransackt and destroyed both Fields and Villages Sosthenes with an Army well appointed made Head and Resistance against him but being far fewer in number and overwhelmed with multitudes of his Enemies he was forced to Retreat and give way to his present Fortune the Macedonians being thus put to the worst by necessity are compelled to hide and secure themselves under the protection of their walled and fortified Townes and Castles mean time Brennus having none to oppose him fleeceth and wasteth the Countries round about and seeing these spoils too slender for his avaricious and aspiring mind he devours and swallows up in his all-devouring thoughts the opulency of the Gods deridingly and as he thinks wittily though profanely saying The wealth-abounding Gods must supply the indigent wants of poor distressed mortals and therefore bends all his power for Delphos preferring their rich and massie oblations and consecrate golden offerings before the just and most deserved anger of the Gods saying The Gods could never want busying himselfe with these imaginations he comes within the sight and view of great Apollos Temple where he pauseth considering with himself whether it were better suddenly to assault or rather give that nights rest unto his wearied Souldiers to refresh their tired bodies Euridanus and Thessalonus Captains of great skill and experience who had associated themselves meerly for lucre and spoil advise him by all means to cut off delays as dangerous and suddenly to set upon the attempt the Enemy as yet being altogether unprovided in regard whereof a sudden motion would strike them into a terrible fear But the Gauls having suffered hunger and hard marches finding the Country well furished with Wines and other welcome Provisions leaving their Colours disperse themselves every one according to his own pleasure and liking and as if already all were their own like Conquerors they strut it up and down This remisnesse gives opportunity to the Delphians by the Auxiliary Forces of their Friends and Neighbours to fortifie their Town and reinforce their Garrison which Brennus perceiving sends out Command for every man speedily to repair to his Colours whose minds were set upon nothing but looking to their bellies and quaffing lusty bowls The Army of the Gauls consisted of sixty thousand Foot the Citizens of Delphos had only fourteen thousand fighting Men Brennus undervaluing this slender handfull of Men in respect of the numerous Troops of his Souldiers made himself cock-sure of the Victory and therefore to encourage his Men the more he wish'd them to behold and consider the richness of the Treasure and greatness of the Spoil which was like to fall unto their share the Statues and Images together with their Chariots if not made at least covered over with pure and solid Gold The greedy Souldier easily swallowed up his golden Bait and elevated and inebriated with the blood of the lusty grape without either Order or command being sufficiently armed with Bachus to set all danger at defiance runs headlong into Battel on the contrary the wary Delphians confiding more in the protection of their God than strength of their humane Forces from the high and towring Top of the cloud kissing Parnassus where stood Apollos stately Temple with stones and other such Materials besides the help of their Weapons beat down and headlong precipitated the aspiring Gauls this their endeavour was seconded by a sudden and hideous Earthquake which so broke the Ranks of the amazed yet furious Assailants and so disordered their best ordered Squadrons that what with a sudden fear what with those unwonted kinds of wounds they were totally disperst and overthrown Brennus whose haughty spirit not long before was puft up with presumption of winning golden Mountains is now no longer able to endure his late received wounds and therefore with one stroke to put a period to all his miseries he sheatheth his fatal Dagger with a more then manlike thrust in the most remote angle of his own entrails Bellinus together with his brother began their Reign anno Mundi according to Fabian four thousand eight hundred and eight according to which Author jointly and alone ellinus reigned twenty six years leaving a Son after him called Gurguintus Gurguint Brabituc or after some Writers Gurguint Barberous that is to say Gurguint with a red Beard Finis Libri primi To the High and Mighty PRINCES THOMAS HOWARD Duke and Earl of Norfolk Earl of Arundel and Surrey Lord Howard Fitz Alan Mowbrey Matravers Segrave Bruse and Clun SEYMOUR or De S to Mauro Duke of Somerset Marquesse and Earl of Hertford Baron Beauchampe and Seymour c. GEORGE VILLIERS Duke Marquesse and Earl of Buckingham Viscount Villiers and Baron of Whaddon Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter CHARLES STEWART Duke of Lennox and Richmond Earl of March and Lichfield Lord Awbigney Darneley Tarbolton and Nethven in Scotland and Baron of Leighton Bromswould in England GEORGE MONCK Duke of Albemarle Earl of Torrington Baron Monck of Potherige Beauchampe and Teyes Capt. General and Commander in Chief of all his MAJESTIES Land Forces in his Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and all other his Majesties Dominions and Territories Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Master of his Majesties Horse one of the Lords of his Majesties most honble privy Councel The Duke of Norfolk ROBERT commonly called Consull Earl of Glocester Son to King Hen. 1. by Nest Daughter to Rees ap Tewder K. or Prince of South-Wales which Rees married Gladis Daughter and sole Heire of Rees ap Kenvin Prince of Powis Randolph sirnamed De Gernoniis E of Chester Matildis or Maud Daughter of Robert E. of Glocester Hugh Kavilioc Earl of Chester Bertrude Daughter of Simon Earl of Montford William de Albeneio Earl of Arundel Mabell Daughter to Hugh Kavilioc and Sister and
Author that he both was a Christian and Converted by St. Joseph and plainly alledgeth Nennius Authority Thus he writeth Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his Preaching to know the Law divine And baptized him as written hath Nennius The Chronicler in Brittain Tongue full fine And to Christ's Law made him incline The Antiquity of the Crosse for England And gave him then a Shield of silver white A Cross end long overthwart full perfect Thus writeth this Author but without Warrant of any thing I can find for whereas as he citeth Nennius to have written thus in the Brittish Language it is evident by all Antiquities that Nennius which wrote in that Tongue was long before the Birth of Arviragus or St. Joseph and dead 50 years before the Nativity of Christ and was Brother to King Lud and Cassibelin and was named Nennius Helius and he could not write any such thing the other Nennius called Bancharensis as all Authors agree wrote onely in Latine and consequently could not write so in the Brittish Tongue as that Author thinketh or our best modern Authors affirm they find no such thing in any copy of Nennius Codices ii quos consuluisse me Nennii antiquos contigit hnjusce rei parum sunt memores Neither is King Arviragus or St. Joseph named by him The places which he allowed to St. Joseph and his companions were propter munitiones Arundineti fluminis paludis so compassed and invironed with Reeds River and Fens that they builded a poor Oratory themselves of such base Elderwands as that Fenny wildernesse afforded which giveth sufficient testimony how far Arviragus was from being a Christian that had nothing but such abject and outcast things to allow to Christ and his servants when for the maintenance of the Pagan Idolatry which he professed both as the Brittish History Matthew of Westminster Ponticus Virunnius and as well Modern as Ancient are witnesses he was Author of stately and sumptuos buildings and so far from diminishing any honour that was then given to the false gods of the Brittains that he added more unto them namely worshipped the wicked Emperor Claudius whose Bastard-daughter he had taken as wife as god dedicated a costly Temple unto him soon after his death yet after this his acquaintance with S. Joseph for as I find in an old Manuscript-history and others do not dissent the City of Gloucester then Caer Glou Anonymus his Maps in Glocestershire the City of Claudius was built by King Arviragus in the year of Christ 66. This City was first won from the Brittains by Chenlin the first King of the West Saxons about the year of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour where Offirick King of Northumberland by the sustenance of Ethelred of Mercia founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns whereof Kinelburgh Eadburgh and Eve Queens of the Mercians were Prioresses successively each after other Edelfled a most renowned Lady Sister to King Edward the Elder in this City built a fair Church wherein her self was interr'd which being overthrown by the Danes was afterwards rebuilt and made the Cathedral of that See dedicated unto the honour of St. Peter in this Church the unfortunate Prince King Ed. 2. under a Monument of Alabaster doth lie who being murdered at Berkley Castle by the cruelty of the French Isabell his wife was there intombed And not far from him an other Prince as unfortunate namely Robert Curthose the eldest Son of William the Conqueror lyeth in a painted wooden Tomb in the midst of the Quire whose eyes were pluckt out in Cardiff Castle where he was kept Prisoner twenty years with all contumelious indignities until through extreme anguish he ended his life and before any of these saith our Brittish Historian the body of Lucius our first Christian King or rather at Caerleon in Monmouthshire was Interred and before his days the Brittain Arviragus This City hath given Honourable Titles to these Dukes and Earls 1 Robert Base Son to K. Hen. 1 Earle Gules three rests Or. 2 William 3 John Sansterre Son to K. Hen. 1 who Married Isabell Daughter and Coheir of Will E. of Gloucester England a bend Azure 4 Geofry de Mandevile E. of Essex 2d Husband of Isabell Quarterly Or and Gules over all an Escurbuncle Pomet and Flory Sable 5 Almerich de Evereux Son of Mabell another Coheir of E. William some put this Almerich before Geofry but erroneously as I conceive Partly perpale endented Arg. and Gules 6 Gilbert de Clare Son of Annice another of the Coheirs 7 Rich. de Clare 8 Gilbert de Clare who Married Joan of Acres Daughter to King Edw. 1. Or 3 Cheverons Gules 9 Ralph de mont Hermen 2 d. Husband of Joan of Acres Or an Eagle displayed Vert membred and leaked Gules 10 Gilbert de Clare Son of Gilbert and Joan. Or three Cheverous Or. 11 Hugh de Audley Married Isabell sister and Coheir of Gilbert Gules Alfret Or. border argent 12 Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester and Lord Constable Quarterly France and England a border arg 13 Thomas Lord Spencer Grand-son to Elinor Coheir of Gilbert Earl Quarterly the 1. and 4. or 2. and 3. Gules there on a fret Or a bend sable 14 Rich. Plantagenet Brother to K. Edw. 4. Lord Adm. and Constable D. Quarterly France and England a Label of 3 Ermine as many Cantons Gules 15 Humphrey Plantagenet son to King Hen. 4. This Hump. place immediately before Rich. Quarterly France and England a border argent 16 Henry 3d. Son of the late King Charles declared by his Royal Father Duke of Gloucester Anno 1641. but not create And to demonstrate that he both lived and died a Pagan this King Arviragus was and that by his own order buried in that Pagan Temple in the year of our Lord Christ 73. ten years after St. Josephs coming hither Arviragus ut dies suos explevit sepultus est Claudiocestriae in quodam templo quod in honore Claudii dedicaverat ut construxerat And Scut Virunnius further addeth that he did every month offer sacrifice in that Temple after the Pagans manner so much be loved him singulis mensibus sacrificabat tanto eum amore prosequibatur And it is further evident by many Antiquities that Arviragus did many publick acts besides this which Christian Religon could not permit as that after he had been long time Married to Voada sister to Cataracus King of the Scots and had divers Children by her he disinherited the Children put away and imprisoned the Mother and Married Genuisse the supposed Bastard Daughter of Claudius and kept her the other yet living and left the Kingdome to Marius her Son and was so far from repenting this barbarous act contrary to Christian Religion that being challenged for that impiety he wrote a book in defence of this his wickednesse Mr. Bron. fol. 132. affirming therein that it was lawful for him to have plurality of Wives because
Tiranidis jugo liberavi civitatem S. P. Q. R. libertatem vindicans pristinae amplitudini splendori restitui You have here viewed Illustrious Prince our first Christian Emperor and his Father fit patterns for imitation Cast your Gracious eyes upon our first Catholick King Lucius and you shall find him Christianity being now established thus Charactered Interea gloriosus ille Britonum Rex Lucius cum intra regnum suum cultum vere fidei magnificatum esse vidisset maximo gaudio fluctuans possessiones territoria quae prius templa Idolorum possidebant in meliorem usum vertens Ecclesiis fidelium permancre concessit quia majorem honorem ipsis impendere debuerat augmentavit illas amplioribus agris mansis omnique libertate sublimavit And a little after Lucius the first Christian King of this Land then called Brittain founded the first Church in London that is to say St. Peters Church upon Cornhill where he setled an Archbishops See making that Church the Metropolis of his Kingdom neither was his zeal and piety confined to that City for you shall find him erecting a goodly Cathedral at Caerlegion in that part of England abusively called Wales which now is known by the name of Monmothshire as also the famous Vniversity of Bangor in the remotest parts thereof This holy King saith my Author granted made and signed many writings Charters and donations for defence maintenance and preservation of Religion as to the Vniversity of Cambridge the School of Shaftsbury with others and when he had done all this Anno 201. Inclitus Britannorum Rex Lucius in bonis actibus assumptus ab hac vita Claudiocesbriae migravit ad Christum in Ecclesia primae sedis sepultus honorifice King Arthur sealed many grants for the advancement of Religion and Learning and by reason of his great victories thrice changed his armorial ensignes at last advancing the cross for my Author saith King Arthur that mighty conquerour and worthy had so great affection and love to this sign that he left his armes which he used before wherein were figured three Dragons another of three crownes or as some say of thirteen and depicted in his shield a cross silver in a field vert and on the first quarter thereof he figured an Image of our B. Lady with her Son in her armes and with this sign he did wonders in Arms. And to this hour we see the Knights of the Noble order of the Garter of which number your Grace the flower of chevaldry is one to bear Argent a plain cross Gules the field signifying pureness of life the cross the blood that Christ shed for this our people whom Trevisa calleth the people of God and the Realm of Gods Land the same ensign did Joseph of Aramathia give unto Arviragus King of Brittain not many years after our Saviours passion Cadwalader the last Brittish Monarch for his armes bore Azure a cross for my fitched Or whole volumes may be compiled of this Subject and the worthy and most Christian acts of your sanctly progenitors But least I should convert an Epistle Dedicatory into History or Chronology I will proceed no further humbly offering up these my weak endeavours before the shrine of your goodness with all integrity beseeching Almighty God that you may if not excel at least equal the most valiant and vertuous of your Royal Progenitors which shall be the daily prayers of Your Royal Highness Most faithful and humble servant PERCY ENDERBY The Duke of York Anarawd King of Northwales Eidwal King of the same Meurick or Meirick Eidwal II. Jago Conan Griffith King of Northwales Owen King of Northwales Jorwerth Son and Heir to Owen married Marret D. to Madoc Prince of Powis Lhewelyn Prince of Northwales Gladis sole Daughter and Heir married to Ralph Lord Mortimer who in her right should have been Prince of Northwales Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Lord Mortimer Roger Lord Mortimer Earl of March Edmund Lord Mortimer c. Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Earl of March married Philip D. and H. to Lyonel D. of Clarence Roger Mortimer Earl of March left one only Daughter and Heir married to Richard Earl of Cambridge Richard Duke of York King Edward the Fourth Elizabeth sole daughter and heir married to King Henry the seventh descended from Owen Tudor Margaret eldest daughter to Henry the seventh and in her Issue his Inheretrix was Grandmother to Mary Queen of Scotland France and England Mother to King James King of great Brittain France and Ireland c. Grand-Father to James Duke of York who married Anne daughter to Sir Edward Hyde Baron of Henden and Lord Chancellor of England and hath Issue Charles Duke of Cambridge YORK The City of York anciently called Eboracum is seated upon the river Vre which we call Ouse in the VVest-riding of this County and is the second City of England both for fame and greatness a pleasant large and Stately place all well fortified and beautifully adorned as well with private as publick edifices and rich and populous with all seated on the river Ouse which cutteth it as it were in twain both parts being joyned together with a fair stone-bridge consisting of high and mighty arches a City of great fame in the Roman times and of as eminent reputation in all ages since and in the several turnes and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons Danes and Normans hath still preserved its ancient lustre adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith Richard the second laying unto it a little Territory on the VVest side thereof made it a county of it self in which the Archbishops of York enjoyed the rights of Palatines and for a further lustre to it Henry the eighth appointed here a councel for the Government of the Northern parts consisting of a Lord President certain Councellors a Secretary and other Officers and yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate then that it adorned so many Princes of the Imperial line of Germany and blood Royal of England with stile and attribute of Dukes and Earls of YORK 1. Otho of Bavaria Earl of York 2. Edmund of Langley fift Son to Edward the third Duke of York 3. Edward Plantagenet Son of Edward of Langley Duke of York 4. Rich. Plantagenet Nephew of Ed. of Langley Duke of York 5. Rich. of Shrewsbury Son of King Edw. Duke of York 6. Henry second Son to King Henry seventh Duke of York after King of England 7. Charles second Son of James King of England 8. James second Son to King CHARLES now Duke of York The Duke of CUMBERLAND It is needless to set down at large the Brittish line of this Heroick and VVarlike Prince Rupertus being sufficient to tell you that he is Son to that Peerless and unparallel'd Princess Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia daughter to James King of great Brittain sister to Charles King of great Brittain
to the River Dee again This land was of old time divided into four parts of which the chifest was Môn in English Anglesey Môn where the Princes chief house was at Abersfraw which is an Island separated from the mainland with an arme of the sea called Maenai and had in it self three Cantreds or hundreds which were subdivided into six Comots as Cantreff Abersfraw to comot Lhion and comot Malhtraeth Cantreff Cemais to the comots Talebolion and Tur Celyn An other absurd errour in Polidore Cantref Rossir to the comots Tindaethwy and Menai And at this day there is a trim town in that Island called Buemarish and a common passage to Ireland at Caergibi called in English Holy-head but here I cannot wink at that notable error of Polidore which after his accustomed fashion deemeth this Isle to be called not Môna but Anglesia or Anglorum Insula because it is called in English Anglesey and giveth this name Mona to Man and so hath lost the names of both Isles which ignorance and forgetfulness might be forgiven him if he had not drawn a great number to this errour with him which in their Charters do daily wrong-name these Isles which may be easily proved First because the Inhabitants of the Isle do know no other name but Môn and it is called through all VVales Tîr Môn that is to say the land of Môn unto this day so that neither by memory of Man neither by any Monument in writing in the British tongue can it appear that ever it had any other name but Môn yet there be manifest monuments for these 1000. years It is also grown to a proverb through VVales for the fertility of the ground Môn mam Gymry that is to say Môn mother of VVales The ancient history of Cornelius Tacitus which it seems age had beaten out of Polidors head saith that the Souldiers of Paulinus Suetonius and after of Julius Agricola after they had passed through Northwales then came over against Mona where they did swim over an arme of the sea 200. paces and so by force wan the Isle Now whether is it more reasonable thus to swim over 200 paces or 20 miles I know there are many believe Polidor in this point let all men therefore by this judge the rest As for that which he saith of the great woods Môn the seat of the superstitious Druids it is nothing for both the Romans and after when the Christian faith took place in the Realm the Christians did fall and root them out of the abominable Idolatry and superstition practised by the Druids in them as is touched before that the King of Man sent for timber to Mon Great trees found in the Earth read the life of Hugh E. of Chester which also is evident by the great beeches and other trees found in the earth in those dayes His other reason is because it is called Anglesey in the English tongue So is Lhoyger called England and Cambry Wales are those therefore the old names no surely and what if the inhabitants called it so as they did not had it not a name before the Angles wan it yes I warrant you but he had forgotten that Now the name of Man was ever or at the least these 1000 years named in Brittish Manaw of which cometh the English name Man The Inhabitants there call it so and no nation about it did ever call it Môn nor any writer but Polidor which was too young a Godfather to name so old a child For Gildas writ above 900. years since whose writings Polidor never saw but untruly fathers upon his own device Geraldus in his description of Ireland to Henry II and Henry Huntington do plainly call Man in Latine Eubonia adding thereto either Manaw or Man for the better understanding of the name will you believe them or Polydor other arguments there are which I passe over till I have more leisure and occasion to write of this matter Arvon The seccond part of Northwales was called Arvon which is as much as to say over against Mon and had in it four â—cantrefs and ten comots Cantref Abeer had in it three comots Y Lhechwedh Vchaf Y Lechwedhisat and Nanconwy Cantref Arvon had two comots Ywch Owyrnai and Isgwyrnai Cantref Dunodic had two comots Ardudwy and Enionyth Cantref Lhyyn containeth three comots Cymitmain Tinlhain and Canclogion This is now called Carnarvonshire the chief Town whereof is Carnarvon heretofore it was strongly walled and had a very fair Castle Edward the II. King of England was here borne and hence according to the custome of those times entituled Edward of Carnarvon The Princes of Wales had in this place their Chancery and Exchequer for all Northwales which was no small improvement to it Earl it had never any till this present age in which the late K. Charles conferred that title 1628. on Robert Lord Dormer of Wing created Earl of Carnarvon 4o. Carol. Aug. 2. and lost his life in the said Kings service Lord Dormer his son Earl of Carnarvon now living Azure 10 billets 4 3 2 and 1. Or in a chief of the second a Lyon Issuant sable incensed Gules And as Carnarvon hath given title to an Earl so hath Anglesey also though not by her ancient name Môn for anno 1624. Christopher Villiers brother to the D. of Buckingham was created E. of Anglesey September 24. Charles Villiers second Earl Argent on a crosse Gules five escolops Or a mullet for difference This Môn is also called Anglesey shire and hath both it and Carnarvonshire the same divisions at this day In this shire are Snowden hills called Eryri neither in height fertility of ground wood cattel fish and foul giving place to the famous Alps and without controversie the strongest country in Brittain Here is the Town of Carnarvon called in old time Caersegonce and there is also Conwey called Caer Giffin and See of Bangor with divers other ancient Castles and places of memory and vvas the last part of Wales that came under the Dominions of the Kings of England It hath on the North the Sea and Maenai upon the East and South East the River Conwey vvhich divideth it from Denbighshire vvhose principal Tovvn is Denbigh vvhich hath had Lords good store and of several families but none of them Parliamentary Peers in reverence to it till these latter times Of late it hath given title both of Lord and Earl to tvvo several families viz. to these 1 Robert Lord Dudley created Baron of Denbigh and Earl of Leicester Eliz. 6. Sep. 29 Or a Lyon Rampant his tail double forked vert 2 William Viscount Fielding created Earl of Dinbigh 20. Jac. Sept. 14. Master of the Ward robe c. Argent on fess Azure 3. fusils Or. This Shire is parted on the South West and West from Mirioneth with high mountains and Rivers and other Mears Merionith The third part of Gwineth was Merioneth containing three Cantrefs and every Cantref three comots
The Cantref Mereon hath three camots Talibont Pennal and Ysttumaner the Cantef of Arustly hath these Vwchcoed Iscoed and Guarthrenion Guarthrenion Cantref Perilhum hath these Vwchmeloch Ismeloh and Micnaint and this keepeth the said name till this day but not within the same Mears it is full of hills and rocks and hath upon the Northside the sea notable at this day for the great resort and number of people that repair thither to take herings it hath upon the East Arnon and Denbighland upon the south Powis and upon the West Dini and Cardiganshire In this Country standeth the Town of Harlech and a great lake called Lhin Tigid through which the river Dee runneth and medleth not withī the water of the Lake Note a wonder which is three miles long and also the Salmons which are commonly taken in the river hard by the Lake are never seen to enter the Lake likewise a kinde of fish called Guymaid which are like to Whitings and are full in the Lake and are never taken in the River not far from this Lake is a place called Garergay which was the house of Gay Arthurs foster brother This shire as well as Arvon is full of Cattel Fowl and Fish with great number of Deer and Roes but there is great scarcity of corn The fourth part of Gwenith was called Y Berusdhwlad which may be Englished the Inland or middle Countrey which contains 5. Cantrefs and had thirteen comots as cantref Rivomoc had in it these comots Vwbhalet and Isalet Cantref Ystrat had Hiraethoc and Cynmeirch Cantref Roff these Vwchdulas Isdulas and Crenthin which all are in the Lordship of Denbeigh saving the Crenthin which is in Carnarvonshire wherein the Castles of Dygandwy did stand which was the Earl of Chester and is commonly called in Latine English Chronicles Gannoc The 4th Cantref was Difrin Clwid which may be Englished the valley of Clwid and now is called the Lordship of Ruthin and hath those comots Coleigion Lhannerth and Dogvelin The fifth Cantref is Tengle and is now a part of Flintshire having these comots Counsylht Prestatyn and Ruthlan and in this part is one of the fairest valleys within this Isle containing 18. miles in length and 4 5 6 or 7. in breadth as the hills either draw inward together or backward asunder which high hills do enclose it on the East West and South parts and Northward the sea it is plentiful of Cattel fish and foul corn hay grasse and wood and divided along in the middle with the river Clwy to whom runneth Clywedoc Ystrad Whilar Elwy and a great number of other rivers from the hills In this valley two miles from the sea is the town and Castle of Ruthlan where sometime a Parliament hath been kept and two miles above it is the See of Asaph between the rivers Cly and Elwy called in the old time the Bishops See of Lhan Elup Four miles thence and two miles from the river is situate upon a rock the town and Castle of Denbigh where is one of the gratest Markets of the Marshes of Wales and one of the fairest and strongest Castles within this Realm which being the house of David brother of Lhewelin the last Prince of the Welsh blood was enlarged and strengthened by Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln to whom K. Edward gave the same Lordship It is also the Shire Town of that Shire Anno 12. Ed. 1. five miles above this is the Town of Ruthin with a fair Castle which sometimes belonged to the Lords Grey Earles of Kent This part of Northwales hath upon the North the river Dee and the sea upon the West Arnon and the river Conwey South and east Merionith and the country he called Powys and these be the mears and bounds of Gwyneth or Venedotia for the name of Northwales containeth beside this all Powis in these dayes so there was under the territory of Terffraw 15. Cantrefs and in them 38 comots The second Kingdom was Mathranal which in right order was the third as that which came to third brother yet for the better understanding of the History following I have placed it here To this Kingdom belonged the Country of Powis and the land betwixt Wy and Severne which part had upon the South and West Southwales with the river Wy and Twyl and other meers upon the North Gwineth and upon the East the Marshes of England from Chester to Wy a little above Hereford and therefore it was most troubled with wars as well of the Saxons as afterwards of the Normans Lords Marchers who afterwards daily wan some part thereof and by that means it was the first part that served the Kings of England and therefore lesse esteemed of all the rest This part called Powis was divided again into Powis Vadoc and Powis Wenwin win Powis Vadoc contained in it self five Cantreds and 15 comots Cantref Y Barwn which hath three comots Dynmael Edeyrneon and Glindourdwy which be now in Merionithshire saving Dinmael which is in Denbighshire Cantref Y Rhiw whose comots are these Yal now in Denbigshire Staytalin and Hop now in Flintshire Cantref Treferd containeth these comots Creosuam Tref Y wayn in English Chirk and in Denbighshire Toesoswallt English Oswestred and in Shropshire Cantref Vwchnant hath these comots Merforth in Flintshire Maelor Gymraeg in English Bromfield now in Denbighshire and Meoler Saesneg in Flintshire Cantref Rayder with his comots Morchnant Israider Clynhaeth and Nanhendwy all in Chirkland and in Denbighshire Also the Lordship of Whittington now in Shropshire was in this part of Powis which part at this day hath lost the name of Powis and is situate in divers Shires as it appeareth by the discourse before passed In this part is the Castle of Holt in Bromfield and the Castle of Chirk in Chirkland likewise the Lordship and Castle of Whittington which came by marriage to Goulh Fitzwarren There is besides these the Lordship of Oswestre of the which the Fitz Allans have been Lords these 300 years and odd and of divers other Lordships in those Marches as Shrarden the eleven townes Clun and many others which are now in Shropshire The second part call'd Powis Wenwinwin had likevvise five cantreds and tvvelve comots Cantref Y Vyrnwy had these comots Mechnant Vwch Rayader Mechain Iscoed and Lhanerch Hudol Cantref Ystile hath these Deuthwr Gorthwr Isaf and Strat Marchelch Cantref Lhyswinaf had these Caerneneon and Mechain Vwchcoed Cantref Cydowen had comot Conan and comot Hauren Cantref Conan had Cyveilioc and Mouthwy which is now in Merionithshire of all these the three first Cantreds do only at this day bear the name of Powis which are upon the Northside of Severne and are all five saving the comot of Mothwy in the County of Montgomery This is a Country full of Wods Hills and Rivers and hath in it these towns the Pool Newtown Machinlheth Arustly was in old time in this part but afterwards it came to the Princes of Gwineth These Lordships came by just
