conioyned and beginne to close together into one in their most antient name of BRITAINE If any would vndertake the honour and precedence of Britaine before other Realmes in serious maner for heere I protest once for all I will passe over each thing lightly slightly a world of matter at the first view would present it selfe vnto him As that the true Christian Religion was planted heere most auntiently by Ioseph of Arimathia Simon Zelotes Aristobulus yea by saint Peter and saint Paul as may be prooved by Dorotheus Theodâ—â—â— Sophronius before the yere of Christ 200. it was propagated as Tertullian writes to places of Britaine â—accessa Roâ—anis whither the Romans never reached which can not be vnderstoode but of that parte which was afterward called Scotland The kingdomes also are most auntient helde of God alone acknowledging no superiours in no vassalage to Emperour or Pope The power of the Kings more absolute than in most other kingdomes their territories very large for the Kings of England beside Ireland have commaunded from the Isles of Orkenay to the Pyrene Mountaines and are de iure Kings of all France by descent The Kings of Scotland beside the ample realm of Scotland commands the 300 Westerne Isles the 30. of Orkney Schetland Also which was accounted a special note of maiesty in former ages the Kings of England with them of Fraunce Ierusalem Naples and afterward Scotland were antiently the onely annointed Kings of Christendome which manner beganne among the Iewes was recontinued at length by the Christian Emperors of Constantinople with this word at the annoynting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Be holy and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be worthie and from thence was that sacred ceremonie brought to vs and the other kingdomes As for that admirable gift hereditary to the annoynted Princes of this Realme in curing the Kings Evil I referre you to the learned Discourse thereof lately written Neyther would it be forgotten that England in the opinion of the Popes when they swayd the world and their authoritie was held sacred was preferred because it contained in the Ecclesiasticall Division two large Provinces which had their severall Legatinati whereas Fraunce had scantly one That Scotland was by them accompted an exempt kingdome and a Peculiar properly appertaining to the Roman Chappell And which was accompted in that age a matter of honour when all Christianitie in the Counsell Constance was divided into Nations Anglicana Natio was one of the principall and no sub alterne As also that in times past the Emperour was accounted Maior filius Ecclesiae the King of France Filius Minor and the King of England Filius Tertius and Adoptivus And so in generall Councells as the King of Fraunce had place next the Emperour on the right hand so the King of England on the left and the Kings of Scotland as appeereth in an antient Roman Provinciall had next place before Castilâ— The Archbishops of Canterbury who were antiently stiled Archbishoppes of Britaine were adiudged by the Popes tanquam alterius orbis Pontifices Maximi and they had their place in all general Councells at the Popes right foote The Title also of Defensor fidei is as honourable and more iustly conferred vpon the Kings of England than either Christianissimus vpon the French or Catholicus vpon the Spaniard Neither is it to be omitted which is so often recorded in our Histories when Brithwald the Monke not long before the Conquest busied his brain much about the succession of the Crown because the blood Royall was almost extinguished he had a strange vision and heard a voyce which forbade him to be inquisitive of such matters resounding in his eares The kingdome of England is Gods owne kingdome and for it God himselfe will provide But these such like are more fit for a graver Treatise than this I will performe that I promised in handling nothing seriously and therfore I will bring you in some Poets to speake in this behalfe for mee and will beginne with olde Alfred of Beverlie who made this for Britaine in generall which you must not reade with a censorious eye for it is as the rest I will cite of the middle age having heeretofore vsed all of more auntient and better times in an other worke But thus saide he of Britaine Insula praedives quae toto vix eget orbe Et cuius totus indiget orbis ope Insula praedives cuius miretur optet Delicias Salomon Octavianus opes For Scotland one lately in a far higher straine and more Poetically sung these Quis tibi frugifera 〈…〉 Aut aris gravides 〈◊〉 pâ—â—dere 〈…〉 Et nitidos auro monces ferrâ—que rigentâ—â— Deque met allâ—feris manantia 〈…〉 Quaeque beaâ—t alias communia commoda gâ—â—tesâ— For England a very olde Epigrâ—â—â—tist made these with a Prosopopoeia of Nature the indulgent mother to England which doth comprise as much as the best wittes can nowe conceive in that behalfe Anglia terra ferax tibi pax secura quietem Multiplicem luxum merx opulenta dedit Tu nimio nec stricta gelu nec sydere fervens Clementi coelo temperieque places Cùm pareret Natura parens varioque favore Divideret dotes omnibus vna locis Seposuit potiora tibi matremque professa Insula fis â—oelix plenaque pacis â—â—t Quicquid amat luxus quicquid desiderat vsus Ex tâ— proveniet vel aliunde tibi Accordingly it is written in the Blacke booke of the Exchequer that our Auncestors termed England a Store-house of Treasure and a Paradise of Pleasure in this verse Divitijsque sinum delicijsque larem So that not without cause Pope Innocentius the fourth most willingly and especially desired to see Divitias Londini delicias Westmonasterij In these respects to conclude most truely our Lucan singeth of this our countrey The fairest Land that from her thrusts the rest As if she car'd not for the world beside A world within herselfe vvith vvonders blest The inhabitants of Britaine AS all the Regions with the whole worlds frame and all therein was created by the Almightie for his last and most perfect worke that goodly vpright provident subtile wittie and reasonable creature which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for his vpright looke the Latines Homo for that he was made of Molde and we with the Germains call Man of his principall part the mind being the verie image of God and a pettie world within himselfe so he assigned in his divine providence this so happy and worthy a region to men of answerable worth if not surpassing yet equalling the most excellent inhabitants of the earth both in the endowments of minde lineaments of bodie and their deportment both in peace and warre as if I would enter into discourse I could very easily shew But overpassing their naturall inclination by heauenly influence answerable to the disposition of Aries Leo and Sagittary Iupiter with Mars
