and is most pleasantly accommodated with Woods and Pasture GLOCESTER SHIRE Worcester-shire BY the English Saxons this County was written Wirceasderscyre which wee call Worcester shire which being inuerged on the East with Oxford and Warwicke-shires is on the West diuided from Herefordshire by Maluerne Hills the South is inuironed with Glocester-shire and the North with the County of Stafford It reacheth in length from Ridmerly South to Yardley North 32 miles and the bredth from Church Honyborne East to Tenbury West about 28. which maketh the whole circumference to amount much vpon 120 miles Into 7 Hundreds is this Shire diuided and those containe in them 152 Parish-Churches It hath but one Citie one Bishopricke but is pleasantly watered with foure faire Riuers as Auon Tame Salwarpe and Seuerne which passeth almost thorow the Center of the Shire and these may be passed ouer by 13 Bridges This Shire also is delighted with one Chase two Forests and 16 Parkes and for concourse and commerce is fitted with 10 Market Townes whereof the Citie of Worcester whence the County is so called is the chiefest which is a faire rich and populous Citie most delightfully situate on the East side of Seuerne being built somewhat like the whole Shire in a triangular forme The old Saxons called it Wireceasâ—er the Latines Vigornia and we Worcester It was founded as is supposed by the Romans to oppost the Britaines It is compassed with a wall which giues entrance thorow seuen gates and both for defence and ornament hath fiue Turrets This Citie hath diuers times tasted of diuers fortunes hauing beene sometimes almost quite consumed by fire and otherwise grieuously oppressed by enemies and yet is now againe become a famous and magnificent Citie which hath a faire Cathedrall Church first founded by Sexwolfe the Bishop in the yeere 680. wherein are interred the bodies of King Iohn that was poisoned by a Monke and Prince Arthur King Henry the Seuenths eldest sonne The gouernment of this Citie is orderly menaged by two Bailiffes two Aldermen two Chamberlaines and two Constables which being chosen out of 24 Burgesses are annually changed The Pole is here eleuated 52. 19. and the Longitude is 22. 17. The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Cornauij who in Claudius Caesars time were ouercome by the Romans after whose departure it became part of the Mercian Saxon kingdome Vpton in this Shire in the Romans time was a place of Garrison for their Legions and to this day are many of their moneyes found there In this County haue many famous Religious Houses beene founded but by King Henry the Eighth were they rased downe like the rest and nothing now remaining for their memoriall but huge heaps of pitifull ruines And with diuers strong Castles also hath this County beene fortified whereof the most of them haue felt the heauy hand of fortune to suppresse them as low as their foundations were laid In a most temperate and pleasant aire is this Shire seated and for fertilitie of Soile may be accounted comparable to the best in the Land It is plentifully stored with all kinde of most necessary commodities yeelding abundance of Corne Cattell Woods and Pastures hauing the fields and hedges set full of Peare trees wherewith they make much Peâ—â—y Besides all which in this Prouince are many Salt Springs and diuers other profitable commodities which yeeld welcome gaine to the Inhabitants WORCESTER SHIRE Warwicke-shire WArwicke-shire is so called from the Shire-Towne now vulgarly named Warwicke but was â—â—armed by the Saxons Warringwicke as our euer famous Historian M. Camden records which he also iudgeth to haue beene the Romans Garrisons Towne By Ptolemy they were called the Cornauij wherein after were seated the Mercian Saxons It is enuironed with the County of Stafford on the North Watling-street and Northampton-shire on the East Oxford and Glocester-shires on the South and Worcester-shire on the West It is extended from Newton in the North to Long Compton in the South 33. miles and is spread in widenesse from Hewell Grange in the West to Hill Morton in the East 25 miles the whole circuit thereof being 135 miles It is diuided into fiue Hundreds viz. Hemlingford Couentry Knightlow Barklichway and Kington wherein are 158 Parish-Churches This Shire is interlaced with eight Riuers as Auon Anker Blyth Bourne Leame Sherburne Sowe and Tame being fitted with 29 Bridges It is traded with 16 Market Townes the chiefe whereof are Couentry and Warwicke Couentry being stately adorned with faire buildings well fortified with a Wall wherein are 13 Gates and 18 Towers by the grant of King Edward the Third whereby also they might elect a Maior and two Bailiffes but by King Henry the Sixth it was incorporated a County of it selfe and the names of Bailiffes turned into Sheriffes by which at this day it is gouerned At Goffard Gate in the East end of this Citie hangs the shield-bone of a wilde Boare slaine by Sir Guy of Warwicke as the report goes Warwicke is built vpon the North-East banke of Auon by Gurgustius the sonne of Belinus 375 yeeres before the birth of our Sauiour There is a very sumptuous Castle lately repaired by Sir Fulke Greuill and from the Towne ouer the Riuer is a very faire strong stone Bridge the passage into the Towne being hewed out of the Rocke It hath two faire Churches and is gouerned by a Bailiffe 12 Brethren and 24 Burgesses This Shire is beautified with many faire Edifices hauing had sometime 12 notable foundations of Religious Houses and Monasteries 20 Parks and one Chase The Riuer Auon hath on the North side the Woodland and on the South side the Feilden with the Vale of Red-Horse It is abundantly fruitfull producing plenty of Corne Wools and Wood with Mines of Iron and Cole At a place called Shugborow in this Shire is found the pretious stone â—storices At Offchurch is the Palace of the great Norman Commander Offa. At Lemington farre from the Sea is a Spring where Salt water continually boyles vp And at Newnham Regis is found a Well the water whereof is very medicinable for many diseases and turneth wood into stone At Guyes Cliffe neere Warwicke the famous Earle Guy after many worthy exploits atchieued lead an Hermites life vnknowne WARWICK SHIRE Northampton-shire THis Shire by the Saxons tearmed Northafendonscire and by vs Northampton-shire is long and narrow seated very neere the Center of England and is bounded on the East by Huntington-shire hauing the Riuer Nene to diuide them on the West by Warwicke and Watling-street the North is seuered from Lincolne-shire by the Riuer Weland and Oxford and Buckingham-shires inclose it on the South It containes in length from Cherwell to Weland Riuer neere Crowland 46 miles and at the broadest betweene the Riuers of Ouse and Auon neere 20 the whole circuit being about 119 miles Into 20 Hundreds is this Shire shared which containe in them 326 Parish Churches and with fiue Riuers is it watered which are passeable by 24 Bridges