the Peak in Darbyshire Esq Note that Iohn Vernon son of Sir Henry Vernon married Anne daughter to Iohn Ludlow Esq son to Sir Richard Ludlow and Elizabeth his wife daughter of Richard Grey L. of Powis and Margaret daughter of Iames Audley both which families are derived from Welsh progenitors George Mannors of Haddon Esq Grace daughter to Sir Henry Peirpoint descended from Brittish line as in the Marquess of Dorchesters pedegree Iohn Mannors L. Ross Belvior and Trushat E. of Rutland 1661. Francis daughter to Edward Lord Montague RUTLAND Rutland for quantity is the least County of England for quality not inferiour to the best as being a pleasant and fruitfull Country especially about the vale Catmoss The earth thereof is generally very red of colour so red that even the Fleeces of the sheep are coloured with it in which regard it had the name of Rudland the Saxons calling it Rud which we now call red Heretofore it was reckoned for a part of North-hamptonshire not made a County till of late it containeth in it 48. Parishes in the whole the chief of which are Uppingham and Oakham two small Market Towns of which the last is the Shire town for the Assises Sessions and all publick business yet small and little though it be it can shew the seats and titles of four Parliamentary Barons and besides that it hath honoured many a noble person with the name and title of Earls of RUTLAND 1. Edward Plant. son of Edmund of Langley Duke of York 2. Edmund Plant. second son of R. D. of York 3. Thomas Mannors descended by his mother from the Duke of York Earl of Rutland 4. Henry Mannors 5. Edward Mannors 6. Iohn Mannors 7 Roger Mannors 8. Francis Mannors 9. Iohn Mannors Iohn Mannors now Earl of Rutland 1661. The Earle of Pembrock Bernard Newmarsh or Newmark L. of Brecon Nest daughter of Grissith ap Lhewellin Prince of Southwales Milo Earl of Hereford Sibil daughter and heir of Bernard Newmarsh Herbert Lord of the Forrest of Dean Lucy one of the daughters and co-heirs of Milo Earl of Hereford Peter ap Herbert Esq Alice daughter and heir of Blethin Broadspear Lord of Llanthloell and Beachley Reginald ap Peter Esq Margaret daughter to Sir John VVelsh Kt. Adam ap Reginald Esq Crisley daughter and h. to Gwaindy Lord of Gwarendy Esq Ienkin ap Adam of Gwarendy Esq Gwenllian d. to Aron ap Bledri Kt. Gwinllin Ienkin of Gwarendy Esq Gwenllian daughter to Howel ap Ioroth or Yorrath of Tylegles Esq Thom. Gwillin Ienkin of Gwarendy Esq Maud daughter and heir of Sir Iohn Borley Kt. Sir VVilliam Thomas Kt. Gladys d. to Sr. David Game Kt. VVilliam Herbert created E. of Pembrook temp Hen. 4 Anne daughter to Sir Walter Devereux K. William Herbert of Ewyas of Sir Matthew Câ—adoc Kt. William Herbert created Earl of Pembrock 1468. Anne daughter of Thomas Par Baron of Kendal and sister and co-heir of William Par Marquess of Northampton and Earl of Essex Henry Herbert Earl of Pembrock Mary daughter to Sir Henry Sidney Kt. L. Deputy of Ireland William Herbert Earl of Pembrock sans issue Mary eldest daughter and co-heir to Gilbert Talbot E. of Shrewsbury Philip Herbert E of Pembrock Montgomery Susan daughter and at length co-heir of Edward Vere Earl of Oxford by which match this honourable family again descends from the Brittish line Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery 1661. PEMBROCK Pembrockshire is a County plentifull of Corn and Cattel and not distitute of Pitcoale and which is far above all the rest as Giraldus tells us considering that it is so near to Ireland of a temperate and wholesome air It contains in it 140. Parish Churches and five Markets that which is most of note being Milford renowned for its safe and capacious haven but that from which it takes denomination is the Town of Pembrock seated upon a forked arm of Milford haven and in the best part of all the Country a Town consisting principally of one long street on a long narrow point of the Rock and hath within the walls thereof two Churches The Earls hereof in former times were County Palatines and passed all things that concerned that Country under the Seal of the Earldom and it continued so untill the reign of K. Henry VIII when as Wales was reduced to England and the authority of the great Lords there dissolved by Parliament since when the Earls of Pembrock have been meerly titular as of other places and of each sort were those in their several ages the Marquesses and Earles OF PEMBROCK Gilbert de Clare Richard de Clare surnamed Strongbow VVilliam Marshall married Isabel daughter and heir of Richard Strongbow VVilliam Marshal L. chief Justice Richard Marshall Gilbert Marshall VValter Marshall Anselme Marshall VVilliam de Valence half brother to K. Henry III. whose wife was daughter of a sister of Anselme Marshall Agmer de Valence Laurence Hastings who married the Lady Isabel de Valence John Hastings John Hastings Humphrey D. of Glocester William de la Pole D. of Suffolk Jasper of Hatfield D. of Bedford William Herbert William Herbert Edw P. of Wales son to K. Ed 4. Anne Colen Marchionesse of Pembrock wife to K. Henry 8. William Herbert Lord Stewarâ— â—reated Earl of Pembrock by K. Edw. 6. Henry Herbert William Herbert Lord Stuard and Chamberlain of Oxford Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery 1661. Earles of Dorset THomas Sackvile Earle of Dorset Cecily daughter to Sir John Baker Kt. Robert Sackvile E. of Dorset Margaret sole daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which match this right honourable family is diversly descended from the Brittish blood as at large appeareth in the pedegree of the Dukes of Norfolk Richard Sackvill E. of Dorset Anne d. and sole h. of George E. of Cumberland descended by a daughter and co-heir from Char. Brandon Duke of Suffolk and Mary Queen of France daughter to King Henry VII and Elizabeth his wife heir general to the house of York and consequently to the Mortimers E. of March of which family Raph L. Mortimer of Wigmore married Gladis sister and heir to David and daughter to Lhewellin Prince of Northwales as likewise Henry the 7th descended from Owen Tweder lineally sprung from the Princes of Southwales Edward Sackvil E. of Dorset Mary sole daughter of Sir George Curson Kt. Edward Sackvile now E. of Dorset 1661. DORSET The County of Dorset abutteth upon that of Devon having the Sea upon the South and Somersetshire upon the North. The air good and of an healthful constitution the soil fat and rich in many places and wherein that is defective it yields good store of Woods and Pasture The Country generally very pleasant in her situation as being no less beholden to the Inner-land Rivers then the bordering Ocean the one yielding Merchandise from far the other the commodity of conveyance to the most parts thereof and both of them good store of Fish It
the cause ended This shall be sufficient for this time Some Authors write that Lhewelin ap Sitsylht who was after Prince of Wales assisted Edmund a Saxon King and entered Cumberland taking the two sons of Dummaille King of the Province put out their eyes and then gave that Country to Malcolme to be holden of him with condition to keep the North part of the Realm from incursion of enemies the which condition was afterwards but slenderly peformed This Malcome was the son of Donald King of Scotland and was the next King after Constantine the third being in number the 76. In the year 942. died Hubert Bishop of St. Davids and the year following Marclois Bishop of Bangor and Vssa the son of Lhavyr died the year 944. the Englishmen entered Wales with a stronge army and spoyled Strad Clwid and returned home At which time Conan the son of Elise was put in danger of death by poyson and Everus Bishop of St. Davids died In the year 948 died Howel Dha the noble and worthy King or Prince of Wales whose death was much lamented by all men for he was a Prince that loved peace and good order and that feared God he left behind him four sons Owen Run Roderike and Edwin betwixt whom and the sons of Edwal there ensued great wars for the chief rule of Wales as shall appear in the history following After the death of Howel Dha his sons did divide Southwales and Powis betwixt them And Janaf and Jago the second and third sons of Edwal Voel ruled North VVales because their elder brother Meyric was not a man worthy to rule who coming of the elder house would have had the chief rule of all Wales which the sons of Howel Dha denyed them And thereupon Jago or James and Janaf entred Southwales with a great power against whom came Owen the son of Howel and his brethren and fought together at the hills of Carno where Jago and Janaf had the victory And the year following the said brethren did twice enter into Southwales and spoyled Dinet and slew Dwnwalhon Lord thereof And within a while after dyed Roderike one of the sons of Howel Dha year 952 In the year 952. the sons of Howel gathered their strength together against Janaf and Jago and entred their land at the river of Conwy where they fought a cruel battail at a place called Gurgustu or Lhanrwst as some think where a great number were slain upon either side as Anarawd the son of Gwyriad or Vriel the son of Roderike the great and Edwin the son of Howel Dha in the which battail were overthrown the sons of Howel whom Janaf Jago pursued to Caerdigan destroyed their Country vvith fire svvord About this time Yarthyr the son of Mervyn vvas drovvned In the year 958 was a wonderful hot summer when Gwyan the son of Gwiriad the son of Roderike dyed After the which heat there followed a great plague in March ensuing In those dayes Jago and Janaf by force and strength ruled all Wales as they thought good And yet for all their power Abloic King of Ireland landed in Môn and having burnt Holyhead spoyled the country of Lhyyn year 961 In the year 961 the sons of Edwin the son of Colhoyn were slain after they had destroyed all the country to Towyn About this time Meyric the son of Cadvan Rytherch Bishop of St. Davids and Cadwalhon ap Owen departed out of this transitory life Not long after the country of Northwales was exceedingly spoyled by the army of Edgar King of England The cause of this was the not payment of the tribute that the King of Abersfraw by the lawes of Howel Dha was to pay to the Kings of London in the end there was a peace concluded Jo. Cast Holl. pag. 232. Wolves destroyed by the Prince of W. for King Edgar understanding what hurt the Countrys of England and Wales received daily by reason of the great multitude of Wolves that then abounded especially in Wales which destroyed much sheep and otherwayes did great harme released the tribute of money appointed by the said lawes of Howel Dha and bound the Princes of Northwales to pay him yearly certain Wolves for his tribute so to be released of the other tribute in mony which the said Prince performed untill he had left never a Wolf in all Wales or England year 966 In the year 966. Roderike the son of Edwal Voel was slain by the Irishmen by whom Abersfraw was destroyed The next year after fell a great debate betwixt the two sons of Edwal Jago and Janaf which had ruled joyntly together from the death of Howel Dha till that time and shortly after Jago having taken his brother Janaf by force very cruelly kept him in prison a long time about the which time Eneon the son of Owen Prince of Southwales wan seised to himself the land of Gwyr And in the year â—69 Machis the son of Haroald with an army of Danes did enter into Anglesey and â—poyled 〈◊〉 year 969 Theâ—â— â—â—â—nes were suffered by Edgar to inhabit quietly through all England till they â—â—re as strong as the Englishmen and then they fell to such ryotousness and drinking that â—â—ch mischief ensued thereof A law against immoderate drinking whereupon Edgar made a law that every man should drink by measure and caused a certain mark to be set in every pot how deep they should drink and so by these means he somewhat stayed the immoderate ingurgation Not long after that Godfryd the son of Haroald did subdue to himself the whole Isle of Anglesey which he enâ—oyed not long year 972 King Edgar likewise in the year 972 did send a great army to Gaâ—â—â—â—on upon Vsk which shortly turned back without doing any notable act Caerleon upon Vsk The next year following Howel the son of Janaf raised a great power against his Uncle Jago for the deliverance of his father out of prison and overcame his Uncle in fight whom he chased out of the land and took his eldest Unckle Meyric the son of Edwal and put out both his eyes and kept him in prison where he dyed shortly after leaving behind him two sons Edwal and Jonaval of the which Edwal came afterwards the most worthy Princes of Wales Howel notwithstanding he had set his father at liberty yet took upon himself the whole rule of the land for his lifetime He had three brethren all men of great estimation Meyrich Janaf and Cadwallon whose lines shall ensue hereafter Howel Son of Janaf After that Howel the son of Janaf had expelled his Uncle from the land Dunwalhon goes to Rome he took the rule to himself And at that time Dwnwalhon Prince of Strad Cwlyd took his journey to Rome Then dyed Edwalhon the son of Owen year 976 The year 976 Eneon the son of Owen King of Southwales destroyed the land of Gwyr the second time the year ensuing Howel the son of Janaf with a great army both of Welshmen
whole Countrey Gruffith of Northwales and Rees of Southwales descending both lineally from Roderic the Great against whom came Trahern ap Caradoc and Caradoc Gruffith and Mailer the sons of Rywalhon ap Gwyn his cosin Germans for Gwyn ap Blethin was their Grandfather who in those daies were the chief Rulers of all Wales and after they had met at the Mountains of Carno they fought a cruel battel and were the more eager because upon that daies work lay the lives and honour of either party but at length the victory fell to Gruffith and Rees and Trahern with his cosins were all slain and most part of their people then the Kingdomes of Wales came under the rule of the right heirs again At this time also a noble man in VVales called Vrgency ap Sitsylht was slain by the sons of Rees Sais i. e. Rees the Englishman for so they used to name all such as had served in England or could speak English Gules three Lyons pass Gardant or other say onely passant which I rather approve of Gruffith the Son of Conan The Welsh Princes do homage to VVilliam the Conquerour After the death of Trahern Gruffith ap Conan did quietly rule Northwales and Rees ap Theodore Southwales In the year 1079. William commonly called the Conquerour entred VVales with a great Army and passed as far as Saint Davids where he offered and took homage of the Kings of the Land And not long after the Sepulchre of VValwey King Arthurs Sisters Son was found upon the sea shore in the Countrey of Ros the body by estimation upon viewing of the bones was thought to be fourteen foot in length VValwey in his life time was a right noble and valiant Warriour of very good reputation who ruled that Country which to this day from him is called VValwethay Caerdiff built And this year Sulion forsook his Bishoprick the second time and VVilfrid was enstalled in his place and in this time also the Town of Caerdyff was built year 1087 About the year 1087. the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn sometime King of VVales gathered their strengths together against Rees of Tewdor who not being able to meet them fled to Ireland and there he purchased to himself great friends and got an Army of Irishmen and Scots to whom he promised great Rewards when he should obtain his Kingdome and so landed in Southwales with those strangers which when his friends heard of they drew to him and the other came in all haste thinking to fight with him before his power should encrease and at Lhechryd they gave him battel where they were overthrown and two of the Brethren slain to wit Madoc and Riryd and the other fled and forsook the Countrey As soon as Rees was in quiet possession of his Kingdome he sent home his strangers with great rewards About this time the Shrine of Saint David was stollen out of the Church and when all the Jewels and Treasures were taken away the Shrine was left where it might be found again About this time the Earls of Hereford and Shrewsbury with the VVelshmen burned all VVorcestershire and Glocestershire to the very gates of VVorcester And in the year 1088. there was a terrible Earthquake through all the land and the year following dyed Sulien the godliest and wisest man and the greatest Clerk in all Wales being 89. years old About this time certain strangers which were Rovers upon the seas landed at St. David and robbed it and burned the Town at which time also Cadinor the the son of Colhoyn Lord of Dinet dyed whose sons Lhewelyn and Eneon moved Gruffith the son of Meredyth to make war against their Lord and Prince Rees ap Tewdor and so joyning all their strength together came against him to Lhandydoc where Rees was who gave them battail and putting them to flight pursued them so sore that he took Gruffith ap Meredith and put him death but Eneon son to Cadinor ap Colhoyn fled to Jestin Lord of Morganwc who likewise rebelled against Rees ap Theodor and promised upon condition to have Jestins daughter in marriage and certain other covenants then agreed upon between them to bring to their succours an army of Normans for he had served in England before and was well known and acquainted with all the English Nobility which things being thus concluded they were fully determined to be revenged upon Rees And so Eneon went to England and wrought such means that he procured Robert Fitzhamon in the reign of William Rufus which twelve other Knights to gather a great army of Frenchmen and Normans to come to their aid who shortly after landed in Glamorganshire where Jestin ap Gurgent Lord of the Land received them with much honour and joyning his power to theirs burned and spoyled Prince Rees it grieved him exceedingly whereupon he suddainly gathered his people and met him not far from Brecknock where after a terrible fight he was slain with whom fell and decayed the Kingdom of Southwales This Rees had by his wife the daughter of Rywalhon ap Convin a son called Gruffith who at his fathers death was but a very child and one Grovo that was in the Kings prison These Normans after they had received their promised Salary and great rewards of Jestin returned to their ships When Eneon burthened Jestin with the promise of his daughter in marriage Jestin laughed him to scorn and told him that he would bestow his daughter otherwise whereupon Eneon full of anger and despite followed the Normans and when he came to the shore they were all a shipboard Then he shouted to them and made a sign with his cloak to call them back and they returned again to know his meaning Then he went to the chiefest of them and shewed his abuse at Jestins hands declaring withall how easie it was for them to win that fair and pleasant Country from Jestin whom for his treason to Rees none other Prince of Wales would succour whereunto they easily perswaded turned all their power against him for whose defence they had come thither and at whose hands they had been well entertained and recompenced with rich gifts and rewards And first they spoyled him of his country who mistrusted them not and took all the fertile and valley land to themselves and left the barren and rough mountains for Eneon his part the names of Robert and the twelve Knights and parcels which fell to each ones share were these Azure a Lyon rampant gardant Or encensed gules Those men whose Coats are mentioned and their Heirs have enjoyed the Country to this day who were the first strangers that ever Inhabited Wales since the time oâ— Camber Of this King or Prince Master Mills saith Griffin Prince of Northwales son and successour of Conan the Prince between this Griffin or rather Gruffith and Blethyn Prince of Powis and Rees the son of Theodore Prince of Demetia there was a great search and enquiry made concerning their Armes and military Ensigns as
Or Kemeys vert on a cheueron Arg 3 pheons Sable Gunter Sable a cheueron inter 3 gantlels clutchc Or Havert Arg a bulls head cabosed inter 3 mulets Gules Walbeise Arg 3 bulle pale wayes Gules armed vnguled Or Gamage Arg a bend losengy Gules on a chiefe Azure 3 escallops Or Wiston Gules a cherÌ„on Ermine Maunsell Arg a cherÌ„on betweene 3 Maunches Sable About this time or shortly after Bernard Newmarsh a noble man also of Normandy obtained by conquest the Lordship of Brecknock containing three cantreds and married Nest the daughter of Nest daughter to Gruffith ap Lhewelin Prince of Waleâ— by whom he had issue Mahael and a daughter This Mahael being a worthy Knight was dis-inherited by the malice of his own mother who contrary to the matrimonial duty kept unlawful company with a Knight whom she set more by then her husband whereupon Mahael being offended with the dissolute life of his mother warned her to avoid infamy and on a time meeting with the said Knight coming from her fought with him and hurt him wherefore Nest to be revenged of her son for that fact went to K. Henry the first and solemnly Gerald Itin. Camb. rather of malice and revengement as Giraldus noteth then of any Truth sware upon the Evangelists that the said Mahael her son was not begotten by Bernard Newmarsh her Husband but by another Lover of hers by reason of which Oath or perjury rather as Giraldus thinketh Mahael was disinherited and his Sister whom the Mother affirmed to be the very Daughter of Bernard was by the said King with the whole Inheritance King Henry the First confesseth the VVelshmen to be the lawfull inheritours of the Country bestowed upon Milo the son of Walter the Constable who was after created Earl of Hereford Lord of Glocester Brecknock and the Forrest of Dean This Milo Earl of Hereford told King Henry the First of the singing and triumphing of Birds by the pool called Lhyn Sanathan at the passing of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodor the said Milo a Pini-Fitz-John Lord of Ewyas Land being present whereunto the King answered that it was not a thing to be wondred at so much for in truth said he we by our great force and strength do offer injury and violence to that Nation yet are they well known to be the lawfull inheritours of hat Countrey The sons of this Milo dyed all without issue yet he left three daughters First Margaret married to Humphery de Bohune in her right Earl of Hereford Many if not most of the English Nobility by this match desceâ—dâ—d of the Welsh blood Henry the 4th descended from Lhewelin Prince of Wales and Constable of England from which match and so consequently from Bernard Newmarsh his Wife daughter of Nest who was daughter of another Nest daughter from Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of all Wales most of the ancient Nobility descend from Lhewelyn the great Prince for the last Humphry de Bohune Earl of Hereford Essex and Northampton and Constable of England had issue two daughters and heirs Elianor the elder was married unto Thomas Plantagenet alias Thomas of Woodstock the sixth son of Edward the Third who was by King Richard the Second created Earl of Buckingham and after Duke of Glocester and in her right Earl of Essex Northampton and Constable of England Mary the second Daughter was married to Henry Plantagenet alias Bullingbrook Earl of Derby after King of England by the name of Henry the Fourth Plantagâ—nets Staffords and Bouochier from Lhewelin Prince of Wales The said Thomas Plantagenet Duke of Glocester c. had Humphry Lord of Brecknock who dyed without Issue and four daughters heirs after their Brother Ann the elde stmarried to Edmund Stafford Earl of Stafford who by her had Issue Humphry Earl of Stafford Hereford and Northampton Lord of Brecknock c. and afterwards the said Ann was married to William Viscount Bourchier created Earl of Ewe in France by King Henry the Fifth Father of Henry created Earl of Essex by King Edward the Fourth This Humphry Earl of Stafford was created Duke of Buckingham by King Henry the Sixt and so the Lordship of Brecknock came to the Dukes of Buckingham and by the Attainder of Edward the last Duke of that family came to the Crown But let us return again to the daughters of Milo you see what gallant Issue proceeded from the first Secondly Bersa the second Daughter was married unto Philip Bruse created by King Stephan Lord Bruse of Gower Bould and Brimber and in his Wives Right Lord of Brecknock Thirdy Lucia the third daughter was married to Herbert the son of Herbert a base son to King Henry the First who was in her Right Lord of all the Forrest of Dean of whom descended the Fitz-Herberts of Derbyshire Awbery Walbeif Gunter and Hanara no Welshmen properly With Bernard Newmarsh before spoken of there came many Gentlemen at that time to Brecknock upon whom he bestowed divers Mannors as to the Awberies the Mannor of Abercynrick and Slowch to the Walbeifes the Mannor of Lhanhamlack and Taly Lhyn and to the Gunters the Mannor of Gilston to the Hanards the Mannor of Pont Willym an easie matter to cut large thongs out of another mans Hide About this time Cadogan ap Blethyn ap Convyn destroyed all Dynet in the end of April and shortly after the same summer the Normans in great companies landed in Dynet or Westwales and Caerdigan and builded Castles there and so began to inhabit the Countrey upon the Sea-shore The Normans having gotten into their hands all the lands and livings of the Nobility of England began to pry and peep into the commodities of Wales and seeing that Robert Fitz-Hamon and other Knights that went with him had sped so well they made suit to the King to grant them the lands of the Welshmen whereupon the King thinking that to be the best way for him as well to encourage them to be more willing to serve him as also to provide for them at other mens cost granted to divers of his Nobles sundry Countries in Wales to hold of him by Knights Service for the which they did Homage and sware fealty unto him as followeth First Roger Montgomery Earl of Arundel and Salop did his homage for the Lordship of Powis and Caerdigan Secondly Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester did homage for Tegengel and Rynonioc with all the Land by the Sea-shore unto the River of Conwey Thirdly Arnulph a younger son of Roger Montgomery for Dinet Fourthly Bernard Newmarch for Brecknock Fifthly Ralph Mortimer for Eluel Sixthly Hugh de Lacie for the land of Ewyes Seventhly Eustace Cruer for Molde and Hopedale and many others for other Lands Montgomery why so called Then Roger de Montgomery to whom the Conquerour had given Powis entred the land and wan the Town and Castle of Baldwyn which he fortified and called it Montgomery after his own name About this time also Gruffith ap Conon