Nursenames came these pardon me if it offend any for it is but my coniecture Bill for William Clem for Clement Nat for Nathaniel Mab for Abraham Kit for Christopher Mund for Edmund Hall for Harry At and Atty for Arthur Cut for Cuthberd Mill for Miles Baul and Bald for Baldwin Ran for Randal Crips for Crispin Turk for Turktetill Sam for Sampson or Samuell Pipe for Pipard Gib for Gilbert Dan for Daniel Greg for Gregory Bat for Barthobnewe Law for Lawrence 〈◊〉 for Timothy Rol for Rolland Ieff for Ieffrey Dun for Duncan or Dunstan Duke for Marmaduke Daye for David God For Godfrey or Godard for otherwise I cannot imagine how that most holy name vnfit for a man and not to be tolerated should be appropriate to any man and many such like which you may learne of Nurses By adding of S to these Nicknames or Nursenames in all probabilitie we have Robins Nicks Nicolls Thoâ—s Dickes Hickes Wills Sims Sams Iecks Iucks Collins Ienks Munds Hodges Hobs Dobi Saunders from Alexander Gibs from Gilbert Cuts from Cuthberd Bats from Bartholâ—â—we Wats from Walter Philips from Philip Haiâ—es from Anulphus as some will for Ainulphesbury in Cambridgshire is contracted to Aiusbury and such like Many likewise have beene made by adioyning Kiâ—â— and Ius to those nursenames making them in Kiâ—s as it were diminutives those in Ius as Patronymica For so Alfric Archbishop of Canterbury the most ancient Saxon Grammarian of our Nation noteth that names taken from Progenitours do end in Ins so Dickins that is little Dick Perkins from Peir or Peter little Petre so Tomkins Wilkins Hutchins Huggins Higgins Hitchins from Hughe Lambkins Hopkins Hobkins from Hob Dobbinâ— Robbins Atkins from Arthur Gibbins Simkins Hodgekins Hoskins Watkins Ienkins Iennings Tipkins from Tibald Daukins from Davy Rawlins from Raâ—ul that is Rafe and Hankin for Randâ—ll in Cheshire In this manner did the Romans very names as Constans Constantius Constantinus Iustus Iustulus Iustinus Iustinianus Aurelius Aureolus Aurelianus Augustus Augustinus Augustinianus Augustulus c Beside these there are also other diminitive names after the French Analogie in Et or Ot as Willet from Will Haket from Hake Bartlet from Bartholmew Millet from Miles Huet from Hughe Allet from Allan Collet from Cole Guyet from Guy Eliot from Elias and Beckvet that is Little Sharpe nose But many more by addition of Son to the Christian or Nickname of the father as Williamson Richardson Dickson Harryson Gibson for Gilbertson Simson Simondson Stevenson Dauson for Davison Morison Lawson id est Lawrenson Robinson Cutbertson Nicholson Tomson Willson Leweson Iobson Waterson Watson Peerson and Pierson Peterson Haâ—son from Hankin Wilkinson Danison for Daniel Benison and Benson from Bennet Denison Patison from Patrick Ienkinson Matison from Mathew Colson from Cole or Nicholl Rogerson Herdson from Herdingson Hodgskinson Hugheson Hulson from Huldric Hodson from Hod or Oddâ— Nelson from Neale or Nigell Davidson Saunderson Iohnson Raulson from Raoul or Ralf So the ancient Romans vsed Publipor Marcipâ—r Lucipor for Publij puer Marci puer Lucij puer according to Varro As afterwards in the Capitolin Tables they were wont to note both father and grandfather for proofe of their gentry in abbreviations as A. Sempronius Aulifilius Lucij Nepâ—s that is 〈◊〉 Seâ—pronius sonne of Aulus grandchild or nephew of Lucius C. Martius L. F. C. N. c. Neither is it true which some say Omnia nomina in Son sunt boralis generis whenas it was vsuall in every part of the Realme Some also have had names from their mothers as Fitz-parnell Fitz-Isabell Fitz-Mary Fitz-Emme Mandleâ—s Susans Mawds Grace Emson c. As Vespasian the Emperour from Vespasia Polla his mother and Popaea Sabina the Empresse from her grandmother In the same sence it continueth yet in them which descended from the Normans Fitz-Hughe Fitz-william Fitz-Herbert Fitz-Geffrey Fitz-Simon Fitz-Alian Fitz-Owen Fitz-Randoll being names taken from their Progenitours as among the Irish Mac-william Mac-Cone Mac-Dermot Mac-Mahon Mac-Donell Mac-Arti .i. the sonne of Arthur So among the Welsh-Britans likewise Ap-Robert Ap-Evans Ab-Yihel Ap-Hary Ap-Hughe Ap-Rice Ap-Richard Ap-Howell Ap-Enion Ap-Owen Ap-Henry Ap-Rhud which be contracted into Probert Bevans Bythell Parry Pughe Price Prichard Powell Benion Bâ—wen Peurbye Prud c. So in the borders of England and Scotland Gawis Iâ—k for Iohn the sonne of Gawin Richies Edward for Edward the sonne of Richard Iony Riches Will for William the sonne of Iohn sonne of Richard The like I have heard to be in vse among the meaner sort in Cornwall Daintie was the devise of my Host at Grantham which would wisely make a difference of degrees in persons by the terminations of names in this word Son as betweene Robertson Robinson Robson Hobson Richardson Dickson and Dickinson Willson Williamson and Wilkinson Iackson Iohnson Ienkinson as though the one were more worshipful than the other by his degrees of comparison The names of aliance have also continued in some for surnames as where they of one family being of the same Christian name were for distinction called R. Le Frere Le Fitz Le Cosm that is Brother the Sonne c. all which passed in time into Surnames Many names also given in merriment for By-names or Nicke-names have continued to posteritie as Malduit for ill schollership or ill taught Mallieure commonly Mallyvery i. Malus Leporarins for ill hunting the hare Pater noster for devout praying The Frenchman which craftily and cleanely conveyed himselfe and his prisoner T Crioll a great Lord in Rent about the time of King Edward the second out of Fraunce and had therefore Swinfield given him by Crioll as I have read for his fine conveyance was then called Fineux and left that name to his posteritie So Baldwin le-Pettour who had his name and held his land in Suffolke Per saltum sufflum pettum sive bumbulum for dauncing pout-puffing and dooing that before the King of England in Christmasse holy dayes which the worde Pet signifieth in French Inquire if you vnderstand it not of Cloacinas chaplaines or such as are well read in Aâ—ax Vpon such like occasions names were given among the Romans as Tremellius was called Scropha or Sow because when he had hid his neighbours Sow vnder a padde and commanded his wife to lie dovvne thereon he sware when the owner came in to seeke the Sow that hee had no Sow but the great Sow that lay there poynting to the padde and the Sow his vvife So one Cornelius was surnamed Asina for that when he was to put in assurance for payment of certaine summes in a purchase hee brought his Asse laden with money and made ready payment So Augustus named his dwarfe Sarmentum i. sprigge and Tiberius called one Tricongius for carowsing three gallons of wine So Servilius was called Ala for carrying his dagger vnder his arme-pit vvhen hee killed Spurius So Pertinax the Emperor being stubbernly resolute in his youth to be a wood monger as his father vvas
this Isle somewhat answerable to the Greeke names Philippe Speusiprus Ctesippus his brother in like sort was called Horsa HARHOLD Sax. Luther interpreteth it Governour or Generall of an Armie and so would I if it were Harwold But being written Harhold Herold I rather turne it love of the Armie For Hold see Rheinhold For Hare and Here that they signifie both an Armie and a Lord it is taken for granted Yet I suspect this Here for a Lord to come from the Latine Herus See Ethelwold HERBERT Germ. Famous Lord bright Lord or Glorie of the Army HERVVIN ger Victorious Lord or Victor in the Armie HARMAN or Hermon ger Generall of an Army the same which Strato or Polemarchus in Greeke Caesar turned it into Arminius Tscudus Hence the German Dukes are called Hertogen as Leaders of Armies HERCVLES gr Glorie or illumination of the aire as it pleaseth Macrobius who affirmeth it to be proper to the Sunne but hath bin given to valiant men for their glorie HIEROME gr Holy name HILDEBERT germ Bright or famous Lord. See Maud. HILARY Lat. Merrie and pleasant HOVVEL A Brittish name the originall whereof some Britan may finde Goropius turneth it Sound or whole as wisely as he saith Englishmen were called Angli because they were good Anglers I rather would fetch Hoel from Haelius that is Sunne-bright as Coel from Caelius HVâ—H Aventinus deriveth it from the German word Hougen that is slasher or cutter But whereas the name Hugh was first in vse among the French and Oâ—frid in the yeare 900. vsed Hugh for Comfort I iudge this name to be borrowed thence and so it is correspondent to the Greeke names