Eâ—gland besides Richard the Second granted that a Sword should be carried before the Maior and Henâ—y the Sixth made it a Country within it selfe It hath a strong wall with eight Gâ—tes for entrance about it and halfe so many Churches within it And from thence or rather from Tyâ—e Mâ—â—th beginneth that famous wall called Thâ— Picts wall built first of earth but afterwards of stone by the Romans containing as Beâ—a saith eight foot in breadth and twelue foot in height reaching in length from the German Seas East to the Irish Seas West cutting thorow the County of Cumberland as well as this Prouince Another chiefe Towne here is Barwâ—cke the furthest and strongest of all this Land of England It is situate on the Sea side and on the North of the Riuer Tweede betweene England and Scotland and hath many times beene tossed by Fortune sometimes to the subiection of the Scots and then againe to the English till Edward the Fourths time who with his Successors from time to time so fortified it as it hath euer since remained in the possession of the English The Pole being there eleuated 55. 51. 1 â— and the Longitude 23. 0. In Ptolemies time the Ottadini were the Inhabitants of this County which then were since haue beene and still are a stout hardly and warlike people being very excellent Light Horse-men as they haue often tried themselues in their many Battells and Encounters betweene them and the Scots Very many remarkable and notable Roman Antiquities as old decayed Altars Inscriptions Coynes c. haue beene and yet are found as well along the Wall as in other places of this County The Aire here as well as in other Northerne parts is sharpe cold and piercing The Soile sterile and barren except in those places next the Sea and on the bankes of the Riuer Tyne Their chiefest commoditie being Sea-Cole wherewith they not only profit and pleasure themselues but doe the like to others abundantly by transporting them to other remote places NORTHVMBER LAND Cumberland THis County of Cumberland which is situate in the North-west part of this Realme and is the furthest part of the Land on that point was named Cumber of those Britaines that called themselues Cumbri and Canbri It is bordered vpon on the North side with Northumberland and part of Scotland on the South with part of Lancashire on the East with Westmorland and on the West with the Irish Sea It is long and narrow containing in length 54 miles and at the broadest is not much aboue 30. And though as other Shires bordering on Scotland are it is exempted from Subsidie and therefore wants the diuision of Hundreds yet are there besides Chapels of ease 58 Parish-Churches contained in it and also there are 20 Riuers in it hauing 33 Bridges There is one Citie one Bishopricke three Forests and eight Parkes And for traffique and commerce amongst men there are dispersed in it nine Market Townes whereof the ancient Citie of Carlile is the principall which by the Romans was called Luguuallum by Ptolemie Leucoipibia and by Ninius Caer-Lualid It is situate very commodiously and delectably betweene the Riuers of Eden Petterell and Cand. It was strong faire and famous in the time of the Romans but was ruinated by the Scots and Picts after their departure till Northumberlands King Egsrid reedified and inclosed it in a wall And afterwards when againe the Danes had destroyed it King William Rusus built the Castle and restored it so as now besides the naturall helps of the Riuers which encompasse three parts of it it is fortified with a strong stone wall a Castle and a Citadell betweene which almost in the midst stands the Cathedrall Church The Eleuation of the Pole being there 55. 18. and the Longitude 21. 41. In Ptolemies time the Brigantes were the ancient Inhabitants of this County but afterwards those Britaines that were called Cumbri possessed it And when the Danes had sore troubled the Saxons this County of Cumberland was accounted a Kingdome of it selfe which King Stephen in his time gaue to the King of Scots but Henry the Second both claimed and got it againe from that Crowne In this Shire there haue beene and still are found many Antiquities of the Romans whose furthest bounds are accounted no further than this County as witnesseth the tract of that admirable wall called The Picts wall which was built by Seuerus and whereof diuers parts doe yet remaine where as also in diuers other places are still remaining the ruines of Altars and Inscriptions of seuerall Colonies and Captaines c. At Salkelds in this County are 77 stones containing ten foot in height aboue ground and one of them fifteene which aâ—e commonly called Long Megg and her Daughters but were erected there for the memoriall of a victorie there obtained This Prouince as it hath beene strengthned with 25 strong Castles so hath it beene beautified with many faire Religious Houses which by King Henry the Eighth were vtterly suppressed The Aire though bitter and sharpe is yet healthfull The South part of the County is hillie the midst leuell and more populous and yeeldeth sufficient prouision for the Inhabitants but the North is hillie wilde and desolate The commodities here are Corne Grasse Sheepe Cattell Fish and Fowle with blacke Lead and mines of Copper which yeeld much profit to the Country CVMBER LAND Westmorland THis County called in Latine Westmorlandia and Westmaria we in English call Westmorland for the store of Moores and Hills contained in it It is bordered vpon on the East side by Yorke-shire and The Bishopricke of Durham on the West and North sides with the County of Cumberland and Lancashire on the South It extendeth from Kirkland North to Burton South 30 miles and stretcheth in widenesse from Eden East to Dunbalrase stones in the West 24 miles making the measure of the whole circuit much vpon 112 miles in which compasse are contained 26 Parish-Churches This Shire is well watered with eight Riuers which haue fifteene Bridges ouer them And in it also are two Forests and nineteene Parks And for intercourse of people for commerce and traffique there are but foure Market Townes whereof that of the greatest account is Kendale which is also called Kirkby Kendale being situate on the Riuer Can and for that cause so called It is famous for the making of woollen clothes whereby it is become very populous and very wealthy hauing good vtterance for them thorow all the other parts of this Land It is ciuilly and orderly gouerned by an Alderman annually elected out of his twelue brethren which are his Assistants and are knowne from others by their Purple Habits with whom is ioyned a Recorder and two Chamberlaines The Pole is here eleuated 54. 40. and the Longitude 21. 53. The Brigantes were also the ancient Inhabitants of this County where at a place called Apleby are often found peeces of antique Coyne and some Inscriptions shewing that the Aurelian Maures kept there a station
the broadest betweene Tong in the East and Oswestre West 25 making the whole circumference to containe about 134 miles The diuision of this County is shared into 15 Hundreds whose subdiuision into Parishes is 170. It is well watered with 18 Riuers which haue 13 large Bridges for passage And in this Shire are found 7 Forests and 27 Parks In 14 Market Townes haue the Inhabitants commerce and traffique wherof that of most note is the ancient Shire-Towne of Shrewsbury which is both large and wealthie containing many faire Streets adorned with beautifull buildings wherein are many rich and wealthie Inhabitants who honestly attaine thereto by their trading for the most part in Wools Cloth and Freese It is strongly walled hauing a Bulwarke descending from the Castle to the side of Seuerre on the North banke whereof is the Towne most pleasantly situate and for passage on the East and West sides are built two faire Bridges of stone and another entrance on the North ouer which stands the ruinous remainder of the old Castle The gouernment of this Towne is committed to two annually elected Bailiffes with 24 Burgesses and a Recorder The height of the Pole is here 52. 49. and the Longitude 21. 