King of Northwales with Cadogan ap Blethyn who then ruled Southwales entred the Land of Caerdigan and killed a great number of Normans being not able any longer to suffer their great Pride and Cruelty but after their Return the English Captains sent to England for more men and thought privately to make a Road into Northwales which journey was discovered unto Cadogan who gathered his Power and met with them in the Wood or Forrest of Yspys and set upon them with great Hue and Cry and they defended themselves manfully but in the end they were put to flight with great loss and Cadogan followed them hard and spoiled the Countrey of Cadogan and Dinet and destroyed all the Castles saving two which were Pembroke and Rydeors which he could not get and so returned to Powis with much Joy King Rufus not able to prevail against the Welsh to his dishonour returneth home year 1093 In the year 1093. the Normans that inhabited the Countrey of Glamorgan spoiled the Territories of Kydwely and Yâ—rad Tywy and left them without any Inhabitants When VVilliam Rufus had been informed of the great slaughter of his Subjects as well in Cheshire Shropshire VVorcestershire and Herefordshire as in VVales which Gruffith ap Conan and the sons of Blethyn Convyn had done he gathered his power together and entred VVales at Mountgomery which Castle being lately overthrown by the VVelshmen he re-edified again but the VVelshmen kept so the straits of the mountains with the Woods and Rivers that the King did no good but lost his labour and his men therefore he returned back to his great Dishonour year 1094 In the year 1094. dyed VVilliam the son of Baldwyn who at the Kings commandement had built the Castle of Rydcors after whose death the Castle was forsaken by his men and the Inhabitants of Gwyr Brecknock Gwent and Gwent Ihwc Welshmen hardly overcome unless by Treason among themselves cast from their Necks the burthen of the Normans that had won their Countries and held them in subjection and chased them out of their Territories but shortly after they returned again with greater Power Then the countrymen detesting their insolency met with them at a place called Celly Tarvawc and couragiously encountred them so that they put them to flight with great Slaughter and chased them back again out of the Land nevertheless the greedy Normans would not give over but recruiting returned again to Brecknockshire making a vow to leave no living thing within that Countrey it is not good to reckon before mine Host nor count our Chickins before they be hatch'd for the country people flying before them staied at a strait passage and killed many of them About this time Roger Montgomery Earl of Salop and Arundel Powel fol. 153. and VVilliam Fitz Eustace Earl of Glocester though I read of no such man for Master Mills fol. 358. as also other Authors set Robert base Son to King Henry the First the first Earl of that place Arnold de Harecourt and Neale le Vicount were slain between Cardiff and Brecknock by the VVelshmen and VValter Evereux Earl of Sarum who dyed in Normandy and Hugh Earl Gurney were there hurt Patrick de Evereux was first Earl of Sarum or Salisbury created so by King Stephen and therefore could not be in this time but it is he that was son to Walter Evereux Mr. Mills fol. 1034. who built the Abby of Bradenstock 1139. the fift of King Stephen and being an old man did take upon him the habit of a Monk there others say this Walter was Earl of Rosemer When the Normans saw that they had all the loss they manned and victualed the Castles which formerly they had builded and returned home but in their retreat Gruffith and Ivor the sons of Edverth ap Cadogan met them unexpectedly at Aberlhech and encountring them slew most part of them the rest escaping into England Notwithstanding the Norman Captains defended the Castles valiantly and kept them till they were driven by force for safeguard of their lives to forsake them then the ancient Inhabitants possessed their own quietly Moreover certain Lords of Northwales namely Vokthed the son of Edwin ap Grono and Howel ap Grono with the Children of Cadogan ap Blethyn of Powis land Pembroke Castle built by a Norman gathered a competent Army and passed through Caerdiganshire to Dynet which Country a little before the King had given to Arnulph son to Roger Montgomery who had builded the Castle of Pembroke and appointed Keeper and Governour thereof one Giraldo de Windsore and there burned spoiled and destroyed all the countrey except Pembroke Castle which they could not win and so returned home with great booty After the return of these Lords Girald issued out of the Castle and spoiled the lands of Saint Davids and took many Prisoners The year following William Rufus returning from Normandy to England Fasting and Prayer used by the Welsh in their greatest danger and hearing of the great slaughter of his men committed by the Welshmen gathered all his forces and with great pomp and pride entred VVales But the Brittains fearing the great strength of the King put all their hope onely in Almighty God returning to him in Fasting Prayer and Repentance of their sins and he that never forsaketh the penitent and contrite heart heard their prayers so that the Normans and Englishmen durst not enter the land but such as presumed were slain and the King returned with small Honour after he had built certain Castles in the Marches In the year following viz. 1096. The Arms of Hugh Montgomery Hugh de Montgomery who as his Father before him had for his Arms Azure a Lyon rampant Or within a border his Father before spoken of builded the Abbey of Shrewsbury wherein he was buried the Earl of Arundel and Salop whom the Welshmen call Hugh Goch that is Hugh with the red head and Hugh Vral that is Hugh the fat Earl of Chester who bore for his Arms Azure six Garbs 3 2. and 1. Or. and many Nobles more did gather a strong and powerfull army and entred into Northwales The Welsh ever their own destroyers being thereto moved by certain Lords of the Country But Gruffith ap Conan the Prince and Cadogan ap Blethyn fled to the Hills and Mountains for their defence as not being of force sufficient to fight the Earls neither durst they well trust their own men and so the Earls approached the Isle of Môn or Anglesey where they built the Castle of Aberthiennawc Then Gruffith and Cadogan went to Anglesey thinking to defend the Isle Aberthiennawe Castle built by the Normans and sent for succour to Ireland but found there little comfort and now the Treason began to break forth for Owen ap Edwin who was the Princes chief Councellour and his Father in Law whose Daughter Gruffith had married having himself also married Everyth the Daughter of Convyn Aunt to Cadogan was the chief Caller of
Cadogan kept himself privately in Powis and sent to the King to declare and manifest his innocency The King allowed of his submission and allegations and granted that he should remain in the Country and enjoy the town and lands which he had by his Wife for she was daughter to a Lord of Normandy called Pigot de Say Then Madoc and Ithel his two Nephews divided such Lands as he and his son Owen had in Powis betwixt them and ruled it very evil for they could never agree amongst themselves Within a while after Cadogan made such friends to the King that paying 100 pound fine he should injoy his lands again in Caerdigan and that the inhabitants should return to their houses and manure and till their ground for the King had given commandement that no Welshmen nor Norman should dwell within Caerdigan when they that were in Ireland understood this they returned privately and hid themselves in the houses of their kindred and friends after whom Owen followed but not to Cadogan for his father had received that Land upon such condition that he should not suffer Owen to come therein nor aid him either by counsel money or men Howbeit Owen came to Powis and would gladly have sent Messengers unto the King but he could get no man that would venture to speak to him Much about this time there happened â—ome variance between Madoc ap Riryd and the Bishop of London Lieutenant of the Marshes about certain fellows of England that had fled to him for succour whom the Bishop sent for but could not get wherefore he was highly displeased with him Riryd understanding hereof sent to Owen and desired his friendship whose greatest enemy he was before and by this means they were made friends and swore each to other that neither of them should betray the other nor agree by himself with the King or his Officers without the other and thereupon they burned and spoyled the lands of such as they loved not and destroyed all things that they met withall This year appeared a terrible Comet and the King took into consideration Jorwerth ap Blethyn whom he had kept long in prison and sent to know of him what fine he would pay to have his liberty and he promised the King 300 pounds or the worth thereof in cattel or horses then the King set him at liberty and gave him his land again and gave ten pounds of that mony to Henry the son of Cadogan by the daughter of Pigot All this while Owen and Madoc were burning and plundering the Englishmen and Normans and ever withdrew themselves to the land of Jorwerth which thing grieved him greatly whereupon he sent word of his danger desiring them to spare his land and Cadogans For if it were known that they came in any of theirs the Land was forfeited to the King when Owen and Ryrid heard this they frequented his territories the more often then formerly which Jorwerth perceiving chased them quite away Then he went to the country of Vchtryd in Merionethshire and the sons of Vchtrid sent word to their people to withstand them and so they did for meeting them by the way they set upon them and Owen and Madoc defended themselves manfully but at the last they and their men were driven back so that they were forced to fly Owen to Caerdigan to his Fathers Country and Madoc to Powis Then Owen with his companions made divers roads to Dynet and spoyled it carrying away both men and cattel to the ships that came from Ireland and after ransomed them and then gathering fresh recrutes he set upon a town of the Flemmings and fired it returning from thence to Gaerdigan nothing valuing his Fathers danger or the Kings displeasure At this time it chanced that Owens men among other mischiefs Owen guilty first of a Rape and now murder and sacriledge laid wait for a Bishop belonging to the King whose name was William de Brabant and slew him and all his Men Whilst these things were in agitation Jorwerth and Cadogan were at the Court to treat with the King concerning certain business of their own and as the King talked with them behold there came in a Flemming brother to the murdered Bishop who made an exclamation how Owen ap Cadogans men had slain his brother and many more and how they were succoured in Cadogans land The King hereupon highly displeased asked Cadogan what he could say to the matter and he laying all the fault upon his Son excused himself as well as he could Then said the King to Cadogan Seeing thou canst not keep thine own but that thy Son and his adherents shall be succoured there in their disorder I will give it to one that shall keep them out here I will maintain thee all thy life at my proper charges charging thee upon thy Allegiance that thou enter not into Wales until such time as I have taken further order And so the King gave him twenty dayes and set him at liberty to go whether he would Wales excepted when Owen and Madoc heard this they departed to Ireland The King forthwith sent for Gilbert surnamed Strongbow this Gilbert was youngest Son of Gilbert de Clare Lord of the honours of Clare in Suffolk and Grand-child of Robert Fitz-Gilbert and Rohesia his wife daughter to Walter Gilford Earl of Longeville in Normandy Chepflow and Strigul once belonged to the Clares Tyntern Abbey founded by Walter Clare Lord of Caerwent and Unkle to Gilbert Strongbow Earl of Strigul 1131. this Gilbert was Lord of Chepstow and Strigul Castle in Monmothshire part of whose ruines yet remain who for his much keeping of that Castle was commonly called Earl of Strigul he gave Doglesdon to the Church of Worcester and in a certain deed where he gave Lands to an Abbey Gilbert de Gurney Richard Son of the Earl and Henry Maltravers being witnesses he is entitled Earl of Pembrock and Lord of the Rape of Penensel his Unkle Walter de Clare was Lord of Caerwent in Monthmoshire and the Marsh of Leigh by Tunbridge And founded Tyntern Abbey in Wales not far from Strigul 1131. This Gilbert the fourtenth of King Stephen 1149. had been Earl of Pembrock and Strigul ten years whose armes were Or three Cheverens Gules a labell of five B. But to return to our History the King therefore sent for Gilbert Earl of Strigul who was a Valiant and worthy Knight to whom he said thus Thou hast been divers times a suitor to me to have some Lands in Wales and now I give thee all the Lands and Inheritance of Cadogan ap Blethyn win it and take it Gilbert received it joyfully and thanked the King and gathered forces and landed in Caerdiganshire and brought the Country to his subjection without any opposall where he builded two fair Castles one towards Northwales upon the River Ystwyth at the Sea shoar a mile from Lhanbadarn an other towards Dynet upon the River Teini at a place called Dyngerant where Roger
understood that Owen was there with so little company they thought the opportunity very seasonable to be revenged for their old vvorngs and so pursued them to the Woods Owen having intelligence by his men that a great number pursued him advised him to make haste away who utterly refused it Drinking no new vice among the Dutch because he conceived them that followed him to be the Kings friends and nothing doubting of them But when they approached nigh they began to shout at his men who would have had Owen to fly but he turned manfully to his Enemies and encouraged his men to fight A just punishment for one that assisteth a forreign enemy against his own kin and Country affirming that although their enemies were seven to one yet they were but Flemmings and such as feared their names and were good for nothing but to empty cups and with that set upon them couragiously And it chanced that at the first meeting Owen was stricken with an arrow to the heart and slain which when his men perceived they fled and brought word to Lywarck ap Traherne and their followers who suspecting the Kings army seeing they could not trust them in the Kings service returned to their Country After the death of Owen his brethren divided his Lands between them The Children of Cadogan ap Blethyn saving that which he had taken by force from his Unckle Meredyth being the Lands of Madoc ap Riryd ap Blethyn the names of his brethren were these Madoc whose mother was Gwenlhan the Daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Eneon whose mother was Sanna the Daughter of Dyfnwall This Family of Picot if I mistake not were Lords of Ragland Castle in Monmothshire one of which married the d. and h. of Sir Rich. Enderby brother to Sir Will. Enderby from whom descended Percy Ence by the collector of this history Morgan whose Mother was Evelbivv or Elhiw the Daughter of Cadivor ap Colhoyn Lord of Dynet Henry and Gruffith whose mother was the Daughter of the Lord Pigot Cadogans wedded wife Meredyth by Eururon Hoedliw Owen was Son of Inerth the daughter of Edwyn After this Eneon ap Cadogan and Gruffith ap Meredyth ap Blethyn did lead their forces against a Castle that Vchtryd ap Edwyn had built at Cymmer in Merionyth for Cadogan had given to his cosin Germain Vchtryd Merionyth and Cevilioc upon condition that he and his should be friends to his friends and Enemies to his Enemies in all causes but contrary to that condition he and his Sons were ever against Cadogans children in every enterprise that they went about Therefore after they had set upon the Castle and slain divers of the Garrison the rest yeilded unto them and thus when they had won all the Country they divided it betwixt them whereupon Gruffith ap Meridith had Mowthwy Cyneliock and halfe Penlhyn and the other half of Penlhyn and Merioneth came to Eneon In the year 1116. dyed William Strongbow of a Consumption and the next year following fel a great variance betwixt Howel ap Ithel Lord of Ros and Rivonioc now Denbighland and Riryd and Lhywarch the Sons of Owen ap Edwyn Ingratum dixeris omnia dixeris Then Howel sent to Meredyth ap Blethyn and to Eneon and Madoc Cadogans Sons for succour who came down from Merioneth with 400. Men well appointed and met with the Sons of Owen in the vale of Clwyd their own Land which Sons of Owen sent for their cosins the Sons of Vchtryd to come with their aid to relieve and succour them All these met together with enraged hearts and fought manfully but in the end after great slaughter Lhywarch the Son of Owen ap Edwyn was slain and with him Jorwerth the Son of Nudh who was a Noble man and a worthy Soldier and Riryd fled So that Howel ap Ithel had the victory but he was so sore wounded that he dyed within 40 dayes after Meredyth ap Blethyn and the Sons of Cadogan hasted home for fear of the Frenchmen who lay in garrison about Chester About the year 1121. King Henry the first prepared a great army against Wales and came to Powis Land which when the Lords of the Land Meredyth ap Blethyn and the three Sons of Cadogan Eneon Madoc and Morgan saw they sent to Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales to desire succours from him but he answered that they should not have any from him nor enter within his lands for that he had made peace with the King Thus having no hope of aid from him they purposed to defend themselves within their own Land after the best manner they could and set men to keep and defend the Straits whereby the Enemies must needs pass And as it chanced the King himself with a small number came unto one of those defended places for this whole Army had gone a further way about by reason of their carriages at whose coming the Men who kept the straits skirmished with the Kings Men and with their arrowes having the advantage of the ground slew some and hurt many Among those one drew his bow and shooting towards his foes by fortune struck the King a great blow upon his brest but by means of his coat of Male the arrow hurt him not nevertheless he was wonderfully dismaid and considering how rashly by misfortune he might lose in that wild Country the honour and fame which he had won before did send to parle with them that kept the passage and to will them under assurance to come and speak with him which they did then he asked them whose men they were and how they durst be so bold as to put the King in such dangers and they said that they vvere Meredyth ap Blethyns men and did nothing but their masters command in keeping the passage vvhereupon the King vvilled them to go for their master and counsel him to enbrace the Kings peace and he should receive no hurt vvhich he and his cozens did and fined to the King for their offences 1000. year 1122 heads of cattell and the King returned into England leaving the Lord Fitz-VVaren Warden Jo. Cast or Lieutenant of the marches The year ensuing Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodor did kill Gruffith ap Sulbaern and Eneon the Son of Cadogan dyed and gave his part of Powis and Merioneth vvhich he had vvon to his brother Meredyth but his Unckle Meredyth ap Blethyn put him back by force and took it to himself At this time the King did set at liberty Ithel ap Riryd ap Blethyn vvhom he had kept prisoner many years vvho came home thinking to enjoy his Lands When Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales heard that Meredyth ap Blethyn had taken by force the Lands of his Nephevv Meredyth ap Cadogan he sent his Sons Cadwalhon and Owen vvith a povver to Merioneth vvho brought all the Country under their subjection and carried the chiefmen and the cattel to Lhyn And after the Sons of Cadogan destroyed
his See from Caerlegion to Menevia which ever since of him is called St. Davids a place neither pleasant fertile or safe for as Girald Cam. reporteth of it it is neither furnished with Wood watered with Rivers beautified with Meadows nor inriched with any kind of fruitful soil affording plentifully nothing but Rocks and barren Hills vehement Windes and Tempests and lastly dangers and injuries whereunto solitary places near unto the Sea are subject by Pirates and otherwise It seemeth he misliked the frequency of people at Caerlegion as a means to withdraw him from contemplation whereunto that he might be the more free he made choice of this place for his See rather than for any fitness otherwise St. David liv'd 146 years built 12 Monasteries He sate long viz. 65. years and died at the last Anno 642. having first built 12. Monasteries in the Countrey thereabout being now 146 year of age as Bale out of the Brittish Histories reporteth he was buried in his own Cathedral Church and many hundred years after Canonized a Saint by Pope Calixtus the second many things are reported of him which I leave unspoken of referring those that are desirous of further satisfaction to Mr. Porter who writeth his life at large and Laurentius Surius although I doubt not but God afforded many Miracles in the infancy of his Church yea and daily yet doth neither therefore would I be so peremptory in derogating too much from such reports as we see no reason why they may not be true Of him they say that his Birth was foretold 30 years before hand That he was alwayes attended by an Angel that kept him company That he bestowed upon the waters at Bath that extraordinary heat they have and to report no more That upon a time preaching to a great multitude of people at Brevy the plain ground grew up so high in their sight and encreased under feet to a pretty hillock After St. David sate successively these as Giraldus setteth them down 2 Cenauc 3 Eliud or Teilau 4 Ceven 5 Morwal 6 Haerunen or Haernurier 7 Edward 8 Gurnuen 9 Leudiuord 10 Gorwyst 11 Gorgan 12 Cledauc 13 Anian 14 Elvoed 15 Ethelmen 16 Elanc 17 Malsced 18 Sadermen 19 Catellus 20 Sulhiathnay 21 Noais 22 Etwoll 23 Asser 24 Arthuael A certain antiquity belonging to the Church of St. David reporteth a Catalogue somewhat differing from this of Giraldus to wit this that followeth 1. St. David 2 Eliud 3 Kenea 4 Mornael 5 Haenurier 6 Elnaeth 7 Gurnel 8 Leudywyth 9 Gorwist 10 Gorgan 11 Cledaucke 12 Eynaen 13 Eludgeth 14 Eldunen 15 Elnaeth 16 Maelsdhwyth 17 Madenew 18 Catulus 19 Sylnay 20 Namys 21 Sathveney 22 Doythwall 23 Asser 24 Alhuael 25 Sampson Of these forenamed Bishops until Sampson there remaineth no memorial but their names only 7 Suffragans under St. Davids In this time the See of St. David had 7 Bishops Suffragans subject unto it as the afore Antiquity declareth viz. Exceter Bathe Hereford Landaff Banger St. Asaph and Fernes in Ireland while he was Bishop it happened the people of all that Countrey were wonderfully vexed with the Jaundice so that great numbers of them died daily of that disease By the importtnity of his Clergy and Disciples he was induced to fly the Countrey and sailed into Brittain where the Bishoprick of Dola being void he was straight way elected unto the same He brought thither with him the Archiepiscopal Pall of St. David and used it during his life as did also his Successors for many years until they were compelled by the Pope at the sute of the Archbishop of Turon to leave it and make profession of obedience unto him as in former times By this occasion it fell out that the Successors of Sampson in St. Davids what for want of their Pall or for poverty or negligence or some other occasion lost their title of Archbishop and to this day never recovered the same Howbeit they used all Authority belonging to an Archbishop by consecrating of other Bishops c. neither ever did they make profession of subjection unto Canterbury until the time of K. Hen. I. of England whereof formerly and more hereafter After Sampson succeeded these 26 Rucline 27 Rodherch 28 Elguni 29 Lunuerd or Lywarch 30 Nergu or Vergu 31 Sulhidir or Sulhidu 32 Eneuris 33 Morgeneu This man saith Giraldus of all the Bishops of St. Davids presumed first to eat flesh which none of them had ever done before for punishment of which hainous offence he supposeth it fell out that afterwards he was murdered by Pirates reporting withal how that after his death he appeared to a Bishop in Ireland using these words Quia carnes comedi caro factus sum For eating of flesh I am become nothing but flesh 34 Nathan 35 Jevan he continued Bishop but onely one night 36 Argustel 37 Morgenueth 38 Ervyn or Hernnu a godly and learned man died anno 1038. 39 Tramerin or Carmerin 40 Joseph 41 Bleithud he died the year 1070. 42 Sulghein he forsook his Bishoprick the year 1070. 43 Abraham the year 1078. or thereabouts St. Davids was spoiled and destroyed by strangers and Abraham the Bishop what through grief or sickness died whereupon Sulghein was constrained to re-assume his Bishoprick which notwithstanding he resigned again about the year 1085 and 1088 died being 80 years of age the godliest and wisest man and the greatest Clerk in all Wales so saith the Chronicle of him 44 After him a son of his called Rythmarch succeded as the Chronicle delivereth and died about the year 1100. 45 Wylfrid he died 1115 this is he whom the Chronicle stileth Griffri 46 Bernard a Norman of whom before 47 David Fitz Girald Archdeacon of Cardigan succeeded he died the year 1176. 48 Peter or Peirs a Benedictine Monk Prior of Wenloch was consecrated the same year this Cathedral Church dedicated to St. Andrew and St. David had been oftentimes formerly destroyed by Danes other Pirates and in his time was almost quite ruinated he bestowed much in re-edifying the same and may in some sort be said to have built the church which now standeth 48. Geffry Prior of Lanthony a Religious house in Monmothshire very ancient of which I will take occasion in the end of this work to speak when I shall God willing give an account by way of supplement of all the Monasteries throughout VVales a Regular Canon was prefered to this See by the means of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury 49. Silvester Giraldus was born in Pembrockshire neer Tinby of very noble parentage being neer of kin to the Princes of Wales a very comely and personable man of body and for his mind witty discreet studious vertuous and well given In his youth he travelled over most part of Christendom At Paris he read publickly in the English Colledge with great commendation returning home he grew in great esteem with K. Henry the II. and became Secretary unto his son John with whom he went into Ireland and
in Pengwern and at the Castle of Lhanrystyd they lost many of their men for which reason they slew all within the garrison when they took it and thence they marched to the Castle of Stratmyrick which they fortified and manned and then returned home This Cadelh took great pleasure in hunting and spent much time in that recreation which when the Inhabitants of Tenby or Denbigh Y Pyscot in Pembrock shire understood they laid in Ambuscado for him and when his hounds were uncoupled and he pursued a stag with few in his company they fiercely set upon him and finding him weakly accompanyed and attended and also unarmed they easily put them to flight and wounded Cadelh very much yet he escaped their hands and came to his house where he lay long in danger of death Upon this affront Meredyth and Rees his brothers entered Gwyr where burning and destroying all the country Aherthychwr Castle razed they surprised the castle of Aberthychwr and razed it to the ground and then returning home with great booty re-edified the castle of Dinevowr The same year also Howel the son of Owen Prince of Northwales fortified Humphreys castle in the valley of Caletur An act more fit for a Turk than a Christian In the year 1151 Owen Guyneth took Cunetha his brother Cadwalhon his son and put out his eyes and gelded him least he should have children to inherit part of the land Lhewelyn also the son of Madoc ap Meredyth slew Stephen the son of Baldwyn About the same time Cadwalader the brother of Prince Owen escaped out of his nephew Howells prison and subdued part of the Isle Môn or Anglesey to himself but his brother Owen sent an Army against him and chased him thence who fled into England for succour to his wives friends for she was the daughter of Gilbert Earl of Clare And the same year Galfride Arthur was made Bishop of Lhanelwy called in English Asaph Godwin fol. 430. Mr. Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops saith For want of instructions I cannot as yet set down a perfect Catalogue of the Bishops of Banger and St. Asaph and therefore passeth them over but be pleased to hear what a later Writer exposeth to open view A help to English History Anonymus printed for Abel Roper over against St. Dunstans Church MDCLII The Bishoprick of St. Asaph saith he is exceeding antient first founded by one Kentigern a Scot and there Bishop of Glasco about the year 560. The Cathedral there first bulit by him upon the banks of the River Elwy whence it is called by the Welsh Lhen-Elwy the Bishop in the antient Latine Elwensis or Elguensis by us St. Asaph from St. Asaph a holy man whom Kentigern returning into Scotland left here his successor It seems it stood not long in credit there being a great hiatus in the succession of the Bishops none to be found between St. Asaph and Geofry of Monmoth who was here Bishop in the latter end of K. Stephens raign and which is more Henry of Huntington in his Recital of the Welsh Bishopricks reckoneth only three St. Davids Banger and Lhandaff which may be probably imputed to the frequent Wars in this bordering Countrey for it is seated in the County of Flint not far from Chester which made it an unquiet seat for religious persons The Bishoprick being at the best not very rich Bishop Parfew was a good member to begin a Reformation in the Church was made much poorer in the time of Bishop Parfew who lived in the dayes of King Edward the sixth for where the Bishop had before five Episcopal houses there is none now left but St. Asaphs onely the rest together with the lands to them belonging by him made all away and aliened from the Church for ever that keeping a house above his means he was fain to let the residue of his lands into tedious leases not yet expired This Diocess containeth in it no one whole County but part of Denbigh Questionless he had another wife besides his Church and provided better for her children than those of the Church Flint Montgomery Merioneth and some Towns in Shropshire wherein are to be numbred 121 Parishes most of the which are in the immediate patronage of the Bishop It hath but one Archdeaconry called of St. Asaph which is united to the Bishoprick for the better sustentation of it the Tenth of the Clergy cometh to 186 li. 19. s. 7 d. ob q. and for the Bishoprick it self it was valued in the Kings Books at the summe of 187 l. 11 s. 6 d. Bishops of St. Asaphs An. Chr.  560 1 Kentigern  2 St. Asaph 1151 3 Geofry of Monmoth  4 Adam 1186 5 Reinerus 1220 6 Abraham 1235 7 Howell ap Ednever 1248 8 Anian 1268 9 Anian 2d. 1293 10 Lhewelyn de Bromfeild 1319 11 David ap Blethyn  12 Ephraim  13 Henricus  14 John Trevaur 1357 15 Lhewelyn ap Madoc 1373 16 Willgam de Stridlington 1382 17 Laurence Child 1390 18 Alexander Bach. 1395 19 John Trevaur 2d. 1411 20 Robertus 1423 21 John Lowe translated to Rochester 1444 22 Reginald Peacock translated to Chichester 1450 23 Thomas 1484 24 Richard Redman translated to Exceter 1503 25 David ap Owen 1513 26 Edward Birkhead 1519 27 Henry Standish 1535 28 William Barlow translated to St. Davids  29 Robert Perfew translated to Hereford 1555 30 Thomas Goldwell 1559 31 Richard Davis translated to St. Davids 1561 32 Thomas Davis 1573 33 Thomas Hughs 1595 34 William Morgan 1604 35 Richard Parry 1622 36 John Hanmer 1629 37 John Owen Bishop of St. Asaph 1641. Thus much of St. Asaphs Again to our History Also Simon Archdeacon of Cynelioc a man of great worthiness and same died about the same time and the year ensuing Meredyth and Rees the sons of Gruffith ap Rees conducted their forces against Penwedic before the Castle which did belong to Howell the son of Prince Owen and with great pains got it Penwedic Castle taken shortly after privily by night they came to the Castle of Tenbie which was in the keeping of Fitz Girald and scaling up suddenly surprised it and by that means revenged their brothers hurt And returning thence Tenbie Castle surprised they divided their Army and Rees went to Stratcongen which he destroyed and spoiled and went thence to Cyvelioc which he destroyed in like manner but Meredyth laid siege to the Castle of Aberaven and wan it returning home with rich spoils Aberaven Castle subdued In the year 1153 died Meredyth ap Gruffith ap Rees Lord of Caerdigan and Stretewy in the 25 year of his age a worthy Knight and fortunate in battel Anonymus ut suprain St. Asaph just and liberal to all men also the same year died Jeffrey Bishop of Landaff Lhandaff is one of the most ancient Bishops Sees either in England or Wales and claimeth direct succession from the Archbishops of Caerleon upon Vsk as unto