Elpidius and Elpis HVMFREY ger for Humfred House-peace a lovely and happie name if it could turne home-warres betweene man and wife into peace The Italians have made Onuphrius of it in Latine HVBERT Sax. Bright forme faire shape or faire hope HORATIO I know not the Etymologie vnlesse you will derive from the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is wel sighted J IACOâ— Heb. A tripper or supplanter Whose name because he had power with God that he might also prevaile with men was changed into Israel by God See Genes ca. 32. Philo de nominibus mutatis IAMES Wrested from Iacob the same Iago in Spanish Iaques in French which some frenchified English to their disgrace have too much affected IASPER Iâ—EL See Ybel IOACHIM Heb. Preparation of the Lord. IEREMY Heb High of the Lord. IOAB Heb Fatherhood IOHN Heb Gratious yet though so vnfortunate in Kings for that Iohn of England well neare lost his Kingdome and Iohn of France was long captive in England and Iohn Balioll was lifted out of his Kingdome of Scotland that Iohn Steward when the Kingdome of Scotland came vnto him renouncing that name would be proclaimed King Robert See Iuon IOB Heb. Sighing or sorrowing IORDAN Heb The river of iudgement IOSVAH Heb As Iesuiah Saviour IOSCâ—LIN A diminitive from Iâ—st or Iustus as Iustulus according to Islebius but molefied from Iostelin in the old Netherland language from whence it came with Ioscelin of Lovan yonger sonne of Godfrey Duke of Brabant Progenitour of the honourable Percyes if not the first yet the most noble of that name in this Realme Nicotius maketh it a diminitive from Iost Iudocus IOSEPH Heb. Encreasing Philâ— or encrease of the Lord. IOSIAS Heb. Fire of the Lord. IOSVAH Heb The Lord Saviour INGEIBERT See Engelbert INGRAM Germ Engelramus in Latine deduced from Engell which signifieth an Angell as Angelo is common in Italy so Engelbert seemeth to signifie bright Angell ISAAC Heb Laughter the same which Gelasius among the Greekes ISRAEL Heb. Seeing the Lord or prevailing in the Lord See Iacob IVLIVS gr Soft haired or mossie bearded so doth Iulus signifie in Greeke It was the name of Aeneas sonne who was first called Ilus Ilus erat dum res stetit Ilia regno The old Englishmen in the North parts turned Iulius into Ioly and the vnlearned Scribes of that time may seeme to have turned Iulianus into Iolanus for that name doth often occurre in olde evidences IVON is the same with Iohn and vsed by the Welsh and Sclavâ—nians for Iohn and in this Realme about the Conquerours time Iohn was rarely found but Iuon as I have observed IONATHAN Heb. The same with Theodorus and Theodosius that is Gods gift K KENHELME Sax. Defence of his kinred Hâ—â—m Defence Luther so 〈◊〉 Happy defence Bright-helme Faire defence Sig-â—elme Victorious defence KENARD Sax. Kinde disposition and affection his kinred L LAMBERT Sax As some thinke Faire-lamb Luther turneth it Farre famous LANCELOT seemeth a Spanish name and may signifie a Launce as the militarie men vse the word now for an horseman Some think it to be no auntient name but forged by the writer of king Arthurs historie for one of his doubtie knights LAVRENCE Lat Flourishing like a Baie tree the same that Daphnis in Greeke LAZARVS Hebr Lords-help LEOFSTAN Sax most beloved LEOFVVIN Sax Winlove or to be loved as Agapetus and Erasmus with the Greekes and Amandus with the Latines LEONARD ger Lion-like disposition as Thymoleon with the Greekes or Popularis indoles as it pleaseth Lipsâ—â—s that is People pleasing disposition LEVVIS Wrenched from Lâ—dowike which Tilius interpreteth Refuge of the people LEVVLIN Brit. Lion-like the same with Leominus and Leontius LIONELL Lat Leonellus that is Little-lyon LVKE Hebr Rising or lifting vp LEODEGAR or LEGER geâ—m Gatherer of people Lipsius in Poliorceticis or Altogether popular LEODPOLD ger Defender of people corruptly Leopold In our auncient tongue Leod signified people of one Citie as Leodscip was to them Respublica The northerne Germans have yet Leud in the same sense So Luti Liâ—di Leuti and Leudi as the Dialect varieth signifies people In which sence the Normans in the life of Carolus Magnus were called Nortleud The names wherein Leod are found seeme translated from those Greeke names wherein you shall finde Dâ—mâ—s and Lâ—â—s as Demosthenes that is Strength of the people Dimochares that is Gratious to the people Demophilus that is Lover of the people Nicodemus that is Conqueror of people Lâ—â—medon that is Ruler of people Lâ—odâ—mas that is Tamer of people c. LIVIN germ The same with Amatus that is Beloved Kilianus M MADOC Brit from Mad that is Good in the Welsh as Caradoc from Câ—â—â— that is Beloved The same with Agathias in Greek Dict Walicum MALACHIAS hebr My messenger MANASâ—â— hebr not forgotten MARCâ—LLVâ— lat Plutarch out of Pâ—ssidoâ—ius doâ—â—vetâ— it from Mars as martiall and warlike other from Marculus that is an Hammer The latter times turned it to Martell and Mallet which diverse tooke for a surname because they valiantly didde hammer and beate downe their adversaries See Malmes pag. 54. MARMADVC germ Mermachtig as some coniecture which in olde Saxon signifieth More mightie being sweetened in sound by processe of time A name vsuall in the North but most in former times in the noble
Pace had a sonne at his circumcision named Haly hee would be called Aven Pace concealing Haly but his sonne howsoever hee were named would be called Aven-Haly c. So Surnames passing from father to sonne and coÌ„tinuing to their issue was not antiently in vse among any people in the world Yet to these single Names were adioyned oftentimes other names as Cognomina or Sobriquetts as the French call them and By-names or Nicke-names as we terme them if that word be indifferent to good and bad which still did die with the bearer and never descended to posteritie That we may not exemplifie in other nations which would afforde great plenty but in our own King Eadgar was called the Peaceable king Ethelred the Vnreadie king Edmund for his Valour Iron-side king Harold the Hare-foote Eadric the Streona that is the Getter or Streiner Siward the Degera that is the Valiant King William the first Bastard king William the second Rouse that is the Red king Henry the first Beauclarke that is Fine Scholler so in the house of Aniou which obtained the Crowne of England Geffrey the first Earle of Aniou was surnamed Grisogonel that is Grey-cloake Fulco his sonne Nerra his grand-childe Rechiâ— for his extortion Againe his grand-childe Plantagenet for that he ware commonly a broome-stalke in his bonnet His sonne Henry the second king of England Fitz-Empresse because his mother was Empresse his sonne king Richard had for surname Corde-Lion for his lion-like courage as Iohn was called Sans-terre that is Without land So that wheras these names were never taken vp by the sonne I knowe not why any should thinke Plantagenet to be the surname of the royall house of England albeit in late yeeres many have so accounted it Neither is it lesse strange why so many should thinke Theodore or Tydur as they contract it to be the surname of the Princes of this Realme since king Henry the seaventh For albeit Owen ap Merâ—dith Tydur which married Katharine the daughter of Charles the sixth king of France was grandfather to king Henry the seventh yet that Tydur or Theodore was but the Christian name of Owens grandfather For Owens father was Meredith ap Tydur Ap Grone Ap Tydur who all without Surnames iterated Christian names after the olde manner of the Britaines and other nations heeretofore noted and so lineally deduced his pedegree from Cadwallader king of the Britans as was found by Commission directed to