38. This County in times past hath beene much troubled with many grieuous broiles which caused the Inhabitants to fortifie themselues with diuers walled Townes and 32 strong Castles whereof now most of them are vtterly decayed but that at Ludlow was made by King Henry the Seuenth the Court of his eldest Palace for the Lord President who with diuers Counsellors a Secretary Atturney Sollicitor and foure Iustices of the Welch Counties he appointed in their Termes to plead heare and determine of causes Neere Clune Castle in this Shire is yet remaining the Fort of Caraâ—tacâ—â— a Prince of the Sâ—lures about the yeere of our Lord 53 which was won by P. Ostorius the Româ—n In which Towne of Clune amongst other memorable passages I saw a Pardon for one Iohn Clune Esquire seruant to King Henry the Eighth for reseruation of his name and bloud who accidentally slew one of the Burgesses thereof in the Church-yard which Pardon was granted and signed by Pope Iulian the second and was shewed to mee by mâ— good friend Master Edmund Clunâ— the sonne of Maurice Clunâ— of the same House and Familie â—â— eally descending The Aâ—re in this County is both healthfull and pleasant the Soâ—le rich and fertile yâ—â—lding Wheat Barly Pit-cole Iron and Woods in abundance SHROPSHIRE Hereford-shire THis County which wee call Hereford-shire was named by the Britaines Ereinuc It is bordered vpon on the North with Worcester and Shropshires on the South with Monmouth-shire on the East it is diuided from Glocester-shire by Maluerne Hills and the West is bounded by Brecknock and Radnor-shires The forme of it is circular containing in length from Maluerne Hills on the East to Michael Church West about 26 miles and in bredth from Lanruthell South to Ouer Sapie North 24 miles causing the whole circumference to amount to 102 miles or thereabouts It is diuided into 11 Hundreds and those are subdiuided into 176 Parishes It containes one Citie one Bishopricke thirteene Riuers passable by eleuen Bridges one Chase two Forests and eighteene Parks And for commerce and trade the Inhabitants haue eight Market Townes whereof the principall is the Citie of Hereford which worthy M. Camden is of opinion to haue sprung from the ruines of old Ariconium but is delectably seated amongst pleasant Medowes and plentifull Corne-fields and almost round about encircled with the Riuer of Wye and another on the North side whose name is not knowne It grew first famous for the supposed sanctitie of King Ethelbert who was there entombed after he had beene murthered by King Offaes wife when he came to wooe her daughter and in honour of him did Mildred a petty King of that County build the Cathedrall Church which afterward was consumed by fire but reedified by Bishop Reiuelin and the Towne inclosed in a wall with six Gates and fifteene Towers and is ciuilly gouerned by a Maior yeerely elected out of 13. Citizens and his Brethren whereof foure of the ancientest are Iustices of Peace and a Recorder The Latitude being there 52. 7. ½ and the Longitude 21. 50. In this Citie King Athelstane as Malmesbury reports caused the Lords of Wales to pay an annuall Tribute besides Hawkes and Hounds of twenty pounds of Gold and 300 pounds of Siluer by weight The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Silures a fierce hardy and valiant people as appeares by their nine yeeres opposition to the Romans And afterwards the Saxons made this County a part of their Mercian Kingdome and Sutton was their Royall Court kept of their great King Offa. Before the Conquest this County was accounted vvith those of Wales against England but when it was ioyned to the English with diuers Castles was it fortified against the Welch for wee reade that in times past it hath beene strengthned with 28 strong and faire Castles most of which are now low buried in the heapes of their owne ruines Of remarkable things in this Shire the Spring called Bone Well neere Richards Castle is famous for Fish-bones and no Fish which though it be cleerely cleansed thereof will shortly after be furnished afresh with the like But the great wonder was the admirable motion of Marcley Hill containing about 26 acres within our owne memorie Anno 1571 which with a great noise remoued it selfe from its owne place and went continually for three dayes together carrying with it sheepe in their coats hedge-rowes and trees and ouerthrowing Kinnaston Chapell and diuers trees turning two high waies neere 100 yards from their vsuall Road and bearing the earth before it the space of 400 yards With very many Religious Houses hath this Shire beene adorned but in the time of King Henry the Eighth were vtterly ruinated as many others in all other Counties The Aire is here pleasent healthfull and temperate and the Soile as fertile and fruitfull as any other in England yeelding Corne Cattell Wooll Wheat and almost all other necessary commodities for the vse of the Inhabitants HEREFORD SHIRE Radnor-shire RAdnor-shire in the British Sire Maiseueth being in forme threesquare is on the South side separated from Brecknok-shire by the Riuer Wy on the North it bordereth vpon Montgomery-shire on the South-east vpon Hereford-shire The East and South parts of this Shire be farre more fruitfull than the rest It hath in it two and fiftie Parishes and three Townes of note the principall whereof is Radnor in British Maiseueth which in times past was firmely fenced with a wall but after that Owen Glendowre had burnt it it began to grow to decay It is probable that this Maiseueth or Radnor was that ancient Citie Magi which Antonine the Emperour calleth Magnos where the Gouernour of the Pacensian Regiment lay in garrison vnder the Lieu-tenant of Britaine in the reigne of Theodosius the younger for
The abridgment of Camden's BritanÌ„ia With The Maps of the seuerall Shires of England and Wales EUCLIDE PTOLEMIE Printed by Iohn Bill Printer to the Kings most excellent Maiestie 1626. TO HIS MOST SACRED MAJESTIE SIR THe Diuine Power that inspired the breath of life into man infused the life of Authoritie into the King This inspiration maketh man the image of God that other maketh the King in particular the Lieutenant of God And therefore humane right no sooner stileth one with the name of a King but diuine Heraldrie graceth him with the title of a mortall God thereby intimating that it is his chiefest glory within the sphaere of his Royaltie to imitate the singular gouernment of that power whose Substitute he is and with whose name he is honoured Now the vnparalleled excellencie of diuine gouernment ouer the world is grounded vpon that distinct knowledge which the Creator hath of the nature condition and vse of all creatures subiect to his gouernment And surely the readiest way for an earthly Potentate to make his gouernment exactly analogicall to that Jdea will be by getting an accurate knowledge of the nature and qualitie of the Land and People ouer which God hath made him his Lieutenant generall But the Metropolis and the Royall Throne require such frequencie of the Soueraignes presence that such knowledge cannot be gotten by his owne obseruations Our Maps therefore especially being ioyned with discreet obseruations as they are delightfull unto all are especially vsefull vnto the King for by this meanes though residing in his Princely Seat he may as the eye from the head contemplate with much delight and profit the remotest Territories of his Kingdomes And because affaires of a higher nature take vp the principal of his time longer Descriptions are not for the purpose the more compendious so as accurate are most sutable to the calling of a King Vpon these grounds most dread Soueraigne am I bold humbly to present these small Chorographicall Descriptions vnto the greatnesse of your Maiestie Their compendiousnesse will free them from being thought troublesome or tedious to your Maiestie and their exactnesse I trust will gaine them acceptation Howsoeuer shadowes they are of your Royaltie and therefore they desire that they as doth that Body which they represent may safely repose themselues vnder the wings of your Soueraigntie To which he commends them and his loyall seruice who is Your Sacred Maiesties most humble and most faithfull deuoted Subiect and Seruant IOHN BIL To the Reader OF all morall knowledge the knowing of our selues of all