to this See July the 20 1595. and translated to St. Asaph September the 16 1601. 1601. 68 Francis Godwin translated to Hereford this Francis Godwin being then Subdean of Exceter was he who compiled the Catalogue of Bishops here cited year 1618 1618. 69 George Carleton translated to Chichester year 1619 1619. 70 Theophilus Field translated to St. Davids year 1628 1628. 71 John Murrey Bishop first in Ireland a Scot by Nation had his Majesty had Bishopricks sufficient to have stoptd all their mouths Episcopacy had not so been bandied against 1639. 72 Morgan Owen Bishop 1641. This Bishoprick was valued in the Exchequer at 154 l. 14 s. 1 d. and paid for first fruits 700 Ducats year 1155 In the beginning of King Henry the 2d. his reign and in the year of our Lord God 1155 Rees ap Gruffith ap Rees whom the Welsh book surnameth Lord Rees and all the Latine and English Writers of that times name King of South Wales did leavy all his Forces to defend his Countrey from Owen Gwineth whom he understood to be raising of men to conquer South Wales So that Rees came as far as Aberdyni over against North Wales and perceiving the rumour to be false built a Castle there and so returned back Caerneon Castle built At the same time Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powis did build a Castle at Caerneon besides Pymer at that time Meyric his nephew escaped out of prison where he had been long kept Eglwys Vair built then also Eglwys Vair in Myvot was built At this time King Henry banished the Flemmings whom King Stephen had brought in and sent some of them to their cozens into West VVales About this time Caradocus Lhanoarvan who is reputed and taken of all learned men to be the Authour of the Welsh History ended his Collections of the Brittish Transactions from Cadwalader to this present time of whom some studious Antiquary composed this following Distichon Historiam Britonum doctus scripsit Caradocus Post Cadwalladrum Regia scripta notans In these two Abbies the Princes of Wales were usually buried The Successions and Acts of the Princes of VVales after this time until the year 1270 were kept and recorded from time to time in the Abbeys of Conwey in North VVales and Stratflur in South VVales as witnesseth Gutryn Owen who living in the dayes of Edward the 4th wrote the best and most perfect copy of the same year 1157 The King gathered his Forces from all parts of England intending to subdue North VVales being thereunto procured and moved by Cadwalader whom the Prince his brother had banished out of the land and bereaved of his living and by Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powis who envied at the liberty of North VVales which knew no Lord but one and hereupon the King conducted his Army to VVestchester and encamped on the march called Saltney So also Owen like a valiant Prince listed all his people fit for service and came to the utter Mears of his land purposing to give the King battel and encamped himself at Basingwerk which thing when the King understood he selected out of his Army divers of the chiefest bands and sent certains Earls and Lords with them towards the Princes Camp and as they passed the Wood called Coed Zulo David and Conan the Princes sons met with them and fiercely assaulted them and what by reason of the advantage of the ground and suddenness of the action the Englishmen were put to flight and many slain the rest being pursued to the Kings Camp They being exceedingly vexed with this disaster removed alongst the Sea coast thinking to get betwixt Owen and his Countrey but Owen fore-seeing the intent retreated back to a place which is called to this day Cil Owen that is Owens retreat and the King came to Ruthlan In the first voyage of King Henry against the VVelsh he was put in great danger of his life in a strait at Counsylth not far from Flint where Henry of Essex whose office was by inheritance to bear the Standard of England cast down the same and fled which thing so encouraged the VVelsh that the King being sore distressed had much ado to save himself and as the French Chronicle saith was glad to fly on whose part Eustare Fitz John and Robert Curcie two worthy Knights with divers other Noblemen and Gentlemen were slain After this Owen encamped and entrenched himself at Brynypin and daily skermished with the Kings men whilst in the mean time the King fortified the Castle of Ruthlan his Navy which guided by Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powis anchored at Môn or Anglesey and landed the Souldiers who spoiled two Churches and some of the countrey thereabout but as they returned unto their ships all the strength of the Isle set upon them Sacriledge punished and slew them all so that none of those who plundered the Churches brought tidings of their fortune The Marriners beholding this liked not the harbor but weighed up anchors made for Chester in the mean time there was a peace concluded between the King and the Prince K. Hen. buildeth a house for the Templers in Wales upon condition that Cadwalader should have his lands again his brother should be friendly unto him Then the King having the Castles of Ruthlan and Basywerk well fortified and manned after he had built a house thereby for the Templers returned into England At that time also Jorwerth Goch ap Meredyth got the Castle of Yale and burnt it Yale Castle burnt The year following Morgan ap Owen was traiterously slain by the men of Jorwerth ap Meyrick with whom died the best Poet in the Brittish Tongue of his time called Gurgan ap Rees and his brother Jorwerth got the Town or City of Caerleon upon Vsk Caerlheon upon Vsk City taken and the lands of Owen Now it was that the King made peace with all the Lords and Princes of VVales except Rees ap Gruffith ap Rees Prince of South VVales which Rees fearing the Kings power caused his people to remove their cattel and goods to the Wilderness of Tywy he still making War against the King Therefore the King sent for him to come to his Court to conclude a peace before the Forces both of England and VVales should be sent for him Rees after consultation came to the King and an order was taken that Rees should enjoy the Cantref Mawr as it should please the King so that his land should be whole together and not in divers Places and Shires but the King did contrary to his promise appointing Rees divers lands in several Places and Lordships intermingled with other mens lands which deceit although he perceived well enough yet he received it piece-meal as it was and lived quietly until Roger Earl of Clare hearing this came to the King and desired his Highness to give him such lands in VVales as he could win which the King granted Then he came with a
Carnarvon whose loyal Fidelity to his King hate to Tyranny love of his Countries Liberty and contempt of Rebellion made him appear in in the field like a true Son of Mars where he did wonders beyond expression and for justice religion and loyalty sacrificed his life upon the Altar of never-dying Fame He married the Daughter of Philip Earle of Pembrock Montgomery c. by which means this now Earle of Carnarvon is many wayes descended from the Brittish Princely line as doth most amply appear in the Genealogie of the Earle of Pembrock which for brevity I forbear to expresse CARNARVON CARNARVON is a Shire of Northwales butting upon the Irish Seas and parted from the Isle of Anglesey by a streight or fretum a Mountainous and Rockie Countrey but the defects thereof are supplyed plentifully by the Isle adjoyning It took name from Carnarvon the chief Town thereof heretofore strongly walled and fortified with a very fair Castle Edward II. King of England was born there and hence according to the custom of those times entituled Edward of Carnarvon for the occasion of it I referr you to the common Chronicles The Princes of Wales had in this place their Chancery and Exchequer for all Northwales which was no small improvement to it Earle it never had any till this present Age in which King Charles of ever blessed memory conferred the Title on Robert Lord Dormer created Earle of Carnarvon 4 Caroli Aug. 2. Lord Dormer Earle of Carnarvon 1661. The Earles of CARBURIE Gwaith Voed Lord of Cardigan Gweriston Prince of Powis Second Son of Gwaith Voed Kynvyn Blethyn Meredith Madoc Lord of Powis Vadoc Griffith Mailor Einon Edvel alias Elvel Rhyn Jevan Esq Madoc Cough Esquire Madoc Kyffin Esquire David Vaughan Esquire Griffith Esquire Hugh Vychan Esquire John Vychan Esquire Walter Vychan Esquire Sir John Vaughan of the Golden Grove Knight Richard Vaughan Earle of Carburie Lord Vaughan Baron of Emlyn now living 1661. Alice Daughter of John Earle of Bridgwater FRANCIS Viscount MONTAGUE Sir George Brown Knight of the Garter temp Hen. 8. Lucy Daughter to John Nevil Marquess Montague and Coheir to her Brother George Duke of Bedford This John Marquess Montague married Isabel Daughter and Heir to Sir Edward Englethorp or as Mr Powel fol. 217. calls him Edmund who married Joan third Daughter to John Lord Typtoft Earle of Worcester and Coheir to Edward her Brother which Earle John married Joyce Daughter and Coheir of Edward Charleton Lord Powis descended lineally from John Charlton Lord Powis in right of his wife Hawis the hardy sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Griffith Lord Powis whose Forefathers were Princes of Powis Anthony Brown Knight of the Garter created Viscount Montague tem Phil. Mariae at Hampton Court Iane Daughter to Robert Ratcliff Earle of Sussex Anthony Brown Esquire obiit ante patrem Mary Daughter to Sir William Dormer Anthony Viscount Montague Joan or Iane Daughter to Thomas Earle of Dorset Francis Browne now Viscount Montague 1661. Elizabeth Daughter of Henry Marquesse of Worcester by which Match the Heir apparent with the rest of that honourable issue are descended from the Brittish line as is manifest in the Genealogie of the Marquesse of Worcester Brown Heir apparent LORD ABERGAVENY Iohn Lord Nevil Baron of Abergavenny descended from Sir Edward Nevil Knight Elizabeth Daughter and Coheir of Iohn Chamberlain alias Tankervile of Sherburn Castle Com. Oxfor Sir Edward Nevil Knight third Son of Ralph Nevil Earle of Westmerland Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of Richard Beauchamp Earle of Worcester and Lord of Abergavenny in whose right the said Edward was Lord of Abergavenay This Elizabeth descended from William Beauchamp Baron of Burgavenny who was fourth Son of Thomas Beauchamp Earle of Warwick Marshall of England under King Edward III. and one of the Founders of the Noble Order of the Garter who married Katherine Daughter of Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore son of Edmund son of another Roger by right of inheritance I have seen a Deed of the Advowson of St. Bride in Monmothshire granted to the Forefather of William Iones of Lansanfride i. e. St. Bride the very place where this Advowson is thus Edwardus Nevill Miles Elizabetha de Beauchamp as Mr. Powel saith fol. 316. Prince of Wales as being son to Sir Roger Mortimer who married Gladys Heir to her brother David and Daughter to Llewelin ap Iorwerth Prince of Northwales and Ioan Daughter to King Iohn Domina de Burgavenny omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint salutem Noveritis nos pro bono consilio laudabili servitio Philippo Thomas dedisse concessisse hoc praesenti scripto confirmasse Philippo heredibus assignatis suis dominationem Ecclesiae beatae Frigittae in nostro Dominio de Burgavenny habendum tenendum c. Sigilla nostra apposuimus in Castro nostro de Burgavenny vicessimo secundo die Julii anno regni Regis Henrici sexti post Conquestum vicessimo septimo The Arms upon the Seal Quarterly Beauchamp and Warren in the First and in the Second Nevill the Third as the Second the Fourth as the First THE LORD STURTON VVilliam Lord Sturton descended from John Sturton created Baron Sturton tempore Henrici Sexti one of whose Successours Charles Lord Sturton married the eldest Daughter to Edward Earle of Derbie and Dorothea Daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which Match this Honourable Family descends from Brittish Princes as plainly appears in the Genealogies of the Duke of Norfolk and Earle of Derbie The Heir apparent of this Right Honourable Lord married a Grandchilde of VVilliam Lord Petre of VVrittil in Essex and Katharine his VVife Second Daughter to Henry Earle of VVorcester by which Match this right Honourable Family again descends from Brittish Progenitors as in the Pedegree of the Marquesse of VVorcester VVilliam Sturton Esquire Second Son to VVilliam Lord Sturton married Margaret Daughter to George Morgan of Lansore in the County Monmoth Esquire descended from Kydivor Vawr Lord of Kilsant who was one of the Peers of Wales of the Blood-Royal of Brittain paternally descended from Bely the Great King of all the Brittains who died in the year 1084. and was buried at Caermarthyn This Family of the Morgans whose ancient seat is Maughan in Monmothshire from whence have sprang many flourishing Families descended also from Rees ap Tuder King of Southwales from Ivor king of Gwent from Rhiallon ap Kinvin Prince of Powis Gwillim ap Ayddan Lord of Grismond all which Coats this Noble Family quarters HENRY LORD ARUNDEL OF WARDOR COUNT of the SACRED ROMAN EMPIRE Sir Thomas Arundel Knight Margaret Daughter and Coheir to Edmund Lord Howard third Sonne to Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which Coheir the Brittish Bloud descends upon this Honourable Family as appears in the Genealogie of the Dukes of Norfolk Thomas Arundel Count of the Empire and Baron of Wardor Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Arundel Mary Daughter of Henry Writchsley Earle of South-Hampton Thomas Arundel Count
Howell his son who had for a long time been pledge with him and then also he gave him day for the other Pledges and for his tribute till his return from Ireland The next day being the morrow after St. Lukes day the King took shipping there and had fair passage into Ireland where he landed at Dublin and there lay quiet that winter In the year 1172 there fell a great Plague among the Kings souldiers in Ireland by reason of the change of the air and victuals K. cometh to Pembrock and the solemnizeth the feast of the Resurction of our B. Saviour which caused the Kings return who landed in VVales in Passion week if such a week be now remembred and remained at Pembrock on Easter day which did it not constantly fall upon Sunday would be as well forgot or at least disesteemed as the Birth-day of our most Holy and Blessed Saviour and Reedeemer For he who honours not that blessed Nativity can we think that he reverenceth his glorious Resurrection and the day following and on Tuesday took his journey towards England the Lord Rees careful to comply with the King waits his coming at Talacharn and there presents his duty Caerlheon Castle anew repaired not built by King Hen. 2. The King as he passed from Caerdiff by the new Castle upon Vsk sent for Jorwerth ap Owen ap Cadogan to come and speak with him under safe conduct for him his sons and friends meaning to conclude a peace with him and so to quiet all Wales upon these summons or message Jorwerth took his journey towards the King and sent word to Owen his son being a lusty young Gentleman to meet him by the way but as he came at his fathers command the Earl of Bristolls men by this Earl of Bristoll I know not whom Mr. Powell means Reynold Earl of Cornwal and Bristoll as Mr. Mills calls him base son of Hen. 1. for in our usual accounts of Earls Mr. Mills fol. 69. John Lord Digby of Sherborne is accounted the first of that place being created Earl of Bristoll Sept. 15. Jac. 20. but in those dayes many were stiled Earls of places as Strongbow Earl of Strigull which are not numbred in the Catalogue of Earls hearing of it came out of the now Castle of Caerlheon upon Vsk and laid wait for him by the way being under the Kings safe conduct and trusting to his promise and suddenly set upon and murthered him traiterously and cowardly A most unworthy act being unarmed and having but a few in his Company Which hard and unchristianly act when his father understood by some of his followers that escaped he was much perplexed and returned home with all his friends and his son Howell A just revenge and would never afterwards trust neither the Kings promise nor any Normans but forthwith gathered all his power and friends that he could make and without mercy destroyed all the Countrey with fire and sword to the Gates of Hereford and Glocester to avenge the death of his son Howsoever K. Henry made Lord Rees chief Justice of all South Wales by Commission Usual then as now for the Welsh to have By-blows and look upon them as sons Abergavenny Castle suprised and took his journey into Normandy In the same year died Cadwalader ap Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North Wales who had by his wife Alice daughter of Richard Clare Earl of Glocester Cunetha Radulph and Richard and by other women he had Cadvan Cadwalader Eneon Meredyth Goch and Cadwalhon Towards the end of this year Sytsilt ap Dyfnwall and Jevan ap Syrsilt ap Riryd got the Castle of Abergavenny by surprise and took the Kings Garison prisoners and the year ensuing was the fairest winter that ever was seen About this time Rees Prince of South Wales sent unto King Henry his son Howell with a goodly Company of men to serve him which much pleased the King Hol. pag. 437. who returned cordial thanks to Prince Rees If I mistake not this Prince Rees as also other Princes of South Wales bore for his Ensignes of honour Mars The Arms of P. Rees a Lyon rampant and border endented Sol incensed Jupiter In the mean time Jorwerth ap Owen brought his Forces against Caerlheon and they of the Town fought with him whom he overthrew and took many prisoners of them and wan the Town and laid siege to the Castle Caerlheons Town and Castle taken which was yielded him forthwith in exchange for prisoners Then also Howell his son brought all Gwent ît Coed the Castle onely excepted the Castle here meant by Mr. Powell I conceive was Strigull which belonged to Earl Strongbow under his obedience and took Pledges of the Inhabitants Also at that time David ap Owen Gwyneth Prince of North Wales made war against his brother Maelgon who kept the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and brought his people over Mênai for so that arm of the Sea is called which separateth that Isle from the main land and chasing his brother out of the Isle to Ireland brought all the Isle under subjection also he expelled all his brothers and cousins out of North Wales A Turkish policy and took all their lands to himself and taking his brother Maelgon as he came from Ireland detained him close prisoner Then Conan his brother died In the year 1175. The Welsh much addicted to geld their kindred Howell the son of Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon took his unkle Owen Pen Carne prisoner and putting out his eyes gelded him least he should beget children to inherit Caerlheon and Gwent but God provided a punishment for him for upon the Saturday following there came a great Army of Englishmen and Normans before the Town Caerlheon taken by the English and wan it with the Castle Maugre Howell and his father who was not privy to his sons lewd deed This year also David Prince of North Wales being bold of the King affinity did imprison his own brother Roderike in bolts because he desired part of his fathers lands This year also Rees Prince of South Wales came to the Kings Court at Glocester and brought with him such Lords of South Wales as had offended the King to do him homage which pleased his Majesty exceedingly whose names were these Cadwalhon ap Madoc of Melyenyth Reeses cousin german Eneon Clyt of Eluel Eneon ap Rees of VVerthrynion which two had married two of his daughters Morgan ap Caradoc ap Jestin of Glamorgan Gruffith ap Ivor ap Meyric of Senghennyth Silsyt of higher Gwent Caerlheon restored to Jorwerth by the K. of Engl. which three had married his sisters and Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon whom the King received under his protection restoring to him Caerlheon again and so they returned home well satisfied But shortly after VVilliam de Bruse Lord of Brecknock desired Silsyt ap Dyfnwall Geffry his son and a great number of the Gentry and best men of
undermine the walls which when the garrison discovered and knowing that their enemies were three to one they were content to yield up the Castle upon condition that they might depart with their armes freely whichafter the Archbishop took suffering them to pass quietly fortifying the Castle strongly to the Kings use and placing therein a garrison for defence thereof departed into England But immediately VVenwinwin or Gwenwinwin begirt it again and in short space reduced it upon the same conditions that his men had surrendred it and kept the same to his own use P. Rees dieth Hol. p. 534. The next year after the fourth of May Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore P. of Southwales died the only hope and stay of all that part of VVales as he that brought them out of the thraldom and bondage of strangers and set them at liberty and had defended them divers times in the field manfully Mr. Powel Fol. 249. daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies whom he did either chase out of the land or compelled by force to live quietly at home The Encomiums of prince Rees woe to that cruel destiny that spoyled the miserable land of her defence and shield who as he descended of noble and princely blood so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable vertues of the mind He was the overthower of the mighty the setter up of the weak the overturner of the holds the separater of troopes the scatterer of his foes among whom he appeared as a wild bore among the whelps or a Lyon that for anger beateth his tail to the ground See more of him in Polychronicon and Grafton The Kings of England descend from this P. Rees This Prince had many sons and daughters as Gruffith who succeeded his father Cadwalhon Maelgon Meredyth Rees and of his daughters one called Gwenlhian was marryed co Ednivet Vachan who was ancestor of Owen Theodore or Tudor that married Queen Katharine the widow of K. Henry the fifth and the rest were marryed to other Lords in the country After the death of Rees Gruffith his son subdueth all the country to himself and enjoyed it in peace untill Maelgon his brother whome his father had dis-inherited made league with Gwinwynwyn the son of Owen Civelioc Lord of Powis who both together levied forces and came suddainly upon Gruffith and slaying many of his people took him prisoner and so recovered all the Country of Caerdigan with the Castle Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwinwynwyn who in despite delivered him to the English Then Gwenwynwyn gathered his power and entred Arustlie and subdued the same to himself About this time there was a great war in Northwales for the late Prince David ap Owen came with a great army as well English as Welsh purposing to recover the land again but Lhewelin his Nephew who was the lawful heir and then in possession thereof came boldly and met him Powis Wenwynwyn why so called add gave him battail and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and secured him by which means he injoyed his country in quiet tranquillity Towards the end of this year Owen Cyvelioc prince of higher Powis died and left his territories to Gwenwinwin his son after whom that part of Powis was called Powis Gwenwinwin for a difference from the other called Powis Vadoc which was in the possession of the Lords of Bromfield At this time also dyed Owen the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield and Brichtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lord of Melienyth Not long after Traherne Vachan a man of great power in the Country of Brecknock as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruse Lord thereof was suddainly taken A cruel murther and by the Lords command tyed to a horse tail and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brecknock to the gallows and there beheaded and his body hanged up by the feet three dayes This cruelty shewed upon no just cause caused his brother wife and Children to avoid the Country The year ensuing Maelgon the son of Prince Rees after he had imprisoned his elder brother got his Castles of Aberteini and Stratmeiric also the youngest son of P. Rees wan the Castle of Dinevowr from the Normans The Summer following Gwenwinwin intending to extend the limits of VVales to the old Meers gathered a great army and laid siege first to the Castle of Paine in Eluel which was of the possessions of VVilliam de Bruse making a Proclamation that as soon as he had won the Castle he would burn all the whole Country to Severne without mercy in revenge of the murder of Traherne Vachan his Cosen but because he had not Engins and Miners he lay three weeks at the Castle whilst the murderer sent to England for aid whereupon Jeffrie Fitz Peter Lord Chief Justice of England raised forces and joyning with him all the Lords Marchers came to raise the seige And because Fortunes in battails are various and uncertain he sent first Gwenwinwin to have a treaty of peace concluded but he and his adherents would by no means condescend thereunto but answered that they would that journey revenge their old wrongs The Welsh still made instruments to one anothers ruine Whereupon the English Lords did first enlarge Gruffith the son of Prince Rees of Southwales whom they knew to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn which Gruffith gathered a great power and joyned with the English Lords and so they came towards the Castle against whom Gwenwinwin advanced very stoutly and there began a cruel fight with much slaughter on either side but at the last the English carryed the victory and Gwenwynwyn lost most of his men among whom were Anarawd son of Eneon Owen ap Cadwalhon Richard ap Jestin and Robert ap Howel also Meredith ap Conan was then taken prisoner with divers others Matthew Paris saith that this battail was fought before Mauds Castle and that of the Welshmen were then slain 3700. 3700 Welshmen slain A. Lhoyd Mat. Paris pag 259. and after this victory the English Lords returned with great honour And forthwith Gruffith son to P. Rees recovered by force and favour of the people all his land except the two Castles Aberteini and Stratmeiric which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwinwin had wrongfully taken from him This his brother Maelgon fearing his displeasure took a solemn Oath before both noble and religious men which endeavoured to make peace betwixt them that if his brother Gruffith would give him pledges for assurance of his own person he would deliver him by a Day the Castle of Aberteini whereupon Gruffith did so Perjury never prospers but as soon as Maelgon got the pledges he fortified the Castle and manned it to his own use and sent the pledges to Gwenwinvvin who hated Gruffith to death there to be kept in