Griffin ap Lewellin Gitteu Owen Iohn King and other learned men both English and Welsh in the seaventh yeare of the said king Henry the seventh Likewise in the line Royall of Scotland Milcolme or Malcolme was surnamed Canmore that is Great head and his brother Donald Ban that is White Alexander the first the Prowde Malcolme the fourth the Virgine William his brother the Lion As amongest the Princes of Wales Brochvail Schitrauc that is Gaggtothed Gurind Barmbtruch that is Spade-bearded Elidir Coscorvaur that is Heliodor the Great house-keeper and so in Ireland Murough Duff that is Blacke 〈◊〉 Roo that is Red Nemoliah that is full of wounds Patric Ban that is White Gavelcâ— that is Fetters To seeke therefore the auntient Surnames of the royall and most antient families of Europe is to seeke that which never was And therefore greatly are they deceived which thinke Valoys to have beene the surname of the late French kings or Borbon of this present king or Habsburg or Austriac of the Spanish king or Steward of the late kings of Scotland and now of BRITAINE or Oldenburg of the Danish For as all know that have but sipped of Histories Valoys was but the Apponage and Earledome of Charles yonger sonne to Philip the second from whome the late kings descended so Borbon was the inheritance of Robert a yonger sonne to saint Lewes of whom this king is descended Habsburg and Austria were but the olde possessions of the Emperors and Spanish Kings progenitours Steward was but the name of office to Walter who was high Steward of Scotland the progenitour of Robert first King of Scots of that family and of the King our Soveraigne And Oldenburg was but the Erledome of Christian the first Danish king of this family elected about 1448. But yet Plâ—â—tagenet Steward Valois Borbon Habsburg c. by prescription of time have prevailed so farre as they are now accounted surnames But for surnames of Princes well said the learned Marcus Salon de Pace Reges cognomiue now vtâ—ntur qâ—â—ia vt Regum familiae agnationes memoriae conserventur 〈◊〉 cognomina non sunt necessaria prout in alijs inferioribus quorum ipsa cognomina agnationum ac familiarum memoriâ—â— tutantur About the yeare of our Lord 1000. that we may not minute out the time surnames beganne to be taken vp in France and in England about the time of the Conquest or else a very little before vnder King Edward the Confessor who was all Frenchified And to this time doe the Scottishmen referre the antiquitie of their surnames although Buchanan supposeth that they were not in vse in Scotland many yeares after But in England certaine it is that as the better sort even from the Conquest by little and little tooke surnames so they were not setled among the common people fully vntill about the time of King Edward the second but still varied according to the fathers name as Richardson if his father were Richard Hodgeson if his father were Roger or in some other respect and from thenceforth beganne to be established some say by statute in their posteritie This will seeme strange to some Englishmen and Scotishmen which like the Arcadians thinke their surnames as ancient as the Moone or at the least to reach many an age beyond the Conquest But they which thinke it most strange I speake vnder correction I doubt they will hardly finde any surname which descended to posteritie before that time Neyther have they seene I feare any deede or donation before the Conquest but subsigned with crosses and single names without surnames in this manner in England Ego Eadredus confirmavi ✚ Ego Edmundus corroboravi ✚ Ego Sigarius conclusi ✚ Ego Olfstanus consolidavi c. Likewise for Scotland in an old booke of Duresme in the Charter whereby Edgare sonne of King Malcolme gave lands neere Coldingham to that Church in the yeare 1097. the Scottish Noblemen witnesses therevnto had no other surnames than the Christian names of their fathers For thus they signed S. ✚ Gulfi filij Mâ—niani S ✚ Culverti filij Donecani S ✚ Olavi filij Oghe c. As for my selfe I never hitherto found any hereditarie Surname before the Conquest neither any that I know and yet both I my selfe and divers whom I know have pored and pusled vpon many an old Record and Evidence to satisfie our selves heerein and for my part I will acknowledge my selfe greatly indebted to them that wil cleare me this doubt But about the time of the Conquest I
to stumble with one foot that he almost kissed the ground but with the other legge he recovered himselfe and saved the wine whereat his father Godwyn Earle of Kent who then dined with the King smiling saâ—d Now one brother did helpe another At this word although spoken proverbially the Kings blood beganne to rise thinking how shamefully they had murdered his brother Alfrede and angerly answered And so might my brother have beene a helpe to me if it had pleased you VitaS Edwards The same king Edward passing out of this life commended his wise to the Nobilitie and said That she had carried her selfe as his wife abroad but as his sister or daughter at home Afterward seeing such as were present weeping and lamenting for him he said If you loved me you would for beare weeping and reioyce because I go to my father with whom I shall receive the ioyes promised to the faithfull not through my merits but by the free mercy of my Saviour which sheweth mercy on whom he pleaseth Eilredus Rivallensis Sywarde the martiall Earle of Northumberland feeling in his sicknes that he drew towards his end arose out of his bed and put on hiâ— Armour saying That it became not a valiant man to die lying like a beast and so he gave vp the Ghost standing As valiantly both spoken and performed as it was by Vespasian When the said Siward vnderstood that his sonne whom he had sent in service against the Scottishmen was staine he demaunded whether his wound were in fore part or hinder paâ—t of his body when it was answered in the fore part he replied I am right glad neither wish any other death to me or mine Hen. Huntâ—ngdon In this age when a Bishop living loosely was charged that his conversation was not according to the Apostles lives he made a mocke at it and excusâ—d himselfe with this verse which was after taken vp for a common excuse in that behalfe Nunc aliud tempus aâ—â—j pro tempere mâ—res Anonymus When the fatall period of the Saxon Empire was now complete and battells were marshalled betweene William Duke of Normandy and Harold King of England Girthe Haroldes yonger brother not holding it best to hazard the kingdome of England at one cast signified to the King that the succâ—sse of warre was doubtfull that victory was swayed rather by fortune than by valour that advised delay was most important in Martiall affaires and if so bee brother said he You have plighted your faith to the Duke retyre your selfe for no force can serve against a mans owne conscience God will revenge the violation of an â—the You may reserve your selfe to give them a new encounter which will be more to their terrour As for me if you will commit the charge to me I will performe both the part of a kinde brother and a couragious Leader For being cleare in conscience I shall sell my life or discomfit your enemy with more felicitie But the King not liking his speech answered I will never turne my backe with dishonour to the Norman neither can I in any sort disgest the reproach of a base minde Wel then be it so said some discontented of the company let him beare the brunt that hath given the occasion Anonymus VVIlliam Conquerour when he invaded this Iland chanced at his arrivall to be graveled and one of his feete stacke so fast in the sand that he fell to the ground Wherewithall one of his