Mathematicall the knowledge of our owne Countrey is the most vsefull and profitable Yet had most men rather spend themselues and their precious houres in the most difficult trifles in the world than once to enter into themselues And most Students in Geographie take more delight to contemplate the remotest and most barbarous Countries of the earth than lightly to examine the Descriptions of their owne So that as if like those Lamij in Plutarch they had eyes abroad and inclosed them in boxes in their owne homes they are accurate in the Descriptions of the smallest village in a forraine Kingdome when they scarce know how the Metropolis of their owâ—e Country is situated The excuses that are ordinary for this common neglect are either that accurate Descriptions are wanting or that they are so voluminous that they are preiudiciall both to time and purse But behold courteous Reader thou hast here exhibited vnto thee such exquisite compendious Surueyes of thine owne natiue Countrey as will at once take away these excuses and ease thee of this double grieuance The Country described both in regard of Commodities wherewith it is fraught and places of note wherewith it is graced is a perfect epitome of the World these Maps and Descriptions are a compleat epitome of it and therefore in a double regard worthy thy perusall And because no Maps can be rightly vnderstood without some insight in the generall termes or notions of Geographie I haue prefixed a compendious Delineation of the same If thou readest them and profitest by them I haue the principall of my desire If thou doest both with a candid approbation of the Labour I haue it with Interest A DELINEATION OF the vniuersall Notions of Geographie GEographie is a Science which teacheth the description distinction and dimension of the Earth and according to the common diuision is either generall or speciall or as some of our late Geographers haue more fitly diuided it it is either Sphaericall or Topographicall The Generall or Sphaericall part of this Science is that which setteth forth the naturall constitution of the Terrestriall Globe The Terrestriall Globe is a round body comprehended within the superficies of earth and water and situated in respect of the other Globes or Starres of the world according to Ptolemy and Tycho Brahe in the Center but according to Copernicus betweene the Orbes of MARS and VENVS The parts whereof it consisteth are either Reall Imaginarie Reall are such as agree to the Terrestriall Globe by nature Imaginarie are such as agree to it by vertue of our vnderstanding The Reall parts of the Inferiour Globe are Earth Water The Imaginarie parts are certaine lines which are not but for the better vnderstanding of this Science are supposed to be in the Earth These are either Straight Circular and of this kinde is only one viz. the Axell The Axell is a strait line passing thorow the middest or center of the Earth the extremest points whereof are termed Poles the North point is called the Articke Pole and the South the Antarticke The Circular Lines are diuided into the Greater Lesser The Greater Circles are such as diuide the Globe into two equall parts each whereof containeth in it 360 Degrees euery Degree being 60 miles so that the Earth by this computation is 21600 English miles about and almost 7000 miles thorow The Greater Circles are three in number Meridian Horizon Aequator And these are either Mutable viz. Immutable as the Aequator with the mutation of the place as Meridian Horizon The Meridian is a Circle drawne by the Poles of the world and the verticall point of the place Of these though the number set downe in the Artificiall Globe at the most be but 180 are there to be supposed in the Reall Globe as many as there are Zeniths or verticall points from East to West So places distant East and West haue diuers Meridians and in this respect it is called a Mutable Circle but places different directly North and South haue the same Among these one is of speciall note and use which Geographers commonly call the first and chiefe Meridian The first Meridian is that from which the longitude of places from West to East is reckoned This Meridian according to Ptolemie and the Ancients passeth thorow the Canary Ilands but according to our latter Artists vpon better reasons thorow the Azores The Horizon is a Circle comprehending al that space of
Dorset and Wilt shires with the I le of Wight opposing his West The length of this County from Bascomb South to Blaâ—kwater North containeth 54. Miles the bredth from Petersfield East to Tedworth West about 29. or 30. Miles making about 155. the whole circumference It is diuided into 37. Hundreds wherein are contained 253. parish Churches It is watered with 4. Riuers ouer which for passage are 31. Bridges and it is commodiously furnished with faire Hauens for ships as at Southampton Portsmouth Tichfield and Hamble c. It is fortified with diuers strong Castles as at Southampton Calshot Hurst Saint Andrewes Porchester Worth and the South Castle with diuers other places of strength which are situate on the Sea coast for defence of the County Besides at Winchester Malwood and Odiam which are seated within Land Marker Townes for commerce are in this Shire 18. wherof the Citie of Winchester is the chiefe which by the Britans was called Caer Gwent by the Romans Venta Belgarum and the Saxons Windanearder it was built by Rudbudibras before our Sauiours natiuitie 900. yeares and after it had beene twice consumed by fire in the time of the Saxons was reedified the walls raised and made the chiefe seat of the West-Saxon Kings and the Metropolitane Sea of their Bishops wherein were crowned Egbert and Elfred and Henry 3. was borne In the time of King Edward 3. this Citie was made the staple for Cloth and Wooll and in the Cathedrall Church of this Citie haue diuers English Kings beene interred The situation of this City is in a bottome vnder hills very pleasant and fruitfull hauing the Castle on the one side and the Riuer on the other the walls which ingirt it containing neare two English Miles hauing 6. Gates for entrance and 7. Churches within it besides the Cathedrall but heretofore it hath beene adorned with many others which now remaine nothing but Ruines The graduation of this Citie for Latitude is 51. 5. and for Longitude 23. 10. The next to this in this Shire is the Towne of Southampton from which the whole Shire hath the name it is both beautifull and rich walled with a strong stone wall wherein are 7. gates and 29. Towers and two faire Hauens for ships 5. Churches and an Hospitall and on the West side of this Towne standeth a fairâ— strong double walled Castle vpon the Top of a very faire high hill making a most delightfull prospect both by Sea and Land The aire in this Shire is very temperate though sometimes somewhat foggy which proceeds from the Seas adioyning to it and the Riuers passing thorow it which notwithstanding doe store the Countrey with plentie of fish And for the soile it is both rich and pleasant producing plenty of Corne Cattell Woods and Pasture bountifully storing the Inhabitants with Woolls Cloths Iron and almost all kinde of profitable commodities both by Sea and Land HANT SHIRE Barke-shire THe English Saxons called this Shire Berrocscyre which on the North is diuided from Buckingham and Oxford-shires by the Riuer of Thames on the South it butteth on Hamp-shire the East is bounded with Surrey and the West with Wilt-shire and Glocester-shire The length from Inglesham West to old Windsor in the East being about 40. Miles and the bredth from Inkpen South to Wightham North 24. Miles maketh the compasse much vpon 120. Miles This County is parted in 20. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which for conuenient passage haue 7. Bridges 13. Market Townes are also dispersed in it for the commoditie commerce of the Inhabitants whereof Reading is the chiefe where the Danes An. 866. setled and fortified themselues But it was built by King Henry 1. who adorned it both with a faire Monasterie and strong Castle which the first Henry raised and the 2. Henry razed and turned to Ruines The Latitude here is 51. 31. degrees and Longitude 23. 34 In this Shire is seated that famous and stately Castle of Windsor which sometimes did belong to the Abbot of Westm till William the Conquerour by composition obtained it and made it his Regall Palace In it was borne King Edward 3 who afterwards held there as his prisoners Iohn King of France and Dauid King of Scots In this Castle is also celebrated the famous and memorable institution of that most honourable order of the Garter and in the Chappell thereof lie interred the bodies of K. Henry 6. Edward 4. and Henry 8. Wallingford Watham in the East and Sinodum in the North in this Shire were all places of residence for the Romans as appeareth by their moneys which very often are found in those places And Mr Stow writeth that at Finchamsted in the yeare of grace 1100. did a wonderfull spring boyle vp for the space of 15. dayes sending forth streames of bloud This County is adorned with many faire and stately buildings 6. faire Castles 3. of his Maiesties houses and in times past had diuers Religious houses and Monasteries at Aâ—â—â—gton Reading Bysham Bromhall Hernly Hamme and Wallingford The aire is pleasant temperate and wholsome the soyle bringing plenty of Corne and pasturage yeelding an abundance of increase especially in the Vale of Whâ—â—ehorse But generally the whole County both for profit and pleasure producing Corne and Cattell with woods waters and very delightfull prospects is inferiour for the quantitie to no other Shire in England BARKE SHIRE Surrey SVrrey was called by the Saxons Suthrea and by Beda Suthri It is bounded on the North with the Counties of Buckingham and Middlesex and diuided from them by the River of Thames Sussex and Hampshire inclose it on the South Kent on the East and Hampshire and Barkshire on the West This Shire is as it were square in forme yet the length extending from Frensham to Redrith containeth 34. miles and the bredth from Aufold Southward to the Thames by Stanes Northward is 22. miles which makes the Shires circuit about 112. miles It is diuided into 13. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches and 8. Market Townes for traffique and commerce In this County is no Citie nor great Towne and yet may it compare with any for faire buildings and stately houses whereof 5. are his Maiesties magnificent Palaces Ptolemy affirmeth that in this County an ancient people called the Regni had their residence and after that Ella with the South-Saxons made it their Kingdome At Lambeth which was founded by Archbishop Baldwin and is now a Palace for the Archbishops of Canterburie and famous for being the seat of the Metropolitans of England Canutus died who was the last King of the Danes And at Kingston in this County were crowned King Athelstan Edwin and Ethelred And at the ancient Towne of Guildford whose Pole for Latitude is eleuated 51. 15. and Longitude 24.59 was seated the royall Palace of the English-Saxon Kings This Shire hath beene adorned with the foundations of many faire and rich Religious Houses as at
Shene Chertsey Newarke Rigate Merton Wauerley and diuers others And also 8. strong Castles at Brenchingley Goseford Guilford Farnham Rigate Darking Starburg and Addington but of most of them is nought now to be seene but heaps of old ruines This County is seated in a very delectable pleasant and wholesome aire and though it be not large and altogether so commodious as others for profit yet is it pleasurable and healthie yeelding sufficient store of corne fruit and pasture SURREY Middlesex THis County was so called for being seated betweene the East and West Saxons and is bounded on the East by the Riuer Lea where it butteth vpon Essex and on the West by Colne is diuided from Buâ—kingham The Thames parts Surrey from it on the South and Hartford-shire incloseth it on the North. The length from Stratford in the East to Moâ—ehall in the West containes of our English Miles 19. and the bredth from Hampton Court South to South-Mines in the North about 16. measuring the whole circumference about 90. Miles It is distinguished into these 7. Hundreds viz. Edmonton Osulslon Finnesbury Gâ—re Isâ—eworth Spelthorne and Elthorne in all which are contained 73. Parish Churches besides those in London This County though smaller in quantitie than many other is the chiefest of all the Land both for beauty and ability wherein are 2. Cities and is watered with the most famous Riuer of Thames being plentifully stored with Ships of great burthen which continually send out and bring in all manner of wealthy commodities for the abundant enriching of all these his Maiesties Dominions which Riuer carries her course all along the South side of the farre renowned and euer famous Citie of London which for antiquity hath almost worne out her Records yet we reade she was first called Troy-Nouant from Bruâ—e and Ludstone from King Lud by the Britans Londaine by the Saxons London Cearder and now by vs London It is the rich Seat and Royall Chamber of the English Kings whereto from all parts of the world are brought all sorts of commodious Merchandize Shee was first compassed with walls by the first Christian Emperour Constantine the Great wherein besides other passages are now built 7. most Magnificent Gates for entrance and in it with the Suburbs are contained 121. Churches besides the Cathedrall of Saint Paul which as by tradition is receiued was first the Temple of Diana This Cities graduation is 51. 32½ of Latitude and in Longitude 24. 27. It is diuided into 26. wards which by a Lord Maior two Sherifes and 26. Aldermen is most religiously in all good order gouerned In the time of King Iohn was the stone Bridge built ouer the Thames which for strength length bredth and beauty exceeds all others in the world Close adioyning to this London is the Citie of Westminster famous as well for the seats of Iustice as for the rich and stately Sepulchers of many Kings Queenes and other the Nobilitie of England But if I should insist any longer in the particular descriptions of these Cities I should exceed my limits and therefore generally for the County thus It is adorned with very many rich and magnificent edifices whereof 5. are his Maiesties princely Palaces The forme of this Shire is square-like The Aire delightfull pleasant and healthfull and the Soile rich and fruitfull yeelding great plenty of full Corne of all kindes anâ— fat Pasture in abundance MIDDLESSEX Kent THis County of Kent which by Ptolemy and diuers other Writers was called Cantium is bounded on the East with the Germane Sea on the West with Sussex and Surrey on the North with the Riuer of Thames and on the South with the narrow Seas and Sussex It runneth in length from Langley West to Ramsgate East about 53. Miles from Rother South vnto the Northern Isle of Graine about 26. Miles whereby the whole circuit containeth much vpon 160. Miles It is diuided into 5. Lathes and they into 66. Hundreds wherein are counted 398. Parish Churches The Inland of it is watered with 11. faire Riuers ouer which is passage by 14. Bridges and diuers of them are nauigable whereof Medwey which diuideth the Shire in two parts is principall It is fortified with 27. Castles and hath in it 2. Cities 2. Bishops Seas and for commerce and traffique 24. Market Townes bâ—ing besides garnished and fairely adorned with diuers stately and sumptuous buildings whereof 8. of them are his Maiesties Houses The chiefest Citie is Canterbury which is the Metrapolitan and Archbishops Sea It was built 900. yeares before the birth of our Sauiour as we read in the ancient Brittish Histories but afterwaâ—d it became most famous by Austen the Monke his conuerting the Saxons to Christianity and for the Cathedrall Church wherein is the Tombe of Thomas of Becket which in the time of Idolatrie became infinitely rich by superstitious offerings In it was King Iohn with Queene Isabel his wife crowned King Henry the 3. maried and Henry the 4. buried Henry the 3. granted it afterwards priuiledges and Charters Richard the 2. fortified and entrenched it and Archbishop Sudbury walled it The graduation for Latitude being there 50. 