prison but shortly after by Gods help they broke the prison and escaped home In the year 1199. Maelgon son to prince Rees laid seige to the Castle of Dinerth and getting it slew all the Garrison which his brother Gruffith had left to defend it But at the same time Gruffith won the Castle of Cilgarran and fortified it This year as King Richard did view the Castle of Chalens in France The end of K. Rich. and beginning of K. Johns reign he was strucken with a quarrel and sore wounded whereof he dyed the ninth of Aprill and left by his Testament John his brother Inheritor of all his lands having no respect to Arthur who being son of an elder brother was right heir The year after Gruffith son of Conan ap Owen Gwineth a noble man died Noblemen buried in Monks habits and was buryed in a Monks Cowle at the Abbey of Conwey and so were all the Nobles for the most part of that time buried This year Maelgon ap Rees seeing he could not well keep Aberteini The Key of Wales sold treacherously of very spite to his brother and hatred to his Country sold it to the Englishmen for a small summe of money being the very key of VVales The same year Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield did build the Abbey of Lhannegwest called in English commonly Vale Crucis The year 1201 Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth Prince of North Wales being a proper young Chivalier banished out of the land his cozen Meredyth the son of Conan ap Owin Gwyneth suspected of Treason and seized the Cantref of Lhyyn and Evvyonyth to his own hands which were Conans lands Then shortly after Meredyth the son of P. Rees was slain at Carnwelhion by Treason year 1202 whose elder brother Gruffith seized upon his Castle in Lhanymdhfri and all his lands this Gruffith was a wise and discreet Gentleman and one who was like to bring all South Wales to good order and obedience who in all things followed his Fathers steps whom as he succeeded in Government so did he in all Martial prowess and nobility of mind but cruel fortune which frowned upon that Countrey suffered him not long to enjoy his land this Prince died on St. James day ensuing and was buried at Stratflur with great solemnity he left behinde him a son called Rees as right Inheritor of South Wales whose mother was Maud the daughter of William de Bruse Gwerthryneon Castle destroyed The next year after certain Lords of Wales got the Castle of Gwerthryneon which was Roger Mortimers and laid it plain with the ground Then Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth P. of North Wales calling to memory his Estate and Title and how all the other Princes by the Ordinance of Roderike the great and by the lawes of Howell Dha ought of right to acknowledge the King or P. of North Wales as their liege Lord and hold their lands of him and of none other notwithstanding that of late years by negligence of his predecessors they had not used their accustomed duty but some held of the King of England A Parliament called by the P. of Wales others ruled as Supreme power within their own Countries wherefore he called a Parliament of all the Lords in Wales which for the most part appeared before him and swore to be his liege men but Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis would not come thither nor take the Oath of Allegiance which disobedience the Prince declared to all his Lords and they all thought that it was requisit that Gwenwynwyn should be constrained by force to do his duty or else to lose his lands yet one of his Lords named Elise ap Madoc would not condescend to hurt Gwenwynwyn in any case but departed away suddenly Then Lhewelyn came with an Army to Powis but by the means of certain learned men Gwenwynwyn and the Prince were made friends and Gwenwynwyn became the P. his liege man and confirmed that both by Oath and Writing Then Lhewelyn remembring how Elise ap Madoc had served him seized upon all his lands and Elise fled the Countrey but afterward yielded himself to the Princes mercy who gave him the Castle of Crogen and 7 townships withal Concerning the by-name Crogen And here I think it not amiss to declare the cause why the English call the Welsh Crogens as a word of reproach and despite but if they knew the beginning they should find the contrary for in the voyage which K. Henry the 2d. made against the Welshmen to the Mountains of Berwin as he lay at Oswalstred certain of his men that were sent to try the passages as they would have passed Offas ditch at the Castle of Crogen at which place there was and is at this day a narrow way through the same ditch these men I say as they would have passed the strait Adwy'r bedhev were met withal and a great number slain as doth appear by their graves there yet to be seen whereof the strait beareth the name Therefore the Englishmen after not forgetting the slaughter used to cast the Welshmen in the teeth in all their troubles with the name of Crogen as if they would signifie unto them thereby that they should look for no favour but rather revenge at their hands which word in process of time grew to be taken in another signification Balani Castle fortified Lhanymdhyfri Castle taken Now when Lhewelyn had all those parties in good order he returned to North Wales and by the way fortified the Castle of Balani Penlhyn about the same time Rees son of Gruffith ap Rees by right P. of South Wales got the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri upon Michael-Mass day The Prince of Wales marrieth the King of Englands Daughter About this time Lhewelyn Prince of Wales took to wife Jone daughter of K. John with whom the said King gave the Lordship of Elsmere in the Marches of Wales The year next ensuing the aforesaid Rees ap Gruffith ap Rees got the Castle of Lhangadoc and fortified it to his own use but shortly after Maelgon his Unkle with his friend Gwenwynwyn came with a stronge power before the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri and wan it and from thence they removed to Lhangadoc year 1204 got the same likewise suffering the garrison to depart Gwenwynwyn From thence Maelgon went to Dinerth and finished the Castle which he had begun there About this time David sonne of Owen Gwyneth after that Prince Lhewelyn his nephew had set him at liberty fled to England and got an Army to restore him to his antient estate in North Wales but all in vain for his nephew met him and overthrew him in the way whereupon he returned into England and there shortly after died for very grief and sorrow The next year to this Howell the son to Prince Rees being blind was slain at Cemaes by his brother Maelgons men and buried by his brother Gruffith at Stratflur Although this Maelgon in those dayes bare
all the rule in South Wales yet his brother Gruffiths sons Rees and his brethren wan from him the chief defence of all his country to wit the Castle of Dyncvowr and Lhanymdhyfri Then William Marshall Earl of Pembrock laid siege to the Castle of Cilgarran and wan it not long after Maelgon ap Rees hired an Irishman to kill Gadiver ap Griffri whose 4 sons Maelgon took and put to death These were hopeful Gentlemen and nobly descended for their mother Susanna was daughter to the said Howel ap Rees by a daughter of Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powis The Castle of Abereneon built The year 1205 Maelgon did build a Castle at Abereneon at which there came such abundance of fish to Aberystwyth as the like was never seen before The same year Gwenwynwyn came to Shrewsbury to speak with the Kings Councel and was there detained prisoner whereupon P. Lhewelyn conquered all his countrey with all the Towns and Castles therein and kept the same to his own use which when Maelgon ap Rees understood that and Lhewelyn would visit also South Wales he overthrew his Castles of Aberystwyth Sratmeyric and Dynerth which he before had fortified dispairing to be able to withstand the Prince but the Prince held on his journey to Aberystwyth and reedified the Castle and fortified it and seized to his own hands the Cantref of Penwedic and the land betwixt Dyni and Aeron which he gave to Maelgons nephews the sons of Gruffith ap Rees and so returned home with great joy Within a little after Rees Vachan son to Prince Rees besieged the Castle of Lhangadoc and wanâ—t not regarding his promise and league with the sons of his brother Gruffith ap Rees forgetting how worthily they had served him in his necessity Therefore as soon as they heard of this both Rees and Owen came before the said Castle and wan it by assault and slew and took prisoners all the garrisons and then demolished quite the Castle year 1210 In the year 1210 the Earl of Chester re-edified the Castle of Dyganwy which stood upon the Sea-shore East of the River Conwey which Prince Lhewelyn had formerly ruined also he fortified the Castle Treffynnon or St. Winfride Then Prince Lhewelyn entred the Earls land and destroyed a great part thereof and returned home with the plunder Also Rees Vachan fearing Prince Lhewelyn who defended his nephews the sons of Gruffith in their right went to the King for succour which he received with good will and by their aid he laid siege to the Castle of Lanymdhyfri now when the garison perceived no hope of relief they desired that they might depart with bag and baggage horses and all and so they did Likewise Gwenwynwyn whom the King detained in prison was set at liberty and the King fearing the Prince his power sent an Army with him by whose means he received all his countrey again in short space Maelhon violating his Oath Maelgon also when he heard the same came to the Kings Court and became his man who returning home with a great company of Normans and Englishmen joined to them all the power he could make in Wales and contrary to the Oath that he had made to his nephews Rees and Owen began to spoil their countrey and coming to Cantref Cenwedic encamped at Cilkennyn and lay there all night consulting upon his voyage In the mean time his nephews hearing this having but a small power not above 300 of chosen men came and lodged hard by undiscovered by their enemies and having notice by their Scouts that all was quiet in Maelgons camp and how that his men mistrusting nothing behaved themselves carelesly these two Lords prosecuted boldly the enterprise which they had taken in hand and peaceably entring the camp came where they thought Maelgon lay and before they were discovered they gave an Alarum and slew a great number before they could awake and the rest hearing the noise half amazed by reason of the darkness escaped away A valiant exploit of the Welsh thinking some great power had been there but Maelgons men defended themselves manfully until such time as their Lord had gotten upon his feet and escaped away by the benefit of the night Then his nephew Conan ap Howell and his chief Councellour Gruffith ap Cadogan were both taken and Eneon ap Caradoc with a great number more slain About this time Gilbert Earl of Glocester fortified Bueltht Cruelty against the Welsh revenged by God where a little before he had lost many men This year also Maud de Bruse wife to Gruffith ap Rees died and was buried in a religious habit at Stratflur You have heard before of the great and treacherous usage which William de Bruse used towards the Welsh at Abergavenni and Breconi but King John Gods just judgement so ordaining banished him and his wife into Ireland and seized all his lands yet his wife and son were taken and William himself forced to flye into France The next year ensuing King John had many complaints made unto him by the Marchers against Lhewelyn how he entring their countrey burned and spoiled all as he went and slew their men Wherefore the King gathered a great Army through all England and called to him such Lords and Princes of Wales as held of him as Howell ap Gruffith ap Conan ap Owen Gwyneth whom Lhewelyn had banished Madoc ap Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield Chirk and Yale Meredyth ap Rolpert Lord of Cydewen Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis Maelgon and Rees Vachan the sons of P. Rees Rulers of South Wales The Welsh still enemies to themselves with this great Army he entred into North Wales by Chester resolving to destroy all that had life in that countrey The Prince hearing of all this preparation against him as well of his own countrey as others commanded all such as inhabited the inland or middle countrey which is now part of Denbigh and Flint Shires to remove all their goods and cattel to Snowdon Hills for a time and so the King came along the Sea coast to Ruthlan The English distressed by the Welsh and there passed over the River Clwyd and came to the Castle of Teganwy and there remained a while but Lhewelyn cut off his victuals behind him so that he could have none from England and there could no man scatter from the Skirmishes unfought withal where the North-Walesmen alwayes both for the advantage of the straits King John with dishonour forced to return home and knowledge of the places had the upper hand at the last the English Souldiers were glad to taste horse-flesh for pure need When the King saw no remedy he returned home in great rage leaving the countrey full of dead bodies In August next ensuing he returned again with a great Army and the Lords before named with him and entred into Wales at Blanchmonasterie now Oswastred King John an enemy to Clergy men whereof John the son of William Fitz Allen
was Lord at this time the King passing the river of Conwey encamped there by the river side and sent part of his Army with guides of the countrey to burn Bangor who did so taking Rotpert the Bishop prisoner A strange ransome for a Bishop who was afterwards ransomed for 200 Hawks The distressed yet couragious Prince seeing all England and Wales against him and a great part of his land won from him thought it best to capitulate with the King and thereupon he sent Joan his wife the Kings daughter to her father The Inland of NorthWales granted to K. John for ever to make a peace who being a discreet woman found the means that upon pledges given for safe conduct the prince came to the King and made peace with him and did him homage And giving pledges promised towards his charges 20000 heads of Cattel and forty Horses Moreover he granted to the King the Inland for ever whereupon the King returned to England with great triumph after he had brought all Wales under his subjection saving Rees and Owen the sons of Gruffith ap Rees Therefore at his departure he gave strict command to Fulk Visconnt of Caerdâ—ff called Warden of the Marshes a cruel Tyrant Caerdif honoured with a Viscount yet well beloved by the King to take an army with him that he joyning with Maelgon and Rees Vachan might compell the aforesaid sons of Gruffith to obey him This Foulk calling to him Maelgon and Rees came to the Cantref of Penwedic when the young Lords seeing no remedy sent to him for peace and safe conduct to passe to the Court upon their submission to the King with the gift of all their Lands betwixt Aeron and Dynâ— All Wales in homage to K. John they were received by him very gently and courteously entertained and after they had done him homage they returned home again Fulk before his departure out of the Country fortified the Castle of Aberystwith and manned it to the Kings use But within a while after Maelgon as he was very unconstant and Rees Vachan repented them of the peace they had made with the King and thereupon sat down before Aberistwyth and getting the same destroyed it When the Nephews Rees and Owen perceived that their Uncle had broken the Kings peace they made a road into Maelgons country and slew a great number of his men and returned home with great booty The next year prince Lhewelin being not able to endure the displeasures which the garrisons left in his Nephews castles in Northwales did to his people called to him Gwenwinwyn from Powis Maelgon ap Rees from Southwales Madoc ap Gruffith Maylor from Bromfield Meredyth ap Rotpert from Cydewen and opened to them this miserable case how they which were wont to have a prince of their own Nation now by their own willfulness were brought under subjection to a stranger and declared also unto them how that if they would agree among themselves they might defend their antient Estate still which they all promised to do and swore fealty to prince Lhewelyn and forthwith gathered an army and wan all the Castles except Ruthlan and Dyganwy then coming to Powis they laid siege to the Castle which Robert Vepont had made at Mathraval Mathraval Castle razed by K. Johns command The King no sooner had notice of these transactions but he leavied an army and came thither to raise the siege and after caused the Castle to be razed and then returned home having greater matters in hand between him and his Nobles and being at Notingham he caused all the pledges out of Wales to be hanged A tyrannous execution as Howel the son of Cadwalhon Madoc the son of Maelgon and others to the number of 28. striplings also Robert Vepont did hang at Shrewsbury Rees the son of Maelgon not being yet 7 years of age and so cruelly murdred the innocent to revenge the the offences of others Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees who was heir to prince Rees seeing he could have no part of his Fathers Lands but that his Uncles did keep all from him by force made his complaint to the King and the King pittying his Estate sent to Foulk Viscount of Caerdyf and to the Steward of Hereford commanding them to take all Stratywy from Rees Vachan whom others call Rees Gryc unlesse he would let his nephews enjoy the castle of Lanymdhfry with the territory belonging thereunto and they sent to Rees to know his resolution who answered them stoutly that they should not have one foot of Land of him Therefore Foulk gathered a great army together and met with young Rees at Talhwynelgain where he looked for him with a number of men that he had gotten in Brecon and thence they marched in three battails towards Dynevowr of which young Rees had the leading of the first Foulk the second and Owen brother to Rees the third Rees Vachan notwithstanding came boldly to give them battail where in the end he was put to flight with great losse of his men whereupon he went immediately and manned the castle of Dynevowr and set fire to the town of Lhandeilo vawr keeping himself in the wild and rough places his enemies seeing this besieged the castle of Dynevour and at the first assault they wan the first ward so that they of the garrison were compelled to take the Koxe for their defence which they manfully defended but the assailiants made engines to cast stones of great bigness and began to undermine the walls in such sort that the Captain fell to that composition that if he were not succoured by the next day at noon he would deliver up the castle upon condition that all his men might depart with their armour and weapons and so they did for they had no relief Afterward they brought the Cantref Maur under subjection which caused Rees Vachan to remove his wife and children to his brothers country and left the castle of Lhanymdhfry well fortified and manned After the departure of Fulke young Rees came with an army of Welshmen and Normans to Lhanymdhfri but before they were encamped the Captain delivered up the castle and the garrison departed their lives granted And shortly after Rees Vachan was taken at Caermarthyn and committed to the Kings prison At this time prince Lhewelyn laid siege to the castle of Dyganwy and Ruthlan won them both so that he left the King neither hold nor castle within his land After this fortunate success and happy attempts Lhewelyn in the head of a gallant Army marched to Shrewsbury which Town and Castle were delivered unto him without any resistance and there he remained a while In the mean time Giles de Bruse the son of William de Bruse a man of great power and nobility was consecrated Bishop of Hereford Godwin in Hereford Sept. the 24 1200. In the Barons Wars he took part with them against the King and at last was fain to flye the land afterwards being
coming Thirdly that for performance of these they should deliver forthwith to the Prince twenty pledges of the best in all the country which things they did Then the Prince returned into Northwales with much honour Caerleon taken by the E. of Pembrock Shortly after William Marshal Earl of Pembrock got the town of Caerlheon and made war against the Welshmen whom contrary to their promise the Barons left out of the conclusion of peace The Barons were very glad of the friendship and aid of the P. of Wales to serve their own turne The Barons pacifying France and England conspire against Wales but now in a general conclusion of peace contrary to their oath and promise they reserve out Wales to keep them play withall hoping to get some more land thereby therefore let us take heed how we trust to self serving friendship Hereupon Rees Vachan razed the Castle of Senghennyth and all the Castles he had in his custody in that Country and banished all the English there inhabiting with their wives and Children for ever Strangers banished out of Wales and divided the Country amongst the Welsh who have kept it ever since The year ensuing Prince Lhewelyn put Garrisons into the Castles of Caermarthyn and Aberteini Then young Rees by the Prince his consent went to the King and did homage for his lands In the year following Rees Gryc married the daughter of the Earle of Clare and John de Bruse married the daughter of P. Lewelin The Flemmings violate the Oath year 1220 The year 1220 Lhewelyn Prince of Wales conducted an army to Pembroke against the Flemmings who contrary to their Oath and League had taken the Castle of Aberteini which Castle the Prince won and destroyed putting the Garrison to the sword razed the Castle and went thence to Gwys where he razed that Castle and burned the town Also he caused all Hanerford to be burned to the Castle gates and destroyed all Ros and Dongledhan and they who kept the Castle sent to him for truce till the first of May which was concluded upon conditions and so he returned home year 1221 Also this year certain Lords of Wales besieged the Castle of Buelht which belonged to Reynalt de Bruse therefore the King came with an army to the Marches and raised the siege and came as far as Montgomery and built a Castle there Montgomery castle built by K. John The year following there fell a great difference betwixt Prince Lhewelin and Gruffith his son for this Gruffith enjoyed the Cantref of Merioneth without his fathers consent and therefore his father sent for him to come unto him which he denied to do Therefore the Prince sware that he would be revenged upon him and his confederates for that dishonour and then came with a great army to Merioneth but the son not fearing his father got his people into the field ready to abide the battail but as they were in fight there was a peace concluded and Gruffith yielded to his father and cryed him mercy Then Lhewelin although he forgave his son the offence yet he took Merioneth and Ardydwy from him and building a Castle there returned home again At this time young Rees forsook Prince Lhewelyn because Aberteini was not delivered him as the promise was at the division of South Wales and went to William Marshal Earle of Pembroke which caused Prince Lhewelyn to come to Aberystwyth and seize the castle and all the Territories to his own use Young Rees hearing this went to the King to complain upon Prince Lhewelin and the King sent for the prince to Shrewsbury and made him and Rees friends the prince promising to deale with Rees for Aberteini as he had done with Maelgon for Caermarthyn This Winter John Bruse by the consent of prince Lhewelyn fortified the Castle of Senghennyth Young Rees dies and is buried at Stratâ—lur The year after young Rees departed out of this life being a lusty Gentleman and endued with many notable vertues and was buryed at Stratflur whose inheritance Lhewelin divided between his brother Gwen and his Vncle Maelgon year 1223 In the year 1223. William Marshal came from Ireland and landed at St. Davids with a great army and shortly after laid seige to Aberteini and got it and from thence marched to Caermarthyn and likewise got the same Lhewelin prince of Wales at what time William Marshal Earle of Pembrock prosecuted the wars in Ireland took the two castles in VVales belonging to the Earle And now speaking of this Earof Pembrock as formerly I have done I will set down a Catalogue of the Earles of that place with their armes Pembrockshire was inhabited of old by the Dimetae a Country quite surrounded by the sea save where it joyneth unto Caerdegan and Caermarthynshires a country plentiful in corne and cattel and fish not destitute of pitcoale and which is far above the rest as Giraldus tells considering that is so near to Ireland of a wholesome and temperate air it contains in it 140. parish churches and 5. Markets that which is most of note being Milford renowned for its safe and capacious haven but that from which it takes its denomination is the Town of Pembrock seated upon a forked arme of Milford haven and in the best part of the country the Town consisting principally of one long street on a long narrow point of a rock and hath in the walls thereof two churches The Earles hereof in former times were County Palatines and passed all things that concerned that County under the seale of the Earldom and it continued so until the reign of K. H. VIII when as VVales was reduced to England and the authority of the great Lords there dissolved by Parliament since which the Earles of Pembrock have been meerly titulan as of other places and of each sort were these in their several ages the Marquesses and Earles of Pembrock 1 Gilbert de Clare 2 Richard de Clare surnamed Srongbow Or 3 Cheverons G. a Cressant for difference 3 William Marshal married Isabel daughter and heir of Rich. Strongbow 4 William Marshal Lord Chief Justice 5 Richard Marshal 6 Gilbert Marshal 7 Walter Marshal 8 Anselme Marshal Party per pale Or and vert a Lyon Rampant Gules incensed Azure 9 William de Valence half brother to Henry III. whose wife was daughter of a Sister of Anselme Marshal 10 Aymer de Valence Ten Clossets Argent and B as many Martlets in Vrle Gules Mr. Brochcals larnly of 10. pieces 11 Laurence Hastings who married the Lady Isabella Valence 12 John Hastings 13 John Hastings this John bore quarterly Brotherton Hastings Or a Manch Gules Valence and Brotherton 14 Humphrey Duke of Glocester Quarterly France and England a border Arg. 15 VVilliam de la Pole Duke of Suffolk B. a fess between three Leopards heads Or. 16 Jasper of Hatfield brother to King Henry the Sixt after Duke of Bedford Quarterly France and England in a border B. 8 martlets Or Mr. Brock calls them
Semy 17 VVilliam Herbert 18 VVilliam Herbert Party per pale B. and G. 3 Lyons Ramp Arg. 19. Edward Prince of VVales son of K. Edw. IV. Quarterly France and England a Label Arg. 20 Anne Bullen Marchioness of Pemb. wife to Hen. 8. Arg. a Cheveren G. between 3 Bulls heads coupe Sable 21 VVilliam Herber created Earle by Edw. 6. 22 Henry Herbert 23 VVilliam Herbert Lord Steward and Chancellour of Oxford 24 Philip Herbert Earle of Pembroke and Montgomery 25 Philip Herbert now living Quarterly Band G 3 Lions Ramp Arg. a border Gotone of the second and Or besants this border is now laid aside Lex Talionis This Earle hearing that Lhewelin had taken his Castles and put his men to the sword returned from Ireland with all speed and recovering his forts used the same courtesy towards Lhewelins men as he had shewed to his and then entring further into the Princes Country destroyed all before him as he went Mat. Paâ—is 423 who saith that the Earl had the victory and â—hat there were slain â—000 persons These tidings coming to Lhewelins ear did much vex him whereupon he sent Gruffith his son with a power of men to impeach the Earl from passing further Griffith went to Cyeweli and understanding that the Burgesses of the town meant to betray him burned the town churches and all to the ground Then VVilliam Marshal passed the River Tywy at Caermardhyn where Gruffith met with him and gave him battail which was long time doubtful and endured until night and then either party withdrew themselves and the River betwixt and after they had abode so for certain dayes Gruffith for lack of victuals for his men were about 9000 persons returned back Cilgerran Castle built and the Earle went to Cilgerran and began to build there a very strong castle but receiving letters from the King to come speak with him he went to the Court by sea and left his army to continue the work which he had begun The King and the Archbishop being at Ludlow sent for the Prince and would gladly have composed matters between him and the Earl but it would not be and so they departed And when the Earle would have passed to Pembrock by land with the strength of the Earle of Derby and Henry Pigot Lord of Ewyas the prince sent his son to keep the passage at Carnwylhion and he himself came as farr as Mabedryd which when the Earle understood He retreated back to England and the prince bent his course for North VVales year 1226 The year 1226. Rees Vachan son of Rees Gryc took his father prisoner and would not set him at liberty till he had delivered him the Castle of Lhanymdhfry At this time Meredyth Archdeacon of Caerdigan son to prince Rees was interred by his father at St. Davids The year following K. Henry the III. now King of England came with a great army into Wales as far as Ceri and encamped there K. Henry 3. of England Mat. Paris p. 463. and on the other side Lhewelyn called to him all the power of VVales encamped not far off and there passed divers great skirmishes and chiefly upon one day the most part of both armies was in the field and many of the Kings men at which time William de Bruse son to Reynalt was taken prisoner who offered for his ransom the Country of Buelht P. Lhewelin a worthy prince and a great summe of money beside Then was a peace concluded between the King and the prince whereupon the Prince came and did honour unto the King but not as his King and Lord and every party returned home Mr Powel fol. 282. This History saith Mr. Powel is somewhat otherwaies set down by Matt. Paris which I have thus translated out of the same Author About the same time those Souldies which lay in Garrison in the Castle of Montgomery went out with some of their Neighbours to amend a certain passage in the highway leading through a great wood thereby where the Welshmen were wont to rob and slay such as traveled that way and coming to the place with their axes and other weapons began to fell trees and to cut down the bushes whereby the way might be enlarged which thing when the Welshmen understood they came with a great power and setting upon their enemies compelled them to take the Castle for their defence certain being slain on both sides and then casting a trench about the same laid siege to it The Castle honour of Mâ—ntgâ—mery given to Hubert de Bâ—â—g This being speedily carried to Hubert de Burge Chief Justice of England to whom a little before the same castle and honour was given The King himself with convenient speed coming raised the siege and when his whole army came unto him for few Souldiers came with him thither he went to the said wood which was very large being five miles in length and by reason of the thick growth of the same very hard to be mooted howbeit the King caused the same with great diligence and travail to be asserted and consumed with fire King Henry causeth â—â—â—d a Abbey to be burnt Then leading his army further into the Country he came to an Abbey of white Monks called Cridia being a refuge for the Welsh to fly unto which he caused to be burnt to Ashes where Hubert de Burg to whom the place seemed very fit for fortification having the assent of the King caused a castle to be built but eâ—e the work could be finished many were slain on both sides and Will de Bruse a valiant Souldier and Chieftain who went out to make provision for the army was taken by the Welshmen and secured and divers others went out for the like purpose whereof one being Knighted a few dayes before seeing some of his fellows in danger like to be distressed rushed boldly into the midst of his enemies killing many about him yet in the end with many others of the Kings men was slain several also of the Kings men being confederates with P. Lhewelyn did very remisly defend themselves his cause with whome they came thither whereupon the King wanting necessary provision and perceiving the double dealing of some of his own men was constrained to conclude a dishonourable peace with the Welshmen giving his assent that the Castle which with so great expences of men and money was almost finished should be razed at his own charges An ignoble peace to the English taking of P. Lhewelin 3000 pound toward the same the peace being thus confirmed both parties went homewards Thus the King of England after he had bestowed three moneths in the building of the said Castle and disbursed an incredible some of mony in vain leaving William de Bruse one of his nobles in the Prince his prison returned home with great stain of honour The name also which Hubert the Chief Justice had given to the Castle viz. Huberts folly Stulitia Huberti