attendants caught him by the arme and helped him vp saying Stand vp my â—iege Lord and be of good cheare for now you have taken fast footing in England and then espying that he brought vp sand and earth in his hand added Yea and you have taken livery and seisin of the Country For you know that in delivering of livery and seisin a peece of the earth is taken Hist Normanica A Wizard or a Wise-man as they then called them had fore-told William that he should safely arrive an England with his whole Armie without any impeachment of Harold the which after it came it passe the King sent for the Wizard to conferre further with him But when it was told him that he was drowned in that ship which onely of all the whole fleete miscarried The Conquerour said He would never make account of that science that profited more the ignorant then the skilfull therein for he could fore-see my good fortune but not his owne mishap Idem That morning that he was to ioyne battell with Harold his atmorer put on his backe-peece before and his breast-plate behinde the which being espied by some that stood by was taken on them for an ill token and therefore advised him not to fight that day to whom the Duke answered I force not of such fooleries but if I have any skill 〈◊〉 South-saying as in sooth I have none it doth prognosticate that I shall change copie from a Duke to a King Idem Magike in the time of Nerâ— was discovered to be but a vanitie in the declining state of the Roman Empire accounted by the Gentiles a verity in the time of Hildebrand if we beleeve Authors so approoved that it was commonly practised For as in the time of Valeâ—s divers curious men as hath beene said by the falling of a ring Magically prepared vpon the letters 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 iudged that one Theodorus should succeede in the Empire when indeede Theodosius did So when Hildebrand was Pope by like curiosities it was found that Odo should succcede Wherevppon Odo Earle of Kent and Bishop of Bayeux brother to king William the Conquerour devoured the Papacy in hope sent mony his perswading messengers to Rome perchased a pallace there and prepared thitherward when king William for his presumption and other his misdemenours staied him and committed him saying Offensive foole-hardines must be timely restrained Liber Cadomensis When the same Odâ— who was both Bishop of Baiâ—ux in Normandy and Earle of Kent in former time had so disloyally carried himselfe against king William the Conquerour that he complained of him to his Lords Lanfranc Archbishop of Canterbury advised the King to commit him But what say youâ— quoth the King whenas he is a Clergyman You may not saide he commit the Bishop of Baieux but you may well 〈◊〉 the Earle of Kent W Malmsbur Like vnto this was that distinction of Piramus Secretary to Charles the fift in late yeares when Pope Iulius the second did combine with the French king against the Emperour of the Popes honesty and Iulius dishonesty This King William by reason of sickenes kept his chamber a long time whereat the French King scoffing saide The King of England heth long in childe-bed Which when it was reported vnto King William hee aunswered When I am churched there shal be a thousand lights in France alluding to the lights that women vsed to beare when they were churched and that hee performed within few dayes after wasting the French frontires with fire and sword The
same King at the time of his death saide I appoint 〈◊〉 successour in the kingdome of England but I commend it to the eternall God whose I am and in whose handes all thinges are happly remembring that of the Monke before specified pag. 5. This king perceiving his owne defects in some poynts for want of learning did exhort his children oftentimes to learning with this saying An vnlearned Prince is a crowned Asse Which speech tooke so great impression in his sonne Henry that hee obtained by studie and learning the surname of Beauclearke or fine Scholler Annales Ecclesia Cant. Malmesburiensiâ— VVilliam Rufus loved wel to keep vacant Bishopriks and Abbies in his handes saying Christes bread is sweet dainty and most delicate for Kings But although this King made most commonly as it were port-sale of the Spirituall livings yet when twoo Monkes were at drop-vied Bezantines the currant golde of that age before him for an Abbey hee espied a third Monke of their company standing in a corner whom the King asked what hee would give to be Abbot Not one farthing saide he for I renounced the world and riches that I might serve God more sincerely Then said the King thou arte most woorthy to be made Abbot and thou shalt have it Liber Cantuar. When newes were brought him that the French King had besieged the cittie of Constances in Normandy â—e posted with a few to the sea coast to take ship But because the winde blew very strong from South the sailers signified that it was very dangerous for him to take Sea but the King replied Hoise vp sailes in Gods name for I have not heard of a King drowned by tempest You shall see both winde and weather serviceable to vs. Answerable to that of Iulius Caesar which inforced a poore Pilote in the like case to launch foorth and in the rage of the storme comforted him with saying Caesarem Caesaris fortunam vebis And as couragiously as that of Charles the fift who in the battel of Tunis when he was advised by the Marquise of Guâ—sto to retire his person when the great ordonance began to play saide Marquesse thou never heardst that an Emperour was slaine with a great shot I will heere present you with an other speech or call it what you will of the same King William Rufus out of the good and historicall Poet Robert of Glocester that you may compare a Princes pride in that age with our private pride and that our first finest Poets may smile at the verses of that time as succeeding ages after some hundred yeeres will happly smile at theirs As his Chamberlaine him brought as he rose on a day A morrow for to weare a paire of hose of Say He asked what they costned three shillings he seid Fie a dibles quoth the King who sey so vile a deede King to weare so vile a cloth but it costned more Buy a paire for a marke or thou shalt ha cory fâ—re A worse paire enough the other swith him brought And said they costned a marke vnneth he them so boght Aye bel-amy quoth the King these were well bought In this manner serve me other ne serve me not Hitherto also may be referred that of this king William who the morning before hee was slaine with an arrow in hunting tolde his company he dreamed the last night before that an extreame cold winde passed throgh his sides whereupon some disswaded him to hunt that day but hee resolved to the contrary answering They are no good Christians that regard dreames But he found the dreame too true being shot through the side by Walter Tirell Tragmentum antiquae historiae Franc. à P. Pâ—thâ—â— aditum OF Henry the first I have read no memorable speach but what I have read I will report He was by common voice of the people commended for his wisedome eloquence and victories dispraised for covetousnes cruelty and lechery Of which hee left proofe by his sixteene bastards But it seemeth that his iustice was deemed by the common people to be crueltie for the learned of that age surnamed him the Lion of Iustice Huntingd. Polycraticon Gemeticensis It was the custome of the Court in the time of King Henry the first that bookes billes and letters shoulde be drawne and signed for servitors in the Court concerning their owne matters without fee. But at this time Turstane the kings steward or Le Despencer as they then called him from whom the family