18. and the Longitude 25. 41. This Shire is well stored with faire Hauens for ships some of them being strongly fortified as Winchelsey Rumney Sandwich and Douer which with the Castle there is accounted the Locke and Key of the Realme The Inhabitants of this County doe account themselues the freest of any other in England because they were neuer conquered but by Conquering Williâ—m were compounded withall The Christian faith was first planted in this County and as ancient Records doe testifie the fiâ—st Church dedicated to the seruice of Christ was founded in Douer Castle by Lucius the first Christian King of the Brittaines In this Shire haue beene seated 23. Religious Houses which now by time are conuerted to Ruines The Aire of this County is temperate and healthfull though sometimes mist-clouded with vapours from the Sea The East side of the Shire is Hilly but the West more plaine euen wooddy yeelding generally great store of all profitable commodities but is most remarkable for Broad cloths fruits and feedings for Cattell KENT Sussex THis Shire which of vs is called Sussex was written by the Saxons Suthrex sâ—gnifying as if it were their South Kingdome in the time of their Heptarchie It is confined on the North with Surrey and Kent on the West with Hampshire the Brittish Seas ingirting both the East and South It is formed long and narrow stretching in length from West-harting in the West to the Ditch that diuides it from Kent called Kent Ditch 64. Miles but where it is broadest it containes not aboue 20. making the compasse of it about 158. Miles This Shire diuideth it selfe into 6 Rapes viz. Chichester Arundell Bramber Lewes Peuenscy and Hastings and euery of these haue seuerall Hundreds an cunting in all to the number of 65. which containe in them 312. Parish Churches Industrious Mr. Speed also
writes that euery of these Rapes containe in them a Riuer a Castle and a Forest The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Regni in time of the Romans who were subdued by the Lieutenant of the Emperour Claudius and after the Romans departure this Shire and Surrey became the Kingdome of the South-Saxons Diuers places of note are registred in this County but the chiefest of all is the City of Chichesâ—er which by the Saxons was written Cissan-Ceasder built by Cissa the South-Saxon King who therein kept his Court. It is large faire and well fortified with a wall and was made the Bishops Sea by William the Conquerour The Pole being there eleuated 50. 52. and hath Longitude 23. 50. This Shire hath beene both strengthened and beautified with 10. Castles and many Religious Houses which were built for pious uses but are now dissolued into Ruines 18. Market-Townes for trâ—ffique of the Inhabitants are fitly seated in this County whereof Chichester formerly spoken of is the chiefe although Lewes both for bignesse and faire buildings seemeth to compare with it The aire in this Shire is both temperate and pleasant though sometimes darkned with mists arising from the Seas The Soyle is rich yeelding great plentie of necessary commodities though in Winter it is both vnpleasant and vnsafe for Trauellers by reason of the deepe and dangerous wayes in it It yeeldeth great plenty of Fish and Sea-Fowle with Coâ—ne Cattell and Woods and so doth it of Iron and Glasse good store which are the two deuourers of those faire Woods The middest of this Shire is decked with many faire Meadowes Pastures and Corne fields But towards the Sea side are seated diuers Hills called the Downes which produce abundance of Corne and Grasse The rest of the Shire being yet stored with plenty of pleasant Groues and Woods SUSSEX Essex THis County which by the Saxons was called East-seaxa by the Normans Exssesa now by vs Essex containes in length from Horsey Island East to Haydon West 40. Miles and from Sturmere on the Riuer Stow North to East-ham vpon Thames South 35. Miles making the forme somewhat circular and the circumference to beare about 146. Miles It is confined on the East with the Germane Seas on the West with Hertfordshire and Middlesex The Thames diuides it from Kent on the South and Suffolke and Cambridgshires bind it on the North. The diuision of it is into 20. Hundreds which containe in theÌ„ 415. Parish Churches It hath 7. Riuers ouer which is passage by 28. Bridges and for delight is furnished with 46. Parkes one Chase well stored with game The Inhabitants here haue intercourse for traffique and commerce in 21. Market Townes the chiefest wherof is now the City of Colchester which was built by the Brittish Prince Coilus Ann. Dom. 124. and in it was borne Constantine the first Christian King and Emperour in the world It is seated on the South side of the Riuer Colne therof beares the name It hath beene fortified with a wall wherein are 6. Gates besides 3. smaller Posterns for passage and 9. Towers within and without the walls hath it 10. faire Churches besides diuers other foundations of Religious Houses which are now vtterly decaied as well as the old Castle which by the Ruines appeares in times past to haue beene of very great strength This Citie is gouerned by 2. Bailiffes 12. Aldermen and a Recorder The Latitude being there 51. 52. and the Longitude 25. 37. In the ancient Towne of Malden in this County Cuno-belin that was King of the Trinobants held his Court about the time of our Sauiours birth and was afterwards a garison for the Romans till Queene Budo with the slaughter of 70000. Romans laid it leuell with the foundation This County is very populous and hath beene beautified with many faire and rich Religious Houses and strengthened with 5. strong Castles It is accommodated also with 5. conuenient Hauens for ships The Aire except by the Sea side is both temperate and pleasant the Soile most fertile yeelding very many excellent commodities as Corne Cattell Woods Fish Fowle and that rich merchandize of the best Saffron which where it groweth so fatneth the ground that after three yeares gleabe thereof the land for 18. yeares after brings forth Barly in abundance Here are also many faire flocks of fine fleeced sheepe which in this County they vse to milke as they doe their Kine whereby is made much cheese which besides the furnishing of their owne Country is transported and vttered in diuers other parts abroad THE COVNTY OF ESSEX Hartford-shire HAâ—â—ford-shirâ— so called from the Shire-Towne Hartford which some haue named Herudford is of a circular forme making 2. Diameters almost of an equall Longitude crosse each other in the Center for the one giuing the length from Cheston Nunnery in the East to Putnam West containes but 28. miles and the other North South measuring the bredth from Roâ—ston to Totteridge is full 27. making the whole circumference to containe neare about 130. Miles It is bounded on the East side by Essex and on the West with Buckingham and Bedford-shires the North butteth â—pon Bedford and Cambridge-shires and the South vpon Middlesex This Shire is watered but with one Riuer yet hath it many Riuerets and 24. Bridges and 120 Parish-Churches are contained in these 8. Hundreds Odsey Edwinstree Branghing Brodewater Hitching Dacor Hertford and Caâ—sho whereinto this Shire is diuided And it is traded for the vtterance of commodities and traffique amongst the Inhabitants with 18 Market Townes whereof though Hartford be the Shire-Towne and hath gotten her Officer in chiefe to be altered from a Burgesse to a Maior who associated with nine Burgesses and a Recorder doth gouerne it yet is Ware and others for abilitie the better by reason of the continuall passage of people that make therein their thorow-fare almost into all the Northerne parts of this Realme Here in this Towne was sometime seated a faire and strong Castle which now appeares to haue tasted the scourge of Time as well as diuers other famous and richly endowed Religâ—ous Houses that in former times haue gorgeously adorned this County The Longitude is here 24. 