intending to deceive them who went about to do the like by him when the Enemies therefore came to the place where the Ambuscado was Haâ—m watch haâ—m catch the Earl Marshals army gave a great shout and so set upon their Enemies being unprovided and suddainly put them all to flight putting to the sword an infinite number of them as well Poictavians as others John of Monmoth himself escaped by flight whose Country with the villages buildings and all that he had therein the Earl Marshall did spoil and plunder leaving nothing but what fire and sword could not destroy and so full fraught with spoil returned home Salop taken by P. Lhewelyn Afterward in the week of Epiphanie Lhewelyn P. of VVales together with the Earl Marshall joyning their forces and entering the Kings land destroyed all with fire and sword from the confines of Wales unto the town of Salop which they also took and burnt a great part thereof enriching themselves with the plunder of the Country The King of England being all this while with the Bishop of Winchester â—t Glocester The K. careless of his honour little regarding war who for want of sufficient strength durst not meet his enemies in the field but being ashamed of the matter departed towards Winchester leaving the marches to be destroyed by the Enemies as any man might imagine The same year Richard Marshall Earl of Pembrock by councel of Geffrey de Marisco went with an army to Ireland where he was slain in fight by treason of his own Men after whom his brother Gilbert succeeded in the Inheritance Mr. Brook reporteth the story thus that whilst he with Lhewelyn was thus busied against the King word was brought him that Morice Fitz Girald and other Irish had sacked his Countries and Lands in Ireland Mr. Brook Alias Yorke fol. 270. upon the hearing whereof he hasted thither with fifteen Knights to encounter with his Enemies and joyned battail with them upon Saturday the first of April 1234. and fought eleven hours untill his horse was slain under him And then he falling to the ground one of the Irish perceiving his back part ill-armed lifted up his Habergeon and thrust a knife into his back up to the halft giving him his deadly wound and then brought him to a Castle of his own named Kilkenny which the said Morice had taken a little before from him where he died fifteen dayes after without issue What K. Hen. cannot do by the sword he thinks to do by the word In that year the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Rochester and Chester to intreat with Lhewelyn to make peace with the King but they returned without doing any good Mathew Paris saith that the King going at this time to meet Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury and other Bishops which he had sent to conclude a peace with Lhewelyn Prince of Wales came to VVoodstock where being certifi'd of the death of the E. Marshall by certain messengers which came from Ireland he fell into great weeping and sorrow for the death of so valiant a Knight affirming withall that he had not left his Peer behind him in the Realm From thence he went to Glocester where the said Archbishop and Bishops coming unto him declared the treatice and form of peace taken between him and the said Lhewelyn The Welsh constant to their confederates in concluding of peace yet nevertheless upon this condition that the Noblemen of England which were confederates with the said Lhewelyn and by evill councel were exiled should first be reconciled to the King whereby the said peace might be more firm and stable Moreover the Archbishop said that with much ado they had brought the matter to that pass adding sometimes threatnings on the Kings behalfe with his Clergy To the which threatnings the said Lhewelyn is reported to have answered that he more regarded the Kings almes-deeds and his holy behaviour then he did fear the war of all his Clergy Then the King who wished peace with all his heart caused by his letters all the Nobles that were outlawes to be called again unto him to Glocester and Sunday before Ascension day next following to have their pardons and to receive their Inheritance Osculum paâ—â—â— which the King had seised into his own hands then Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent came to the King and obtained his favour whom the King reverently embraced and kissed Prince Lhewelyn also this year set Gruffith his Son at liberty whom he had kept in prison six years for his disobedience and this year Cadwalhon ap Maelgon dyed and the next year Owen the Son of Gruffith ap Rees being a Noble Gentleman and very well beloved was buried by his brother Rees at Stratflur The year after Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of the lower Powis or Bromfield Chirk and Pale a Man very just and mercifull dyed and was buried very honourably at the Abbey Lhan Egwest or Vale Crucis which he had built and left behind him a son named Gruffith to inherit his Lands also Owen ap Meredyth ap Rotpert ap Cydewen departed out of this World Marchan Castle The same year Gilbert Earl of Pembrock by treason got the Castle of Morgan ap Howel called Marchan and fortified it very strong for fear of the Prince The next spring Joan the daughter of King John Princess of VVales was buried upon the Sea-shore within the Isle of Anglesey at Lhanvaes as her pleasure was Lhewelyn builds a Fryery at Lhanvaes over his Wives Sepulchre where the Prince did build a house of barefooted Fryers over her grave In the year 1237. Lhewelyn Prince of VVales called all the Lords and Barons of VVales if any such title as Baron was amongst them it being altogether Norman as I conceive before him to Stratflur and there every one of them swore to be faithfull subjects and did homage to David P. Lhewelyns son An Act of a discreet Prince At this time Lhewelyn being impotent by reason of a palsey which had taken him and sore urged and disquieted by his son Gruffith sent Embassadours to the King to signifie unto him that forasmuch as his years were now well near spent The Prince of Wales whom power could not compel voluntarily submits himself he was desirous to lead the rest of his dayes in peace and quietness and therefore purposed now to submit himself to the government and protection of the King of England and that he would hold his lands of him promising withal that whensoever the King should stand in need of his aid he would be ready to help him with men and money to the utmost of his power There were sent as Mediators in this behalf the Bishops of Hereford and Chester who travelled about the same with the good liking of many of the Nobles of Wales although some openly opposed it and in no case would except of any such peace Then the said David
Convenit inter Dominum Hen. 3. regem Anglorum illustrem ex una parte Senenam uxorem Griffini filii Leolini quondam Principis North-walliae quem David frater ejus tenet carceri mancipation cum Owino silio sao nomine ejusdem Gruffini ex altera c. Articles of Agreement between Hen. 3. King of Eng. on the one party and Senena the wife of Gruffith the son of Lhewelyn sometimes Prince of North-wales whom David his brother detaineth in Prison with Owen his son in the name of the said Gruffith on the other party I. Inprimis The said Senena undertaketh that the said Gruffith her huâ—band will give unto the King six hundred Marks upon condition that the King do cause the said Griffith and Owen his son to be delivered from prison wherein they are kept and will stand at the Judgement of the Kings Court whether by Law he ought to be imprisoned or no. II. Item The said Gruffith and his heirs will stand to the Judgement of the Kings Court for and concerning that portion of the Inheritance of the said Lhewelyn his father which of right ought to pertain unto him III. Item The said Senena undertaketh for the said Gruffith and his heirs that the said Gruffith and his heirs shall yield and pay yearly to the King for the same lands the sum of 300 hundred Marks whereof the first third part to be paid in money the second in kine and the third in horses by the estimation of indifferent men and the same to be paid yearly at Michael-Mass and Easter by even portions by the hands of the Sheriff of the County of Salop for the time being IV. Item The said Senena undertaketh further for the said Gruffith and his heirs that they and every of them shall observe the peace against the said David and suffer him quietly to enjoy such portion of his fathers inheritance as to him shall be found to be due V. Item The said Senena doth further undertake for the said Gruffith her husband his heirs that in case any Welshmen hereafter shall happen to rebel against the King that they at their own costs and charges shall compel the said Offender to make satisfaction to the King for his disobedience VI. Item For the performance of the Premises the said Senena will deliver unto the Lord the King David and Roderike her sons for Pledges who promise that if the said Gruffith and Owen or either of them shall happen to dye before their delivery out of prison it shall be lawful for the said Senena to have one of her sons released the other remaining with the King for Pledge VII Item The said Senena hath sworn upon the holy Evangelists that the said Gruffith her husband and his heirs and every of them shall accomplish and perform all the Premises on their behalf and further undertaketh that the said Gruffith her husband upon his delivery out of prison shall take the same Oath VIII Item The said Senena in the name of the said Gruffith her husband submitteth her self concerning the observation of the Premises unto the jurisdiction of the reverend fathers the Bishops of Hereford and Liechfield so that the said Bishops or either of them at the Kings request shall compel the said Gruffith and his heirs to observe all and singular the Premises on their behalf by sentence of excommunication upon their persons and interdiction upon their lands IX and lastly The said Senena doth undertake promise bona fide to see procure the full performance of all the Premises and that the said Gruffith her husband and his heirs shall allow and perform the same and thereof shall deliver his instrument in writing to the King in form aforesaid to this Charter both parties put their Seal Gruffith and Senena to that part which remained with the King and the King to that part which remained with Senena Moreover for the sure performance of these Arricles the said Senena for and in the name of her husband put in for Pledges the aforesaid noble men to wit Ralph Mortimer Walter Clifford Roger de Monte Alto c. who bound themselves by their several writings obligatory to the King in manner and form as followeth Omnibus hoc scriptum visaris Rogerus de Monte Alto Senescallus Cestriae salutem c. To all and singular to whom this writing shall come Roger de Monte Alto Steward of Chester sendeth greeting Know ye that I have constituted myself pledge for Senena the wife of Gruffith the son of Lhewelin sometimes Prince of Northwales and have undertaken for her to our Soveraign Lord King Henry of England that the said Senena shall accomplish and perform all and singular those Covenants and Articles agreed upon between our said Soveraign Lord and the said Senena for and concerning the Deliverance of the said Gruffith her huâ—band and Owen his son out of the prison of David his brother and the portion of Inheritance due unto the said Gruffith which the said David keepeth from him by force In Witnesse whereof to this present writing I have put to my seal Dated at Salop the Munday before the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the 25 year of the Reigne of the said King The like Charters were made by every one of the other Noble men Pledges who bound themselves with the like words further such of the said Lords as favoured Gruffiths cause were out among themselves and were now made Friends as Morgan ap Howel Lord of Kery and Sr. Ralph Mortimer who before were at variance whereupon David being driven to extremities having most of the Nobility against him especially Gruffith ap Madoc Lord of Bromfield favoured him not who being a man of great wisdom and power was entirely beloved of the King again the sentence of excommunication and the interdiction of his Land did not a little vex him But the Kings presence with so puissant an army did so move his spirits that he could not be quiet till he had sent to the King to desire peace with this submission following The Charter of the Articles of Davids submission to the King Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint David filius Leolini salutem c. To all Christian People to whom these present Letters shall come David the Son of Lhewelin sendeth greeting Know ye that I have granted and promised to deliver unto Lord Henry the Noble King of England Gruffith my Brother with his Son and Heir whom I keep in in prison and all other Prisoners who by occasion of the said Gruffith lie in durance Item I shall stand to the judgment of the Kings Court as well in that case whether the said Gruffith ought to be detained prisoner or No as also for and concerning the part of the Inheritance of the said Lhewelin my father claimed by the said Gruffith according to the custome of Wales so that the peace be maintained between me and the
said Gruffith Item I and the said Gruffith and either of us shall hold our portions of Land of our said Soveraign Lord the King in Capite acknowleging him Chief Lord thereof Item I shall restore unto Roger de Monte Alto Steward of Chester his land of Montalt or Mould with the appurtenances Item I shall also restore to all other Barons all such Lands Lordships and Castles as were taken from them since the beginning of the wars between the Lord John King of England and the said Lhewelin Prince of VVales my father saving the right of all covenants and Grants by writing to be reserved unto the judgment and determination of the Kings Court. Item I shall give and restore unto our Soveraign Lord the King all his charges in this present voyage laid out Item I shall make satisfaction for all dammages and injuries done by me or any of my Subjects unto the King or his according to the consideration of the Kings Court and shall deliver such as shall be malefactors in that behalf Item I shall restore unto the said Lord the King all the said homages which the late King John his father had and which the said Lord the King of right ought to have especially of all the noblemen of Wales and if the King shall set at liberty any of his captives the possessions of that man shall remain to the King Item the Land of Elsmere with the appurtenances shall remain to the Lord the King and his heirs for ever Item I shall not receive or suffer to be received within any Countrey of Wales any of the Subjects of England outlawed or banished by the said Lord the King or his Barons of Mercia Item For confirmation and performance of all and singular the premises on my behalf I shall provide by bonds and pledges and all other waies and means as the said Lord the King shall award and will accomplish the commandement of the said King and will obey his laws In witnesse whereof to this present writing I have put to my Seal Dated at Alnet by the River of Elwey in the feast of the dedication of St. John Baptist in the 25 year of the reign of the said King Mr. Powel fol. 306. For the Observation of these Articles the said Prince David and Ednivet Vachan were sworn Upon these atonements David sent privately unto the King Justice done not for Justice sake but for self ends to desire him that he would suffer him being his Nephew and the lawful heir of Lhewelin his father to enjoy the principality of Wales rather then Gruffith who was but a Bastard though some account him legitimate and nothing of kin unto the King giving him withal to understand that in case he did set Gruffith at liberty he should be sure to have the war renewed whereupon the King knowing those things to be true and understanding also that Gruffith was a valiant stout man and had many friends and favourers of his cause inclined rather to assent unto Davids request then otherwise to be in danger of further troubles and therefore willingly granted the same Shortly after David sent his brother Gruffith unto the King and other pledges for himself for the performance of the said Articles M. Paris p. 765 From prison to prison like a fish out of the frying pan into the fire which the King sent forthwith to the Tower of London there to be safely kept allowing to Gruffith a Noble dayly for his maintenance And within few dayes after Michaelmas P. David came to the K. Court and did him homage and swore fealty who for so doing and because he was the Kings Nephew was sent home again in peace When Gruffith saw how all things went and that he was not like to be set at liberty he began to devise means how to escape out of prison Wherefore deceiving the Watch one night he made a long line of hangings An unfortunate end of a desperate attempt coverings and sheets and having got out of a window let down himself by the same from the top of the Tower but by reason that he was a mighty personage and full of flesh the line brake with the weight of his body and so falling down headlong from a great height his neck and head was driven into his body with the fall whose miserable Carkass being found the morrow after was a pittiful spectacle to the beholders The King being certified hereof commanded his son to be better looked unto and punished the Officers for their negligence About this time the King fortified the Castle of Dyserth in Flintshire and gave to Gruffith son to Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis his inheritance and to the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth their Lands in Merionith The Bishop of Bangor a constant friend to that party came to the Court to sue for the deliverance of Gruffith son to Lhewelin the Prince but the King knowing him to be a man of great courage would in no wise grant his liberty About this time Maelgon Vachan fortified the Castle of Garthgrugin John de Mynoc also fortified the Castle of Buelht and Roger Mortimer the Castle of Melienyth The summer following the King began to vex the Welsh extremely and take their Lands by force without just title or rightful cause and now died Rees Mechylh son to Rees Gryc of South Wales During these transactions Varium mutabile semper David gathered all his strength to be revenged of all the wrongs which the Earls of Clare and Hereford which John d◠Monurch and Roger de Alto Monte and other Merebers did to his people whom all the Lords of VVales obeyed and took for their Soveraign saving Gruffith son to Gwenwynwyn and Morgan ap Howel which two also were shortly compelled to obey and then the Prince entered the March Lands spoyling and destroying a great part thereof with whom the said Earles fought divers battails and sometimes the one and sometimes the other had the victory 300 Welshmen slain neer Montgomery M. Par. p. 884. English put to flight K. Hen. 3. nothing fortunate against the Welsh The year ensuing the Marchers and the VVelshmen met not far from Montgomery where was a cruel fight and 300 of the VVelshmen slain and a great number of the English among whom was a noble Knight called Hubert Fitz Matthew whereupon the King being weary of his domestical troubles gathered a vast army of English and Gascoynes and entred Northwales intending to destroy the Country but the prince met with his people in a straight and fought with them and put them to flight There the King lost a great number of his most worthy Soldiers and Nobility and most part of the Gascoines and now seeing he could do no good he sent for the Irishmen who landed in the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and spoyled a great part thereof till the Inhabitants of the Isle gathered themselves together and met with them being loaden with plunder whom they
to him that searcheth out their Histories but I intending to finish the History during the Government of the Brittains have sought out in other Chronicles written in the Latine tongue especially in the Chronicle of Nicholas Trivet King Hen 3. dyeth who wrote from the begining of the raign of King Stephen to the Coronation of Edward the second and such other as much as I could find concerning this matter In the year 1272. dyed King Henry the third and Edward his Son coming from the holy Land two years after was crowned at Westminster King of England to which Coronation the Prince of Wales refused to come although he was sent for alledging for his excuse that he had offended many Noblemen of England and therefore would not come in danger without he had for pledges the Kings brother with the Earl of Glocester and Robert Burnell Chief Justice of England wherewith the King was highly displeased year 1274 King Edward could never brook P. Lhewelyn since the time that he was compelled to flight by him at their meeting in the Marches as before Thom. Walsh on the other side Lhewelyn liked no better of the King then the King did of him again those Noblemen who for their disobedience were dis-inherited by Lhewelyn were received and entertained by King Edward which things caused the Prince to fear some evil practice by those and other such as hated him if he should have been at the Kings Coronation to do his homage and fealty according to the writ directed unto him in that behalfe as appeareth by an instrument sent by the said Prince to Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury the Archbishop of Yorke and other Bishops sitting then at their Convocation in the new Temple at London Anno. 1275. wherein the causes of this war are contained which instrument it self as it was then sent is extant to this day written in parchment with the Princes great seal thereunto appendant which I have seen saith this Author and copied out of the Original verbatim Mr. Lhoyd being then in the custody of Thomas Yale Doctor of Law of late Dean of the Arches a great searcher and preserver of the antiquities of Wales which I thought convenient here to lay down for the fuller understanding of this History Reverendissimis in Christo Patribus Dominis Roberto Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cant. totius Angliae Primati Archiepis Eborum ac eorum suffraganis c. To the most Reverend Fathers in Christ and Lords Robert Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England and the Archbishop of Yorke and their Suffragans being now together at London in Councel Their devote Son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon greeting with due Obedience Reverence and Honour in all things Be it known unto your reverend Father-hoods that where heretofore contention and discord whereof war followed and long continued arose betwixt the King of Noble memory Henry King of England of the one party and us of the other party the same contentions and strife were at the last appeased by authority of the See Apostolick and means of the reverend Father Lord Otobanus Deacon and Cardinal of St. Adrian Legate into England as it appeareth in the form of Treaty and Peace betwixt the said King and Edward his first begotten Son Lord Edward now King of England and their Successors on the one party and us and our Successors on the other party by the corporal Oath of both parties assured Which form of peace was committed to writing with the said Legate with the seal of the said King and the seal of the said Lord Edward now King and with our seal also in the which peace it is contained amongst other things as you do well know as we believe that we and our Successors should hold of the King and his Successors the Principality of Wales So that all Welsh Barons should hold their Baronies and Lands of us and our Successors in Capite and should do homage and fealty to us and to our heirs one Baron excepted for the which we and our Successors should do homage and fealty to the Lord the King and his Successors It is further contained in the same peace that neither the said King nor his Successors should receive any of our Enemies or any running from us or our Successors nor should help or maintain any such against us or our Successors The which all are contained in the form of peace the Tenor whereof the Reverend Fathers of Strata Florida and Aberconwey bearers hereof can shew you But see Reverend Fathers the Lord Edward now King of England after the said peace taketh into his hands certain Barons Lands in Wales of which they and their Ancestors have been long possessed and keepeth a Barony in his hands which should be ours by the form of peace other Barons of our Land being from us fugitives runing to him he keepeth helpeth and maintaineth David ap Gruffith and Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn who purposed our death and destruction Notwithstanding that since their departure they have robbed within our Land committed slaughter and burning of houses do daily the like against the peace aforesaid and although we have often sent our griefs and complaints by solemn messengers to the said Noble Lord Edward as well before he was King as since yet unto this day he never did any redress therein also that which is more perilous he called us unto a place not to us safe amongst our deadly Enemies our fugitives and fellons and their spies and murderers to do him homage and fealty to which place we can no wayes come without danger of our body especially seeing our Enemies above said to be in that place at the Kings table and sometimes in Councel and openly brag themselves And though lawfull and reasonable excuses were alledged by our messengres before the King and his Councel why the place was not safe nor indifferent yet he refused to allow or appoint any other place indifferent for us to do homage and fealty which we were and are ready to do unto him in any safe place by him to be appointed if he will appoint any and to perform the other articles of the peace concluded and sworn And for that it pleaseth him not to come to any place where we could with safety do him homage we were suiters to him to send any from him to receive our oath and homage untill it pleased him to appoint a place where we shall do our homage to him personally the which thing he utterly denyed to do We therefore beseech your Father-hoods earnestly that it may please you to consider what danger should happen to the people both of England and of Wales by reason of the breach of Covenants of peace abovesaid if now wars and discord should follow which God forbid attending and calling to remembrance the prohibition of the Holy Father the Pope lately in the Councel at Lyons that no war should be moved amongst Christians least thereby the
affairs of the holy Land should be neglected that it would please you also to help with your Councel with the Lord and King that he would use us and order us according to the peace agreed upon the which we will no way infringe And if he will not hearken to your Counsel therein which God forbid that you will hold us excused for we will no waies as much as lieth in us procure the trouble and disquietness of the Realm And if it may please you to give credit to our messengers which we do send to the King at the day by him to us appointed to alledge our lawful excuses in those things which they by mouth shall on our part shew unto You resting to do Your will and pleasure if it please You to write again Dated at Talybont the eight Day of October Anno 1275. year 1277 Shortly after the King came to Chester Thom. Walsh fol. 6. Mar. West p. 364. willing the Prince to come thither and do him homage which when the prince detracted to do the King gathered an army to compel him thereto The year following the Countesse of Leicester wife to Simon Montfort which remained at a Nunnery in France sent her daughter to Wales to marry the prince as it was ' agreed betwixt them in her Fathers time and with her came her brother Admerike and a courtly company who fearing the coast of England bent their voyage to the Isle of Sylly whereby chance they met with four ships of Bristol which set upon and took them and brought them to the King who entertains the Lady houourably sending her brother to be kept prisoner in the castle of Corff from whence he was removed to the castle of Sherburne Then the King prepared two armies A prodigious Omen to Wales whereof the one he conducted himself to Northwales as far as Ruthlan and fortified the castle and the other he sent with Paganis de Camurtiis a worthy Souldier to Westwales they burned and destroyed a great part of the Country and this year itrained blood in divers places of Wales The year ensuing the Lords of Southwales came to the Kings peace The jangling of the Welsh among themselves their utter overthrow and did him homage and delivered the Castle of Stratywy unto the K. Lieutenant Paganus de Camurtli if his sirname be not mistaken for de Cadurcis it is the family of Chaworth in Notinghamshire This Prince understanding this and seeing that his own people had forsaken him sent to the King for peace which was agreed upon these conditions 1. First that all such as the Prince kept prisoners of the Kings and for his cause should be set at liberty 2. Item That the Prince should pay to the King for his favour and good will 50000 marks to be paid at the Kings pleasure 3 Item That four Cantreds should reman to the King and his heirs for ever which Cantreds I think were these cantref Ros where the Kings Castle of Teganny stood cantref Rynivioc where Denbigh cantref Tegengl where Ruthlan standeth and cantref Dyffryn Clwd where Ruthin is 4 Item That the Lords Merchers should quietly enjoy all the Lands that they had conquered within Wales 5. Item That the Prince should pay yearly for the Isle of Môn or Anglesey 1000 marks which payment should begin at Michaelmas then next ensuing and that also he should pay 5000 marks out of hand and if the prince dyed without issue the Isle should remain to the King and his heirs 6 Item That the Prince should come to England every Christmas to do the King homage for his lands 7. Item That all the Barons in Wales should hold their lands of the King except 5. in Snowden who should ackowledg the Prince to be their Lord. 8. Items that he should for his lifetime enjoy the name of Prime and none of his heirs after him so that after his death the foresaid five Barons should hold of the King and none other 9. Item that for the performance of the Articles the prince should deliver for hostages ten of the best in Wales without imprisonining disinheriting or time of deliverance determined and also the King to choose twenty within Northwales that should take their oathes with the prince for performance of these Articles and if the Prince should swerve from any of them and being thereof admonished would not amend and redresse the same Th. Walsh p. 7 they should forsake him and become his enemies The prince was also bound to let his brethren enjoy their lands in Wales of whom David had long served the King whom the King had made Knight contrary to the manner of Wales and had given him in marriage the daughter of the Earle of Derby whose first husband was lately deceased to whom the King gave Denbigh in Northwales and 1000l lands therewith And his other brother Roderike was lately fled to England out of prison and Owen the third was delivered at this composition This peace was concluded in the Kings absence who appointed one his Commissioners Mr. Trinet Sol p. 787. to wit the Lord Ripiost to take an oath of him and authorised the said Robert Antonio Becke and William de Southampton Prior Provincial of the Friers predicant Commissioners appointed on his behalf to receive the like oath of the said Lhewelyn for whose part Theodor or Tudor ap Ednivet and Grono ap Heilin were Commissioners At this time the King builded a Castle at Aberystwyth returned into Eng. with much honour unto whom the people granted a subsidy of the twentieth part of their goods towards his charges in this war The year following the marriage was celebrated at Worcester betwixt Elianor daughter to Simon Montfort and prince Lhewelin where the King Queen and the most part of the Nobility of England were present Also the year after Roger Mortimer set up at Killingworth a round table for a hundred Knights to be exercised in the feats of arms The Kof Scots sucâ—ouâ—eth against the Welsh and thither resorted many Knights from divers Countries At this time the King of Scots did homage to K. Edward and obtained the Kings letters that his succours in the last wars of Wales were not done by the name of service but good will The peace concluded betwixt the prince of Wales and the King of England did not long continue by reason of the severe and strict dealing of such Officers as the King appointed rulers in the Marshes and the Inland country of Wales who hunting after their own gains oppressed the Inhabitants burdening them with new exactions contrary to the custom of the country and also shewing themselves too much affectionate and partial in matters of controversy betwixt party party especially when any Englishman had to do in the matter which poling and partiality did altogether alienate the hearts of the people from the King of England so that they had rather die then live in such thraldom whereupon assembling