of the L. Spencers came exhibited to the king a complaint against Adam of Yarmouth clarke of the Signet for that he refused to signe without fee a bill passed for him The king first heard Turstane commending the olde custome at large and charging the Clarke for exacting somewhat contrary thereunto for passing his booke Then the Clarke was heard who briefly saide I received the Booke and sent vnto your steward desiring him only to bestow of me two spice cakes made for your owne mouth who returned answer He would not and thereupon I denied to seale his Booke The King greatly disliked the steward for returning that negative and forthwith made Adam sit downe vppon the bench with the seale and Turstanes Booke before him but compelled the steward to put off his cloake to fetch two of the best spice cakes for the kings owne mouth to bring them in a faire white napkin and wiâ—h lowe curtsie to present them to Adam thâ— Câ—arke which being accordingly performed the Kiâ—g commaâ—ded Adam to seale and delive him his Booke and made them sâ—endes addâ—ng this speech Officers of the Court must gratifie anashew a cast of their office not onely one to another but also to all strangers whensoever neede shall require â—ualterus Mapes De nugis Curialium There was allowed a pottle of wine for livery everie night to be served vp to king Henry the first chamber but because the king did seldome or never vse to drinke in the night Paine Fitz-Iohn his Chamberlaine and the Pages of the Chamber did carowse the wine among them On a time it happened the King at midnight called for wine but none was to be found Paine and the Pages bestured themâ—elves in vaine seeking wine heere â—nd there Paine was called in to the King who asked him if there were not allowance for livery hee humbly answered that there was a pottle allowed everie night but for that hee never called for it to say the trueth in hope of pardon wee drunke it vp amongst vâ— Then quoth the King have you but one pottle every night that is too shorte for mee and you from hencefoorth there shall be a whole gallon allowed whereof the one pottle shall be for mee the other for you and yours This I note not for anie graviâ—e but that the King in that age was commended herein both for bountie and clemencie Cualterus Mapes Queene Mawd wife to King Henry the first of England and daughter to Malcolme Canmore King of Scotland was so devoutly religious
amiddest the ennemies And God bee thanked I have sufficient revenews left by my Aâ—ncestours to maintaine me in your service Whereupon the Prince praising his prudence and liberalitie confirmed his gift made to his Esquiers and assigned him moreover sixe hundred markes of like land in England â—rossard William Wickham after Bishoppe of Winchester came into the service and also into the great favour of King Edward the third by beeing overseer of his great woorke at Windesor wheras before he served as a poore parish priest Wherfore he caused to be written in one of his windows This worke made Wickham Which being tolde vnto the King hee was offended with Wickham as though hee had gone about to robbe him of the glorie of that magnificent worke But when Wickham tolde him that his meaning was that that worke had beene his making and advauncement the King rested content and satisfied Vita Wiccami When the saide William Wickham as it is commonlie saide sued vnto Edward the third for the Bishoppricke of Winchester the King tolde him that hee was vnmeete for it because he was vnlearned but hee saide In recompence thereof I will make many learned men The which hee performed indeed For he founded New Colledge in Oxford and another in Winchester which houses have affoorded verie many learned men both to the Church and to the Common-wealth When Henry of Lancaster surnamed the Good Earle of Darby had taken 1341. Bigerac in Gascoigne hee gave and graunted to every souldier the house which every one should first seaze vpon with all therein A certaine souldier of his brâ—ke into a Mint-maisters house where hee found so great a masse of money that hee amazed therewith as a prey greater than his desert or desire signified the same vnto the Earle who with a liberall minde aunswered It is not for my state to play boyes play to give and take Take thou the money if it were thrice as much Walsingham When newes was bâ—ought vnto king Richard the second that his vnkles of Yorke and Gloucester the Earles of Arundell Warwicke Darby and Nottingham with other of that faction who sought to reforme the misorders of the King or rather of his wicked Counsellors were assembled in a woodde neere vnto the Court after hee had asked other mens opinions what was to be done in so weightie and doubtfull a case At length hee mernly demaunded of one sir Hugh a Linne who had beene a good militarie man in his dayes but was then somewhat distraught of his wittes what he would advise him to doe Issue out quoth sir Hugh and let vs set vppon them and stay them every mothers sonne and by Gods eyes when thou hast so done thou hast killed all the faithfull friendes that thou hast in England Anonymus KIng Henry the fourth a wise Prince who full well knew the humour of the English in his admonition to his sonne at his death saide Of Englishmen so long as they have wealth and riches so long sâ—alt thou have obeysance but when they be poore then they be alwayes ready to make insurrections at every motion Hall King Henry the fourth during his sickenes caused his Crowne to be set on his pillow at his beds head and sodainâ—ly his pangue so sore troubled him that hee lay as though his vitall spirites had beene from him departed Such chamberlaines as had the care and charge of his bodie thinking him to be dead covered his face with a linnen cloth The Prince his sonne being thereof advertised entred into the chamber and tooke away the Crowne and departed The father being sodainely revived out of his traunce quickely perceived that his Crowne was taken away and vnderstanding that the Prince his sonne had it caused him to repaire to his presence requiring of him for what cause he had so mis-used himselfe The Prince with a good audacitie answered Sir to mine and all men iudgements you seemed dead in this world wherefore I as your next and apparant heire tooke that as mine owne not as yours Well faire sonne saide the King with a great sigh what right I had to it and how I enioyed it God knoweth Well quoth the Prince if you die King I will have the garland and trust to keepe it with the Sworde against all mine enemies as you have done Hall KIng Henry the fift when he prepared warres against Fraunce the Dolphin of Fraunce sent him a present of Paris Balles in derision but hee returned for answere That he would shortly resend him London Balles which should shake Paris Walles Anonymus Angticè When King Henry the fift had given that famous overthrowe vnto the French at Agincourt hee fell downe vppon his knees and commaunded his whole armie to doe the same saying that verse in the Psalme Non nobis Domine non nobis sed nomini tuo da gloriam Not vnto vs O Lord not vs but vnto thy name give the glorie HEnry the sixt did take all iniuries whereof he received plenty so patiently that he not only did not seek to revenge them but Gave God thankes that hee did send them to punish his sinnes in this life that hee might escape punishment in the life to come Vita Henrici Sexti As the Emperor Fredericke the third when he heard of the death of a great noble man of Austria who lived ninety three yeeres most wickedly in fleshly pleasures and yet never once afflicted with griefe or sickenes saide This proâ—veth that which Divines teach that after