25. and the Latitude 51. 22. â— Neere to Saint Albans that ancient Towne made famous for diuers Battels there fought in this Shire was seated that strong and magnificent Citie of Verulam which was ouercome by the Romans and endowed with the priuileges of Rome but now lies dead and buried vndâ—r the heaps of her owne ruines The aire in this County is temperate delightfull and healthfull the soile commodious rich and fruitfull plentifully producing store of Cattell Corne Grasse and Wood with diuers other commodities most vsefull for the Inhabitants HARTFORD SHIRE Buckingham-shire THis Shire is supposed to deriue the name from the Saxon word Bucken which in that language signifieth Beech-trees whereof this County is plentifully stored It reacheth in length from Bradfield in the North to Waisburie the
furthest part South 39. miles and the bredth from Ashridge East to the Forest of Brenwood West 18. miles whereby the whole circuit is about 138 miles The bounds of this Shire are Northampton and Bedfordshires on the North part of Bedford and Hertford-shires on the East Barkeshire on the South and Oxfordshire on the West This Prouince is parted into 8 Hundreds which are furnished with 185 Parish-Churches It is watered with two Riuers which haue 14 Bridges for passage And for conuenient traffique of their commodities it is interspersed with 11 Market Townes whereof the chiefe is Buckingham the Shire-Towne which is situated vpon the Riuer Ouse which compasseth the Towne on all sides but the North. In times past it hath beene fortified by King Edward the elder with Sconces on both sides of the Riuer ouer which are built three faire stone Bridges and vpon a high hill in the middest of the Towne was sometime raised a strong Castle which is now vtterly rased to dustie ruines A Bailiffe with 12 Burgesses doe now very orderly gouerne this Towne where the eleuation of the Pole is 52. 2. and the Longitude 23. 30. At Stony Stretford an ancient Towne in this Shire standing vpon the Causey called Watling-street which passeth thorow England is a Crosse built by King Edward the first for a memoriall of Eleanor his Queene because there her dead corps rested as it was brought from Herdby in Lincolne-shire to be buried at Westminster and the like did he doe in euery place where it rested This Shire hath beene strengthned with 4 Castles viz. at Buckingham Newport Launden and Hampsleepe and was also beautified with many Religious Houses which time hath now ruined and conuerted to other vses The Aire in this County is temperate wholesome and pleasant and the Soile by reason of his fatnesse is both rich and fruitfull yeelding Corne Grasse and Marle in abundance The middle part of the Shire being high called the Chilterne Hills hath beene and still is well stored with woods and the Vallies lying plaine are very fruitfull for medowes tillage and pastures feeding infinite numbers of fleecie sheepe BVCKINGHAM SHIRE Oxford-shire THe Histories of our English-Saxons say that the Citie of Oxford deriueth the name from the Foord of Oxen from which Citie the whole County is called Oxfordshire which is enuironed on the North side with Warwicke and Northampton-shires on the East with Buckingham the West with Glocester and the South by Barkshire It containeth in length from Cleydon North-west to Cauersham South-east neere forty miles and in bredth from the aforesaid Cleydon North to Farringdon vpon the Riuer Isis in the South which is the broadest of the Shire almost 26. miles causing the circumference to come neere to 130 miles This County is diuided into 14 Hundreds and they haue 280 Parish Churches contained in them It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which are fitted with 26. Bridges Foure Forests and 9 Parks doe also beautifie this County and for commerce and traffique of commodities there are dispersed 10 Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the faire Citie and euer renowned Vniuersitie of Oxford which for the infinite numbers of most learned reuerend and famous Fathers Doctors Scholers it hath produced and enriched this Kingdome withal hath made it selfe not only glorious in this our Nation but purchased an euer-liuing fame and memorie thorow all the Kingdomes of Christendome This Citie hath beene walled and strongly fortified with a Castle which though time hath now vtterly ruined yet is it adorned with 17 most stately Colleges 8 Halls and many other most beautifull buildings The Pole is there eleuated 51. 47. and the Longitude 23. 15. About six miles from this Citie is seated Woodflocke where King Hen. 2. built a Labyrinth to keepe his faire Concubine Rosamond who was afterward poisoned by the Queene and buried in the Nunnery at Godstow neere thereto adioyning This County is adorned with many faire Mannors and beautifull buildings wherein as by their ruines doth appeare haue beene many stately and richly endowed Religious Houses as Oseney Godstow Tame Burchester Euisham Beuerne and diuers others The Aire in this County is both sweet pleasant and healthfull The Soile rich commodious and fruitfull yeelding to the Inhabitants great plenty of Wood Wooll Cattell Corne Pasture and in a word almost all vsefull commodities in abundance OXFORD SHIRE Glocester-shire GLocestershire in the Saxon tongue was called Gleaucesderschyre fetching the name from the chiefest Towne the Citie of Glocester It is ingirt with Worcester and Warwickeshires on the North Somersetshire on the South Oxford and Wiltshires on the East and Hâ—refordshire on the West The length of it reaching from Bristow vpon Auon South to Clifford vpon Auon North is much vpon 48 miles and the bredth extending from Lechlad East to Preston West 28. which causeth the whole compasse to containe about 138 miles The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Dobuni and in some part the Silures This Prouince is diuided into 30 Hundreds which containe in them 280 Parish-Churches It hath three faire Riuers ouer which a man may passe by 22 Bridges the chiefe whereof is Seuerne which for store of Fish bredth of Channell and swiftnesse of Streame excelleth any other in the Land It is conueniently sprinkled with 25 Market-Townes for trade and traffique whereof two are famous Cities whereof the first and most ancient is Glocester which about the middle of the Shire is situate vpon the Riuer Seuerne It was built by the Romans and was the Garrison Towne for their Colonia Gleuum It hath beene strongly walled on all parts but that towards the Riuer as may appeare by the ruines yet remaining in many places There was the stately Nunnerie built by Osrick King of Northumberland wherein three of the Mercian Queenes succeeded one another being Prioresses The Cathedrall Church first built by Edelsâ—ed King Edward the elders sister was ruinated by the Danes but afterwards reedified and dedicated to S. Peter where King Edward the second who was murdered at Barkley Castle lies intombed The Graduation of the Pole in this Citie is 51. 54. and Longitude 22. 17. The other Citie which standeth but part in this Shire and part in Somersetshire is Bristow seated vpon the two Riuers Froome and Auon and as is formerly said the quantitie excepted for qualitie is parallel to the chiefest in England In the Iland Alney neere Glâ—cester Edmund Iron-side combatted hand to hand with Canutus the Dane And at Barkley Castle King Edward the second had a red hot spit thrust thorow his fundament into his belly The foundations of many Religious Houses haue beene both raised vp and rased downe in this County where the Aire is very pleasant and delectable the Soile being so fruitfull by nature that the very Hedge-rowes of their owne accord bring plenty of excellent fruits and in times past hath yeelded abundance of most pleasant Vines but now it produceth store of Corne Fruits Fâ—ne Wools and Iron