themselves together they so moved David the Lord of Denbigh to be at unity with prince Lhewelin and to take pitty upon their affliction and misery that he being agreed with his brother became their Captain year 1281 This reconciliation consisted chiefly in this that David should never after serve the King of England as he had done before but become his utter enemy who laid siege to the castle of Hawarden and took Roger Clifford a noble Knight slaying all that resisted The Welsh impatient of servitude and after spoyling all the country he with his brother the prince laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan the King hearing of this hasted thither with a great army to raise the siege whereupon the prince retreated with his army Seek to recover their liberty Aberystwyth castle built by the King taken Godwin in Canterbury fol. 77. Also the same time Rees the son of Maelgon and Gruffith ap Meredith ap Owen which other noble men of Southwales tooâ— the castle of Aberystwyth and divers other castles in the Country spoyling and plundering all the Kings people that inhabited thereabouts Therefore the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury to confer with the prince and his brethren but he returned without doing any good so that he denounced an excommunication this Archbishops name was Jehn Beckham who as B. Godwin saith took great pains in labouring a peace between K. Edw. l. and prince Lhewelin of Wales unto whom he went in person and travailed long with him but all in vain Articles sent from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury to be intimated to Lhewelin Prince of Wales and to the People of the same Country 1 Because we came to those parts for the spiritual and temporal health of them whom we have ever loved well as divers of them have known 2. That we came contrary to the will of the Lord our King whom our said coming as is said doth much offend 3 That we desire beseech them for the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ that they would come to an unity with the English people and to the peace of our Lord the King which we intend to procure them as well as we can 4. We will them to understand that we cannot long tarry in those quarters 5. We would that they considered that after our parting out of the Country they shall not perhaps find any that will so tender the preferring of their cause as we would do if it pleased God with our mortal life we might procure them an honest stable and firm peace 6. That if they do contemn our petition and labour we do intend forthwith to signifie their stubbournesse to the high Bishop and the Court of Rome for the enormity that many wayes happeneth by occasion of this discord this day 7. Let them know that unlesse they do quickly agree to a peace that war shall be aggravated against them which they shall not be able to sustain for the Kings power encreaseth daily 8. Let them understand that the realm of England is under the special protection of the See Apostolick and the See of Rome loveth it better then any other kingdom 9. That the said See of Rome will not in any wise see the state of the Realm of England quaile being under a special protection 10. That we much lament to hear that the Welshmen be more cruel then Saracens for the Saracens when they take christians they keep them to be redeemed for money but they say that the Welshmen by and by do kill all they take and are only delighted with blood and some time cause to be killed them whose ransom they have received 11. That whereas they were ever wont to be esteemed and to reverence God and Ecclesiastical persons they seem much to revolt from that devotion moving sedition and war and committing slaughter and burning in the holy time which is a great injury to God wherein no man can excuse them 12. We desire That as true Christians they would repent for they cannot long continue their begun discord if they had sworn it 13. We will That they signifie unto us how they will or can amend the trouble of the Kings peace and the hurt of the Common-wealth 14. That they signifie unto us How peace and concord may be established for in vain were it to form peace to be daily violated 15. If they say That their Laws or Covenants be not observed that they do signifie unto us what those be 16. That granting it That they were injured as they say which we in no wayes do know they which were Judges in the cause might so have signified to the Kings Majesty 17. That unless they will now come to peace they shall be resisted by decree and censure of the Church The Answer of Prince Lhewelyn to the above-written Articles To the most Reverend Father in Christ the Lord John by Gods grace Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England his humble and devote son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon sendeth Greeting With all Reverend Submission and Honour we yield our most humble and hearty thanks unto your Fatherhood for the great and grievous pains which at this present for the love of us and our Nation you have sustained and so much the more we are beholden unto you for that besides the Kings pleasure you would venture to come to us In that you request us to come to the Kings peace we would have your Holiness to know That we are most ready and willing to the same so that our Lord the King will duely and truely observe and keep towards us and ours Moreover although we would be glad of your continuance in Wales yet we hope there shall not be any delay in us but that peace which of all things we most desire and wish for may be forthwith established and rather by your travel and procurement than by any other mens so that it shall not be needful to complain unto the Pope of our wilfulness neither do we despise your Fatherhoods requests and painful travel but with all hearty reverence according to our duty do accept the the same neither yet shall it be needful for the Lord the King to use any force against us seeing we are ready to obey him in all things our Rights and Laws as aforesaid reserved And although the Kingdom of England be under the special protection of the See of Rome and with special love regarded by the same yet when the Lord the Pope with the Court of Rome shall understand of the great dammages which are done unto us by the Englishmen to wit The Articles of the peace concluded and sworn unto violated and broken the robbing and burning of Churches the murthering of Ecclesiastical persons as well religious as secular the slaughter of women great with child the children sucking at their mothers breasts the destroying of Hospitals and Houses of Religion killing the men and women professed in the Holy Places and even before
for the said Oxe 3 s. 4 d. 6. Item Two servants of one named YBongan were spoiled of 2 l. for that they took a Thief that robbed them by night and yet the Thief was delivered 7. Item Eneon ap Ithel was taken beaten and spoiled of two Oxen price 24 s. and 2 d. for this cause onely That the said Oxen went from one street to another in the Town 8. Item Guyan Maystran was spoiled of his money because a certain Merchant of Ardudwy owed them certain things and yet the said Merchant was not of their Baliwicke The Griefs of Grono ap Heilyn 1. A Tenant of Grono ap Heilyn was called to the Kings Court without any cause Then Grono came at the day appointed to defend his Tenant and demanded justice for him or the Law which the men of his Countrey did use All this being denied the said Tenant was condemned in 27 l. 1 d. ob which caused the said Grono to go to London for justice which was promised him but he could never have any where he spent in his journy 15 marks 2. A certain Gentleman was slain who had fostered the son of Grono ap Heilyn and he that killed him was taken and brought to Ruthlan Castle then the said Grono and the kindred of him that was slain asked justice but some of them were imprisoned and the Killer discharged Then Grono went again to London for justice which the King did promise him but he never had any but spent 20 Marks 3. The third time Grono was fain to go to London for justice in the premises where he spent 18 Marks 6 s. 6 d. And then likewise the King promised him that he should have justice but when he certainly believed to have justice Reginald Grey came into the Countrey and said openly that he had all doings in that Countrey by the Kings Charters and took away all the Baliwikes which the King had given to the said Grono and sold them at his pleasure Then the said Grono asked justice of the said Reginald but he could not be heard 4. The said Grono took to Farm for 4 years of Godfrey Marliney Maynan and Lhyffayn then Robert Cruquer came with his Horses and Armes to get the said land by force and for that Grono would not suffer him to have the said lands before his years were out he was called to the Law and then the said Reginald Grey came with 24 Horses to take the said Grono And for that that day they could not have their purpose they called Grono the next day to Ruthlan and then Grono had councel not to go to Ruthlan Then they called him again to answer at Caerwys but the said Grono durst not go thither but by the conduct of the Bishop of St. Asaph for that Reginald Grey was there and his men in Harness 5. For these griefs for the which he could get no justice but labour and expences of 54 Marks and more and for that he durst not in his own person go to the Court he sent Letters one to the King another to his brother Lhewelyn to signifie to the King that he should lose all the favour of the Countrey if he kept no promise with them and so it came to pass because the men of Ros and Englefield could get no justice the King neglecting the correction of these things lost the whole Countrey Humbly sheweth to your Holiness Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England the Noblemen of Tegengl That when the said Noblemen did their Homage to the Lord Edward King of England the said King promised them to defend them and their Goods and that they should use all kind of Right Priviledge and Jurisdiction which they did use in the time of King Henry by the Grant of the said King whereof they were after spoiled First they were spoiled of their Right and Priviledges and Customs of the Countrey and were compelled to be judged by the Lawes of England whereas the Tenure of that their priviledge was to be judged according to the Laws of Wales at Tref Edwyn at Ruthlan and at Caerwys and the best men of the Countrey were taken because they desired to be judged at Tref Edwyn according to the Tenure of their priviledges by the Laws of Wales 2. Whatsoever one Justice doth his successor doth reverse the same for in Davids case Reginald Grey revoked that which his predecessor confirmed and allowed 3. If he do take any Gentleman of that Countrey he will not let him go upon security which he ought to do 4. If any Gentleman be brought to the Castle of Flint upon a small accusation and his cattel withal they can neither be delivered or have delay until they give the Constable an Oxe and until they pay 3 l. fees to Cynwrick for having of the delay 5. Reginald Grey gave the lands of the men of Merton to the Abbot and Covent of Basingwerk against the Laws of Wales and Custom of the Countrey and contrary to the Form of peace betwixt Lhewelyn and the King that is to say 16 Caratatas terrae 6. The Noble and Best of the Countrey be injured for that the King builded the Castle of Flint upon their ground and the King commanded the Justices to give the men as much good ground or the price but they are spoiled of their lands and have neither other lands nor their money 7. Reginald Grey will not suffer men to cut their own Wood until he have both money and reward and until they pay for it also but permitteth others to cut it down freely which they ought not to do by the Laws and Customs of Wales 8. When the men of Cyrchynan Covenant with the King to give the King half a Meadow upon condition the King should not suffer the Woods to be cut down Howel ap Gruffith being present yet Reginald Grey hath broken the same permitting every man to cut their Woods and spoil them also of their Meadow 9. The same Cynwric ap Grono was taken at Ruthlan and put in prison without any cause at all neither would the Kings Officers deliver him unless he would redeem the gage of a certain woman for the which he was constrained to pay much more than the pawn lay for 10. When the Bailiff of Ruthlan was at a Feast Hicken Lemaile wounded a Gentleman cruelly in the presence of the said Bailiff by occasion of which wound Hicken was condemned in 8 l. and when he which was hurt would have demanded the 8 l. he was put in prison by Hicken 11. The messengers of Reginald Grey attempted an absurdity not heard of and requiring the people of the Countrey to plough his ground and sowe the same and the messengers were Cynwric Says and Hicken Lemayl and the said Cynwric swore openly before the whole company that unless all men should plough Reginald Greys ground they should shortly repent it then the people feared much as in that case any constant man would fear 12. The heirs of
Tegengl bought their Offices for 30 Marks of the King but afterward Reginald Grey spoiled them of their Offices and money contrary to the Laws and Customs of England 13. Seven Gentlemen were wrongfully killed by the Englishmen but as yet the Parents of the Gentlemen can have no amends and though the offenders were taken yet the said Constable let them go without punishment 14. The Constable of Ruthlan kept two of the Kings souldiers in prison for that they took an Englishman who had wounded a man All these things contained in these Articles are contrary to the priviledge liberty and right of the said men and contrary to the Laws and Customs of Wales neither dare the Inhabitants send their Complaints to the King for fear of Reginald Grey which fear any constant man might have because the said Reginald said openly that if he could come by any such their messengers he would cut off their heads as it is certainly told us by one of his Councel further neither tongue can tell nor pen write how cruelly the men of Tegengl have been ordered Humbly complaineth to your Lordship my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England Lhewelyn ap Gruffith ap Madoc of the Constable of Oswalds Cross the King and of the men of that Town who have spoiled the said Lhewelyn of the third part of a Town called Lhedrot and his fathers house without any Law or Right or Custom of the Countrey Further the said Constable and his Complices have against the Laws and Customs of the Countrey spoiled the said Lhewelyn of his Common and Pasture which he and his predecessors have used time out of mind and further condemned the said Lhewelyn for the said Pasture in 70 Marks And further the King of England granted certain Letters to a Bastard called Gruffith Vachan of Cynlhaeth to law with the said Lhewelyn for his whole Lordship and possessions by the occasion of the which Letters the said Lhewelyn hath spent 200 l. of good money Also the said Constable compelled the said Lhewelyn to send two Gentlemen to him whom when they came to him he caused to be hanged which Gentlemen ought not by right to have been hanged whose parents had rather have given him 300l Afterward the said Constable imprisoned 60. of the Men of the said Lhewelyn no cause alledged but that a certain Page spake a word who could not be delivered out of prison untill every one of them paid 10 s. When the Men of the said Lhewelyn came to the said Town to sell their Oxen the said Constable would cause the beast to be driven to the Castle neither would he restore the beasts nor mony for them Further the said Constable and his men took away the Cattle of the said Lhewelyn from his own ground and did their will with them Further the Kings Justices compelled the said Lhewelyn contrary to the law and custome of Wales to deliver to the Sons of Eneon ap Gruffith a certain Town which both he and his Ancestors ever had held The said Constable took the horse of Lhewelyns Baliffe when the said Baliffe owed him nothing who could never get his horse again nor any satisfaction for it Furthermore when the said Lhewelyn should have gone to a Town called Caerlheon to appear there as he was appointed the Sons of Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn and the Soldiers of Robert Strange by the Councel of the said Roger took the said Lhewelyn and his Men and imprisoned them to their great damage which the said Lhewelyn would not for 300 l. starling who could by no means be delivered untill they had found sufficient sureties The Archbishop receiving these and other Articles came to the King and requested him to consider these wrongs and to cause amends to be made or at the least excuse the Welshmen having so just cause of grief who answered that the Welshmen were to be excused yet he said he was ever ready to do Justice to all them that complained Whereupon the Archbishop besought the King again that the Welshmen might have free access to his Grace to declare their griefs and to seek remedy the King answered they should freely come and depart if it should seem that by Justice they deserved to depart The Archbishop hearing this went and came to the Prince of Wales in Snowdon that he might move him and his Brother David and the other company to submit themselves whereby he might incline the King to admit them to which after much talke and conference with the Archbishop the Prince answered that he was ready to submit to the King reserving two things that is to say his conscience which he ought to have for the rule and safe-guard of his people and also the decency of his State and calling which answer the Archbishop brought and reported to the King At the which the King said that he would not any other treaty of peace then that the Prince and his people should simply submit themselves But the Archbishop knowing well that the Welshmen would not submit themselves but in form aforesaid or in other form to them tolerable and of them liked requested the King that he might have conference in this matter with all the Noble Englishmen then present who after much conference agreed to all these Articles following The which Articles the Archbishop did send in writing to the Prince by John Wallensis These are to be said to the Prince before his Councel 1. First that the four Cantreds and the Lands by the King given to his Nobles and the Isle of Anglesey we will have no treaty of 2 Item Of the Tenants of the four Cantreds if they will submit themselves he purposeth to do as becometh a Kings Majesty and we verily believe he will deal with them mercifully and to that end we will labour and trust to obtain 3. As touching the Lord Lhewelyn we can have none other answer but that he shall submit himself simply to the King and we believe certainly he will deal mercifully with him and to that end we travail all we can and verily believe to be heard The following are to be said to the Prince in secret 1. First that the Nobility of England have conceived this form of a favourable peace That the Lord Lhewelyn should submit himself to the King and the King should honourably provide for him 1000l starling and some honourable County in England so that the said Lhewelyn would put the King in quiet possession of Snowdon Durum telum necessitas and the King will provide honourably for the daughter of Lhewelyn according to the State and condition of his own blood and to these they hope to perswade the King 2. Item if it happen that Lhewelyn marry a wife and so have by her any heir Male they trust to intreat the King that the same heir Male and his heirs for ever shall have the same 1000l and County 3. Item to the people subject to the said Lhewelyn the
King will provide as becometh their Estates and condition and to that the King is well enclined These are to be said to David Brother to Lhewelyn in secret A specious banishment First That if for the honour of God Juxta debitum crucis assumptae he will go to the holy land he shall be provided for according to his degree so that he do not return unless he be called by the King and we trust to intreat the King to provide for his child 2. And these things we tell our selves to the Welshmen that a great deal greater peril do hang over them then we told them by mouth when we were with them These things which we write seem grievous but it is a great deal more grievous to be oppressed with armes and finally to be rooted out because every day more and more their danger doth increase One of Jobs comforters 3. Item It is more hard to be alwayes in war in anguish of mind and danger of body alwayes sought and beseiged and so to dye in deadly sin and continual rancor and malice 4. Item We fear whereof we be sorry unless you do agree to peace we must certainly aggravate the sentence Ecclesiastical against you for your faults of the which you cannot excuse your selves whereas you shall find both grace and mercy if you will come to peace And send us your answer of these in writings To the most Reverend Father in Christ the Lord John by Gods grace Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England his Obedient Son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon sendeth greeting Most heartily with all Reverence and Honour we are content and ready holy Father as you have committed us to submit our selves unto the Kings grace so it be in that form that shall be safe and honest for us But because the form of submission contained in the Articles which were sent unto us is neither safe nor honest as we and our Councel do think at the which Articles all men do marvail tending rather to the destruction of us and our people then any security or honest dealing we may in no wise yield our assent unto it and if we should so do our Nobles and People would not agree to the same knowing the mischiefs and inconvenience that is like to ensue thereof Nevertheless we beseech your holy Father-hood that for the reformation of a decent honest and firm peace for the which you have taken so great pains you do circumspectly provide having respect unto the Articles which we send unto you in writing It is more honourable for the King more agreable to reason that we should hold our Lands in the County where we do dwell then that we should be dis-inherited and our Land given to other Men. Dated at Carth Celyn The Answer of the Welshmen First though the Lord the King will have no treaty of the four Cantreds the Lands that he gave to his Nobles The right of lands derived from Camber nor the Isle of Anglesey yet the Princes Councel will no peace be made unless treaty be had of them For that the four Cantreds be of the mere Tenure of the Prince whereas the Princes of Wales had more right since the time of Camber Son of Brute so that they be of the principality of VVales The confirmation of the which the Prince obtained by Otobanus the Popes Legate in England by the consent of the King and his Father As it doth appear by the Letters Patentes And more just and equal it is that our heirs do hold the said Cantreds of the King for mony The P. of Wales justly taxeth the K. of England and used service then the same to be given to strangers which abuse the people by force and power 2. All the Tenents of all the Cantreds of VVales altogether do say that they dare not submit themselves to the King to do his pleasure first for that the King kept neither covenant nor oath nor grant by charter from the beginning to the Prince or his people Secondly that the Kings men do cruelly exercise Tyranny towards the Church and Churchmen Thirdly that they be not bound to any such matter seeing they be the Princes Tenants who is ready to do used and accustomed service and to obey the King with and by the said service 3. To that which is said that the Prince should simply commit himself to the Kings will it is answered that none of us will dare come to the King for the cause aforesaid we altogether will not suffer our Prince to come in that manner 4. Item where the great Men of England would procure a provision of a 1000l per annum in England let it be answered that such provision is not to be accepted for it that is procured by them who go about to disinherit the Prince to have his Lands in VVales 5. Item The Prince ought not to dismiss his inheritance which his predecessours held in VVales since the time of Brutus and confirmed by the See Apostolick and to take lands in England where he knoweth neither tongue manners lawes nor customes wherein he shall be soon entrapped by his neighbours the Englishmen his old malicious enemies whereby he should lose land also 6. Item Seeing the King goeth about to deprive him of his ancient inheritance it is not like that he would suffer him to possesse Lands in England where he claimeth no right seeing that the Princes Lands in VVales of his own inheritance is but barren and untilled it is lesse like the King would suffer him to enjoy good fertile land in England 7. Item The Prince should give the King possession of Snowdon for ever Let it be answered that seeing that Snowdon is of the appurtenances of the principality of VVales which the Prince and his predecessours hold since the time of Brute His Councell will not suffer him to renounce that place and to take a place in England lesse due unto him 8. Item The people of Snowdon do say that although the prince would give the King possession of it yet they would never do homage to strangers of whose tongue Manners Lawes they should be ignorant for so they should be for ever Captives and as cruelly handled as the Cantreds have been by the Kings Bayliffs and other the Kings men handled more cruelly then Saracens as it doth well appear by the notes of their griefs which the men of the Cantreds sent to you holy Father These are to be Answered For David the Kings Brother When he is disposed to see the Holy Land will do it for Gods sake voluntarily not by such inforcement against his will for he intendeth not to go on pilgrimage in that sort because he knoweth enforced service not to please God and if he hereafter shall for devotion see the holy land that it is no cause for ever to disinherit his Ofspring but rather to reward them And for that neither the Prince nor his