death there is some place where wee receive rewarde or punishment when wee see often in this worlde neyther the iust rewarded nor the wicked punished The same King Henry having in Christmasse a shew of yoong women with their bare breasts layde out presented before him hee immediately departed with these wordes Fie fie for shame forsooth you be too blame Idem He receiving on a time a great blowe by a wicked man which compassed his death hee onely sayde Forsooth forsooth yee doe fowly to smite a King annoynted Not long before his death being demaunded why hee had so long held the Crowne of England vniustly hee replied My father was King of England quietly enioying the Crowne all his raigne and his father my grandfire was also king of England and I even a childe in cradle was proclaimed and crowned King without any interruption and so held it fortie yeeres wel-neere all the states doing homage vnto mee as to my Auncestors Therefore wiâ—â— I say with King David My lot is fallen in a faire ground I have a goodly heritage my helpe is from the Lord which saveth the vpright in heart Idem Thomas Montacute â—arle of Sarisbury when hee besieged Orleans and had so enforced it that the Inhabitants were willing to articulate and to yeelde themselves to the Duke of Burgundie then being in his company he highly disdaining it saide in the English proverbe I wil not beate the bush and another shal have the birdes Which proverbiall speech so offended the
REMAINES OF A GREATER WORKE Concerning Britaine the inhabitants thereof their Languages Names Surnames Empreses Wise speeches Poësies and Epitaphes AT LONDON Printed by G. E. for Simon Waterson 1605. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL WORTHY and Learned Sir Robert Cotton of Connington Knight TEmples saith the auncient Aristides are to be dedicated to the Gods and Bookes to Good-men Vpon warrant of which words and long experience of your goodnesse Right worshipfull this silly pittifull and poore Treatise was once vnaduisedly forward to haue bin dedicated to your good worship But vpon more aduised consideration whereas Aristides in his wisdome knew nothing but that which was good to be seemly and sortable for goodmen therfore meant most certainly that onely good Bookes are to be dedicated to good men It recalled it selfe in good tine for that it cannot challenge any such title either for matter or manner of handling being only the rude rubble and out-cast rubbisâ— as you know of a greater and more serious worke Whereas therefore neither in respect of it selfe it dare neither in regarde of you it may present it selfe by way of Dedication for that should implie honour vnto you which it cannot bring and require patronage from you which it needeth not beeing by the pittifull sillynesse thereof secured from enuie onelie reaching at eminencie I heere sende it vnto you in lose leaues as fitt to be Ludibria venti and withall submit it to your censure not as he did Siue legi siue tegi iusseris Albeit I assure my selfe that you in your learned iudgement cannot but sentence it as I haue done with this doome Tineas pascat taciturnus inertes From my Lodging xii Iunii 1603. Your worships assured M. N. Britaine WHereas I have purposed in all this Treatise to confine my selfe within the bounds of this Isle of Britaine it cannot be impertinent at the verie enterance to say somewhat of Britaine which is the onely subiect of all that is to be said and well knowne to be the most flourishing and excellent most renowmed and famous Isle of the whole world So rich in commodities so beautifull in situation so resplendent in all glorie that if the most Omnipotent had fashioned the world round like a ring as hee did like a globe it might haue beene most worthily the onely gemme therein For the ayre is most temperate and wholesome sited in the middest of the temperate Zone subiect to no stormes and tempests as the more Southerne and Northerne are but stored with infinite delicate fowle For water it is walled and garded with the Ocâ—an most commodious for trafficke to all parts of the world and watered with pleasant fishfull and navigable rivers which yeelde safe havens and roads and furnished with shipping and Saylers that it may rightly be termed the Lady of the sea That I may say nothing of healthfull Bathes and of Meares stored both with fish and fowle The earth fertile of all kinde of graine manured with good husbandrie rich in minerall of coles tinne lead copper not without gold and silver aboundant in pasture replenished with cattell both tame and wilde for it hath more parâ—es than all Europe besides plentifully wooded prouided with all complete provisions of Warre beautified with many populous Citties faire Borroughs good Townes and well-built Villages strong Munitions magnificent Pallaces of the Prince stately houses of the Nobilitie frequent Hospitals beautiful Churches faire Colleges as well in other places as in the two Vniversities which are comparable to all the rest in Christendome not onely in antiquitie but also in learning building and endowments As for governement Ecclesiasticall and Civill which is the very soule of a kingdome I neede to say nothing whenas I write to home-borne and not to strangers But to praise Britaine according as the dignitie thereof requireth is a matter which may exercise if not tier the happiest wit furnished with the greatest variety of learning and some already have busied their braines and pennes heerein with no smaâ—l labour and travel let therefore these few lines in this behalfe suffice out of an antient Writer Britaine thou art a gloriouâ—â—sle extolled and renowmed among all Nations the navies of Tharsis can not be compared to thy shipping bringing in all pretious commodities of the world the Sea is thy wall and strong fortifications doe secure thy Portes Chivalrie Cleargie and Merchandize do flourish in thee The Pâ—sans Genoveses and Venetians do bring thee Saphires Emeraldes and Carbuncles from the East Asia serveth thee with Silke Purple Affrica with Cinamon and Balme Spaine with Golde and Germanie with Silver Thy Weaver Flaunders dooth drape Cloth for thee of thine owne Wooll Thy Gascoigne dooth send thee Wine Bucke and Doe are plentifull in thy Forrests Droves of Cattle and Flockes of Sheepe are vpon thy Hilles All the perfection of the goodiust â—and is in thee Thou hast all the Foule of the aire In plenty of Fish thou doost surpasse all Regions And albeit thou art not stretched out with large limites yet bordering Nations clothed with thy Fleeces doe woonder at thee for thy blessed plenty Thy Swordes have beene turned into Plow-shares Peace and Religion flourish in thee so that thou arte a Mirrour to all Christian Kingdomes Adde heerevnto if you please these few lines out of a farre more antient Panegyrist in the time of Constantine the Great O happy Britaine and more blisfull then all other Regions Nature hath enriched thee with all commodities of heaven and earth wherein there is neither extreame colde in Winter nor scorching heate in Summer wherein there is such aboundant plenty of Corne as may suffice both for Bread and Wine wherein are Woodes without wilde Beasts and the Fields without noysome Serpents but infinite numbers of milch Cattle and Sheepe weighed downe with rich Fleeces And that which is most comfortable long dayes and lightsome nights So that not without cause it was accounted one of the fairest and most glorious Plumes in the triumphant Diademe of the Roman Empire while it was a Province vnder the same and was truely called by Charles the Great The Store-house and Granary of the whole westerne world But whereas the saide Panegyrist falleth into a gladsome admiration how from hence there hath risen gratious princes As good gods honoured throughout the whole world That if ever as it was lately to our glorious ioy evidently effectually verified in our late Soveraigne of most deare sacred and ever-glorious memorie QVâ—ENE ELIZABETH the honour of her time and the mirrour of succeeding ages so with an assured confidence wee hope it will likewise bee prooved true in her vndoubted and rightfull successor our dread Lord and Soveraigne That to his endlesse honour MERCIE and TRVTH RIGHTEOVSNES and PEACE may heere kisse together and true RELIGION with her attendants IOY HAPPINES and GLORY may heere for ever seate themselves vnder him in whose person the two mightie kingdomes of England and Scotland hitherto severed are now