in the time of the Romans The Records of this County speake but of one Monasterie founded in it which was built by Thomas the sonne of Gospatrick neere to the Riuer Loder where is a Spring that diuers times a day both ebbes and flowes And there are also a row of stones set equidistant reaching a mile in fashion of Piramides wherof some of them are nine and some thirteene or fourteene foot high which are supposed to be the memorable monument of some notable act performed in that place In the Riuer Can neere Kendale are two such violent Water-falls where in the descent it makes such a noise that the Inhabitants adioyning can thereby fore-iudge of the weather for if that which is North from them sound cleare and loud they expect faire weather but if that on the South doe so they then looke for and finde the contrary The Aire is cold and sharpe but very healthfullâ— and the Soile also but barren and vnfruitfull Their chiefest commodities consist vpon Cloathing WESTMOR LAND Lancashire THis in the Saxon language was called Loncasderscyre which we call Lancâ—shirâ— and The County Palatine of Lancaster It is bounded on the East with Darby-shire on the West with the Irish Seas Cheshire confines it on the South and Westmorland Camberland and Yorke-shire border on the North. The full length of it is from Hallwood South to Brathey North 57 miles and the widenesse betweene Denton East and Formby neere Altmouth West 31 miles making the measure of the whole compasse to containe about 170 miles The diuision is into six Hundreds containing besides many Chapels of ease 36 Parishes so large and populous as the like are not in any other part of the Land In this County are interspersed 33 Riuers where ouer a man may passe by 24 Bridges and one Chase and 30 Parkes And for concourse of people for trade and traffique in this Shire are seated fifteene faire Market Townes whereof that of greatest account is the Shire-Towne Lancaster which is most pleasantly situate on the South side of the Riuer Lâ—n and is adorned with a faire Church a strong Castle and a stately Bridge Ciuilly and orderly doth a Maior yeerely chosen out of twelue of his Brethren with the assistance of two Bailâ—ffes 24 Burgesses two Chamberlaines and a Recorder gouerne this Towne where the Eleuation of the Pole is 54. 18. and the Longitude 21. 36. The ancient Inhabitants of this County were also the Brigantes of whom I haue spoken in other former Shires and whom the Emperour Claudius subiugated to the Romans But afterwards was this County made part of Northumberlands Kingdome till the Danes and after them the Normans conquered it In this Shire Manchester is notable for the Church Colledge and Market-place And Riblechester sometimes the seat of the Romans for that it was once held to be the richest Towne in all Christendome Here also neere Furnesse Fills is Wynander-mere being very deepe and ten miles in length accounted for the greatest standing water in all this Land and yet is all paued with stone in the bottome This County is also famous for the foure Henries viz. the Fourth Fifth Sixth and Seuenth which descending from Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster were all afterwards renowmed Kings of England Diuers Castles and foure Religious Houses are now suppressed that sometimes adorned this County The Aire is here healthfull though cold and searching And the Soile though not so fertile as in other places yet produceth large Cattell good Corne with Grasse Ilax Cole and almost all other necessary commodities LANCASHIRE Ches-shire THis Shire which we call the County Palatine of Chester was by the Saxons both called and written Cestenscire and is diuided from Darby Stafford-shires on the East by the Riuers of Goit Dane and Mercey and on the West by Dee from Denbygh On the Northside lies Lancashire and the South is confined with Flint and Shrop-shire It containeth in length from East to West 47. miles and at the broadest betweene North and South 26. which causeth the measure of the whole circumference to contain about 142. miles This County is diuided into 7. HuÌ„dreds which containe in them besides 38. Chapels of ease 86. Parish Churches It hath also in it one Citie one Bishopricke and is watered with 9. Riuers ouer which men doe passe by 19. Bridges Two Forests and 18. Parkes are also in this Shire And for traffique and commerce amongst the Inhabitants there are dispersed in conuenient places 15. Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the faire and famous Citie of Chester of which the whole Countie carries the name and was sometimes the strong Fort of Ostorius who was Claudius the Emperours Lieu-tenant It is pleasantly situate on the North side of the Riuer Dee ouer which a faire and strong stone Bridge built on 8. arches and beautified two faire gates at each end giue passage to the Towne which is incircled with a high and strong wall containing besides seuen Towers and three Posternes foure faire Gates at the foure Cardinall points of the Compasse On the North side of this Citie Earle Leofrick built the Minster which by Hugh the first Normaine Earle of Chester was afterward both repaired and fairely beautified And in it as we haue it by tradition Henry the fourth Emperour of Almane after he had there a long â—ime led a Hermits life was interred and on the South side stands the Castle incompassed with a circular wall This Citie was first ruined by the Northumberland King Egfrid who there slew 1200. Monkes and afterwards by the Danes but by Edelsteda was both reedified and beautified In this Citie King Edgar was towed from Saint Iohns to his Palace by eight other Kings who did him homage and himselfe as Supreme steered the Helme And Henry the seuenth made it a Countie of it selfe which is now gouerned by an annually elected Maior two Sheriffes foure and twenty Aldermen and a Recorder It hath had in it diuers Religious houses which time hath now transformed to ruines The Pole is there eleuated 53. 15. of Latitude and the Longitude 21. 27. This Shire hath beene fortified with eight other Castles and as many famous Religious Houses which were suppressed by King Henry the eight The Aire in this Countie is both pleasant and healthfull the Soile fat rich and fruitfull bringing abundance both of profit and pleasure to the Inhabitants And for Commodities it yeelds plentifull store of Corne Cattell Fowle Fish Salt Mines Metalls White-meats and most of all other necessary and vsefull commodities CHESSHIRE Shropshire THis Shire by the old Saxons was written and termed Sciripscyre which at this day we call Shropshire It is bordered vpon on the East with Stafford-shire on the West with Denbigh and Montgomery Radnor Hereford and Worcester-shires doe bound vpon the South and the County Palatine of Chester on the North. From Wooferton South to Ouer neere Trent on the North which is the full length it containes 34 miles and at