Howell Sais Lord of St. Clere y moch Esq Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere Esq Lleykye d to Griffith ap Eli Lord of Gilfeild in Powis Ivor ap Llewellin Lord of S. Clere Esq Nest daughter to Cadwgan and Great Grandchilde to Elistan Pr of Ferlix Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere and Tredegar Esq Augharand daughter and heir to Sir Morgan Meredith Knight Lord of Tredegar Morgan ap Llewellin Lord of Tredegar Esq Maud daughter to Rhun ap Grono ap Llwarch Lord of Kybor Esq Llewellin Morgan of Tredegar Esq Jonet daughter to Dd. Ychan of Rydodyn Esq Evan Morgan of Tredegar Esq Denis daughter to Tho ap Howell Ychan Esq Sir John Morgan of Tredegar Kt. Jonet daughter and heir of John Matthewes of Landaff Esq Thomas Morgan of Machen Esq his Brother Sir John dying Sans Issue Rowland Morgan of Manghan Esq Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq Sir William Morgan of Tredegar Knight Daughter to Wintour Kt. Com. Glonc. Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq now living 1661. Daughter and Heir to Windham Com Somer William Morgan Esq Heir apparent I Have seen a Pedegree of this noble Family deduced even from Brute but because I affect brevity I have only selected what serves for my purpose giving you to understand that all Morgans or of what Name else soever who either bear for their Armes Argent a Lion Rampant gardant sable or else Or a Griffon Sergreant sable for their Paternal Coat must acknowledge themselves to descend from this ancient Family THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY The Princes of VVales of the blood Royal of England collected for the most part out of the Records of the Tower Edward of Caernarvon KIng Edward albeit he had brought all Wales under his subjection and by a statute made at Ruthland An. 12. Edw. I. incorporated and united the same to England in the which Statute there be many good lawes concerning the division of Wales into Counties and concerning divers Offices and Officers and concerning Trial and the divisions of actions and the the formes of many writs and the proceeding therein much like to the lawes of England yet he could never win the good will of the common people of the Country to accept him for their prince except he were of their own nation for the Welshmen having experience of the government of the English Officers and knowing that the King would rule the Country by his Deputies could not abide to have any English man to be their Rulers who often times upon the Kings motion answered that they were content to take for their prince any man whom his Majesty would name so that he were a Welshman and no other answer could he ever get from them by any means whereupon the King sent for Q. Elianor out of England in the deep of Winter being then great with child to the Castle of Caernarvon and when she was nigh to be brought to bed the King went to Ruthlan and sent for all the Barons and best men in Wales to come unto him to consult concerning the Weale publick of the Country And when they were come he deferred the consultation till he was certified that the Queen was delivered of a son then sending certain Lords to the Christening of his child and informing them how he would have him named he called the Welshmen together declaring unto them that whereas they were oftentimes suiters unto him to appoint them a Prince he now having occasion to depart out of the Country would name them a prince if they would allow and obey him whom he should name To the which motion they answered that they would so do if he would appoint one of their own Nation to be their prince whereunto the King replyed that he would name one that was born in Wales and could speak never a word of English whose life and conversation no man was able to stain and when they all had granted that such an one they would obey he named his own son Edward born at Caernarvon Castle a few dayes before Then the King having the whole country at his will gave whole Towns and Lordships in the midst of Wales unto English Lords as the Lordship of Denbigh to Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne the Lordship of Ruthin to the Lord Reginald Grey second son to J. Grey of Wilton and other lands to many of his Nobility This Hen. Lacy Lord of Denbigh was the son of Edmund Lacy the son of John Lacy Lord of Halton Pomfret and Constable of Chester who married Margaret the Eldest Daughter and one of the heirs of Robert Guincy Earl of Lincolne the said Henry married Margaret the daughter and sole heir of William Longesped Earl of Sarum and had Issue Edmund and John which both dyed young of whom the one perished by a fall into a very deep well within the castle of Denbigh and a daughter named Alicia married unto Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster who was in the right of his said wise Earl of Lincolne and Sarum Earl of Denbigh Halton Pomfret and constable of Chester After the death of the said Thomas King Edward the second gave the Lordship of Denbigh to Hugh Lord Spencer Earl of Winchester After whose death the said Lordship was given by King Edward the third Anno regni sui primo as it appeareth on record to Roger Mortimer Earl of March with divers other Lordships in the Marches in performance of the Kings promise while he remained in France with his mother for the provision of 1000 l. lands of a reasonable extent for the said Roger as soon as by Gods grace he should come to the possession of the crown and Kingdom of England which in few years after the Earl of March being attainted the said Lordship of Denbigh was given by the said King to the Lord Mortague Earl of Sarum but shortly after Anno 29. Edward 3. it was restored again with the Earldom of March to the Mortimers in the which family the same remained untill the whole inheritance of the Mortimers came with a Daughter to the house of York and so to the crown A help to English History fol. 263. and it was given by Queen Elizabeth Anno regni 610. to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester who was created Baron of Denbigh it is accounted one of the greatest and best Lordships of England This Town is well seated on the banks of the River Istrad which from thence runneth into the Cluyd the fairest River of this Country a Town well peopled and inhabited especially since it became the head of the Country which was not till the 27. of Hen. 8. what time the 5. new shires were added to the rest of Wales of which this was one but before that it was the head Town of the Barony of Denbigh being conceived to be one of the goodliest Territories of all England as having more Gentlemen holding thereof in Fee and by service then any other
Lords it hath had good store and of several families but none of them a Parliamentary Peer in reverence hereunto till these later times of late it hath given title both to Lord and Earl of two several families Viz. to these year 1564 1. Robert Dudley created Baron of Denbigh and Earl of Leicester Eliz. 6. Sept. 29. 1622. Or a lyon rampant quene fourche vert incensed Cules a cressent for difference William Viscount Fielding created Earl of Denbigh 20. Jac. Sept. 14. Master of the Wardrobe c. Arg. Or a Fess B. 3. Fusils or Lozenges Or. The Lordship of Ruthin continued in the possession of the Greyes untill the Reign of Hen. 7. George Grey Earl of Kent and Lord of Ruthin passed the same upon some bargain to the King There came at the same time with King Edward divers Gentlemen who grew afterwards to be men of great possessions in the County many of whose posterity continue to this day Rees ap Meredyth served the King in all these wars who did most hurt of all men and was in good hope of great preferment at the Kings hand whom after the overthrow of the Prince the King made Knight and fed with many fair and good words After that he and all other his Countrymen and Neighbours had submitted themselves to the Government of the King of England it hapned that the Lord Pain Tiptoft Warden of the Kings castles nigh unto Rees his Country and the Lord Allen Plucknet the Kings Steward in Wales called the said Rees as they did all other of the Country to the Kings Court whether he refused to come alledging his ancient priviledges and liberties with the Kings promises but the said Officers proceeded according to the law against him whereupon a great variance arose between the said Pain Tiptoft and the said Sir Rees ap Meredyth so that sundry Skermishes were fought betwixt them and men slain on both sides to the great disturbance of the Country The King hearing of these things being then beyond Sea wrote unto Rees Meredyth requiring him to keep the peace till his return At what time he promised to reform all things in due and reasonable order but Rees would not give over the enterprise which he had begun Whereupon the King sent to the Earl of Cornwall whom he had left his Lieutenant in the Realm during his absence to send an army of Men into Wales to withstand the disordered attempts of the said Rees who went into Wales himself and overthrew Rees his Castle at Drofolan but by undermining the walls of that Castle with the fall thereof the Baron Stafford and the Lord William de Monchency with many other Knights and Esquires were oppressed and brused to death Afterwards Robert Typtoft Lord Deputy of Wales gathered an army and meeting the said Rees after the slaughter of 4000. of his people discomfited and took him who about Michaelmas following at the Kings going into Scotland was had to York and there condemned and executed Not long after the King wanting money there was a great subsidy granted towards the maintainance of the war in France about levying of which there was much a do in several places but especially the Welshmen who were never wont to be acquainted with such contribution stormed against it so that they took one of their own Captains named Roger de Puelesdon who at the Kings command gathered the said subsidy and hanged him with divers others and afterwards beheaded the said Roger. Whereupon the King being sore offended for the death of the said Roger whom he greatly favoured and hearing that the VVelshmen began to stir against him in divers places for the VVestwales Men had chosen Maelgon Vachan for their Captain and destroyed all Caerdigan and Pembrock and returned with spoiles They of Glamorgan and the Southparts took one named Morgan for their leader and driving the Earl of Glocester out of the Country they restored to the said Morgan again the possessions which the Ancestors of the said Earl by force and great wrong had taken from the said Morgans Predecessours The Northwales men had set upon Madoc being of the kindred of the last Lhewelyn who gathering a great power came to Caernarvon and slew a great number of Englishmen which were come thither to the Fair and spoiled the whole Town then I say the King called back his brother Edmund Earl of Lancaster and Henry Lacy Earl of Lincolne and John Lord Denbigh who had an army ready to pass into Gascoyne The remnant of the Welsh foyle the English These Earls came towards Northwales and as they approached neer unto the castle of Denbigh upon St. Martins day the VVelshmen with great force encountered them and giving them battail drove them back and discomfited their people Upon this ungratefull newes the King himself came into VVales and there kept his Christmas at Aberconwey where Robert VVinchesey Archbishop of Canterbury came unto him and did him homage and then returned home the King as he passed further into the country lost much of his carriages which the Welshmen took being loaden with victualls and provision for the army so that the King and his people endured great penury and were constrained to drink water mixt with hony and eat very gross and course meat where he was very like to have been distressed had not the other part of his army come to him in time While the King remained in Snowdon the Earl of Warwick hearing that a great number of Welshmen were assembled together and lodged in a vally betwixt two woods chose out a company of horsemen with certain cross-bowes and archers and coming upon the Welshmen in the night compassed them round about who pitching the ends of their spears and turning the points against their Enemies stood at defence so to keep off the horsemen But the Earl having placed his battail so that betwixt every two horsemen there stood a crossbow a great part of the Welshmen who stood at defence in manner aforesaid with their spears were overthrown and broken with the shot of the quarrells and then the Earl charged the residue with a troop of horsemen and bare them down with such slaughter as they had not sustained the like losse of people as was thought at any time before After this the King builded a strong Castle within the Isle of Anglesey and called the same Beaumarish and so setting all in quietness and punishing such as had put to death Roger de Puelesdon he returned home with his army Madoc victorious against the Lord Strange of Knooking and the Marchers but Madoc within a while after levying an army came to Oswestred where the people yielded unto him and meeting with the Lord Strange with a company of Marchers not far from Knooking overthrew him and spoiled his Country miserably and shortly after he gave the Marchers another overthrow But for all that the Lords Marchers nothing dismayd at this mischance gathered new forces and met Madoc as he
ordained that the lands so conquered should be holden of the Crown of England in Capite and upon this and such like occasions divers of the nobility of England having lands upon the said borders of Wales made roads and incursions upon the Welsh whereby divers parts of that Country neer or towards the said borders were won by the sword from the Welshmen and were planted partly with English Collonies and the said lands so conquered were holden per Baroniam Another policy and were called therefore Baronies Marchers In such manner did Robert Fitz Hamon acquire unto himself and such others as assisted him the whole Lordship of Glamorgan using in some resemblance the Roman Policy to enlarge Territories by stepping in between two Competitors and by helping the one he subdued the other and afterward turning his sword against him whom he had assisted making this the pretence of his quarrel alledged that he whom he had assisted had denyed to make unto him sufficient recompence for his sustained travels and so made himsel absolute owner of all Likewise Bernard Newmarsh conquered the Lordship of Brecknock containing three cantreds and established his conquest by a marriage in the Welsh blood The Original of the Baronies Marchers but she proved a blemish to her country Hugh Lacy conquered the lands of Ewyas called after his name Ewyas Lacy and others did the like in other places of the borders all which were Baronies Marchers and were holden by such the conquerours thereof in capite of the Crown of England and because they and their posterity might the better keep the said lands so acquired Sr. J. Dod. fol. 38. 13 Fitzh Jur. 23 47 Ed. 1. 5 6 7 6 H. 5. Fitzh Juris 34 7 H. 6. 35. 36. 30. b 6. 6. b and that they might not be withdrawn by sutes of law from the defence of that which they had thus subdued the said Lordships and Lands so conquered were ordained Baronies Marchers and had a kind of palatine Jurisdiction erected in every of them and power to administer Justice unto their Tennants in every of their territories having therein courts with divers priviledges franchises and immunities so that the writs of Ordinary Justice out of the Kings Court were for the most part not currant amongst them Nevertheless if the whole Barony had come in question or that the strife had been between two Baron Marchers touching their Territories or Confines thereof for want of a superiour they had recourse unto the King their supreme Lord and in these and such like cases where their own jurisdiction failed justice was administred unto them in the superiour Courts of this Realme And this was the state of the Government of the Marches of Wales both before and after the general conquest thereof made by K. Edw. I. untill the 27 year of K. Henry VIII And as touching the first councel established in the Marches of Wales it is conceived by the best and most probable opinions amongst Antiquaries that the same began in or about 17o. Edw. IV. when as prince Edward his son was sent into the Marches of Wales under the tuition of the L. Rivers his Unckle by the mothers side at what time also John Bishop of Worcester was appointed L. president of Wales Prince Arthur the son of K. Henry VII in the 17. of his reign went into VVales at what time Dr. VVill. Smith after Bishop of Lincolne and there buried was then president of the Councell of the Marches he founded Brasonnose Colledge in Oxford and bore for his arms arg a fess dancette inter gules This man was also president in the time of King Henry VIII untill the fourth year of the reign of the said King At what time Geffry Blyth Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield succeeded in the Office of president in the said Councel There succeeded him in the office of president of the councel of the Marches of VVales Rowland Lee Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and this was the state and government of the principality of VVales 27o. H. 8. The said King by a Statute made 27o. regni Wales annexed to England the English laws brought into Wales united and annexed the principality and Dominion of VVales unto the Realme of England altering in many parts the former Jurisdiction and Government thereof bringing the same to the like administration of Justice as was and yet is usual in England apponting that the lawes of England should take place there and that all Welsh law Welsh lawes abrogated sinister customes and tenures not agreeable to the Lawes of England should be thenceforth abrogated and abolished Of which union and Annexion First for that thereof hath ensued great peace tranquility and infinite good to the inhabitants of that country of Wales Secondly because in some respect it may serve as a project and president in some other union and annexion of as much of more consequence and importance Peradventure the annexion of Scotland was meant And thirdly because the said union doth contain an expresse Image of the politique Government of this Realme of England I have presumed with convenient brevity upon this good occasion here in this place to expresse the same Therefore whereas in former time there had been in Wales anciently 8 several Shires or Counties Judge Dod. fol 40. Statutum de 24. b. 8. cap. 26 besides the county of Monmoth which was the ninth and that some other Territories in Wales were then no Shire Grounds by reason whereof the Lawes of England could have no currant passage therein For all the ordinary Ministers and Executioners of the processe of the Lawes of England or which have Viscountile Jurisdiction are the Officers of particular Shires as the Sheriffs the Coroners the Escheaters and such like Therefore by the said Act of Parliament there were erected in Wales 4 other new ordained shires of the lands not formerly so divided namely the several shires of Radnor Brecknock Montgomery and Denbigh so that now the shires are 13. viz. 1 Radnor shire 2 Brecknock shire 3 Monmoth shire 4 Glamorgan shire 5 Carmarthyn shire 6 Pembrock shire 7 Cardigan shire 8 Montgomery shire 9 Merionith shire 10 Caernarvon shire 11 Denbigh shire 12 Flint shire 13 Anglesey shire And these four last also with the former antient Shires together are by that Act of Parliament and by Statute of 38. H. 8. subdivided into Cantreds The Marches divided betwixt the Welsh and English Shires and all the March ground being then neither any part of Wales although formerly conquered out of Wales neither any part of the Shires of Engl. The said King by the said Act of Parliament did annex unite partly unto the said Shires of Engl. partly unto the Shires of Wales next adjoyning as was thought then by reason of vicinity of place other correspondency most convenient as by the said Act of Parliament appeareth which the said King was the rather occasioned to do for most of
Kings bench And if the said erroneous judgment shall be in any Action personal the same shall be reversed by bill before the Lord president of the Marches and councel there Officers Ministers Clerks and Writers for the expediting of the said great Sessions First there are the Chamberlains of every the said circuits as hath been said who are properly and Originally the Treasurers of the Revenue within their charge and by the said Statutes are also Keepers of the seals as aforesaid therein they do undertake in part the Office of a Chancellour And in every of the said circuits there is the Atturney or Regius Advocatia and Sollicitor There is a Protonotary or chief Register who draweth all the pleadings Protonotary Clâ—rk of the Crown entereth and engrosseth the Records and Judgments in civil causes and ingrossing Fines And there is also a Clerk of the Crown which draweth and ingrosseth all inditements and proceedings arraignments and judgments in criminal causes and these two Officers are at the King or States appointment There is a Marshal to attend the persons of the Judges at their common sitting and going from the Sessions or Court There is a Marshal There is a Cryer Tanquam publicus preco to call forth such persons whose apparences are necessary and to impose silence to the people And these two Officers last remembred are deposed by the Justices And thus much touching the Justices of the great Sessions There are also other ordinary Officers appointed for every Shire in Wales by the said Statute 34. Henry 8. such and in like manner as in other the Shires in England There is a commission under the great Seal of England to certain Gentlemen What a Justice of peace giving them power to preserve the peace and resist and punish all turbulent persons whose misdemeanour may tend to the disquiet of the people and these are called Justices of peace and every of them may well be termed Eirnarcha the chief of them is called Custos Rotulorum in whose custody all the Records of their proceedings are resident Others there are of that number called Justices of the peace and Quorum because of their Commissions whereby they have power to sit and determine causes concerning breach of peace and misbehaviour the words of the Commission are conceived thus Quorum such and such Vnum vel duos c. Esse volumus and without some one or more of them of the Quorum no Sessions can be holden and for the avoiding of the superfluous number of such Justices 8. Justices onely allowed in every County of Wales for through the ambition of many it is accounted a credit to be burthened with that Authority The Satute of 34 Hen. 8. hath expresly prohibited that there shall be above eight Justices of Peace within every of the Counties and Shires of Wales which if the number were not indefinite for the Shires in England it were the better These Justices do hold their Sessions quarterly And it is further ordained by the Statute of 34 Hen 8. that two Justices of peace whereof one to be of the Quorum may hold their Sessions without any greater number In every of the said Shires where the said Commission of peace is established There is also a Clerk of the peace for the entring and engrossing of all proceedings before the said Justices and this Officer is appointed by the Custos Rotulorum Sr. John Dod fol. 49. Every of the said Shires hath a Sheriff which word being of the Saxon English is as much as to say a Shire-Reeve or Minister or Bailiff of the County his Function or Office is twofold Ministerial and Judicial As touching his Ministerial Office he is the Minister and Executioner of all the Process and Precepts of the Courts of Law and thereof ought to make return and certificate Why the Tourne Court so called and as touching the Judicial Office he hath Authority to hold two several Courts of distinct natures the one called the Tourne because he keepeth a Tourne or Circuit about the Shire holding the same in several places wherein he doth enquire of all offences perpetrated against the common Law and not forbidden by any Statute or Act of Parliament The County Court derived from Justice Communicative And the Jurisdiction of this Court is derived from justice distributive and is for criminal offences The other is called the County Court where he doth determine all petty and small causes civil under the value of 40 s. arising within the said County and thereof it is called the County Court And the Jurisdiction of this Court is drawn from Justice Communicative and is held every Moneth The Office of the Sheriff is annual by the Statute of 34 Hen. 8. it is ordained that the Lord President Councel and Justices of Wales or three of them at the least whereof the President to be one shall yearly nominate three fit persons for that Office of whom the King or State may elect one who thereupon shall have his Patent and be Sheriff of the said Shire Escheator why so called Every of the said Shires hath an Officer called an Escheator which is an Officer to attend the Kings Revenue and to seize into his hands all lands either Escheated goods or lands forfeited therefore he is called Escheator and he is to enquire by good enquest of the death of the Kings Tenants and to whom the lands are descended and to seize the bodies and lands for Ward if they be within age and is accountable for the same And this Officer in Wales is nominated Escheator 34 Hen. 8. cap. 16. by the Lord Treasurer of England by the advice of the Lord President Councel and Justices or three of them at least whereof the Lord President to be one There are also in every of the said Shires two Officers called Coroners they are to enquire by enquest in what manner and by whom every person dying a violent death came to his death and to enter the same of Record which is matter criminal and a plea of the Crown Coroners why so called and thereof they are called Coroners or Crowners as one hath written because their enquiries ought to be publick Et in Corona Populi These Officers are are chosen by the Free-holders of the Shire by vertue of a Writ out of the Chancery De Coronatore Eligendo And of them I need not speak more because these Officers are elsewhere The Goal Forasmuch as every Shire hath one Goal or Prison appointed for the restraint of liberty of such persons as for their offences are thereunto committed until they shall be delivered by course of Law Finally in every hundred of every of the said Shires the Sheriffs thereof shall nominate sufficient persons to be Bailiffs of that hundred and under Ministers of the Sheriff and they are to attend upon the Justices in every of their Courts and Sessions The Government of the Marches of Wales
the Stewards whose original came out of Wales from Henry VII who descended from Owen Tewdor ut ante who descended from Blethin King of Powis Gruffith ap Conan King of Northwales Jestin Lord of Glamorgan Meyric King of Gwent Cadeth King of Southwales Anarawd King of Northwales and from Cadwalader last King of the Brittains thus Henry the seventh married Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the IV. who was son of Richard Plantagenes Duke of York descended from Richard Plantagenet of Conesbourgh Earle of Cambridge by Anne his wife sister and co-heir of Edmund Mortimer the fift Earle of March who was son and heir of Rog. Mortimer fourth E. of March who succeeded Edmund Montimer the third Earle of March who was heir unto Roger Mortimer Grandchild to Roger Mortimer first Earle of March and son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who died in the Castle of Ludlow and was buried in the Abbey of Wigmore whose Father was Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was created the first Earl of the Marches of Wales in the second year of King Edward III. at a Parliament held at Salisbury c. he was son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was son to Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore and by right of inheritance Prince of Wales for he was son to Ralph Lord Mortimer of Wigmore and Gladys his wife who was daughter and heir her brother David being dead to Lhewelin ap Iorwerth Prince of Northwales from this Gladys her brother being dead sans Issue as I said thus descendeth from Cadwalader Gladys daughter and heir to Lhewelyn who was the son of Iorwerth the son of Owen Gwineth the son to Gruffith the son to Conan the son to Iago the son to Edwal the son to Meyric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Rodery Mawr the son of Esylht the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaythwy the son of Roderick Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrich the son of Cadwalader the last King of the Brittains what transactions have happened while this prince had the stile of that Principality I will forbear to speak or relate in this place and only give you a copy of the Charter used at the Creation of the Princes of Wales Here should have been the Picture The Kings Charter for the Creating of the Princes of Wales HENRY by the grace of God King of England and of France Lord of Ireland c. To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Dukes Earles Barons Iustices Viscounts Governours Ministers and to all our Bayliffs and Faithful subjects Greeting out of the excellency of Royal preheminence like as beames from the Sun so do inferiour honours proceed neither doth the integrity of Royal lustre and brightnesse by the natural disposition of light affording light from light feel any losse or detriment by such borrowed light yea the royal scepter is also much the more extolled and regal throne exalted by how much the more Nobles Preheminencies and Honors are under the power and command thereof And this worthy consideration allureth and induceth us which desire the encrease of the name and honour of our first begotten and best beloved son Edward in whom we behold and see our selves to be honoured and our royal house also and our people subject to us hoping by the grace of God by conjecture taken of his gracious future proceedings to be the more honourably strengthened that we may with honour prevent and with abundant grace prosecute him who in reputation of us is deemed the same person with us wherefore by Councel and consent of the Prelates Dukes Earles Viscounts and Barons of our Kingdom being in our present Parliament we have made and created and by these presents make and create him the said Edward Prince of Wales and Earle of Chester and unto the said Edward we give and grant and by this Charter-have confirmed the Name Stile Title State Dignity and honour of the said Principality and County And him of the said Principality and County that be may therein in governing rule and in ruling direct and defend we by a Garland upon his head by a ring of gold upon his finger and a verge of Gold have according unto the manner invested him To have and to hold the same unto him and his heirs the Kings of England for ever wherefore we will and straitly command for us and our heirs that Edward our son aforesaid shall have the name stile title state dignity and honour of the principality of Wales and county of Chester aforesaid unto him and his heirs the Kings of England aforesaid for ever these being witnesses the reverend Fathers John Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England our Chancellour and William Archbishop of York Primate of England Thomas Bishop of London John Bishop of Lincolne William Bishop of Norwich our most well beloved Cosens Richard Duke of York Humphry Duke of Buckingham our well beloved Cosens Richard Earle of VVarwick Richard Earle of Salisbury John Earle of Wiltshire and our beloved and faithful Ralph Cromwel Chamberlain of our house VVilliam Faulconbridge and John Stourton Knights Dated at our Pallace at VVestminster the 15 day of March in the year of our reign 32. By the King himself and his Councel Things required unto the Creation of the Prince of Wales First an honourable habit viz. a Robe of purple Velvet having in it about 18 elles more or lesse garnished about with a fringe of gold and lined with Ermines A Surcote or Inner garment having in it about 14 elles of Velvet of like colour fringe and fur Laces Buttons and Tassells as they call them ornaments made of purple silk and gold A girdle of silk also to gird his inner gown A sword with a scabbord made of purple silk and gold garnished with the like girdle he is girt withal thereby shewing himself to be Duke of Cornwal by birth and not by Creation A cap of the same Velvet that his robe is of furred with Ermines with laces and a button the tassels on the crown thereof made of Venice gold A garland or a little coronet of gold to be put on his head together with his cap. A long golden verge or rod betokening his government a ring of gold also to be put on the third finger of his left hand whereby he declareth his marriage made with Equity and Justice All these things were almost with royal sumptuousness prepared for Edward son to King Henry VIII to have been created Prince of Wales but prevented by his fathers death he was crowned King sixt of that name yet the forme with the rights and ceremonies belonging to the investing of the Prince into the Principality of Wales you may perceive by what is above set down FINIS