observed the very primary beginnings as it were of many surnames which are thought very antient when as it may be proved that their very lineall Progenitors bare other names within these sixe hundred yeers Mortimer and Warren are accounted names of great antiquitie yet the father of them for they were brethren who first bare those names was Walterus de sancto Martino He that first tooke the name of Clifford from his habitation was the sonne of Richard sonne of Puntz a noble Norman who had no other name The first Lumley was sonne of an antient English man called Liwulph The first Gifford from whome they of Buckingham the Lords of Brimesfeld and others descended was the sonne of a Norman called Osbert de Belebeâ— The first Windsor descended from Walter the sonne of Other Castellan of Windsor The first who tooke the name of Shirley was the sonne of Sewall descended from Fulcher without any other name The first Nevill of them which are now from Robert the sonne of Maldred a braunch of an olde English familie who married Isabel the daughter and heire of the Nevills which came out of Normandy The first Level came from 〈◊〉 de Perceâ—â—â—ll The first Montacute was the sonne of Drogo â—â—venis as it is in Record The first Stanley of them now Earles of Derby was likewise sonne to Adâ—vn de Aldeleigh or Audley as it is in the olde Pedegree in the Eagle tower of Latham And to omit others the first that tooke the name of de Burgo or Burks in Ireland was the sonne of an English man called William Fitz Aldelniâ— as the first of the Giraldâ—â—es also in that Countrey was the sonne of an Englishman called Girald of Windsor In many more could I exemplifie which shortly after the conquest tooke these surnames when either their fathers had none at all or else most different whatsoever some of their posteritie doe overweene of the antiquitie of their names as though in the continuall mutabilitie of the worlde conversions of States and fatall periods of families five hundred yeeres were not sufficient antiquitie for a family or name whenas but very few have reached thereunto In the autentical Record of the Exchequer called Domesday Surnames are first found brought in then by the Normans who not long before first tooke them but most noted with de such a place as Godefridus de Mannevilla A. de Grey Walterus de Vernon Robert de Oily now Doyley Albericus de Vere Radulphus de Pomerey Goscelinus de Dive Robertus de Buslâ—â— Guilielmus de Moiun R. de Braiâ—se Rogerus de Lacy Gislebertus de Venables or with Filius as Ranulphus Asculphi Guilielmis filius Osbernie Richardus filius Gisleberti or else with the name of their office as Eudo Depifer Guil Camerarius Hervaeus Legatus Gislebertus Cocus Radulphus Venator but very many with their Christian names onlie as Olaff Nigellus Eustachius Baldricus with single names are noted last in every shire as men of least account and as all or most vnderholders specified in that Booke But shortly after as the Romans of better sorte had three names according to that of Iuvenal Tanquam habeas trianomina that of Ausonius Tria nomina nobiliorum So it seemed a disgrace for a Gentleman to have but one single name aâ— the meaner sorte and bastards had For the daughter and 〈◊〉 of Fitz 〈◊〉 a great Lord as Robert of Gloucester in the Librarie of the industrious Antiquary maister Iohn Stowe writeth when king Henry the first would have married hir to his base sonne Robert she first refusing answered It were to me a great shame To have a Lord without'n his twa name whereupon the king his father gave him the name of Fitz-Roy who after was earle of Gloucester and the onely Worthy of his age To reduce surnames to a Methode is matter for a Ramist who should happly finde it to be a Typocosmie I will plainely set downe from whence the most have beene deduced as farre as I can conceive hoping to incurre no offence heerein with any person when I protest in all sinceritie that I purpose nothing lesse than to wrong any man in any respect or to make the least aspersion vpon any whosoever The end of this scribling labour tending onely to maintaine the honor of our names against some Italianated who admiring strange names doe disdainefully contemne their owne countrey names which I doubt not but I shall effect with the learned and iudicious to whom I submit all that I shall write The most surnames in number the most antient and of best accompt have been locall deduced from places in Normandy and the countries confining being either the patrimonaill possessions or native places of such as served the Conquerour or came in after out of Normandy as Aulbeny or Mortimer Warren Albigny Percy Gournay Devreux Tankervil Saint-Lo Argenton Marmion Saint Maure Bracy Maigny Nevill Ferrers Harecourt Baskervile Mortaigne Tracy Beufoe Valoyns Cayly Lucy Montfort Bonvile Bovil Auranch c. Neither is there any village in Normandy that gave not denomination to some family in England in which number are all names having the French De Du Des De-la prefixt beginning or ending with Font Fant Beau Sainct Mont Bois Aux Eux Vall Vaux Cort Court Fort Champ Vil which is corruptly turned in some into â—eld as in Baâ—kerfeld Somerfeld Dangerfeld Trublâ—feld Grâ—â—feld 〈◊〉 for Bâ—â—kervil Somervil Dangervil Turbervil Greeâ—â—vil 〈◊〉 vil and in others into Well as Boswell for Bâ—ssevil 〈◊〉 for Freschevil As that I may note in passage the 〈◊〉 Nobilitie take their names from places adding Ski or Ki thereunto Out of places in Britaine came the families of Saint Aubin Morâ—ey Dâ—nant lately called Denham Dâ—le Balâ—â— Conquest Valtort Lascells Bluet c. Out of other partes of Fraunce from places of the same names came Courtney Corby Bâ—llâ—in Crevecuer Saiâ—t-Leger Bohun Saint George Saint Andrew Chaworth Sainct Quâ—â—tiâ— Gorges Villiers Cromar Paris Reims Cressy Fines 〈◊〉 Coignac Lyons Chalons Chaloner Estampes or Stampes and many more Out of the Netherlands came the names of Levayne Gaunt Ipres Bruges Malines Odingsells Tournay Doway Buers Beke and in latter ages Dabridgecourt Robsert Mâ—â—y Grandâ—son c. From places in England and Scotland infinite likewise For every towne village or hamlet hath made names to families as Darbyshire Lancaster do not looke that I should as the Nomenclators in olde time marshall every name according to his place Essex Murray Clifford Stafford Barkley Leigh Lea Hasting Hamleton Gordon Lumley Douglas Booths Clinton Heydon Cleydon Hicham Henningham Popham Ratcliffe Markham Seaton Framingham Pagrave Cotton Cariâ— Hume Poinings Goring Prideaux Windsor Hardes Stanhope Sydenham Needehaus Dimoc Wiâ—nington Allington Dâ—cre Thaxton Whitney Willoughby Apseley Crew Kniveton Wentworth Faâ—shaw Woderington Manwood Fetherston Penrudock Tremaine Trevoire Killigrew Roscarroc Carminow and most families in Cornewall of whome I have heard this Rythme By Tre Ros Pol Lan Caer and Pen You may